JP6902345B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device such as an analog electronic clock having a stepping motor and a directional measurement function using a magnetic field sensor.

Conventionally, as an additional function of an analog electronic clock that moves a pointer by a stepping motor to display the time, an electronic clock having a directional measurement function by a magnetic field sensor has been commercialized. For the directional measurement by the magnetic field sensor, a two-axis axis based on the X-axis and the Y-axis, or a three-axis magnetic field sensor including the Z-axis for correcting the inclination is generally used. FIG. 19A is a magnetic field sensor unit 100 provided with magnetic field sensors 101 and 102 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. The magnetic field sensor unit 100 is usually integrated with the sensor driving IC 103 and incorporated into an electronic device.

Further, FIG. 19B is a graph showing an example of changes in the outputs of the magnetic field sensors 101 and 102 when the magnetic field sensor unit 100 is rotated from 0 degrees (north) with respect to the geomagnetism. The X-axis of the graph shows the rotation angle of the magnetic field sensor unit 100 with respect to the geomagnetism, and the Y-axis shows the relative output levels of the magnetic field sensors 101 and 102. Here, the outputs of the magnetic field sensors 101 and 102 change in magnitude and polarity by rotating with respect to the geomagnetism, and become a sine wave whose phase is 90 degrees out of phase with respect to the rotation angle. Since the rotation angle with respect to the geomagnetism can be known from these two output levels, the direction can be calculated.

Such a magnetic field sensor unit 100 is always affected by the holding magnetic field inside the electronic device incorporated therein, and therefore needs to be calibrated in advance. Further, the analog electronic clock with a direction measurement function has a stepping motor inside, and when the stepping motor is driven, a large magnetic field (magnetic flux) is generated, so that there is a problem that the correct direction cannot be measured.

In order to solve this problem, it has been proposed that the measurement data of the overlapping part of the magnetic field measurement timing that overlaps with the drive pulse of the stepping motor is invalidated and the direction measurement is performed at the shortest timing. For example, see Patent Document 1).

In the electronic clock with the direction measurement function of Patent Document 1, any two of the motor drive pulse width, the magnetic field measurement timing (measurement cycle and measurement time), and the number of cancellation data are input, and based on the input data. It has a controlling means to set the remaining one. As a result, it is possible to measure the direction in the shortest time while eliminating the influence of the drive pulse of the stepping motor according to the direction measurement instruction without worrying about the drive timing of the stepping motor.

On the other hand, in recent years, wristwatches have been required to further reduce power consumption due to demands for miniaturization and thinning, and low static elimination drive in which a pointer is driven by a stepping motor with a low driving force is common. is there. In such a low static elimination drive of the stepping motor, since the holding force of the stepping motor is weak, there is a problem that the stepping motor erroneously rotates due to an impact such as a swing of the wristwatch user's arm and the pointer is deviated.

In order to solve this problem, an impact detection means is provided, and when an impact is detected, a braking pulse is output to the stepping motor to lock the rotor of the stepping motor, and an analog with an active hand function to prevent the pointer from getting out of order. Electronic clocks have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). According to Patent Document 2, even if an impact is applied to the wristwatch, it is possible to prevent the time from being deviated by supplying a braking pulse to the stepping motor.

Japanese Patent No. 5634922 (page 4, FIG. 6) Japanese Patent No. 4751573 (page 5, FIG. 1)

However, if the above-mentioned directional measurement function is added to an analog electronic clock having an active hand function, the following problems occur. That is, the impact received by the wristwatch varies, and it is not possible to predict when the impact will occur, and when the impact is continuously generated, it is necessary to continuously output the braking pulse indefinitely. If directional measurement is performed in such a situation, effective directional data cannot be secured due to the magnetic flux from the motor, and incorrect directional information (that is, directional information with poor measurement accuracy) is notified to the operator of the wristwatch. It was a problem.

Further, even when the output timing and the output period are predetermined as in the normal drive pulse for moving the pointer and the compensation pulse for supplementing the hand movement, for example, in Patent Document 1 (Patent No. 5634922). As described, when the magnetic field measurement timing is asynchronous with respect to the motor pulse, the number of valid directional data cannot be predicted in advance. In such a case, there is a possibility that incorrect directional information may be notified as in the case of output of the braking pulse.

An object of the present invention is an electronic device that solves the above problems and does not notify the operator of erroneous directional information regardless of the timing at which a motor pulse to a stepping motor that affects a magnetic field sensor is output. Is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, the electronic device of the present invention adopts the configuration described below.

The electronic device of the present invention includes a stepping motor, a magnetic field sensor that measures geomagnetism at predetermined measurement timings and outputs it as directional data, a directional measurement processing means that specifies a directional data from a predetermined number of directional data, and an operator. In an electronic device having a direction notification means for notifying the specified direction, the direction data is at least invalid direction data that is electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor or effective direction data that is not electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor. When one of them is included and the number of effective direction data is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the first direction notification process for notifying the specified direction by the direction notification means using only the effective direction data is executed, and the number of effective direction data is executed. When it is found that the value does not exceed a predetermined value, the geomagnetic measurement after the time when it is found is stopped, and a second directional notification process different from the first directional notification process is executed .

Further, the second direction notification process is characterized in that the specified direction is not notified by the direction notification means.

Further, the second direction notification process is characterized in that the same content as the content notified immediately before is notified.

The second direction notification process is characterized in that the specified direction is notified by the direction notification means and the notification that calls attention to the reliability of the notified direction is also executed.

Further, the second direction notification process is characterized in that the execution of a specific direction by the direction measurement processing means is prohibited.

Further, the invalid directional data estimated to be electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor is the directional data when at least the geomagnetic measurement timing and the pulse applied to the stepping motor overlap in time. It is a feature.

As described above, according to the present invention, the directional data obtained from the magnetic field sensor includes at least one of the invalid directional data that is electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor and the effective directional data that is not electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor. , When the effective direction data is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the first direction notification process for notifying the specified direction using only the effective direction data is executed, and when the effective direction data is less than the predetermined value, the specified value is specified. A second direction notification process that does not notify the direction is executed. This makes it possible to provide an electronic device that does not inform the operator of erroneous directional information regardless of the timing at which the motor pulse to the stepping motor that affects the magnetic field sensor is output.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the electronic clock which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1 is a flowchart 1 illustrating an operation flow of an electronic clock according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart 2 for explaining an operation flow of the electronic clock according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a timing chart for explaining the 1st direction notification processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart for explaining the 2nd direction notification processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart explaining the operation at N = K = 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the direction notification by the direction hand of the electronic timepiece which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the direction notification of an electronic timepiece which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the electronic clock which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation flow of the electronic clock which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart for explaining the 2nd direction notification processing which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation flow which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart explaining the operation which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation flow which concerns on the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation flow which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the direction notification of the electronic timepiece which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation flow which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the direction notification of the electronic timepiece which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure and the operation principle of a magnetic field sensor.

