JP2011064553A - Electronic timepiece - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic timepiece for informing its user of the reason for not performing ordinary display without consuming power, and preventing a screen from being seared by long-hour display of the reason. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic timepiece 1A includes a display means 3 having a memory property, and a control means for controlling the display means. The control means performs display-mode changeover control for performing display-mode changeovers among a first mode ST1 for performing ordinary display, a second mode ST2 for displaying the reason for not performing the ordinary display with visual representation, and a third mode ST3 for displaying the whole surface of the display means with a single color. Changeover control from the first mode to the second mode is performed, when the state of the electronic timepiece fulfills given conditions; changeover control from the second mode to the third mode is performed, after the passage for a given period of time from a shift to the second mode; display by visual representation is performed in the second mode; and update is stopped after displaying the single color in the third mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece and the like.

  In recent years, a display panel having a memory property that can hold an image even when the power is turned off has been developed and used in an electronic timepiece or the like. As a display panel having a memory property, an EPD (Electro Phoretic Display), that is, an electrophoretic display device, a memory-type liquid crystal display device, and the like are known.

  When displaying the time on the memory-type display panel, the time display is retained even when the battery voltage drops, but the display cannot be updated, and therefore the wrong time is grasped when the watch is viewed. There was a problem. For this reason, measures have been taken to hide the time display when the battery voltage drops.

  However, if the time display is not displayed when the battery voltage drops, the user may not easily understand why the time is not displayed, and the watch may be misunderstood. There was a problem.

  In addition, when there is a possibility that the update of the display panel may be stopped for reasons other than the decrease in battery voltage, there is a problem that the user does not know why the time is hidden and the user cannot appropriately respond. .

  On the other hand, in the invention of Patent Document 1, when a display panel having a memory property is used, the display drive power is turned off after displaying the abbreviated character PWD before entering the power-down state. For this reason, the user can know that it is not a failure but a power down mode without grasping the wrong time.

JP 2009-162486 A

  However, the power down mode may last for a long time, and so-called “burn-in” may occur on the display panel. For example, when fixed pattern characters and images are displayed at the same position in an electrophoretic display device, an image may remain due to the burn-in due to residual charge load even after a relatively short time display (afterimage). For example, FIG. 12A shows a state in which the electronic timepiece 1D is displaying “POWER SAVE” on the display panel 3 for a long time in the power-down state. FIG. 12B is an example showing a display state under the condition that the power-down state is subsequently released. In FIG. 12B, the current time is displayed in black as 10:10, and the characters “POWER SAVE” are light gray and can be visually recognized as an afterimage. This afterimage can be eliminated by eliminating the residual charge load by, for example, displaying a single color on the entire screen. However, when characters and images of the fixed pattern are continuously displayed at the same position for a long time or repeatedly, the residual charge load may be fixed and an image may remain as a burn-in on the screen. If the screen burns, it is difficult to fully recover.

  In the example of the invention of Patent Document 1, the abbreviation PWD is a fixed pattern displayed at a fixed position. In addition, since the display of the abbreviations does not consume power, it takes time until the screen display naturally changes (hides) due to a battery exhaustion or the like. That is, the power down mode can be continued for a long time while the fixed pattern is displayed at the same position. Therefore, in the same mode, there is a possibility that the screen is burned.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems. According to some aspects of the present invention, when a normal display is not performed due to a spontaneous power save mode, a power supply voltage drop state, a low temperature / high temperature state, or the like, the reason is displayed to the user without consuming power for the display. It is possible to provide an electronic timepiece that performs display control so as not to cause image burn-in due to a long-time display for the same reason.

(1) The present invention is an electronic timepiece including a memory-type display means and a control means for controlling the display means, wherein the control means is a first display that performs normal display as the display mode of the display means. The display mode switching control is performed to switch between the second mode for displaying the mode and the reason for not performing the normal display by a given visual expression, and the third mode for displaying the entire surface of the display means in a single color. The display mode switching control from the first mode to the second mode is performed when the state of the electronic timepiece satisfies a given condition in the first mode, and the display from the second mode to the third mode is performed. The mode switching control is performed after a given time has elapsed since the display mode shifted to the second mode in the second mode, and the visual expression is performed in the second mode. Perform visual representation display process for displaying on the display unit, wherein in the third mode, performs single color display processing to stop the display update after displaying the single color on the display means.

  According to the present invention, when normal display is not performed, it is possible to notify the user of the reason while suppressing power consumption, and to perform display control so that screen burn-in does not occur due to long-time display for the same reason. it can.

  Here, the normal display in the first mode refers to a display including a time display. The display mode of the electronic timepiece is normally the first mode. In the memory type display device, the display device is operated only when each time information (for example, hour or minute) of the time display is updated, and the display can be continued without supplying power until the next update. . Therefore, power consumption can be significantly reduced by using a memory-type display device as compared with the case of using a display device that requires power supply even when maintaining a display like a general liquid crystal display device.

  The second mode and the third mode are display modes used when the normal display cannot be maintained. When the reason why the normal display cannot be maintained occurs, the display mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode. Then, a visual expression indicating the reason is displayed on the memory-type display means. The visual expression may be any one of a character, a message, an image, a figure, a pattern, a color, a symbol, or the like, or a combination thereof. Then, when a certain time has elapsed since the transition to the second mode, the display mode is switched to the third mode in which single color display is performed so that the screen image is not burned by the visual expression.

(2) In this electronic timepiece, the power generation means, the power generation detection means for detecting the power generation state of the power generation means, and the non-power generation duration measurement means for measuring the non-power generation continuation time during which the power generation state cannot be detected by the power generation detection means The control means determines that the given condition is satisfied when the non-power generation duration measured by the non-power generation duration measurement means is equal to or longer than a preset set time, and stops. The visual expression display process may be performed with a visual expression indicating the reason why the image is displayed.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not to switch to the second mode depending on whether or not the power generation state can not be detected by the power generation detection means, that is, whether or not the non-power generation continuation time is longer than a set time (for example, 24 hours). At this time, the control means displays on the memory-type display means that power saving is in progress. Then, the user can easily grasp that the power is currently being saved, and can take appropriate measures such as causing a power generation operation to cancel the state.

(3) The electronic timepiece includes power supply voltage detection means for detecting the voltage of the power supply, and the control means detects that the power supply voltage is less than a preset voltage by the power supply voltage detection means. If it is determined that the given condition is satisfied, the visual expression display process may be performed with a visual expression indicating that the power supply voltage is reduced.

  According to the present invention, as a condition for switching to the second mode, a condition for determining whether the power supply voltage has decreased below the set voltage is set. When the electronic timepiece satisfies the condition, the control means causes the display means to display that the power supply voltage is lowered. Since the display means has a memory property, it is possible to continue displaying that the power supply voltage is in a low state without supplying power. For this reason, even when the voltage of the power source consisting of the primary battery or the secondary battery is lowered, the state of the electronic timepiece can be notified to the user. Then, the user can easily grasp that the power supply voltage is currently decreasing, and can take appropriate measures such as charging to eliminate the state.

(4) The electronic timepiece includes temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the timepiece, and the control means detects the temperature when the temperature detection means detects that the temperature is out of a preset temperature range. It may be determined that a given condition is satisfied, and the visual expression display process may be performed with a visual expression indicating that the temperature is outside the set temperature range.

  According to the present invention, as a condition for switching to the second mode, a condition for determining whether or not the timepiece temperature is out of the set temperature range is set. When the electronic timepiece satisfies the condition, the control unit causes the display unit to display a low temperature state or a high temperature state. Since the display means has a memory property, it is possible to continue displaying the low temperature state or the high temperature state without supplying power. For this reason, for example, when the timepiece becomes low temperature in outside air below freezing point, it is possible to notify the user of the state of the electronic timepiece without consuming electric power in the display means. Then, the user can easily grasp that the timepiece is currently at a low temperature, and can take an appropriate action, for example, move into the room, in order to eliminate the state.

