JP4464624B2 - Radio clock device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a radio timepiece device, and more particularly, to a radio timepiece device that is suitable for displaying time by a radio timepiece and switching various display modes such as a correction function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a timepiece device that displays the time of a timepiece mounted on a vehicle or the like on a display unit is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This timepiece device has an operable switch. When the switch is operated, the time displayed on the display unit is corrected. Therefore, according to the timepiece device, the time displayed on the display unit can be corrected by operating the switch.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-29562 [0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, there are radio clocks that automatically correct the time by receiving radio signals transmitted from a predetermined transmitting station, GPS satellite, or the like in addition to those that correct the time by a human switch operation. The radio timepiece may be displayed on the display unit by switching from a time display to a mode specific to the radio timepiece that is different from a normal timepiece. Specifically, taking into account that radio signals are not received due to radio interference etc., indicate whether radio signals have been received and the time has been automatically corrected between a predetermined time and now The reception history may be displayed, or an offset hour and minute for advancing or delaying the time displayed on the display unit may be displayed in consideration that the transmitted radio wave signal always indicates an accurate time.
[0005]
In this way, the display mode of the display unit is switched between the time display mode and the reception history mode or the offset setting mode, and further, when changing the display contents in the offset setting mode, the change / change switch is set to the above-described time. It can be considered to be provided separately from the switch for correction. However, in such a configuration, the number of switches necessary for the timepiece increases, and as a result, it becomes difficult to secure a dedicated space for the switches and inconveniences that increase costs.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a radio timepiece apparatus capable of realizing function switching including a mode peculiar to a radio timepiece by operating a single operation unit. To do.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above-mentioned object is a radio clock device comprising a display means capable of displaying the time by a radio clock that automatically corrects the time based on the received radio wave,
A single operating means operated by a person;
The length of the operation duration time of the single operation means, selective switch between the different time mode and radio clock specific radio clock mode for displaying at least a time display mode and in the display means, and, at the time mode Switching control means for correcting the time of the displayed clock and setting the display specific to the radio clock made in the radio clock mode ;
It is achieved by a radio clock device comprising:
[0008]
In the present invention, the display mode in the display means capable of displaying the time by the radio timepiece is selectively selected from a time mode for displaying the time and a radio timepiece mode peculiar to the radio timepiece based on the operation of the single operation means. Switch. In this case, it is not necessary to operate a plurality of operation means when switching between at least the time mode and the radio timepiece mode. Therefore, function switching including a mode peculiar to a radio timepiece can be realized by operating a single operating means.
[0009]
In this case, as described in claim 2, in the radio clock device according to claim 1, the radio clock mode includes a reception history mode indicating a reception history of the radio clock within a predetermined period, and display on the display means. What is necessary is just to be at least one mode among the offset setting modes for setting the time to advance or delay the time to be received from the time received by the radio timepiece.
[0011]
In this case, in the above-described radio timepiece apparatus, the hour / minute correction of the clock is performed by correcting the hour and the minute, respectively, and the switching control unit is also configured to operate the operation duration of the single operation unit. On the basis of the length , the hour correction and the minute correction may be respectively performed.
[0013]
Further, in the radio timepiece apparatus described above, after the display mode on the display unit is changed to a mode in which the display content can be changed by the switching control unit, the display in the mode is performed depending on the operation duration time of the single operation unit. If the content changing means for changing the contents is provided, both the function switching including the mode unique to the radio timepiece and the change of the display contents in each mode can be realized by operating a single operating means.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration diagram of a radio-controlled timepiece apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a display unit and an operation unit included in the radio-controlled timepiece device 10 of this embodiment. The radio timepiece device 10 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.
[0015]
The radio clock device 10 includes a radio clock module 12 as a radio clock control circuit, and is controlled by the radio clock module 12. The radio clock module 12 incorporates a timing generator (not shown) made of a quartz crystal unit or the like that is driven by an in-vehicle battery. The radio timepiece module 12 generates 1 second based on the trigger count value generated by the timing generation unit, and measures time.
