JPWO2008108417A1 - Radio correction clock - Google Patents

Abstract

A timekeeping unit (301) for measuring time, a receiving unit (302) for receiving a standard radio wave including time information, a reception interval, a reception count for automatically executing a standard radio wave receiving operation by the receiving unit (302), Based on the standard radio wave, the reception control unit (303) that controls the degree of reception operation such as the reception time applied to one reception operation, and the time (hereinafter referred to as "timed time") measured by the time measuring unit (301) A time correction unit (304) that corrects the standard radio wave so that the reception control unit (303) receives the standard radio wave at a degree greater than the degree other than the specific day on at least a specific day based on the time measurement time. The receiving unit (302) is controlled.

Description

  The present invention relates to a radio-controlled timepiece, and more particularly to a radio-controlled timepiece that performs scheduled reception at a predetermined time.

  The radio-controlled timepiece generally has a regular reception function for receiving standard radio waves at a predetermined time every day and a forced reception function for forcibly receiving standard radio waves. Although scheduled reception is set to be executed at a plurality of times in advance, in order to save power consumption, after successful reception of standard radio waves, subsequent scheduled reception is generally not performed.

  In order to save power consumption, a technique for shifting to a so-called power saving state in which the display function is stopped under a predetermined condition is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). The standard radio wave (time data) reception operation is executed even in the power saving state so that a more accurate time can be displayed at the time of transition to the display state.

  Further, during the power saving state, the reception frequency of the standard radio wave reception is reduced (for example, refer to Patent Document 2 below), or the reception period of the regular reception is lengthened according to the decrease in the detection voltage value (for example, the following). Conventional techniques such as Patent Document 3) exist. As described above, in the related art, power saving is realized by not performing the scheduled reception at all or reducing the frequency during the power saving state.

JP 2001-296379 A JP 2002-139586 A JP 2006-322812 A

  However, in the above prior art, it is disclosed that the degree of scheduled reception is changed in the power saving state, but in the normal operation state, the degree of scheduled reception is changed depending on the day. We are not paying attention to this.

  Even under normal operating conditions, depending on the date and time, the standard radio wave transmission format may change significantly (for example, when the format bit data changes, more specifically, when the year or month changes, In some cases, such as when daylight saving time is changed, and if the standard radio wave at that time is not received accurately and accurately, there is a risk of erroneous time updating.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a radio-controlled timepiece that can more reliably execute time correction by scheduled reception in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is a time-counting unit that measures time, a receiving unit that receives a standard radio wave including time information, and a receiver that automatically receives time information. The reception control means for controlling the degree of the reception operation such as the reception interval for performing the reception operation of the standard radio wave, the number of receptions, the reception time applied to one reception operation, and the time measured by the time measurement means Time correction means for correcting based on a standard radio wave, and the reception control means receives the standard radio wave at a degree greater than the degree on a date other than the specific day, at least on a specific day based on the timekeeping time. The receiving means is controlled as described above.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention, wherein in the above-mentioned invention, the number of reception operations (hereinafter referred to as “the number of receptions”) executed on a day by the receiving means on the specific date and a date other than the specific date It is characterized by making it different.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 2, wherein in the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention, the specific date is received more times than a date other than the specific date.

  In the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, a plurality of reception times in one reception operation of the standard radio wave by the receiving means are set so as to differ between the specific date and a date other than the specific date. A reception degree information storage means for storing is provided.

