JP2021006830A - Electronic clock - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electronic clock capable of more effectively presenting a change of display contents respectively caused by a plurality of pointers which interlock and rotate to a user.SOLUTION: An electronic clock includes: a first pointer which is provided to be rotatable; a second pointer which is provided so as to interlock with a rotation of the first pointer and rotate at a rotation angle smaller than the rotation angle of the first pointer; and a CPU which controls the rotations of the first pointer and the second pointer. The CPU performs a movement between at least two indication positions by the first pointer by rotating in a predetermined first rotational direction when allowing the first pointer to indicate at least two indication positions relating to a second function operation in order while controlling the second pointer to perform display relating to a first function operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic clock that displays a time using a pointer.

Conventionally, there are electronic clocks capable of displaying and operating various functions in addition to displaying the time. Functions other than time display include, for example, an alarm notification function, an alarm notification setting time display setting operation, a stopwatch function, a timer function, a physical quantity display function measured and calculated using various measurement sensors, and an external function. Examples include a notification function based on schedule information and status information acquired from the device.

Display related to such a plurality of functional operations can often be made simultaneously in parallel of a plurality of types in accordance with the convenience of the user. However, analog electronic clocks that display using pointers, especially wristwatches, have an upper limit on the number of pointers that can be mounted, and separate pointers and display areas are provided for each function. Is often difficult. Therefore, conventionally, there is a technique for sequentially switching a part or all of the function displays to be displayed. A plurality of functional operations to be switched are selected in order according to, for example, a user pressing a predetermined push button switch.

In addition, some analog electronic clocks that perform such a multifunctional display use any of the pointers to display a status indicating which function type the display operation is currently being performed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for making a user aware of the current setting mode by instructing a position corresponding to a setting mode such as an alarm notification setting or a pointer operation interruption setting with a second hand.

However, due to restrictions on power consumption, design, size, etc., in an electronic watch that operates multiple pointers in conjunction with an operating unit such as a common motor, multiple displays and status displays related to any functional operation are displayed at the same time. In some cases, these plurality of pointers will be used simultaneously for display and status display related to different functional operations. In such a case, among the pointers that are conventionally operated in conjunction with each other, a control operation such as rotating a pointer having a large rotation angle in response to the operation of a pointer having a small rotation angle with respect to a predetermined drive amount by the operating unit. Is being done.

JP-A-2002-328184

However, in an electronic clock in which a plurality of pointers rotate in conjunction with each other, the plurality of pointers are made to display a display or a state related to a different functional operation, and one of the displays sequentially transitions between the plurality of states. When one guideline indicates that the movement direction of the guideline related to the transition and the change direction of the display content indicated by the other guideline are intricate, it becomes difficult for the user to read the change in the display content, which is effective. There is a problem that it cannot be shown.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic clock capable of more effectively showing a user a change in display contents due to each of a plurality of pointers rotating in conjunction with each other.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
A first pointer rotatably provided and
A second pointer provided so as to rotate at a rotation angle smaller than the rotation angle with respect to the rotation angle of the first pointer in conjunction with the rotation of the first pointer.
A control unit that controls the rotation of the first pointer and the second pointer,
With
The control unit causes the first pointer to sequentially instruct at least two instruction positions related to the second functional operation while the second pointer is causing the display related to the first functional operation. In this case, the electronic timepiece is characterized in that the movement between the at least two indicated positions according to the first pointer is performed by rotation in the first rotation direction.

According to the present invention, in an electronic timepiece, there is an effect that a change in display contents due to each of a plurality of pointers rotating in conjunction with each other can be more effectively shown to the user.

It is a front view which shows the electronic clock of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of an electronic clock. It is a figure which shows the example of the setting information which can be set by an electronic clock. It is a chart which shows the communication type in an electronic clock. It is a figure which shows the moving example of the pointer at the time of a communication connection operation. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the communication connection control processing executed by an electronic clock. It is a figure which shows the change example of the instruction state of a minute hand and a second hand at the time of a communication connection operation according to a communication connection time.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of the electronic clock of the present invention.

The electronic watch 1 of the present embodiment is an analog electronic watch that displays the time and date according to a pointer, and is a wristwatch type that can be worn on the wrist via a band (not shown).
The electronic clock 1 includes a dial 11, a casing 12, an hour hand 2, a minute hand 3 (second pointer), a second hand 4 (first pointer), a date wheel 5, a small hour hand 6, and a small minute hand. 7, crown C1, push button switches B2 and B3 and the like are provided.

The hour hand 2, the minute hand 3, and the second hand 4 are provided so as to be able to rotate (rotate) with respect to the same axis in a plane substantially parallel to the dial 11 above the dial 11 (front side). A plurality of signs for indicating various information such as the time are provided on the dial 11, and the time corresponding to the positional relationship between the signs and the direction (instructed position) indicated by the hour hand 2, the minute hand 3, and the second hand 4. And various information can be read.

The small hour hand 6 and the small minute hand 7 rotate with respect to the same rotation axis inside the small window 111 provided on the surface (front surface) of the dial 11, and together with the sign provided on the small window 111. Various information can be read depending on the positional relationship of. The minute hand 6 and the minute hand 7 are not particularly limited, but are used here for displaying the local time (world clock) of a preset area, the alarm notification set time, and the like.

The date wheel 5 is a rotating disk provided on the back surface side of the dial 11 substantially parallel to the dial 11, and has a circumference on the front surface side (the surface side facing the dial 11) of the date wheel 5. The signs "1" to "31" are provided at equal intervals. By selectively exposing any of these signs from the opening 112 provided in the dial 11, the date corresponding to the exposed numerical value is indicated.

