JP4535837B2 - Radio correction clock, electronic device and time correction method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radio-controlled timepiece, an electronic device, and a time correction method for receiving a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal and correcting the time based on the standard time information signal applied to the received standard radio wave.

  Conventionally, in a radio-controlled timepiece that receives a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal and corrects the time based on the standard time information signal applied to the received standard radio wave, a standard time having one cycle of 1 minute (60 seconds) The information signal is held for a plurality of cycles (for example, 3 minutes (3 cycles) to 5 minutes (5 cycles)), and the time to be corrected is determined by comparing the contents of each signal. In order to improve the reliability of the received standard radio wave, the time was corrected accurately.

  However, in the above prior art, there are cases where the current time cannot be determined accurately even if standard time information signals for a plurality of cycles are used. For example, when the standard time information signals extracted for each of a plurality of cycles indicate different times, there is a problem that it is not possible to determine which time should be the correction time. Therefore, in such a case, there is a problem that the time is corrected to an incorrect time. In addition, there is a problem in that the time correction process must be stopped in order to avoid the correction at the wrong time.

  In particular, portable radio correction watches may not always be able to receive standard radio waves in a stable state. In that case, the time adjustment will not be performed easily, and the function as a radio correction watch will be fully demonstrated. There was a problem that could not.

  By the way, even though most of the standard radio waves transmitted from the receiving stations that are currently receiving standard radio waves (for example, in neighboring countries) can be received, they are not often used for time adjustment. The current situation is not.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a radio-controlled timepiece, an electronic device, and a time correction method that can correct the time more accurately in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention includes a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal transmitted from a first receiving station (hereinafter referred to as “first standard radio wave”). Receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “second standard radio wave”) including a standard time information signal transmitted from a second receiving station different from the first receiving station, Based on the standard time information signal concerning the first standard radio wave and the standard time information signal concerning the second standard radio wave, the standard time concerning the first standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “current time”) is determined. And a time correcting means for correcting the time based on the current location time determined by the determining means.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention further comprises storage means for storing information relating to the time difference between the current location time and the standard time applied to the second standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “time difference information”). The determination means is configured to determine the current time based on the standard time information signal concerning the first standard radio wave, the standard time information signal concerning the second standard radio wave, and the time difference information stored by the storage means. It is characterized by determining.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention includes an input unit that receives all or a part of the time difference information in the above invention, and the storage unit stores the time difference information input by the input unit. It is characterized by that.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is the radio-controlled timepiece according to the invention, wherein the determining means includes a part of the standard time information signal for the first standard radio wave and the standard time information signal for the second standard radio wave. Based on the above, the present location time is determined.

  Further, the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is the radio-controlled timepiece according to the above invention, wherein the determining means includes a standard time information signal relating to the first standard radio wave and a standard time information signal relating to the second standard radio wave. The present time is determined based on the “hour” information signal.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention further comprises a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time in the above invention, wherein the receiving means is configured to determine the current location time and the first time based on the time measured by the time measuring means. The standard time of 2 standard radio waves is received at a time different in date.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention further includes a reliability determination unit that determines the reliability of the standard time information signal applied to the first standard radio wave in the above-described invention, and the reception unit includes the reliability determination unit. Only the first standard radio wave is received based on the result determined by the means.

  Further, the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is the reliability judging means for judging the reliability of the standard time information signal concerning the first standard radio wave and the standard time information concerning the second standard radio wave in the above invention. The determining means determines the current time based only on a standard time information signal relating to the second standard radio wave based on the result determined by the reliability determining means.

  Further, the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is the radio-controlled timepiece according to the above-mentioned invention, wherein the reliability determining means is at least one of electric field strength, noise status, and data verification when the first standard radio wave is received. The reliability is determined based on information.

  An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention.

  The time correction method according to the present invention receives a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal transmitted from a first receiving station (hereinafter referred to as “first standard radio wave”), and also includes the first receiving station. Receiving a standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “second standard radio wave”) including a standard time information signal transmitted from a second receiving station different from the standard time information signal relating to the first standard radio wave And a determination step for determining a standard time for the first standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “current time”) based on the standard time information signal for the second standard radio wave, and the determination step. And a time correction step of correcting the time based on the current location time.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a radio-controlled timepiece, an electronic device, and a time correction method that can correct the time more accurately.

  Exemplary embodiments of a radio-controlled timepiece, an electronic device, and a time correction method according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Functional configuration of radio-controlled clock)
First, a functional configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of a radio-controlled timepiece according to this embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a radio wave correction watch 100 receives a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal, and corrects the time based on the standard time information signal applied to the received standard radio wave. The current location time determination unit 102, the time correction unit 103, the time difference information storage unit 104, the time difference information input unit 105, the time measurement unit 106, and the reliability determination unit 107 are configured.

  110 is a first receiving station, and 120 is a second receiving station different from the first receiving station 110. The first receiving station 110 and the second receiving station 120 may be receiving stations that transmit standard radio waves at the same standard time (for example, Fukushima station and Kyushu station, UK receiving station and Germany or Switzerland). A receiving station that transmits standard radio waves at different standard times (a receiving station in Japan (the Fukushima station or Kyushu station) and a receiving station in China).

  Here, the standard radio wave receiving unit 101 receives the first standard radio wave including the standard time information signal transmitted from the first receiving station 110 and includes the standard time information signal transmitted from the second receiving station 120. A second standard radio wave is received. Specifically, the standard radio wave receiver 101 realizes its function by a receiver 403 shown in FIG. 4, for example.

  The standard radio wave receiving unit 101 may receive the first standard radio wave transmitted from the first receiving station 110 and the second standard radio wave transmitted from the second receiving station 120 at the same time. In this case, the standard radio wave receiving unit 101 may separately provide, for example, first and second standard radio wave receiving circuits (for example, the receiving circuit 405 in the receiving unit 403 shown in FIG. 4). When the standard radio wave receiving unit 101 receives the first and second standard radio waves with one receiving circuit, the standard radio wave receiving unit 101 first receives the first standard radio wave, and then continues, for example, the receiving station in the receiving unit 403 shown in FIG. The switching circuit 404 may be used to receive the second standard radio wave. Conversely, the standard radio wave receiving unit 101 may receive the first standard radio wave after receiving the second standard radio wave.