  In the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the reception degree information storage means stores a first reception time and a second reception time longer than the first reception time, and The control means controls the receiving means to perform a receiving operation at the first receiving time on a day other than the specific date, and to execute a receiving operation at the second receiving time on the specific date. It is characterized by doing.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention has two operation states, a normal operation state and a power saving state with lower power consumption than the normal operation state, in the above invention. In the power saving state, the degree of the reception operation is controlled so that the power consumption related to the reception of the standard radio wave is smaller than the power consumption in the normal operation state, and at least on a specific date based on the time measurement time Is characterized in that control is performed so as to receive the standard radio wave in such a degree that the power consumption is larger than the degree of reception operation in the power saving state.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is the radio-controlled timepiece according to the above invention, wherein the reception control means is configured such that, in the power saving state, power consumption related to reception of the standard radio wave is smaller than the power consumption in the normal operation state. The degree of the reception operation is controlled so that, at least on the specific date based on the timekeeping time, the degree equivalent to the reception operation in the normal operation state or the degree of the reception operation in the normal operation state Is controlled to receive the standard radio wave in such a degree that the power consumption increases.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is the radio-controlled timepiece according to the above-mentioned invention, wherein the reception control means performs a reception interval when the standard radio wave reception operation is performed in the power-saving state from the reception interval in the normal operation state. It is also characterized by a longer length.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is from the start of reception to the end of reception in one reception operation of the standard radio wave by the receiving means in the above-described invention, so that the normal operation state and the power-saving state differ. The reception degree information storage means for storing a plurality of the reception times is provided.

  In the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the reception degree information storage means stores a first reception time and a second reception time shorter than the first reception time. The control means controls the receiving means to execute the receiving operation at the first receiving time in the normal operation state and to execute the receiving operation at the second receiving time in the power saving state. It is characterized by doing.

  In the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the reception control means controls the reception means to execute a reception operation at the first reception time on the specific date in the power saving state. It is characterized by that.

  In the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention, in the above invention, the reception degree information storage unit stores a third reception time longer than the second reception time, and the reception control unit includes the reception unit. However, control is performed such that the reception operation is executed at the third reception time on the specific day in the power saving state.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the third reception time is a reception time longer than the first reception time.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention further comprises a time zone selecting means for selecting any one time zone from a plurality of time zones in the world according to the above invention, wherein the reception control means is the time zone selecting device. The reception interval is controlled based on a time zone selected by the means.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the specific day is a predetermined day of the week.

  In the radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the predetermined day of the week is Sunday.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the specific date is a predetermined integrated date.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described invention, the specific date is the first day every year.

  The radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the specific date is the first day of every month.

  According to the present invention, a standard time signal is received at an appropriate timing on a specific day in a normal operation state or in a power saving state, thereby performing a reliable time correction, and thereby keeping a time measurement time more accurately. An effect is obtained in that a radio-controlled timepiece that can be used is obtained.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radio-controlled timepiece according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the reception unit 302, the reception control unit 303, and the time correction unit 304 of FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the format of standard radio wave transmission data. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the day of the week and the format of transmission data. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a predetermined integration date and the format of transmission data. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the date, the integration date, and the format of the transmission data. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the content of the reception degree information. FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the contents of the operation of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the content of the reception degree information. FIG. 12 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the contents of the operation of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the reception unit 1302, the reception control unit 1303, and the time correction unit 1304 of FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the content of the reception degree information. FIG. 16 is a flowchart (part 1) showing the contents of the operation of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the contents of the operation of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the content of the reception degree information. FIG. 19 is a flowchart (No. 3) showing the contents of the operation of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments 1 and 2 of a radio-controlled timepiece according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
(Appearance of the radio-controlled watch)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the appearance of a radio-controlled timepiece according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the radio-controlled timepiece is a wristwatch-type radio-controlled timepiece composed of a main body 100 and a band not shown for mounting the main body 100 on, for example, an arm. A crown 115 and a plurality of operation buttons 116 and 117 are provided on the outer periphery of the main body 100.

  The display part of the main body 100 includes a normal hand indicating the normal time (minute hand 101, hour hand 102, second hand 103), a plurality of analog meters (UTC meter 104, 24-hour meter 107, charging / station selection display meter 109), A mode display unit 111 and digital display units (first digital display unit 113 and second digital display unit 114) for displaying information electro-optically are provided.

  In the normal pointer, the second hand 103 rotates in a second cycle, that is, one rotation (one round) in 60 seconds. The minute hand 101 rotates in a minute cycle, that is, makes one rotation (one round) in 60 minutes. The hour hand 102 rotates at a time period, that is, makes one rotation (one turn) in 12 hours. The normal time is displayed by these hands (second hand 103, minute hand 101, hour hand 102).