The push button switches B2 and B3 are provided on the side surface (9 o'clock side) of the casing 12, and when they are pressed, an input operation signal is generated. The crown C1 is provided on the side surface of the casing 12 on the side opposite to the push button switches B2 and B3 (3 o'clock side), and is an input operation signal corresponding to an operation of being pulled out from the casing 12, rotated, or pushed back. To generate. In the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment, the crown C1 can be pulled out in two stages.

The dial 11 has block markers provided on the surface side (front side) at intervals of 30 degrees in a circumferential shape near the outer edge, scales provided at intervals of 6 degrees between the block markers, and a part of the scales. Character sign provided in place of (here, "A" at 47 seconds, "P" at 52 seconds, "R" at 18 seconds, "F" at 23 seconds, "C" at 28 seconds ") And. The block signs correspond to the directions indicating each hour from 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock, and at the same time indicate the intervals of 5 minutes and 5 seconds. The scale and the character sign indicate the direction in units of 1 minute and 1 second, respectively. Further, the character signs "A" and "P" are signs indicating morning (AM) and afternoon (PM), respectively. When a predetermined input operation is performed on the crown C1 or the push button switches B2 and B3, any of the character markers "A" and "P" is displayed on the second hand 4 until it is released by a predetermined time or a predetermined input operation. By pointing to, the morning and afternoon of the time (alarm notification set time and world clock time) indicated by the minute hand 6 and the minute hand 7 are indicated. The character signs "R", "F", and "C" are indicated by the second hand 4, and as will be described in detail later, the wireless communication unit 49 (see FIG. 2) communicates with an external electronic device. Indicates the communication connection status.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment.
The electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment has a train wheel mechanism in addition to the above-mentioned hour hand 2, minute hand 3, second hand 4, day wheel 5, small hour hand 6 and small minute hand 7 (hereinafter collectively referred to as pointers 2 to 7 and the like). 71-73, stepping motors 81-83, drive circuit 51, CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit) (control unit), ROM 42 (Read Only Memory), RAM 43 (Random Access Memory), oscillation circuit 44, It includes a frequency dividing circuit 45, a time measuring circuit 46 (time measuring unit), a notification operation unit 47, an operation receiving unit 48, a wireless communication unit 49, an antenna 50, a power supply unit 52, and the like.

As a processor, the CPU 41 performs various arithmetic processes and collectively controls the overall operation of the electronic clock 1. Further, the CPU 41 outputs a control signal for moving the pointers 2 to 7 to the drive circuit 51, respectively.

The ROM 42 stores various programs executed by the CPU 41 and initial setting data used in the various programs. These programs and initial setting data are read out by the CPU 41 at the time of starting the electronic clock 1 or at any time as needed, and are executed and used.
The ROM 42 may be various non-volatile memories such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) that can be partially or completely rewritable.
The RAM 43 provides the CPU 41 with a working memory space and stores temporary data. The temporary data includes connection destination information 43a for communication by the wireless communication unit 49, setting information 43b acquired from the connection destination, and the like.

FIG. 3 is a chart showing an example of setting information 43b that can be set in the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment.
Here, the alarm notification setting, the local time setting, the schedule notification setting, and the communication setting can be set and stored.
The alarm notification setting includes a setting of whether or not to perform an alarm notification operation (for example, output of a beep sound in a predetermined pattern) at a set time, and information related to the alarm notification setting time. When the alarm notification operation is set to on, the alarm notification operation is performed at the set alarm notification set time.

The local time setting is the setting of the local time (basic clock) of the current location displayed using the pointers 2 to 5 and the setting of the local time (world clock) of any region of the world displayed using the pointers 6 and 7. And, including.
The setting contents include information on the time zones of the basic clock and the world clock, whether or not daylight saving time is implemented, the implementation period when it is implemented, and the shift time at the time of implementation. The world clock is calculated and displayed, for example, by calculating the time difference with respect to the date and time counted as the basic clock based on these local time settings.

The schedule notification setting includes a notification on / off setting and a notification type setting for performing a predetermined notification operation at a predetermined time on a set day. As the notification date, for example, a date on which the notification operation is desired to be performed can be simply set. Further, as the notification type, the types of various notification operations that can be executed can be determined by the notification operation unit 47 and the pointers 2 to 7.

The communication setting includes setting the timing of making a communication connection with the electronic device in order to acquire the date and time information for automatically adjusting the date and time of the electronic clock 1 from the external electronic device. For example, when making a communication connection four times a day every six hours, the first communication connection timing can be set at 1:00 am. Alternatively, the communication connection at midnight can be omitted and the settings can be made at 7:00, 12:00, 17:00, 23:00, and the like. Further, the acquisition timing of the setting information can be set together with, for example, the communication connection at 7 o'clock related to the acquisition of the date and time information. Alternatively, the acquisition timing of the setting information may be set at, for example, 9:30, separately from the acquisition timing of the date and time information.

The power supply unit 52 supplies the electric power required for operation to each unit of the CPU 41 and the electronic clock 1. The power supply unit 52 is not particularly limited, but for example, it holds a solar panel and a secondary battery in combination as a battery (power source), and enables long-term and stable power supply from the battery. Is.