Hereinafter, preferred first to fifth embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. Further, each embodiment will be described by taking as an example an analog display type electronic clock with a directional measurement function in which a pointer is moved by a stepping motor to display the time.
[Characteristics of each embodiment]
The feature of the first embodiment is the basic embodiment of the present invention. When the effective directional data from the magnetic field sensor is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the first directional notification process (direction notification) is performed, and when the effective directional data is less than the predetermined value. Performs a second direction notification process (direction is specified but not notified).

The feature of the second embodiment is that when it is found that the effective direction data from the magnetic field sensor does not exceed a predetermined value, the measurement of the geomagnetism after the time when it is found is stopped, and the second direction notification process (non-notification) is performed. )I do.

The feature of the third embodiment is that when the effective directional data from the magnetic field sensor is less than a predetermined value, a second directional notification process (notifying the same content as the content notified immediately before) is performed.

The feature of the fourth embodiment is that when the effective direction data from the magnetic field sensor is less than a predetermined value, a second direction notification process (notification and alerting) is performed.

The feature of the fifth embodiment is that when the effective direction data from the magnetic field sensor is less than a predetermined value, the second direction notification process (non-notification without specifying the direction) is performed.
[First Embodiment]
[Structure of the Electronic Clock of the First Embodiment: FIG. 1]
The configuration of the electronic clock 1 shown as the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Although FIG. 1 is shown as a block diagram for each function, the electronic circuit of each function may be configured by a one-chip microcomputer.

The electronic clock 1 is an analog electronic clock having a direction measurement function. The control means 10 is a means for controlling the entire electronic clock 1 in a controlled manner, and inputs and outputs a plurality of control signals. The magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11 is a means for setting the measurement timing of the magnetic field sensor 13, and inputs the start signal P1 from the control means 10 to set the measurement timing (number of measurements and period) to a predetermined value, and the timing is set. The signal P2 is output.

The magnetic field measuring means 12 is a means for driving the magnetic field sensor 13, inputs the timing signal P2, outputs the sensor drive signal P3, and outputs the orientation data P4 measured by the magnetic field sensor 13. The magnetic field sensor 13 is a sensor for measuring the geomagnetism, and measures the geomagnetism by the sensor drive signal P3. The method of the magnetic field sensor 13 is not limited, but is a sensor unit provided with magnetic field sensors in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively, like the magnetic field sensor unit 100 (see FIG. 19) described above.

The direction measurement processing means 14 is a means for inputting the direction data P4, the determination signal P7, and the data control signal P10, executing arithmetic processing and the like to specify the direction, and outputs the specified direction as the notification data P5. The effective data number determining means 15 is a means for determining whether or not the number of effective directional data of the directional data P4 measured by the magnetic field sensor 13 is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and the determination signal P6 is input from the controlling means 10 to determine. The signal P7 is output to the directional measurement processing means 14 and the directional display control means 16.

The directional display control means 16 is a stepping motor driving means for driving the directional notification means 20, which will be described later. The directional display control means 16 inputs the notification data P5 and the determination signal P7, outputs the directional drive pulse P8, and drives the directional notification means 20. Here, the direction measurement processing means 14 and the direction display control means 16 execute the first direction notification process or the second direction notification process according to the determination signal P7. The details of the first direction notification process and the second direction notification process will be described later.

The drive pulse output means 17 is a means for driving the stepping motor 21 to move the pointer, and inputs the drive signal P9 from the control means 10 to output the drive pulse SP. The impact detecting means 18 is a means for detecting an impact applied to the electronic clock 1 from the outside, inputs an impact signal P11 from the stepping motor 21, and outputs a braking signal P12.

The braking pulse output means 19 is a means for preventing the stepping motor 21 from erroneously rotating due to an impact, and inputs a braking signal P12 to output a braking pulse (lock pulse) LP that locks the stepping motor 21. Further, the braking pulse output means 19 outputs a braking output signal P15 notifying the output of the braking pulse LP to the controlling means 10.

The stepping motor 21 is driven by the drive pulse SP and moves the pointer of the display unit 30 via a train wheel (not shown) to display the time. The details of the display unit 30 will be described later.

The directional notification means 20 is composed of a stepping motor (not shown) different from the stepping motor 21 and a directional hand 35 of a display unit 30 connected to the stepping motor, and is driven by a directional drive pulse P8 to determine the directional. Notify.
[Explanation of directional measurement operation flow of the electronic clock of the first embodiment: FIGS. 2 and 3]
Next, the directional measurement operation flow of the electronic clock 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. Refer to FIG. 1 for the configuration of the electronic clock 1. In addition, the variables used in the operation description including other embodiments described later are shown below.
-Set directional measurement number N: The number of geomagnetic measurements performed by the magnetic field sensor 13 in one measurement cycle. If the set directional measurement number N is large, the measurement time increases but the measurement accuracy improves.
-Number of geomagnetic measurements n: The number of measurements that is incremented by 1 for each geomagnetic measurement.
-Effective orientation data predetermined value K: A predetermined value of the number of effective orientation data (predetermined value shown in the patent claim range) that is not affected by the stepping motor, and if the number of effective orientation data is equal to or greater than this value, a geomagnetic measurement is required. The accuracy can be met. The required accuracy of geomagnetic measurement is the measurement accuracy of geomagnetism (direction measurement accuracy) required for electronic timepieces.
-Number of effective orientation data k: The number of data that is incremented by 1 each time effective orientation data that is not electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor is obtained.

In FIG. 2, when an operator (not shown) of the electronic clock 1 presses the directional measurement switch 38 (see FIG. 7) described later to give an instruction to start directional measurement, the control means 10 is predetermined. The set directional measurement number N and the effective directional data predetermined value K are set, and the start signal P1 is output to instruct the start of geomagnetic measurement (step S1). At this time, the controlling means 10 initializes the geomagnetic measurement number n and the effective direction data number k to zero.

Next, in step S2, the magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11 inputs the start signal P1 and sequentially outputs N timing signals P2 at predetermined intervals. The magnetic field measuring means 12 inputs the timing signal P2 and outputs the sensor drive signal P3, and the magnetic field sensor 13 measures the geomagnetism by the sensor drive signal P3. The magnetic field measuring means 12 outputs the measured geomagnetism to the directional measuring processing means 14 as directional data P4. Further, the controlling means 10 counts up the geomagnetic field measurement number n by one. The orientation data P4 includes X-axis direction data and Y-axis direction data (see FIG. 19B).

Next, in step S3, the controlling means 10 determines whether or not the motor pulse is being output, and outputs the data control signal P10 based on the determination. Here, if the motor pulse is being output (determination Yes), it is presumed that the measurement of the geomagnetism was electromagnetically affected by the magnetic flux generated from the stepping motor 21 and the correct measurement could not be performed, so the process proceeds to step S4. .. If the motor pulse is not being output (determination No.), it is presumed that the geomagnetism has been measured correctly, so the process proceeds to step S5.