  Based on the standard time information signal for the first standard radio wave and the standard time information signal for the second standard radio wave received by the standard radio wave receiver 101, the current location time determination unit 102 Determine the current location time for radio waves. Specifically, the current location time determination unit 102 realizes its function by, for example, the arithmetic control unit 401 shown in FIG. 4 executing a program stored in the control program storage unit 415. The current location time determination unit 102 may determine the current location time based only on a part of the standard time information signal related to the second standard radio wave. More specifically, for example, since the “hour” information is most likely to be misrecognized, the current time determination unit 102 determines the “hour” information signal (for example, described later) in the standard time information signal applied to the second standard radio wave. The current time may be determined based on “hour” information 502 shown in FIG.

  The time correcting unit 103 corrects the time, for example, the time measured by the time measuring unit 106, based on the current location time determined by the current location time determining unit 102. Specifically, for example, the arithmetic control unit 401 shown in FIG. 4 to be described later rewrites the time correction unit 103 by rewriting time data stored in the time data storage unit 422 of the control information storage unit 416. Realize.

  The time difference information storage unit 104 stores time difference information, that is, information related to the time difference between the current location time and the standard time applied to the second standard radio wave. Specifically, the time difference information storage unit 104 realizes its function by, for example, the time difference data storage unit 429 in the control information storage unit 416 shown in FIG. At that time, the current location time determination unit 102 is based on the standard time information signal related to the first standard radio wave, the standard time information signal related to the second standard radio wave, and the time difference information stored in the time difference information storage unit 104. To determine the current time.

  For example, when the current location time is “12:00” and the standard time applied to the second standard radio wave is “13:00”, the time difference information stored in the time difference information storage unit 104 is “+1 hour”. That is, the time difference information specifically includes, for example, information on the first standard radio wave, information on the second standard radio wave, and information on the time difference between the two. Then, the current location time determination unit 102 takes into account the time in the standard time information signal for the first standard radio wave and the standard time information signal for the second standard radio wave by adding “+1 hour” of the time difference information to be more specific. Specifically, the current location time is determined from the time obtained by subtracting one hour from the time in the standard time information signal related to the second standard radio wave.

  The time difference information input unit 105 receives all or part of the time difference information. The whole or a part of the time difference information means that, among the received standard radio waves, which radio wave is the first standard radio wave, in other words, which time zone the operator currently exists is which standard radio wave. Any information can be used as long as it can be understood whether or not it belongs. Specifically, all or part of the time difference information may be, for example, only information related to the first standard radio wave (for example, country information or time zone information), or information related to the second standard radio wave (for example, Country information, time zone information, etc.) only.

  Specifically, the time difference information input unit 105 realizes its function by, for example, an external input unit 414 shown in FIG. When the input of the time difference information is received, the time difference information storage unit 104 stores the time difference information input by the time difference information input unit 105. When an operator or the like inputs the time difference information and receives the input, erroneous recognition of the time difference information in the current location time determination unit 102, that is, whether the time zone where the operator currently exists is Japan or China is wrong. Can be avoided. Therefore, the current location time determination unit 102 can determine an accurate current location time.

  The clock unit 106 clocks a predetermined time (for example, time data stored in a clock data storage unit 422 shown in FIG. 4 described later). Specifically, the timer unit 106 updates the timing data stored in the timing data storage unit 422 by the arithmetic control unit 401 based on the signals from the reference signal generator 410 and the counter unit 411 shown in FIG. The function is realized. Then, based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 106, the standard radio wave receiving unit 101 receives the current location time and the standard time applied to the second standard radio wave at different times.

  If there is a time difference between the current time and the standard time applied to the second standard radio wave, for example, if the time difference is “+1 hour”, the standard radio wave receiving unit 101 measures the time. The first standard radio wave is received at “currently after 23:00 and before 24:00” at the current local time. Then, the standard radio wave receiving unit 101 transmits the second standard radio wave “next day after 23:00 and before 24:00:00” at the current location time, that is, “next day at the standard time for the second standard radio wave”. The second standard radio wave is received after 00:00 (24:00:00 above) and before 10:00. In this way, even if there is an error in only the “hour” information in the standard time information signal, it is possible to refer to the “accumulated date” information, “year” information, “day of the week” information, etc. The error can be recognized with certainty.

  The reliability determination unit 107 determines the reliability of the standard time information signal applied to the first standard radio wave. Specifically, the reliability determination unit 107 realizes its function by, for example, a reception status determination unit 407 shown in FIG. In addition, the reliability determination unit 107 determines the function of the reliability determination unit 107 by, for example, an arithmetic control unit 401 illustrated in FIG. 4 to be described later determining based on signals from the code determination unit 406 and the reception status determination unit 407. Is realized. The standard radio wave receiving unit 101 may receive only the first standard radio wave based on the result determined by the reliability determining unit 107. Thereby, it is not necessary to receive the second standard radio wave, the time can be corrected earlier, and the power consumption for receiving the second standard radio wave can be reduced.

  The reliability determination unit 107 determines the reliability of the standard time information signal related to the first standard radio wave and the standard time information signal related to the second standard radio wave, and the current location time determination unit 102 Based on the result determined by 107, the current time may be determined based only on the standard time information signal related to the second standard radio wave. For example, the reliability determination unit 107 determines the reliability of the standard time information signal based on at least one of the following information: electric field strength when receiving a standard radio wave, noise status, and data collation.