The oscillation circuit 44 generates a predetermined frequency signal and outputs it to the frequency dividing circuit 45. The frequency dividing circuit 45 divides the frequency signal input from the oscillation circuit 44, generates a signal of the frequency set by the control signal from the CPU 41, and outputs the signal to the CPU 41. Further, the frequency dividing circuit 45 generates a predetermined frequency signal (for example, a 1-second signal) and outputs it to the time measuring circuit 46.

The timekeeping circuit 46 is a counter that counts the input frequency signal and counts the date and time (current time). This counter is not limited to the counter circuit as a hardware configuration, and may be a RAM or the like that stores the date and time counted by software by the CPU 41.

The notification operation unit 47 performs a predetermined notification operation in response to a control signal from the CPU 41.
The notification operation unit 47 includes, but is not particularly limited,, for example, a beep sound generating unit having a piezoelectric element that generates a beep sound, a vibration generating unit having a weighted motor that generates vibration, and the like.

The operation reception unit 48 receives an operation from the outside by the user, converts it into an electric signal, and outputs it to the CPU 41 as an input signal. The operation receiving unit 48 includes the above-mentioned push button switches B2 and B3 crown C1. In response to the external operation contents of the push button switches B2, B3 and the crown C1, the CPU 41 switches the display contents by the pointers 2 to 7, for example, the basic clock display by the pointers 2 to 5 and the pointers 6 and 7. Whether to replace the world clock display with, display the alarm notification set time according to pointers 6 and 7, switch various settings, for example, whether to perform summer time on the basic clock or world clock, and perform alarm notification operation. Can be switched and the alarm notification setting time can be changed.

Based on the control of the CPU 41, the wireless communication unit 49 performs short-range wireless communication with an external electronic device via the antenna 50, in which information is transmitted / received by Bluetooth (registered trademark: Bluetooth). The wireless communication unit 49 of the present embodiment may be configured such that the power supply is controlled independently of the other parts of the electronic clock 1 and the power supply is not received during the period when the wireless communication unit 49 is not operated. .. Further, a communication connection is made between the electronic clock 1 and an external electronic device only when information is transmitted / received or when the user manually performs an input operation related to a connection command, and a communication connection is usually made. Has been released. Therefore, the duration of the communication connection state by the wireless communication unit 49 in the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration upper limit of the electronic clock 1, but is usually assumed to be about several minutes or less.

The stepping motors 81 to 83 are step-driven based on the voltage waveform of the drive pulse input from the drive circuit 51, for example, the rotor is rotated 180 degrees with respect to the stator, and the corresponding pointers 2 to 7 are rotated in the normal direction. It is possible to rotate (rotate) by a predetermined angle in the direction or the reverse direction. The stepping motors 81 to 83 of the present embodiment are capable of fast forward rotation of up to 80 pps (Pulse per Second) in the forward rotation direction (clockwise direction), and are capable of fast forward rotation in the reverse rotation direction (direction opposite to the forward rotation direction). Fast forward rotation of up to 32 pps is possible.

The train wheel mechanism 71 to 73 is a gear train that transmits the rotational operation of the stepping motors 81 to 83 to the corresponding pointers 2 to 7 to rotate the stepping motors by a predetermined angle. The train wheel mechanism 71 transmits the rotational operation of the stepping motor 81 to the second hand 4 and the s minute hand 3. The train wheel mechanism 72 transmits the rotational operation of the stepping motor 82 to the hour hand 2 and the date wheel 5. The train wheel mechanism 73 transmits the rotational operation of the stepping motor 83 to the small hour hand 6 and the small minute hand 7.

In the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment, the second hand 4 rotates by 6 degrees (rotation angle of the first pointer) each time the stepping motor 81 is driven by one step, and the minute hand 3 is set to 1 in conjunction with this. Rotate by / 10 degrees (rotation angle smaller than the rotation angle of the first pointer). Therefore, the second hand 4 is moved every second in the case of the time display (display related to the first functional operation) and rotates 360 degrees in 1 minute, and the minute hand 3 is moved 6 degrees in 1 minute accordingly. It rotates 360 degrees in 1 hour.
Further, each time the stepping motor 82 is driven by one step, the hour hand 2 rotates by 0.5 degrees. Every time the hour hand 2 makes two revolutions, the date wheel 5 rotates by 3/62 degrees in conjunction with the rotation of the hour hand 2 from the 10 o'clock position to the 2 o'clock position. Therefore, the hour hand 2 is moved every minute in the case of time display, rotates 30 degrees in 1 hour, and rotates 360 degrees in 12 hours. Along with this, the date wheel 5 moves by 240 steps 360/31 degrees in 4 hours from 22:00 to 2:00, that is, by rotating the angle according to the interval of the date sign.
Further, each time the stepping motor 83 is driven by one step, the minute hand 7 rotates by 6 degrees, and in conjunction with this, the minute hand 6 rotates by 0.5 degrees. Therefore, in the case of time display (including world clock display), the minute hand 7 is moved every minute and rotates 360 degrees in one hour, and the minute hand 6 is moved by 30 degrees in one hour accordingly. It rotates 360 degrees in 12 hours.

The drive circuit 51 outputs drive pulses to the stepping motors 81 to 83 based on the control signal input from the CPU 41. When a control signal for operating a plurality of stepping motors 81 to 83 is acquired from the CPU 41, the drive circuit 51 appropriately adjusts the timing, adjusts the peak voltage of the drive pulse, and adjusts the pulse width of the peak voltage output. It can be adjusted.

