JP6668647B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a function of performing azimuth measurement.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an electronic device that includes a direction sensor that measures a geomagnetic field and can display a predetermined direction (such as a magnetic north direction) based on data measured by the direction sensor. In such an electronic device, various processes can be performed by combining / switching with other functions, especially with information such as other sensor measurements and maps. Patent Literature 1 discloses a combination technique in which a notification operation at the time of information reception in a mobile phone is changed according to the orientation of the mobile phone identified based on the azimuth measurement.

  In most of the earth's geomagnetic field, components in a horizontal plane are predominant, so that the display surface is usually kept substantially horizontal, and measurement and display related to the geomagnetic field of components parallel to the display surface are usually performed. Is being done. However, in a terminal held and used by a user, such as a mobile terminal, the display surface is not always held substantially horizontally. Therefore, the magnetic field measured by the azimuth sensor may not always have sufficient accuracy on a two-dimensional plane.

  On the other hand, conventionally, there is a technique for identifying a gravitational direction using a measurement result of an acceleration sensor or a tilt sensor and displaying a more appropriate direction. However, these acceleration sensors and inclination sensors may also have difficulty in accurate measurement depending on the operation state of the electronic device. Therefore, in Patent Document 2, three-dimensional measurement combining these sensor measurements is normally performed, and two-dimensional measurement that does not use the measurement of the acceleration sensor or the inclination sensor is performed when information is received or when a vibration operation such as an alarm operation is performed. A technique for switching to measurement is disclosed.

  The azimuth measurement operation in such an electronic device is started mainly in response to a predetermined operation by a user. However, in particular, there is a problem that it is difficult to continue measurement for a long time due to a demand for power consumption in a small device such as an arm-mounted terminal. On the other hand, conventionally, there is a technique in which measurement and display are automatically terminated after measurement is performed for a predetermined time. This prevents the power consumption from increasing unnecessarily for a long period of time.

JP 2006-148687 A JP 2010-169574 A

  However, if the measurement is uniformly terminated for a predetermined time, the measurement result will not match the actual visual recognition state, and the user will have to start the measurement again, or it will be necessary to perform the measurement for the predetermined time again. There is a problem that the operation time is extended as described above.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of more flexibly and appropriately measuring an azimuth and determining a display time as a result.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides
An azimuth measuring unit,
A display unit,
Calculation processing for calculating the correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth on the display surface of the display unit based on the measurement data by the azimuth measurement unit, and displaying the display content according to the calculation result on the display unit Department and
A control unit that controls the operation of the arithmetic processing unit;
An orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the display surface,
With
The control unit operates the arithmetic processing unit for a predetermined set time, and operates the arithmetic processing unit based on a detection situation detected by the attitude detection unit at a predetermined time before the end of the set time. An electronic device characterized by determining whether to change a time from the set time.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to more flexibly and appropriately determine the direction of the azimuth measurement and the time for displaying the result in the electronic device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the timing of measurement display operation of an azimuth. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of an azimuth measurement control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the measurement process called by the direction measurement control process. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the additional measurement process called by the azimuth measurement control process. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the direction measurement value in the electronic timepiece of this embodiment. It is a figure showing a modification of timing of a measurement display operation in an electronic timepiece of this embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the functional composition of the electronic timepiece of a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the azimuth measurement control process performed by the electronic timepiece of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the additional measurement process called by the direction measurement control process of the electronic timepiece of the second embodiment. It is a figure showing the example of a display of the direction using a pointer. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the azimuth | direction measurement control process performed by the electronic timepiece of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the additional measurement process called by the azimuth measurement control process of the electronic timepiece of 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an electronic timepiece 1 according to a first embodiment of the electronic apparatus of the invention.

  The electronic timepiece 1 is, for example, a digital electronic timepiece, and includes a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit) (arithmetic processing unit, control unit), a ROM 42 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 43 (Random Access Memory), and an oscillation circuit 44. , A frequency dividing circuit 45, a timing circuit 46 as a timing section, a display section 47 and a display driver 48, an operation section 49, a notifying section 50 and its driver 51, and a geomagnetic sensor 52 as an azimuth measuring section and its driver. 53, an acceleration sensor 54 and its driver 55 as an acceleration measuring unit, an inclination sensor 56 and its driver 57 as an attitude detecting unit, a power supply unit 58, and the like.

  The CPU 41 controls the overall operation of the electronic timepiece 1. The CPU 41 obtains the date and time counted by the clock circuit 46 in the normal time display mode and causes the display unit 47 to display the current time. In the azimuth display mode, the CPU 41 determines the azimuth based on the measurement data of the geomagnetic sensor 52. Such a display is performed.

  The ROM 42 stores various programs and initial setting data for the electronic timepiece 1 to perform various operations. The programs stored in the ROM 42 include control programs related to switching of display functions and operation control of each function. As the ROM 42, in addition to the mask ROM, a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory may be partially used.

  The RAM 43 is a volatile memory that provides a working memory space to the CPU 41 and stores various temporary data and setting data.

  The oscillation circuit 44 oscillates a signal of a predetermined frequency, for example, 32 kHz, and outputs the signal (oscillation signal). The oscillation circuit 44 includes, but is not limited to, for example, a small and low power consumption crystal oscillator.

  The frequency dividing circuit 45 divides the frequency of the oscillation signal to generate and output a necessary frequency signal. The frequency dividing circuit 45 can output signals of different frequencies by appropriately switching the frequency dividing ratio according to a command from the CPU 41. The frequency signal output from the frequency dividing circuit 45 includes a frequency signal used for the time counting operation by the time counting circuit 46.