  The UTC meter 104 includes a UTC minute hand 105 and a UTC hour hand 106, and displays UTC (Coordinated Universal Time (Coordinated Universal Time)). In FIG. 1, the UTC meter 104 is provided at a position near 12:00. The UTC minute hand 105 makes one rotation (one round) in 60 minutes to indicate “minute”, and the UTC hour hand 106 makes one rotation (one round) in 24 hours to indicate “hour (24 hour system)”.

  The 24-hour counter 107 includes a 24-hour hand (24H hand) 108. When the 24-hour hand 108 makes one revolution (one turn) in 24 hours, the normal time is displayed in a 24-hour system. Whether the current time is in the morning or in the afternoon according to the 24-hour counter 107 ("AM (AM)" if the 24-hour hand 108 is on the right side, "PM (PM)" if it is on the left side). I understand.

  The charging / station selection indicator 109 includes a charging / station selection hand 110. The charge / station selection hand 110 serves as both a remaining charge display (upper side) and a station selection (US, Germany, Japan) display (lower side), and both are displayed by switching. The charging / station selection indicator 109 is provided at a position around 10:00 in FIG.

  The mode display unit 111 includes a mode hand 112. The mode display unit 111 indicates that the currently displayed state is a state of various functions (modes) indicated by the mode hand 112. In FIG. 1, the mode display unit 111 is provided at a position near 6 o'clock. In FIG. 1, the mode display unit 111 indicates “time (TME)”. Further, when the operator manually rotates the mode hand 112 using the crown 115 or the like, various functions (calendar, timer, stopwatch, alarm, etc.) indicated by the mode hand 112 can be executed.

  The first digital display unit 113 is a display unit that displays an arbitrary city, and in FIG. 1, “Tokyo (TYO)” and its time “23:09:35” are shown as an arbitrary city. . In FIG. 1, the first digital display unit 113 is provided at a position around 3 o'clock to 4 o'clock. The second digital display unit 114 indicates “New York (NYC)” as the home city, that is, the city at the time indicated by the normal hand. In FIG. 1, the second digital display unit 114 is provided at a position near 9 o'clock. The arbitrary city shown on the first digital display unit 113 and the home city shown on the second digital display unit 114 can be arbitrarily changed by the crown 115 and the operation buttons 116 and 117, respectively.

(Configuration of radio-controlled watch)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the hardware configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the radio wave correction watch body 100 includes a microcomputer IC 200, a RAM 201, a ROM 202, a motor drive circuit 203, a motor 204 (204a, 204b, 204c, 204d), and a train wheel 205 (205a, 205b, 205c). 205d), a reference signal generating unit 206, a counter unit 207, an antenna 208, a tuning circuit 209, a receiving circuit 210, a switch unit 211, a switch control circuit 212, a solar cell 213, and a secondary battery 214. A charge control circuit 215, a liquid crystal drive circuit 216, an LED 217, an LED drive circuit 218, an alarm 219, and an alarm drive circuit 220.

  The microcomputer IC 200 controls the entire radio-controlled timepiece main body 100, and individually controls various components and circuits. The RAM 201 stores various data such as time data including time information or calendar information. The ROM 202 stores various control programs.

  The motor drive circuit 203 drives four independent motors 204 (204a, 204b, 204c, 204d), and individually drives the pointers via the train wheel 205 (205a, 205b, 205c, 205d). .

  Of the four motors 204, the first motor 204a drives the minute hand 101 and the second hand 103 shown in FIG. The second motor 204b drives the hour hand 102 and the 24-hour hand 108 of the 24-hour counter 107 shown in FIG. The third motor 204c drives the UTC minute hand 105 and the UTC hour hand 106 of the UTC meter 104 shown in FIG. The fourth motor 204 d drives the charging / station selection hand 110 of the charging / station selection display unit 109. The mode hand 112 of the mode display unit 111 is driven by a gear interlocked with the crown 115 by manually rotating the crown 115 without being driven by a motor.