Next, the functional operation of the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
In the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment, it is set by the corresponding application program (hereinafter referred to as an application) in the communication connection destination electronic device (here, mainly a smartphone is assumed) set as the connection destination information 43a. The setting information related to the set operation setting is received and acquired and held as the setting information 43b. Then, at the timing set in the setting information 43b, the operation set in association with the timing is performed by a part or all of the notification operation unit 47 and the pointers 2 to 7.
The application related to the creation and transmission of the setting information may be created based on any well-known technique, and is transmitted and received in the format of the setting information 43b of the electronic clock 1.

Further, in the electronic clock 1, similarly, the communication setting set by using the application in the electronic device of the communication connection destination is acquired and held as the setting information 43b. Then, a communication connection is made with the electronic device at the acquisition timing of the date and time information defined in the communication setting, and the date and time information acquisition operation for acquiring the date and time information from the electronic device is performed. Further, in the electronic clock 1, a date / time correction operation is performed in which the date / time of the timekeeping circuit 46 is corrected according to the date / time information acquired in this date / time information acquisition operation, and the time displayed by the pointer is corrected.

Further, there is a terminal search operation as a function operation separate from the function operation set as the setting information 43b and the date / time correction operation.
In the terminal search operation (also referred to as Find Me operation), a communication connection is made to the connection destination information 43a with an electronic device preset as a communication connection destination of the electronic clock 1, and a predetermined notification operation is performed on the electronic device, here. , Notifies the location of the electronic device to the user by mainly performing voice output.

In the electronic clock 1, a communication connection operation with an electronic device by short-range wireless communication is performed according to a function operation different from these time display operations and its setting. When performing this communication connection operation, the electronic clock 1 performs a communication connection state notification operation indicating that a communication connection is being attempted or a communication connection has been established. Here, this notification operation is performed by instructing the character signs "R", "F", and "C" shown in FIG. 1 by the second hand 4. The character sign "R" (the first instruction position of at least two instruction positions in the display related to the second functional operation) is instructed between the instruction reception of the communication connection operation and the establishment of the connection. The character sign "F" is instructed between the start of the communication connection related to the terminal search operation and the establishment of the connection. The character sign "C" (the last designated position among at least two designated positions in the display related to the second functional operation) is designated between the establishment of the communication connection and the disconnection of the communication connection. That is, here, the character signs corresponding to two or three states are instructed in order from the reception of the instruction for the communication connection operation to the cancellation of the communication connection.

FIG. 4 is a chart showing the types of communication connections in the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment.
In this electronic clock 1, the above-mentioned date and time information acquisition operation, setting information acquisition operation, terminal search operation, and manual connection operation are the operation types of the communication connection operation (second function operation) executed in association with various function operations. is there.
In the date / time information acquisition operation, the process is automatically started at a preset timing to establish the communication connection, and the communication connection is canceled as soon as the date / time information is acquired. It should be noted that the date and time information can be acquired manually, and can also be acquired when another type of communication connection is made.

In the setting information acquisition operation, as a setting operation related to various notification operations, processing is automatically started at a preset timing to establish a communication connection, and as soon as the setting information is acquired and the setting information 43b is updated, the communication connection is established. Is released. Note that this setting information acquisition operation may be performed together with the date and time information acquisition operation. For example, in one of the four date and time information acquisition operations, both the date and time information and the setting information are acquired. Is also good. Further, the acquisition of the setting information may be performed by transmitting the setting information from the electronic device based on the operation of the user in the electronic device when the manual connection operation is performed.

The terminal search operation is started by the user pressing a predetermined push button switch, here, the push button switch B3 continuously for a predetermined time (3 seconds) to establish a communication connection, and the electronic device connected to the communication. To perform a predetermined notification operation. The communication connection with the electronic device is automatically performed after a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds after the communication connection is established, or when the user performs a manual operation to cancel the communication connection with the electronic watch 1 or the electronic device. Will be released.

The manual connection operation is started by the user continuously pressing the push button switch B3 for a predetermined time (1.5 seconds or more and less than 3 seconds) to establish the communication connection. When the electronic clock 1 and the electronic device are connected by communication by the manual connection operation, the electronic clock 1 automatically acquires the date and time information. Further, various operations can be performed by causing the user to issue an operation command related to the electronic clock 1 that can be executed by using a predetermined application installed in the electronic device. Instructions that can be executed by the application include, for example, transmission of the above-mentioned setting information, acquisition of the battery state of the electronic clock 1, and a pointer position of the electronic clock 1 (that is, a pointer position set by the control unit and an actual pointer). There are correction settings for (deviation from the position indicated by). The communication connection in this case is maintained until the user performs the operation of canceling the communication connection with the electronic clock 1 or the electronic device. If there is no communication from the electronic clock 1 or the electronic device for a predetermined time or more, the communication connection may be automatically canceled.

In the electronic clock 1, the operation related to the time display for displaying the hour and minute of the current time by the hour hand 2 and the minute hand 3 even while the second hand 4 is displaying the communication connection state (display related to the second functional operation). (First functional operation) can be performed. However, in the electronic clock 1, the second hand 4 and the minute hand 3 rotate in conjunction with each other due to the operation of the stepping motor 81. Therefore, if the minute hand 3 is to be aligned as accurately as possible, the position of the second hand 4 may be moved. When the time elapses without moving the position of the second hand 4 or the second hand 4, it becomes necessary to rotate the second hand 4 in the rotation direction in consideration of the position of the minute hand 3 according to the current time.