The determination Yes in step S3 is determined when at least the geomagnetic measurement timing (timing signal P2) and the motor pulse applied to the stepping motor 21 overlap in time. The motor pulse that affects the magnetic field sensor 13 is not limited to the braking pulse LP, and the same applies to the drive pulse SP and the compensation pulse that are asynchronous with the timing signal P2. Therefore, the determination in step S3 is for all motor pulses. Is executed.

If the determination is Yes in step S3, the direction measurement processing means 14 discards the input direction data P4 as invalid direction data based on the data control signal P10 in step S4, and proceeds to the next step S6.

Further, in the case of the determination No in step S3, the direction measurement processing means 14 temporarily stores the input direction data P4 in the internal memory (not shown) as effective direction data based on the data control signal P10 in step S5. Further, the controlling means 10 counts up the number of effective direction data k by 1 and proceeds to the next step S6.

Next, in step S6, the controlling means 10 determines whether or not the geomagnetic measurement number n is equal to the set azimuth measurement number N. Here, if the geomagnetic measurement number n is not equal to the set azimuth measurement number N (determination No.), the measurement is in progress, so the process returns to step S2 to continue the geomagnetic measurement. If the geomagnetic measurement number n is equal to the set azimuth measurement number N (determination Yes), the measurement is completed and the process proceeds to the next step S7.

Next, in step S7, the effective data number determination means 15 inputs the determination signal P6 from the control means 10 and determines whether or not the effective direction data number k is equal to or greater than the effective orientation data predetermined value K. Here, if the number of effective direction data k is equal to or greater than the predetermined effective direction data K (determination Yes), the determination signal P7 is set and the process proceeds to the first direction notification process (step S10). If the number of effective direction data k is less than the predetermined effective direction data K (determination No), the determination signal P7 is set and the process proceeds to the second direction notification process (step S20).

Here, in the first direction notification process (S10), since the number of effective direction data k is equal to or greater than the predetermined value K of the effective direction data and the number of effective direction data k is large, the effective direction data P4 can be averaged. This is a process when it is estimated that the required accuracy is satisfied. Further, the second direction notification process (S20).
) Is a case where it is estimated that the required accuracy is not satisfied even if the effective directional data P4 is averaged because the number of effective directional data k is less than the predetermined value K of the effective directional data and the number of effective directional data k is small. It is a process.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3A, the first direction notification process (S10) in the case of the determination Yes in step S7 will be described. In step S11, the direction measurement processing means 14 averages the effective direction data P4 stored in the internal memory based on the input determination signal P7, and calculates the direction from the X-axis direction data and the Y-axis direction data. It is specified and the notification data P5 is output.

Next, in step S12, the direction display control means 16 inputs the notification data P5 from the direction measurement processing means 14 and the determination signal P7 from the valid data number determination means 15, and drives the direction based on the notification data P5 and the determination signal P7. The pulse P8 is output. The direction notification means 20 inputs the direction drive pulse P8 to drive the stepping motor, notifies the direction by the direction needle 35 connected to the stepping motor, and ends the direction measurement operation. The details of the directional notification by the directional needle 35 will be described later (see FIG. 7).

Next, the second direction notification process (S20) in the case of the determination No. in step S7 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 (b). In step S21, the directional measurement processing means 14 averages the effective directional data P4 stored in the internal memory and outputs the broadcast data P5, as in step S11 described above. However, in this second direction notification process, the number of effective direction data k stored in the direction measurement processing means 14 is less than the predetermined value K of the effective direction data, and the number of effective direction data is insufficient. It can be estimated that the specified broadcast data P5 does not satisfy the required accuracy.

Next, in step S22, the direction display control means 16 inputs the broadcast data P5 and the determination signal P7, and knows from the information of the determination signal P7 that the number of effective direction data k is less than the predetermined effective direction data K. , The directional drive pulse P8 is not output. As a result, the direction notification by the direction notification means 20 is not performed (non-notification), and the direction measurement operation is completed. As described above, the notification data P5 estimated to not satisfy the required accuracy is not notified by the second direction notification processing (S20). The broken line step S23 shown in FIG. 3B is an operation flow of the second embodiment described later.
[Explanation of First Direction Notification Processing of Electronic Clock of First Embodiment (N = 10, K = 5): FIG. 4]
Next, the details of the directional measurement operation including the first directional notification process (S10) of the electronic clock 1 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. Refer to FIG. 1 for the configuration of the electronic clock 1. As preconditions for the explanation, it is assumed that the set number of directional measurements N = 10 and the effective directional data predetermined value K = 5.

In FIG. 4, when an operator (not shown) of the electronic clock 1 gives an instruction to start directional measurement, a start signal P1 is output, and 10 pieces (n =) are output from the magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11 at predetermined intervals. The timing signals P2 of 1 to 10) are output. When the timing signal P2 is output, the magnetic field sensor 13 measures the geomagnetism at that timing, and 10 directional data P4 are output from the magnetic field measuring means 12 in accordance with the fall of the timing signal P2.

Here, it is assumed that some kind of impact is applied to the electronic clock 1 near n = 6th of the timing signal P2, and a vibration wave S due to the impact is generated. Then, although not shown, an impact signal P11 is generated from the stepping motor 21, and the impact detecting means 18 outputs a braking signal P12. As a result, the braking pulse LP is immediately output from the braking pulse output means 19 for a predetermined period regardless of the timing signal P2, and the stepping motor 21 is locked. This is because if the stepping motor 21 is not locked immediately in response to the generation of the vibration wave S due to the impact, the rotor will erroneously rotate and the pointer will be out of order.

When this braking pulse LP is output, a braking current flows through a coil (not shown) of the stepping motor 21 to generate a magnetic flux Φ. The generation period of this magnetic flux Φ is the period of the braking pulse LP + α. The period of + α is a period until the characteristics due to the inductance of the coil of the stepping motor 21 and the vibration of the rotor (not shown) of the stepping motor 21 stabilize. The waveform of the magnetic flux Φ is schematically drawn unlike the actual waveform.

If the magnetic field sensor 13 measures the geomagnetism during the period in which the magnetic flux Φ is generated, it is estimated that the measurement cannot be performed correctly due to the electromagnetic influence. Therefore, this period (braking pulse LP + α) is set as the invalid period G. The directional data P4 measured by the timing signal P2 that overlaps with the invalid period G in time is used as the invalid directional data. That is, the determination in step S3 of the flowchart in FIG. 2 described above is a determination as to whether or not the timing signal P2, which is the measurement timing of the geomagnetism, overlaps with the invalid period G in time.

