JP5703772B2 - Satellite signal receiving apparatus, satellite signal receiving apparatus control method, and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a satellite signal receiving device that performs positioning and time correction based on a signal from a position information satellite such as a GPS satellite, a control method for the satellite signal receiving device, and an electronic device.

An electronic device that receives a satellite signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite and performs positioning and time adjustment is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
When such an electronic device is assumed to be a device that moves with the user, such as a wristwatch, for example, it is conceivable that the electronic device has moved to an environment where it cannot receive satellite signals, such as indoors and underground malls.

  If reception processing is performed in an environment where such satellite signals cannot be received, power is wasted. In particular, in battery-powered electronic devices such as wristwatches, it is necessary to reduce current consumption in order to ensure the duration and reduce the battery size, and it is necessary to avoid useless reception processing.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, when a solar panel is provided in an electronic device, the amount of power generation is compared with a threshold value for determining whether the device is indoors or outdoors, it is determined whether the electronic device is disposed outdoors. The reception process was performed.

JP 2008-39565 A

By the way, it was thought that the amount of power generated by a solar panel corresponds to the illuminance of the light applied to the solar panel. Then, the power generation amount corresponding to the illuminance when the electronic device is outdoors during the daytime and the illuminance when the electronic device is indoors is obtained, and the threshold value is set so that these power generation amounts can be distinguished from each other. It was thought that it could be judged.
However, in actuality, depending on the usage status of the electronic device, even when the electronic device is placed indoors, the power generation amount may exceed the threshold value, and as a result, reception processing may be performed in an environment where satellite signals cannot be received. .
Even when the electronic device is disposed outdoors, for example, when it is disposed in a valley of a building, the satellite signal may not be received even if the reception process is executed. As described above, even when the electronic device is disposed outdoors, it is not necessarily in an environment suitable for receiving satellite signals.
For this reason, if the threshold value is fixed as described in Patent Document 1, reception processing is often performed even in an environment where satellite signals cannot actually be received, resulting in inconvenience that power consumption increases. May occur.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a satellite signal receiving device, a satellite signal receiving device control method, and an electronic device capable of accurately determining whether the environment is suitable for receiving satellite signals using a solar cell and suppressing power consumption. To provide equipment.

Satellite signal receiving apparatus of the present invention, the satellite signal reception device having a reception circuit for receiving a satellite signal, a solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy, power generation state detecting circuit for detecting the power generation state of the solar cell And a control circuit for controlling the receiving circuit and the power generation state detection circuit, the control circuit is in a high illuminance state where the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is equal to or higher than a preset illuminance threshold level, determines that the set a threshold value for determining whether a low illuminance state lower than the illuminance threshold level, the compared detection value detected by the power generation state detecting circuit and the said threshold value is the high illuminance state In this case , the threshold value is changed when the reception circuit is activated and the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal.

In the present invention, as a result of comparing the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit with the threshold value, the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal even though it is determined to be in the high illuminance state. , Change the threshold. The threshold value can be changed, for example, by setting the threshold value so that it can be changed in a plurality of stages, and changing the threshold value in one stage or a plurality of stages. The illuminance threshold level is a threshold value to be compared with the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell, and can determine whether the illuminance state is high or low. The illuminance threshold level is set to a value (for example, 10,000 lux) that can distinguish between the illuminance when the solar cell is exposed to direct sunlight outdoors and the illuminance when the solar cell is exposed to light such as illumination indoors. Is done. The high illuminance state refers to a state in which the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is equal to or higher than the illuminance threshold level, and is a state in which the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is relatively high, usually having a solar cell. A state in which it can be determined that the satellite signal receiving device is located outdoors. On the other hand, the low illuminance state refers to a state in which the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is lower than the illuminance threshold level, which is a state in which the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is relatively low, and usually has a solar cell. A state in which it cannot be determined that the satellite signal receiver is located outdoors.
Then, when changing the threshold value due to failure in reception, for example, when the detected value is an output value such as the open voltage of the solar cell, and the detected value becomes higher as the illuminance increases, the illuminance threshold level is The threshold is also reset to a high value so as to increase. In such a case, the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is less likely to be greater than or equal to the threshold value by increasing the threshold value. For example, when reception processing is performed because the illumination light is irradiated very strongly on an electronic device placed indoors and the detection value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the threshold value gradually decreases because reception fails. Get higher. As the threshold value gradually increases, the detected value does not become more than the threshold value for the illumination light, and it becomes more than the threshold value only when it moves outdoors and is irradiated with direct sunlight. In this way, the threshold value can be optimized in accordance with the living environment of the person who uses the electronic device. As described above, if the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the reception circuit is operated in an environment suitable for receiving the satellite signal by tightening the conditions for operating the reception circuit. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the environment is suitable for receiving satellite signals using the solar cell, and power consumption can be suppressed.

In the satellite signal receiving device of the present invention, the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is an output value of the solar cell, and the control circuit compares the output value of the solar cell with the threshold value. If it is determined that the a high intensity state Te, and operates the reception circuit, when failing to receive the satellite signal by the receiving circuit, sets the threshold value the as illuminance threshold level becomes higher It is preferable to redo.

Here, as the output value of the solar cell, any one of the open voltage of the solar cell, the short-circuit current, and the charging current to the secondary battery that changes in accordance with the illuminance of the light irradiated to the solar cell may be used. In addition, these output values are usually set to be higher as the illuminance is higher, but depending on the setting of the power generation state detection circuit, etc., the output values may be set to be smaller as the illuminance is higher. it can.
In the present invention, when the detection value (for example, the open voltage of the solar cell) detected by the power generation state detection circuit is compared with the threshold value by resetting the threshold value so that the illuminance threshold level becomes high, the high illuminance state It becomes difficult to be judged. As described above, when the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the reception circuit is operated in an environment suitable for the reception of the satellite signal by tightening conditions for operating the reception circuit. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the environment is suitable for receiving satellite signals using the solar cell, and power consumption can be suppressed.

The satellite signal reception device of the present invention, the detection value detected by said power generation state detecting circuit, said high by comparing the predetermined value set in correspondence with the illumination threshold level and output value of the solar cell whether the illuminance state, wherein when it is determined whether the low illuminance state, the a is a power determination time period in which the output value of the solar cell is continued a the high illuminance state, the control circuit When the power generation determination time is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, the reception circuit is activated, and when the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the threshold value is reset to be longer. It is preferable.

Here, the power generation determination time can be detected as follows. That is, the output value of the solar cell is compared with a predetermined value set corresponding to the illuminance threshold level to determine whether it is a high illuminance state or a low illuminance state, and this determination is performed at regular intervals (for example, 1 It is possible to detect the power generation determination time, which is the time during which the illumination state is high, by counting the number of times when the illumination state is continuously high, and counting the number of times when the illumination state is continuously high.
As in the present invention, when the power generation determination time is used as a detection value, the power generation determination time detected by the power generation state detection circuit is less likely to be greater than or equal to the threshold by increasing the threshold. For example, if the threshold is short, even if the electronic device placed indoors is exposed to direct sunlight from the window of the building instantaneously, there is a possibility that the power generation determination time will exceed the threshold and be received. is there. In the present invention, even if such reception is performed, since the reception fails, the threshold value becomes longer. Therefore, the power generation determination time does not exceed the threshold value only when the direct sunlight is irradiated instantaneously. That is, the reception operation is performed only when the electronic device is disposed outdoors and the time when the light is shining exceeds the threshold value.
As described above, when the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the reception circuit is operated in an environment suitable for the reception of the satellite signal by tightening conditions for operating the reception circuit. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the environment is suitable for receiving satellite signals using the solar cell, and power consumption can be suppressed.

The satellite signal reception device of the present invention, the control circuit performs a search of the position information satellites by the receiving circuit, without being detected the satellite signal by the receiving circuit if, fails to receive the satellite signal In the above, the threshold value is reset so that the illuminance threshold level becomes high, or the threshold value of the power generation determination time is reset so that the satellite signal is detected by the receiving circuit. When the reception of the satellite signal fails, it is preferable to maintain the threshold value as it is.

  Even if satellite signal reception fails, if satellite signals are detected, reception may have failed due to other factors, such as entering the shadow of the building immediately after starting the reception process. It is highly likely that the environment was suitable for receiving satellite signals. Therefore, in the present invention, in such a case, even if reception of the satellite signal fails, it is considered that there is no need to change the threshold value. When no satellite signal is detected by the receiving circuit, the threshold value is reset so that the illuminance threshold level becomes high, or the threshold value for the power generation determination time is lengthened. In this way, it can be determined more accurately whether the environment is suitable for receiving satellite signals.

