JP2006153537A - Electronic timepiece, method and program for controlling it, and record medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a convenient electronic timepiece with reduced frequency of shift to power-saving mode. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic timepiece is provided with an optical power generation means; a power storage means; a clock control means for clocking current time; and a time display means. The electronic timepiece is further provided with both a power storage voltage detection means for detecting a power storage voltage of the power storage means and an operation control part 300 for controlling the operating state of the time display means on the basis of a voltage value detected by the power storage voltage detection means. The operation control part 300 changes over between normal mode for making the time display means display current time clocked by the clock control means and power-saving mode for halting at least part of the time display means on the basis of detection results by the power storage voltage detection means. The operation control part 300 judges the shift from the normal mode to the power-saving mode on the basis of a first voltage reference value, a prescribed voltage reference value, and judges the shift from the power-saving mode to the normal mode on the basis of a second voltage reference value set at a higher voltage value than the first voltage reference value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece, an electronic timepiece control method, an electronic timepiece control program, and a recording medium on which the control program is recorded. In particular, the present invention relates to an electronic timepiece with a power saving function for switching between a normal mode and a power saving mode.

In recent years, an electronic timepiece using an electromotive force from a power generation means such as a photovoltaic power generation means stored in a power storage means such as a secondary battery and using this as a power source has been commercialized.
In such an electronic timepiece having power generation means and power storage means, when power generation is not performed for a long time and the power storage means cannot be charged, the voltage of the power storage means decreases, the stepping motor for moving the hand stops, the crystal oscillation circuit The clock function is stopped due to the stoppage. In particular, when the crystal oscillation circuit is stopped, the time cannot be measured. Therefore, when the operation is resumed after being charged by the power generation means, the time must be adjusted.
In addition, recent electronic watches are also equipped with calendar information. By entering the current year, month, and day information at the time of manufacture and use, the date can be automatically updated when the month changes. It is like that. In a watch storing such calendar information, if the current year, month, and day information disappears due to a decrease in the voltage of the power storage means, the user must reset the year, month, and day information. I must. In a pointer-type (analog type) electronic timepiece, resetting the year, month, and day is more difficult and time-consuming than resetting the time.

For this reason, when the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means falls below a preset reference value due to, for example, not being charged for a long period of time, the power consumption mode is reduced by switching to a power saving mode in which the hand movement of the pointer is stopped. There has been known an electronic timepiece with a power saving function that suppresses the above and prevents the crystal oscillation circuit from being stopped (for example, see Patent Document 1).
In such an electronic timepiece with a power saving function, when the amount of power stored in the power storage means is below a specified voltage, the hand movement of the pointer is stopped in the power saving mode to save power consumption, and return operation conditions such as start of power generation and time adjustment are detected. Then, the normal mode is displayed by shifting to the normal mode. Here, when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the pointer that has been stopped in the power saving mode is fast-forwarded until the current time is displayed.

Japanese Patent No. 3062253

For example, in the electronic timepiece with a power saving function disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to fast-forward the hands that have been stopped when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode until the normal current time display. For this reason, the voltage reference value for shifting to the power saving mode has been set to a voltage value that can sufficiently secure power that can quickly return the time display by returning the pointer when returning to the normal mode.
However, if a value with sufficient power remaining is set as the voltage reference value for shifting to the power saving mode in this way, the amount of power stored in the power storage means will frequently fall below the voltage reference value.
As a result, there has been a problem that the shift to the hand movement stop state in the power saving mode is often made, and when the user wants to know the time, the current time cannot be immediately known.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece, a method for controlling an electronic timepiece, a control program for an electronic timepiece, and a recording medium on which the control program is recorded, which is highly convenient by reducing the frequency of transition to the power saving mode. To do.

  The electronic timepiece of the present invention is time-measured by the power generation means for generating power by external energy, the power storage means for storing the power from the power generation means, the time measuring means for measuring the current time based on a reference clock, and the time measuring means. A time display means for displaying the current time, a storage voltage detection means for detecting a storage voltage of the storage means, and an operation control section for controlling the operating state of the time display means based on a voltage value detected by the storage voltage detection means And a normal mode in which the current time measured by the time measuring means is displayed on the time display means and a power saving mode in which at least a part of the time display means is stopped based on the detection result by the stored voltage detecting means. In the electronic timepiece to be switched, the operation control unit sets the transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode to a first voltage reference value that is a predetermined voltage reference value. Determined by Zui, the transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode is characterized by determining based on the second voltage reference value set to a higher voltage value than the first voltage reference value.

  In the present invention, the operation control unit includes a normal mode control unit that performs a normal mode for displaying the current time measured by the time measuring unit on the time display unit, and a power saving unit that stops at least a part of the time display unit. An operation mode control unit having a power saving mode control unit for performing a mode, a first mode transition determining unit that determines a transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode, and a transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode An operation mode determination unit having a second mode transition determination unit, wherein the first mode transition determination unit maintains the normal mode process when the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means exceeds the first voltage reference value. When the voltage detected by the storage voltage detecting means is less than or equal to the first voltage reference value, the shift to the power saving mode process is determined, and the shift to the second mode is performed. The disconnecting portion maintains the power saving mode when the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means is equal to or lower than the second voltage reference value, and when the detection voltage by the storage voltage detection means exceeds the second voltage reference value It is preferable to determine the transition to the normal mode processing.

In such a configuration, in the normal mode by the normal mode control unit, the current time counted by the time measuring unit is displayed on the time display unit, while in the power saving mode by the power saving mode control unit, at least a part of the time display unit is stopped. By doing so, power consumption can be reduced. The mode transition between the normal mode and the power saving mode is performed by the determination of the first mode transition determination unit and the second mode transition determination unit based on the storage voltage of the power storage means. In addition to the first voltage reference value for determining the transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the second voltage reference value for determining the return from the power saving mode to the normal mode is set by the second mode transition determining unit. The second voltage reference value is set to a voltage value higher than the first voltage reference value.
That is, when shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode, a lower voltage reference value (first voltage reference value) is determined, while when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, power is generated by the power generation means and stored. When the voltage reaches a voltage reference value (second reference voltage value) at which it can be determined that a sufficient amount of power has been accumulated in the means for returning the time display, the return to the normal mode is determined.