  The reference signal generation unit 206 is composed of, for example, an oscillation circuit, and generates a signal having a predetermined frequency serving as a reference for time measurement processing. The counter unit 207 outputs a signal having a predetermined frequency generated from the reference signal generation unit 206 to the microcomputer IC 200.

  The tuning circuit 209 tunes to the antenna 208 and tunes the antenna 208 to a frequency such as 60 kHz (US), 77.5 kHz (Germany), 40 kHz, 60 kHz (Japan), for example, by switching the capacitance of the capacitor. The receiving circuit 210 detects a standard radio wave from the signal received by the antenna 208 and outputs it to the microcomputer IC 200.

  The switch unit 211 inputs an operation instruction from the operator. Specifically, the crown 115, the operation buttons 116 and 117 shown in FIG. The switch control circuit 212 transmits an input related to an operation instruction from the operator to the microcomputer IC 200 based on a signal from the switch unit 211.

  The charge control circuit 215 converts the light received by the solar cell 213 into electric power and stores it in the secondary battery 214. Further, the charging control circuit 215 has a voltage detection function for detecting the voltage (value) of the secondary battery 214, a power generation detection function for detecting whether the solar cell 213 is in a power generation state or a non-power generation state, and the like. And the signal regarding a detection result is output with respect to microcomputer IC200 by these functions. Based on this signal, the charge / station selection indicator 109 displays the remaining charge.

  The liquid crystal driving circuit 216 drives the first digital display unit 113 and the second digital display unit 114 to display various information. In addition, the LED drive circuit 218 drives the LED 217 to illuminate the digital display units 113 and 114 as a backlight and outputs warning light. Instead of the LED 217, an EL (Electroluminescence), a lamp, or the like may be used.

  The alarm driving circuit 220 drives a piezoelectric element (not shown) mounted on the alarm 219 and outputs an alarm (buzzer). At that time, the alarm drive circuit 220 changes the type, pitch, volume, etc. of the sound depending on the type of notification.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the radio-controlled timepiece 100 includes a time measuring unit 301, a receiving unit 302, a reception control unit 303, a time correcting unit 304, and a reception degree information storage unit 305.

  The timer unit 301 measures time (specifically, UTC). Specifically, the time measuring unit 301 can realize its function by, for example, the reference signal generating unit 206 and the counter unit 207 shown in FIG.

  Then, based on the time counted by the time measuring unit 301 (hereinafter referred to as “timed time”), the time in a desired time zone is displayed. Specifically, for example, the motor drive circuit 203, the motor 204, the train wheel 205 shown in FIG. 2 and the pointers 101 to 103 shown in FIG. 1 or the liquid crystal drive circuit 216, the first digital display unit 113, the second digital The display function is realized by the display unit 114, the LED drive circuit 218, the LED 217, the alarm drive circuit 220, the alarm 219, or the like. With this display function, for example, in FIG. 1, the hands 101 to 103 indicate that the home city is “NYC (New York)” and the time is “10: 9: 35”.

  The receiving unit 302 receives a standard radio wave including time information. Specifically, the receiving unit 302 realizes its function by, for example, the receiving circuit 210 shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the reception unit 302 includes an amplification unit 401, a filter unit 402, a detection unit 403, an AD conversion unit 404, a gain control unit 405, and the like.

  The reception control unit 303 automatically performs the reception operation of the standard radio wave, that is, the reception interval for performing the so-called “scheduled reception”, the number of receptions, the reception time for the one reception operation, and the reception operation. Controls the degree of receiving operation such as the number of receiving stations. Specifically, the reception control unit 303 realizes its function by, for example, the microcomputer IC 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 executing programs stored in the RAM 201 and the ROM 202.

  Here, the scheduled reception specifically refers to, for example, the first of a plurality of times (“timed reception time”) in a predetermined desired time zone in which the scheduled reception is executed based on the time measurement time, for example. Only when the standard radio wave reception operation is performed at the scheduled reception time and reception of the standard radio wave fails at the first scheduled reception time, among the scheduled reception times, at the scheduled reception time after the first scheduled reception time The scheduled reception is sequentially executed until the standard radio wave is successfully received.