At this time, the state (communication connection state) of the function operation (communication connection operation) is sequentially (in order) switched between a plurality of states such as connection command reception, connection operation for terminal search, and communication connection establishment state. If the second hand 4 moves back and forth according to the value or state that should be originally indicated by the minute hand 3 on the way, it becomes difficult for the user to know the state change indicated by the second hand 4. Therefore, in the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment, in the middle of switching the plurality of states, the change in the minute value (minute value) at the current time to be indicated by the minute hand 3 is not considered, and the normal rotation direction (minute value) is always taken. The second hand 4 is fast-forwarded to a position corresponding to each state in the clockwise direction, the first rotation direction, and the rotation direction (the same direction as the second rotation direction) related to the current time display function of the minute hand 3. Then, after shifting to the final state, that is, the established state of the communication connection, and after a predetermined time, in this case, 3 seconds, the second hand 4 and the minute hand 3 are moved to the position of the minute hand 3 which is equal to the minute value of the current time. Operate lap fast forward.

Further, in the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment, when the second hand 4 is moved from the position of the second value (second value) of the current time to the position of the character indicator indicating the reception state, it is always fast-forwarded in the forward rotation direction. As a result, if the current time counted by the timekeeping circuit 46 is correct, the hour hand 2 and the minute hand 3 display a substantially accurate time with a lead of less than 1 minute, and from the start of the communication connection operation to the establishment of the communication connection. In many cases, the minute value displayed by the minute hand 3 should not be delayed from the current time.
Further, if the current time becomes 0 seconds for each minute and the minute value of the current time advances beyond the minute value displayed by the minute hand 3 while the established communication connection state is maintained, the second hand By rotating 4 in the forward rotation direction, the position indicated by the minute hand 3 is advanced by 1 minute.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of moving the pointer during the communication connection operation.
Here, when the communication connection command is received at 10:05:30, the second hand 4 moves in the forward rotation direction from the state where the pointers 2 to 4 point to 10:05:30 (FIG. 5 (a)). By fast-forwarding and moving to the position of the character sign "R", 10:06:18 is indicated (FIG. 5 (b)). The fast-forward speed at this time is 80 pps, and it takes 0.6 seconds to move the second hand 4 and the minute hand 3 by 48 steps.

When the communication connection is established at 10:05:31 after the communication connection operation is started, the second hand 4 is further fast-forwarded in the forward rotation direction and fast-forwarded to the position of the character sign "C". Then, 10:06:28 is pointed out (Fig. 5 (c)). At this time, it takes 0.125 seconds to move the second hand 4 and the minute hand 3 by 10 steps. After that, when 3 seconds have passed and 10:05:34, the minute hand 3 is fast-forwarded in the reverse direction to indicate "5 minutes", and 10:05:28 is indicated (FIG. 5 (d)). )).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 41 of the communication connection control process executed by the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment.
In this communication connection control process, when the CPU 41 needs a communication connection with an electronic device in the control process related to various function operations and its setting operations, and when the user presses the push button switch B3, a communication connection command is issued. It is started when it is detected.
When the communication connection control process is started, the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 51 and moves the second hand 4 to the position of the character sign "R", that is, the position of 18 seconds in forward rotation and fast forward. Further, when the CPU 41 determines that the push button switch B3 is continuously pressed for 3 seconds or more to request the execution of the terminal search operation, the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 51 and displays the character sign "R". The second hand 4 is moved forward and fast forward from the position to the position of the character sign "F", that is, the position of 23 seconds (step S101). The CPU 41 acquires information on the electronic device of the connection destination with reference to the connection destination information 43a (step S102), and causes the wireless communication unit 49 to start the communication connection operation (step S103).

The CPU 41 determines whether or not a communication connection has been established with the electronic device to be connected (step S104), and if it is determined that the communication connection has not been established (“NO” in step S104), the CPU 41 sets the CPU 41 in step S103. Return to the processing of. If it is determined that it has been established (“YES” in step S104), the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 51 and rotates the second hand 4 to the position of the character sign “C”, that is, the 28-second position. Fast forward movement (step S105).

The CPU 41 transmits / receives predetermined information and / or information transmitted / requested from an electronic device in the functional operation executed with the communication connection operation this time (step S111). If there is no information to be transmitted / received when the step S111 is executed, the process of the step S111 is omitted. The CPU 41 determines whether or not the communication connection cancellation command has been accepted or whether or not the information transmission / reception of the predetermined content has been completed (step S112). When it is determined that the operation for canceling the communication connection has not been accepted and the information transmission / reception of the predetermined contents has not been completed (“NO” in step S112), the CPU 41 starts from the establishment of the communication connection. It is determined whether or not the second has elapsed (step S113).

If it is determined that 3 seconds have not elapsed (“NO” in step S113), the processing of the CPU 41 returns to step S111. If it is determined that 3 seconds have elapsed (“YES” in step S113), the CPU 41 determines whether or not the determination process was performed in the first step S113 after 3 seconds have elapsed, that is, “YES” for the first time in step S113. It is determined whether or not the branch has been made to "(step S114). When it is determined that the determination process was performed in the first step S113 after 3 seconds have elapsed (“YES” in step S114), the CPU 41 acquires the current time counted by the timekeeping circuit 46 and sends the drive circuit 51 to the current time. The control signal is output and the pointers 3 and 4 are fast-forwarded orbitally moved to the position of 28 seconds (the position of the character sign “C”) which is the same as the current minute value (step S115). Then, the process of the CPU 41 returns to the process of step S111.