As described above, since the transition to the power saving mode is performed based on the relatively low voltage reference value (first voltage reference value), the duration of the normal mode in which the normal time display is performed by reducing the frequency of transition to the power saving mode. Can be lengthened. Therefore, the situation where the time display is stopped in the power saving mode when the user wants to know the time is reduced, and the convenience that the time can be confirmed immediately when the user wants to know the time can be improved.
On the other hand, when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the voltage reference value (second voltage reference value) higher than the first voltage reference value is determined, and sufficient power is stored to restore the time display. Then, since the return to the normal mode is performed, the current time can be reliably displayed on the time display means when returning to the normal mode. Then, for example, there is no inconvenience such as a stop due to power shortage in the middle of the return of the time display, and it is not necessary for the user to make time adjustment again, so that convenience can be improved.

  The first voltage reference value is preferably set to the lowest possible voltage value as long as the internal time count in the time measuring means can be maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) in the power saving mode. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the frequency of transition to the power saving mode by setting a low voltage value as the first voltage reference value, and further, it is possible to maintain the time count in the time measuring means during the power saving mode, When returning to the normal mode, the internal time of the time measuring means can be automatically displayed on the time display means. As a result, there is no need for the user to set the time when returning to the normal mode, and convenience can be improved.

  In the present invention, a power generation detection unit that detects a power generation state of the power generation unit, the power saving mode control unit, a partial drive processing unit that performs a partial drive process of driving a part of the time display unit, A stop processing unit that performs a stop process for stopping the operation of the time display unit, and the power saving mode control unit selects the partial drive process when the power generation state is detected by the power generation detection unit, When the power generation state is not detected by the power generation detection means, it is preferable to select the stop process.

According to such a configuration, power generation is performed by the power generation means when the storage voltage of the power storage means becomes equal to or lower than the first voltage reference value by the first mode transition determination unit and the mode shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode. In some cases, by driving a part of the time display means (only the second hand, etc.) by partial drive processing, the user is informed that the remaining power of the power storage means is low and informs the user that the current power generation amount is low. It is possible to prompt further increase in the amount of power generated by the means (for example, moving to a place with more light in solar power generation).
For example, when the determination from the normal mode to the power saving mode is performed by the first mode transition determining unit, the time display is immediately stopped in the power saving mode, assuming that the stored voltage of the power storage means is equal to or lower than the first voltage reference value. Instead, when the power generation is performed by confirming the presence or absence of the power generation, it is possible to prompt the user to generate further power by partial driving.
As a result, when power generation is promoted and electric power is stored in the power storage means, it is possible to increase the possibility that the normal mode can be quickly restored. As a result, it is possible to improve convenience that the time can be confirmed immediately when the user wants to know the time.
In addition, immediately after the power saving mode, when power generation is not performed and the hand movement is in a stopped state, power generation is being performed for the user by partial driving and being stored in the power storage means. Can be announced and further power generation can be encouraged.
If there is no response when the user performs any operation while the time display is completely stopped in the power saving mode, the user is not sure whether the power saving mode is continuing or malfunctioning. When power generation occurs even in power saving mode, it is notified that power generation is normally performed by partial driving, improving the convenience that users can take appropriate measures with peace of mind be able to.

The partial driving process includes normal operation of only the second hand if it is a pointer type time display means. In addition, as the partial drive processing, for example, the second hand is moved to 5 seconds. For example, the driving of the hour hand and the minute hand is stopped in this way, and by reducing the number of steps of the second hand, the power consumption can be reduced to save power and the user can be notified of the promotion of power generation.
Since the second hand is generally driven by a drive motor independent of the hour and minute hands, it is most convenient to drive only the second hand as a partial drive.

  In the present invention, the time display means has a pointer that rotates on the dial plate to indicate the current time, and is a voltage threshold when the pointer is normally operated as the first voltage reference value. A reference value and a fast-forward reference value that is a voltage threshold when the pointer is fast-forwarded are set, and the fast-forward reference value is set to a voltage value higher than the normal reference value. preferable.

  According to such a configuration, when the needle is fast-forwarded, the transition to the power saving mode is determined based on a higher voltage reference value (fast-forward voltage reference value) compared to the case where the normal pointer movement is performed. Is done. When entering the power saving mode, the power storage means must have enough power to maintain the timekeeping function of the time measurement means. There is a risk that the amount of energy will decrease rapidly, and there will be no energy to maintain the timing function of the timing means. In this regard, in the present invention, the voltage reference value is set higher during fast-forwarding than in normal hand-operating, so even when the pointer is fast-forwarded and power is consumed rapidly, the power required for the power storage means is reduced. The power saving mode can be entered with the remaining state. Then, it is possible to maintain the timekeeping function by avoiding the situation where the timekeeping means stops due to the storage amount being exhausted during the power saving mode, so the time display means automatically displays the internal time of the timekeeping means when returning to the normal mode Can be displayed. As a result, there is no need for the user to set the time when returning to the normal mode, and convenience can be improved.

