JP3767503B2 - Radio correction clock and control method of radio correction clock - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a radio-controlled timepiece and a method for controlling a radio-controlled timepiece. In particular, the present invention relates to a radio-controlled timepiece capable of displaying an elapsed time since time correction and a method for controlling the radio-controlled clock.
[0002]
[Background]
A radio-controlled timepiece that receives a long-wave standard radio wave on which time information is superimposed and corrects the time is known. Such a radio-controlled timepiece automatically receives time information at a set reception time and automatically corrects the time.
However, radio time correction watches may not be able to receive time information correctly at the set reception time due to the surrounding electric field conditions, such as the influence of magnetic fields and the difficulty of receiving radio waves in the back of buildings, and time correction may not be performed. . Thus, there is known a radio-controlled timepiece that can display whether or not time information is normally received.
[0003]
For example, in an analog radio-controlled timepiece, when the reception is normally performed at the latest (previous) reception time by the user's external input operation, the second hand indicates the scale of “12” and the latest setting If the reception is not normally performed at the received time, the second hand may indicate a scale of “6”. As a result, the user can know whether or not the time information is normally received.
In addition, some lamps are lit when reception is normally performed at the latest set reception time.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above configuration, even if it is determined that the reception is not normally performed at the most recently set reception time, it is determined how long the time information has not been received. Can not. Therefore, there is a problem that the user cannot determine how much the displayed time is deviated, or whether it is necessary to forcibly receive time information and correct the time.
[0005]
Incidentally, it is theoretically possible to store the time when the previous reception was successful and display this time, which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-21857. However, in order to display the time when the previous reception was successful in an analog manner, the hands (hour hand, minute hand) must be rotated many times. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not realistic considering the display time and power consumption. Further, there is a problem that only a period of 12 hours or less can be displayed only by indicating the reception time.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to provide a radio-controlled timepiece and a radio-controlled timepiece control method capable of solving the conventional problems and displaying the elapsed time since the time was corrected.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Of the present inventionThe radio-controlled timepiece includes a time measuring means for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying means for displaying the current time measured, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, In a radio-controlled timepiece comprising a current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on the time information received by the receiving means, a reception time storage means for storing the time information received by the receiving means, A process for calculating an elapsed time since the reception means receives the time information by calculating a time difference between the reception time information stored in the reception time storage means and the current time measured by the time measurement means. A time calculation means and an elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculation means;The current time display means is performed by a pointer, and the elapsed time display means indicates that one of the hands once moves to a reference position, and then one of the hands indicates a scale on the dial corresponding to the elapsed time. By doing so, the elapsed time is displayed.
[0008]
According to such a configuration, the time measuring means counts the current time by counting the reference clock. This current time is displayed by the current time display means. When the standard radio wave including the time information is received, the current time measured by the time measuring means is corrected by the current time correcting means based on the time information. On the other hand, the reception time storage means stores the time information received by the reception means, thereby storing the date and time when the time information was received and the time was corrected. The elapsed time calculation means calculates a time difference between the date and time (reception time information) stored in the reception time storage means and the current time measured by the time measurement means. Then, the elapsed time from the time correction based on the time information to the present time can be calculated. The calculated elapsed time is displayed on the elapsed time display means, and the time from the time correction to the present time, that is, the elapsed time during the time correction is not performed can be displayed.
[0009]
In this way, the elapsed time that has not been corrected by the elapsed time calculation means can be displayed. For example, if it is possible to roughly estimate that the crystal accuracy is a radio-controlled clock with a monthly difference of 20 seconds, the time correction It is possible to determine how much error is included in the current time displayed by taking into account the elapsed time during which no operation is performed. For example, if the elapsed time is found to be 5 days, the approximate error can be estimated to be 5 seconds. If it is possible to know the elapsed time since the time adjustment, it is possible to determine whether it is necessary to receive the time information and adjust the time. For example, if the elapsed time is not so long, it can be determined that it is not necessary to adjust the time. On the contrary, if the elapsed time is long, it can be determined that it is necessary to receive the time information and correct the time. In general, it takes about several minutes to receive time information and correct the time, consumes a large amount of power, and places of reception are limited. Considering this, it is very convenient that it is possible to determine whether or not to correct the time by displaying the elapsed time.
[0010]
  When obtaining the time difference between the current time of the time measuring means and the date and time when the time information is received, it is only necessary to calculate the elapsed time by the elapsed time calculating means when displaying the elapsed time, so that the power consumption is not increased.
Further, since the elapsed time display means can display the elapsed time using the pointer that is the current time display means, it is not necessary to separately provide a display unit for displaying the elapsed time on the conventional radio-controlled timepiece. Since both seconds and minutes are up to 60 scales, if the elapsed time is displayed in units of hours, it can be displayed up to 59 hours, and if displayed in units of days, it can be displayed up to 59 days. Similarly, the hour hand can display up to 11 days.
Also, for example, when driving a pointer with a multi-motor type, the second hand, minute hand, and hour hand are relatively easy to control, so displaying the elapsed time using the second hand, minute hand, or hour hand is easy for the current time display function. This can be done by simple improvement. Therefore, it is possible to provide a radio-controlled timepiece that displays the elapsed time at a simple and low cost.
Furthermore, it is easy to understand that the user has shifted from the current time display to the elapsed time display by the operation of once moving to the reference position.