When 3 seconds have passed and the determination process is not performed in the first step S113, that is, when it is determined in step S113 that the branch to "YES" is the second or subsequent time ("NO" in step S114), the CPU 41 Determines whether or not the current time is 0 seconds for each minute and the minute value of the current time and the minute value indicated by the minute hand 3 are different (shifted) or not (step S116). When it is determined that the current time is 0 seconds for each minute and the minute value of the current time and the minute value indicated by the minute hand 3 are different (“YES” in step S116), the CPU 41 uses the drive circuit 51. By outputting a control signal to and fast-forwarding the second hand 4 in the forward rotation direction, the minute value of the current time and the minute value indicated by the minute hand 3 are matched (step S117). Then, the process of the CPU 41 returns to step S111. If it is determined that the current time is not 0 seconds for each minute, or the minute value of the current time and the minute value indicated by the minute hand 3 are not different (equal) (“NO” in step S116). , The processing of the CPU 41 returns to step S111.

When it is determined in the determination process of step S112 that the operation for canceling the communication connection has been accepted or that the transmission / reception of predetermined information has been completed (“YES” in step S112), the CPU 41 sends the wireless communication unit 49 to the wireless communication unit 49. The communication connection with the electronic device is disconnected (step S121), and then a control signal is output to the drive circuit 51 to fast-forward and move each pointer 2 to 4 to a position corresponding to the current time (step S122). Then, the CPU 41 ends the communication connection control process.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the indicated states of the minute hand and the second hand during the communication connection operation according to the communication connection time.
As shown in FIG. 7A, when the communication connection is disconnected in less than 3 seconds, the second hand 4 is positively positioned at the character sign "R" according to the type of communication connection at the timing t10 when the communication connection command is received. It is fast-forwarded and moved forward, and is further fast-forwarded forward to the position of the character sign "F" depending on the situation (step S101). Then, the connection destination information is acquired (step S102), the communication connection with the electronic device is started (step S103), and at the timing t20 when the communication connection is established (“YES” in step S104), the second hand 4 is positive. It is moved to the position of the character sign "C" by turning (step S105).

After the necessary information is transmitted / received (step S111) and before 3 seconds have elapsed from the establishment of the communication connection (“NO” in step S113), if the connection disconnection command is issued at the timing t30 (“YES” in step S112). ), After the communication connection release operation is performed (step S121), the minute hand 3 and the second hand 4 are fast-forwarded to the normal current time display position (step S122).

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the communication connection is continued for 3 seconds or more, the second hand 4 rotates forward to the position of the character sign "R" according to the type of communication connection at the timing t10 when the communication connection command is received. The fast-forward movement is performed, and the forward rotation fast-forward movement is further performed to the position of the character sign "F" depending on the situation (step S101). Then, the connection destination information is acquired (step S102), the communication connection with the electronic device is started (step S103), and at the timing t20 when the communication connection is established (“YES” in step S104), the second hand 4 is positive. It is moved to the position of the character sign "C" by turning (step S105).

After the necessary information is transmitted / received (step S111), the communication connection is not disconnected (“NO” in step S112), and at the timing t21 when 3 seconds have passed from the establishment of the communication connection (“YES” in step S113, step S113). “YES” in S114), the second hand 4 is circulated and fast-forwarded to the position where the second hand 4 indicates the character sign “C” within the minute position set to the minute value of the current time (step S115). After that (“YES” in step S113, “NO” in step S114), before the current time reaches 0 seconds of each hour (“NO” in step S116), when a communication connection cancellation command is issued at timing t30 ( After the communication connection release operation is performed in step S112 (“YES”) (step S121), the minute hand 3 and the second hand 4 are fast-forwarded to the normal current time display position (step S122).

As shown in FIG. 7C, when the communication connection state is maintained for a long time so that the minute value of the current time changes during the communication connection, the second hand 4 is a character sign "at the timing t10 when the communication connection command is received. The forward rotation fast forward movement is performed to the position of "R", and the forward rotation fast forward movement is further moved to the position of the character sign "F" depending on the situation (step S101). Then, the connection destination information is acquired (step S102), the communication connection with the electronic device is started (step S103), and at the timing t20 when the communication connection is established (“YES” in step S104), the second hand 4 is positive. It is moved to the position of the character sign "C" by turning (step S105).

After the necessary information is transmitted / received (step S111), the communication connection is not disconnected (“NO” in step S112), and at the timing t21 when 3 seconds have passed from the establishment of the communication connection (“YES” in step S113, step S113). “YES” in S114), the second hand 4 is rotated and fast-forwarded to the position where the second hand 4 indicates the character sign “C” within the minute position set to the minute value of the current time (step S115). Further, the time elapses without disconnecting the communication connection (“NO” in step S112, “YES” in step S113, “NO” in step S114), the current time becomes 0 seconds of each hour and minute, and the timing t22. When the minute value changes and becomes a value different from the minute value indicated by the minute hand 3 (“YES” in step S116), the second hand 4 is rotated forward and fast forwarded once (step S117), and the minute hand 3 indicates the minute. The value is advanced by 1 minute to match the minute value of the current time, and the second hand 4 is continuously instructed by the character sign "C".

After that, the communication connection cancellation operation is performed at the timing t30 (“YES” in step S112) when the communication connection is canceled (step S121), and then the minute hand 3 and the second hand 4 move in fast forward to the normal current time display position. (Step S122).