  An electronic timepiece control method according to the present invention includes a power generation unit that generates power using external energy, a power storage unit that stores electric power from the power generation unit, a clock unit that clocks the current time based on a reference clock, and the clock unit. An electronic timepiece control method comprising: a time display means for displaying a current time that is timed; a storage voltage detection step for detecting a storage voltage of the storage means; and a detection voltage value obtained by the storage voltage detection step. And an operation control step for controlling the operation state of the time display means based on the normal mode control for performing a normal mode in which the time display means displays the current time measured by the time measurement means. And an operation mode control step having a power saving mode control step for performing a power saving mode for stopping at least a part of the time display means, and a step before the normal mode. A first mode transition determining step for determining a transition to the power saving mode, and an operation mode determining step having a second mode transition determining step for determining a transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode. A first voltage reference value is set as a voltage threshold, and in the first mode transition determination step, normal mode processing is maintained when the detected voltage in the stored voltage detection step exceeds the first voltage reference value, When the detected voltage in the stored voltage detection step is less than or equal to the first voltage reference value, the shift to the power saving mode process is determined, and a second voltage reference value that is higher than the first voltage reference value is set. In the second mode transition determining step, the power saving mode is maintained when the voltage detected by the stored voltage detecting step is equal to or lower than the second voltage reference value, and the stored voltage detecting step If the detected voltage due exceeds the second voltage reference value, characterized in that to determine the transition to the normal mode processing.

An electronic timepiece control program according to the present invention includes a power generation unit that generates power using external energy, a power storage unit that stores electric power from the power generation unit, a clock unit that clocks the current time based on a reference clock, and the clock unit. A computer is incorporated into an electronic timepiece including time display means for displaying the current time measured and storage voltage detection means for detecting the storage voltage of the storage means.
A control program that functions as an operation control unit that controls an operation state of the time display unit based on a voltage value detected by the storage voltage detection unit, wherein the operation control unit calculates a current time measured by the time measurement unit. An operation mode control unit having a normal mode control unit for performing a normal mode to be displayed on the time display unit, and a power saving mode control unit for performing a power saving mode for stopping at least a part of the time display unit; A first mode transition determination unit that determines transition to the power saving mode, and an operation mode determination unit that includes a second mode transition determination unit that determines transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode. In the mode transition determination unit, a first voltage reference value is set in advance as a predetermined voltage threshold, and the first mode transition determination unit is configured to store the power storage battery. When the detection voltage by the detection means exceeds the first voltage reference value, the normal mode process is maintained, and when the detection voltage by the storage voltage detection means is equal to or lower than the first voltage reference value, the process proceeds to the power saving mode process. A second voltage reference value that is higher than the first voltage reference value is set in the second mode transition determination unit, and the second mode transition determination unit is detected by the storage voltage detection means. When the voltage is less than or equal to the second voltage reference value, the power saving mode is maintained, and when the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means exceeds the second voltage reference value, the shift to the normal mode processing is determined. It is characterized by.

  The recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that the control program for the electronic timepiece is recorded.

According to such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described invention can be achieved.
If a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory (storage device), etc. is incorporated in this electronic timepiece, and this computer is made to function as the operation control unit by a control program, various settings can be easily changed. It can be carried out. For example, the first voltage reference value and the second voltage reference value set in the first mode transition determination unit and the second mode transition determination unit are changed, or the operation setting in the power saving mode in the operation mode control unit (for example, It is also easy to change the partial drive processing and stop processing).
The control program may be installed via a communication means such as the Internet, or a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a memory card.

  According to the present invention, since the transition to the power saving mode is performed based on the relatively low voltage reference value (first voltage reference value), the user can set the time by increasing the duration of the normal mode for displaying the normal time. It is possible to improve the convenience that the time can be confirmed immediately when the user wants to know. When returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, first, a part of the stopped hand movement is driven, and a determination is made based on a voltage reference value (second voltage reference value) higher than the first voltage reference value. Since the power necessary for returning the time display is sufficiently stored and then the normal mode is restored, the current time can be reliably displayed on the time display means when the normal mode is restored.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated and described with reference to reference numerals attached to respective elements in the drawings.
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to an electronic timepiece of the invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of the electronic timepiece, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation control unit.

This electronic timepiece is a radio-controlled timepiece that receives a standard radio wave and corrects the time.
The radio-controlled timepiece 100 is of an analog display type, and includes a photovoltaic power generation means 110 as a power generation means, a power storage means 120, a reception unit 130 as a reception means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, a time and the like. It comprises a time display means 140 for displaying, a reference signal generating section 150 for generating a reference clock, and a control circuit 160 for controlling the entire apparatus.

  The photovoltaic power generation means 110 is composed of a conventionally known solar cell, and the power storage means 120 is composed of a secondary battery 121 that stores the power generated by the photovoltaic power generation means 110 and a capacitor 122.

The reception unit 130 includes an antenna 131 that receives a standard radio wave including time information, a reception circuit 132 that processes (amplifies, demodulates, etc.) the standard radio wave received by the antenna 131, and time information from the signal processed by the reception circuit 132. And a receiving power supply circuit 135 that supplies power to the receiving circuit 132.
The receiving unit 130 is controlled by power control of the reception power circuit 135 by the reception control unit 136.

The reception circuit 132 starts the reception operation of time information when the reception power supply circuit 135 is activated by the signal from the reception control unit 136 and is supplied with power, and outputs the received time information to the decoding circuit 133. The time information decoded by the decoding circuit 133 is output to the reception time storage unit 134.
The reception control unit 136 activates the reception power supply circuit 135 to perform reception processing when the automatic reception time set in advance is reached or when a forced reception operation is performed by the user.

The time display means 140 is an analog time instruction means, and includes a dial 141 having a scale, an hour hand 143, a minute hand 144, a second hand 145, and a date indicator. The date dial can be viewed from the date display window 142 formed on the dial 141.
The time display means 140 further includes an hour / minute hand motor (not shown) for driving the hour hand 143 and the minute hand 144, a second motor (not shown) for driving the second hand 145, and a date indicator motor (not shown) for driving the date wheel. Etc. are provided.