The satellite signal reception device of the present invention, the control circuit, the power generation state detecting circuit and the low-illuminance state determined on the basis of the detection value is preset power generation state detection time or more during continuation If it is, it is preferable that the one intensity threshold level is reset the threshold to be lower, or re-set to be shorter the threshold before Symbol power determination time.

  For example, when the electronic device provided with the satellite signal receiving device is a wristwatch, since the solar cell is covered with a sleeve or the like, even if the electronic device is placed outdoors, the detected value (for example, the open voltage of the solar cell) ) May not exceed the threshold. Also, depending on the season and weather, the detection value (for example, the open voltage of the solar cell) may not exceed the threshold even when the electronic device is placed outdoors because it may not be exposed to direct sunlight or may be weak. is there. Therefore, in the present invention, when the low illuminance state continues for the power generation state detection time or longer, the threshold value is reset so that the illuminance threshold level becomes low, or the power generation determination time threshold value is shortened. In such a case, by changing the threshold value, it becomes easier to determine the high illuminance state when the detection value (for example, the open voltage of the solar cell) detected by the power generation state detection circuit is compared with the threshold value. Thus, since the conditions for operating the receiving circuit are more relaxed, an opportunity to operate the receiving circuit can be provided. In this way, it can be determined more accurately whether the environment is suitable for receiving satellite signals.

The satellite signal reception device of the present invention, the control circuit continuously a plurality of times, or the illuminance threshold level is reset the threshold to be lower, or shortened threshold before Symbol generation determination time If you re-set as is the reception circuit and the power generation state detecting circuit is shifted to the sleep state, the detecting a state of transition from the sleep state to the normal state, the reception circuit and the power generation state detecting circuit wherein when a transition from a sleep state to the normal state, it is preferable to reset the threshold to an initial value.

For example, when storing an electronic device equipped with a satellite signal receiving device in a place where light does not shine, the control circuit resets the threshold so that the illuminance threshold level is lowered continuously several times, or determines power generation. The time threshold is shortened. In such a case, since it is useless even if the receiving circuit and the power generation state detection circuit are operated, power consumption can be reduced by shifting to the sleep state, that is, the operation stop state.
The sleep state can be canceled by a user operating a button. In this case, since the threshold value is too low if the threshold value is not changed to the sleep state, the reception circuit is unnecessarily operated. Therefore, in the present invention, when shifting from the sleep state to the normal state, by resetting the threshold value to the initial value, the reception circuit is prevented from operating more than necessary because the threshold value is too low. it can. In this way, power consumption can be further suppressed.

  In the satellite signal receiving device of the present invention, the control circuit executes the satellite signal reception processing at a predetermined time interval, and sets the time interval when the reception circuit succeeds in receiving the satellite signal. When the time interval when the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal is the second time interval, the first time interval may be longer than the second time interval. preferable.

  When the satellite signal receiving device of the present invention is incorporated in a quartz watch as an electronic device, and the satellite signal is received to correct time information, the time accuracy of the quartz watch receives the satellite signal and the time is corrected, The time accuracy of the electronic device can be kept sufficiently for several days thereafter. This reduces the need to receive satellite signals for a while. On the other hand, when satellite signal reception fails due to reception processing, the need to receive satellite signals without increasing time increases. Therefore, in the present invention, when executing the reception process in the control circuit at the execution interval, the first time interval when the GPS satellite signal is successfully received is set longer than the second time interval when the reception is unsuccessful. ing. In this way, when the satellite signal is successfully received, the time until the next satellite signal is received can be lengthened, the reception circuit can be prevented from operating more than necessary, and the power consumption can be further suppressed.

The satellite signal reception device of the present invention, the control circuit, when the consecutive failed several times to the reception of the satellite signal by the receiving circuit, it is preferable to change the threshold.

  Even if the receiving circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, it is suitable for receiving the satellite signal, for example, when it enters the shadow of the building while moving in a vehicle, etc. Reception may fail due to other factors. Therefore, in the present invention, when the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal a plurality of times continuously, it is determined that the reception circuit is in an environment where the satellite signal cannot be received and the threshold value is changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the threshold from becoming higher or longer than necessary. In this way, it can be determined with higher accuracy whether the environment is suitable for receiving satellite signals.

Control method for a satellite signal reception device of the present invention includes a receiving circuit for receiving a satellite signal, a solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy, and a power generation state detecting circuit for detecting the power generation state of the solar cell A control method of a satellite signal receiving apparatus, wherein whether the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is a high illuminance state that is equal to or higher than a preset illuminance threshold level or a low illuminance state lower than the illuminance threshold level. set the threshold value for determining, when it is determined that by comparing the detected value with the threshold value to be detected is the high illuminance state in the power generation state detecting circuit operates the receiving circuit, the receiving If the circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the threshold value is changed.

An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the satellite signal receiving device described above.
Also in the control method and electronic device of the satellite signal receiving apparatus of the present invention, the same operational effects as the satellite signal receiving apparatus can be obtained.

It is a top view of an electronic device. It is a schematic sectional drawing of an electronic device. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of an electronic device. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the control circuit in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the operation timing of charge condition detection, open circuit voltage detection, and reception processing. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the illumination intensity of the light which hits the solar cell of an electronic device, and the open circuit voltage of a solar cell. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the illumination intensity of the light which hits the solar cell in the case of an electronic device, and the short circuit current of a solar cell. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the open voltage in the solar cell in each detection level, and the illumination intensity of the light which hits a solar cell. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the open voltage in the solar cell in each detection level, and the illumination intensity of the light which hits the solar cell according to the use days of an electronic device. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the use days of an electronic device, and the open circuit voltage of a solar cell at the time of applying 10,000 lux light to a solar cell. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the use days of an electronic device at the time of applying 10,000 lux light to a solar cell, and the short circuit current of a solar cell. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the control circuit in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the control circuit in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the control circuit in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the frequency | count of determination and electric power generation determination time. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the control circuit in 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the control circuit in 6th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment which is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The embodiment described below is a preferred specific example of the present invention, and thus various technically preferable limitations are given. However, the scope of the present invention is particularly limited in the following description. Unless otherwise stated, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[Structure of electronic equipment]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an electronic device 100 including the satellite signal receiving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device 100. As is clear from FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 is a wristwatch (electronic timepiece) worn on the wrist of the user, and includes a dial 11 and hands 12, and measures the time and displays it on the surface. Most of the dial plate 11 is made of a non-metallic material (for example, plastic or glass) that easily transmits light and microwaves in the 1.5 GHz band. The pointer 12 is provided on the surface side of the dial 11. The pointer 12 includes a second hand 121, a minute hand 122, and an hour hand 123 that rotate about the rotary shaft 13, and is driven by a step motor through a gear.

  In the electronic device 100, processing according to manual operation of the crown 14, the button 15, and the button 16 is executed. Specifically, when the crown 14 is operated, a manual correction process for correcting the display time according to the operation is performed. Further, when the button 15 is pressed for a long time (for example, a time of 3 seconds or more), a reception process for receiving a satellite signal is executed. Further, when the button 16 is pressed, a switching process for switching the reception mode (time measurement mode or positioning mode) is executed. At this time, when the timekeeping mode is set, the second hand 121 moves to the “Time” position (5 second position), and when the positioning mode is set, the second hand 121 is set to the “Fix” position ( Move to the 10 second position).

When the button 15 is pressed for a short time, a result display process for displaying the result of the previous reception process is performed. For example, when the reception is successful in the time measurement mode, the second hand 121 moves to the position “Time” (5 second position), and when the reception is successful in the positioning mode, the second hand 121 is “Fix” (10 second position). ) Position. In the case of reception failure, the second hand 121 moves to the “N” position (20-second position).
Note that these instructions by the second hand 121 are also performed during reception. That is, the second hand 121 moves to the “Time” position (5 second position) during reception in the timekeeping mode, and the second hand 121 moves to the “Fix” position (10 second position) during reception in the positioning mode. When the GPS satellite cannot be captured, the second hand 121 moves to the “N” position (20-second position).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device 100 includes an outer case 17 made of a metal such as stainless steel (SUS) or titanium. The exterior case 17 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. A surface glass 19 is attached to the opening on the surface side of the outer case 17 via a bezel 18. The bezel 18 is made of a non-metallic material such as ceramics in order to improve satellite signal reception performance. A back cover 20 is attached to the opening on the back side of the exterior case 17. In the exterior case 17, a movement 21, a solar cell 22, a GPS antenna 23, a secondary battery 24, and the like are arranged.