[0011]
  The present inventionThe radio-controlled timepiece includes a time measuring means for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying means for displaying the measured current time, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, In a radio-controlled timepiece comprising a current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on the time information received by the receiving means, the elapsed time from the time when the time information was received by the receiving means is the reference Elapsed time measuring means for measuring using a clock, and elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring means are provided,The current time display means is performed by a pointer, and the elapsed time display means indicates that one of the hands once moves to a reference position, and then one of the hands indicates a scale on the dial corresponding to the elapsed time. By doing so, the elapsed time is displayed.
[0012]
According to such a configuration, the time measuring means counts the current time by counting the reference clock. This current time is displayed on the current time display means. When a standard radio wave including time information is received by the receiving means, the current time measured by the time measuring means is corrected by the current time correcting means based on the time information. On the other hand, the elapsed time measuring means measures the elapsed time by counting the reference clock from the time when the time correction is performed as zero. The measured elapsed time is displayed by the elapsed time display means, and the time from the time correction to the present time, that is, the elapsed time during the time correction is not performed can be displayed.
[0013]
  Even in such a configurationthe aboveThe same effects as the invention can be achieved. That is, by displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring means, it is possible to provide a determination material for determining whether or not to correct the time.
  Measuring the elapsed time by the elapsed time measuring means is simple because it is sufficient to count the same reference clock as the time measuring means.
[0014]
The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention includes a time measuring means for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying means for displaying the measured current time, and a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information. And a time correction means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on the time information received by the receiving means, and a reception time storage means for storing the time information received by the receiving means And calculating the time difference between the reception time information stored in the reception time storage means and the current time measured by the time measurement means, thereby calculating an elapsed time since the reception means received the time information. Elapsed time calculation means for calculating and elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculation means are provided, and the elapsed time display means follows a preset schedule. And displaying periodically the elapsed time Te.
The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention includes a time measuring means for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying means for displaying the measured current time, and a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information. And a current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on the time information received by the receiving means, and an elapsed time from the time when the time information was received by the receiving means. Elapsed time measurement means for measuring using the reference clock, and elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement means, are provided, and the elapsed time display means is in accordance with a preset schedule. The elapsed time is periodically displayed.
[0015]
  If the elapsed time is displayed according to a preset schedule, the elapsed time is automatically displayed without the user's operation, which is convenient without any trouble.
[0017]
  In the present invention,The reference position is a zero return position of the pointer.It is preferable.
[0018]
  In such a configurationLeaveIf the reference position is set to the zero position, the elapsed time can be indicated by a scale that is indicated after the second hand, the minute hand, or the hour hand has returned to zero. Therefore, the elapsed time since the time correction is performed can be represented by a scale indicated by the second hand, the minute hand, or the hour hand, and the user can easily read the elapsed time. For example, if the elapsed time is one day, the second hand, the minute hand, or the hour hand may be set to indicate “1” on the scale.
[0019]
  In the present invention,Current time display means including a second hand indicating the second of the current time is provided, the elapsed time display means is configured to include the second hand, and the elapsed time display means is determined according to the elapsed time. The elapsed time is displayed by performing an elapsed time display drive different from the drive for the second hand to display the current time at the time indication position.It is preferable.
[0020]
  In the present invention,The elapsed time display drive different from the normal is to stop for the time set at the elapsed time display position.It is preferable.
[0021]
In such a configuration, if the second hand is positioned according to the elapsed time, for example, if the elapsed time is 1 day, the elapsed time is driven by an elapsed time display drive that is different from the normal current time display at 1 on the scale. Can be shown. As the elapsed time display drive, the elapsed time can be displayed by stopping the second hand for a moment at a position corresponding to the elapsed time.
The second hand is driven so as to make a full revolution in 60 seconds even in the drive for displaying the normal current time, and the normal current time display is driven up to the position for displaying the elapsed time. When the second hand reaches the position where the elapsed time is displayed, the second hand is paused. Thereafter, if the drive is returned to the drive that performs fast-forwarding and displays the normal current time, the elapsed time and the current time can be displayed at the same time.
According to the present invention, it is possible to display the elapsed time at the same time while performing the normal current time.
[0022]
  In the present invention,An automatic reception schedule storage unit that stores an automatic reception time at which the reception unit automatically receives the standard radio wave is provided, and the elapsed time display unit displays the elapsed time that is equal to or greater than the interval of the automatic reception times.It is preferable.
[0023]
  In the present invention,The elapsed time display means displays the elapsed time when the elapsed time becomes 27 hours or more.It is preferable.
[0024]
  In the present invention,The elapsed time display means displays the elapsed time in either hour or day units.It is preferable.
[0025]
In general, a radio-controlled timepiece has a reception schedule for receiving time information and correcting the time. Therefore, when the set automatic reception time interval is set, for example, when reception once a day is set, the elapsed time of less than 24 hours does not fail to receive, but the time is corrected normally. Means that Therefore, it does not make much sense to display the elapsed time within 24 hours. Also, for example, the accuracy of a quartz watch has almost no error since the day difference is ± 1 second or less. If only the elapsed time that is equal to or greater than the set automatic reception time interval is displayed, not only the elapsed time that has not been adjusted, but also the elapsed time is displayed, so reception may not have been successful. It can be implied.
Even if the reception is not successful at the set automatic reception time, the reception operation may be repeated for several hours thereafter to receive the time information. Therefore, instead of a day (24 hours), if a certain amount of time is given and a time after a predetermined time has elapsed from 24 hours, for example, an elapsed time of 27 hours or more, is displayed, Misalignment is no longer displayed.
The unit for displaying the elapsed time may be hour or day. If you always want to know the exact time, you should display the elapsed time in hours. In addition, when the time correction may be performed once every several days or weeks, the elapsed time may be displayed in units of days.