The reference signal generation unit 150 includes an oscillation circuit 151 configured with a crystal resonator and the like, and a frequency divider circuit 152 that generates a reference clock (1 Hz or the like) by dividing the pulse from the oscillation circuit 151. .
The generated reference clock is output to the clock control means 153.

  The control circuit 160 includes a microcomputer (computer), and includes a hand movement control circuit 170, a power supply control circuit 200, and an operation control unit 300 that controls the operation state of the time display unit 140.

  The hand movement control circuit 170 includes the decode circuit 133, the reception power supply circuit 135, the reception control means 136, the oscillation circuit 151, the frequency dividing circuit 152, the time measurement control means 153, the hand position storage means 171, the reception time storage means 134, the hand movement A calendar drive control means 172 is provided.

The clock control means 153 measures the time based on the reference signal (reference clock) input from the frequency divider circuit 152.
The timekeeping control means 153 outputs a predetermined pulse signal to the hand position storage means 171 according to the timekeeping time, and the needle position storage means 171 outputs a drive signal to the hand movement / calendar drive control means 172 according to the input. Thus, the hand movement in the time display means 140 is controlled. Therefore, the timekeeping control means 153 constitutes a timekeeping means and a hand movement control means. For this reason, the timing control means 153 includes internal counters for hour, minute, second, and calendar that are counted up by the reference signal input from the frequency dividing circuit 152. The hand position storage means 171 includes hour, minute, second, and calendar position counters corresponding to the hands of the time display means 140 and the position of the date indicator.

The reception time storage means 134 includes hour, minute, second, and calendar time counters for storing received time information. The time information stored in the reception time storage means 134 is set in an internal counter of the timekeeping control means 153. Therefore, the reception time storage means 134 constitutes a correction control means for correcting the time measuring means with the received time information.
In this embodiment, the hand movement / calendar drive control means 172 is a drive circuit that drives and controls a second motor for driving the second hand 145, an hour / minute hand motor for driving the hour hand 143 and the minute hand 144, and a date indicator motor for driving the date dial. It is configured with.

The timekeeping control means 153 outputs a drive signal for driving the second motor to the hand position storage means 171 every second during normal hand movement, and updates the second counter corresponding to the position of the second hand.
Similarly, a drive signal for driving the hour / minute hand motor is output to the hand position storage means 171 every minute to update the hour / minute hand counter. Further, a driving signal for driving the date dial driving means is output to the hand position storage means 171 every 24 hours to update the calendar counter.
The needle position storage unit 171 updates each counter in response to the input of each drive signal, and simultaneously outputs a drive signal to the hand movement calendar drive control unit 172 corresponding to the input drive signal to drive each motor and the like. Therefore, if the pointers and date indicators are synchronized with the counters of the hand position storage means 171 in advance, then the hands, date wheels and the counters are synchronized with the driving signal output from the time measuring control means 153. Driven. For this reason, the needle position storage means 171 stores the positions of the hands and the like.

  When the time information received by the reception time storage means 134 is stored in the reception time storage means 134, the clock control means 153 compares the time information with the information in the hand position storage means 171 and according to the difference amount. The drive signal is output to the needle position storage means 171. Accordingly, the stored information in the pointer and hand position storage means 171 is corrected to the received time information (current time), and thereafter the normal hand movement is restored.

The power supply control circuit 200 controls the secondary battery 121 and the capacitor 122, which are power storage means, and is a backflow prevention circuit 210, 211, a limiter circuit 220, an immediate start circuit 230, a charge control circuit 240, and a voltage detection means. A voltage detection circuit 250, a charge detection circuit 260, and a power generation detection circuit 270 as a power generation detection means are provided.
The backflow prevention circuits 210 and 211 are general backflow prevention circuits composed of diodes or the like.
The limiter circuit 220 is a switch for preventing the secondary battery 121 from being overcharged, and is turned on when the voltage of the power storage unit 120 becomes a predetermined voltage, for example, 2.2 V or more, and short-circuits both ends of the photovoltaic unit 110. Is.

The immediate start circuit 230 includes two diodes (not shown) connected in series to the secondary battery 121, a first transistor (not shown) functioning as a switch connected in parallel to the diodes, and the two diodes. And a second transistor (not shown) functioning as a switch connected in parallel with the first transistor, and when there is no power generation for a long period of time, the voltage of the storage means is lowered and the oscillation circuit 151 is stopped. And the second transistor is turned off and set to the immediate start state.
In this state, when the generated power is supplied by the photovoltaic power generation means 110, the apparent voltage of the secondary battery 121 rises, and the oscillation circuit 151 and the like that require a predetermined voltage for driving can be quickly started. The activation of the radio wave correction clock 100 is accelerated.
In order to release the immediate start circuit 230, first, when the radio-controlled timepiece 100 is activated, the first transistor is turned on. In this state, the voltage of the secondary battery 121 is set to a predetermined voltage (eg, 1.0 V). ), The second transistor may be turned on.

The voltage detection circuit 250 detects the stored voltage of the secondary battery 121 based on the sampling signal from the charge control circuit 240 and outputs the detected voltage value to the operation control unit 300. Further, the voltage detection circuit 250 detects whether or not the voltage of the secondary battery 121 has reached the immediate start release voltage (1.0 V) based on the sampling signal from the charge control circuit 240, and turns on the limiter circuit 220. It is detected whether or not the voltage (2.2V) is reached, and the detection result is fed back to the charge control circuit 240.
The charge detection circuit 260 monitors the voltage of the secondary battery 121 and detects whether or not charging is in progress.
The power generation detection circuit 270 monitors the photovoltaic power generation means 110, which is a power generation means, and detects whether power generation is in progress.
Since each of these detection circuits 250 to 270 can be a known one that has been conventionally used, a description thereof will be omitted.
The charge control circuit 240 controls the limiter circuit 220 and the immediate start circuit 230 based on the outputs of the detection circuits 250, 260, and 270 to control the charging of the power storage unit 120 by the photovoltaic unit 110.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of the operation control unit 300.
The operation control unit 300 controls the operation state of the time display unit 140 according to the stored voltage value detected by the voltage detection circuit 250 and the presence or absence of power generation detection by the power generation detection circuit 270.
The operation control unit 300 includes an operation mode control unit 400, an operation mode determination unit 500, and a mode transition processing unit 600.