(5) The electronic timepiece includes an accepting unit that accepts an operation, and the control unit changes the display mode to the second mode when the accepting unit accepts a predetermined operation in the third mode. The visual expression display process may be performed by switching.

  According to the present invention, the reason why the normal display is not performed again can be displayed on the display means displayed in a single color by an external operation by the user, for example, a predetermined button operation. At this time, the control means switches the display mode of the display means from the third mode to the second mode again. Thus, when the entire surface of the display means is a single color (for example, black), the user can quickly confirm whether the device is in failure or in the third mode, for example, simply by operating a button. . Further, even when the display mode of the display means is the third mode, it is possible to redisplay the reason why the normal display is not performed when necessary, and to confirm the content by simply performing a predetermined operation.

(6) In this electronic timepiece, when the reason display position change condition is satisfied, the control unit may change the position of the visual expression from the position where it was previously displayed and perform the visual expression display process. .

  According to the present invention, when the reason display position change condition is satisfied, the display position of the visual expression indicating the reason for not performing normal display is changed. As a result, even if the visual expression is a fixed pattern, the display position changes each time the same condition is satisfied, so that it is possible to further prevent image burn-in from occurring on the screen.

(7) In this electronic timepiece, the control means determines that the reason display position change condition is satisfied when a given time has elapsed after the visual expression is continuously displayed at the same position. May be.

  According to the present invention, since the control means determines that the reason display position change condition is satisfied when a given time has elapsed, the visual representation is displayed at the same position beyond the given time. There is nothing. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the screen from being burned.

(8) In this electronic timepiece, the control means may perform the visual expression display process so that the position of the visual expression does not overlap with the previous display when the reason display position change condition is satisfied. Good.

  According to the present invention, when the reason display position change condition is satisfied, the control unit controls the position of the visual expression so as not to overlap the previous display. Here, the previous display may be the display of the visual expression displayed immediately before in the second mode, and may include not only the previous display but also the previous display. In the third mode, the visual expression is displayed in the second mode before switching to the third mode. In this case as well, even just before, it is not limited to just before, and a plurality of previous displays may be included.

  Even when the display position is changed from the previous display position of the visual expression, the fixed pattern may be accumulated at the same position for a long time due to the overlap. By controlling so that the display of the visual expression does not overlap, it is possible to prevent image burn-in from occurring more reliably.

(9) In this electronic timepiece, the display means can display at least a first color and a second color, and the control means can provide a predetermined return condition in the second mode and the third mode. When the above condition is satisfied, display mode switching control for switching to the first mode after first displaying the first color and then the second color on the entire surface of the display means may be performed.

  According to the present invention, the control means switches to the first mode when a given return condition, that is, a condition capable of performing normal display, is established. Before the normal display, the control means covers the entire surface of the display means. After the first color is set, a reset process for setting the second color may be performed.

  Here, the first color and the second color are two colors that are basic colors that can be displayed at least by a memory-type display means such as EPD. For example, in a two-particle microcapsule type electrophoresis system, the dispersion liquid is colorless and transparent, and the electrophoretic particles are white or black. This type of electrophoretic display unit is capable of displaying at least two colors, with white or black as the basic colors. At this time, black, which is one color of the migrating particles, may be assigned as the first color, and white may be assigned as the second color.

  According to the present invention, before switching to the first mode, for example, control is performed to make the entire surface white after making the entire surface black. As a result, in the second mode or third mode display, for example, even if the contrast is reduced or the display that may cause an afterimage or burn-in is displayed, the contrast is reduced by the reset process for rewriting the entire surface to black and white. In addition, normal display after returning to the first mode can be performed without being affected by the display that may cause afterimages or image sticking.

(10) In this electronic timepiece, the control means may use the single color in the third mode as the second color.

  According to the present invention, before the switching to the first mode, after the entire display of the second color in the third mode to the entire display of the first color, the reset process for further changing the entire surface to the second color is performed. Do. Accordingly, since the entire display panel is rewritten twice before performing the normal display in the first mode, the normal display after the return to the first mode is performed without being affected by a display that may cause a further decrease in contrast or afterimage / burn-in. be able to.

(11) The electronic timepiece may include a pointer that indicates time, and the control unit may stop the movement of the pointer in the second mode and the third mode.

  According to the present invention, the power consumption can be further reduced by stopping the hand movement of the pointer in the second mode and the third mode in a combination timepiece or the like having a configuration including a pointer clock unit and digital display means. .

The figure which shows the example of a display of the electronic timepiece in 1st embodiment. The state transition diagram which shows switching of the display mode in 1st embodiment. The block diagram of the electronic timepiece in a first embodiment. The flowchart of the control in 1st embodiment. The flowchart figure about the external input process of the control in 1st embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the electronic timepiece in 2nd embodiment. The block diagram of the electronic timepiece in 2nd embodiment. The flowchart of the control in 2nd embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a display of the electronic timepiece in 3rd embodiment. The block diagram of the electronic timepiece in 3rd embodiment. The flowchart of control in 3rd embodiment. 12A and 12B are diagrams showing display examples of a conventional electronic timepiece.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the second and subsequent embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

1. First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of an electronic timepiece 1A of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the electronic timepiece 1A has three modes ST1 to ST3 as display modes. In FIG. 1, ST1 shows a display example of the electronic timepiece 1A in the display mode of the first mode, ST2 the second mode, and ST3 the third mode.

  The electronic timepiece 1A includes a case 2, an EPD (electrophoretic display device) 3, and a pointer clock portion 5 having a pointer 4 including an hour hand 4A, a minute hand 4B, and a second hand 4C.

  The case 2 is provided with buttons 6 and 7 as receiving means for receiving an operation. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a solar cell 20 is embedded in the dial portion of the pointer clock portion 5. This solar cell 20 functions as a power generation means, and is formed so as to receive light and generate power.

  The operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A is normally a normal display mode. Therefore, the display mode is the first mode in which normal display of time information and the like is performed (ST1 in FIG. 1). However, when a reason that the normal display cannot be maintained occurs, the display mode is switched to the second mode in order to inform the user of the reason (ST2 in FIG. 1). The reason why the normal display cannot be maintained is that, for example, since the embedded solar cell continues to be unable to generate power, the EPD 3 does not perform the normal display and thus enters a power save mode in which power consumption is suppressed. Then, after displaying the reason for a certain time in the second mode, the display mode is switched to the third mode (ST3 in FIG. 1). In the third mode, since the entire screen of the EPD 3 is displayed in a single color, screen burn-in can be prevented. When the reason why the normal display cannot be maintained is resolved, the process returns to the first mode in which the time information and the like are normally displayed (ST1 in FIG. 1).

  Hereinafter, each of the display modes ST1 to ST3 will be described. The transition conditions TC1, TC2, TC3A, TC3B, TC4A, TC4B, and TC5 are conditions for switching the display modes ST1 to ST3. The transition conditions TC1 to TC5 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The first mode ST1 in FIG. 1 is a display mode in which the electronic timepiece 1A performs normal display on the EPD 3. Here, the normal display means various displays as an electronic timepiece including a time display. As in the electronic timepiece 1A (upper left of FIG. 1) belonging to the first mode ST1 in FIG. 1, not only the time information but also the location (for example, TOKYO) selected by the world clock function may be displayed on the EPD 3. In addition, an alarm time or an icon representing the currently selected function may be displayed.