  The time counting circuit 46 is, for example, a counter, and counts the current date and time by counting the number of times of the pulse signal input from the frequency dividing circuit 45 and adding the counted number to the initially set date and time. The current date and time data stored in the clock circuit 46 can be modified by a control command from the CPU 41. The time counting circuit 46 may be configured to store the date and time counted by software using a rewritable storage unit.

  The display unit 47 includes a digital display screen and a drive circuit therefor, and displays a time, an azimuth, and other various functions executable by the electronic timepiece 1 under the control of the CPU 41. As the digital display screen, for example, a liquid crystal screen for performing liquid crystal display is used. The digital display screen only needs to be a method capable of displaying the date and time and the direction.If the display of the direction is a number, the display screen is provided with segments of the number of digits capable of displaying the date and time and the direction. Alternatively, the display screen may be a display screen that performs display in a dot matrix system.

  The display driver 48 receives a control signal (display image data corresponding to each pixel of the LCD) from the CPU 41 and outputs an operation signal to a drive circuit of the display unit 47 at an appropriate timing.

  The operation unit 49 includes a plurality of keys and push button switches. When these keys and push button switches are operated, the operation contents are converted into electric signals and output to the CPU 41 as input signals.

  The notification unit 50 performs a predetermined notification operation for the user. The notification operation includes, for example, generation of vibration, generation of a beep sound, and lighting or blinking of a light. The notification unit 50 has a configuration corresponding to these operations, for example, at least one of a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the driver 51 operates in a configuration that the notification unit 50 holds. Can be output.

The geomagnetic sensor 52 measures magnetic fields in three axial directions along two axes orthogonal to each other in a plane parallel to the display surface of the digital display screen of the display unit 47 and an axis perpendicular to the display surface. Range of magnetic field strength to be measured may be a range corresponding to the geomagnetic field, for example, the following range 10 5 ^nT. The driver 53 causes the terrestrial magnetism sensor 52 to operate properly to perform measurement, A / D converts the measurement data output from the terrestrial magnetism sensor 52, and outputs the data to the CPU 41 in a predetermined format. The direction (azimuth) of the geomagnetic field measured by the geomagnetic sensor 52 is magnetic north.

  The acceleration sensor 54 measures accelerations in three directions orthogonal to each other. It is preferable that the three axes are aligned with the three axis directions related to the measurement by the geomagnetic sensor 52. The acceleration sensor 54 can detect acceleration including gravitational acceleration.

  The driver 55 causes the acceleration sensor 54 to operate properly to perform measurement, A / D-converts the measurement data output from the acceleration sensor 54 at a predetermined sampling frequency, and outputs the data to the CPU 41 in a preset format. I do.

The tilt sensor 56 detects whether the display surface of the electronic timepiece 1 is tilted from a horizontal plane (posture), and is equal to or more than a predetermined angle (a predetermined first reference value, a predetermined second reference value, for example, 45 degrees). Outputs a tilt detection signal when tilted with respect to the horizontal plane.
The driver 57

  The power supply unit 58 has a power supply and supplies a predetermined operating voltage to each unit of the CPU 41 and the electronic timepiece 1. As the power source, for example, a button-type small dry battery is used. Alternatively, a solar panel and a secondary battery may be provided as power sources, and power may be supplied by appropriately switching according to the amount of incident external light.

Next, a description will be given of the azimuth measurement display operation by the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment.
In the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment, the azimuth measurement and display operation is intermittently executed at a predetermined time period from a measurement start for a predetermined time period, for example, 1 minute (set time) in an initial setting, and depending on a situation. The measurement display time (operation time) is extended within a range not exceeding a maximum set current value Itmax (corresponding to a set maximum power amount) previously set as a current amount usable for one measurement display operation.

  The earth's magnetic field has a predominantly horizontal component excluding the vicinity of the magnetic poles on the earth's surface, and the electronic timepiece 1 normally sets the display screen to be substantially horizontal when the user views the normal azimuth measurement result. It is assumed that the display is visually recognized. Therefore, the direction of magnetic north can be accurately measured and displayed in a two-dimensional plane of the display screen. On the other hand, when the display screen is at an angle to the horizontal plane, that is, in a vertical oblique direction, the accuracy of the magnetic north direction obtained by the geomagnetic sensor 52 decreases. Therefore, the vertical direction is identified using the measurement data of the acceleration sensor 54, and the accuracy in the magnetic north direction on the inclined display screen is improved.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the timing of the measurement display operation in the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment.
When the azimuth measurement is performed at the cycle shown between the vertical lines (for example, 0.5 second cycle), the tilt detection data of the tilt sensor 56 is acquired at the beginning of each cycle, and the display surface of the electronic timepiece 1 It is determined whether or not the angle is greater than the angle. When not inclined, as shown between timings (t1) and (t2), only the magnetic field measurement by the geomagnetic sensor 52 is performed at a predetermined timing, and the display direction, that is, the display direction based on the result of the magnetic field measurement, that is, Calculate the azimuth angle (correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth) of the liquid crystal display screen from the bottom to the top, as shown in FIG. At this time, the magnetic field measured and acquired may be only two axes parallel to the display surface.