[0027]
  In the present invention,An external operation input unit for operating from the outside is provided, and the elapsed time display means displays the elapsed time by operating the external operation input unit.It is preferable.
[0028]
OutsideIf the elapsed time is displayed by operating the part operation input unit, the elapsed time can be displayed.
[0029]
  Of the present inventionThe control method of the radio-controlled timepiece includes a timekeeping step for inputting a reference clock and counting the current time, a current time displaying step for displaying the current time measured, and a receiving step for receiving a standard radio wave including time information. And a current time correction step of correcting the current time of the timing step based on the time information received in the reception step, a reception time for storing the time information received in the reception step Elapsed time since receiving the time information in the reception step by calculating a time difference between the storage step and the reception time information stored in the reception time storage step and the current time measured in the time measurement step And an elapsed time calculating step for displaying the time difference calculated in the elapsed time calculating step is provided,The current time display step is performed by a pointer. In the elapsed time display step, one of the hands once moves to a reference position, and then one of the hands indicates a scale on the dial corresponding to the elapsed time. To display the elapsed time byIt is characterized by that.
[0030]
  Of the present inventionThe control method of the radio-controlled timepiece includes a timekeeping step for inputting a reference clock and counting the current time, a current time displaying step for displaying the current time measured, and a receiving step for receiving a standard radio wave including time information. And a time adjustment step of correcting the current time of the time measurement step based on the time information received in the reception step, in a method for controlling a radio-controlled timepiece from the time when the time information was received by the reception step. An elapsed time measuring step for measuring the elapsed time using the reference clock, and an elapsed time display step for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring step are provided,The current time display step is performed by a pointer. In the elapsed time display step, one of the hands once moves to a reference position, and then one of the hands indicates a scale on the dial corresponding to the elapsed time. To display the elapsed time byIt is characterized by that.
[0031]
  According to such a configuration,The elapsed time that has not been corrected by the elapsed time calculating step or the elapsed time measuring step can be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to determine how much error the current time displayed includes the elapsed time that has not been corrected, and whether or not it is necessary to receive the time information and correct the time. Judgment is also possible.
The control method of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention includes a time measuring process for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying process for displaying the current time measured, and a standard radio wave including time information. Storing the time information received in the receiving step in a control method of a radio-controlled timepiece comprising: a receiving step for performing the current time correction step for correcting the current time of the time measuring step based on the time information received in the receiving step Receiving the time information in the reception step by calculating a time difference between the reception time storage step to be received and the reception time information stored in the reception time storage step and the current time measured in the time measurement step. An elapsed time calculating step for calculating the elapsed time of the first time, and an elapsed time displaying step for displaying the time difference calculated in the elapsed time calculating step. And displaying periodically the elapsed time according to Joule.
The control method of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention includes a time measuring process for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying process for displaying the current time measured, and a standard radio wave including time information. And a time correction step of correcting the current time of the time measurement step based on the time information received in the reception step, wherein the time information is received by the reception step. An elapsed time measuring step for measuring the elapsed time from the time using the reference clock, and an elapsed time displaying step for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring step are provided. The elapsed time is periodically displayed according to a set schedule.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.
The radio-controlled timepiece 1 is of an analog display type, and includes a receiving unit 2 that receives a standard radio wave including time information, a reference signal generating unit 3 that generates a reference clock, and a control that controls the entire apparatus. A circuit 4, a display unit 5 as a current time display means for displaying time, a drive control unit 6 for controlling the drive of the display unit 5 in response to a command from the control circuit 4, and an external for operating from the outside An operation input unit 7 is provided.
[0033]
The receiving unit 2 includes an antenna 21 that receives a standard radio wave including time information, a receiving circuit 22 that processes (amplifies, demodulates, etc.) the time information received by the antenna 21, and time information from a signal processed by the receiving circuit 22. And a receiving power supply circuit 24 for supplying power to the receiving circuit 22.
[0034]
As a standard radio wave including time information, a long wave standard radio wave (JJY) or the like can be used. The time code format of the long wave standard radio wave includes, as items, the minute of the current time, the hour, the day of the current year since January 1, the year (the last two digits of the year), the day of the week, and the leap second. Time information of 0 seconds per minute is transmitted at 1 minute intervals. The value of each item is configured by a combination of numerical values assigned every second. By the way, since the long wave standard radio wave is based on the cesium atomic clock, the radio wave correction clock that receives this long wave standard radio wave and corrects the time can obtain a very high accuracy of 1 second in 100,000 years. .
[0035]
The reception circuit 22 starts the reception operation of time information when the reception power supply circuit 24 is activated by a signal from the control circuit 4, and outputs the received time information to the decoding circuit 23. The receiving circuit 22 amplifies and demodulates the received time information.
A receiving process is performed by the receiving unit 2.
[0036]
The reference signal generation unit 3 includes an oscillation circuit 31 configured with a reference vibrator and the like, and a frequency divider circuit 32 that divides a pulse from the oscillation circuit 31 to generate a reference clock (1 Hz, etc.). . The generated reference clock is output to the control circuit 4.
[0037]
The control circuit 4 includes a current time information storage circuit 41 as a time measuring means, a current time correction circuit 42 as a current time correction means, a reception time storage circuit 43 as a reception time storage means, and a progress as an elapsed time calculation means. A time calculation circuit 44 and an automatic reception schedule storage circuit 45 as an automatic reception schedule storage means are provided.