  In the first mode ST1, the display of the time information displayed on the EPD 3 is updated every minute or hour, and a refresh operation for maintaining contrast and rewriting for maintaining DC balance (for example, display inversion) as necessary. Etc. are also performed. Further, the time display by the pointer clock unit 5 is also performed.

  The second mode ST2 in FIG. 1 is a display mode in which the reason why the electronic timepiece 1A does not perform the normal display on the EPD 3 is displayed by a given visual expression. Here, it is assumed that the reason why the normal display is not performed is that the electronic timepiece 1A sets the operation mode to the power save mode in order to suppress power consumption. At this time, as in the electronic timepiece 1A (right side in FIG. 1) belonging to the second mode ST2 in FIG. 1, a visual expression (for example, POWER SAVE) indicating that normal display is not performed because of the power save mode is displayed on the EPD 3. The visual expression is not limited to a message or a sentence, but may be a character, an icon, a figure, a specific color or light, and the like.

  In the second mode ST2, the EPD 3, which is a display panel having a memory property, displays the visual expression and continues to display the visual expression even if no drive signal (control signal) is input. Specifically, the visual expression continues to be displayed on the EPD 3 even when the drive electrode (eg, segment electrode or pixel electrode) and the common electrode of the EPD 3 are not applied with a voltage and are left in a high impedance state. Therefore, the electronic timepiece 1A can notify the user with a given visual expression (eg, POWER SAVE) of the reason why normal display is not performed without consuming electric power. The EPD 3 can maintain display for several days without performing a refresh operation. Note that a refresh operation may be performed in order to prevent display quality deterioration such as a contrast decrease caused by keeping the operation of the EPD 3 stopped. In the present embodiment, the hand movement of the pointer clock unit 5 is stopped in the second mode ST2.

  The third mode ST3 in FIG. 1 is a display mode in which the electronic timepiece 1A displays the entire surface of the EPD 3 in a single color. Here, for example, EPD3 is a two-particle microcapsule type electrophoresis system, the dispersion is colorless and transparent, and the electrophoretic particles are white or black. Then, the EPD 3 can display at least white and black, and may display intermediate colors. At this time, as in the electronic timepiece 1A (lower left in FIG. 1) belonging to the third mode ST3 in FIG. 1, the entire surface of the EPD 3 may be displayed in a single white color. The single color may be black or one of white and black intermediate colors.

  Even in the third mode ST3, the EPD 3 displays the entire surface in a single color, and then can continue the single color display without input of a drive signal (control signal). That is, the electronic timepiece 1A can maintain a single color display without consuming electric power. In the third mode ST3, since a fixed pattern message or the like is not displayed at the same position, even if the display mode is the third mode ST3 for a long time, the screen is not burned. In the present embodiment, the hand movement of the pointer clock unit 5 is stopped in the third mode ST3.

  In the present embodiment, when normal display is not performed by switching control of the display modes ST1 to ST3 of the electronic timepiece 1A, the reason is notified to the user without consuming power, and the reason is displayed for a long time. It is possible to prevent seizure of EPD3.

  FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing switching of the display mode of the electronic timepiece 1A of the present embodiment. The switching of the display mode may be performed by control means such as the display control circuit 14, the motor drive control circuit 18, and the stop time counter 23 shown in FIG. The first mode ST1, the second mode ST2, and the third mode ST3 in FIG. 2 correspond to ST1, ST2, and ST3 in FIG. 1, respectively.

  As described above, the display mode of the electronic timepiece 1A is the first mode in which normal display of time information or the like is normally performed (ST1 in FIG. 2). However, when a reason that the normal display cannot be maintained occurs, the display mode is switched to the second mode in order to notify the user of the reason (ST2 in FIG. 2). Then, in order to prevent screen burn-in, the mode is switched to the third mode in which the entire screen is displayed in a single color (ST3 in FIG. 2). If the reason why the normal display cannot be maintained is resolved, the process returns to the first mode in which the time information and the like are normally displayed (ST1 in FIG. 2).

  Below, TC1, TC2, TC3A, TC3B, TC5 and the reason display position change condition TC4, which are transition conditions between the first to third modes in the present embodiment, will be described.

  In the first mode ST1 in which the electronic timepiece 1A performs normal display on the EPD 3, when the transition condition TC1 is satisfied, the electronic timepiece 1A shifts to the second mode ST2 in which the reason for not performing the normal display is displayed by a given visual expression. The transition condition TC1 may be, for example, a non-power generation continuation time during which the power generation state of the electronic timepiece 1A cannot be detected is longer than a preset setting time (for example, 24 hours), or the power supply voltage of the electronic timepiece 1A is preset. It may be less than the set voltage, or the temperature of the electronic timepiece 1A may be out of the preset set temperature range.

  In the second mode ST2, when the transition condition TC3A is satisfied, the transition is made to the first mode ST1. The transition condition TC3A may be that the reason for transition to the second mode ST2 is eliminated. For example, the first mode in which normal display is performed by eliminating the reason for the transition to the second mode ST2 such as the continuation of a state where the power generation state cannot be detected, a decrease in the power supply voltage, or the temperature being out of the set temperature range. You may make a transition to ST1.

  In the second mode ST2, when the reason display position change condition TC4 is satisfied, the display position of the visual expression may be changed while the display mode remains in the second mode ST2. The reason display position change condition TC4 may be, for example, that a time for which the visual expression is continuously displayed at the same position passes a given time, or by input means such as buttons 6 and 7 (FIG. 1). A predetermined operation may be performed. The reason display position change condition TC4 corresponds to TC4A and TC4B in FIG.

  When the reason display position changing condition TC4 is satisfied, the display position of the visual expression is changed, so that screen burn-in can be prevented. This change of the display position includes a case where a part of the visual expression is overlapped. In particular, when the display position is changed to a position that does not overlap with the previous display (see, for example, ST2 in FIG. 1). ) Since all the previous displays are erased, the effect of preventing screen burn-in is high. Furthermore, if the previous display includes not only the previous display but also the previous display and the previous display, it is further effective in preventing screen burn-in.

  In the second mode ST2, when the transition condition TC2 is satisfied, the transition is made to the third mode ST3. The transition condition TC2 may be, for example, that a given time elapses after the transition to the second mode ST2. In the present embodiment, when the second mode ST2 is set, when a time (for example, one hour) at which there is no possibility of image burn-in even if the visual expression is continuously displayed at the same position has elapsed. Transition to the third mode ST3. The third mode ST3 is a single color display and does not cause screen burn-in.

  In the third mode ST3, when the transition condition TC5 is satisfied, the transition is made to the second mode ST2. The transition condition TC5 may be that a predetermined operation is performed by input means such as buttons 6 and 7 (FIG. 1), for example. In the present embodiment, when the third mode ST3 is set, the display of a single color is continued, but the user can change the display mode to the second mode by a predetermined operation using the input means such as the buttons 6 and 7 (FIG. 1). It can be changed to mode ST2. At this time, since the visual expression is displayed, the reason why the normal display is not performed can be reconfirmed. In addition, since the display of a single color continues in the third mode ST3, the user may suspect a failure of the electronic timepiece 1A. However, since the visual expression can be displayed again by the predetermined operation, it is possible to easily determine a failure.