  On the other hand, when the inclination is detected by the inclination sensor, the acceleration measurement and the magnetic field measurement are performed as shown between timings (t2) and (t3), and the azimuth angle is calculated using these measurement results together. I do. In this case, the amount of calculation processing is much larger than the calculation processing performed between the timings (t1) and (t2), and the calculation time and power consumption are increased.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 41 of the azimuth measurement control process executed by the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment.

  The azimuth measurement control process is called and activated in response to a predetermined input operation to the operation unit 49. When the azimuth measurement control process is started, the CPU 41 sets the initial value of the number of 2D measurements N2 using only the geomagnetic sensor 52, the number of continuous measurements N3C using only the geomagnetic sensor 52, and the number of 3D measurements N3 using the geomagnetic sensor 52 and the acceleration sensor 54 as initial values. It is set to "0" (step S11). Further, the CPU 41 starts counting the elapsed time.

  The CPU 41 determines whether or not it is the measurement start timing, that is, the start timing of each cycle (step S12). If it is determined that it is not the measurement start timing (“NO” in step S12), the CPU 41 repeats the processing in step S12. If it is determined that it is the measurement start timing (“YES” in step S12), the CPU 41 determines that the elapsed time from the measurement start, that is, the elapsed time from the measurement start, is the set operation time (here, 1 minute). ) It is determined whether or not it is below (step S13). If it is determined that it is not within the measurement period (“NO” in step S13), the CPU 41 ends the azimuth measurement control process. When it is determined that the current time is within the measurement period (“YES” in step S13), the CPU 41 calls a measurement process described later to perform a measurement operation (step S14).

  The CPU 41 determines whether or not the remaining measurable time obtained by subtracting the current elapsed time from the set operation time is less than the reference time (the predetermined time before the end) (step S15). This reference time is longer than one measurement cycle and need not be longer than necessary (for example, five cycles or less). If it is determined that the time is not less than the reference time ("NO" in step S15), the process of the CPU 41 returns to step S12.

  When it is determined that the remaining measurable time is less than the reference time (“YES” in step S15), the CPU 41 determines that the number of continuous measurements N2C (the detection state of the first horizontal state and the second horizontal state described below) is not performed. It is determined whether or not the number is equal to or more than a predetermined reference number (for example, three times) (step S16). If it is determined that the number is not equal to or larger than the reference number ("NO" in step S16), the process of the CPU 41 returns to step S12.

  When it is determined that the continuous measurement number N2C is equal to or greater than the reference number (“YES” in step S16), the current consumption It (ie, the power consumption) related to the measurement after the start of the measurement is calculated (step S16). S17). This current consumption need not be directly measured. Here, the CPU 41 refers to the 2D current consumption I2 per one 2D measurement, which is measured in advance and stored in the ROM 42, and the 3D current consumption I3 per one 3D measurement, and refers to the 2D current consumption I2. Is multiplied by the number of 2D measurements N2, and the value obtained by multiplying the 3D current consumption I3 by the number of 3D measurements N3 is obtained.

  The CPU 41 calculates the usable current Ir by subtracting the consumed current It from the maximum set current value Itmax. The CPU 41 calculates the 2D measurable number of times N2r by dividing the usable current Ir by the 2D consumed current amount I2, and divides the usable current Ir by the 3D consumed current amount I3 to calculate the 3D measurable number N3r. Is calculated (step S18). Instead of calculating the actual number by performing division, the CPU 41 compares the magnitude relationship between the available current Ir and the 2D current consumption I2 and the 3D current consumption I3, respectively, and when Ir ≧ I2, The binarization may be performed such that N2r = 1 and N2r = 0 when Ir <I2.

  The CPU 41 determines whether the 2D measurable number N2r and the 3D measurable number N3r are both “0” (step S19). If both are determined to be “0” (“YES” in step S19), the CPU 41 ends the azimuth measurement control processing. When it is determined that at least one of them is not “0” (“NO” in step S19), the CPU 41 calls an additional measurement process described later to perform the azimuth measurement (step S20).

  The CPU 41 updates the current consumption amount I set in the additional measurement process of step S20 by subtracting the current consumption amount I from the available current Ir, and based on the updated available current Ir, the 2D measurable number N2r and the 3D measurable number. N3r is calculated (step S21). Then, the process of the CPU 41 returns to step S19.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 41 of a measurement process called in the azimuth measurement control process.

When the measurement process is called, the CPU 41 acquires detection data from the inclination sensor 56 (Step S31). The CPU 41 determines whether or not the inclination of the display surface of the electronic timepiece 1 that is higher than the reference is detected (step S32). When it is determined that the detection has been performed (“YES” in step S32), the CPU 41 sets the continuous measurement number N2C to “0” and adds 1 to the 3D measurement number N3 (step S33). Further, the CPU 41 causes the acceleration sensor 54 to perform measurement, and acquires measurement data of the acceleration (step S35). Then, the process of the CPU 41 proceeds to step S36.
When it is determined that the inclination of the display surface of the electronic timepiece 1 with respect to the horizontal plane is not higher than the reference (first horizontal state, second horizontal state) (“NO” in step S32), the CPU 41 , 1 is added to the continuous measurement number N2C, and 1 is added to the 2D measurement number N2 (step S34). Then, the process of the CPU 41 proceeds to step S36.

