JP6603455B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece having a power saving function.

  Conventionally, in an electronic timepiece having a function of generating electricity with light or kinetic energy, it is a well-known technique and widely used to make a power saving state such as stopping a display operation or an additional function when a non-power generation state continues. . Technologies related to operation in such a power saving state have also been filed widely. For example, in the case of a photovoltaic radio wave correction watch, reception is performed in a non-power-saving state and reception is prohibited in order to suppress power consumption in the power-saving state. Technology exists (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 3331215 (FIG. 5)

  In an electronic timepiece with a pointer type display, the second hand driven every second consumes a considerable amount of power. Therefore, while a general pointer-type timepiece operates the hour hand, the minute hand, and the second hand with a single motor, in order to effectively save power, a motor for driving the second hand alone and a motor for operating the hour hand and the minute hand are provided. There is a timepiece that is prepared separately and shifts to a power saving state when a non-power generation state is detected for a short time (for example, less than 1 hour).

  Although the power saving effect is improved with such a watch, for example, a radio-controlled watch has a function of automatically receiving in the night when there is little noise, but when performing reception, kinetic energy cannot be obtained in the dark or non-portable Therefore, there is a problem that the power saving state is set and the automatic reception function does not operate.

  In addition, there is an alarm as a typical function of the watch, but if the ringing operation is stopped during the power saving period, a power saving effect can be obtained effectively for a long period of non-use, but the power saving state can be quickly achieved. In the case of setting to shift, there is a problem that the power saving state occurs every night and the original function of the alarm cannot be performed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece that can appropriately control the transition to the power saving state and eliminate the inconvenience of the user in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an electronic timepiece according to the present invention is a timekeeping means, a display means for displaying at least the timekeeping contents of the timekeeping means, and an additional function realizing an additional function other than the timekeeping. A normal state for operating the display means and the additional function realizing means,
A control means for controlling to switch a power-saving state to stop at least a part of said display means under a predetermined condition, said control means is infeasible or specific additional functions can be performed or set by the operation flag, in the power saving state, the display means, when said specific additional functions can not be executed, performs a display indicating the disablement, the specific additional functions can be executed In this case, the display means does not perform display indicating that operation is not possible.

In addition, a time measuring means, a display means for displaying at least the time content of the time measuring means, an additional function realizing means for realizing an additional function other than the time counting, a normal state for operating the display means and the additional function realizing means, a control means for controlling to switch a power-saving state to stop at least a part of said display means under a predetermined condition, said control means is infeasible or specific additional functions can be performed This is set by an operation flag, and in the power saving state, whether the specific additional function is operating or is waiting for operation is displayed on the display means.

Further, the control means is characterized in that, when the additional function realizing means is in operation or in an operation standby state, the transition to the power saving state is postponed even if the predetermined condition is satisfied .

Further, the specific additional function is a radio wave receiving function for receiving a radio wave to which time information is added.

Further, the radio wave receiving function is implemented when a condition for shifting to the power saving state is satisfied .

The radio wave reception function is performed at a predetermined time .

In addition, the transition to the power saving state is postponed until the radio wave reception function is successful, and after the radio wave reception function is completed successfully, the transition to the power saving state is performed.

In the power saving state, the display unit displays the reception result of the radio wave reception function .

In addition, there are a plurality of the additional function realizing means .

Moreover, after all the operations of the plurality of additional function realizing means are completed, the power saving state is entered .

Further, among the plurality of additional function realization means, the specific function realization means is not set as the postponement condition for transition to the power saving state even during operation or standby .

Further, the means for realizing the specific function is controlled to be operable even in the power saving state .

Further, the specific function operable in the power saving state is configured to be set by an external operation .

  The power saving means includes a power storage means, a power generation means for charging the power storage means, and a power generation detection means for detecting a power generation state of the power generation means. It is characterized by the transition conditions.

  According to the present invention, as described above, the transition to the power saving state is an electronic device that can eliminate inconvenience for the user by performing operation management for each function mounted on the watch and measuring the transition timing. There is an effect that a clock can be obtained.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the functional structure of the electronic timepiece concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the power saving state transfer procedure concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows an example of the power-saving state transfer operation | movement concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the power saving state transfer procedure concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows an example of the power-saving state transfer operation | movement concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of an electronic timepiece according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Configuration of Electronic Timepiece According to the Present Invention]
First, the functional configuration of the electronic timepiece will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of an electronic timepiece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an electronic timepiece 100 includes a control unit 101, a function management unit 102, a function unit 103, a timing unit 104, a display unit 105, a power generation unit 106, a power storage unit 107, and a power generation detection unit 108. It is the structure containing these.