The operation mode control unit 400 stops the driving of a part or all of the normal mode control unit 410 that performs a normal mode for displaying the current time measured by the time control unit 153 on the time display unit 140, and the time display unit 140. And a power saving mode control unit 420 that performs the power saving mode.
The normal mode control unit 410 causes the time display unit 140 to display the current time measured by the internal counter of the time control unit 153 via the hand position storage unit 171 and the hand movement calendar drive control unit 172.

The power saving mode control unit 420 stops all the operations of the special drive processing unit (partial drive processing unit) 430 that performs special drive processing for driving a part of the time display unit 140 with a special operation, and the time display unit 140. A stop processing unit 440 that performs stop processing.
The special drive processing unit 430 stops driving the hour hand 143, the minute hand 144, and the date indicator of the time display unit 140, and moves the second hand 145 at intervals of 5 seconds.
That is, when the special drive processing unit 430 is activated, the time counting control unit 153 continues to count the current time based on the reference clock pulse from the frequency dividing circuit 152, but the time counting control unit 153 receives the hand position storage unit 171. Only the 5 second hand pulse is output to the hand, and the second hand of the time display means 140 is moved for 5 seconds by the hand calendar driving control means 172.
In addition, when the special drive processing unit 430 is activated, the reception of the standard radio wave at the reception unit 130 is stopped, and the standard radio wave is not received even when the automatic reception time is reached.

The stop processing unit 440 stops all the driving of the time display unit 140.
That is, when the stop processing unit 440 is activated, the time counting control unit 153 continues the current time count based on the reference clock pulse from the frequency dividing circuit 152, but the time counting control unit 153 stores the hand position storage unit 171. The driving signal is not output, and driving of the hour hand 143, the minute hand 144, the second hand 145, and the date indicator of the time display means 140 is stopped.
The stop processing unit 440 stops the positions of the hour hand 143, the minute hand 144, the second hand 145, and the date indicator when the second hand 145 reaches the 45-second position.

  Here, a state where the normal mode control unit 410 is activated is referred to as a normal mode, and a state where the power saving mode control unit 420 (special drive processing unit 430, stop processing unit 440) is activated is referred to as a power saving mode.

  The power saving mode control unit 420 is provided with a special drive processing unit 430 and a stop processing unit 440. The power saving mode control unit 420 uses the power saving mode 110 for special driving in the power saving mode. Select either processing or stop processing. That is, the power saving mode control unit 420 confirms the presence or absence of power generation by the photovoltaic power generation means 110 from the result of power generation detection by the power generation detection circuit 270, and performs special drive processing when power generation is performed by the photovoltaic power generation means 110. In the case where power generation is not performed by the photovoltaic power generation means 110, stop processing is selected.

The operation mode determination unit 500 determines switching between the normal mode and the power saving mode based on the storage voltage of the storage unit 120.
The operation mode determination unit 500 includes a first mode transition determination unit 510 that determines transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode, and a second mode transition determination unit 520 that determines transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

The first mode transition determination unit 510 will be described.
The first mode transition determination unit 510 is set with a first voltage reference value that is a voltage threshold for determining transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode.
The first mode transition determination unit 510 compares the stored voltage of the secondary battery 121 with the first reference voltage value in a state where the normal mode is executed by the normal mode control unit 410, and shifts from the normal mode to the power saving mode. Judging.
Here, two values are set as the first voltage reference value, and the normal reference value for determining the transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode in a state where the pointer is normally operated, and the pointer is fast-forwarded. And a fast-forward reference value for determining a transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode while the hand is moving.

The normal reference value is set to 1.15V as an example, and the fast-forward reference value is set to 1.20V as an example. At least the fast-forward reference value is set to be higher than the normal reference value. The higher voltage value is set.
Both the normal reference value and the fast-forward reference value are as long as it can be ensured that the power storage unit 120 has enough power to maintain the current time count by the clock control unit 153 for a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours). The voltage value is set as low as possible. At this time, it is sufficient that the power storage unit 120 has enough power to continue the current time count in the time counting control unit 153, and the pointer 143 is used when the time display is returned from the power saving mode to the normal mode. 144, 145, it is not necessary to leave the electric power for fast-forwarding the date wheel.

The second mode transition determination unit 520 will be described.
In the second mode transition determination unit 520, a second voltage reference value that is a voltage threshold value for determining transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode is set.
The second mode transition determination unit 520 compares the stored voltage of the secondary battery 121 with the second reference voltage value in a state where the power saving mode is being executed by the power saving mode control unit 420, and shifts from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Judging.
Here, the second voltage reference value is a voltage value higher than the first voltage reference value (normal reference value, fast-forwarding reference value), and the pointers 143, 144, and 145 are used when shifting from the power saving mode to the normal mode. The date value is set to such a level that it can be ensured that sufficient power has been stored so that the date indicator 140 can be fast-forwarded and the time display means 140 can return to the time display. As an example, it is set to 1.25V.

  The mode transition processing unit 600 performs a transition process from the normal mode to the power saving mode and a transition process from the power saving mode to the normal mode. For example, when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, the pointers 143, 144, and 145 in the power saving mode, and the position of the hands (hour hand 143, minute hand 144, second hand 145) differ from the current time due to stoppage or special drive of the date wheel. At this time, the hands 143, 144, 145, and the date indicator are fast-forwarded so that the positions of the hands 143, 144, 145, and the date indicator are aligned with the internal time of the timing control means 153.