In the example of the timing chart of FIG. 4, since the four timing signals P2 (indicated by the diagonal line) from n = 7 to 10 overlap with the invalid period G, the valid direction data P4 is 6 from n = 1 to 6. The four directional data P4 from n = 7 to 10 are regarded as invalid directional data (indicated by a broken line). As a result, the number of effective direction data k = 6 and the predetermined effective direction data K = 5, so that the determination in step S7 of the operation flow (see FIG. 2) is Yes, and the first direction notification process (S10). Is done.

As a result, at the time t1 after the end of n = 10 of the timing signal P2, the direction is specified by the direction measurement processing means 14 (see FIG. 1), and the broadcast data P5 is output. The notification data P5 is notification data obtained by averaging six effective orientation data P4 from n = 1 to 6. The direction display control means 16 inputs the notification data P5, immediately outputs the direction drive pulse P8 at time t2, and the direction notification means 20 performs the direction notification.
[Explanation of Second Direction Notification Processing of Electronic Clock of First Embodiment (N = 10, K = 5): FIG. 5]
Next, the details of the directional measurement operation including the second directional notification process (S20) of the electronic clock 1 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. Refer to FIG. 1 for the configuration of the electronic clock 1. As preconditions for the explanation, it is assumed that the set number of directional measurements N = 10 and the effective directional data predetermined value K = 5.

In FIG. 5, when an operator (not shown) of the electronic clock 1 gives an instruction to start directional measurement, a start signal P1 is output, and 10 pieces (n =) are output from the magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11 at predetermined intervals. The timing signals P2 of 1 to 10) are output. When the timing signal P2 is output, the magnetic field sensor 13 measures the geomagnetism at that timing, and 10 directional data P4 are output from the magnetic field measuring means 12.

Here, it is assumed that some kind of impact is applied to the electronic clock 1 at two locations near n = 1st and 7th of the timing signal P2, and a vibration wave S due to the impact is generated. Then, although not shown, an impact signal P11 is generated from the stepping motor 21, and the impact detecting means 18 outputs a braking signal P12. As a result, the two braking pulses LP1 and LP2 are immediately output from the braking pulse output means 19 for a predetermined period, and the stepping motor 21 is locked.

When these two braking pulses LP1 and LP2 are output, magnetic fluxes Φ1 and Φ2 are generated from the stepping motor 21. The generation periods of the magnetic fluxes Φ1 and Φ2 are the braking pulse LP1 + α and the braking pulse LP2 + α as described above, thereby setting the invalid periods G1 and G2 presumed that the magnetic field sensor 13 cannot measure correctly.

In the example of the timing chart of FIG. 5, seven timing signals P2 (indicated by diagonal lines) of n = 2 to 5 and n = 8 to 10 overlap with the invalid periods G1 and G2, so that a total of seven direction data P4 are obtained. It is regarded as invalid orientation data (indicated by a broken line), and there are only three valid orientation data P4, n = 1, n = 6, and 7. As a result, the number of effective direction data k = 3 and the predetermined value of effective direction data K = 5, so that the determination in step S7 of the operation flow (see FIG. 2) becomes No, and the second direction notification process (S20) Is done.

As a result, at the time t3 after the end of n = 10 of the timing signal P2, the direction is specified by the direction measurement processing means 14, and the broadcast data P5 is output. This broadcast data P5 is data obtained by averaging three valid orientation data P4. However, since it is estimated that the number of effective direction data k = 3 and the effective direction data predetermined value K = 5 or less and the required accuracy is not satisfied, the direction drive pulse P8 is not output and the direction notification means 20 is used. Direction notification is not performed.

In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the set orientation measurement count N = 10 and the effective orientation data predetermined value K = 5 have been described, but these values are not limited, and for example, the set orientation measurement count N = 1. The effective direction data predetermined value K = 1 may be used. Next, an example of the direction notification operation under this condition will be described.
[Explanation of directional notification operation of the electronic clock of the first embodiment (N = K = 1): FIG. 6]
The direction notification operation of the electronic clock 1 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. 6 on the condition that the set direction measurement number N = 1 and the effective direction data predetermined value K = 1. That is, it is an operation example in which the geomagnetic measurement is performed by one timing signal P2 (N = 1). Refer to FIG. 1 for the configuration of the electronic clock 1.

In FIG. 6, when the operator of the electronic clock 1 gives an instruction to start the direction measurement, the start signal P1 is output, and the magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11 outputs one timing signal P2 (time t4). .. When the timing signal P2 is output, the magnetic field sensor 13 measures the geomagnetism at that timing, and the direction data P4 is output in accordance with the fall of the timing signal P2.

At this time, since the braking pulse LP is not output when the timing signal P2 is generated (time t4), the determination in step S3 of the above-mentioned operation flow (see FIG. 2) is No, and it is valid by executing step S5. The number of orientation data k = 1. As a result, since step S7 is k = K = 1, the determination is Yes, the first direction notification process (S10: see FIG. 3A) is performed, and the notification data P5 and the direction drive pulse P8 are output. , The direction notification means 20 is driven to perform direction notification.

Next, when the timing signal P2 is output again (time t5) one second after the first timing signal P2 (time t4) as the next cycle, the magnetic field sensor 13 measures the geomagnetism again at that timing, and the timing The directional data P4 is output in accordance with the falling edge of the signal P2. That is, with the interval of one cycle as 1 second, the geomagnetic measurement of N = 1 time is continued.

Here, it is assumed that some kind of impact is applied to the electronic clock 1 before the time t5, and the vibration wave S due to the impact is generated. Then, an impact signal P11 (not shown) is generated from the stepping motor 21, the impact detecting means 18 outputs the braking signal P12, and as a result, the braking pulse LP is output from the braking pulse output means 19 for a predetermined period, and the stepping motor 21 To lock.

When this braking pulse LP is output, a magnetic flux Φ is generated from the stepping motor 21. As a result, the invalid period G (braking pulse LP + α), which is estimated that the magnetic field sensor 13 cannot measure correctly, is set. Since the timing signal P2 (indicated by diagonal lines) output at time t5 overlaps with this invalid period G, the determination in step S3 of the operation flow (see FIG. 2) is Yes, and the determination in step S7 is the number of effective directional data. Since k = 0, the result is No, and the second direction notification process (S20: see FIG. 3B) is performed.

In the second direction notification process (S20), since the number of effective direction data k = 0, the direction is not specified (S21) and the direction is not notified (S22), so the direction drive pulse P8 is output. However, the direction notification is not performed. In this way, with N = K = 1, even in the geomagnetic measurement using one timing signal P2, the temporal overlap between the timing signal P2 and the braking pulse LP is detected to prevent notification of incorrect directional information. be able to.