(Contents of time correction method processing)
Next, the contents of the process of the time correction method according to this embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the time correction method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 2, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has come (step S201). Here, after waiting for the predetermined time, when the predetermined time is reached (step S201: Yes), the first standard radio wave transmitted from the first receiving station 110 is received (step S202). Then, a standard time information signal is extracted from the received first standard radio wave (step S203). Details of the standard time information signal will be described later (see FIG. 4).

  Next, after receiving the first standard radio wave, the second standard radio wave is received (step S204). Then, all or part of the standard time information signal is extracted from the received second standard radio wave (step S205). Further, information (time difference information) regarding the time difference between the time indicated by the first standard radio wave and the time indicated by the second standard radio wave is acquired (step S206).

  Then, based on the standard time information signal extracted in step S203 and the standard time information signal extracted in step S205 (all or a part thereof), the current location time, that is, the time indicated by the first standard radio wave is determined. (Step S207). Then, based on the determined time, the time being measured is corrected (step S208), thereby ending a series of processing and returning to the standby state of step S201.

  The order of the first standard radio wave reception process (step S202) and the second standard radio wave reception process (step S204) is not limited to the above, and either may be performed first. Therefore, the reception of the second standard radio wave (step S204) may be performed prior to the reception of the first standard radio wave (step S202), both may be performed simultaneously, and one frame ( It may be performed alternately every 1 minute).

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of another process of the time adjustment method according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, it is first determined whether or not a predetermined time has come (step S301). Here, after waiting for the predetermined time, when the predetermined time is reached (step S301: Yes), the first standard radio wave transmitted from the first receiving station 110 is received (step S302). Then, a standard time information signal is extracted from the received first standard radio wave (step S303).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the standard time information signal extracted from the first standard radio wave is reliable (step S304). Details of the determination contents as to whether or not there is reliability will be described later. Here, when there is reliability (step S304: Yes), the time is corrected based on the standard time information signal extracted from the first standard radio wave (step S305). As a result, the series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state in step S301. Therefore, the second standard radio wave is not received.

  On the other hand, if there is no reliability in step S304 (step S304: No), the second standard radio wave is received (step S306). Then, the standard time information signal (all or a part thereof) is extracted from the received second standard radio wave (step S307). Next, it is determined whether or not the standard time information signal extracted from the second standard radio wave is reliable (step S308). Here, when there is no reliability (step S308: No), a series of processing is complete | finished and it returns to the standby state of step S301. Therefore, the time is not corrected.

  On the other hand, if there is reliability in step S308 (step S308: Yes), information on the time difference between the time indicated by the first standard radio wave and the time indicated by the second standard radio wave (time difference information) is acquired. (Step S309) The current time is determined based on the standard time information signal extracted from the second standard radio wave and the time difference information acquired in Step S309 (Step S310). Then, based on the determined time, the time being measured is corrected (step S311). As a result, the series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the standby state in step S301.

(Hardware configuration of radio correction watch)
Next, a hardware configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, a radio-controlled timepiece 100 configured to receive a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal and correct the time based on the standard time information signal includes at least an arithmetic control unit 401, an antenna 402, A receiving unit 403 including a receiving station switching circuit 404 and a receiving circuit 405, a code determining unit 406, a receiving situation determining unit 407, a receiving station selecting unit 408, a driving unit 409, a reference signal generating unit 410, a counter A unit 411, a display driving unit 412, a display unit 413, an external input unit 414, a control program storage unit (ROM) 415, a control information storage unit (RAM) 416, and a power supply unit 417. .

  For example, when the arithmetic control unit 401 executes the program stored in the control program storage unit 415, the current location time determination unit 102, the time correction unit 103, the time measurement unit 106, and the reliability determination unit 107 illustrated in FIG. The function is realized, and the function of the standard radio wave receiving unit 101 shown in FIG. Further, the function of the time difference information input unit 105 is realized by the external input unit 414. Further, the function of the time difference information storage unit 104 is realized by the control information storage unit 416 (time difference data storage unit 429).

  The control information storage unit (RAM) 416 includes a reception data storage unit 421, a timing data storage unit 422, a reception status storage unit 423, a reception history storage unit 424, a detection history storage unit 425, and a power supply state storage. Unit 426, receiving station storage unit 427, area data storage unit 428, time difference data storage unit 429, and time correction history storage unit 430.

  Here, the arithmetic control unit 401 is configured by a CPU or the like, and controls the entire radio-controlled timepiece 100. The arithmetic control unit 401 controls the driving state of the timing data storage unit 422 and individually controls various components. Further, the antenna 402 receives a standard radio wave including time information. Further, in the receiving unit 403, the receiving station switching circuit 404 inputs a signal for selecting and controlling the receiving station from the receiving station selecting unit 408, and switches the receiving station. The receiving circuit 405 amplifies the standard radio wave received by the antenna 402 and demodulates it by processing such as a filter circuit, a rectifier circuit, and a detection circuit.

  The code determination unit 406 extracts predetermined information from the standard radio wave including the time information received by the reception unit 403. Also, the reception status determination unit 407 receives the output from the reception unit 403, determines the reception status, that is, “reliability” of the received signal, and outputs the determination result to the arithmetic control unit 401. Details of the determination will be described later.

  The receiving station selection unit 408 selects a receiving station for receiving the standard radio wave from the receiving stations stored in the receiving station storage unit 427 based on the input information from the external input unit 414 and the like. Is output to the receiving station switching circuit 404 based on the control from the arithmetic control unit 401.

  The drive unit 409 drives the reception process by the reception unit 403 based on the signal from the calculation control unit 401. The reference signal generation unit 410 is composed of, for example, an oscillation circuit, and generates a signal having a predetermined frequency serving as a reference for time measurement processing. Further, the counter unit 411 halls the arithmetic control unit 401 having a predetermined frequency, for example, 1 Hz in this specific example, through a suitable frequency dividing circuit or the like, from the reference signal generated from the reference signal generating unit 410. A halt release signal for performing the release is created, and the created halt release signal is output to the arithmetic control unit 401.