  When the process proceeds to step S36, the CPU 41 operates the geomagnetic sensor 52 to acquire measurement data (step S36). The CPU 41 calculates the azimuth with respect to the display surface using the acquired measurement data, outputs a control signal to the display driver 48, and causes the display unit 47 to display the azimuth (step S37). The CPU 41 ends the measurement processing and returns the processing to the azimuth measurement control processing.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 41 of an additional measurement process called in the azimuth measurement control process.
The additional measurement processing is the same except that the processing of steps S43a and S43b is added instead of the processing of step S33 in the above-described measurement processing, and the processing of step S44 is added instead of the processing of step S34. , The same processing contents are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

In the additional measurement process, when it is determined that the display screen has an inclination higher than the reference (“YES” in step S32), the CPU 41 determines whether the 3D measurable number N3r is not “0” ( Step S43a). If it is determined to be “0” (“NO” in step S43a), the CPU 41 ends the additional measurement processing and returns the processing to the azimuth measurement control processing.
When it is determined that the 3D measurable number N3r is not “0” (“YES” in step S43a), the CPU 41 sets the current consumption I to the 3D current consumption I3 (step S43b). Then, the process of the CPU 41 proceeds to step S35.

  If it is determined that the display screen does not have the inclination greater than the reference ("NO" in step S32), the CPU 41 sets the current consumption I to the 2D current consumption I2 (step S44). Then, the process of the CPU 41 proceeds to step S36.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the azimuth measurement value in the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment.
In the electronic timepiece 1, the display can be switched between when the 2D measurement is performed and when the 3D measurement is performed (that is, depending on whether or not the measurement data by the acceleration sensor 54 is used). For example, when 3D measurement is performed using acceleration measurement data, as shown in FIG. 6A, only the calculated upward azimuth (X-axis direction) of the display screen is displayed, and acceleration measurement is performed. When 2D measurement is performed without using data, as shown in FIG. 6B, an azimuth value can be displayed with an underline.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modification of the timing of the measurement display operation in the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment.
In this modification, at the head timing of each measurement cycle, instead of acquiring the detection data of the inclination sensor 56, the measurement of the acceleration sensor 54 is performed. Then, the tilt angle of the display surface is calculated based on the measurement result, and it is determined whether the tilt angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference. That is, in this modified example, the acceleration sensor 54 forms a posture detection unit.

  Then, in the arithmetic processing performed after the magnetic field measurement, it is determined whether or not the measurement value of the acceleration sensor 54 is used as necessary. Here, during the timing (t4) to (t5), the arithmetic processing is terminated in a short time without using the measurement value of the acceleration sensor 54, while during the timing (t5) to (t6), The arithmetic processing is performed using the measurement value of the acceleration sensor 54.

  As described above, by always using the measurement value of the acceleration sensor 54, it is possible to switch whether or not the calculation of the azimuth can be simplified as necessary even in the electronic timepiece 1 that does not use the tilt sensor 56 and does not have the tilt sensor 56. Can be done.

As described above, the electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment includes the geomagnetic sensor 52, the display unit 47, the CPU 41, and the tilt sensor 56 that detects the attitude of the display surface of the display unit 47. The CPU 41, as an arithmetic processing unit, calculates the correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth on the display surface of the display unit 47 based on the measurement data from the geomagnetic sensor 52, and displays the display content according to the calculation result. The control unit controls the operation as the arithmetic processing unit. Then, the CPU 41 as the control unit operates as the arithmetic processing unit for a predetermined set time, and sets the operation time as the arithmetic processing unit based on the result of the detection of the inclination by the inclination sensor 56 at the set time. It is determined whether or not to extend from the time.
In this manner, the operation time, that is, the azimuth measurement and the display time of the result can be extended flexibly and appropriately according to the tilt sensor 56, so that the display is uniformly ended in time while the user is viewing the result. Does not increase the user's time and effort.

  In addition, the CPU 41 as a control unit sets the operation time based on a detection state of the first horizontal state in which the display surface is not inclined by more than 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane by the inclination sensor 56. It is determined whether or not to extend. That is, when the user is viewing the display screen as a result of the azimuth measurement, usually, the user appropriately and easily determines the visual recognition state of the user in accordance with keeping the display surface close to horizontal and holding it. You can extend the time.

  Further, the CPU 41 as the control unit determines whether to extend the operation time based on the detection state of the first horizontal state at a predetermined time before the end of the set time. Therefore, the presence or absence of the extension of the operation time is determined based on whether or not the user is still using the display immediately before the display time expires according to the set time, so that the operation time can be determined more reliably and effectively.

An acceleration sensor 54 for measuring acceleration in three axial directions is provided. The geomagnetic sensor 52 measures a magnetic field in three axial directions. If the second horizontal state is not inclined with respect to the horizontal plane by a value (45 degrees) or more, the azimuth and the display surface are measured based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 54 and the magnetic field measured by the geomagnetic sensor 52. Is calculated, and in the case of the second horizontal state, the above-described correspondence is calculated only from the measurement data of the geomagnetic sensor 52 without operating the acceleration sensor 54.
Therefore, when the azimuth on the display surface, that is, the direction of the geomagnetic field is determined with high accuracy, only the geomagnetic sensor 52 is used, and when the accuracy is low only with the geomagnetic component on the display surface, the acceleration sensor 54 is used. Then, the orientation can be obtained more accurately. Therefore, when it is difficult to maintain the accuracy without increasing the power consumption more than necessary, the accuracy can be efficiently maintained by using the acceleration sensor 54 as a supplement.