In the geomagnetic measurement using one timing signal P2 set to N = K = 1 shown in FIG. 6, the direction measurement accuracy is lowered because the direction data cannot be averaged, but the notification data is reported in a short time. There is an advantage that P5 can be acquired and power consumption associated with geomagnetic measurement can be reduced. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the timing signal P2 may be output and the geomagnetic measurement may be performed even during the output of the braking pulse LP (that is, the invalid period G), and the timing may be performed during the output of the braking pulse LP. The power of the magnetic field sensor 13 may be reduced without outputting the signal P2.
[Explanation of directional notification by the directional hand of the electronic clock of the first embodiment: FIG. 7]
Next, the appearance of the electronic clock 1 of the first embodiment is shown with reference to FIG. 7, and the directional notification operation by the directional hand 35 will be described. As described above, the electronic clock 1 is an analog display type electronic clock using a pointer having a direction measurement function, and includes a circular display unit 30 that displays the time and direction by the pointer. The display unit 30 includes a dial 31, and a second hand 32, a minute hand 33, an hour hand 34, and a directional hand 35 are arranged in front of the dial 31. An arm band 36, a crown 37, a direction measurement switch 38, and the like are arranged on the side surface of the display unit 30. When the operator presses the directional measurement switch 38, the directional measurement is started.

The second hand 32, the minute hand 33, and the hour hand 34 are rotated by the stepping motor 21 (see FIG. 1) described above to display the time. The directional hand 35 is connected to a stepping motor which is a directional notification means 20 (see FIG. 1), and when the stepping motor is driven, the directional hand 35 rotates on the dial 31 to notify the directional needle 35. The outer periphery of the dial 31 represents N (north), NE (northeast), E (east), SE (southeast), S (south), SW (southwest), W (west), and NW (northwest). The markings are arranged, and the orientation needle 35 rotates to instruct each marking to notify the orientation. In the example of FIG. 7, the directional needle 35 notifies N (north).

Here, when the operator of the electronic clock 1 presses the directional measurement switch 38, the directional measurement function is activated, and as an example, the directional measurement is performed in a cycle of 1 second intervals, and the directional notification operation by the directional hand 35 is predetermined. (For example, 30 seconds). That is, when the direction measurement switch 38 is operated, the direction hand 35 notifies the current direction every one second cycle.

As described above, the electronic clock 1 of the first embodiment includes a magnetic field sensor 13 for measuring the geomagnetism, and can notify the direction by the directional hand 35. Further, when the operator gives an impact to the electronic clock 1 by hitting his / her arm during the geomagnetic measurement, the electronic clock 1 outputs a braking pulse LP by the active hand function, which affects the magnetic field sensor 13. Become. However, when the number of effective direction data k that is not electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor 21 is equal to or greater than the predetermined effective direction data K, the electronic clock 1 notifies the direction specified by the effective direction data by the direction notification means 20. The first direction notification process is executed. Further, when the number of effective direction data k is less than the predetermined value K of the effective direction data, the second direction notification process is executed and the direction notification is not performed.

Further, as described above, the motor pulse affecting the magnetic field sensor 13 is not limited to the braking pulse LP, and the same applies to the drive pulse SP and the compensation pulse asynchronous with the timing signal P2. Applies to. As a result, it is possible to provide an electronic clock that does not notify the operator of erroneous directional information regardless of the timing at which the motor pulse to the stepping motor 21 that affects the magnetic field sensor 13 is output.
[Explanation of a Modified Example of the First Embodiment: FIG. 8]
Next, the appearance of the electronic clock 2 as a modified example of the first embodiment is shown with reference to FIG. 8, and the directional notification means 20 which is a feature of the modified example will be described. In the electronic clock 2 of the modified example, the direction notification means 20 for notifying the direction is composed of a liquid crystal display panel instead of the stepping motor and the direction hand, and the other configurations are the same as those of the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 1). , Only the direction notification means 20 having a different configuration will be described.

In FIG. 8A, the electronic clock 2 includes a display unit 30, and a second hand 32, a minute hand 33, and an hour hand 34 are arranged on the front surface of the dial 31. A liquid crystal display panel 40, which is a direction notification means 20, is arranged at 6 o'clock on the dial 31. The liquid crystal display panel 40 shown in FIG. 8B includes, for example, a stopwatch display unit 41 and an orientation display unit 42. The stopwatch display unit 41 may or may not have another display (for example, month and day).

The directional display unit 42 is a display unit that replaces the directional hand 35 (see FIG. 7) of the electronic clock 1 described above, and notifies the measured directional direction by characters or the like. In the display example of FIG. 8B, the NW (northwest) is notified, but the direction such as N (north) or S (south) can be notified by the direction drive pulse P8 from the direction display control means 16. Therefore, unlike the electronic clock 1, the directional display control means 16 is replaced with a liquid crystal drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal display panel 40.

As described above, in the electronic clock 2 of the modified example of the first embodiment, since the direction notification means 20 is a digital display by the liquid crystal display panel 40, the measured direction can be directly displayed by characters or the like, and the operator can see it. The direction can be notified more clearly and easily.
[Second Embodiment]
[Structure of the Electronic Clock of the Second Embodiment: FIG. 9]
Next, the configuration of the electronic clock 3 shown as the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the electronic clock 3, as compared with the configuration of the electronic clock 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), the effective data number determination means 15 is simply replaced by the orientation measurement stop determination means 25, so that the orientation measurement stop determination means is determined. The configuration and operation related to the means 25 will be described, and duplicate contents will be omitted.

The direction measurement stop determination means 25 is a means for stopping the geomagnetic measurement after the time when it is found that the number of effective direction data k does not exceed the predetermined effective direction data value K. The direction measurement stop determination means 25 inputs the determination signal P6 from the control means 10, outputs the measurement stop signal P13 to the magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11, and outputs the measurement stop signal P13 to the direction measurement processing means 14 and the direction display control means 16. Outputs the notification control signal P14.

When the magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11 inputs the measurement stop signal P13, the magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11 immediately stops the output of the timing signal P2 to stop the geomagnetic measurement. Further, when the directional measurement processing means 14 inputs the notification control signal P14, the directional measurement processing means 14 stops the process for specifying the directional direction. Further, when the direction display control means 16 inputs the notification control signal P14, the direction display control means 16 executes a second direction notification process described later to control the direction notification means 20 and perform non-notification of the direction.
[Explanation of directional measurement operation flow of the electronic clock of the second embodiment: FIGS. 10 and 3]
Next, the directional measurement operation flow of the electronic timepiece 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 3. Refer to FIG. 9 for the configuration of the electronic clock 3. In FIG. 10, steps S31 to S35 are the same as steps S1 to S5 of the operation flow of the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 2) described above, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

Next, in step S36, the direction measurement stop determination means 25 inputs the determination signal P6 from the control means 10, and sets the number of times of direction measurement N, the number of geomagnetic measurements n, the predetermined value of effective direction data K, and the number of effective direction data k. Each value is analyzed, and it is determined whether or not it is confirmed that the number of effective directional data k does not exceed the predetermined effective directional data K at the present time. Here, if it is not confirmed (determination No.), the measurement is continued, so the process proceeds to the next step S37. If it is confirmed (determination Yes), the measurement is stopped, so the process proceeds to the second direction notification process (S20). That is, even if the geomagnetic measurement is continued up to the set number of directional measurements N, the measurement that satisfies the required accuracy cannot be performed unless the number of effective directional data k exceeds the predetermined effective directional data K, so the geomagnetic measurement after the confirmed time is stopped. Then, the second direction notification process (S20) is executed.