The current time information storage circuit 41 performs a time measuring process of counting the reference clock generated by the reference signal generator 3 and measuring the current time. The current time measured by the current time information storage circuit unit 41 is output and displayed on the display unit 5.
[0038]
When the time information received by the receiving unit 2 is input, the current time correction circuit 42 performs a time correction process for correcting the current time based on the time information. At this time, the current time correction circuit 42 determines whether or not the time information received by the receiving unit 2 is accurate. Whether or not the received time information is accurate is, for example, a long wave standard radio wave, the time information transmitted at one minute intervals is received for two or more frames, and the received time information is a time at one minute intervals. Judgment is made based on whether or not it is information. When it is determined that the received time information is accurate and the current time measured by the current time information storage circuit 41 is different from the current time information, the current time correction circuit 42 causes the current time information storage circuit to The current time of 41 is overwritten and corrected.
[0039]
The reception time storage circuit 43 performs a reception time storage step of storing time information received by the reception unit 2. By storing the time information received by the receiving unit 2 in this way, the time when the current time information storage circuit 41 has corrected the time is stored. The reception time storage circuit 43 stores the latest (previous) time information received by the reception unit 2 and is overwritten when the reception unit 2 newly receives the time information.
[0040]
The elapsed time calculation circuit 44 performs an elapsed time calculation step of calculating a time difference between the current time counted by the current time information storage circuit 41 and the reception time stored in the reception time storage circuit 43. Thus, by calculating the time difference between the current time and the reception time, the elapsed time from the time adjustment to the present is calculated. The calculated elapsed time is displayed on the display unit 5 via the drive control unit 6, and a detailed display method will be described later with reference to FIGS.
In the automatic reception schedule storage circuit 45, a schedule for receiving time information by the reception unit 2 is set. As a schedule to be set, for example, reception is set to start reception at 2:00 am once a day. When the set reception time is reached, a signal is output from the control circuit 4 to the reception power supply circuit 25, and time information is received by the reception circuit 22.
[0041]
The display unit 5 is of an analog type, and includes a dial 51 having a scale, an hour hand 52, a minute hand 53, and a second hand 54. The hour hand 52, the minute hand 53, and the second hand 54 are driven by driving means such as a stepping motor, and are driven and controlled by a command from the control circuit 4 via the drive control unit 6. The display unit 5 constitutes current time display means. In the present embodiment, since the elapsed time is displayed using the second hand 54, the elapsed time display means is configured by the dial 51 and the second hand 54. The operation of the second hand 54 for displaying the elapsed time will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and the like.
[0042]
The drive control unit 6 receives a command from the control circuit 4 and outputs a pulse control signal for driving a pointer (hour hand 52, minute hand 53, second hand 54) of the display unit 5, and a pointer (hour hand 52, It comprises a hand position detecting circuit 62 for detecting the position of the minute hand 53 and the second hand 54).
When displaying the current time in the current time information storage circuit 41, the drive control circuit 61 outputs a normal pulse signal for displaying the current time and displays the elapsed time from the elapsed time calculation circuit 44. First, the second hand 54 is driven by a special drive pulse different from the normal one. The operation of the second hand 54 for displaying the elapsed time will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and the like.
The external operation input unit 7 includes a crown 71 and a button switch 72. For example, the crown 71 is configured so that RM1 and RM2 are OPEN at the 0th stage, RM1 is ON at the 1st stage, RM2 is turned on at the 2nd stage, normal time display (portable state) at the 0th stage, and 1st stage. Calendar alignment (not shown) and needle alignment in the second stage. Further, the crown 71 is set to the normal current time display at the 0th stage, and the elapsed time is displayed when the crown 71 is turned to the 0th stage and the button switch 72 is turned on.
[0043]
The operation of the radio-controlled timepiece 1 having such a configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the operation of receiving time information and correcting the time will be described with reference to FIG.
In ST1, when the set reception time is reached, power is supplied from the reception power supply circuit 24, and the reception circuit 22 starts a reception operation (ST2). Then, the time information received by the antenna 21 is processed by the receiving circuit 22, decoded by the decoding circuit 23, and output to the current time adjusting circuit 42. At this time, the current time correction circuit 42 determines whether the time information is normally received (ST3). If it is determined in ST3 that the time information is normally received (successful reception), the reception circuit 22 is stopped in ST4, and the time information is output to the reception time storage circuit 43. The reception time storage circuit 43 stores the received time information (ST5). The current time correction circuit 42 determines whether the received time information and the current time of the current time information storage circuit 41 are different (ST6). If they are different, the current time of the current time information storage circuit 41 is corrected. At the same time, the time display on the display unit 5 is corrected (ST7). When the time displayed on the display unit 5 is detected by the hand position detection circuit 62 and the current time information storage circuit 41 and the time displayed on the display unit 5 do not match, the pointer is set so as to match. Drive.
[0044]
If the reception is not normally performed in ST3, the reception circuit 22 is stopped in ST8, and the time correction is finished as it is. If the received time information matches the current time in the current time information storage circuit 41 in ST6, the process ends without correcting the time.