  The control unit 101 controls the entire electronic timepiece 100.

  The functional unit 103 is a functional block that realizes additional functions other than timekeeping such as an alarm and a radio wave reception function. The type and number of the functions are arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, there are two types, that is, a radio wave reception function and an alarm. Hereinafter, the radio wave reception function is referred to as function A, and the alarm is referred to as function B.

  The function management unit 102 manages whether to operate each function of the function unit 103 having at least one additional function, and outputs a signal necessary for control to the control unit 101. Specifically, when the function unit 103 has the function A and the function B, the function management unit 102 stores whether or not the function A and the function B can be individually operated, and outputs the stored contents to the control unit 101. In response to this output, the control unit 101 issues a command to the function unit 103 to execute the operation when there is an operation command.

  FIG. 1 shows one form of stored contents. “Type” and “operation flag” are stored for each function. The type of function stored in “Type” is a fixed value for each model. In the “operation flag”, two values of “impossible” and “execution” are stored. A function in which “execution” is written is executed if a predetermined condition for executing the function is met. On the other hand, execution of a function in which “impossible” is written is prohibited even if a predetermined condition for executing the function is met. The portion corresponding to the “operation flag” functions as a flag for controlling the function, and is appropriately rewritten according to the situation.

  The function management unit 102 inputs an operation enable / disable change command output from the control unit 101 and changes the stored content. As a specific example, when the power generation detection unit 108 outputs that the power generation is in progress or the non-power generation continuation is less than the predetermined time, the function management unit 102 sends the function unit 103 as an operation permission change command from the control unit 101. In response to the signal indicating that each of the functions can be operated, the “execution” state is stored, and the control unit 101 executes each function of the function unit 103 in accordance with the stored contents of the function management unit 102. Conversely, when the power generation detection unit 108 is in a non-power generation state, the control unit 101 outputs an operation command to the corresponding function in the function unit 103 when the function management unit 102 has an operable function, and after the operation ends. A command that disables the completed function is output to the function management unit 102. In other words, the function management unit 102 receives a signal indicating that the operation is disabled from the control unit 101, and stores a “disabled” state.

  The clock unit 104 divides the oscillation frequency generated by the crystal oscillation circuit (not shown) and the crystal oscillation circuit, generates a 1-second signal, and counts the time.

  The display unit 105 displays the timing signal output from the timing unit 104 with a pointer, liquid crystal, and the like.

  The power generation unit 106 includes a solar cell that generates power using light, a power generation device that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, or a mechanism that generates power using a thermoelectric generator.

  The power storage unit 107 is a secondary battery that stores the power generation energy of the power generation unit 106.

  The power generation detection unit 108 detects the power generation state of the power generation unit 106 and outputs the result to the control unit 101.

[First embodiment of the present invention]
Next, a specific operation will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The function unit 103 in the electronic timepiece 100 will be described as a timepiece having functions A and B.

  The control unit 101 confirms the output of the power generation detection unit 108, and when the power generation is in progress or when the non-power generation state continues for less than the predetermined time (step S101: No), all the functions in the electronic timepiece can be operated. Accordingly, the operation flags of the function A and the function B are set to “execute” (step S102). Note that this route also passes through the case where power generation is detected and the power saving state is canceled in the power saving state described later. In the case of canceling the power saving state, the function A and function B operation flags are rewritten from “impossible” to “execution”. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is in a power saving state (step S112). If it is in a power saving state (step S112: YES), the display content of the display unit 105 is set to the time measured by the time measuring unit 104, etc. The return process is executed (step S113). Then, for the update of the time display and for the functions A and B, each function is operated when an execution command is generated (step S103).

  Conversely, when the non-power generation state continues for a predetermined time (step S101: Yes), the control unit 101 determines whether or not the transition to the power saving state is possible, but there is a function to be operated (step S104: No). Then, after the operation is executed, the power saving state is entered. The presence / absence of a function to be operated is determined by an operation flag prepared for each function stored in the function management unit 102. When the function A has an execution instruction, that is, when the operation flag of the function A is “execution” (step S105: Yes), the control unit 101 outputs the execution instruction of the function A in the function unit 103 (step S106). After the operation is finished, the function A operation flag is output to the function management unit 102 so as to change the setting of the operation flag of the function A to “operation impossible”. In response to the instruction, the function management unit 102 stores the operation flag of function A as “operation disabled” (step S107).