  The display driving unit 412 drives the display unit 413 to display the time correction result. The display unit 413 displays calendar information such as the current time, date and day of the week, information on the radio wave reception status, and the like.

  The external input unit 414 inputs an operation instruction from the operator. Specifically, buttons and crowns. The control program storage unit 415 is generally configured by a ROM, and stores various control programs. The display time changing operation is also performed by operating the external input unit 414.

  In the control information storage unit (RAM) 416, the reception data storage unit 421 stores the reception data determined by the code determination unit 406. Specifically, a “0” signal (FIG. 6-1 to be described later), a “1” signal (FIG. 6-2), and a “P” signal (FIG. 6-3) are transferred to a predetermined bit (for example, “P” signal). After appearing continuously, one frame, that is, 60 × n bits (n = 1, 2, 3,...)) Is stored. As the numerical value of n increases, the reliability of the received data increases, but the storage capacity increases correspondingly, and the time correction processing takes time. Therefore, how many n is a design matter. In general, n = 3, that is, 3 frames are stored.

  The power supply unit 417 includes a power generation device, a power storage device, and a power supply state detection device. In this power generation device, driving power is generated by, for example, a solar cell or a device that generates power using kinetic energy. In addition, the power storage device stores electric power generated by a secondary battery or the like. Note that if a replacement secondary battery is installed, a power generation device is unnecessary. The power supply state detection device detects the amount of power generated by the power generation device and the amount of power stored in the power storage device. These are stored in the power supply state storage unit 426 via the arithmetic control unit 401 as the state of the power supply unit 417.

  The time data storage unit 422 stores time information or calendar information output from the arithmetic control unit 401, that is, time data corrected by the received standard radio wave. This time measurement data may relate to the time of the current location, or may relate to UTC time. When it is related to the UTC time, the time data storage unit 422 further stores information related to the time difference between the UTC time and the current location time.

  The reception status storage unit 423 stores information on the reception status of radio waves determined by the reception status determination unit 407. Specifically, the information regarding the reception status of the radio wave is information of a type such as “H (high reliability)”, “M (medium reliability)”, “L (low reliability)”, and “NG (no reliability)”. And time information thereof. In addition, the reception history storage unit 424 receives data regarding all standard radio waves received when receiving standard radio waves, such as a receiving station, a reception frequency, a reception time, a reception state (electric field strength), and whether reception is successful. Receive history information is stored.

  In particular, the detection history storage unit 425 stores information related to whether or not the detected standard radio wave is transmitted in association with the timing data. Therefore, the detection history storage unit 425 may realize its function by the reception history storage unit 424. Specifically, the detection history storage unit 425 stores information regarding the success / failure of detection for each detection time point. In addition, the power supply state storage unit 426 stores information related to the state of the power supply unit 417 (for example, the amount of power generated by the power generation device and the amount of power stored in the power storage device). Then, the arithmetic control unit 401 updates the information stored in the power supply state storage unit 426 at a predetermined timing.

  The receiving station storage unit 427 stores information related to a plurality of receiving stations that perform forced reception or scheduled reception, for example, information related to the frequency of standard radio waves, code patterns, and the like. As described above, when there are multiple types of forced reception or scheduled reception, the receiving station storage unit 427 stores each piece of information. In addition, the area data storage unit 428 stores information (area data) related to the area, the receiving station, the reception start time, and the like.

  The time difference data storage unit 429 stores time difference information between standard times for standard radio waves transmitted from a plurality of different receiving stations. The time difference information includes other different receiving stations and the time difference information for each receiving station. The time difference information is stored as “+1” when the standard time of the first receiving station 110 is later than the standard time of the second receiving station 120, and as “−1” when it is earlier. Therefore, when both standard times are the same, the time difference information is “0”. Since the time difference between Japan and China is 1 hour, when the first receiving station 110 is China and the second receiving station 120 is Japan, the time difference information is “+1”. The time difference information may be stored in the receiving station storage unit 427.

  The time correction history storage unit 430 stores information related to the time correction history in association with time measurement data. Therefore, the time correction history storage unit 430 may realize its function by the reception history storage unit 424 or the detection history storage unit 425.

  In such a configuration, the arithmetic control unit 401 releases the halt state of the CPU, and the control information storage unit (RAM) 416 by a predetermined control program stored in the control program storage unit 415 configured by the ROM. The second data of the time data storage unit 422 for counting the time calendar data is incremented every second. In addition, the arithmetic control unit 401 counts time (calendar) data by carrying out calendar data such as minute data, hour data, and day data as necessary. The display driving unit 412 displays predetermined time information or further calendar information in the time measurement data storage unit 422 after being changed every second on the display unit 413. The scheduled reception process operates when the timing data storage unit 422 reaches a predetermined timing information value. Further, the forced reception process is operated by the operation of the external input unit 414.

  In the present embodiment, various control programs stored in the control program storage unit 415 are used to store the control information storage unit (RAM) 416 in which the calculation control unit 401 stores various control information. Although an example is shown in which predetermined calculation processing is performed using data and various components of the radio-controlled timepiece 100 are driven and controlled, the present invention is limited to the configuration of such a specific example. It is not something. That is, according to the present invention, for example, the same function may be realized by a random logic configuration that does not use a CPU.

(Standard radio wave transmission data format (Japan))
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the format of standard radio wave (Japan) transmission data. In FIG. 5, time data is transmitted at 1 bit / second as one frame, and in this frame 500, “minute” information 501, “hour” information 502, “integrated date from January 1” ”Information 503,“ year ”information 504 indicating the last two digits of the year, and“ day of week ”information 505.