  The movement 21 includes a step motor and a wheel train 211. The step motor is composed of a motor coil 212, a stator, a rotor, and the like, and drives the pointer 12 via the train wheel 211 and the rotating shaft 13. A circuit board 25 is disposed on the rear cover 20 side of the movement 21. The circuit board 25 is connected to the antenna board 27 and the secondary battery 24 via the connector 26.

  Mounted on the circuit board 25 are a GPS receiving circuit 30 including a receiving circuit for processing satellite signals received by the GPS antenna 23, a control circuit 40 for performing various controls such as drive control of a step motor, and the like. The GPS receiving circuit 30 and the control circuit 40 are covered with a shield plate 29 and are driven by electric power supplied from the secondary battery 24.

  The solar cell 22 is a photovoltaic element that performs photovoltaic generation to convert light energy into electrical energy. The solar cell 22 includes an electrode for outputting generated power, and is disposed on the back side of the dial 11. Since most of the dial plate 11 is made of a material that easily transmits light, the solar cell 22 can receive light transmitted through the surface glass 19 and the dial plate 11 and perform photovoltaic power generation.

  The secondary battery 24 is a power source for the electronic device 100 and stores power generated by the solar cell 22. In the electronic device 100, the two electrodes of the solar cell 22 and the two electrodes of the secondary battery 24 can be electrically connected to each other. At the time of connection, the secondary battery 24 is formed by photovoltaic power generation of the solar cell 22. Charged. In the present embodiment, a lithium ion battery suitable for a portable device is used as the secondary battery 24. However, a lithium polymer battery or other secondary battery may be used, or a power storage different from the secondary battery. A body (for example, a capacitor) may be used.

  The GPS antenna 23 is an antenna that receives microwaves in the 1.5 GHz band, and is disposed on the back side of the dial 11 and mounted on the antenna substrate 27 on the back cover 20 side. In the direction orthogonal to the dial plate 11, the portion of the dial plate 11 that overlaps the GPS antenna 23 is formed of a material that easily transmits microwaves in the 1.5 GHz band (for example, a non-metallic material having low conductivity and low permeability). Has been. Further, the solar cell 22 having electrodes is not interposed between the GPS antenna 23 and the dial 11. Therefore, the GPS antenna 23 can receive the satellite signal transmitted through the surface glass 19 and the dial plate 11.

  By the way, the closer the distance between the GPS antenna 23 and the solar cell 22 is, the more the GPS antenna 23 and the metal member in the solar cell 22 are electrically coupled to generate a loss, or the radiation pattern of the GPS antenna 23 changes to the solar cell 22. It gets blocked and gets smaller. For this reason, in the embodiment, the distance between the GPS antenna 23 and the solar cell 22 is arranged to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value so that the reception performance does not deteriorate.

  The GPS antenna 23 is arranged so that the distance from the metal member other than the solar cell 22 is also a predetermined value or more. For example, when the exterior case 17 and the movement 21 are made of a metal member, the GPS antenna 23 is disposed so that both the distance to the exterior case 17 and the distance to the movement 21 are equal to or greater than a predetermined value. As the GPS antenna 23, a patch antenna (microstrip antenna), a helical antenna, a chip antenna, an inverted F antenna, or the like can be employed.

  The GPS receiving circuit 30 is a load driven by the electric power stored in the secondary battery 24. When each time driving, the GPS receiving circuit 30 attempts to receive a satellite signal from the GPS satellite through the GPS antenna 23 and succeeds in receiving it. Supplies the acquired information such as the trajectory information and the GPS time information to the control circuit 40, and supplies information to that effect to the control circuit 40 if it fails. Note that the configuration of the GPS receiving circuit 30 is the same as the configuration of a known GPS receiving circuit, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the electronic device 100. As shown in this figure, the electronic device 100 includes a solar cell 22, a secondary battery 24, a GPS receiver circuit 30, a control circuit 40, a diode 41, a charge control switch 42, and a charge state detection circuit 43. And a voltage detection circuit 44 and a clock unit 50. The power generation state detection circuit according to the present invention includes a charge state detection circuit 43 and a voltage detection circuit 44.

  The control circuit 40 is configured by a CPU for controlling the electronic device 100 including the satellite signal receiving device. As will be described later, the control circuit 40 controls the GPS reception circuit 30 to execute reception processing. Further, the control circuit 40 controls the operation of the charge state detection circuit 43 and the voltage detection circuit 44.

  The diode 41 is provided in a path that electrically connects the solar cell 22 and the secondary battery 24, and without interrupting the current (forward current) from the solar cell 22 to the secondary battery 24, the secondary battery 24. To the solar cell 22 (reverse current) is cut off. The forward current flows only when the voltage of the solar cell 22 is higher than the voltage of the secondary battery 24, that is, during charging. Further, a field effect transistor (FET) may be employed instead of the diode 41.

The charge control switch 42 connects and disconnects a current path from the solar cell 22 to the secondary battery 24, and is a switching provided in a path that electrically connects the solar cell 22 and the secondary battery 24. An element 421 is provided. When the switching element 421 transitions from the off state to the on state, it is turned on (connected), and when the switching element 421 transitions from the on state to the off state, it is turned off (disconnected).
For example, the charging control switch 42 is turned off when the battery voltage of the secondary battery 24 exceeds a predetermined value so that the battery characteristics do not deteriorate due to overcharging.

  The switching element 421 is a p-channel transistor, and is turned on when the gate voltage Vg1 is at a low level, and turned off when the gate voltage Vg1 is at a high level. The gate voltage Vg1 is controlled by the control circuit 40.

  The charging state detection circuit 43 operates based on a binary control signal CTL1 that specifies the detection timing of the charging state, detects the charging state (charging state) from the solar cell 22 to the secondary battery 24, and the detection result RS1 is output to the control circuit 40. The state of charge is “charging” or “not charging”, and the detection is performed based on the battery voltage VCC and the PVIN of the solar cell 22 when the charge control switch 42 is on. For example, when the voltage drop of the diode 41 is Vth and the on-resistance of the switching element 421 is ignored, it is determined as “charging” when PVIN−Vth> VCC, and “non-display” when PVIN−Vth ≦ VCC. It can be determined that charging is in progress.

  In the present embodiment, the control signal CTL1 is a pulse signal having a cycle of 1 second, and the charge state detection circuit 43 detects the charge state during a period in which the control signal CTL1 is at a high level. That is, the charge state detection circuit 43 repeatedly detects the charge state at a cycle of 1 second while maintaining the charge control switch 42 in the connected state.

  The reason why the state of charge is detected intermittently is to reduce the amount of power consumed by the state of charge detection circuit 43. If this reduction is unnecessary, the state of charge may be detected continuously. The charge state detection circuit 43 can be configured using, for example, a comparator, an A / D converter, or the like.

  The voltage detection circuit 44 operates based on a binary control signal CTL2 that specifies the voltage detection timing, and the terminal voltage PVIN of the solar cell 22 during the period when the charge control switch 42 is turned off by the control signal CTL2. That is, the open voltage of the solar cell 22 is detected. Further, the voltage detection circuit 44 outputs the detection result RS2 of the open circuit voltage to the control circuit 40.

  The timepiece unit 50 includes a movement 21 and is driven by the electric power stored in the secondary battery 24 to perform a time measurement process. In the time measurement process, the time is measured, and the time (display time) corresponding to the time is displayed on the surface of the electronic device 100.

[Operation of control circuit]
The operation of the control circuit 40 in the electronic apparatus 100 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
The control circuit 40 starts control at 12:00:00 every day. First, the control circuit 40 operates the charge state detection circuit 43 at a constant cycle (SA1). In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit 40 outputs a control signal CTL1 at intervals of 1 second, and operates the charge state detection circuit 43. When the control signal CTL1 is input, the charging state detection circuit 43 outputs a detection result RS1 indicating whether or not the charging state is present to the control circuit 40. For this reason, the control circuit 40 determines whether charging is in progress (SA2). The charge control switch 42 is switched off only at the timing when the voltage detection circuit 44 is operated, as will be described later.