Here, the second directional notification process (S20) of the electronic clock 3 is the step S23 shown by the broken line in the operation flow of the second directional notification process (S20: see FIG. 3B) of the electronic clock 1 described above. (Stop measurement) is executed. That is, in step S23, the orientation measurement stop determination means 25 outputs the measurement stop signal P13, stops the timing signal P2 of the magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11, stops the geomagnetic measurement by the magnetic field sensor 13, and drives the magnetic field sensor 13. Reduce power.

Next, in step S22, the direction measurement stop determination means 25 outputs a notification control signal P14 instructing non-notification, and the direction measurement processing means 14 and the direction display control means 16 perform non-notification of the direction.

Further, in the case of the determination No in step S36, in step S37, the controlling means 10 determines whether or not the geomagnetic measurement number n is equal to the set azimuth measurement number N. Here, if the geomagnetic measurement number n is not equal to the set azimuth measurement number N (determination No.), the measurement is in progress, so the process returns to step S32 to continue the geomagnetic measurement. If the number of geomagnetic measurements n is equal to the set number of directional measurements N (determination Yes), the geomagnetic measurement is terminated and the process proceeds to the first directional notification process (S10).

Since the first direction notification process (S10) is the same as the first direction notification process (S10: see FIG. 3A) of the electronic clock 1 described above, the description thereof will be omitted.
[Explanation of Second Direction Notification Processing of Electronic Clock of Second Embodiment (N = 7, K = 5): FIG. 11]
Next, the details of the directional measurement operation including the second directional notification process of the electronic timepiece 3 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. Refer to FIG. 9 for the configuration of the electronic clock 3. As preconditions for the explanation, it is assumed that the set number of directional measurements N = 7 and the effective directional data predetermined value K = 5. Further, since the first direction notification processing operation of the electronic clock 3 is the same as the first direction notification processing operation of the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 4), the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 11, when an operator (not shown) of the electronic clock 3 gives an instruction to start directional measurement, a start signal P1 is output, and a maximum of seven (n) magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11 are used at predetermined intervals. = The timing signal P2 of 1 to 7) is output. When the timing signal P2 is output, the magnetic field sensor 13 measures the geomagnetism at that timing, and the magnetic field measuring means 12 outputs the directional data P4.

Here, it is assumed that some kind of impact is applied to the electronic clock 3 near n = 1 of the timing signal P2, and a vibration wave S due to the impact is generated. Then, although not shown, an impact signal P11 is generated from the stepping motor 21, and the impact detecting means 18 outputs a braking signal P12. As a result, the braking pulse LP is immediately output from the braking pulse output means 19 for a predetermined period, and the stepping motor 21 is locked.

When this braking pulse LP is output, a magnetic flux Φ is generated from the stepping motor 21 in the same manner as the operation of the electronic clock 1 described above. As a result, the invalid period G (LP period + α), which is estimated that the magnetic field sensor 13 cannot measure correctly, is set.

Here, at n = 1 of the timing signal P2, since there is no overlap with the invalid period G, the number of effective direction data k = 1. At n = 2 of the next timing signal P2, since it overlaps with the invalid period G (indicated by diagonal lines), the directional data P4 becomes invalid (indicated by a broken line), the number of effective directional data k is not counted, and k = 1 continues. To do. Similarly, since the timing signal P2 n = 3 to 4 also overlaps with the invalid period G, the directional data P4 becomes invalid (indicated by a broken line), the number of effective directional data k is not counted, and k = 1 continues.

Then, the timing signal P2 is output up to the set number of directional measurements N = 7, and even if the directional data P4 is valid for all subsequent timing signals P2 (n = 5, 6, 7), the number of effective directional data k = 4, and the effective direction data predetermined value K = 5 or more is never exceeded. That is, if the number of effective directional data k = 1 at the time of n = 4 of the timing signal P2, the determination is Yes in step S36 of the operation flow shown in FIG. 10, and the second directional notification process (S20: FIG. 3 (S20: FIG. b)) is performed.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, when the direction data P4 is invalidated by n = 4 of the timing signal P2, the direction measurement stop determination means 25 outputs the measurement stop signal P13 and the notification control signal P14 (time). t6), the subsequent timing signals P2 n = 5 to 7 are not output (indicated by a broken line), the direction measurement is stopped, the direction drive pulse P8 is not output, and the direction is not notified. The measurement stop signal P13 and the notification control signal P14 are shown at the same timing, but the present invention is not limited to this.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the measurement of the geomagnetism after the time when it is found that the number of effective direction data k does not exceed the predetermined value K of the effective direction data is stopped, and the direction is not notified. , It is possible to provide an electronic clock that does not inform the operator of erroneous directional information. Further, since the geomagnetic measurement is stopped immediately when it is found that the number of effective directional data k does not exceed the predetermined value K of the effective directional data, the power consumption associated with the geomagnetic measurement can be reduced and a low power consumption electronic clock can be provided. ..
[Third Embodiment]
Next, the electronic clock 4 shown as the third embodiment will be described. Since the electronic clock 4 is an analog electronic clock having a direction measurement function and has the same configuration as the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 1) or the electronic clock 3 (see FIG. 9) described above, the description of the configuration will be omitted. Further, the basic operation flow of the electronic clock 4 is the same as the operation flow of the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 2) or the operation flow of the electronic clock 3 (see FIG. 10), and only the second direction notification process is different. The operation of the different second direction notification process (S40) will be described with reference to a flowchart (FIG. 12) and a timing chart (FIG. 13). The operation description of the second direction notification process (S40) will be described based on the configuration (FIG. 1) and operation (FIGS. 2 to 5) of the electronic clock 1 described above.
[Explanation of Second Direction Notification Processing Operation Flow of Third Embodiment: FIG. 12]
In the case of the determination No in step S7 of the operation flow of the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 2), the operation flow of the electronic clock 4 jumps to the second direction notification process (S40) shown in FIG. Perform the steps.

In step S41, the direction measurement processing means 14 averages the effective direction data of the direction data P4 stored in the internal memory to specify the direction, and outputs the broadcast data P5. However, in this second direction notification process, since the number of effective direction data k is less than the predetermined effective direction data K, it can be estimated that the specified notification data P5 does not satisfy the required accuracy.