  The transmitted data includes a marker “P” code in addition to “0” and “1”. The waveforms of the above are as shown in FIGS. 6-1 to 6-3. There are several “P” codes in one frame, and appear at the minute (0 seconds), 9 seconds, 19 seconds, 29 seconds, 39 seconds, 49 seconds, and 59 seconds. The “P” code appears only once at 59 seconds and 0 seconds in one frame, and the position where this “P” code appears is the minute position. That is, the time data such as the “minute” information 501 and the “hour” information 502 are determined in positions in the frame with reference to this minute position. Therefore, in order to extract the time data, first, this minute position is detected. It is necessary to do. Then, for each bit transmitted every second, it is detected which of the three types of waveforms shown in FIGS.

In order to discriminate between the three types of waveforms shown in FIGS. 6-1 to 6-3, sampling is performed at two time points (T _A , T _B ) as indicated by broken lines in the figure, and The conventional method is to check the state of “High” or “Low”. Specifically, if T _A and T _B are “High” and “High”, respectively, the waveform is “0” as shown in FIG. 6A, and T _A and T _B are “High”, respectively. ”And“ Low ”, the waveform is“ 1 ”as shown in FIG. 6B. If T _A and T _B are“ Low ”and“ Low ”, respectively, the waveform is shown in FIG. Thus, the waveform is “P”.

  The time information is extracted by setting the 0 second bit as the first bit, the 1 second bit as the second bit, and the 59 second bit as the 60th bit. As shown in FIG. 5, each bit is associated with corresponding time information. For example, the 13th bit 511 is a bit indicating “20 (hour)”, the 14th bit 512 is a bit indicating “10 (hour)”, and the 16th bit 513 is “8 (hour)”. The 17th bit 514 is a bit indicating “4 (hour)”, the 18th bit 515 is a bit indicating “2 (hour)”, and the 19th bit 516 is “1 (hour)”. It is a bit to indicate.

  For example, when “0 o'clock” is indicated, the 13th bit 511 to the 19th bit 516 are all “0”. When “15:00” is indicated, the 14th bit 512, the 17th bit 514, and the 19th bit 516 are “1”, and the remaining 13th bit 511, the 16th bit 513, and the 18th bit 515 are “0”. "

  Therefore, for example, the 13th bit 511 (20 (hour)) and the 14th bit 512 (10 (hour)) are not simultaneously set to “1”. This is because “hour” displays 0 to 23 and never exceeds 24. As described above, when an impossible combination of “1” bits is generated, the code determination unit 406 determines that it is a reception error and fails to extract received data.

(Contents of receiving operation)
Next, the reception operation will be described. Of the reception operations, scheduled reception operates at regular intervals, and receives a standard radio wave periodically to correct the time. Specifically, the receiving means for receiving the time information receives the standard radio wave under the timing control of the reception permission signal based on the reception operation signal output from the time measuring means.

  The received signal received and captured is determined by the reception status determination unit 407 as to whether or not the signal is reliable. If it is determined as “reliable”, the data of the received signal is the code determination unit 406, It is stored in the received data storage unit 421 as time calendar data via the arithmetic control unit 401.

  As another processing method, first, a received signal that has been received and captured is stored in the received data storage unit 421, and thereafter, the received data (received signal) stored in the received data storage unit 421 is trusted. When the reception status determination unit 407 determines that the received signal is “unreliable”, the data stored in the reception data storage unit 421 is erased. Processing to replace the time data storage unit 422 is not performed. Even if it is determined to be “reliable”, the time (calendar) correction is performed by replacing the data in the timing data storage unit 422 with the data in the reception data storage unit 421. Good.

  Here, the reception status determination unit 407 includes the rectangular pulses shown in FIGS. 6-1 to 6-3 ("0" shown in FIGS. 6-1 to 6-3, A rectangular pulse in which codes of “1” and “P” are defined by the width of the rectangular pulse) is input from the receiving unit 403. The reception status determination unit 407 further detects the rising edge of the signal from the reception unit 403, counts the detection interval, and determines whether the reception signal is “reliable” or “unreliable” based on the count value. do. Specifically, this count value is supposed to be at an interval of 1 second, but this 1 second cycle is unstable depending on the reception environment (noise intensity, presence or absence, etc.), that is, the received signal is “unreliable”. In this case, what is supposed to be a period of 1 second is disturbed.

  The comparison between the count value and a predetermined comparison value (for example, 1 second ± 32 ms) is determined for 10 seconds, for example, and the reception status is determined by determining “reliability” of the received signal (second synchronization). Another method may be used as a method for determining the reception status. For example, the reception status determination unit 407 may determine the “reliability” of the standard radio wave reception signal including time information by detecting the electric field strength.

  If the received signal can be determined to be “reliable” by this operation, the received control unit 401 uses the received data acquired based on a predetermined algorithm stored in the control program storage unit 415 in the arithmetic control unit 401. A process of storing certain time calendar data in the received data storage unit 421 is performed.

  In addition, based on the history information stored in the time correction history storage unit 430, in a state where it is recognized that the time has not been corrected for a predetermined time or longer, the reception time and the time stored in the time data storage unit 422 are present. If there is a difference of a certain time or more (for example, 1 hour or more), it may be determined as “no reliability”, and if there is no difference, it may be determined as “reliability”. This is because the time shift is expected to be small if the time is not corrected. Here, when the reception is not successful for a certain period of time, when returning from the power saving state, or in the initial state after the all reset, it is desirable to change the history information so that the time is corrected. Thereby, it can be avoided that it is recognized that the time has not been corrected for a predetermined time or more.

  As one specific example of correcting the time based on the received standard radio wave, the control information storage unit (RAM) 416 is controlled based on the control of the arithmetic control unit 401 by the program of the control program storage unit 415 as described above. Software processing that corrects the time by manipulating predetermined data is adopted. For example, the clock data storage unit 422 that is a clock means is not a RAM, but a counter means that combines, for example, a flip-flop and a gate. You may make it comprise by.