[0016]
A clock display 14 is also connected to the radio clock module 12. The clock display 14 is provided in a combination meter 18 disposed on the instrument panel 16 in the vehicle interior. The clock display 14 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, and the time measured by the radio clock module 12 is divided into two digits each of hour and minute digits with a colon (:) as a boundary, for a total of four digits. It has a function of digital display using numbers “0” to “9”. Hereinafter, the mode for displaying the time on the clock display 14 is referred to as a time mode.
[0017]
The radio clock module 12 is connected to a receiving antenna 20. The receiving antenna 20 receives a radio signal transmitted at a predetermined frequency from a transmitting station or a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite installed on the ground. This transmitting station or GPS satellite transmits a radio signal including information representing standard time at a predetermined cycle (for example, one minute cycle). The radio clock module 12 detects a standard time by demodulating a radio signal transmitted from a transmitting station or the like and received by the receiving antenna 20, and automatically corrects the time to the standard time. After the radio signal is received and the time is corrected, the corrected time is displayed on the clock display 14. The radio clock module 12 determines whether or not the reception antenna 20 has received a radio signal and corrected the time within a predetermined period (for example, 6 days). Then, the determination result is stored as a reception history.
[0018]
The radio-controlled timepiece apparatus 10 also includes a single operation switch 22. The operation switch 22 is a switch operated for switching the display mode in the clock display 14 as will be described later and for changing the display content in a predetermined display mode. The operation switch 22 is turned on and off according to the operation of the rod-like operation unit 22a provided adjacent to the clock display 14 in the combination meter 18 so that a passenger who gets on the vehicle can perform a pressing operation. And a self-returning normally-open switch portion 22b.
[0019]
The radio timepiece module 12 is connected to the switch portion 22b of the operation switch 22. When the operation part 22 a of the operation switch 22 is not pressed, the switch part 22 b is open and a high level signal is supplied to the radio timepiece module 12. On the other hand, when the operation unit 22 a is pressed, the switch unit 22 b is closed only during the pressing operation period, and a low level signal is supplied to the radio clock module 12. The radio timepiece module 12 determines whether or not the operation switch 22 is operated based on a signal appearing at a connection terminal of the operation switch 22 with the switch portion 22b.
[0020]
By the way, in the radio timepiece apparatus 10, the display mode on the clock display 14 is not limited to the time mode for displaying the time, but is also a mode for correcting the time of the time (hereinafter referred to as the correction mode), the radio wave from the transmitting station, etc. A mode for indicating a signal reception history (hereinafter referred to as a reception history mode) and a mode for setting the time to advance or delay the time to be displayed on the clock display 14 from the time received by the radio clock module 12 (Hereinafter referred to as offset setting mode). The correction mode includes a mode for correcting the hour at the time (hereinafter referred to as hour digit correction mode), a mode for correcting the minute at the time (hereinafter referred to as minute digit correction mode), and a minute digit. And a mode for resetting the second data to “00” (hereinafter, referred to as a time adjustment mode). Further, the offset setting mode has an hour digit correction mode and a minute digit correction mode.
[0021]
The radio timepiece apparatus 10 of the present embodiment switches the display mode on the timepiece display 14 to the above-described modes by operating only the single operation switch 22, and also performs a predetermined display mode, specifically, a correction mode and an offset. Modify the display contents in the setting mode. Hereinafter, the characteristic part of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0022]
3 and 4 show a flowchart of an example of a control routine executed by the radio clock module 12 in the radio clock device 10 of the present embodiment. In the radio timepiece apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, when the time mode is realized and the time is displayed on the clock display 14, when the operation switch 22 is pressed, the duration of one operation is 0. If it is less than 8 seconds, the display mode on the clock display 14 is switched from the time mode to the time setting mode. Immediately after the real time adjustment mode is realized, the radio clock module 12 resets the minute digit and second data in the clock display 14 to “00”. When the reset is completed, the display mode on the clock display 14 returns to the time mode. Accordingly, in the time mode, if the vehicle occupant presses the operation switch 22 for just a short time while listening to the time signal, it is displayed on the clock display 14 by the radio clock module 12. The time can be corrected accurately.