[0045]
Next, an operation for displaying an elapsed time after receiving time information will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in ST21, the user issues an elapsed time display command by operating the external operation input unit 7. For example, this is the case when the crown 71 is at the 0th stage and the button switch 72 is turned ON. Then, in ST22, the second hand 54 once returns to the zero position which is the reference position. Next, in ST23, an elapsed time after receiving the time information is calculated. The elapsed time calculation circuit 44 calculates the time difference between the time information stored in the reception time storage circuit 43 and the current time of the current time information storage circuit 41. Elapsed time is calculated in days and rounded down. A signal is output from the elapsed time calculation circuit 44 to the drive control circuit 61 in accordance with the calculated elapsed time, and the second hand 54 is driven to the elapsed time indicating position indicating the elapsed time in ST24 by the pulse signal from the drive control circuit 61. Is done. Here, the elapsed time indication position is, for example, the scale “1” of the dial 51 if the elapsed time is one day or longer and within two days, which will be described in detail in FIG. In ST25, the second hand 54 is stopped for 4 seconds at a position where the elapsed time is displayed. When 4 seconds have elapsed, in ST26, the second hand 54 is driven forward and the second hand 54 displays the current time.
[0046]
The elapsed time indication position in driving the second hand 54 in ST24 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
The elapsed time indication position is determined according to the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculation circuit 44. In the present embodiment, the elapsed time is calculated in units of days. This will be specifically described below.
In ST31, if the elapsed time is within one day, the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculation circuit 44 is 0. Therefore, after the second hand 54 has returned to zero (ST22 in FIG. 3), it is stopped for 4 seconds (see FIG. 3). 3 ST25) and the display of the elapsed time is terminated. Here, after the end of FIG. 4, the process continues to ST25 of FIG. In ST32, if the elapsed time is 1 day or more and within 2 days, the calculated elapsed time is 1, so the second hand 54 is driven to 1 second (ST33). In ST34, if the elapsed time is not less than 2 days and not more than 3 days, since the calculated elapsed time is 2, the second hand 54 is driven to 2 seconds (ST35). If the elapsed time is not less than 58 days and not more than 59 days, since the calculated elapsed time is 58, the second hand 54 is driven to 58 seconds (ST37). When the elapsed time exceeds 59 days, the second hand 54 is driven to 59 seconds regardless of the calculated elapsed time.
[0047]
The effect of the radio wave correction timepiece 1 having such a configuration will be described.
Since the elapsed time calculation circuit 44 is provided and the calculated elapsed time can be indicated by the indicated position of the second hand 54, the elapsed time that has not been corrected in time can be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to estimate how much the displayed time is shifted in consideration of the time when the time is not corrected. If the elapsed time is short, it can be determined that it is not necessary to adjust the time by receiving the time information. Conversely, if the elapsed time is long, it can be determined that the time needs to be corrected.
[0048]
The elapsed time is calculated in units of days, and the elapsed time is displayed using the second hand 54 having a scale of up to 60. Therefore, the elapsed time over a long period up to 59 days can be displayed.
Since the elapsed time is displayed by driving the second hand 54 that is easy to control, the elapsed time can be quickly displayed from the current time display. Further, after the elapsed time is displayed, the second hand 54 can be fast-forwarded to quickly return from the elapsed time display to the normal current time display.
[0049]
The elapsed time calculation circuit 44 only needs to operate when instructed by the external operation input unit 7 to display the elapsed time, and thus does not increase power consumption.
Since the elapsed time is displayed using the second hand 54 for displaying the time, it is not necessary to separately provide a display unit for displaying the elapsed time, and the radio-controlled timepiece 1 does not have to be enlarged.
Since the second hand 54 is once returned to zero, it is easy for the user to know that the display has shifted to the elapsed time display.
[0050]
(Second Embodiment)
A radio-controlled timepiece 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the basic components are the same as those in the first embodiment, but the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the control circuit 4, and in particular, the elapsed time is obtained. There is a special feature. The control circuit 4 in the radio-controlled timepiece 11 includes a current time information storage circuit 41, a current time correction circuit 42, an elapsed time measurement circuit 46 as an elapsed time measurement means, and an automatic reception schedule storage circuit 45. ing.
[0051]
The current time information storage circuit 41, the current time correction circuit 42, and the automatic reception schedule storage circuit 45 are the same as in the first embodiment.
When the reception unit 2 and the control circuit 4 successfully receive the time information, the elapsed time measurement circuit 46 performs an elapsed time measurement step of counting the elapsed time from the time when the time information is received as zero. The elapsed time measuring circuit 46 measures the elapsed time by counting the reference clock generated by the reference signal generating unit 3. Here, the elapsed time to be measured is in units of days.
[0052]
The operation of the radio-controlled timepiece 11 having such a configuration is shown in FIG.
The basic operation is the same as that of the first embodiment described in FIG. 2, and the difference from the first embodiment is that when reception is successful in ST43, the reception circuit 22 is stopped (ST44), and the elapsed time is determined in ST46. This is a point at which the measurement circuit 46 starts measuring the elapsed time.
[0053]
According to such a configuration, the elapsed time since the reception unit 2 received the time information is measured by the elapsed time measurement circuit 46. The measured elapsed time is displayed on the display unit 5 when a command is issued by operating the external operation input unit 7. The method of displaying the elapsed time is the same as that in the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. After the second hand 54 is once returned to zero, the second hand 54 is driven to the elapsed time indicating position according to the measured elapsed time. And the elapsed time is indicated.
According to such a radio-controlled timepiece 11, in addition to the same effects as in the first embodiment, the elapsed time measurement circuit 46 can count the same reference clock as the current time information storage circuit 41, and thus has a simple configuration. Elapsed time can be measured by changing
[0054]
(Modification 1)
Modification 1 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The first modification differs from the first embodiment in driving the second hand 54 in displaying elapsed time.
The modification 1 is characterized in that the elapsed time obtained by the elapsed time calculation circuit 44 or the elapsed time measurement circuit 46 is always automatically displayed instead of a command by the operation of the external operation input unit 7.