  In the third mode ST3, when the transition condition TC3B is satisfied, the transition is made to the first mode ST1. The transition condition TC3B may be that the reason for transition to the second mode ST2 is eliminated. For example, the first mode in which normal display is performed by eliminating the reason for the transition to the second mode ST2 such as the continuation of a state where the power generation state cannot be detected, a decrease in the power supply voltage, or the temperature being out of the set temperature range. You may make a transition to ST1. In the present embodiment, the user recognizes the reason why normal display is not performed by the visual expression in the second mode ST2. Therefore, by disposing the electronic timepiece 1A in a place where power generation is possible or moving it to a place within an appropriate temperature range, the reason can be resolved and the display mode can be changed to the first mode ST1. Normal display can be made.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic timepiece 1A in the present embodiment. The switching of the display mode can be realized by the configuration of FIG. 3, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic timepiece 1A includes an oscillation circuit 11, a frequency dividing circuit 12, a time counter 13, a display control circuit 14, an EPD 3, switches 15 and 16 input by buttons 6 and 7, a time correction circuit 17, A motor drive control circuit 18, a step motor 19 for driving the pointer 4, a solar battery 20, a power generation detection circuit 21, a timer 22, a stop time counter 23, a charge control circuit 24, and a secondary battery 25 are provided.

  The oscillation circuit 11 oscillates a reference oscillation source such as a crystal resonator or a ceramic resonator at a high frequency to generate a reference oscillation signal.

  The frequency dividing circuit 12 divides the reference oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit 11 to generate a predetermined reference signal (for example, a signal of 1 Hz).

  The time counter 13 counts the reference signal generated by the frequency divider circuit 12 and measures the current time. The time counter 13 corrects the counter value, that is, the current time information based on the time adjustment signal input from the time adjustment circuit 17.

  When the display control circuit 14 determines that the display mode is the first mode ST1, the display control circuit 14 performs normal display by controlling the display of the EPD 3 based on the information of the current time measured by the time counter 13.

  Further, when the display control circuit 14 determines that the display mode is the second mode ST2 based on a signal (for example, a power save transition signal) indicating that the normal display cannot be maintained, the visual control is displayed on the EPD 3. Let the user know why he / she does n’t do the normal display.

  When the display control circuit 14 determines that the display mode is the third mode ST3 based on a signal (for example, stop time information) that informs the elapsed time since the display mode has become the second mode ST2. Displays the entire surface of the EPD 3 in a single color to prevent screen burn-in.

  The display control circuit 14 determines that the display mode has returned from the second mode or the third mode to the first mode based on an input signal (for example, a normal display mode return signal) that informs the state of the electronic timepiece 1A. Even in this case, the display of the EPD 3 is controlled based on the information on the current time measured by the time counter 13 and the normal display is performed.

  Even when the display control circuit 14 determines that the display mode has been switched from the third mode to the second mode due to a given condition (for example, an external input operation), the display control circuit 14 causes the EPD 3 to display a visual expression. Inform the reason why normal display is not performed.

  The switches 15 and 16 are respectively input when the buttons 6 and 7 are pressed. That is, the switches 15 and 16 are input detection means for detecting the input of the buttons 6 and 7.

  The time adjustment circuit 17 outputs a time adjustment signal to the time counter 13 and the motor drive control circuit 18 based on signals from the switches 15 and 16, that is, input operations of the buttons 6 and 7.

  Signals from the switches 15 and 16 are also input to the display control circuit 14. The display control circuit 14 may detect a predetermined operation of each of the buttons 6 and 7 and determine that the condition TC5 for switching the display mode from the third mode ST3 to the second mode ST2 is satisfied. In the case of the second mode ST2, it may be determined that the reason display position change condition TC4 is satisfied. The predetermined operation of the buttons 6 and 7 is, for example, an operation by the user such as pressing the button 7 once after pressing the button 6 twice, but is not limited to such an example.

  When the display mode is the first mode, the motor drive control circuit 18 sends a motor drive pulse to the step motor 19 based on the reference signal generated by the frequency divider circuit 12 in order to update the time display of the pointer clock unit 5. Is output and the pointer 4 is stepped.

  Further, the motor drive control circuit 18 receives the time adjustment signal from the time adjustment circuit 17, outputs a motor drive pulse to the step motor 19, and corrects the instruction of the pointer 4.

  The charge control circuit 24 performs control for charging the secondary battery 25 with the electric power generated by the solar battery 20.

  The power generation detection circuit 21 detects a power generation state in the solar cell 20 and outputs a power generation detection signal to the timer 22 when the solar cell 20 is in a power generation state. Therefore, the power generation detection circuit 21 constitutes the power generation detection means of this embodiment.

  The timer 22 measures the elapsed time based on the time signal output from the time counter 13. Specifically, the timer 22 is configured to receive a signal output from the time counter 13 every minute, that is, when there is a minute carry, and to count up and measure the elapsed time up to 24 hours. ing.

  The timer 22 is reset when a power generation detection signal is output from the power generation detection circuit 21. For this reason, the timer 22 counts the period when power generation is not performed. Accordingly, the timer 22 constitutes the non-power generation measurement time measuring means of the present invention.

  The timer 22 outputs a power save transition signal for shifting the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A to the power save mode when the measured time reaches a preset time, which is 24 hours in the present embodiment. When a power generation detection signal is input from the power generation detection circuit 21 and is reset, a normal display mode return signal for returning the operation mode to the normal display mode is output.

  Here, the power save transition signal is input to the display control circuit 14 as a signal for switching the display mode to the second mode. That is, the transition condition TC1 is satisfied by the power save transition signal. The display control circuit 14 causes the EPD 3 to display a message (visual expression) “POWER SAVE” indicating that power saving is in progress.

  The normal display mode return signal is input to the display control circuit 14 as a signal for switching the display mode to the first mode ST1. That is, the transition condition TC3A or the transition condition TC3B is satisfied by the normal display mode return signal. Then, the display control circuit 14 causes the EPD 3 to display normal time information such as time.

  The power save transition signal is also input to the motor drive control circuit 18. Then, the drive control circuit 18 stops the output of the motor drive signal, and stops the driving of the step motor 19, that is, the hand movement of the pointer 4. Thereby, power consumption can be further suppressed.

  When the power save transition signal is output from the timer 22, the stop time counter 23 counts the reference signal from the frequency dividing circuit 12 and counts the stop time. When the normal display mode return signal is input from the timer 22, the stop time count is stopped.

  The counted stop time is input to the display control circuit 14 as stop time information. When the display control circuit 14 determines that the stop time has become one hour from the stop time information, the display control circuit 14 displays the entire surface of the EPD 3 in a single color, assuming that the transition condition TC2 is satisfied. That is, at this time, the display mode is switched to the third mode ST3.

  Further, when the display control circuit 14 determines that the stop time is 1 hour and the carry has been carried out for 10 minutes, it is assumed that the reason display position change condition TC4 is satisfied, and each time the EPD3 Display control for changing the display position of the visual expression.

  The normal display mode return signal and stop time information are also input to the motor drive control circuit 18. Based on the normal display mode return signal, the motor drive control circuit 18 fast-forwards the step motor 19 based on the stop time information, and corrects the pointer 4 that has stopped moving the hand to the current time.

  As described above, the control means of this embodiment includes the display control circuit 14, the motor drive control circuit 18, and the stop time counter 23.

  In this embodiment, the EPD 3 uses a two-color powder fluid type electrophoretic layer in which an electrophoretic particle dispersion liquid in which black electrophoretic particles and white electrophoretic particles are dispersed is enclosed in microcapsules. Yes. Therefore, at least black can be displayed as the first color and white can be displayed as the second color. The EPD 3 display method may be a segment method or a dot matrix method using a TFT circuit or the like.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the control of the electronic timepiece 1A of the present embodiment.

  First, the electronic timepiece 1A detects whether the solar cell 20 is generating power by the power generation detection circuit 21 (S10). When the solar battery 20 is generating power, the secondary battery 25 is charged via the charge control circuit 24.

  When power generation is detected in S 10, the power generation detection circuit 21 outputs a power generation detection signal to the timer 22.

  Then, the timer 22 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer 22 is 24 hours (S12).