[0023]
In addition, when the operation switch 22 is pressed in a state where the time mode is realized and the duration of one operation reaches 0.8 seconds, the minute digit on the clock display 14 is turned on and off at 1 Hz. Blinks repeatedly. After that, when the pressing operation of the operation switch 22 is released, the display mode in the timepiece display 14 is corrected from the time mode when the duration of one subsequent operation is 0.8 seconds or more and less than 5 seconds. Switch to mode. At this time, the correction mode becomes the minute digit correction mode, and the blinking of the minute digits on the clock display 14 continues.
[0024]
When the operation switch 22 is pressed again within 5 seconds after the minute digit correction mode is started in the state where the minute digit correction mode is realized, the duration of the one operation is less than 0.8 seconds. In this case, the minute digit of the time is sent one step, and the time advances by one minute. Thereafter, one-step feeding of the minute digits of the time is repeated every time the duration of one operation of the operation switch 22 is less than 0.8 seconds.
[0025]
In addition, when the duration of one operation of the operation switch 22 reaches 0.8 seconds in the above state, the step feed speed of the minute digits of the time is maintained higher than usual until the pressing operation is released. Is done. Until the duration of one operation of the operation switch 22 reaches 3 seconds, the minute digits of the time are sent at 2 Hz, and advance by 2 minutes per second. When the duration of one operation of the operation switch 22 reaches 3 seconds, the minute digits of the time are sent at 5 Hz, and the time advances by 5 minutes per second. Then, after the pressing operation of the operation switch 22 is released, the minute digit step feed is performed again as described above. Therefore, in the minute digit correction mode of the correction mode, if the vehicle occupant performs such step feed processing, the minute digit of the time displayed on the clock display 14 by the radio clock module 12 is corrected by the vehicle occupant's intention. can do.
[0026]
When the minute digit correction mode is realized and the operation switch 22 is not pressed after the minute digit correction mode is started for 5 seconds, the display mode in the clock display 14 is changed from the minute digit correction mode. Switch to hour digit correction mode. In this case, instead of the minute digit in the clock display 14, the hour digit blinks.
[0027]
When the operation switch 22 is pressed in a state where the time digit correction mode is realized, if the duration of one operation is less than 0.8 seconds, the time digit of the time is sent by one step, Proceed for one hour. Thereafter, the one-step feeding of the time digits of the time is repeatedly performed every time the operation switch 22 is operated for less than 0.8 seconds.
[0028]
In addition, when the duration of one operation of the operation switch 22 reaches 0.8 seconds in the above-described state, the step feed speed of the time digit of the time is maintained higher than usual until the pressing operation is released. The hour digits are sent at 2 Hz, and the time advances by 2 hours per second. When the pressing operation of the operation switch 22 is released, the hour digit step feed is performed again as described above. Accordingly, in the time digit correction mode of the correction mode, if the vehicle occupant performs such step feed processing, the time digit of the time displayed on the clock display 14 by the radio clock module 12 is corrected by the vehicle occupant's intention. can do.
[0029]
In the correction mode, when the hour or minute digit of the time is not sent, the hour or minute digit on the clock display 14 blinks and a colon (:) between the hour and minute digits is flashed. Flashes. On the other hand, while the hour or minute digit of the time is being sent, the colon (:) between the hour and minute digits flashes while the hour or minute digit continues to be lit.
[0030]
When the time digit correction mode is realized and the operation switch 22 is not pressed after the time digit correction mode is started for 5 seconds, the display mode on the clock display 14 is the correction mode time digit correction. The mode is switched from the mode to the time mode, and the normal time display is performed.
[0031]
On the other hand, when the operation switch 22 is pressed in a state where the time mode is realized and the duration of the one operation reaches 0.8 seconds, the minute digit in the clock display 14 starts to blink, When the operation duration time reaches 5 seconds, the display mode on the clock display 14 jumps from the time mode to the correction mode and switches to the reception history mode. In this case, instead of displaying the time and the correction time, the clock display 14 receives a radio signal transmitted from a transmitting station or the like within a predetermined period (for example, 6 days) from the present time to a predetermined time before receiving the time. An identification display for distinguishing whether or not the correction has been made is made. Therefore, if the vehicle occupant continues to press the operation switch 22 for a long time (5 seconds) in the time mode, the radio clock module 12 can show the radio clock reception history on the clock display 14. The occupant can recognize the reception history.