  Subsequently, it is confirmed whether or not there is an execution instruction in the function B. If there is an instruction, that is, if the operation flag of the function B is “execution” (step S108: Yes), the control unit 101 performs the function B in the function unit 103. Is output to the function management unit 102 so as to change the setting of the operation flag of the function B to “operation not possible” after the operation is completed. In response to the command, the function management unit 102 stores the operation flag of function B as the “operation disabled” state (step S110).

  As described above, when the operation flag is “execution”, the function is operated, and when all the operation flags become “operation not possible” (step S104: Yes), the control unit 101 performs the function saving state transition process. All the operations in the unit 103 are stopped, and the power saving state is set such that the hand movement is stopped in the case of the pointer type display, and the liquid crystal drive is stopped in the case of the digital display (step S111).

  Here, FIG. 3 will be used to explain in detail that function A is a radio wave reception function, function B is an alarm, and the default time for continuing the non-power generation state is one hour.

  When the continuation of the power generation state or the non-power generation state is less than the predetermined time (less than 1 hour), the radio wave reception function and the alarm operation flag are stored in the function management unit 102 as “execute”, and the radio wave reception function is Reception is automatically started at 2:00), and the alarm 100 performs a normal operation such as a sounding operation at a time set by the user (for example, 5:00).

  If the non-power generation state continues for one hour from 22:00 to 23:00 from the normal use state as shown in FIG. 3, the timepiece 100 changes from the normal use state to a power saving standby state. Further, when the non-power generation state continues and becomes 2:00, since the operation flag for radio wave reception is “execution”, the control unit performs automatic reception at night and sets the operation flag for radio wave reception to “impossible” after completion. 101 issues a command to the function management unit 102, and the function management unit 102 stores “impossible”. Further, when the non-power generation state continues and becomes 5:00, the alarm operation flag is “execution”, so that the alarm is sounded and the control unit 101 sets the alarm operation flag to “impossible” after the end. The function management unit 102 stores “impossible”. As a result, all the operation flags become “impossible”, and the control unit 101 stops the hand movement in the case of the pointer type display, stops the liquid crystal drive in the case of the digital display, and shifts the electronic timepiece 100 to the power saving state. In the power saving state, the radio wave reception and alarm operation flags in the function management unit 102 continue to be “impossible”. Even during power saving, the timing unit 104 continues to measure time. After that, when power generation is detected, the control unit 101 cancels the power saving state, updates the display of the display unit 105 so that the clocking time of the clocking unit 104 is reached, and sets the operation flag of radio wave reception and alarm to “execute”. A command is issued to the management unit 102. The function management unit 102 changes the contents of the operation flag in accordance with the instruction, and thereafter performs a normal operation.

  The above is an example of applying radio wave correction function and alarm as functions when there are multiple functions. However, radio wave correction function only, single function with alarm only, or three or more functions may be used. Functions other than alarms such as a chronograph and a timer may be used.

  In the above description, the transition to the power saving state is such that all the functions of the functional unit 103 are disabled. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Also good. For example, when the function unit 103 has a radio wave correction function and an alarm function, the power saving state may be entered if the operation flag of the alarm function is “execution” and the operation flag of the radio wave correction function is “impossible”. In this way, the functions required by the user may be operated in the power saving state while being in the power saving state. For example, in the case as described above, since the power saving state is entered after the reception is completed, the power saving state can be lengthened, and more power can be saved.

  Further, although not shown in the figure, for each function in the function unit 103, the user may be able to select a function that the user wants to operate during power saving by using a switch or other external operation means, and conversely, a function that does not operate in the power saving state is used. The user may be able to select.

  The function selected to function even during power saving is excluded from the determination of transition to the power saving state in step S104.

FIG. 4 shows a case where the display unit 105 is a pointer type display in the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in the case of a specification that shifts to the power saving state by either one of the functions impossible as described above or “impossible” of some functions as described above, for example, when a radio wave correction function and an alarm are installed, When shifting to the power-saving state when both radio wave reception and alarm cannot be operated, the position indicating that all functions cannot be operated (all off) is indicated by the second hand and stopped, the radio wave reception operation flag is set to “inoperable”, and the alarm operation flag If “execute” is set to shift to the power saving state, the reception off position is instructed with the second hand and stopped. By doing so, it is possible to notify the user whether the inoperability of the function during the power saving state is a full function or a partial function. When the function used by the external operation means can be selected, a position (alarm OFF or the like) indicating that the operation cannot be performed may be provided for each function. It should be noted that the display may be one motor for the hour hand, minute hand, and second hand, or the second hand motor and the hour hand / minute hand motor may be prepared separately, or other configurations may be used. In the power saving state, the second hand, the hour hand, and the minute hand may be stopped. Further, the display means may be a digital display.