  Further, the inclination angle of the display surface with respect to the horizontal plane can be calculated based on the measurement data including the gravitational acceleration by the acceleration sensor 54. Thus, even if the tilt sensor 56 is not separately provided and used, it is determined whether or not the acceleration measurement value is used for calculating the azimuth in accordance with the determination result of the first horizontal state and the second horizontal state in the same manner as described above. I can do it.

  Further, the CPU 41 as a control unit causes the display screen of the display unit 47 to display an underline display indicating whether or not the measurement data of the acceleration sensor 54 is used. This allows the user to easily know the display accuracy of the operation result, and adjusts the holding method and the like so that the display can be switched to a display that does not use the acceleration sensor 54 as much as possible even in a situation where the user cannot hold the display horizontally. I can do it.

  In addition, the CPU 41 as a control unit determines the correspondence between the maximum set current value Itmax preset as the amount of power that can be used for one azimuth measurement and display operation, the display direction of the display screen, and the measured azimuth. Since the operation time is extended within the range of the maximum set current value Itmax by comparing the current consumption It used for the calculation, the measurement and calculation processing using the acceleration sensor 54 is large, and the current consumption It becomes large. Even in this case, no problem occurs in the operation of the electronic timepiece 1.

  In addition, the CPU 41 as the control unit intermittently performs the detection of the inclination of the display surface and the measurement of the geomagnetic field at a predetermined time cycle, so that the operation of each sensor is stopped outside the measurement period to reduce power consumption. Can be reduced. In addition, it is easy to estimate the current consumption according to the number of times of measurement, and it is easy to adjust the timing without operating a plurality of sensors at the same time, thereby preventing an excessive load from being applied.

  Further, since the electronic timepiece 1 includes the time counting circuit 46 for counting the date and time, and the CPU 41 as the control unit can display the current date and time on the display unit 47 based on the date and time counted by the time counting circuit 46, In particular, in an electronic wristwatch that can be easily worn on the wrist, when performing azimuth measurement and display at the time of going out or the like, the display time can be changed more appropriately according to the user's visibility of the result display.

[Second embodiment]
Next, an electronic timepiece according to a second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the electronic timepiece 1a according to the second embodiment.

  The electronic timepiece 1a according to the second embodiment differs from the electronic timepiece 1 according to the first embodiment in that the display unit 47 and the display driver 48 are replaced with a drive circuit 48a, a stepping motor 48b, a wheel train mechanism 47a, and a pointer 47b. The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The electronic timepiece 1a according to the second embodiment performs analog display using hands. A plurality of stepping motors 48b, wheel train mechanisms 47a, and hands 47b may be provided. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a part of the plurality of hands 47b, for example, an hour hand and a minute hand are rotated in conjunction with each other by the same stepping motor 48b. In this case, the azimuth is displayed by the hands 47b, for example, the second hand, which operate independently by one stepping motor 48b. Alternatively, the direction may be displayed by a pointer (functional hand) separate from the pointer used for the time display. In the electronic timepiece 1a according to the second embodiment, the indicator 47b forms a display unit. Further, in the electronic timepiece 1a, when a scale or a sign is provided on the display panel 47c (see FIG. 11), the display direction is normally set so that the direction from 6:00 to 12:00 is upward. You. When only the magnetic north direction is displayed, the display panel 47c may not be provided with a scale or the like, and also in the electronic timepiece 1a, for example, according to the mounting direction of the band for mounting on the wrist. It is possible to set upward (12 o'clock direction) without using a scale or a sign.

Next, a measuring operation in the electronic timepiece 1a according to the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 41 of the azimuth measurement control process executed by the electronic timepiece 1a of the present embodiment.

  In the azimuth measurement control process, the processes of steps S17 to S19 in the azimuth measurement control process executed by the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment are replaced with the processes of steps S17a to S19a, respectively. Other processing contents are the same, and the same processing contents are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  When branching to “YES” in the process of step S16, the CPU 41 calculates the measured current consumption It (step S17a). Here, not only the fixed values of the 2D current consumption I2 and the 3D current consumption I3 used in the calculation of the current consumption It in the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment, but also the current amount according to the number of movement steps of the hands. It is preferable to add. Here, the current amount Is per one-step movement is set as a fixed value.

  The CPU 41 calculates the usable current Ir, calculates the 2D measurable number N2r and the 3D measurable number N3r, and initializes the 3D measurement number N3 to “0” (step S18a). The CPU 41 determines whether the 2D measurable number N2r and the 3D measurable number N3r are both "0" or the 3D measurable number N3 is "5" (step S19a). When any one of the conditions is satisfied (“YES” in step S19a), the CPU 41 ends the azimuth measurement control process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 41 of an additional measurement process called in the azimuth measurement control process of the electronic timepiece 1a of the present embodiment.
This additional measurement process is the same except that the process of step S43b in the additional measurement process executed by the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment is replaced with steps S43c and S43d, and the same process is the same. The description is omitted by attaching reference numerals.

  When branching to “YES” in the processing of step S43a, the CPU 41 sets the 3D current consumption I3 as the current consumption I and adds 1 to the number of 3D measurements N3 (step S43c). The CPU 41 determines whether or not the number of 3D measurements N3 is “5” (step S43d). If it is determined that the number of 3D measurements N3 is “5” (“YES” in step S43d), The CPU 41 exits the additional measurement process and returns to the azimuth measurement control process. If it is determined that the number of times of 3D measurement N3 is not “5” (that is, it is less than 5) (“NO” in step S43d), the process of the CPU 41 proceeds to step S35.