First, the driving of the second hand 54 will be described with reference to FIG.
In ST52, the elapsed time is obtained. This may be the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculation circuit 44 described in the first embodiment, or the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement circuit 46 described in the second embodiment. In ST53, the second hand 54 is driven according to the elapsed time. In this case, the second hand 54 is driven to display the normal current time. For example, if the elapsed time is 1 day or longer and within 2 days, the second hand 54 stops at the elapsed time indicating position indicating the scale “1” on the dial 51. The elapsed time is displayed by the position where the second hand 54 stops. Details will be described with reference to FIG. When the second hand 54 stops in ST54 and 4 seconds have elapsed, in ST55, the second hand 54 is fast-forwarded to continuously display the normal current time.
By repeating such an operation every minute, normal current time display and elapsed time display are performed.
[0055]
With reference to FIG. 8, the elapsed time indication position and the driving of the second hand 54 in the first modification will be described.
The driving of the second hand 54 according to the elapsed time is characterized in that the second hand 54 is stopped at a position where the elapsed time is indicated during the driving of the second hand 54 that displays the normal current time. That is, in ST61, if the elapsed time is within one day, since the required elapsed time is 0, the second hand 54 does not stop and the normal current time is displayed. In this case, the process continues to the end of FIG. In ST62, if the elapsed time is not less than 1 day and not more than 2 days, the required elapsed time is 1, so that the second hand 54 is normally driven up to 1 second and stopped at the position of 1 second (ST63). In ST63, after the second hand 54 is stopped for 4 seconds (ST54 in FIG. 7), the fast-forward drive in ST55 in FIG. 7 is performed to return to the normal current time display. It is the same in the following description that the normal current time display is restored by fast-forward driving after the second hand 54 is stopped. In ST64, if the elapsed time is 2 days or longer and within 3 days, the required elapsed time is 2, so that the second hand 54 is normally driven up to 2 seconds and stopped at the position of 2 seconds (ST65). The same applies when the elapsed time is within 4 days, within 5 days, and so on. In ST66, if the elapsed time is 53 days or more and within 54 days, since the required elapsed time is 53, the second hand 54 is normally driven until 53 seconds and stopped at the position of 53 seconds (ST67). In ST66, when the elapsed time exceeds 54 days, the second hand 54 is normally driven up to 54 seconds regardless of the required elapsed time, and stopped at the position of 54 seconds.
[0056]
According to the first modification, the following effects can be achieved.
If the elapsed time is set to be displayed, the elapsed time is always displayed, so there is no troublesome operation of the external operation input unit 7. For example, when the crown 71 is set to 0 stage or 1 stage, it may be set to always display the elapsed time.
Since the elapsed time is displayed in the middle of displaying the current time, both the current time and the elapsed time can be displayed.
Since the maximum value indicating the elapsed time is set to 54, zero seconds per minute can be indicated by fast-forward driving after stopping for 4 seconds.
[0057]
(Modification 2)
Modification 2 of the present invention is shown in FIG. Modification 2 is different from the first embodiment in the unit of time to display. In the first embodiment, the elapsed time is displayed in units of days, but in Modification 2, it is displayed in units of hours. Further, the driving of the second hand 54 is the same as in the first modification.
As a premise of the second modification, the automatic reception schedule storage circuit 45 is set with a reception schedule so as to receive time information twice a day (2 o'clock and 4 o'clock).
[0058]
With reference to FIG. 9, the elapsed time display of the modification 2 is demonstrated.
In ST71, if the elapsed time is within 26 hours, the second hand 54 displays the normal current time without displaying the elapsed time. In ST72, if the elapsed time is 26 hours or longer and within 27 hours, the second hand 54 is driven normally until 27 seconds and stopped at the position of 27 seconds (ST73). In ST73, after the second hand 54 is stopped for 4 seconds, for example, the fast-forward drive in ST26 of FIG. 3 is performed to return to the normal current time display. It is the same in the following description that the normal current time display is restored by fast-forward driving after the second hand 54 is stopped. In ST74, if the elapsed time is not less than 27 hours and not more than 28 hours, the second hand 54 is normally driven up to 28 seconds and stopped at the position of 28 seconds (ST75). The same applies when the elapsed time is within 29 hours, within 30 hours, and so on. In ST76, if the elapsed time is not less than 52 hours and not more than 53 hours, the second hand 54 is driven normally until 53 seconds and stopped at the position of 53 seconds. In ST76, if the elapsed time is 53 hours or more, regardless of the calculated elapsed time, the second hand 54 is normally driven up to 54 seconds and stopped at the 54 second position.
[0059]
According to the second modification, when the elapsed time is within 26 hours, the elapsed time is not displayed. This is because the automatic reception set in the automatic reception schedule storage circuit 45 is received at 2 o'clock when received twice a day (2 o'clock and 4 o'clock), cannot be received at 4 o'clock, and can be received at 2 o'clock the next day. If it is received at 4 o'clock, the elapsed time is 26 hours. Therefore, it is sufficient to indicate that the automatic reception is not successful if the elapsed time after 27 hours with a slight margin is displayed.
[0060]
The radio-controlled timepiece of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The elapsed time may be displayed not by driving the second hand 54 but by driving the minute hand 53, for example.
The control circuit 4 is constituted by a computer (microcomputer) such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and a current time information storage circuit 41, a current time correction circuit 42, a reception time storage circuit 43, an elapsed time calculation circuit 44, and an automatic reception schedule storage circuit. 45. The elapsed time measuring circuit 46 may function. According to such a configuration, for example, the setting for changing the unit for obtaining the elapsed time from the daily unit to the hour unit can be easily performed.