  Next, a process after the received data is stored in the received data storage unit 421 will be described. The rectangular pulse included in the long standard wave is one set (one frame) per minute as described above, and data such as time calendar data is constituted by one set of received data. Therefore, the arithmetic control unit 401 receives the received signal in order to confirm the reliability of the received signal after the determination of “reliable” of the received signal based on a predetermined algorithm stored in the control program storage unit 415. For example, three sets of data are taken, and it is determined whether the three time calendar data are different by one minute (minute synchronization). In this case, the received data storage unit 421 includes a memory having a capacity capable of storing three or more sets of received data.

  As described above, the validity of the data is further confirmed after the determination of “reliable” of the received signal. For example, erroneous data (such as “1” that should have been “0” should be “0” by the receiving unit 403 due to noise or the like). ) Is received, or when the data changes due to noise in the receiving circuit 405.

  When the reliability including the validity of the received data (received signal) is determined after the determination, the arithmetic control unit 401 stores a predetermined value stored in the control program storage unit 415. Based on the algorithm, the process of replacing the data in the time data storage unit 422 with the data in the received data storage unit 421 is performed, and the time (calendar) is corrected using the time calendar data. In addition, when it is determined that the received signal is “unreliable”, a predetermined algorithm for displaying “There is a contradiction in received data” on the display unit 413 is stored in the control program storage unit 415. Warning information to the operator at the time of reception can be provided.

  The receiving unit 403 receives the standard radio wave from the receiving station that transmits the standard radio wave including the time information of the designated frequency, and the arithmetic control unit 401 is, for example, “reliable” of the received signal in the reception status determining unit 407. "Based on a predetermined algorithm stored in the control program storage unit 415, the arithmetic control unit 401" takes three sets of received data and determines whether each of the three time calendar data is a difference of one minute ". Confirming both “Reliable” of the received signal by means that “Reception is determined to be normal”.

  In this case, the calculation control unit 401 corrects the time (calendar) by replacing the data in the timing data storage unit 422 with the data in the reception data storage unit 421, and displays the current accurate time (calendar) information on the display unit. In addition to the display on 413, the display drive unit 412 is controlled to display “success in reception” on the display unit 413. The arithmetic control unit 401 simultaneously stores the progress of the reception operation in the reception history storage unit 424 provided for each reception station. The determination as to whether or not the standard radio wave including the time information has been normally received may be made by detecting the electric field strength.

(Specific example of standard time information signal)
Next, a specific example of the standard time information signal will be described. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams illustrating specific examples of the standard time information signal. In FIG. 7A, 5 sets (1st set to 5th set) of standard time information signals of 60 bits (1st bit to 60th bit) are sequentially stored in one frame. ing. In the first set, the fourth bit (10 minutes), the seventh bit (4 minutes), and the ninth bit (1 minute) are “1”, the remaining second bits (40 minutes), the third bit Since the bit (20 minutes), the sixth bit (8 minutes), and the eighth bit (2 minutes) are “0”, it can be seen that the “minute” information is “15 minutes” (= 10 + 4 + 1).

  Similarly, in the first set, since only the 18th bit (2 o'clock) is “1”, it is understood that the “hour” information is “2 o'clock”. Since the 27th bit (40th day), the 28th bit (20th day), the 29th bit (10th day), the 31st bit (8th day), and the 34th bit (1st day) are "1", It can be seen that the “accumulated date” information is “79 days” (= 40 + 20 + 10 + 8 + 1). Here, the accumulated date “79 days” corresponds to March 19. Also, since only the 47th bit (4 years) is “1”, it can be seen that the “year” information is “(20) 04”. Further, since the 51st bit (4) and the 52nd bit (2) are “1”, it can be seen that the “day” information is “6 (Friday)” (= 4 + 2).

  Next, in the second set, everything else is the same except for the “minute” information. The “minute” information is carried by one minute, so the fourth bit (10 minutes), the seventh bit (4 minutes), the eighth bit (2 minutes) are “1”, and the remaining second bits ( 40 minutes), the third bit (20 minutes), the sixth bit (8 minutes), and the ninth bit (1 minute) are “0”, so the “minute” information is “16 minutes” (= 10 + 4 + 2). I understand that. Thus, only “minute” information is changed for each set (one minute). In this way, the standard time can be determined from the standard time information signal. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of a standard time for the standard time information signal of FIG.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a part of the standard time information signal and the standard time corresponding to the standard time information signal. In FIG. 8, when three sets are received continuously in a single reception process, it is understood that only one of the 18th and 19th bits is mistakenly read and the determined time is different.

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, for example, when a standard radio wave is received in China and the time is corrected, the time is converted into Chinese time (-1 hour) based on time data received from a Japanese receiving station. The standard time in China is determined with reference to the converted time data. Of the time data received from the receiving station in Japan, the date of the data “B” changes when converted to the Chinese time. This is different from the day of the week in the “day of the week” data in the standard time information signal related to the standard radio wave received in China, and can be excluded from the reference candidates. In addition, when the converted time data coincides with the time according to the standard time information signal applied to the standard radio wave received from the receiving station in China, the time may be determined as the standard time in China. Good.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the processing of the embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, when the reception of the standard radio wave from the first receiving station 110 is started (step S1001), it is first determined whether or not the “P” signal is continuously received (step S1002). Then, after waiting for continuous reception of the “P” signal (step S1002: Yes), it is next determined whether or not it is the (predetermined number + 1) set (step S1003). ). The predetermined number is, for example, the number of sets stored in the reception data storage unit 421, and is usually about 3 to 5. Here, since it is the first set, it is determined that it is not applicable (step S1003: No), and the bit of the standard time information signal is stored (step S1004).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the “P” signal is continuously received (step S1005). Here, when the “P” signal has not been received continuously (step S1005: No), the process returns to step S1004, and steps S1004 and S1005 are repeated.

  If the “P” signal is continuously received in step S1005 (step S1005: Yes), the process returns to step S1003. In step S1003, when the (predetermined number + 1) th set is reached, that is, when a predetermined number of sets have been stored (step S1003: Yes), it is next determined whether or not the predetermined sets of data match (step S1003). S1006). “Match” is, for example, the case where “minute” information is carried by one minute and other information matches.