  As described above, in the electronic timepiece 1a of the second embodiment, even when the current consumption does not reach immediately before exceeding the maximum set current value Itmax, the situation where the 3D measurement is required during the extension period is the fifth time (that is, this situation). If the value obtained by multiplying the number of times “5” by the operation interval becomes the departure reference time), the additional measurement ends. As described above, a situation where 3D measurement is necessary is highly likely to be a situation where the user is not visually recognizing the display surface. Therefore, when such situations are counted a predetermined number of times or more, measurement and prompt measurement are performed. The display can be stopped to reduce power consumption.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the azimuth using the pointer.
In this case, the pointer 47b indicating the predetermined direction (magnetic north direction) is not merely measured and stopped in the identified predetermined direction, but also a predetermined value indicating whether the measurement is 2D measurement or 3D measurement. The operation may be performed. For example, when performing 2D measurement, the CPU 41 may cause the pointer 47b used for display to perform sine vibration for one cycle with an amplitude corresponding to a measurement error.

As described above, in the electronic timepiece 1a according to the second embodiment, the CPU 41 as the control unit sets the display surface of the display unit 47 in such a state that the display surface of the display unit 47 is tilted so that the measurement by the acceleration sensor 54 is necessary during the extended operation time. When five times are detected, the extension of the operation time is stopped.
As described above, when it is possible to determine that the user has finished the visual recognition operation after the operation time is extended, the measurement and the display are immediately stopped, so that the power consumption can be appropriately suppressed.

[Third embodiment]
Next, an electronic timepiece according to a third embodiment will be described.
The functional configuration of the electronic timepiece 1a according to the third embodiment is the same as the functional configuration of the electronic timepiece 1a according to the second embodiment, and the description is omitted by using the same reference numerals.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 41 of the azimuth measurement control process executed by the electronic timepiece 1a according to the third embodiment.
The electronic timepiece 1a according to the third embodiment differs from the electronic timepiece 1a according to the second embodiment in that the processing of steps S18a, S19a, and S21 in the azimuth measurement control processing is replaced with the processing of steps S18b, S19b, and S21b, respectively. The same processing contents are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  When the process in step S17a is completed, the CPU 41 calculates the usable current Ir, calculates the number of times 2D can be measured N2r, and initializes the number of times 3D measurement N3 to “0” (step S18b). The CPU 41 determines whether the 2D measurable number N2r is “0” or the 3D measurement number N3 is “5” (step S19b). If any of the conditions is satisfied (“YES” in step S19b), the CPU 41 ends the azimuth measurement control process. If none of the conditions is satisfied ("NO" in step S19b), the process of the CPU 41 proceeds to step S20 to call and execute an additional measurement process.

  When the additional measurement processing in step S20 ends, the CPU 41 updates the current consumption amount I set in the additional measurement processing in step S20 by subtracting the current consumption I from the available current Ir, and based on the updated available current Ir, The 2D measurable number of times N2r is calculated (step S21b). Then, the process of the CPU 41 returns to Step S19b.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the CPU 41 of an additional measurement process called in the azimuth measurement control process of the electronic timepiece 1a of the present embodiment.

  This additional measurement processing is the same as that of the additional measurement processing performed by the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment except that the processing of steps S43a, S43b, and S35 is replaced with step S53, and the processing procedure is partially changed. The same processes are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  If the determination in step S32 branches to "YES", the CPU 41 adds 1 to the number of times of 3D measurement N3, and sets the current consumption I to "0" (step S53). Then, the CPU 41 ends the additional measurement processing.

  That is, in the electronic timepiece 1a of the present embodiment, the calculation and display of the azimuth using the acceleration sensor 54 are not performed when the inclination of the display surface is equal to or higher than the reference.

  As described above, in the electronic timepiece 1a of the third embodiment, the CPU 41 as the control unit displays the display on the display unit 47 so long as it is determined that the user is not visually recognizing the display screen during the extended operation time. When the screen is inclined, the measurement by the geomagnetic sensor 52, the calculation of the azimuth, and the update of the display content are not performed. As described above, by omitting the process when it is determined that the user is not visually recognizing, power consumption during the extended operation time can be reduced.

  During the extended operation time, the CPU 41 controls the azimuth when the display screen of the display unit 47 is tilted so that the measurement data by the acceleration sensor 54 is necessary for accurate azimuth calculation. Calculation and display contents are not updated. In this way, by suspending the operation when the power consumption becomes large, the azimuth display is performed only in a situation where accurate display can be easily performed while preventing the power consumption during extension from becoming excessive. I can do it.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.
For example, in the above embodiment, when the 3D measurement is required during the extension period, either the 3D measurement is actually performed or not performed, but the 3D measurement during the extension period is performed a predetermined number of times. May be skipped once.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the extension time that is added to the initialization time is fixedly set and may be shortened as necessary. The relationship between the initial setting time and the extension time, such as time, may be determined as appropriate. Further, the extension time may be variable according to the situation. Further, the determination as to whether or not to extend may be performed not only once but also a plurality of times. In this case, the re-extension may be determined according to the number of continuous measurements N2C at the last reference time of the set time newly (updated) as a result of the previous extension. Further, the initial setting time may be shortened based on the duration of the display surface being inclined.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the upper side of the liquid crystal display screen and the upward direction (12:00 o'clock) of the display panel 47c are fixed, but the liquid crystal display screen or the display panel (dial) having the function of rotating the display contents is fixed. In this case, one reference direction may be fixed and determined, or the correspondence with the azimuth may be calculated according to the display direction at that time. In the latter case, if the display direction is changed while the direction is being displayed, the correspondence is also changed in accordance with the change.