[Control in non-charged state]
When the light hitting the electronic device 100 is dark and power generation is not performed in the solar cell 22, the charging state detection circuit 43 outputs a detection result RS <b> 1 of “not charging” to the control circuit 40. In this case, the control circuit 40 determines that charging is not being performed (SA2: No), and the control circuit 40 outputs a low-level control signal CTL2.
Therefore, when it is determined No in SA2, the control circuit 40 can determine that there is a high possibility that the electronic device 100 is not disposed outdoors and is not disposed in a location suitable for receiving GPS signals.

[Control while charging]
On the other hand, the control circuit 40 operates the voltage detection circuit 44 (SA3) when it is determined in SA2 that the battery is charged (SA2: Yes). At this time, as described above, the charging control switch 42 is switched to the OFF state by the control circuit 40. That is, when the control circuit 40 detects that charging is being performed by the charge state detection circuit 43, the control circuit 40 outputs the control signal CTL2 at intervals of 1 second, and operates the voltage detection circuit 44. At this time, since the charge control switch 42 is controlled to be turned off by the control signal CTL2 from the control circuit 40, the solar cell 22 and the voltage detection circuit 44 are disconnected from the secondary battery 24. For this reason, the voltage detection circuit 44 can detect the open circuit voltage corresponding to the illuminance of the light hitting the solar cell 22 without being affected by the charging voltage of the secondary battery 24.
When the charge control switch 42 is off, the charge state cannot be detected by the charge state detection circuit 43. For this reason, the control circuit 40 outputs the control signal CTL1 and the control signal CTL2 so that the output timing of the control signal CTL1 to the charging state detection circuit 43 and the output timing of the control signal CTL2 to the voltage detection circuit 44 do not coincide with each other. Is shifted.

In the present embodiment, the open circuit voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 44 increases as the illuminance in the solar cell 22 increases, as shown in FIG.
The voltage detection circuit 44 may be configured to detect the illuminance hitting the solar cell 22 by detecting the short-circuit current of the solar cell 22 instead of the open voltage of the solar cell 22. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, a configuration in which a short-circuit current that increases as the illuminance in the solar cell 22 increases can be applied. In the configuration for detecting the short-circuit current, similarly to the configuration for detecting the open-circuit voltage, the secondary battery 24 and the secondary battery 24 are electrically disconnected by turning off the charging control switch 42, so that the secondary battery 24 is electrically disconnected. It is necessary to avoid the influence of the battery 24.
Such an open circuit voltage and a short circuit current have a correlation with the output value in the solar cell 22. Therefore, in this embodiment, an open circuit voltage or a short circuit current is detected as a detection value.

  The control circuit 40 determines the detection level corresponding to the open circuit voltage based on the detection result RS2 output from the voltage detection circuit 44 (SA4). In the present embodiment, the control circuit 40 determines the detection level based on the relationship shown in FIG. Note that the open circuit voltage and illuminance in FIG. 8 represent the lower limit values at each detection level. For example, when the open circuit voltage is 5.6 V or more and less than 5.8 V, the control circuit 40 indicates that the detection level is “7”, and when the open circuit voltage is 5.9 V or more and less than 6.2 V, the detection level is “9”. judge.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control circuit 40 determines whether or not the detection level obtained in SA4 is equal to or higher than a threshold level that is a preset threshold value, based on voltage detection at 1 second intervals. Is determined (SA5). Here, the relationship between the threshold level and the open circuit voltage in the solar cell is set in advance based on the relationship shown in FIG. That is, the threshold value for determining whether the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell 22 is a high illuminance state that is equal to or higher than a preset illuminance threshold level or a low illuminance state lower than the illuminance threshold level is shown in this figure. Is set based on. However, the relationship between the threshold level and the open circuit voltage in the solar cell is not limited to the relationship shown in FIG. 8, and can be set as appropriate. As will be described later, the threshold value increases or decreases, but in this embodiment, the threshold level in the initial state is defined as “7”. The illuminance of light when irradiated to the solar cell 22 under a fluorescent lamp is usually 500 to 1000 lux, whereas the illuminance of light when irradiated with direct sunlight is usually over 10,000 lux. Therefore, “7”, which is a detection level corresponding to the case where 10000 lux light is applied to the solar cell 22, is defined as the threshold level in the initial state.

When it is determined No in SA5 (when it is in a low illumination state), the control circuit 40 may not be placed in a location suitable for receiving GPS signals because the electronic device 100 is not placed outdoors. It can be judged that it is expensive.
That is, if the electronic device 100 is placed outdoors and in the daytime, the solar cell 22 should be continuously irradiated with light above the threshold level for 1 second or longer. Therefore, when the open circuit voltage is detected at intervals of 1 second, it is possible to determine that there is a high possibility that the electronic device 100 is disposed outdoors when the open circuit voltage of the threshold level or more is detected continuously twice or more.
On the other hand, when the open voltage exceeding the threshold level cannot be detected continuously twice or more, for example, the person wearing the wristwatch, which is the electronic device 100, is moving indoors, so the open voltage is threshold once. A case where the level does not exceed the level or a case where the level does not exceed the threshold level continuously for two times or more because direct sunlight hits the solar cell 22 instantaneously from the window of the building is assumed. Under such conditions, it is difficult to receive GPS satellite signals with high sensitivity.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, in SA5, it is determined whether the detection level is equal to or higher than the threshold level twice in succession. Such determination is not limited to determining whether the detection level is equal to or higher than the threshold level twice consecutively. For example, it may be a condition that the detection level is equal to or higher than the threshold level continuously three times or more, or a condition that the detection level is equal to or higher than the threshold level is detected once.

  If it is determined No in either SA2 or SA5, it is determined whether the current time is before 11:59:59 on the day after the day when the control circuit 40 starts control (SA6). In this way, the control circuit 40 determines whether or not a preset power generation state detection time has elapsed without performing reception processing. In this case, the power generation state detection time is 24 hours. And when it determines with No by SA6, it returns to SA1 and operates the charge condition detection circuit 43 with a fixed period.

  On the other hand, when it is determined Yes in SA6 (in the case of a high illuminance state), the threshold level is reset to be one level lower (SA7), the process is terminated, and then the control circuit 40 It shifts to the standby state until the control restart time when the process is started. Here, the control resumption time is 12: 00: 0 after one second. Thus, when the state where the detection level is lower than the threshold level continues for a power generation state detection time (for example, 24 hours) or longer, the detection level is changed to a threshold level by resetting the threshold level to be one level lower. It becomes easy to become above. Thus, since the conditions for operating the GPS receiving circuit 30 are more relaxed, an opportunity to operate the GPS receiving circuit 30 can be provided.

As described above, various cases are assumed as being determined as Yes in SA6. Here, the case where the use period of the solar cell 22 of the electronic device 100 is long and the deterioration of the solar cell 22 proceeds will be described. To do.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the open-circuit voltage in the solar cell 22 at each detection level and the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell 22 according to the number of days of use of the solar cell 22. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of days of use of the solar cell 22 and the open circuit voltage when 10000 lux light is applied to the solar cell 22. Further, FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of days of use of the solar cell 22 and the short-circuit current when 10000 lux light is applied to the solar cell 22.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, if the number of days of use of the solar cell 22 is increased, the solar cell 22 is deteriorated and the power conversion efficiency is lowered. For this reason, even if the solar cell 22 is irradiated with light having the same illuminance, the open circuit voltage becomes lower and the detection level determined by the control circuit 40 becomes lower as the number of days of use increases in the voltage detection circuit 44. In such a case, if the threshold level is fixed, a problem arises because the control circuit 40 cannot appropriately determine that the electronic device 100 is placed outdoors.
In this embodiment, when the solar cell 22 is deteriorated in this way and the light of 10000 lux is applied, the threshold level is set when the detection level is low and does not exceed the threshold level and reception processing is not performed. Since it is gradually lowered, an opportunity to operate the GPS receiving circuit 30 can be provided.