As described above, the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment has the second hand 4 rotatably provided and the rotation angle of the second hand 4 (for example, 6 degrees) in conjunction with the rotation of the second hand 4. A CPU 41 is provided with a minute hand 3 provided to rotate at a rotation angle (for example, 0.1 degree) smaller than the rotation angle, and a CPU 41 (processor) for controlling the rotation of the second hand 4 and the minute hand 3. Is causing the minute hand 3 to display the current time display operation as the first functional operation, while the second hand 4 has at least two instruction positions (character indicator R) related to the communication connection operation as the second functional operation. , C) are instructed in order, the movement between the at least two indicated positions by the second hand 4 is performed by rotation in the normal rotation direction (first rotation direction).
In this way, when the display related to different function types is performed in parallel for each of the interlocking pointers, the second hand 4 is moved by rotating the mode switching display on the minute hand 3 side in order in the same direction. It becomes easier to distinguish the movement for the movement from the movement linked to the movement of the minute hand 3, and therefore it becomes easier for the user to read the change in the display content due to each of the plurality of pointers rotating in conjunction with each other. Can be shown effectively.
Further, even when the display related to the functional operation by the minute hand 3 can move in both the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction, the movement of the second hand 4 is limited to the movement in the forward rotation direction. The movement of the second hand 4 associated with the movement of the minute hand 3 related to the functional operation and the movement of the second hand 4 itself related to the second functional operation can be more easily distinguished and known.

Further, the order in which at least two designated positions (here, the character signs R and C) are designated by the second hand 4 is predetermined. As a result, the user can recognize in advance the movement range and the movement distance when moving between the pointers, so that it becomes easier to distinguish the movement from the time display by the minute hand 3.

Further, the second rotation direction of the minute hand 3 related to the first functional operation (time display), that is, the forward rotation direction (clockwise) is predetermined, and the first rotation direction of the second hand 4 is this first rotation direction. 2 Determined in the same direction as the rotation direction. As a result, it is not necessary to rotate the second hand 4 in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction (counterclockwise) with the passage of time. Therefore, the rotation directions of the second hands 4 are aligned to make it not only easy to see but also neat and complicated. It is possible to perform a few pointer movements.

Further, since the first rotation direction of the second hand 4 is clockwise, it is unlikely to cause a sense of discomfort as the pointer operation of the analog electronic clock using the pointer. Further, in analog electronic clocks, the clockwise rotation speed is often set to be high, and in this case, it is easy to move the pointer quickly.

Further, since the first pointer is the second hand and the second pointer is the minute hand, the multifunctional display can be effectively performed by using the basic pointer in the electronic timepiece.

Further, the timekeeping circuit 46 for counting the current time is provided, and the first functional operation by the minute hand 3 is an operation related to the time display according to the current time counted by the timekeeping circuit 46, so that the minute hand 3 is substantially accurate. While displaying the display, the second hand 4 can appropriately and reasonably display the display related to other functional operations. Therefore, in the electronic clock 1, it is possible to perform multi-function display in parallel without impairing the function as a clock.

Further, after a predetermined time (here, 3 seconds) has elapsed after the CPU 41 indicates the last designated position (character sign C) of at least two designated positions (character signs R and C) by the second hand 4, the CPU 41 waits. The minute hand 3 is rotated to a position corresponding to the current time counted by the timekeeping circuit 46, and the second hand 4 is made to indicate the last indicated position (character sign C). That is, while the status display is being switched by the second hand 4, the status display is prioritized over the accuracy of the display while displaying the time, and the time display is displayed after reaching the final status display and performing the display for an appropriate time. Since the time is adjusted more accurately, the time display is continued, and the pointer operation that gives priority to the display with a higher priority is performed, so that the necessary information can be provided to the user more effectively.

Further, when the CPU 41 causes the second hand 4 to indicate the first designated position (character sign R) of at least two designated positions (character signs R and C), the CPU 41 rotates the second hand 4 in the first rotation direction (clockwise). Rotate to. That is, not only when moving between a plurality of designated positions, but also when moving to the first designated position, the second hands 4 are aligned by fast-forwarding in the same direction to display a more unified and easy-to-see function operation. Can be done.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
For example, the functional operation indicated by the minute hand 3 is not limited to the display operation of the current time. For example, the minute hand 3 may be made to perform the display operation related to the stopwatch function and the timer function.
Similarly, the display related to the functional operation indicated by the second hand 4 is not limited to the display related to the communication connection state. For example, the progress status of the measurement state by the sensor, the radio wave reception state other than the short-range wireless communication, for example, the progress status of the radio wave reception state from the GPS satellite, the positioning operation, the date and time information acquisition operation, and the like may be used. Further, the display related to the functional operation indicated by the second hand 4 may be linked with the display related to the functional operation indicated by the minute hand 3.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the second hand 4 and the minute hand 3 that rotate in conjunction with each other display separately in parallel has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, other pointers that rotate in conjunction with each other, such as the minute hand 7 and the hour hand 6, may be displayed differently.

Further, in the above embodiment, it is predetermined that the character sign "R", the character sign "F", and the character sign "C" are displayed in this order, but the order may be reversed or other depending on the state. It may be a thing.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the communication connection state is displayed by the second hand 4, it is predetermined that the second hand 4 is rotated in the forward rotation direction, but the position of the character sign "R" and the character sign "R" The position of "C" may be provided in reverse, and it may be determined in advance to rotate in the reverse direction. Further, any rotation direction may be selected according to the content of the display related to the functional operation instructed by the second hand 4 for each series of status indications by the minute hand 3.