An operation of the radio-controlled timepiece 100 having such a configuration will be described.
Here, the present embodiment is a radio-controlled timepiece, and the current time counted by the timekeeping control means 153 is displayed on the time display means 140, and the automatic reception time is reached or forced by an external operation. Since the standard radio wave is received by reception and the current time counted by the clock control means 153 is corrected based on the received time information, it is the same as that of a conventionally known radio wave correction clock, so the current time is displayed as time display means. Detailed description of the process of displaying in 140, the process of correcting the current time counted by the clock control means 153 based on the received time information, and the like will be omitted.

The operation when shifting from the normal mode to the power saving mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, a normal time display is performed by the normal mode control unit 410, and a shift from the normal mode to the power saving mode is determined by the first mode shift determination unit 510.
First mode transition determination section 510 confirms the hand movement operation when determining the transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode (ST100).
In the confirmation of the moving operation (ST100), when the hands 143, 144, 145 and the date indicator are not fast-forwarded (ST110: NO), that is, when the normal hand is moving, the voltage confirmation of the power storage means 120 is the next step. Then, a normal reference value is used as the first voltage reference value.
First mode transition determination section 510 samples the voltage detection result by voltage detection circuit 250 (ST120), and when the storage voltage of power storage means 120 is 1.15 V or less, which is a normal reference value (ST130: YES). Determines the transition to the power saving mode (ST140). Then, the operation of the normal mode control unit 410 is stopped, the power saving mode control unit 420 is activated, and the power saving mode is executed.

When the hands 143, 144, 145 and the date indicator are fast-forwarded in the confirmation of the hand movement operation in ST100 (ST110: YES), the fast-forward reference value is used in the confirmation of the storage voltage in ST200.
Then, first mode transition determination section 510 samples the voltage detection result by voltage detection circuit 250 (ST200), and when the storage voltage of power storage means 120 is 1.20 V or less, which is the fast-forward reference value (ST210: YES), it is determined to shift to the power saving mode (ST140). Then, the operation of the normal mode control unit 410 is stopped, the power saving mode control unit 420 is activated, and the power saving mode is executed.

  In the confirmation of the storage voltage (ST120, ST200), the storage voltage is 1.15 V (normal reference value) or more in the case of normal operation (ST110; NO) (ST130: NO), or in the case of fast-forward operation (ST110). : YES), when the stored voltage is 1.20 V (reference value at fast forward) or higher (ST210: NO), normal hand movement is continued (ST150).

Next, the operation during the power saving mode after the transition to the power saving mode and the transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power saving mode control unit 420 is activated by the transition to the power saving mode, the power saving mode control unit 420 switches between the stop mode and the special drive mode according to the result of the power generation detection by the power generation detection circuit 270. Execute. Then, the second mode transition determination unit 520 samples the voltage detection result by the voltage detection circuit 250 and determines the transition to the normal mode.

First, when the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, the power saving mode control unit 420 samples the result of the power generation detection by the power generation detection circuit 270 (ST300), and when power is not generated by the photovoltaic power generation means 110 (ST310: NO). Performs stop processing by the stop processing unit 440. Specifically, when the second hand 145 reaches the 45 second position, the driving of the hour hand 143, the minute hand 144, the second hand 145 and the date indicator is stopped.
In addition, when the power saving mode control unit 420 samples the power generation detection by the power generation detection circuit 270 (ST300) and power generation is performed by the photovoltaic power generation means 110 (ST310: YES), the power saving mode control unit 420 performs special driving. Special drive processing by the processing unit 430 is performed. Specifically, the driving of the hour hand 143, the minute hand 144, and the date indicator is stopped, and only the second hand 145 is moved for 5 seconds.

When power is being generated by the photovoltaic power generation means 110 during the power saving mode and the special drive mode is being executed, the second mode transition determination unit 520 samples the voltage detection result by the voltage detection circuit 250 (ST410).
As a result of the voltage detection by the voltage detection circuit 250, when the storage voltage of the storage means 120 is 1.25 V or less which is the second voltage reference value (ST420: YES), the power saving mode is maintained and the confirmation of power generation (ST300) ) Is periodically continued, and the stop process (ST320) and the special drive process (ST400) are switched and executed according to the presence or absence of power generation (ST310).

As a result of the voltage detection in ST410, when the storage voltage of power storage means 120 exceeds 1.25 V (ST420: NO), second mode transition determination section 520 cancels the power saving mode and determines the return to the normal mode. (ST430). Then, the normal mode control unit 410 is activated and normal time display is performed.
At the time of returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode (ST430), the hands that have been specially driven by the mode transition processing unit 600 are fast-forwarded until the current time is displayed, and the date wheel is further sent to the current date. The display is restored.

  According to 1st Embodiment provided with such a structure, there can exist the following effects.

(1) A first voltage reference value is provided as a voltage reference value for determining a mode shift from the normal mode to the power saving mode, and the first voltage reference value (normal reference value, fast-forward reference value) is a time-measurement control unit. As long as the current time count at 153 is maintained for a predetermined time, the voltage value is set as low as possible. Therefore, the frequency of transition to the power saving mode is reduced and the duration of the normal mode for displaying the normal time is lengthened. be able to. As a result, when the user wants to know the time, the time display is stopped in the power saving mode, and when the user wants to know the time, the convenience of being able to confirm the time instantly can be improved. .

(2) When returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode, a determination is made based on a voltage reference value (second voltage reference value) higher than the first voltage reference value. When shifting to the mode, the voltage value is set to such a level that it can be ensured that sufficient power has been stored so that the hands 143, 144, 145 and the date indicator can be fast-forwarded and the time display means 140 can return the time display. Therefore, it is possible to return to the normal mode after sufficiently storing the electric power necessary for returning the time display. As a result, the current time can be reliably displayed on the time display means 140 when returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Then, for example, there is no inconvenience such as a stop due to power shortage in the middle of the return of the time display, and it is not necessary for the user to make time adjustment again, so that convenience can be improved.