  When the timer 22 is not set to 24 hours, the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A remains in the normal display mode. Therefore, as the display mode, the first mode ST1 in which normal display is performed is continuously executed. Specifically, the display control circuit 14 displays the current time on the EPD 3 based on the information from the time counter 13 (S14). When the stop time is counted in the stop time counter 23, that is, when the operation mode is returned from the power save mode to the normal display mode, the motor drive control circuit 18 is based on the information from the stop time counter 23. The step motor 19 is driven for the stopped time, and the pointer 4 which has stopped moving is moved to a position indicating the current time (S16). The stop time counter 23 is reset when the process of S16 is performed.

  In addition, when power generation is detected in S10, the timer 22 resets the timer in both cases of “Yes” and “No” in S12 (S18).

  Next, the time counter 13 determines whether or not a reference signal (for example, 1 Hz) is input from the frequency dividing circuit 12, that is, whether there is a second count (S20).

  If no power generation is detected in S10, S12, S14, S16, and S18 are not processed, and a second count determination process S20 is performed.

  If there is no second count in S20, a subroutine external input process S50 is executed, and then the process is continued. The external input process S50 will be described later.

  On the other hand, if there is a second count in S20, that is, if a reference signal is input, the time counter 13 counts up (S22).

  Next, the timer 22 confirms whether the current count time is 24 hours (S24).

  Here, when the timer 22 is 24 hours, the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A is in the power save mode. At this time, since the power save mode signal is output, the stop time counter 23 counts up based on the reference signal from the frequency dividing circuit 12 (S26). That is, the stop time counter 23 counts the duration time after the power save mode is set. The power save mode signal is also input to the display control circuit 14 and affects the display mode. When the operation mode is the power save mode, the display mode is set to the second mode ST2 or the third mode ST3 by a process described later.

  On the other hand, when the timer 22 is not set to 24 hours in S24, the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A is the normal display mode. Therefore, the motor drive control circuit 18 drives the step motor 19 by one step and moves the pointer 4 (S28). Accordingly, the second hand 4C of the pointer 4 is driven by step operation every second.

  Next, the time counter 13 determines whether or not a minute carry has been performed (S30). That is, when the second counter of the time counter 13 reaches 60 seconds and the minute counter is counted up, it is determined that the minute carry has been performed.

  If the minute carry is not performed, the process returns to S10 and the above process is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the minute carry is performed in S30, the timer 22 confirms again whether the current count time is 24 hours (S32).

  If the timer 22 has not reached 24 hours in S32, the electronic timepiece 1A is in the normal display mode. The time counter 13 outputs a minute count signal to the timer 22. The timer 22 counts up based on the minute count signal (S34). That is, the timer 22 counts up every minute and counts the elapsed time when power generation is not performed.

  Next, it is confirmed whether the timer 22 has reached 24 hours (S36). When the timer 22 has reached 24 hours, it outputs a power save transition signal to the display control circuit 14. As a result, the display mode is switched to the second mode ST2, and the display control circuit 14 displays a visual expression (eg, POWER SAVE) indicating “power saving” on the EPD 3 (S38). And it returns to S10 and repeats a process according to a flowchart figure.

  On the other hand, if the time has not reached 24 hours in S36, the display mode is the first mode ST1, and the display control circuit 14 updates the display of the current time in the EPD 3 (S40). That is, the display control circuit 14 displays the current hour and minute on the EPD 3 and updates the display. And it returns to S10 and repeats a process according to a flowchart figure.

  Here, the process returns again to S32. When the timer 22 is 24 hours in S32, the operation mode is the power save mode (Y in S32). As described above, when the timer 22 reaches 24 hours (Y in S36) and the power save transition signal is input to the display control circuit 14, the display mode is switched to the second mode ST2. Then, after 1 hour has elapsed since the display mode became the second mode ST2, that is, when the stop time counter 23 counted 1 hour after the timer 22 became 24 hours (Y in S42), the display mode Is switched from the second mode ST2 to the third mode ST3, and the display control circuit 14 displays the entire surface of the EPD 3 in white (S44). And it returns to S10 and repeats a process according to a flowchart figure.

  If the stop time counter 23 counts 1 hour after the timer 22 becomes 24 hours in S42 (N in S42), if there is a carry of 10 minutes in the stop time counter 23 (S46) Y) Assuming that the reason display position changing condition TC4 is satisfied, the display control circuit 14 changes the display position of the visual expression (for example, POWER SAVE) in the EPD 3 (S48). And it returns to S10 and repeats a process.

  If there is no carry for 10 minutes in S46, the process returns to S10 and the process is repeated.

  FIG. 5 is a flow chart for external input processing of the electronic timepiece 1A of the present embodiment. If there is no second count in S20, a process S50 for external input is performed, and the process returns to S10 and the process is repeated.

  In the present embodiment, the external input refers to a predetermined input operation using one or both of the buttons 6 and 7, and is detected by the switches 15 and 16 and input to the display control circuit 14 as an internal signal. When the display control circuit 14 determines that the external input has been made (Y in S500), if the timer 22 has reached 24 hours (Y in S502), the visual expression in the EPD 3 (eg, POWER SAVE) Display is performed (S504). At this time, it is determined that the reason display position change condition TC4 is satisfied at the same time, and the visual expression is displayed at a position different from the previously displayed position (S504).

  When there is no external input (N in S500), when the timer 22 has not reached 24 hours (N in S502), or after the change of the display position of the visual expression (S504), other external inputs The predetermined process assigned to (S506) is performed, and the process returns to S10 of FIG. 4 to repeat the process of the flowchart. Here, the predetermined processing means, for example, display inversion processing or refresh operation.

  Below, the flow of each display mode in this embodiment is demonstrated using the step number of FIG. 4 and FIG.

  First, “whether or not the time measured by the timer 22 is 24 hours” in the conditions of S12, S24, S32, S36, S42 of FIG. 4 and S502 of FIG. It is determined whether the operation mode is the power save mode or the normal display mode. That is, when the time measured by the timer 22 is not 24 hours, the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A is the normal display mode. When the time measured by the timer 22 is 24 hours, the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A is the power save mode.

  Further, when the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A is the normal display mode, the display mode is a first mode in which normal display is performed. When the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A is changed to the power save mode, the display mode is switched from the first mode to the second mode. When a certain time (one hour) has elapsed since the display mode became the second mode, the display mode is switched to the third mode. In the following description of the flow of the display mode, when the operation mode does not change, the determination (S12, S24, S32, S36, S42, S502) of whether or not the measurement value of the timer 22 is 24 hours is detailed. The detailed explanation is omitted.

  First, the flow of the first mode in which normal display is performed will be described. When power generation is performed by the solar battery 20 (Y in S10), the operation mode is the normal display mode (N in S12), so the processes of S14 and S16 are performed. Here, S14 and S16 are necessary operations immediately after the operation mode is changed from the power save mode to the normal display mode, that is, immediately after the return to the first mode. The time is displayed on the EPD 3 (S14), and the hand movement is stopped. The indicated pointer 4 is moved to the current time position (S16). Unless it is immediately after returning to the first mode, the processes of S14 and S16 do not change the display of EPD3 and the position of the pointer 4.

  Thereafter, the timer 22 that measures the time during which the solar cell 20 does not generate power is reset (S18).

  Since the second carry (second count) is performed only once per second, the second count is not performed during that time (N in S20), and a subroutine for accepting external processing input is processed (S50). However, even if there is an external input (Y in S500), since the operation mode is the normal display mode (N in S502), the process returns to S10 again.

  When the second carry is performed (Y in S20), the time counter which is time information is updated (S22). Then, the second hand of the pointer clock part is advanced (N in S24, S28).

  Further, since the minute carry is performed only once every 60 seconds, there is no minute carry during that time (N in S20), and the process returns to S10 again.