On the other hand, when it is determined Yes in SA5, it can be predicted that the GPS satellite signal is in a state suitable for reception as described above, and therefore the control circuit 40 operates the GPS reception circuit 30 to perform GPS. Satellite reception is started (SA8).
The reception process started at SA8 is an automatic reception process that is automatically performed when a predetermined condition is met. In this automatic reception process, a reception process in the timekeeping mode is performed. That is, in the positioning mode, signals must be received from three or more GPS satellites in order to detect the position, and the reception processing time is also increased. For this reason, it is preferable to place the electronic device 100 outdoors until the signal reception is completed. However, in the automatic reception process, the user does not notice that the signal is being received and moves indoors even if the signal is being received. There is also a risk. For this reason, it is preferable that the reception in the positioning mode is performed only when the user intentionally performs a reception operation, that is, only during the forced reception process.
On the other hand, in the time measurement mode, time information can be acquired even by receiving a signal from one GPS satellite, and the reception processing time can be shortened. Therefore, even if the user does not intend, the reception process can be executed, which is suitable for the automatic reception process.

  Further, during the reception process, if the pointer 12 is on the upper surface of the antenna substrate 27, the reception sensitivity is affected. Therefore, it is preferable to control the motor so that the pointer 12 does not overlap the upper surface of the antenna substrate 27.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control circuit 40 determines whether or not the GPS satellite signal has been successfully received by the reception process started at SA8 (SA9).
The GPS receiving circuit 30 first searches for GPS satellites, and the GPS receiving circuit 30 detects GPS satellite signals. When a GPS satellite signal is detected, the GPS satellite signal is continuously received and time information is received. When the time information can be received in this way, it is determined that the GPS satellite signal has been successfully received by the reception process. In other cases, that is, when the GPS satellite signal is not detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30 or when the time information cannot be received, it is determined that the reception of the GPS satellite signal has failed by the reception process.
If it is determined that the GPS satellite signal has been successfully received by the reception process (SA9: Yes), the process ends, and the process shifts to a standby state until 12:00:00 on the next day, which is the control resumption time.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the reception of the GPS satellite signal has failed (SA9: No) by the reception process, the threshold level is reset to be one level higher (SA10), the process is terminated, and the control is completed. It shifts to the standby state until 12:00:00 on the next day, which is the restart time. In this way, when the SA1 process is resumed from 12:00:00 on the next day, the detection level is less likely to be higher than the threshold level by increasing the threshold level by one level. More specifically, when the electronic device 100 placed indoors is irradiated with illumination light very strongly and the reception level is equal to or higher than the threshold level, reception fails. Therefore, the threshold level increases by one level. And by increasing the threshold level one level at a time in this way, the detection level will no longer be higher than the threshold level in the illumination light, and it will be higher than the threshold level only when it is moved outdoors and irradiated with direct sunlight. . In this way, the threshold level can be optimized in accordance with the living environment of the person who uses the electronic device 100. As described above, when the GPS satellite circuit 30 fails to receive the GPS satellite signal, the condition for operating the GPS receiver circuit 30 is made more strict so that the GPS receiver circuit 30 can be used in an environment suitable for receiving the GPS satellite signal. Will be activated.

According to such 1st Embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
The control circuit 40 resets the threshold level to be one level higher when the GPS reception circuit 30 fails to receive the GPS satellite signal. In such a case, when the threshold level is increased by one level, it is difficult for the detection level to be higher than the threshold level. As described above, when the GPS receiver circuit 30 fails to receive the GPS satellite signal, the condition for operating the GPS receiver circuit 30 is made stricter, so that the GPS receiver circuit 30 can be operated in an environment suitable for receiving the GPS satellite signal. Will be activated. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the environment is suitable for receiving GPS satellite signals by using the solar cell 22, and power consumption can be suppressed.

  In addition, the control circuit 40 resets the threshold level to be one level lower when the state where the detection level is lower than the threshold level continues for the power generation state detection time or longer. In such a case, the detection level is likely to be equal to or higher than the threshold level by lowering the threshold level by one level. Thus, since the conditions for operating the GPS receiving circuit 30 are more relaxed, an opportunity to operate the GPS receiving circuit 30 can be provided. If it does in this way, it can judge accurately whether it is the environment suitable for reception of a GPS satellite signal using the solar cell 22, and can suppress power consumption.

  When the processing in the control circuit 40 is completed, the process shifts to a standby state until 12:00:00 on the next day, which is the control resumption time, so that the GPS receiving circuit 30 can be prevented from operating more than necessary. Therefore, power consumption can be further suppressed.

  The voltage detection circuit 44 detects the open voltage of the solar cell 22 with the charge control switch 42 disconnected. For this reason, the voltage detection circuit 44 can detect the open voltage of the solar cell 22 with high accuracy without being affected by the secondary battery 24. For this reason, the open voltage of the solar cell 22, that is, the illuminance in the solar cell 22, can be detected with higher accuracy, and the indoor / outdoor determination using the solar cell 22 is compared with the case where the determination is made based on the voltage of the secondary battery 24 or the charged state. It can be performed with high accuracy.

  Since reception is performed only when the voltage detection circuit 44 detects that the electronic device 100 is placed outdoors, it is possible to increase the probability that the satellite signal will be successfully received in a short time, and the reception process is efficient. Can be done automatically. Therefore, it is possible to prevent reception processing from being performed in an environment where the electronic device 100 is placed indoors and cannot receive satellite signals, and wasteful power consumption can be prevented.

  Further, since the control circuit 40 operates the voltage detection circuit 44 only when the charge state is detected by the charge state detection circuit 43, the control circuit 40 is not charged, that is, the solar cell 22 is irradiated with light. In this state, the voltage detection circuit 44 is not operated, and wasteful power consumption can be prevented.

  The charge state detection process by the charge state detection circuit 43 is performed at 1 second intervals, and the power generation state detection process by the voltage detection circuit 44 is executed only when the charge state detection circuit 43 determines that charging is in progress. The operation time of the voltage detection circuit 44, that is, the time for which the charge control switch 42 is turned off can be minimized. For this reason, the fall of the charging efficiency by the solar cell 22 can also be suppressed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, 2nd Embodiment of this invention is described based on drawing.
Note that the structure of the electronic device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the control circuit according to the second embodiment.
In this embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, (i) the control circuit 40 starts control at 12:00:00 and 0: 0: 0 every day, and (ii) a GPS satellite by reception processing. The only difference is that when it is determined that the signal reception has failed, it is further determined whether the GPS satellite signal has been detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30, and the threshold level is reset. The processing of SB1 to SB9 in the control circuit is the same as the processing of SA1 to SA9 in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the control circuit 40 is set to start control at 12:00:00 and 0: 0: 0 every day. Thus, in the present invention, the frequency with which the control circuit 40 starts reception control is not particularly limited. Therefore, this frequency can be appropriately set in consideration of power consumption and the like.
The control circuit 40 repeats the processing of SB1 to SB6, which is the same processing as the processing of SA1 to SA6 in the first embodiment, at 1 second intervals, but the power generation state detection time is set to 12 hours.
Further, when the processing in the control circuit 40 is finished, the processing of SB1 is restarted from the next 12:00:00 or 0: 0: 0, which is the control resumption time.

In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the reception of the GPS satellite signal has failed (SB9: No) by the reception process, it is determined whether or not the GPS satellite signal has been detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30 (SB10).
If it is determined that the GPS satellite signal has not been detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30 (SB10: No), the threshold level is reset to be one level higher (SB11), and the process is terminated. Then, it shifts to the standby state until the next 12:00:00 or 0: 0: 0, which is the control resumption time.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the GPS satellite signal has been detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30 (SB10: Yes), the threshold level is left as it is, the processing is terminated, and the next control time is 12:00. It shifts to the standby state until minutes 0 seconds or 0 hours 0 minutes 0 seconds. If the reception level of the GPS satellite signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, it is determined that the GPS satellite signal has been detected. Further, if there is at least one satellite that can detect a GPS satellite signal, it is determined that the GPS satellite signal has been detected, but the number of satellites required to determine that the GPS satellite signal has been detected is not particularly limited.