Next, in step S42, the orientation display control means 16 inputs the notification data P5 and the determination signal P7, and based on the information of the determination signal P7, the input notification data P is not used, and the previous notification content, That is, the information of the notification data P5 input and notified one cycle before is notified again. By this operation, since the number of effective directional data k is less than the predetermined effective directional data K, it is possible to avoid the problem of notifying the operator of the directional information that can be estimated not to satisfy the required accuracy, and the directional hand 35 is not moved. , Motor power can be reduced.
[Explanation of directional notification operation of the third embodiment (N = 10, K = 5): FIG. 13]
Next, the details of the direction notification operation of the electronic clock 4 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG. As preconditions for the explanation, it is assumed that the set number of directional measurements N = 10 and the effective directional data predetermined value K = 5.

In FIG. 13, when the operator of the electronic clock 4 gives an instruction to start the direction measurement, the start signal P1 is output, and as the first measurement cycle S1, 10 pieces (10 pieces at predetermined intervals from the magnetic field measurement timing setting means 11). The timing signal P2 of n = 1 to 10) is output. When the timing signal P2 is output, the magnetic field sensor 13 measures the geomagnetism at that timing and outputs the direction data P4 in accordance with the fall of the timing signal P2.

Here, in the middle of the measurement cycle S1, some impact is applied to the electronic clock 4 to generate a vibration wave S due to the impact, and the invalid region G is set by the output of the braking pulse LP. Since the subsequent operations are the same as the first direction notification process (see FIG. 4) of the electronic clock 1 described above, the description thereof will be omitted, but since the number of effective direction data k = 6, the measurement cycle S1 ends. Later, the notification data P5 is output (time t7), and then the direction drive pulse P8 (arrow D1) based on the notification data P5 is output, and the direction notification means 20 performs direction notification.

Next, assuming that the second measurement cycle S2 is started after 1 second, 10 timing signals P2 (n = 1 to 10) are output again at predetermined intervals, and during the period of this measurement cycle S2, 10 timing signals P2 are output. It is assumed that the vibration wave S generated by the two impacts causes the two braking pulses LP1 and LP2 to be output, and the two invalid regions G1 and G2 are set.

As a result, 10 directional data P4 are output in the measurement cycle S2, but only 3 valid directional data P4 are not affected by the magnetic flux (that is, for the effective directional data predetermined value K = 5). The number of effective direction data k = 3) and the second direction notification process (S40: see FIG. 12) are performed. As a result, the notification data P5 is output after the end of the measurement cycle S2 (time t8), but this notification data P5 is not used because it is estimated that the required accuracy is not satisfied, and the notification data in the previous cycle S1 is not used. With reference to P5 again (arrow D2), the direction drive pulse P8 is output (time t9) to notify the direction.

Although the timing chart of FIG. 13 has been described by taking the operation of the first embodiment (electronic clock 1) as an example, it can also be applied to the second embodiment (electronic clock 3). That is, the measurement of the geomagnetism after the time when it is found that the number of effective direction data k does not exceed the predetermined value K of the effective direction data may be stopped, and the second direction notification process (S40) may be immediately executed.

As described above, in the third embodiment, when the number of effective direction data k from the magnetic field sensor 13 is less than the predetermined effective direction data K, the second direction notification process (S40) is performed to specify the direction. However, the same content as the content notified immediately before, that is, the directional information notified in the immediately preceding measurement cycle is notified. As a result, no matter what timing the motor pulse to the stepping motor 21 that affects the magnetic field sensor 13 is output, the direction information immediately before that is not affected by the motor pulse is notified, so that the operator is in the wrong direction. It is possible to provide an electronic clock that does not inform information.
[Modified example of the third embodiment]
Next, a modified example of the third embodiment will be described. Since only the second direction notification process is different from the third embodiment (electronic clock 4) in the modified example of the third embodiment, only the operation flow of the second direction notification process (S50) is shown in FIG. To explain.

Here, in the case of the determination No in step S7 of the operation flow of the electronic clock 1 described above (see FIG. 2), the operation flow of the modified example of the third embodiment is the second direction notification process (2) shown in FIG. S5
Jump to 0) and execute the following steps.

In step S51, since the stored effective direction data number k is less than the effective direction data predetermined value K, the direction measurement processing means 14 does not specify the direction and does not output the notification data P5.

Next, in step S52, the same processing as in step S42 (see FIG. 12) described above is performed, and the previous notification content, that is, the information of the notification data P5 notified one cycle before is referred to again for notification. By this operation, since the number of effective directional data k is less than the predetermined effective directional data K, it is possible to avoid a problem of notifying the operator of the directional information estimated that the required accuracy is not satisfied.

As described above, the modified example of the third embodiment has the same effect as that of the third embodiment, and in the second direction notification process (S50), the valid data of the direction data P4 is averaged to specify the direction. Since the process of outputting the notification data P5 is not performed, there is an advantage that the operation of the second direction notification process (S50) can be simplified.
[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the electronic clock 5 shown as the fourth embodiment will be described. Since the electronic clock 5 is an analog electronic clock having a direction measurement function and has the same configuration as the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 1) or the electronic clock 3 (see FIG. 9) described above, the description of the configuration will be omitted. Further, the basic operation flow of the electronic clock 5 is the same as the operation flow of the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 2) or the operation flow of the electronic clock 3 (see FIG. 10), and only the second direction notification process is different. The operation of the different second direction notification process (S60) will be described with reference to the flowchart (FIG. 15). The operation description of the second direction notification process (S60) will be described based on the configuration (FIG. 1) and operation flow (FIG. 2) of the electronic clock 1 described above. Further, the direction notification means 20 of the electronic clock 5 is a liquid crystal display panel as in the modified example (see FIG. 8) of the first embodiment.
[Explanation of the Second Direction Notification Processing Operation Flow of the Fourth Embodiment: FIG. 15]
In the case of the determination No in step S7 of the operation flow of the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 2), the operation flow of the electronic clock 5 jumps to the second direction notification process (S60) shown in FIG. Perform the steps.

The orientation is specified in step S61, but the description will be omitted because the operation is the same as in step S41 (see FIG. 12) described above.

Next, in step S62, the direction display control means 16 inputs the notification data P5 from the direction measurement processing means 14 and the determination signal P7 from the valid data number determination means 15, and outputs the direction drive pulse P8 based on the input information. , The direction notification means 20 is driven to notify the direction. However, the directional information notified here is directional information that is presumed not to satisfy the required accuracy because the number of effective directional data k is less than the predetermined effective directional data K.