  In this way, at the predetermined scheduled reception time, starting from the first scheduled reception and sequentially executing until the standard radio wave reception is successful, after receiving the standard radio wave reception, Do not execute. This is to save power consumption due to reception of standard radio waves. The scheduled reception time is the earliest time of the first scheduled reception time, and then the second scheduled reception time, the third scheduled reception time,. . . Are stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, the RAM 201 and the ROM 202 shown in FIG. 2).

  Further, instead of storing all the scheduled reception times, the first scheduled reception time and the time interval and the number of times until the next scheduled reception operation may be stored. In other words, information indicating that the first scheduled reception time is “2:00” and then “twice” is performed at “1 hour” intervals in a predetermined storage area (for example, the RAM 201 and the ROM 202 shown in FIG. 2). You may remember. The time interval need not be equal, the interval between the first time and the second time is set to “1 hour”, and the time interval between the second time and the third time is set to “2 hours”. You may make it memorize | store.

  The operation state has two operation states, that is, a normal operation state and a power saving state that consumes less power than the normal operation state. In the power saving state, the reception control unit 303 receives standard radio waves. The degree of reception operation is controlled so that the power consumption related to the power consumption is smaller than the power consumption in the normal operation state (for example, the reception control unit 303 receives data when the standard radio wave reception operation is performed in the power saving state). The interval can be longer than the reception interval in normal operating conditions).

  Then, the reception control unit 303 controls the reception unit 302 to receive the standard radio wave at a degree larger than the degree other than the specific day in a normal operation state at least on a specific day based on the clock time.

  For example, the reception frequency of the reception operation performed by the reception unit 302 on one day can be different between a specific day and a day other than the specific day. More specifically, the specific date can be received more frequently than the days other than the specific date.

  The time correcting unit 304 corrects the time measured by the time measuring unit 301 based on the standard radio wave. Therefore, when the reception unit 302 fails to receive the standard radio wave, the timekeeping time is not corrected. Specifically, the time correction unit 304 realizes its function by the microcomputer IC 200 shown in FIG. 2 executing programs stored in the RAM 201 and the ROM 202, for example.

  The reception degree information storage unit 305 stores information regarding the reception degree. Details regarding the contents of the degree will be described later (see FIG. 9). For example, a plurality of reception times from the reception start to the reception end in one reception operation of the standard radio wave by the reception unit 302 are stored so as to differ between the normal operation state and the power saving state. Specifically, the reception degree information storage unit 305 realizes its function by, for example, the RAM 201 and the ROM 202 shown in FIG.

  The reception degree information storage unit 305 stores, for example, a first reception time (for example, about 10 minutes) and a second reception time (for example, about 15 minutes) longer than the first reception time. Then, the reception control unit 303 performs the reception operation at the first reception time in the normal operation state, and performs the reception operation at the second reception time (about 15 minutes) on the specific day. Control to do.

  The reception time (time from the start of reception to the end of reception) is set to "about". The reason is that the transmission format is started from 0 seconds (minute) and every minute until the minute reaches the minute. This is because time varies.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the reception unit 302, the reception control unit 303, and the time correction unit 304 of FIG. In FIG. 4, the amplification unit 401 of the reception unit 302 amplifies the signal received by the antenna 208. Further, the filter unit 402 of the receiving unit 302 removes components other than the desired frequencies (40 kHz, 60 kHz, 77.5 kHz). The detection unit 403 of the reception unit 302 detects the received standard radio wave. Further, the AD conversion unit 404 of the reception unit 302 converts the detection output into a digital output. In addition, the gain control unit 405 of the reception unit 302 automatically adjusts the amplification factor.