According to the second embodiment as described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained in addition to the functions and effects obtained in the first embodiment.
Since the control resumption time is the next 12:00:00 or 0: 0: 0, and it is twice a day, the threshold can be optimized earlier than once a day.
Even if reception of the GPS satellite signal fails due to reception processing, if the GPS satellite signal is detected, it may be received due to other factors such as entering the shadow of the building immediately after starting reception processing. Therefore, it is highly possible that the environment was suitable for receiving GPS satellite signals. Therefore, even if reception of the GPS satellite signal fails, the control circuit 40 considers that it is not necessary to change the threshold level when the GPS satellite signal is detected. Then, only when the GPS satellite signal is not detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30, the threshold level is reset to be one level higher. In this way, it can be determined more accurately whether the environment is suitable for receiving satellite signals.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, 3rd Embodiment of this invention is described based on drawing.
Note that the structure of the electronic device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the control circuit according to the third embodiment.
In the present embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, (i) whether or not the GPS satellite signal is further detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30 when it is determined that the reception of the GPS satellite signal has failed by the reception process. And (ii) when the GPS reception circuit 30 has successfully received the GPS satellite signal in executing the reception processing of the GPS satellite signal at a predetermined time interval. When the time interval is the first time interval and the time interval when the GPS receiver circuit 30 fails to receive the GPS satellite signal is the second time interval, the first time interval is greater than the second time interval. The only difference is the lengthening. The processing of SC1 to SC9 in the control circuit is the same as the processing of SA1 to SA9 in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the reception of the GPS satellite signal has failed (SC9: No) by the reception process, it is further determined whether or not the GPS satellite signal has been detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30 ( SC10), the threshold level is reset, but the processing of SC10 and SC11 in such a control circuit is the same as the processing of SB10 and SB11 in the second embodiment.

In this embodiment, when it is determined that the reception of the GPS satellite signal is successful (SC9: Yes) by the reception process, the process ends, and the standby state is set until 12:00:00 on the next day, which is the control resumption time. Migrate to On the other hand, if it is determined that the reception of the GPS satellite signal has failed (SC9: No) by the reception process, or if it is determined Yes in SC6, the process is performed after the process of SC7, SC10, or SC11. Is finished, and the process shifts to a standby state until 12:00:00 on the next day, which is the control resumption time. As described above, when the GPS satellite signal reception process is executed at a predetermined time interval, the first time interval when the GPS satellite signal is successfully received is set longer than the second time interval when the reception is failed. ing.
When the satellite signal receiving device is incorporated in a quartz clock as the electronic device 100 and the GPS satellite signal is received to correct time information, the GPS satellite signal is received and the time is corrected according to the time accuracy of the quartz clock. In the next few days, the time accuracy of the electronic device can be kept sufficiently. This reduces the need to receive satellite signals for a while. On the other hand, when satellite signal reception fails due to reception processing, the need to receive satellite signals without increasing time increases.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first time interval when the GPS satellite signal is successfully received is longer than the second time interval when the reception is unsuccessful. In this way, if the GPS satellite signal is successfully received, the time until the next GPS satellite signal can be received can be lengthened, and the receiving circuit can be prevented from operating more than necessary, further reducing power consumption. it can.

According to such 3rd Embodiment, in addition to the effect obtained by the said 1st Embodiment and the said 2nd Embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
The reception interval of the reception process in the control circuit 40 is set so that the first time interval when the GPS satellite signal is successfully received is longer than the second time interval when the reception is unsuccessful, thereby receiving the GPS satellite signal. If successful, the time until the next GPS satellite signal is received can be lengthened, the reception circuit can be prevented from operating more than necessary, and the power consumption can be further suppressed.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, 4th Embodiment of this invention is described based on drawing.
Note that the structure of the electronic device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the control circuit according to the fourth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, (i) the detected value is a power generation determination time that is a time during which the output value of the solar cell is continuously greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the threshold value is the power generation determination. The only difference is the time. That is, the first embodiment is different from the present embodiment mainly in that SD5 processing is performed instead of SA5 processing. The processing of SD1 to SD4, SD6, SD8 and SD9 in the control circuit is the same as the processing of SA1 to SA4, SA6, SA8 and SA9 in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the control circuit 40 determines whether the detection level is equal to or higher than the threshold level continuously based on the voltage detection at intervals of 1 second (SD5). Here, the number of determinations is set in advance. When the open circuit voltage is detected at 1 second intervals, the relationship between the number of determinations and the power generation determination time is as shown in FIG. For example, if the number of determinations is “5”, the power generation determination time is “5” seconds, and if the number of determinations is “10”, the power generation determination time is “10” seconds. As described above, since the voltage detection interval is constant, there is a correlation between the number of determinations and the power generation determination time. However, the relationship between the number of determinations and the power generation determination time is not limited to the relationship shown in FIG. 15 and changes according to the voltage detection interval. For example, when the open circuit voltage is detected at intervals of 2 seconds, the power generation determination time is “10” seconds if the determination count is “5”. As will be described later, the number of determinations increases or decreases, but in this embodiment, the number of determinations in the initial state is defined as “10” (the power generation determination time is “10” seconds). Yes.

When it is determined No in SD5, the control circuit 40 can determine that there is a high possibility that the electronic device 100 is not arranged in an environment suitable for receiving GPS satellite signals.
That is, if the electronic device 100 is placed outdoors and in the daytime, the solar cell 22 should be continuously irradiated with light above the threshold level over the power generation determination time. Therefore, when the open circuit voltage is detected at intervals of 1 second, the open circuit voltage above the threshold level is detected continuously for the number of times determined.
On the other hand, when the open circuit voltage exceeding the threshold level cannot be detected continuously for the number of times of determination, for example, a case where the vehicle enters the shadow of a building while moving in a vehicle or the like is assumed. Under such conditions, there is a high possibility that the reception of the GPS satellite signal will fail.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined Yes in SD6, the number of determinations is reset so as to decrease by 1 (SD7), the process is terminated, and then the process in the control circuit 40 is started. Transitions to the standby state until the restart time. Here, the control resumption time is 12:00:00 on the next day. In this way, when a state where the detection level is lower than the threshold level for more than the number of determinations continues for more than the power generation state detection time, it is continuously detected for more than the number of determinations by resetting the number of determinations to be reduced by one. The level tends to be higher than the threshold level. Thus, since the conditions for operating the GPS receiving circuit 30 are more relaxed, an opportunity to operate the GPS receiving circuit 30 can be provided.

  In this embodiment, when it is determined that the reception of the GPS satellite signal has failed (SD9: No) by the reception process, the determination number is reset so as to increase once (SD10), and the process ends. Then, it shifts to the standby state until 12:00:00 on the next day, which is the control resumption time. In this way, when the SD1 process is restarted from 12:00:00 on the next day, the number of determinations is increased by one, so that the detection level does not easily exceed the threshold level more than the number of determinations. As described above, since the conditions for operating the GPS receiving circuit 30 are made more strict, the GPS receiving circuit 30 is operated in an environment suitable for receiving GPS satellite signals.

According to the fourth embodiment as described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained in addition to the functions and effects obtained in the first embodiment.
When the number of determinations is increased by one, the detection level does not easily exceed the threshold level continuously for the number of determinations. As described above, when the GPS receiver circuit 30 fails to receive the GPS satellite signal, the condition for operating the GPS receiver circuit 30 is made stricter, so that the GPS receiver circuit 30 can be operated in an environment suitable for receiving the GPS satellite signal. Will be activated. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the environment is suitable for receiving GPS satellite signals by using the solar cell 22, and power consumption can be suppressed.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Note that the structure of the electronic device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the control circuit according to the fifth embodiment.
In this embodiment, compared to the fourth embodiment, (i) the control circuit 40 starts control at 12:00:00 and 0: 0: 0 every day, and (ii) a GPS satellite by reception processing. The only difference is that when it is determined that the signal reception has failed, it is further determined whether the GPS satellite signal has been detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30, and the threshold level is reset. The processing of SE1 to SE9 in the control circuit is the same as the processing of SD1 to SD9 in the fourth embodiment.
Further, the processing of SE10 and SE11 in the control circuit is the same as the processing of SB10 and SB11 in the second embodiment.

  According to such 5th Embodiment, the effect similar to the effect obtained by the said 1st Embodiment, the said 2nd Embodiment, and the said 4th Embodiment is acquired.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Note that the structure of the electronic device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted or simplified.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing in the control circuit in the sixth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, compared to the fourth embodiment, (i) whether or not the GPS satellite signal is further detected by the GPS receiving circuit 30 when it is determined that the reception of the GPS satellite signal has failed by the reception process. And (ii) when the GPS reception circuit 30 has successfully received the GPS satellite signal in executing the reception processing of the GPS satellite signal at a predetermined time interval. When the time interval is the first time interval and the time interval when the GPS receiver circuit 30 fails to receive the GPS satellite signal is the second time interval, the first time interval is greater than the second time interval. The only difference is the lengthening. The processing of SF1 to SF8 in the control circuit is the same as the processing of SD1 to SD8 in the fourth embodiment.
Further, the processing of SF9 to SF11 in the control circuit is the same as the processing of SC9 to SC11 in the third embodiment.