  When the minute carry is performed (Y in S30), the timer 22 is counted up (N in S32, S34). Then, the time display that is the normal display is updated (N in S36, S40), and the process returns to S10.

  Next, the flow in which the display mode changes from the first mode to the second mode will be described. At this time, it is assumed that a state where power generation is not performed in the solar cell 20 is continued. (N in S10) Then, the timer 22 that measures the time during which the solar cell 20 does not generate power is not reset (S18), and the value is counted up. Here, it is assumed that the measured value of the timer 22 is currently 23 hours 59 minutes.

  While the second count is not being performed (N in S20), the process returns from “No” in S10 to S20 again via a subroutine (S50) for receiving an external process input (N in S502). When there is a second carry (Y in S20), it is determined whether there is a minute carry through S22 and S24, "No", and S28 (S30).

  While the minute carry is not performed (N in S30), the process returns to S10 and reaches S30 again through the above-described route. If there is a minute carry (Y in S30), the timer 22 is counted up (N in S32, S34), and the measured value of the timer 22 becomes 24 hours (S36).

  At this time, the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1A changes from the normal display mode to the power save mode. The display control circuit 14 receives the power save transition signal output from the timer 22, determines that the display mode has been switched from the first mode to the second mode, and displays the reason (S38). And it returns to S10 again.

  Next, a flow in which the display mode changes from the second mode to the third mode and a case where the reason display position change condition is satisfied in the second mode will be described. At this time, it is assumed that a state in which no power generation is performed in the solar cell 20 continues as a premise (N in S10). Then, the timer 22 is not reset (S18), and the measured value remains 24 hours.

  Returning to S10 when there is no second carry signal or minute carry signal (N in S20, N in S30) is the same as described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted. When there are a second carry signal and a minute carry signal, the time counter and the stop time counter are counted up to S42 (Y of S20, S22, Y of S24, S26, Y of S30, Y of S32). .

  Here, when the display control circuit 14 obtains information from the stop time counter 23 that one hour has passed since the transition to the power save mode (Y in S42), the display mode is changed from the second mode to the third mode. It is determined that the mode has been switched, and the entire surface of the EPD 3 is displayed in white (S44). Then, the process returns to S10.

  However, the display mode remains in the second mode before one hour has passed since the transition to the power save mode (N in S42). The display control circuit 14 determines that the reason display position change condition is satisfied every time the stop time counter 23 carries 10 minutes (Y in S46), and displays the visual expression of the EPD 3 (for example, POWER SAVE). Change the display position. Thereafter, the process returns to S10. Note that the process returns to S10 also when the stop time counter 23 does not carry 10 minutes.

  Next, a case where the display mode is the third mode and an external input operation is performed will be described. External input is processed in the external input process S50 shown in FIG. 5 when there is no second carry per second, that is, unless a second count is made (N in S20). That is, an external input operation is accepted during that time.

  If there is no second carry, the loop of “No” in S10, “No” in S20, and S50 is repeated in the third mode, and an external input operation is awaited.

  At this time, if there is a predetermined external input operation, “Yes” in S500 and “Yes” in S502 in FIG. 5 are determined, and the display mode is changed from the third mode to the second mode in order to display power saving. Switch to mode. By switching to the second mode, the user can reconfirm why the normal display is not performed. In this case, it may be determined that the reason display position change condition is satisfied by an external input, and a visual expression indicating that the power is being saved may be displayed at a position different from the previous display position (S504). If necessary, other processing is performed (S506), and the process returns to S10 of FIG.

  Also, when the display mode is the second mode and there is an external input operation, the same as described above, but the display mode remains in the second mode and the display position of the visual expression is always changed. (S504) is different.

  When the display mode is the second mode or the third mode and power generation is resumed by the solar battery 20, the timer is reset through “Yes” in S10 and “Yes” in S12 (S18). ). Then, when the normal display mode return signal is input from the timer 22 to the display control circuit 14, the display mode becomes the first mode.

2. Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected, description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different part is demonstrated.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram of the electronic timepiece 1B of the present embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment (FIG. 1), the display mode includes the fourth mode ST4. The fourth mode is a mode in which reset processing is performed before switching from the third mode ST3 or the second mode ST2 to the first mode ST1 that performs normal display.

  The fourth mode ST4 is a full screen reset process in which the entire EPD 3 is displayed in black and then the entire surface is displayed in white. At this time, white may be displayed first and then black may be displayed. However, when the single color display in the third mode is white, when the white color is first displayed in the reset process, only the entire rewrite from white to black is performed. Therefore, when the single color display in the third mode is white, it is preferable to display in black first in the reset process. This is because the entire surface is rewritten from white to black and from black to white, which is more effective as a countermeasure against afterimages.

  In the present embodiment, when the return condition from the third mode to the first mode is satisfied, the display mode is switched to the first mode via the fourth mode ST4 (TC3B, TC3C, TC3D). At this time, the transition condition TC3D from the fourth mode ST4 to the first mode ST1 is the completion of the reset process of the fourth mode, and inevitably transits to the first mode ST1. In addition, even when the return condition from the second mode to the first mode is satisfied, the display mode is switched to the first mode through the fourth mode ST4 (TC3A, TC3C, TC3D).

  In the display in the second mode ST2 or the third mode ST3, for example, reset processing for rewriting the entire surface to black and white in the fourth mode ST4 even if the contrast is lowered or the display that may cause an afterimage or burn-in is displayed. By performing the above, normal display after the return to the first mode can be performed without being affected by a display that may cause a decrease in contrast or afterimage / burn-in.

  Further, FIG. 6 shows a situation in which normal display is not performed due to a voltage drop, unlike the first embodiment (FIG. 1). The second mode ST2 indicates that a visual expression (for example, BATT LOW) indicating that the voltage drop is the reason is displayed on the EPD 3.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the electronic timepiece 1B in the present embodiment. In the second embodiment, a battery voltage detection circuit 31 and a display stop mode control circuit 32 are provided as shown in FIG. Although the power generation detection circuit 21 and the timer 22 may be provided, they are omitted in FIG. 7 for convenience of explanation.

  The battery voltage detection circuit 31 detects the voltage of the secondary battery 25, determines whether or not the voltage of the secondary battery 25 exceeds a preset threshold value, and outputs a determination signal. Therefore, the battery voltage detection circuit 31 constitutes the power supply voltage detection means of the present invention.

  The display stop mode control circuit 32 instructs each display control circuit 14, the motor drive control circuit 18, and the stop time counter 23 to shift to the power save mode based on the determination signal output from the battery voltage detection circuit 31. The power save transition signal to be output and the normal display mode return signal for instructing the return to the normal display mode are output.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the control means includes the display control circuit 14, the motor drive control circuit 18, the stop time counter 23, and the display stop mode control circuit 32.

  The battery voltage detection circuit 31 and the display stop mode control circuit 32 are driven each time a reference signal (for example, 1 Hz) is input from the frequency divider circuit 12. Therefore, the battery voltage detection process and the display mode determination and setting process are sampled at intervals of one second.

  Next, a control method of the electronic timepiece 1B will be described with reference to FIG.

  The electronic timepiece 1B first determines whether or not a reference signal (for example, 1 Hz) has been input from the frequency divider circuit 12, that is, whether there is a second count (S20). If there is no second count in S20, the process returns to S20 and the process is continued.

  On the other hand, if there is a second count in S20, that is, if a reference signal is input, the time counter 13 counts up (S22).

  Next, the electronic timepiece 1B determines whether or not it is in the power save mode (S60).

  If it is determined in S60 that the mode is not the power save mode (N in S60), the motor drive control circuit 18 drives the step motor 19 by one step and moves the pointer 4 by one second (S28).