(3) If the photovoltaic power generation means 110 is generating power even in the power saving mode, the second hand 145 is moved for 5 seconds by the special drive process, so that the user has less residual power in the power storage means 120. It is possible to notify the power generation by the photovoltaic power generation means 110 while notifying. In addition, it is possible to save power by operating the special driving process, and at the same time, it is easy to distinguish from the normal mode. In this mode, it is clear that the current time is not displayed by the pointer, and the user is not mistaken for the current time. If there is no response when the user performs any operation while the time display is completely stopped in the power saving mode, the user is not sure whether the power saving mode is continuing or malfunctioning. When power generation occurs even in power saving mode, a special drive process will notify that power generation is normally performed, improving the convenience that users can take appropriate measures with peace of mind be able to.

(4) Since the second hand is moved to 5 seconds as a special driving process, the driving of the hour hand 143 and the minute hand 144 is stopped, and the number of steps of the second hand 145 is reduced to reduce power consumption and save power. Announcement of power generation promotion.

(5) When the first mode transition determination unit 510 determines the transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode, a fast-forward reference value is set as the first voltage reference value in addition to the normal reference value, and the hands 143, 144, and 145 When the date indicator is fast-forwarded, it is possible to determine the shift to the power saving mode based on a higher voltage reference value (fast-forward voltage reference value) compared to the case of normal pointer operation. Since the voltage reference value (reference value at the time of fast-forwarding) higher than that at the time of normal hand-operating is set during fast-forwarding, even if the hands 143, 144, 145 and the date indicator are fast-forwarded and power is consumed rapidly, It is possible to enter the power saving mode with the necessary power remaining in the power storage means 120. Then, since the clocking function during the power saving mode can be maintained, the internal time of the clock control unit 153 can be automatically displayed on the time display unit 140 when returning to the normal mode. As a result, there is no need for the user to set the time when returning to the normal mode, and convenience can be improved.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, and the like within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.
In the above embodiment, the time display means has been described using the hands 143, 144, 145 and the analog time display means for displaying the time by the date wheel as an example, but the time display means may be digital. Of course it is good.
Needless to say, the values of the first reference voltage value and the second reference voltage value are not particularly limited, and the power required for the current time count of the clock control means 153, the capacity of the power storage means 120, and the pointer at the time of resetting the time display What is necessary is just to set suitably according to various conditions, such as the electric power required for fast-forwarding. Moreover, although the case where the normal voltage value and the fast-forwarding reference value are separately provided as the first voltage reference value has been described as an example, only one value may be set as the first voltage reference value. .
As the power generation means, the photovoltaic power generation means has been described as an example. However, the power generation means such as one provided with a rotating weight or one that performs heat differential power generation is not limited as long as it generates power using external energy.
Further, the power generation means may be configured by an electromagnetic coil that generates an induced current by the energy of an external commercial power source. For example, in the case of a rechargeable timepiece that charges while being set in a charging stand, an electromagnetic coil is provided in the charging stand, and an electromagnetic coil that couples with the electromagnetic coil of the charging stand as power generation means of the rechargeable timepiece. It may be provided.

  As the special drive process, the case where the second hand 145 is moved for 5 seconds has been described as an example, but it is needless to say that the special drive process is not particularly limited as long as it is different from the normal current time display. For example, when power generation is performed during the power saving mode, the pointer may be advanced to a predetermined position (for example, 15 seconds position) and stopped as a special drive. Alternatively, the stop process may be continued during the power saving mode without performing the special drive process.

In the above embodiment, the case where the normal mode is changed to the power saving mode when the storage voltage of the storage unit becomes equal to or lower than the first voltage reference value has been described as an example. The power saving mode may be entered by measuring the time and when the non-power generation time reaches a predetermined value set in advance. In this power-saving mode, in the non-power generation state (when using photovoltaic power generation means, the user is in a dark place, or when the user uses a generator or thermal generator that generates electromagnetic power by rotating the rotating weight due to the user's movement) All the hands are stopped because the user is not in an environment in which the watch can be used or is not in use.
Further, in the radio-controlled timepiece as in the above embodiment, when the non-power generation time reaches a predetermined value and enters the power saving mode, the radio wave is received by the arrival of the automatic reception time. When the voltage goes below the first voltage reference value and shifts to the power saving mode, all reception operations may be prohibited. When the non-power generation time enters a power saving mode due to reaching a predetermined value, the internal counter is corrected based on the received time information, but the display time may not be corrected. As for the point of shifting from the power saving mode to the normal mode, in any power saving mode, when the power storage means of the power storage means is equal to or higher than the second reference voltage value, all the movements are resumed and the normal movement is performed. Return it.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an electronic timepiece, and in particular, can be used for an electronic timepiece having a power saving function that includes power generation means and switches between a normal mode and a power saving mode.

1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a radio wave correction timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the operation | movement control part in the said 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the process sequence which transfers from normal mode to power saving mode. The flowchart which shows the process sequence which transfers to power saving mode from normal mode.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Radio wave correction clock, 110 ... Photoelectric power generation means, 120 ... Power storage means, 121 ... Secondary battery, 122 ... Capacitor, 130 ... Reception part, 131 ... Antenna, 132 ... Reception circuit, 133 ... Decoding circuit, 134 ... Reception time Storage means 135 ... Reception power supply circuit 136 ... Reception control means 140 ... Time display means 141 ... Dial plate 142 ... Window 143 ... Hour hand 144 144 Minute hand 145 ... Second hand 150 ... Reference signal generator 151 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Oscillation circuit 152 ... Frequency dividing circuit 153 ... Timekeeping control means 160 ... Control circuit 170 ... Hand movement control circuit 171 ... Hand position storage means 172 ... Hand movement calendar drive control means 200 ... Power supply control circuit 210 ... Backflow prevention circuit, 220 ... Limiter circuit, 230 ... Immediate start circuit, 240 ... Charge control circuit, 250 ... Voltage detection circuit, 260 ... Backflow prevention circuit , 260 ... Charge detection circuit, 270 ... Power generation detection circuit, 300 ... Operation control unit, 400 ... Operation mode control unit, 410 ... Normal mode control unit, 420 ... Power saving mode control unit, 430 ... Special drive processing unit, 440 ... Stop Processing unit 500... Operation mode determination unit 510. First mode transition determination unit 520. Second mode transition determination unit 600.