  According to such 6th Embodiment, the effect similar to the effect obtained by the said 1st Embodiment, the said 3rd Embodiment, and the said 4th Embodiment is acquired.

[Other Embodiments]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the structure of the said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation implementation is possible within the range of the summary of this invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the control circuit 40 changes the threshold when a predetermined condition is satisfied, but the control circuit 40 can be reset only when the threshold is increased. May be. In this way, the possibility of performing reception processing in the same environment as when satellite signal reception has failed is reduced, and at least the reception circuit can be prevented from operating wastefully.
In the above-described embodiment, the threshold value is controlled by the control circuit 40, but the threshold value may be manually changed by a button operation or the like.
In the embodiment, the state of charge is detected at intervals of 1 second, but is not limited to this interval, and may be set at intervals of 0.5 seconds, intervals of 10 seconds, or intervals of 1 minute, for example.
In the above-described embodiment, the reception is performed in the timekeeping mode during the automatic reception processing, and the reception in the positioning mode is performed only during the forced reception processing. However, naturally, the reception in the positioning mode may be performed by the automatic reception processing. . For example, if the user can select the reception mode at the time of automatic reception processing in advance, if the positioning mode is selected, reception is performed in the positioning mode at the time of automatic reception processing, and if the timekeeping mode is selected What is necessary is just to receive in timekeeping mode at the time of automatic reception processing.

  In the embodiment, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control circuit 40 resets the threshold value to be low. In such a case, the control circuit 40 sets the GPS receiving circuit 30, the charging control switch 42, and the voltage detection circuit 44 to the sleep state when the threshold value is reset so as to decrease continuously several times. When the GPS reception circuit 30, the charging control switch 42, and the voltage detection circuit 44 shift from the sleep state to the normal state, the threshold value is set to the initial value. It is preferable to reset it. Examples of the state that shifts from the sleep state to the normal state include a case where an operation for canceling the sleep state is performed by a button operation or the like, or a case where it is detected that the solar cell 22 has been exposed to light having a predetermined illuminance or higher. .

For example, when the electronic device 100 including the satellite signal receiving device is stored in a place where no light is applied, the control circuit 40 continuously resets the threshold value a plurality of times. In such a case, since it is useless even if the GPS receiving circuit 30 and the power generation state detection circuit are operated, power consumption can be reduced by shifting to the sleep state, that is, the operation stop state.
The sleep state can be canceled by a user operating a button. In this case, since the threshold value is too low if the threshold value is not changed to the sleep state, the GPS receiving circuit 30 is unnecessarily operated. Therefore, when shifting from the sleep state to the normal state in this way, the threshold value is reset to the initial value, thereby suppressing the reception circuit from operating more than necessary due to the threshold value being too low. it can. In this way, power consumption can be further suppressed.

  In the embodiment, when the process in the control circuit 40 is completed, the process shifts to the standby state until the control resumption time. However, the process in the control circuit 40 may be restarted without shifting to the standby state. In such a case, the control circuit 40 is configured such that the elapsed time from when the operation of the GPS receiving circuit 30 ends is equal to or longer than a reception interval setting time set as an interval for operating the GPS receiving circuit 30, and the power generation state It is preferable to operate the GPS receiving circuit 30 only when the detection value detected by the detection circuit is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

  As described above, when the elapsed time from the time when the operation of the GPS receiving circuit 30 is finished is not longer than the reception interval setting time, the receiving circuit operates more than necessary by preventing the GPS receiving circuit 30 from operating. Can be prevented. In this way, power consumption can be further suppressed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control circuit 40 resets the threshold value to be higher when the GPS reception circuit 30 fails to receive the satellite signal once. The threshold value may be reset so as to increase only when the satellite signal reception fails a plurality of times in succession.

  In this way, when the GPS reception circuit 30 fails to receive the satellite signal a plurality of times in succession, it is determined that the GPS reception circuit 30 is in an environment where the satellite signal cannot be received, and the threshold value is increased. Since the setting is reset, it is possible to prevent the threshold from becoming higher than necessary due to other factors, for example, when the vehicle is in the shadow of a building during movement by a vehicle or the like. In this way, it can be determined with higher accuracy whether the environment is suitable for receiving satellite signals.

In the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fifth embodiment, and the sixth embodiment, if there is at least one satellite that can detect a GPS satellite signal, it is determined that the GPS satellite signal has been detected. However, the number of satellites required to determine that a GPS satellite signal has been detected is not particularly limited. For example, the number of satellites necessary to determine that a GPS satellite signal has been detected may be 1 in the timekeeping mode and 3 in the positioning mode.
In the time measurement mode, if there is at least one satellite that can detect a GPS satellite signal, time information can be received from the GPS satellite signal, whereas in the positioning mode, a satellite that can detect a GPS satellite signal. If there are no more than three, the position of the electronic device cannot be specified based on the position information from the GPS satellite signal. Thus, by doing as described above, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the environment is suitable for receiving GPS satellite signals.

In the embodiment, the control circuit 40 changes the threshold value when a predetermined condition is satisfied. However, the predetermined condition is not limited to the above-described condition.
For example, the threshold value may be reset so as to increase when satellite signal reception succeeds. Successful reception of satellite signals can be determined that there is a high possibility that the electronic device 100 is used in an environment in which satellite signals are much easier to receive. In such a case, the battery life may be prioritized by increasing the threshold and limiting the number of receptions.
When the time mode is changed to the positioning mode, the threshold value may be reset to be higher, or when the position mode is changed to the time mode, the threshold value may be reset to be lower. Compared to the time measurement mode, the positioning mode is required to provide an environment in which GPS satellite signals can be received more easily. Thus, by doing as described above, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the environment is suitable for receiving GPS satellite signals.
Further, from the same viewpoint as described above, threshold values may be distinguished and managed in the timekeeping mode and the positioning mode, respectively.

  In the embodiment, the power generation state detection circuit detects a detection value that increases as the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell 22 increases. However, the detection value increases as the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell 22 increases. It is not limited to. That is, the detected value may be a value that decreases as the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell 22 increases. In addition, as a case where a detection value becomes a low value, so that the illumination intensity of the light which hits the solar cell 22 becomes high, the case where the device whose open circuit voltage becomes low is mentioned, for example, so that the illumination intensity of the light which hits the solar cell 22 becomes high. .

The electronic device 100 including the satellite signal receiving device of the present invention is not limited to a wristwatch (electronic timepiece), and is driven by a secondary battery such as a mobile phone, a portable GPS receiver used for mountain climbing, and the like. It can be widely used in devices that receive satellite signals transmitted from information satellites.
Furthermore, in the present invention, the solar cell 22, the secondary battery 24, the charge control switch 42, and the voltage detection circuit 44 are provided, so that the illuminance of the light irradiated on the solar cell 22 can be detected with high accuracy. The illuminance detection mechanism with these configurations is not used only for the satellite signal receiving apparatus, but can be applied to other devices. In particular, it is suitable for a device that activates some device by detecting illuminance. For example, the present invention can be applied to devices that turn on / off illumination according to illuminance, change the amount of illumination light, and long-wave radio-controlled clocks that start reception according to illuminance.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Electronic device, 22 ... Solar cell, 30 ... GPS receiving circuit, 40 ... Control circuit, 43 ... Charge state detection circuit, 44 ... Voltage detection circuit.