  Next, the time counter 13 determines whether or not the second counter of the time counter 13 has reached 60 seconds and a minute carry for counting up the minute counter has been performed (S30). Here, when the minute carry is not performed, the process returns to S20 and the above processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the minute carry is performed in S30, the time counter 13 sends a signal to the display control circuit 14, and the display control circuit 14 updates the time display in the EPD 3 (S62). That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the EPD 3 displays only the hour and minute, and therefore, the display only needs to be updated every minute. For this reason, the EPD 3 is controlled to update the display when the minute carry is performed.

  Next, the battery voltage detection circuit 31 determines whether the power supply voltage VDD of the secondary battery 25 is less than the threshold value V1 (S64). If the power supply voltage VDD is equal to or higher than the threshold value V1, the process returns to S20 and continues.

  On the other hand, if the power supply voltage VDD is less than the threshold value V1, the battery voltage detection circuit 31 outputs a determination signal to the display stop mode control circuit 32. The display stop mode control circuit 32 outputs a power save transition signal when receiving the determination signal that the power supply voltage VDD is less than the threshold value V1.

  The display control circuit 14 that has received the power save transition signal determines that the display mode has been switched to the second mode, and as shown in the upper right electronic timepiece 1B in FIG. Is displayed (S66). When it is determined that one minute has elapsed since the battery voltage has been lowered by the signal from the stop time counter 23 (S68), it is determined that the display mode is the third mode, and the entire surface of the EPD 3 is Displayed in white (S70). Then, the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1B is set to the power save mode (S72). The time at S68 is not limited to 1 minute, and may be a time sufficient for the user to recognize “BATT LOW” (for example, 10 minutes). However, if the visual expression cannot be correctly displayed on the EPD 3 when a further voltage drop occurs, it is preferable to make a determination in one minute as in S68.

  Here, returning to S60 again, if the operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1B is the power save mode (Y in S60), the stop time counter 23 is counted up (S26). That is, during the power save mode, the hand 4 is not moved, and the time during which the hand is stopped is measured by the stop time counter 23.

  Next, the battery voltage detection circuit 31 determines whether the power supply voltage VDD of the secondary battery 25 is equal to or higher than the threshold value V1. For example, if the power supply voltage VDD is less than the threshold value V1, the process may return to S20 and continue. However, in S74, the threshold value is preferably not V1 used in S64 but V1 + A in which hysteresis is given to V1 in order to avoid the influence of noise (S74). A is a given voltage value, and is determined by the system constituting the electronic timepiece 1B.

  On the other hand, if the power supply voltage VDD is equal to or higher than the threshold value V1 + A, the battery voltage detection circuit 31 outputs a determination signal to the display stop mode control circuit 32. The display stop mode control circuit 32 outputs a normal display mode return signal when receiving a determination signal whose power supply voltage VDD is equal to or higher than the threshold value V1 + A.

  The display control circuit 14 receives the normal display mode return signal, determines that the display mode is the fourth mode ST4, displays the entire surface of the EPD 3 in black (S76), and then displays white (S78). Reset the screen.

  Thereafter, the display control circuit 14 determines that the display mode is the first mode ST1, and as shown by the electronic timepiece 1B included in ST1 of FIG. 6, the display time is counted by the time counter 13 in the EPD 3. It is displayed (S14).

  In addition, the motor drive control circuit 18 that has received the normal display mode return signal feeds and drives the step motor 19 for the stop time counted by the stop time counter 23, and sets the current time to the pointer 4 that has stopped moving. The robot moves to the designated position (S16). The stop time counter 23 is reset when the process of S16 is performed.

  Then, the power save mode of the electronic timepiece 1B is canceled (S80), and thereafter, the electronic timepiece 1B returns to S20 and continues the processing.

3. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, about the structure similar to 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected, description is abbreviate | omitted, and a different part is demonstrated.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram of the electronic timepiece 1C of the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, unlike the first and second embodiments, the electronic timepiece 1C in the second mode ST2 displays on the EPD 3 a visual expression (for example, COLD) indicating that the temperature is not in the proper range. In FIG. 9, “COLD” is displayed on the assumption that the electronic timepiece 1C is used at a low temperature. However, when the electronic timepiece 1C is used at a high temperature, a visual expression such as “HOT” is displayed. Also good. In addition, 4th mode ST4 (FIG. 6) may be included.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the electronic timepiece 1C in the present embodiment. In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a temperature sensor 41 and a temperature detection circuit 42 are provided. In addition, although you may have the solar cell 20, the charge control circuit 24, the secondary battery 25, etc., in this embodiment, the primary battery which is not illustrated shall be used as a power supply. In addition, although you may have the electric power generation detection circuit 21, the timer 22, the battery voltage detection circuit 31, and the display stop mode control circuit 32, it is abbreviate | omitting in FIG. 10 for convenience of explanation.

  The temperature sensor 41 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the electronic timepiece 1 </ b> C, particularly the EPD 3. Therefore, the temperature sensor 41 constitutes the temperature detecting means of the present invention.

  The temperature detection circuit 42 determines whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41 exceeds a predetermined threshold, and outputs an EPD display stop transition signal and a normal display mode return signal to the display control circuit 14. The EPD display stop transition signal corresponds to the power save transition signal in the first and second embodiments.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, the control means includes the display control circuit 14, the motor drive control circuit 18, the stop time counter 23, and the temperature detection circuit 42.

  The temperature detection circuit 42 is driven each time a reference signal (for example, 1 Hz) from the frequency divider circuit 12 is input. Accordingly, the temperature detection process is sampled at intervals of 1 second.

  Next, a control method of the electronic timepiece 1C will be described with reference to FIG.

  The electronic timepiece 1C first determines whether a reference signal (for example, 1 Hz) has been input from the frequency divider circuit 12, that is, whether there is a second count (S20). If there is no second count in S20, the process returns to S20 and the process is continued.

  On the other hand, if there is a second count in S20, that is, if a reference signal is input, the time counter 13 counts up (S22).

  The reference signal is also input to the motor drive control circuit 18, and the motor drive control circuit 18 drives the step motor 19 by one step to move the pointer 4 for one second (S28).

  Next, the electronic timepiece 1C determines whether or not the EPD 3 is in the EPD display stop mode (S90). The EPD display stop mode is an operation mode of the electronic timepiece 1 </ b> C that is similar to the power save mode, but is different in that the hand movement of the pointer timepiece unit 5 is not stopped.

  If it is determined in S90 that the mode is not the EPD display stop mode (N in S90), the time counter 13 determines whether or not a minute carry has been performed (S30). Here, when the minute carry is not performed, the process returns to S20 and the above processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the minute carry is performed in S30, the time counter 13 sends a signal to the display control circuit 14, and the display control circuit 14 updates the time display in the EPD 3 (S62). That is, as shown in FIG. 9, since only the hour and minute are displayed on the EPD 3, the display only needs to be updated every minute. For this reason, the EPD 3 is controlled to update the display when the minute carry is performed.

  Next, the temperature detection circuit 42 determines whether the temperature t measured by the temperature sensor 41 is less than the threshold t1 (low temperature determination) or whether the temperature t is higher than the threshold t2 (high temperature determination) (S92). If the temperature t is equal to or higher than the threshold value t1 and equal to or lower than the threshold value t2, the process returns to S20 and the process is continued (N in S92). As an example, the threshold t1 for the low temperature determination is 0 degrees, and the threshold t2 for the high temperature determination is about 50 degrees.

  On the other hand, if the temperature t is less than the threshold value t1 or higher than the threshold value t2, the temperature detection circuit 42 outputs an EPD display stop transition signal to the display control circuit 14 (Y in S92).