  The time correction unit 304 includes a sampling unit 411, a data determination unit 412, a decoding unit 413, a reception level determination unit 414, and a time update permission unit 415. The sampling unit 411 samples the output from the receiving unit 302 at a constant cycle (for example, 32 Hz). Then, the data determination unit 412 determines “0”, “1”, “P” or an error from the sampling result. In addition, it is determined whether noise is included, and if there is an error or noise, it is output to the reception level determination unit 414 together.

  The decoding unit 413 generates time information using a format shown in FIG. 5 to be described later based on the determination result of “0”, “1”, and “P” codes. The reception level determination unit 414 counts the error / noise information from the data determination unit 412 and divides the level (for example, “H”, “M”, “L” in three stages or five stages). Further, the reception level may be divided according to the strength of the received radio wave according to the output of the gain control unit 405 of the reception unit 302, or both of them may be used.

  The time update permission unit 415 determines whether or not to update (correct) the time based on the reception level determined by the reception level determination unit 414 and the time information decoded by the decoding unit 413. Accordingly, the update of the time measured by the time measuring unit 301 is executed (/ not executed). In addition, a signal indicating that the reception is successful / failed (reception success / failure signal) is transmitted to the reception control unit 303 (reception ON / OFF unit 429 described later).

  The reception control unit 303 includes a specific date determination unit 421, a clock state management unit 422, a reception degree determination unit 425, and a reception ON / OFF unit 429. The specific date determination unit 421 determines the specific date based on the time counted by the time measuring unit 301. When the time measured by the time measuring unit 301 is UTC, the specific date in the home city is determined in consideration of the time difference from the time in the home city, and information on the determination result is transmitted to the reception degree determining unit 425. Details of the specific date will be described later (see FIGS. 6 and 8).

  The watch state management unit 422 includes a power generation detection unit 423 and a voltage detection unit 424. Specifically, the watch state management unit 422 realizes its function by, for example, the charge control circuit 215 and the microcomputer IC 200 shown in FIG. The power generation detection unit 423 detects whether the power generation means (for example, the solar cell 213 shown in FIG. 2) is in a power generation state or a non-power generation state. Then, based on the detection result of the power generation detection unit 423, the clock state management unit 422 switches to the power saving state when non-power generation continues for a predetermined time, and transmits information regarding the switched state to the reception degree determination unit 425.

  The voltage detection unit 424 detects the voltage (value) of the secondary battery 214. Then, as a result of detection by the voltage detection unit 424, the clock state management unit 422 is normal when the voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined value stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, the RAM 201, the ROM 202, etc. shown in FIG. 2). An operating state is established, and a power saving state is established when the voltage is less than a predetermined value. In addition, the clock state management unit 422 updates the charge amount display or limits the function (write or alarm prohibition) based on the voltage value detected from the voltage detection unit 424.

  The reception level determination unit 425 determines the reception level based on the information regarding the switched state received from the clock state management unit 422, that is, whether it is a normal operation state or a power saving state. In addition, the reception degree determination unit 425 determines the reception degree based on information regarding the determination result received from the specific date determination unit 421 in a normal operation state, that is, whether it is a specific date. Specifically, the reception degree determining unit 425 realizes its function by, for example, the microcomputer IC 200 shown in FIG.

  The degree of reception includes a reception interval 426, the number of receptions 427, and a reception time 428. The smaller the reception interval 426, the higher the reception level. Further, the degree of reception increases as the number of receptions 427 increases. In addition, the longer the reception time 428, the greater the reception degree.

  The reception ON / OFF unit 429 receives the signal based on the reception start signal from the reception degree determination unit 425 and the reception success / failure signal from the time update permission unit 415, or by pressing the switch unit 211 shown in FIG. Start and end. Specifically, the reception ON / OFF unit 429 realizes its function by, for example, the microcomputer IC 200 shown in FIG.

(Contents of transmission data format)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the format of standard radio wave transmission data. In FIG. 5, time data is transmitted at 1 bit / second for 1 frame, and within this frame, “minute”, “hour”, “integrated date” from January 1, “year” 2 Information such as digits and "day of the week (Sun)" is included.