  In the above description, an example showing the function of “inoperable” during power saving has been described. However, for example, success / failure of reception may be indicated during power saving. In this way, the user can confirm the reception result before entering the power saving state during power saving.

  As described above, according to the electronic timepiece according to the present embodiment, when the non-use period continues and the power saving state is entered, when the predetermined non-power generation time continues, the electronic timepiece does not immediately enter the power saving state. In addition, by operating the function before shifting to the power saving state, an electronic timepiece that does not feel inconvenient for the user and has a high power saving effect can be provided. In addition, it is possible to provide an electronic timepiece that does not feel inconvenient for the user even by operating necessary functions even during the power saving state and has a high power saving effect.

[Second Embodiment of the Present Invention]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of another operation according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the description of FIG. 5, the configuration of the electronic timepiece 100 is the same as that described above except that the function in the function unit 103 is one function C1 in FIG. 1.

  The control unit 101 confirms the output of the power generation detection unit 108, and when the power generation is in progress or is in a non-power generation state that is less than the predetermined time (step S201: No), the function C in the electronic timepiece should be enabled. The function management unit 102 outputs the operation flag of the function C to “execute” (step S202). Note that this route also passes through the case where power generation is detected and the power saving state is canceled in the power saving state described later. In the case of canceling the power saving state, the operation flag of the function C is rewritten from “impossible” to “execution”. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not it is in a power saving state (step S207). If it is in a power saving state (step S207: YES), the display content of the display unit 105 is set to the time measured by the time measuring unit 104, etc. The return process is executed (step S208). Then, the time display is updated and the function C is operated (step S203).

  Conversely, when the non-power generation state continues for a predetermined time (step S201: Yes), the control unit 101 operates the function C (step S204). After that, when the operation of the function C is completed, the control unit 101 outputs the function C operation flag to the function management unit 102 so as to set the operation flag of the function C to “inoperable”. In response to the command, the function management unit 102 stores the operation flag of the function C as the “operation disabled” state (step S205). After that, the power saving state is entered, and the operation of the functional unit 103 is stopped during non-power generation, and the power saving state such as the stop of the hand movement in the case of the pointer type display and the liquid crystal drive in the case of the digital display. (Step S206).

  Here, FIG. 6 will be used to explain in detail the case where the function C receives position information and time information from a GPS satellite, and the default time for continuing the non-power generation state is 15 days.

Since GPS reception consumes a great deal of power, the specifications for automatic reception several times a day for standard long-wave radio timepieces are the same as the balance between charging and consumption for watches with a power generation function. In order to stop the service at an early stage, it is preferable to start the reception with a switch input or the like at a timing when the user needs an accurate time. In the GPS reception watch having such a specification, when the non-power generation state without kinetic energy continues for 15 days after being used in a dark place or removed from the watch, the time of the electronic watch 100 is measured during that time. The time is measured with the time accuracy by the unit 104, and a general electronic timepiece using a crystal oscillator causes an error of about ± 20 seconds per month, and about ± 10 seconds if there is no time correction due to reception for 15 days. An error occurs. Here, when the non-power generation state is detected for 15 days, the state shifts from the normal use state to the power saving standby state, and the time is automatically corrected by GPS reception, and then the state is shifted to the power saving state. When the power generation is performed later and the power saving state is released, it is possible to provide the user with a more accurate time of about ± 3 seconds with respect to an error of about ± 13 seconds in the specification that is not received.

  In the above description, the reception is performed once before the transition to the power saving state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if reception fails, the reception may be repeated after that, and the time interval until the next reception starts. Depending on the situation, an optimal time interval may be provided. This is an effective means in the case of GPS reception because there are situations where the satellite arrangement is inappropriate for the reception point.

  Further, it may be continued until repeated reception is successful, or may be up to a predetermined number of times or a grace period.

  If the GPS reception clock stores satellite orbit information and it is optimal to receive it immediately when the non-power generation state continues for a predetermined time, it is received if it is optimal, and if it is inappropriate, the optimal satellite placement timing is received. It may be made to wait for the reception start until.

  Furthermore, reception may be started when the attitude of the watch is detected by an azimuth sensor, a gyro sensor, or the like and the satellite arrangement is optimal for the antenna directivity.