[0032]
Further, after the reception history mode is realized, when the above-described identification display continues on the clock display 14 for 5 seconds while the pressing operation of the operation switch 22 is continued, and the pressing operation of the operation switch 22 is once released. However, if the pressing operation is started again immediately after that and the pressing operation continues for 5 seconds, the display mode on the clock display 14 is switched from the reception history mode to the time mode, and the time display is performed as usual. .
[0033]
Further, after the reception history mode is realized, when the pressing operation of the operation switch 22 is released within 5 seconds and the pressing operation is not performed immediately after the release, and the pressing operation starts immediately after the pressing operation is released. However, if the pressing operation does not continue for 5 seconds, the display mode on the clock display 14 is switched from the reception history mode to the offset setting mode. At this time, instead of the identification display indicating the reception history described above, the clock display 14 displays the time for the time to be displayed to be advanced or delayed from the time received by the radio clock module 12. Become.
[0034]
When the display mode is switched from the reception history mode to the offset setting mode, first, the minute digit correction mode is realized. In this case, the minute digit on the clock display 14 blinks, while the hour digit is turned off. When the minute digit correction mode of the offset setting mode is realized, the minute digit is stepped by the same process as the minute digit correction mode of the correction mode described above. Accordingly, in the minute digit correction mode of the offset setting mode, if the vehicle occupant performs step feed processing, the minute digit of the time to be displayed on the clock display 14 is the minute digit of the time received by the radio clock module 12. Can be advanced or delayed by the set time.
[0035]
When the minute digit correction mode of the offset setting mode is realized and the state where the operation switch 22 is not pressed after the minute digit correction mode is started reaches 5 seconds, the display mode in the clock display 14 is displayed. Switches from minute digit correction mode to hour digit correction mode. In this case, the minute digit on the clock display 14 is lit, and the hour digit blinks. When the time digit correction mode of the offset setting mode is realized, the time digit is stepped by the same processing as the time digit correction mode of the correction mode described above. Therefore, in the time digit correction mode of the offset setting mode, if the vehicle occupant performs the step feeding process, the time digit of the time to be displayed on the clock display 14 is the time digit of the time received by the radio clock module 12. Can be advanced or delayed by the set time.
[0036]
When the time digit correction mode of the offset setting mode is realized and the operation switch 22 is not pressed after the time digit correction mode is started for 5 seconds, the display mode on the clock display 14 is set to the offset setting. The mode is switched from the time digit correction mode to the time mode, and the normal time display is performed.
[0037]
As described above, in the radio timepiece apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the display mode of the radio timepiece clock display 14 is changed to the time mode, the minute digit correction mode of the correction mode, the hour digit correction mode, and the time adjustment by the switch operation. Mode, reception history mode, and minute setting correction mode and hour digit correction mode in the offset setting mode, and in the digit correction mode and time digit correction mode in the correction mode and offset setting mode The minute and hour digits are set. The display mode is switched to a mode corresponding to the duration of the pressing operation of the operation switch 22 provided only in the radio timepiece device 10, and the minute digit / hour digit in the correction mode and the offset setting mode is changed to the operation mode. The value is changed according to the pressing operation of the switch 22. In this regard, in the radio-controlled timepiece device 10 of the present embodiment, switching of the display mode on the clock display 14 and change of the minute / hour digits in the correction mode and the offset setting mode are realized by operating a single operation switch 22. It is possible to do.
[0038]
If there is only one operation switch 22 for switching the display mode and correcting the minute / hour digit as described above, the number of switches necessary for the clock can be minimized, and the degree of freedom in arrangement increases. . Therefore, according to the radio timepiece device 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to save the space of the device itself as compared with the configuration in which a plurality of operation switches are provided, and the operations necessary for the radio timepiece. The exclusive space for the switch can be easily secured. In addition, design constraints can be relaxed, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and assembly workability can be improved.