In the digital display according to the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment, the azimuth in the upward direction of the display surface is displayed as a numerical value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An arrow similar to that of the analog electronic timepiece 1a may be displayed by drawing an arrow in the magnetic north direction from the center of the display screen.
In the analog display of the electronic timepiece 1a according to the second and third embodiments, the needle-shaped hands have been described as an example. May be used as the display unit, for example, a disc that selectively exposes the sign of the dial below the notch.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the inclination angle used as a reference for switching between 2D measurement and 3D measurement and the inclination angle for determining whether or not the user is viewing the display are set to be the same. May be set.

In the above embodiment, the inclination sensor 56 or the acceleration sensor 54 detects the inclination angle of the display surface to select 2D measurement or 3D measurement. However, the inclination direction of the display surface includes the direction of the geomagnetic field. When the magnitude of the terrestrial magnetism on the display surface measured by the terrestrial magnetism sensor 52 is estimated to be sufficiently large compared to the terrestrial magnetic field strength, for example, when the magnitude of the measured terrestrial magnetism is If the value is equal to or more than a predetermined value (2 × 10 ⁴ nT), the mode may not be switched to the 3D measurement.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, display is performed so as to be identifiable during execution of 2D measurement and execution of 3D measurement, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the case of a tilt angle that provides sufficient accuracy even in 2D measurement, or in the case of a tilt angle and direction in which it is difficult to properly display an azimuth angle even in 3D measurement, A display indicating that may be performed. Further, the display for identifying the 2D measurement and the 3D measurement and the display for indicating the accuracy may be performed in parallel, or neither may be performed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the measurement, the calculation, and the display operation are performed at regular intervals. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the interval may be changed between the case of 2D measurement and the case of 3D measurement, or the next inclination detection may be started immediately when the display control ends.

In the above-described embodiment, the electronic timepieces 1 and 1a have been described as examples of electronic devices. However, all electronic devices capable of measuring an azimuth, measuring an acceleration, and detecting a tilt of a display surface, for example, a smartphone or a mobile phone The present invention can be applied to a satellite positioning device of the type.
In addition, the specific configuration, operation contents, procedures, and the like described in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof .
In the following, the inventions described in the claims first attached to the application form of this application are appended. The item numbers of the appended claims are as set forth in the claims originally attached to the application for this application.

[Appendix]
<Claim 1>
An azimuth measuring unit,
A display unit,
Calculation processing for calculating the correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth on the display surface of the display unit based on the measurement data by the azimuth measurement unit, and displaying the display content according to the calculation result on the display unit Department and
A control unit that controls the operation of the arithmetic processing unit;
An orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the display surface,
With
The control unit operates the arithmetic processing unit for a predetermined set time, and changes the operation time of the arithmetic processing unit from the set time based on a result of detection by the attitude detection unit at the set time. An electronic device characterized by determining whether or not to perform.
<Claim 2>
The control unit determines whether to extend the operation time based on a detection state of a first horizontal state in which the display surface is not inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by a predetermined first reference value or more by the posture detection unit. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 3>
The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines whether to extend the operation time based on the detection state at a predetermined time before the end of the set time.
<Claim 4>
The control unit, during the extended operation time, does not allow measurement by the azimuth measurement unit, calculation of the correspondence relationship, and update of display content of the display unit when not in the first horizontal state. 4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein:
<Claim 5>
The control unit may stop extending the operation time when a state in which the display surface deviates from the first horizontal state is detected for a predetermined departure reference time or more during the extended operation time. The electronic device according to claim 2.
<Claim 6>
An acceleration measurement unit that measures acceleration in three axial directions is provided.
The azimuth measuring unit measures a magnetic field in three axial directions,
The arithmetic processing unit, when the display surface is not in a second horizontal state in which the display surface is not inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by a predetermined second reference value or more by the posture detection unit, the acceleration measured by the acceleration measurement unit and the The correspondence is calculated based on the magnetic field measured by the azimuth measurement unit, and in the case of the second horizontal state, the correspondence is calculated only from the measurement data of the azimuth measurement unit without operating the acceleration measurement unit. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
<Claim 7>
The attitude detection unit has the acceleration measurement unit,
The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit calculates an inclination angle of the display surface with respect to a horizontal plane based on measurement data including gravitational acceleration by the acceleration measurement unit.
<Claim 8>
The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display display content indicating whether or not measurement data of the acceleration measurement unit is used.
<Claim 9>
7. The control unit according to claim 6, wherein during the extended operation time, when the second horizontal state is not established, the calculation of the correspondence and the update of the display content by the display unit are not performed. An electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
<Claim 10>
The control unit compares a set maximum power amount preset as a power amount available for one azimuth measurement display operation with a power consumption amount used for calculating the correspondence, and sets the set maximum power amount. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the operation time is extended within a range of electric energy.
<Claim 11>
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit intermittently detects the orientation of the display surface and measures the orientation at a predetermined time period.
<Claim 12>
Equipped with a timer to count the date and time,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to display a current date and time on the display unit based on a date and time counted by the clock unit. .