Next, in step S63, the direction display control means 16 drives the direction notification means 20 based on the information of the determination signal P7 to notify the attention, and then ends the second direction notification process. The purpose of this alert is to alert the reliability of the orientation because the number k of the effective orientation data of the orientation specified in step S61 is less than the predetermined value K of the effective orientation data.
[Explanation of directional notification means of the electronic clock of the fourth embodiment: FIG. 16]
Next, the appearance of the electronic clock 5 is shown with reference to FIG. 16, and the configuration and operation of the direction notification means 20 will be described. Here, in the electronic clock 5, the direction notification means 20 is composed of the liquid crystal display panel 50, as in the electronic clock 2 (see FIG. 8) of the modified example of the first embodiment described above. Since the dial 31, pointers, and the like of the display unit 30 other than the direction notification means 20 are the same as those of the electronic clock 2, the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 16A, a liquid crystal display panel 50, which is a direction notification means 20, is arranged in the 6 o'clock direction of the dial 31 of the electronic clock 5. The liquid crystal display panel 50 shown in FIG. 16B includes an orientation display unit 51 and a warning display unit 52. The direction display unit 51 notifies the measured direction by characters or the like. The direction notification in step S62 described above is displayed on the direction display unit 51. In the display example of FIG. 16B, the NW (northwest) is notified, but the direction such as N (north) or S (south) can be notified by the instruction by the direction drive pulse P8.

The attention alert display unit 52 is a display unit that notifies the attention alert in step S63 described above, and here, as an example, "Caution!" Is displayed, and attention is paid to the reliability of the orientation notified by the orientation display unit 51. It is arousing. The display content of the alert display unit 52 is not limited.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the second direction notification process (S60) notifies the operator of the direction information presumed not to satisfy the required accuracy, but the directions notified at the same time. It is possible to provide an electronic clock that does not notify the operator of erroneous directional information because it also provides a notification that calls attention to the reliability of the. Note that the alerting notification is not limited to the notification by the liquid crystal display panel 50, and sounding by a sounding body, vibration by a small vibration motor, light emission by an LED, or the like may be used. Further, when the directional hand 20 is a directional hand by a stepping motor like the electronic clock 1, the directional hand may be vibrated to notify the alert. In the fourth embodiment, a direction notification means such as a liquid crystal display panel is provided, but in the case of the first embodiment, ringing by a sounding body, vibration by a small vibration motor, light emission by an LED, etc. It is desirable to perform notification using.
[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, the electronic clock 6 shown as the fifth embodiment will be described. Since the electronic clock 6 is an analog electronic clock having a direction measurement function and has the same configuration as the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 1) or the electronic clock 3 (see FIG. 8) described above, the description of the configuration will be omitted. Further, the basic operation flow of the electronic clock 6 is the same as the operation flow of the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 2) or the operation flow of the electronic clock 3 (see FIG. 10), and only the second direction notification process is different. The operation of the different second direction notification process (S70) will be described with reference to the flowchart (FIG. 17). The operation description of the second direction notification process (S70) will be described based on the configuration (FIG. 1) and operation flow (FIG. 2) of the electronic clock 1 described above. Further, it is assumed that the direction notification means 20 of the electronic clock 6 is a liquid crystal display panel as in the fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of the Second Direction Notification Processing Operation Flow of the Fifth Embodiment: FIG. 17]
In the case of the determination No in step S7 of the operation flow of the electronic clock 1 (see FIG. 2), the operation flow of the electronic clock 6 jumps to the second direction notification process (step S70) shown in FIG. 17, and thereafter. Perform the steps in.

In step S71, since the stored effective direction data number k is less than the effective direction data predetermined value K, the direction measurement processing means 14 does not specify the direction by averaging and does not output the notification data P5.

Next, in step S72, the direction display control means 16 inputs the determination signal P7 from the valid data number determination means 15, outputs a predetermined direction drive pulse P8 based on the information of the determination signal P7, and outputs the direction drive pulse P8, and the direction notification means 20. In addition to not notifying the direction (not notifying), a predetermined message or the like is displayed as necessary.
[Explanation of non-notification by the directional notification means of the fifth embodiment: FIGS. 16A and 18]
The appearance of the electronic clock 6 is the same as that of the electronic clock 5 (see FIG. 16A) described above, and the liquid crystal display panel 60, which is the direction notification means 20, is arranged at 6 o'clock on the dial 31.

FIG. 18 shows an example of non-notification of the direction by the liquid crystal display panel 60 of the direction notification means 20 of the electronic clock 6. As shown in FIG. 18, when the second direction notification process (S70) of the electronic timepiece 6 is performed, the direction is not notified, but when the liquid crystal display panel 60 is simply not displayed, it is difficult for the operator to understand. As an example, "ERROR!" Is displayed to notify that the direction measurement has not been performed normally. Although not shown, the first orientation notification process of the electronic clock 6 notifies the orientation specified on the liquid crystal display panel 60 by characters or the like.

As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when the second direction notification process (S70) is performed, the liquid crystal display panel 50, which is the direction notification means 20, displays "ERROR!" Or the like as non-notification of the direction. By displaying a message, it is possible to provide an electronic clock that does not notify the operator of erroneous directional information.

Further, the configuration diagram, the flowchart, the timing chart and the like shown in each embodiment are not limited to these, and can be arbitrarily changed as long as they satisfy the gist of the present invention. Further, each embodiment has shown an analog electronic clock with a directional measurement function provided with a stepping motor as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Electronic clock 10 Control means 11 Magnetic field measurement timing setting means 12 Magnetic field measurement means 13 Magnetic field sensor 14 Direction measurement processing means 15 Effective data number judgment means 16 Direction display control means 17 Drive pulse output means 18 Impact detection means 19 Braking pulse output means 20 Direction notification means 21 Stepping motor 25 Direction measurement stop judgment means 30 Display 31 Dial 32 Second hand 33 Minute hand 34 Hour hand 35 Direction hand 40, 50, 60 LCD display panel

Claims (6)

A stepping motor, a magnetic field sensor that measures geomagnetism at predetermined measurement timings and outputs it as directional data, a directional measurement processing means that specifies the directional from a predetermined number of directional data, and a directional that informs the operator of the specified directional. In an electronic device having a notification means,
The directional data includes at least one of invalid directional data that is electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor and effective directional data that is not electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor.
When the number of the effective direction data is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the first direction notification process for notifying the direction specified by using only the effective direction data by the direction notification means is executed.
When it is found that the number of effective directional data does not exceed a predetermined value, the measurement of the geomagnetism after the time when it is found is stopped, and a second directional notification process different from the first directional notification process is executed. Electronic equipment. The invalid directional data estimated to be electromagnetically affected by the stepping motor is directional data when at least the geomagnetic measurement timing and the pulse applied to the stepping motor overlap in time. The electronic device according to claim 1. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second direction notification process does not notify the specified direction by the direction notification means. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second direction notification process notifies the same content as the content notified immediately before. Said second orientation notification process, the orientation specified in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that also perform notification arouse attention to the reliability of the notified azimuth with informing by the orientation informing means The electronic device described. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the second direction notification process includes prohibiting the execution of a specific direction by the direction measurement processing means.

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