[0039]
In particular, in the radio-controlled timepiece apparatus 10 in which the operation portion 22a of the operation switch 22 is provided in the combination meter 18 of the vehicle as in the present embodiment, it is avoided that a large number of various operation switches are installed in the combination meter 18. Therefore, the simplification in the combination meter 18 is achieved, and the design is improved.
[0040]
In the above embodiment, the radio clock function of the radio clock module 12 is the “radio clock” described in the claims, and the clock indicator 14 is the “display means” described in the claims. The operation switch 22 corresponds to the “operation means” described in the claims, and the reception history mode and the offset setting mode correspond to the “radio clock mode” described in the claims.
[0041]
Further, in the above embodiment, the radio timepiece module 12 switches the display mode in the timepiece display 14 based on the pressing operation of the operation switch 22 according to the routines shown in FIGS. Similarly, the “mode changing means” changes the display contents of the minute digit / hour digit in the correction mode and the offset setting mode, thereby realizing the “content changing means” described in the claims.
[0042]
By the way, in the above-described embodiment, the duration of one operation of the operation switch 22 is changed to switch the display mode on the clock display 14 and change the display content by step feed in the correction mode and the offset setting mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be set to other numerical times.
[0043]
Further, in the above embodiment, when switching the display mode on the clock display 14, the combination of the duration and release time of the pressing operation of the operation switch 22 is set as shown in FIGS. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other combinations may be set. In addition, although the display mode is switched according to the patterns shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the display modes may be switched according to other patterns by switching the modes.
[0044]
In the above embodiment, the display mode of the clock display 14 has a correction mode for correcting the hour and minute of the time. However, the present invention can be applied to a configuration that does not have such a correction mode.
[0045]
In the above embodiment, the single operation switch 22 has one operation unit 22a and one switch unit 22b. However, if there is only one operation unit 22a, two or more switch units 22b are provided. It is good as well. That is, if there is only one operation unit 22a operated by a person and the operation unit 22a can be rotated left and right in addition to the pressing operation, the display mode and display contents can be switched by the operation switch 22. It is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment while easily changing.
[0046]
Further, in the above embodiment, the radio timepiece apparatus 10 is mounted on a vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a wristwatch or a table clock using a radio timepiece. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a digital clock but also to an analog clock.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, function switching including a mode unique to a radio timepiece can be realized by operating a single operating means.
[0048]
Further, it is possible to realize both the change of the display contents of the function switch and the particular mode including radio waves watch specific mode by operating the single operating means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a radio-controlled timepiece device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of display means and operation means included in the radio-controlled timepiece device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart (No. 1) of a control routine executed in the radio timepiece apparatus of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart (No. 2) of a control routine executed in the radio timepiece apparatus according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Radio clock device 12 Radio clock module 14 Clock display 20 Reception antenna 22 Operation switch 22a Operation part 22b Switch part

Claims (4)

A radio timepiece apparatus comprising display means capable of displaying the time by a radio timepiece that automatically corrects the time based on a received radio wave,
A single operating means operated by a person;
The length of the operation duration time of the single operation means, selective switch between the different time mode and radio clock specific radio clock mode for displaying at least a time display mode and in the display means, and, at the time mode Switching control means for correcting the time of the displayed clock and setting the display specific to the radio clock made in the radio clock mode ;
A radio timepiece apparatus comprising:   The radio clock mode sets a reception history mode indicating a reception history of the radio clock within a predetermined period, and a time for advancing or delaying the time to be displayed on the display means from the time received by the radio clock. The radio timepiece apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radio timepiece apparatus is at least one of offset setting modes. The hour and minute correction of the clock is an hour and minute correction ,
3. The radio timepiece apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching control unit also performs hour correction and minute correction based on the length of operation duration of the single operation unit. . After the switching control means switches the display mode in the display means to a mode in which the display contents can be changed, the contents changing means for changing the display contents in the mode according to the length of the operation duration of the single operation means is provided. The radio timepiece device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein

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