[0061]
For example, a CPU and a memory are arranged in the radio-controlled timepieces 1 and 11 so as to function as a computer, and a predetermined control program and data are stored in this memory such as communication means such as the Internet, CD-ROM, memory card, etc. Each means can be realized by installing the program via the recording medium and operating the CPU with the installed program.
In order to install a predetermined program or the like on the radio-controlled timepieces 1 and 11, a memory card or a CD-ROM may be directly inserted, or a device for reading these storage media is connected externally. Also good. Furthermore, a program or the like may be supplied and installed by communication by connecting to a LAN cable, a telephone line, or the like, and since the antenna 21 is provided, the program may be supplied and installed wirelessly.
[0062]
If a control program or the like provided by such a recording medium or communication means such as the Internet is incorporated in the radio-controlled timepieces 1 and 11, the functions of the inventions can be realized only by changing the program. It is also possible to select and incorporate a desired control program. In this case, since the various radio-controlled timepieces 1 and 11 having different control formats can be manufactured only by changing the program, the parts can be shared, and the manufacturing cost when developing variations can be greatly reduced.
[0063]
The driving of the second hand 54 at the elapsed time indicating position (elapsed time display driving) may not be stopped but may be vibrated, for example.
The time for which the second hand 54 stops at the elapsed time indication position is not limited to 4 seconds, and may be longer or shorter than 4 seconds. Alternatively, after the second hand 54 stops at the elapsed time instruction position, the second hand 54 may continue to stop until a command is issued by the operation of the external operation input unit 7.
The display of the elapsed time may be set so as to be automatically displayed periodically regardless of a command by an operation of the external operation input unit 7.
Of course, various combinations of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the first modification, and the second modification are included in the present invention. For example, the first modification is combined with the first embodiment. Modification 1 and Modification 2 are combined with the first embodiment. Modification 2 is combined with the first embodiment. The second embodiment is combined with the first embodiment. The first embodiment is combined with the second embodiment and the second modification. The second embodiment, Modification 1 and Modification 2 are combined.
[0064]
In the above embodiment, the display unit 5 is an analog display type provided with a pointer indicating the time, but may be a digital display type. Even if the display unit 5 is a digital display type, the elapsed time obtained by the elapsed time calculation circuit 43 or the elapsed time measurement circuit 45 can be digitally displayed. The elapsed time may be displayed by starting the elapsed time display instead of the current time display by operating the external operation input unit 7 and canceling the elapsed time display by operating the external operation input unit 7. Alternatively, the elapsed time may be displayed for a few seconds while displaying the current time. Alternatively, the current time and the elapsed time may be displayed in parallel at the same time.
[0065]
Other embodiments of the present invention are shown below.
The first aspect is a time measuring means for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying means for displaying the current time measured, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, A computer is incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece having current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on the time information received by the receiving means, and the computer receives time information received by the receiving means. A reception time storage means for storing, and the reception means receives the time information by calculating a time difference between the reception time information stored in the reception time storage means and the current time measured by the time measurement means. Control of a radio-controlled timepiece for functioning as an elapsed time calculating means for calculating the elapsed time since the beginning and an elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculating means Is a program.
[0066]
The second aspect is a time measuring means for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying means for displaying the current time measured, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, A computer is incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece having current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on the time information received by the receiving means, and the computer receives time information received by the receiving means. A reception time storage means for storing, and the reception means receives the time information by calculating a time difference between the reception time information stored in the reception time storage means and the current time measured by the time measurement means. Control of a radio-controlled timepiece for functioning as an elapsed time calculating means for calculating the elapsed time since the beginning and an elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculating means A readable recording medium by a computer that records the program.
[0067]
The third aspect is a time measuring means for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying means for displaying the current time measured, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, A computer is incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece having current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on the time information received by the receiving means, and the computer receives time information by the receiving means. A control program for a radio-controlled timepiece for functioning as an elapsed time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from time using the reference clock, and an elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring means. is there.