  Here, it is assumed that the low temperature determination is outside the set temperature range. Upon receiving the EPD display stop transition signal, the display control circuit 14 determines that the display mode has been switched to the second mode, and displays “COLD” indicating low temperature on the EPD 3 as in the electronic timepiece 1C indicated by ST2 in FIG. (S94). When the display control circuit 14 determines that one minute has elapsed since the battery voltage drop state has been reached by a signal from the stop time counter 23 (S68), the display control circuit 14 determines that the display mode is the third mode, and EPD3 Is displayed in white (S70), and the process returns to S20. The time at S68 is not limited to 1 minute, and may be a time sufficient for the user to recognize the “COLD” (for example, 10 minutes). However, if there is a possibility that the visual expression cannot be correctly displayed on the EPD 3 due to the low temperature state, one minute is preferable as in S68.

  Then, the electronic timepiece 1C is set to the EPD display stop mode (S96). In the EPD display stop mode, the driving of the step motor 19 by the motor drive control circuit 18 is also executed in the EPD display stop mode, and the hand movement of the pointer 4 is continued.

  Here, when returning to S90 again, if the EPD display stop mode (Y of S90) is in S90, the temperature detection circuit 42, for example, the temperature t measured by the temperature sensor 41 is not less than the threshold t1 and not more than t2. Determine if there is. If the temperature t is less than the threshold value t1, or if the temperature t is higher than the threshold value t2, the process returns to S20 and continues.

  Here, in the determination, it is preferable that the threshold value on the low temperature side is not t1, but t1 + A1 in which hysteresis is added to t1 in order to avoid the influence of noise. For the same reason, the threshold value on the high temperature side is preferably not t2 but t2-A2 with hysteresis (S98). A1 and A2 are given temperatures and are determined by the system constituting the electronic timepiece 1C.

  On the other hand, if the temperature t is not less than the threshold value t1 + A1 and not more than t2-A2, the temperature detection circuit 42 outputs a normal display mode return signal to the display control circuit 14.

  The display control circuit 14 determines that the display mode is the first mode ST1, and displays the current time counted by the time counter 13 on the EPD 3, as indicated by the electronic timepiece 1C of ST1 in FIG. (S14).

  Then, the EPD display stop mode of the electronic timepiece 1C is canceled (S100), and thereafter, the electronic timepiece 1C returns to S20 and continues the processing.

4). Others In the above-described embodiments, the reason why normal display is not performed on the EPD 3 is displayed in characters (messages). However, as described above, it may be displayed in a visual expression such as an icon, a figure, a color, or a flag. . That is, it is only necessary to display contents that allow the user to understand the reason why the single color display or the stop of the hand movement is performed.

  Moreover, although each said embodiment was a combination timepiece provided with the hand 4 and EPD3, the handset 4 is not provided but the digital timepiece provided only with EPD3 may be sufficient.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the EPD 3 may perform black and white two-particle electrophoresis using black particles and white particles, or may perform one-particle electrophoresis such as blue and white. A combination is also acceptable.

  The memory display means is not limited to the EPD 3 and may be a display having other memory characteristics. For example, an ECD (Electrochromic Display), a ferroelectric liquid crystal display, a cholesteric liquid crystal display, or the like may be used.

Furthermore, the electronic timepiece of the present invention is not limited to a wristwatch and can be widely applied to devices having a clock function such as a table clock, a wall clock, and a pocket watch.

  The present invention is not limited to these exemplifications, and includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations that have the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations that have the same objects and effects). In addition, the invention includes a configuration in which a non-essential part of the configuration described in the embodiment is replaced. In addition, the present invention includes a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects as the configuration described in the embodiment or a configuration that can achieve the same object. Further, the invention includes a configuration in which a known technique is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A ... Electronic timepiece, 1B ... Electronic timepiece, 1C ... Electronic timepiece, 2 ... Case, 3 ... EPD (electrophoretic display device), 4 ... Pointer, 4A ... Hour hand, 4B ... Minute hand, 4C ... Second hand, 5 ... Pointer clock part , 6 ... button, 7 ... button, 11 ... oscillation circuit, 12 ... frequency dividing circuit, 13 ... time counter, 14 ... display control circuit, 15 ... switch, 16 ... switch, 17 ... time correction circuit, 18 ... motor drive control Circuit, 19 ... Step motor, 20 ... Solar cell, 21 ... Power generation detection circuit, 22 ... Timer, 23 ... Stop time counter, 24 ... Charge control circuit, 25 ... Secondary battery, 31 ... Battery voltage detection circuit, 32 ... Display Stop mode control circuit, 41 ... temperature sensor, 42 ... temperature detection circuit, ST1 ... first mode, ST2 ... second mode, ST3 ... third mode, ST4 ... fourth mode

Claims (11)

An electronic timepiece comprising a memory-type display means and a control means for controlling the display means,
The control means includes
The display mode of the display means is a first mode in which normal display is performed, a second mode in which the reason for not performing the normal display is displayed by a given visual expression, and a first mode in which the entire surface of the display means is displayed in a single color. Perform display mode switching control to switch to 3 mode,
The display mode switching control from the first mode to the second mode is performed when the state of the electronic timepiece satisfies a given condition in the first mode,
The display mode switching control from the second mode to the third mode is performed after a given time has elapsed since the display mode shifted to the second mode in the second mode,
In the second mode, a visual expression display process for displaying the visual expression on the display means is performed.
In the third mode, an electronic timepiece that performs a single color display process for stopping the update of the display after the display unit displays the single color. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1,
A power generation means, a power generation detection means for detecting a power generation state of the power generation means, and a non-power generation duration measurement means for measuring a non-power generation duration time in which the power generation state cannot be detected by the power generation detection means,
The control means includes
When the non-power generation duration measured by the non-power generation duration measurement means is equal to or longer than a preset time, it is determined that the given condition is satisfied,
An electronic timepiece that performs the visual expression display process with a visual expression indicating the reason for stopping. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1,
Power supply voltage detection means for detecting the voltage of the power supply,
The control means includes
When it is detected by the power supply voltage detection means that the power supply voltage is lower than a preset voltage, it is determined that the given condition is satisfied,
An electronic timepiece that performs the visual expression display process with a visual expression indicating that the power supply voltage is reduced. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the watch,
The control means includes
It is determined that the given condition is satisfied when it is detected that the temperature detecting means is outside a preset temperature range set in advance,
An electronic timepiece that performs the visual expression display process with a visual expression indicating that the temperature is out of a set temperature range. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Including accepting means for accepting operations,
The control means includes
In the third mode, when the accepting unit accepts a predetermined operation, the electronic timepiece performs the visual expression display process by switching the display mode to the second mode. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The control means includes
An electronic timepiece that performs the visual expression display processing by changing the position of the visual expression from the position where it was previously displayed when a reason display position change condition is satisfied. The electronic timepiece according to claim 6,
The control means includes
An electronic timepiece that determines that the reason display position change condition is satisfied when a given time has elapsed for the visual expression to be continuously displayed at the same position. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 6 to 7,
The control means includes
An electronic timepiece that performs the visual expression display processing so that the position of the visual expression does not overlap the previous display when the reason display position change condition is satisfied. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1,
The display means includes
At least a first color and a second color can be displayed;
The control means includes
In the second mode and the third mode, when a given return condition is satisfied, the first color is first displayed on the entire surface of the display means and then the first mode is changed to the first mode. An electronic watch that controls display mode switching. The electronic timepiece according to claim 9,
The control means includes
An electronic timepiece having the single color in the third mode as the second color. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
It has a guide to indicate the time,
The electronic timepiece in which the control means stops the hand movement of the hands in the second mode and the third mode.

Images