Claims (19)

In a satellite signal receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals,
A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
A power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell;
A control circuit for controlling the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit;
The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is an output value of the solar cell,
The control circuit includes:
A threshold for determining whether the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is a high illuminance state that is equal to or higher than a preset illuminance threshold level or a low illuminance state lower than the illuminance threshold level is set, and the power generation When the detection value detected by the state detection circuit is compared with the threshold value and it is determined that the high illuminance state is present, the reception circuit is activated,
The receiving circuit searches for a location information satellite, and if the satellite signal fails to be detected without being detected by the receiving circuit, the illuminance threshold level is set to be high. A satellite signal receiving device characterized by re-working . In a satellite signal receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals,
A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
A power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell;
A control circuit for controlling the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit;
The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is an output value of the solar cell,
The control circuit includes:
A threshold for determining whether the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is a high illuminance state that is equal to or higher than a preset illuminance threshold level or a low illuminance state lower than the illuminance threshold level is set, and the power generation When the detection value detected by the state detection circuit is compared with the threshold value and it is determined that the high illuminance state is present, the reception circuit is activated,
When the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the threshold value is changed so that the illuminance threshold level becomes high,
When the low illuminance state detected based on the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit continues for a preset power generation state detection time or longer, the illuminance threshold level is reduced. A satellite signal receiving apparatus characterized by resetting a threshold value . In a satellite signal receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals,
A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
A power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell;
A control circuit for controlling the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit;
The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit compares the output value of the solar cell with a predetermined value set corresponding to a preset illuminance threshold level, and the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is When it is determined whether the high illuminance state is equal to or higher than the illuminance threshold level or the low illuminance state is lower than the illuminance threshold level, the output value of the solar cell continuously becomes the high illuminance state. Power generation determination time,
The control circuit includes:
When the power generation determination time is equal to or greater than a preset power generation determination time threshold, the receiving circuit is activated,
A satellite signal receiving device, wherein when the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the threshold value of the power generation determination time is reset to be longer . The satellite signal receiving device according to claim 3 ,
The control circuit includes:
To search for positioning information satellites by means of the reception circuit, the no satellite signal is detected by the receiving circuit, when failing to receive the satellite signal, set longer a threshold before Symbol generation determination time Rework,
The satellite signal receiving apparatus, wherein the threshold value of the power generation determination time is maintained as it is when the satellite signal is detected by the receiving circuit but reception of the satellite signal fails. In the satellite signal receiver according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The control circuit includes:
The state in which the power generation determination time is not determined equal to or greater than the threshold value of the power determination time, if continued for more than a preset power generation state detection time, reset before SL so as to be shorter the threshold power determination time A satellite signal receiving device. In the satellite signal receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The control circuit includes:
When the threshold value is reset so that the illuminance threshold level is lowered a plurality of times continuously, or when the threshold value of the power generation determination time is reset to be shorter, the receiving circuit and the power generation state Move the detection circuit to sleep state,
When the state of transition from the sleep state to the normal state is detected, and the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit transition from the sleep state to the normal state, the threshold value or the threshold value of the power generation determination time is set to the initial value. A satellite signal receiver characterized in that it is set again.   In the satellite signal receiving device according to claim 1 or 2,
  The control circuit includes:
  The receiving circuit searches for a location information satellite, and if the satellite signal fails to be detected without being detected by the receiving circuit, the illuminance threshold level is set to be high. Rework,
  If the satellite signal has been detected by the receiving circuit, but the satellite signal has failed to be received, the threshold value is maintained as it is.
  A satellite signal receiving device. In the satellite signal receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The control circuit includes:
The satellite signal reception process is executed at predetermined time intervals, and
The time interval when the reception circuit has successfully received the satellite signal as the first time interval,
When the time interval when the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal as the second time interval,
The satellite signal receiver characterized in that the first time interval is longer than the second time interval. In the satellite signal receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
The control circuit includes:
The satellite signal receiving apparatus, wherein the threshold value or the threshold value of the power generation determination time is changed when the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal continuously a plurality of times. In a satellite signal receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals,
A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
A power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell;
A control circuit for controlling the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit;
The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is an output value of the solar cell and a value that increases as the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell increases.
The control circuit includes:
When the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is compared with a preset threshold value and the detection value is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold value, the reception circuit is activated.
The receiving circuit searches for a location information satellite, and if the satellite signal is not detected by the receiving circuit and fails to receive the satellite signal, the threshold value is reset so that the threshold value increases. A satellite signal receiving device.   In a satellite signal receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals,
  A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
  A power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell;
  A control circuit for controlling the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit;
  The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is an output value of the solar cell and a value that decreases as the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell increases.
  The control circuit includes:
  When the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is compared with a preset threshold value and the detection value is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold value, the reception circuit is operated.
  The receiving circuit searches for a location information satellite, and if the satellite signal is not detected by the receiving circuit and fails to receive the satellite signal, the threshold is reset so that the threshold is reduced.
  A satellite signal receiving device.   In a satellite signal receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals,
  A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
  A power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell;
  A control circuit for controlling the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit;
  The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is an output value of the solar cell and a value that increases as the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell increases.
  The control circuit includes:
  When the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is compared with a preset threshold value and the detection value is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold value, the reception circuit is activated.
  When the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the threshold is changed so that the threshold is increased,
  When the state in which the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is less than the threshold value continues for a preset power generation state detection time or longer, the threshold value is reset so that the threshold value decreases.
  A satellite signal receiving device.   In a satellite signal receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals,
  A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
  A power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell;
  A control circuit for controlling the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit;
  The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is an output value of the solar cell and a value that decreases as the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell increases.
  The control circuit includes:
  When the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is compared with a preset threshold value and the detection value is determined to be less than or equal to the threshold value, the reception circuit is activated,
  When the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the threshold value is changed so that the threshold value is reduced,
  When the state in which the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is larger than the threshold value continues for a preset power generation state detection time or longer, the threshold value is reset so that the threshold value increases.
  A satellite signal receiving device.   In a satellite signal receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals,
  A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
  A power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell;
  A control circuit for controlling the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit;
  The output value of the solar cell is a value that increases as the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell increases.
  The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit compares the output value of the solar cell with a predetermined value set in advance, and the output value of the solar cell is continuously greater than or equal to the predetermined value. Power generation determination time, which is time,
  The control circuit includes:
  When the power generation determination time is equal to or greater than a preset power generation determination time threshold, the receiving circuit is activated,
  If the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the power generation determination time threshold is reset to be longer.
  A satellite signal receiving device.   In a satellite signal receiving apparatus having a receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals,
  A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
  A power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell;
  A control circuit for controlling the reception circuit and the power generation state detection circuit;
  The output value of the solar cell is a value that decreases as the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell increases,
  The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit compares the output value of the solar cell with a predetermined value set in advance, and the output value of the solar cell is continuously below the predetermined value. Power generation determination time, which is time,
  The control circuit includes:
  When the power generation determination time is equal to or greater than a preset power generation determination time threshold, the receiving circuit is activated,
  If the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the power generation determination time threshold is reset to be longer.
  A satellite signal receiving device. A receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals;
A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
A control method of a satellite signal receiving device having a power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell,
The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is an output value of the solar cell,
A threshold for determining whether the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is a high illuminance state that is equal to or higher than a preset illuminance threshold level or a low illuminance state lower than the illuminance threshold level is set, and the power generation When the detection value detected by the state detection circuit is compared with the threshold value and it is determined that the high illuminance state is present, the reception circuit is activated,
The receiving circuit searches for a location information satellite, and if the satellite signal fails to be detected without being detected by the receiving circuit, the illuminance threshold level is set to be high. A control method for a satellite signal receiving apparatus, characterized by re-working . A receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals;
A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
A control method of a satellite signal receiving device having a power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell,
The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit is an output value of the solar cell,
A threshold for determining whether the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is a high illuminance state that is equal to or higher than a preset illuminance threshold level or a low illuminance state lower than the illuminance threshold level is set, and the power generation When the detection value detected by the state detection circuit is compared with the threshold value and it is determined that the high illuminance state is present, the reception circuit is activated,
When the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the threshold value is changed so that the illuminance threshold level becomes high,
When the low illuminance state detected based on the detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit continues for a preset power generation state detection time or longer, the illuminance threshold level is reduced. Reset the threshold
A control method of a satellite signal receiving apparatus . A receiving circuit for receiving satellite signals;
A solar cell that converts light energy into electrical energy;
A control method of a satellite signal receiving device having a power generation state detection circuit for detecting a power generation state of the solar cell,
The detection value detected by the power generation state detection circuit compares the output value of the solar cell with a predetermined value set corresponding to a preset illuminance threshold level, and the illuminance of light hitting the solar cell is When it is determined whether the high illuminance state is equal to or higher than the illuminance threshold level or the low illuminance state is lower than the illuminance threshold level, the output value of the solar cell continuously becomes the high illuminance state. Power generation determination time,
When the power generation determination time is equal to or greater than a preset power generation determination time threshold, the receiving circuit is activated,
If the reception circuit fails to receive the satellite signal, the power generation determination time threshold is reset to be longer.
A control method of a satellite signal receiving apparatus . An electronic apparatus comprising the satellite signal receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 .

Images