  If all sets of data match in step S1006 (step S1006: Yes), the current location time is determined based on the matched data (step S1011). On the other hand, if all do not match (step S1006: No), next, transmission data consisting of one or more sets from the second receiving station 120 is acquired (step S1007), and the time difference processing is performed as described above. (Step S1008).

  Then, it is determined whether there is valid data after the time difference processing (step S1009). If there is no valid data (step S1009: No), the time adjustment is not performed, and the series of processing ends. On the other hand, when there is useful data (step S1009: Yes), it is determined whether or not the data after the time difference processing matches any of the data of each set stored in the received data storage unit 421 (step S1010). . Here, when the data after the time difference processing does not match any set of data (step S1010: No), the time adjustment is not performed again, the series of processing is terminated, and the processing returns to step S1001. Then, the data stored in the received data storage unit 421 may be erased.

  In step S1010, when the data after the time difference process matches any set of data (step S1010: Yes), the current location time is determined based on the matched time data (step S1011), and the determined time is determined. Based on the above, time correction processing is performed (step S1012). In this way, a series of processing ends, and the process returns to step S1001.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the current time is received using the standard radio wave transmitted from another receiving station that can receive the standard radio wave and transmitted from the other receiving station. Therefore, even if there is an error in the received data, the error can be extracted so that the current time is not corrected. Therefore, it is possible to correct the time more accurately.

  In the above embodiment, the radio wave correction clock has been described. However, the radio wave correction clock includes all kinds of clocks such as a wristwatch, a wall clock, and a table clock. In addition, the present invention is not limited to a radio wave correction watch, but a camera, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a game device, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a notebook personal computer incorporating the radio wave correction watch. It may be a portable information terminal device such as a home appliance or an electronic device including a car.

  In addition, when the operator performs in an area other than the time zone of the time at which the standard radio wave is transmitted, a mode in which a part of the transmission time data is ignored can be provided. Specifically, “part” is “time” information. Further, “minute” and “second” may be corrected without reflecting “day” and “month” (integrated date) data and “year” data in the data collation.

  When only the minute and second are corrected, when the time stored in the time data storage unit 422 is advanced by (30−α) minutes or less from the standard time, the time data storage unit 422 stores the time. Shift the time in the delay direction to match the standard time data. On the other hand, when the time stored in the time data storage unit 422 is delayed by (30−α) or less than the standard time, the time is shifted in the advance direction to match the standard time data. When the time and time stored in the time data storage unit 422 are different by exactly (30 ± α), the minute is not corrected. Note that α is preferably 10 minutes or less, which can be divided into three.

  In addition, when a predetermined switch is pressed after correcting the time, the time correction is set, and when a switch other than the predetermined switch is pressed, only the minutes and seconds are corrected. It is good to do so. Thereby, the setting of the reception mode can be changed with a simple operation.

In addition, when the reception level is displayed on the reception monitor, different display is performed depending on the mode. Specifically, in a normal reception mode, that is, a mode in which all standard time information signals are reflected and corrected in time,
H level: The position of the second hand is 6 seconds M level: The position of the second hand is 9 seconds L level: The position of the second hand is 12 seconds

On the other hand, in the mode that reflects and corrects the time of some standard time information signals,
H level: position of the second hand is 16 seconds M level: position of the second hand is 19 seconds L level: position of the second hand is 22 seconds

  Further, in a radio timepiece that displays a time other than the transmission time of the standard radio wave based on the time difference information, information on a predetermined time zone may be held even at the initial time (after all reset). Specifically, for example, when selling radio timepieces in China, Taiwan, etc., when receiving Japanese radio waves and correcting the time so that the time of the home country (China or Taiwan) will be the time of initial reset, Information (initial time difference information) regarding a predetermined time zone that is 1 hour is held, and the time is displayed based on the initial time difference information. As a result, the operator (China / Taiwan user) does not need to input information about the time zone every time, and does not need to perform a complicated operation for correcting the time zone.

  Thus, even at the initial time (after all reset), information on a predetermined time zone (initial time difference information) is held, and the time is displayed based on the initial time difference information. When the operator monitors the time difference setting, the time based on the initial time difference information is not displayed, and only the time set by the user is displayed.

  The setting of the initial time difference information can be easily rewritten in the nonvolatile memory. By doing in this way, the sales area can be set only by changing this content in the production factory.

  In addition, the preset offset time can be set to the local time zone instead of 0 hours (local time of the transmitting station) in the all reset release state, and the user can set the offset time after battery replacement or all reset. By performing this operation, the offset time can be set to 0 hour or another time. As a result, users in countries with different time zones can also be set considering the time difference around their own time.

  Further, the time setting of the local time zone can be changed succinctly by a non-volatile memory element, a pattern cut of the circuit board, or the like, and the microcomputer program may not be changed. In addition, the above clock displays the offset time in the all-reset cancel state as 0 hours (it is easier for local people to set the local time to 0 hours), and the time zone can be changed using the technology introduced in the prior art. For example, when the user moves to a different time zone such as the time zone of the transmitting station, another time zone may be set.

  If the memory device is a non-volatile memory, the offset time information can be written to the memory device for user operation, and the offset time zone can be set no matter where the user is in the time zone, regardless of battery replacement or all reset operation. Can be avoided.

  As described above, the local time can be displayed without the user performing an operation for setting the offset time even when the battery is replaced or all reset is performed.