Claims (7)

Power generation means for generating power using external energy, power storage means for storing power from the power generation means, time measuring means for measuring the current time based on a reference clock, and time display for displaying the current time measured by the time measuring means Means, a storage voltage detection means for detecting a storage voltage of the storage means, and an operation control unit for controlling an operation state of the time display means based on a voltage value detected by the storage voltage detection means, In an electronic timepiece that switches between a normal mode for displaying the current time counted by the means on the time display means and a power saving mode for stopping at least a part of the time display means based on the detection result by the storage voltage detection means,
The operation control unit determines that the transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode is based on a first voltage reference value that is a predetermined voltage reference value, and the transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode is the first voltage. An electronic timepiece characterized in that a determination is made based on a second voltage reference value set to a voltage value higher than the reference value. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1,
The operation controller is
An operation having a normal mode control unit for performing a normal mode for displaying the current time measured by the time measuring unit on the time display unit, and a power saving mode control unit for performing a power saving mode for stopping at least a part of the time display unit A mode controller;
A first mode transition determination unit that determines transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode; and an operation mode determination unit that includes a second mode transition determination unit that determines transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Prepared,
The first mode transition determination unit maintains a normal mode process when the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means exceeds the first voltage reference value, and the detection voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means is the first voltage reference value. If it is below, determine the transition to power saving mode processing,
The second mode transition determination unit maintains the power saving mode when the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means is equal to or lower than the second voltage reference value, and the detection voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means is the second voltage reference. When the value is exceeded, it is determined whether or not to shift to the normal mode processing. The electronic timepiece according to claim 2,
Comprising power generation detection means for detecting the power generation state of the power generation means,
The power saving mode control unit includes a partial drive processing unit that drives a part of the time display unit, and a stop processing unit that performs a stop process to stop the operation of the time display unit,
The power saving mode control unit selects the partial drive process when the power generation state is detected by the power generation detection unit, and selects the stop process when the power generation state is not detected by the power generation detection unit. An electronic watch. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The time display means has a pointer that rotates on the dial to indicate the current time,
As the first voltage reference value, a normal reference value that is a voltage threshold when the pointer is normally operated and a fast-forward reference value that is a voltage threshold when the pointer is fast-forwarded are set. ,
The fast-forward reference value is set to a voltage value higher than the normal reference value. Power generation means for generating power using external energy, power storage means for storing power from the power generation means, time measuring means for measuring the current time based on a reference clock, and time display for displaying the current time measured by the time measuring means A control method of an electronic timepiece comprising:
A storage voltage detection step of detecting a storage voltage of the storage means; and an operation control step of controlling an operation state of the time display means based on a voltage detected by the storage voltage detection step,
The operation control step includes
An operation having a normal mode control step of performing a normal mode for displaying the current time measured by the time measuring unit on the time display unit, and a power saving mode control step of performing a power saving mode for stopping at least a part of the time display unit A mode control process;
A first mode transition determining step for determining transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode, and an operation mode determining step having a second mode transition determining step for determining transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Prepared,
A first voltage reference value is set in advance as a predetermined voltage threshold value. In the first mode transition determination step, normal mode processing is maintained when the voltage detected by the stored voltage detection step exceeds the first voltage reference value. When the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection step is less than or equal to the first voltage reference value, the transition to the power saving mode process is determined,
When a second voltage reference value that is a voltage value higher than the first voltage reference value is set, and in the second mode transition determination step, the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection step is less than or equal to the second voltage reference value A control method for an electronic timepiece, characterized in that the power saving mode is maintained, and the transition to the normal mode processing is determined when the voltage detected by the stored voltage detection step exceeds the second voltage reference value. Power generation means for generating power using external energy, power storage means for storing power from the power generation means, time measuring means for measuring the current time based on a reference clock, and time display for displaying the current time measured by the time measuring means A computer incorporated in an electronic timepiece comprising means, and storage voltage detection means for detecting the storage voltage of the storage means,
A control program that functions as an operation control unit that controls an operation state of the time display unit based on a voltage value detected by the storage voltage detection unit;
The operation controller is
An operation having a normal mode control unit for performing a normal mode for displaying the current time measured by the time measuring unit on the time display unit, and a power saving mode control unit for performing a power saving mode for stopping at least a part of the time display unit A mode control unit;
A first mode transition determination unit that determines transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode; and an operation mode determination unit that includes a second mode transition determination unit that determines transition from the power saving mode to the normal mode. Prepared,
In the first mode transition determination unit, a first voltage reference value is set in advance as a predetermined voltage threshold. The first mode transition determination unit determines that the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means is a first voltage reference value. If the detection voltage exceeds the first voltage reference value is determined to shift to the power saving mode processing,
The second mode transition determination unit is set with a second voltage reference value that is higher than the first voltage reference value, and the second mode transition determination unit is configured such that the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means is The power saving mode is maintained when the voltage is less than or equal to a second voltage reference value, and the transition to the normal mode processing is determined when the voltage detected by the storage voltage detection means exceeds the second voltage reference value. Control program for electronic watch.   The recording medium which recorded the control program of the electronic timepiece of Claim 6.

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