[0068]
The fourth aspect is a time measuring means for inputting a reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying means for displaying the current time measured, a receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, A computer is incorporated in a radio-controlled timepiece having current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on the time information received by the receiving means, and the computer receives time information by the receiving means. A control program for a radio-controlled timepiece for functioning as an elapsed time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from time using the reference clock, and an elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring means The recording medium can be read by a computer.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the radio-controlled timepiece and the radio-controlled timepiece control method of the present invention, it is possible to achieve an excellent effect of displaying the elapsed time since the time is corrected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first embodiment according to a radio-controlled timepiece of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a time correction operation in the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing driving of a second hand indicating elapsed time in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for determining an elapsed time indicating position indicated by a second hand in accordance with the elapsed time in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second embodiment according to the radio-controlled timepiece of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a time correction operation of the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first modification example of driving of the second hand indicating the elapsed time;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for determining an elapsed time indicating position indicated by a second hand according to the elapsed time of the first modification.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a second modification of determination of an elapsed time instruction position and second hand drive.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 11 ... Radio correction clock, 2 ... Receiving unit (receiving unit), 5 ... Display unit (current time displaying unit, elapsed time displaying unit), 7 ... External operation input unit, 41. ..Current time information storage circuit (time keeping means) 42... Current time correction circuit (current time correction means) 43... Reception time storage circuit (reception time storage means) 44. (Elapsed time calculation means), 45 ... Automatic reception schedule storage circuit (automatic reception schedule storage means), 46 ... Elapsed time measurement circuit (elapsed time measurement means), 52 ... Hour hand, 53 ... Minute hand 54 second hand

Claims (13)

Timekeeping means for inputting the reference clock to measure the current time, current time display means for displaying the current time measured, receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and receiving by the receiving means In a radio-controlled timepiece comprising current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on time information,
Reception time storage means for storing time information received by the reception means;
By calculating the time difference between the reception time information stored in the reception time storage means and the current time measured by the time measurement means, the elapsed time from the reception of the time information by the reception means is calculated. Elapsed time calculating means;
An elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculation means ,
The current time display means is performed by a pointer,
The elapsed time display means displays the elapsed time by indicating one of the scales on the dial corresponding to the elapsed time after one of the hands is once moved to a reference position. A radio-controlled watch. Timekeeping means for inputting the reference clock to measure the current time, current time display means for displaying the current time measured, receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and receiving by the receiving means In a radio-controlled timepiece comprising current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on time information,
An elapsed time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from when the time information is received by the receiving means using the reference clock;
An elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement means ,
The current time display means is performed by a pointer,
The elapsed time display means displays the elapsed time by indicating one of the scales on the dial corresponding to the elapsed time after one of the hands is once moved to a reference position. A radio-controlled watch. Timekeeping means for inputting the reference clock to measure the current time, current time display means for displaying the current time measured, receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and receiving by the receiving means In a radio-controlled timepiece comprising current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on time information,
Reception time storage means for storing time information received by the reception means;
By calculating the time difference between the reception time information stored in the reception time storage means and the current time measured by the time measurement means, the elapsed time from the reception of the time information by the reception means is calculated. Elapsed time calculating means;
An elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time calculated by the elapsed time calculation means,
The radio-controlled timepiece, wherein the elapsed time display means periodically displays the elapsed time according to a preset schedule. Timekeeping means for inputting the reference clock to measure the current time, current time display means for displaying the current time measured, receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and receiving by the receiving means In a radio-controlled timepiece comprising current time correcting means for correcting the current time of the time measuring means based on time information,
An elapsed time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from when the time information is received by the receiving means using the reference clock;
An elapsed time display means for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement means,
The radio-controlled timepiece, wherein the elapsed time display means periodically displays the elapsed time according to a preset schedule. In the radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the reference position is a zero return position of a pointer. The radio-controlled timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
An automatic reception schedule storage means for storing an automatic reception time at which the reception means automatically receives the standard radio wave is provided;
The radio-controlled timepiece, wherein the elapsed time display means displays the elapsed time that is equal to or greater than the interval of the automatic reception times. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 6 ,
The elapsed time display means displays the elapsed time when the elapsed time becomes 27 hours or more. The radio-controlled timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The radio-controlled timepiece, wherein the elapsed time display means displays the elapsed time in either hour or day units. The radio-controlled timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , further comprising an external operation input unit that performs an operation from outside.
The radio-controlled timepiece, wherein the elapsed time display means displays the elapsed time by an operation of the external operation input unit. A time measuring process for inputting the reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying process for displaying the current time measured, a receiving process for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and the receiving process. In a control method of a radio-controlled timepiece comprising a current time correcting step of correcting the current time of the time measuring step based on time information,
A reception time storage step for storing the time information received in the reception step;
A process for calculating an elapsed time since receiving the time information in the reception process by calculating a time difference between the reception time information stored in the reception time storage process and a current time measured in the time measurement process. A time calculation step;
An elapsed time display step for displaying the time difference calculated in the elapsed time calculation step ,
The current time display step is performed by a guideline,
In the elapsed time display step, after one of the hands once moves to a reference position, the elapsed time is displayed by indicating one of the hands on the dial corresponding to the elapsed time. The control method of the radio correction clock. A time measuring process for inputting the reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying process for displaying the current time measured, a receiving process for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and the receiving process. In a control method of a radio-controlled timepiece comprising a time correcting step of correcting the current time of the time measuring step based on the time information,
An elapsed time measuring step of measuring an elapsed time from the time when the time information was received by the receiving step using the reference clock;
An elapsed time display step for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement step ,
The current time display step is performed by a guideline,
In the elapsed time display step, after one of the hands once moves to a reference position, the elapsed time is displayed by indicating one of the hands on the dial corresponding to the elapsed time. The control method of the radio correction clock. A time measuring process for inputting the reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying process for displaying the current time measured, a receiving process for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and the receiving process. In a control method of a radio-controlled timepiece comprising a current time correcting step of correcting the current time of the time measuring step based on time information,
A reception time storage step for storing the time information received in the reception step;
A process for calculating an elapsed time since receiving the time information in the reception process by calculating a time difference between the reception time information stored in the reception time storage process and a current time measured in the time measurement process. A time calculation step;
An elapsed time display step for displaying the time difference calculated in the elapsed time calculation step,
In the elapsed time display step, the elapsed time is periodically displayed according to a preset schedule. A time measuring process for inputting the reference clock to measure the current time, a current time displaying process for displaying the current time measured, a receiving process for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, and the receiving process. In a control method of a radio-controlled timepiece comprising a time correcting step of correcting the current time of the time measuring step based on the time information,
An elapsed time measuring step of measuring an elapsed time from the time when the time information was received by the receiving step using the reference clock;
An elapsed time display step for displaying the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement step,
In the elapsed time display step, the elapsed time is periodically displayed according to a preset schedule.

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