1 Electronic clock 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
44 oscillation circuit 45 frequency dividing circuit 46 clocking circuit 47 display unit 47a wheel train mechanism 47b hands 47c display panel 48 display driver 48a drive circuit 48b stepping motor 49 operation unit 50 notification unit 51 driver 52 geomagnetic sensor 53 driver 54 acceleration sensor 55 driver 56 Tilt sensor 57 Driver 58 Power supply unit

Claims (11)

An azimuth measuring unit,
A display unit,
Calculation processing for calculating the correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth on the display surface of the display unit based on the measurement data by the azimuth measurement unit, and displaying the display content according to the calculation result on the display unit Department and
A control unit that controls the operation of the arithmetic processing unit;
An orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the display surface,
With
The control unit operates the arithmetic processing unit for a predetermined set time, and operates the arithmetic processing unit based on a detection situation detected by the attitude detection unit at a predetermined time before the end of the set time. An electronic device, comprising: determining whether to change a time from the set time.   The control unit determines whether to extend the operation time based on a detection state of a first horizontal state in which the display surface is not inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by a predetermined first reference value or more by the posture detection unit. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: An azimuth measuring unit,
A display unit,
Calculation processing for calculating the correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth on the display surface of the display unit based on the measurement data by the azimuth measurement unit, and displaying the display content according to the calculation result on the display unit Department and
A control unit that controls the operation of the arithmetic processing unit;
An orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the display surface,
With
The control unit operates the arithmetic processing unit for a predetermined set time, and sets the display surface to a first horizontal state in which the display surface is not inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by a predetermined first reference value or more by the posture detection unit. Based on the detection status, determine whether to extend the operation time of the arithmetic processing unit,
During extended the operating time, measured by the orientation measuring unit when not in the first horizontal state, you characterized by not updating the display contents of calculation and the display unit of the correspondence relation electronic equipment. An azimuth measuring unit,
A display unit,
Calculation processing for calculating the correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth on the display surface of the display unit based on the measurement data by the azimuth measurement unit, and displaying the display content according to the calculation result on the display unit Department and
A control unit that controls the operation of the arithmetic processing unit;
An orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the display surface,
With
The control unit operates the arithmetic processing unit for a predetermined set time, and sets the display surface to a first horizontal state in which the display surface is not inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by a predetermined first reference value or more by the posture detection unit. Based on the detection status, determine whether to extend the operation time of the arithmetic processing unit,
In extended the operating time, wherein when a state in which the display surface is out of the first horizontal state is detected more than a predetermined deviation reference time, be that electronic means ceases the extension of the operating time machine. An azimuth measuring unit,
A display unit,
Calculation processing for calculating the correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth on the display surface of the display unit based on the measurement data by the azimuth measurement unit, and displaying the display content according to the calculation result on the display unit Department and
A control unit that controls the operation of the arithmetic processing unit;
An orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the display surface,
An acceleration measuring unit for measuring acceleration in three axial directions;
With
The control unit operates the arithmetic processing unit for a predetermined set time, and changes the operation time of the arithmetic processing unit from the set time based on a result of detection by the attitude detection unit at the set time. To determine whether to
The azimuth measuring unit measures a magnetic field in three axial directions,
The arithmetic processing unit, when the display surface is not in a second horizontal state in which the display surface is not inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by a predetermined second reference value or more by the posture detection unit, the acceleration measured by the acceleration measurement unit and the The correspondence is calculated based on the magnetic field measured by the azimuth measurement unit, and in the case of the second horizontal state, the correspondence is calculated only from the measurement data of the azimuth measurement unit without operating the acceleration measurement unit. you wherein electronic equipment be calculated. The attitude detection unit has the acceleration measurement unit,
The electronic device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit calculates an inclination angle of the display surface with respect to a horizontal plane based on measurement data including gravitational acceleration by the acceleration measurement unit. The electronic device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display display content indicating whether or not measurement data of the acceleration measurement unit is used. 6. The control unit according to claim 5 , wherein, during the extended operation time, the calculation of the correspondence and the update of the display content by the display unit are not performed when the second horizontal state is not established. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . An azimuth measuring unit,
A display unit,
Calculation processing for calculating the correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth on the display surface of the display unit based on the measurement data by the azimuth measurement unit, and displaying the display content according to the calculation result on the display unit Department and
A control unit that controls the operation of the arithmetic processing unit;
An orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the display surface,
With
The control unit operates the arithmetic processing unit for a predetermined set time, and changes the operation time of the arithmetic processing unit from the set time based on a result of detection by the attitude detection unit at the set time. The control unit determines whether or not the power consumption is to be used for one azimuth measurement and display operation, and the power consumption used for calculating the correspondence. comparing the amount, characteristics and to that electronic device to extend the operating time in the range of the set maximum amount of power. An azimuth measuring unit,
A display unit,
Calculation processing for calculating the correspondence between the display direction and the azimuth on the display surface of the display unit based on the measurement data by the azimuth measurement unit, and displaying the display content according to the calculation result on the display unit Department and
A control unit that controls the operation of the arithmetic processing unit;
An orientation detection unit that detects the orientation of the display surface,
With
The control unit operates the arithmetic processing unit for a predetermined set time, and changes the operation time of the arithmetic processing unit from the set time based on a result of detection by the attitude detection unit at the set time. whether determined, also the control unit to the characteristics and to that electronic device that causes the detection and measurement of orientation intermittently attitude of the display surface at a predetermined time period. Equipped with a timer to count the date and time,
Wherein, the electronic device according to any one of claim 1 to 10, wherein the said display unit based on count to date clock section it is possible to display the current date and time .

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