  FIG. 7 shows a case where the display unit 105 is a pointer type display in the second embodiment of the present invention. When the non-power generation state continues for a predetermined time, the reception operation before the transition to the power saving state is started, and the second hand is stopped at a position where the display is “receiving”. Thereafter, when reception is completed, the second hand is stopped in the “power saving state” to inform the user that the power saving state is set.

  The above is a case where reception is performed once before the transition to the power saving state. However, in the case of another method described above, that is, when reception is repeated until success, if the non-power generation state continues for a predetermined time, “Reception” Stop the second hand at the middle position. If reception is unsuccessful, the second hand is stopped at the “power saving transition standby” position, and then reception is attempted until success, and if reception is successful, the second hand is stopped at the “power saving state” position. The display until the reception is successful may be received in the “power saving standby state”, or the display may be updated to “receiving” during reception.

  In addition, when the repeated reception is performed for a predetermined number of times or until a grace period, the second hand is stopped at the position of the “power saving state” when shifting to the power saving state in a state where the reception has failed. Further, although not shown, the second hand may be stopped at a new position indicating “a power saving state in which reception has failed”.

  Also, when waiting for the optimal condition for reception after the non-power generation state continues for a predetermined time, the second hand is stopped at the `` power saving transition standby '' position during standby, and `` receiving '' almost simultaneously with the start of reception If the second hand is stopped at the position of, and if reception is successful, it may shift to the `` power saving state '', or it may be displayed in the `` power saving transition standby '' position without displaying `` receiving '' good.

  As described above, an example of the display in the second embodiment has been described in detail, but the display method may be digital or other methods. Needless to say, the configuration of the motor for the pointer type display may be the same as that shown in the first embodiment of the present invention or may be other than that.

As for the standby state for power saving, when the battery voltage is high, the power saving transition standby time is lengthened, for example, the alarm is enabled for several days, and then the power saving state is entered. It is good also as control which ensures the time to stop.

  As described above, according to the electronic timepiece according to the present embodiment, when the non-use period continues and the power saving state is entered, the function is operated before the power saving state is entered and then the power saving state is entered. An electronic timepiece that does not feel inconvenient for the user and has a high power saving effect can be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Control part 102 Function management part 103 Function part 104 Time measuring part 105 Display part 108 Power generation detection part

Claims (14)

Timekeeping means,
Display means for displaying at least the time content of the time measuring means;
Additional function realization means for realizing additional functions other than timing,
A normal state in which the display means and the additional function realizing means are operated;
A power saving state in which at least a part of the display means is stopped under a predetermined condition;
Control means for performing switching control,
Wherein the control unit sets the operation flag whether infeasible if the specific additional functions can be executed,
In the power saving state, the display means, when said specific additional functions can not be executed, performs a display indicating disablement, if the specific additional functions can be executed, the display means The electronic device is characterized in that it does not display inoperable at. Timekeeping means,
Display means for displaying at least the time content of the time measuring means;
Additional function realization means for realizing additional functions other than timing,
A normal state in which the display means and the additional function realizing means are operated;
A power saving state in which at least a part of the display means is stopped under a predetermined condition;
Control means for performing switching control,
Wherein the control unit sets the operation flag whether infeasible if the specific additional functions can be executed,
An electronic device characterized in that, in the power saving state, the display means displays whether the specific additional function is operating or waiting for operation. The control means is when the additional function realization means is operating or waiting for operation.
The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transition to the power saving state is postponed even if the predetermined condition is satisfied. The specific additional function is:
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic device has a radio wave receiving function for receiving radio waves to which time information is added. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the radio wave receiving function is performed when a condition for shifting to the power saving state is satisfied. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the radio wave reception function is performed at a predetermined time. Until the radio wave reception function is successful, the transition to the power saving state is postponed,
The electronic device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein after the radio wave reception function is completed successfully, the power saving state is entered. The electronic device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a reception result by the radio wave reception function is displayed on the display means in the power saving state. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a plurality of the additional function realization units exist. The electronic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the electronic apparatus shifts to the power saving state after all operations of the plurality of additional function realizing units are completed. Among the plurality of additional function realization means, for a specific function realization means,
Even during operation or waiting for operation, the transition to the power saving state is not a postponement condition.
The electronic apparatus according to claim 9. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the means for realizing the specific function is controlled to be operable even in the power saving state. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the specific function operable in the power saving state is configured to be set by an external operation. Power storage means, and power generation means for charging the power storage means;
Power generation detection means for detecting the power generation state of the power generation means,
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the power generation detection unit detects non-power generation as a transition condition to the power saving state.

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