Further, in the above embodiment, after the second hand 4 is instructed to indicate the last character sign "C", a fast-forward operation for correcting the minute value instructed by the minute hand 3 is performed 3 seconds later, but each minute is 0 seconds. The timing of position correction of the minute hand 3 related to the first functional operation may be adjusted according to the situation, such as waiting until the timing of. Alternatively, if there is no problem with the display content with some misalignment, does the display related to the second functional operation by the second hand end or the display content itself related to the first functional operation by the minute hand 3 changes? It is not necessary to correct the position of the minute hand 3 except for the conditions such as.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the second hand 4 is instructed to indicate the first character sign "R", the forward rotation direction is the same as when moving from the position of the character sign "R" to the position of the character sign "C". However, the direction of movement to the first character sign "R" may be different.

Further, in the above embodiment, all the operations as the control unit (processor) are performed by the CPU 41, but processing by a hardware circuit such as a dedicated logic circuit may be included.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case of the communication connection by Bluetooth has been described as an example, but the same operation is performed in the electronic clock 1 when the communication connection is made with an external electronic device using another communication protocol. Can be done. Further, the present invention can be similarly applied not only to transmission / reception of information but also to an electronic clock that unilaterally receives a transmitted radio wave to acquire necessary information.
In addition, specific details such as the configuration, control procedure, and display example shown in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
The inventions described in the claims originally attached to the application of this application are added below. The claims in the appendix are as specified in the claims originally attached to the application for this application.

[Additional Notes]
<Claim 1>
A first pointer rotatably provided and
A second pointer provided so as to rotate at a rotation angle smaller than the rotation angle with respect to the rotation angle of the first pointer in conjunction with the rotation of the first pointer.
A control unit that controls the rotation of the first pointer and the second pointer,
With
The control unit causes the first pointer to sequentially instruct at least two instruction positions related to the second functional operation while the second pointer is causing the display related to the first functional operation. In this case, the electronic timepiece is characterized in that the movement between the at least two indicated positions according to the first pointer is performed by rotation in the first rotation direction.
<Claim 2>
The electronic clock according to claim 1, wherein the order in which the at least two designated positions are designated by the first guideline is predetermined.
<Claim 3>
The second rotation direction of the second pointer related to the first functional operation is predetermined, and the first rotation direction is defined in the same direction as the second rotation direction. The electronic clock according to claim 1 or 2.
<Claim 4>
The electronic clock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first rotation direction is clockwise.
<Claim 5>
The first pointer is the second hand.
The electronic clock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second pointer is a minute hand.
<Claim 6>
Equipped with a timekeeping unit that counts the current time
The electronic clock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first functional operation is an operation related to time display according to the current time counted by the time measuring unit.
<Claim 7>
After a predetermined time has elapsed since the last designated position of the at least two designated positions was designated by the first pointer, the control unit is placed at a position corresponding to the current time counted by the clock unit. The electronic clock according to claim 6, wherein the pointer of 2 is rotated and the first pointer indicates the last designated position.
<Claim 8>
The control unit is characterized in that when the first designated position among the at least two designated positions is designated by the first pointer, the first pointer is rotated in the first rotation direction. The electronic clock according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

1 Electronic clock 2 hour hand 3 minute hand 4 second hand 5 day wheel 6 hour hand 7 minute hand 11 dial 111 small window 112 opening 12 casing 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
43a Connection destination information 43b Setting information 44 Oscillation circuit 45 Dividing circuit 46 Timing circuit 47 Notification operation unit 48 Operation reception unit 49 Wireless communication unit 50 Antenna 51 Drive circuit 52 Power supply unit 71-73 Wheel train mechanism 81-83 Stepping motor B2 , B3 Pushbutton switch C1 Crown

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention
A first pointer rotatably provided and
A second pointer that can rotate at a rotation speed different from the rotation speed of the first pointer in conjunction with the rotation of the first pointer,
A control unit that controls the rotation of the first pointer and the second pointer,
With
When the control unit displays a display related to a different functional operation of the first guideline and the second guideline, at least one of at least three or more states to be shifted when the second functional operation is performed. It is an electronic timepiece characterized in that three designated positions are instructed by the first pointer in order by rotation in the first rotation direction.

Claims (8)

A first pointer rotatably provided and
A second pointer provided so as to rotate at a rotation angle smaller than the rotation angle with respect to the rotation angle of the first pointer in conjunction with the rotation of the first pointer.
A control unit that controls the rotation of the first pointer and the second pointer,
With
The control unit causes the first pointer to sequentially instruct at least two instruction positions related to the second functional operation while the second pointer is causing the display related to the first functional operation. In this case, the electronic timepiece is characterized in that the movement between the at least two indicated positions according to the first pointer is performed by rotation in the first rotation direction. The electronic clock according to claim 1, wherein the order in which the at least two designated positions are designated by the first guideline is predetermined. The second rotation direction of the second pointer related to the first functional operation is predetermined, and the first rotation direction is defined in the same direction as the second rotation direction. The electronic clock according to claim 1 or 2. The electronic clock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first rotation direction is clockwise. The first pointer is the second hand.
The electronic clock according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second pointer is a minute hand. Equipped with a timekeeping unit that counts the current time
The electronic clock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first functional operation is an operation related to time display according to the current time counted by the timekeeping unit. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the last designated position of the at least two designated positions was designated by the first pointer, the control unit is placed at a position corresponding to the current time counted by the counter. The electronic clock according to claim 6, wherein the pointer of 2 is rotated and the first pointer indicates the last designated position. The control unit is characterized in that when the first designated position among the at least two designated positions is designated by the first pointer, the first pointer is rotated in the first rotation direction. The electronic clock according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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