  As described above, the radio-controlled timepiece, electronic device, and time correction method according to the present invention receive a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal, and correct the time based on the standard time information signal applied to the received standard radio wave. Suitable for use in watches and electronic devices.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the functional structure of the radio-controlled timepiece concerning this Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the process of the time correction method concerning this Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of another process of the time correction method concerning this Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the radio wave correction timepiece concerning one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the format of the transmission data of a standard radio wave (Japan). It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the waveform of "0". It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the waveform of "1". It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the waveform of "P". It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transmission data of a standard radio wave (Japan). It is explanatory drawing which shows the time information corresponding to the transmission data of FIGS. It is explanatory drawing which shows a response | compatibility with "time" information and transmission time information in transmission data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the time data received from the receiving station of Japan, and the time converted into the time of China. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process of the Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Radio wave correction clock 101 Standard radio wave receiving part 102 Present location time determination part 103 Time correction part 104 Time difference information storage part 105 Time difference information input part 106 Timekeeping part 107 Reliability judgment part 110 First receiving station 120 Second receiving station 401 Calculation control part 402 Antenna 403 Reception Unit 406 Code Determination Unit 407 Reception Status Determination Unit 408 Reception Station Selection Unit 409 Drive Unit 410 Reference Signal Generation Unit 411 Counter Unit 412 Display Drive Unit 413 Display Unit 414 External Input Unit 415 Control Program Storage Unit (ROM)
416 Control information storage unit (RAM)
417 Power supply unit 421 Received data storage unit 422 Timing data storage unit 423 Reception status storage unit 424 Reception history storage unit 425 Detection history storage unit 426 Power supply state storage unit 427 Reception station storage unit 428 Regional data storage unit 429 Time difference data storage unit

Claims (11)

A standard radio wave including a standard time information signal transmitted from the first receiving station (hereinafter referred to as “first standard radio wave”) is received and transmitted from a second receiving station different from the first receiving station. Receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal (hereinafter referred to as “second standard radio wave”);
Storage means for storing information about a time difference between the current location time and a standard time applied to the second standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “time difference information”);
A standard for the first standard radio wave based on the standard time information signal for the first standard radio wave, the standard time information signal for the second standard radio wave, and the time difference information stored by the storage means. A determination means for determining a time (hereinafter referred to as “current location time”);
Time correcting means for correcting the time based on the current location time determined by the determining means;
A radio-controlled watch characterized by comprising: Comprising input means for receiving all or part of the time difference information;
The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1 , wherein the storage means stores time difference information input by the input means. The determining means determines the current time based on a standard time information signal concerning the first standard radio wave and a part of a standard time information signal concerning the second standard radio wave. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1 or 2 . The determining means determines the current time based on a standard time information signal relating to the first standard radio wave and a “time” information signal among the standard time information signals relating to the second standard radio wave. The radio wave correction timepiece according to claim 3 . A standard radio wave including a standard time information signal transmitted from the first receiving station (hereinafter referred to as “first standard radio wave”) is received and transmitted from a second receiving station different from the first receiving station. Receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal (hereinafter referred to as “second standard radio wave”);
Based on the standard time information signal concerning the first standard radio wave and the standard time information signal concerning the second standard radio wave, the standard time concerning the first standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “current time”) is obtained. A decision means to decide;
Time correcting means for correcting the time based on the current location time determined by the determining means;
A time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time;
With
The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means receives the current location time and the standard time applied to the second standard radio wave at different times based on the time measured by the time measuring means . A standard radio wave including a standard time information signal transmitted from the first receiving station (hereinafter referred to as “first standard radio wave”) is received and transmitted from a second receiving station different from the first receiving station. Receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal (hereinafter referred to as “second standard radio wave”);
Based on the standard time information signal concerning the first standard radio wave and the standard time information signal concerning the second standard radio wave, the standard time concerning the first standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “current time”) is obtained. A decision means to decide;
Time correcting means for correcting the time based on the current location time determined by the determining means;
Reliability determination means for determining the reliability of the standard time information signal applied to the first standard radio wave;
With
The radio-controlled timepiece , wherein the receiving unit receives only the first standard radio wave based on a result determined by the reliability determining unit . A standard radio wave including a standard time information signal transmitted from the first receiving station (hereinafter referred to as “first standard radio wave”) is received and transmitted from a second receiving station different from the first receiving station. Receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal (hereinafter referred to as “second standard radio wave”);
Based on the standard time information signal concerning the first standard radio wave and the standard time information signal concerning the second standard radio wave, the standard time concerning the first standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “current time”) is obtained. A decision means to decide;
Time correcting means for correcting the time based on the current location time determined by the determining means;
Reliability determination means for determining the reliability of the standard time information signal applied to the first standard radio wave and the standard time information applied to the second standard radio wave;
With
The radio-controlled timepiece , wherein the determining unit determines the current time based only on a standard time information signal related to the second standard radio wave based on a result determined by the reliability determining unit . The reliability determining means determines the reliability based on at least one of information on electric field strength, noise status, and data collation when the first standard radio wave is received. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 6 or 7 . An electronic apparatus comprising the radio-controlled timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A standard radio wave including a standard time information signal transmitted from the first receiving station (hereinafter referred to as “first standard radio wave”) is received and transmitted from a second receiving station different from the first receiving station. Receiving a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal (hereinafter referred to as “second standard radio wave”);
Information on the time difference between the standard time information signal applied to the first standard radio wave, the standard time information signal applied to the second standard radio wave, and the current time stored in advance and the standard time applied to the second standard radio wave (Hereinafter referred to as “time difference information”), and a determination step of determining a standard time (hereinafter referred to as “current location time”) applied to the first standard radio wave,
A time correction step of correcting the time based on the current location time determined by the determination step;
The time correction method characterized by including. A standard radio wave including a standard time information signal transmitted from the first receiving station (hereinafter referred to as “first standard radio wave”) is received and transmitted from a second receiving station different from the first receiving station. Receiving a standard radio wave including a standard time information signal (hereinafter referred to as “second standard radio wave”);
Based on the standard time information signal concerning the first standard radio wave and the standard time information signal concerning the second standard radio wave, the standard time concerning the first standard radio wave (hereinafter referred to as “current time”) is obtained. A decision process to decide;
A time correction step of correcting the time based on the current location time determined by the determination step;
Only including,
The time correction method , wherein the receiving means receives the current location time and the standard time applied to the second standard radio wave at different times based on a predetermined time .

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