  The transmitted data includes a marker “P” code in addition to “0” and “1”. There are several “P” codes in one frame, and appear at the minute (0 seconds), 9 seconds, 19 seconds, 29 seconds, 39 seconds, 49 seconds, and 59 seconds. The “P” code appears only once at 59 seconds and 0 seconds in one frame, and the position where this “P” code appears is the minute position. That is, the time data such as the minute / hour data has a position in the frame determined based on the position of the minute part. Therefore, in order to extract the time data, it is necessary to detect the position of the minute part first.

  Thereafter, for each bit transmitted every second, it is determined by detecting the waveform which data among the above three types. Therefore, the longer the reception time, the more accurate the time information. Usually, it is about 3 to 10 minutes. That is, since one frame is transmitted in one minute, the accuracy of the time information is increased by repeatedly receiving the frame.

  Further, as described above, the reception time may be a time until halfway in one frame, not a time for receiving a plurality of frames. As described above, the reception time is proportional to the amount of data received. Therefore, the reception degree information storage unit 305 stores a plurality of predetermined reception times of standard radio waves, that is, a single reception data amount (“reception data amount”) of standard radio waves, and a reception degree determination unit. 425 may select any one of the plurality of received data amounts, and receive the standard radio wave by the selected received data amount. Then, the receiving unit 302 may receive the standard radio wave for the selected received data amount.

  There are two operation states, a normal operation state and a power saving state in which the power consumption of the secondary battery 214 is lower than that in the normal operation state, and the reception unit 302 receives the second received data amount in the normal operation state. The first received data amount that is smaller than the second received data amount may be selected in the power saving state.

  Further, as a result of detection by the voltage detection unit 424, the reception unit 302 selects the second reception data amount when the voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and selects the first reception data amount when the voltage is lower than the predetermined value. May be.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the amount of received data is only 10 seconds after detecting only seconds (only two consecutive “P” codes are detected) and seconds and minutes (detecting two consecutive “P” codes). (Only detection of 10 seconds), only seconds, minutes and hours (after detecting “P” code twice consecutively, only detection of about 20 bits (20 seconds)) and until the integration date (continuous twice “ After detection of P ”code, only detection of about 34 bits (34 seconds), up to the year (after detection of two consecutive“ P ”codes, only detection of about 50 bits (50 seconds)), until the day of the week (Only the detection of 53 bits (53 seconds) after the detection of “P” code which continues twice) is the amount of data that can be detected. Therefore, the reception time may be less than 1 minute.

(Content on a specific day)
Next, the contents of a specific day will be described. In the present invention, for example, a specific date is a date that can be expected to increase in the number of data that is changed (updated) in the timekeeping unit 301 due to the transmission data of the standard radio wave received relative to the time data currently held in the timekeeping unit 301, for example. Or a date when important data can be expected to be updated. More specifically, first, a predetermined day of the week can be set as the specific day. This makes it possible to correct the time more accurately than usual at least once a week. In particular, the predetermined day of the week may be Sunday. In general, in a country where daylight saving time is implemented, the start date and the end date of daylight saving time are generally Sundays. Therefore, by performing the reception operation with Sunday as a specific day, it is possible to correct the time accurately reflecting the daylight saving time. That is, in this case, Sunday is a date on which important data (summer time information) can be expected to be updated.

  In addition, the specific date is not limited to Sunday, and in order to confirm the change (change) of the format of transmission data due to daylight saving time, the specific date is set to 2 days every week, Saturday and Sunday. Also good.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the day of the week and the format of transmission data. As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission data specifies the day of the week using 3 bits of the 51st bit (“4”), the 52nd bit (“2”), and the 53rd bit (“1”). In FIG. 6, these three bits are “0”, “0”, “0” ”on Sunday,“ 0 ”,“ 0 ”,“ 1 ””,. . . Saturday is “1”, “1”, “0”. Therefore, whether or not it is Sunday can be recognized from this data bit (“0”, “0”, “0”).

  Also, there are cases where the data bit relating to the day of the week is not provided as in the US transmission format (not shown). In such a case, the day of the week can be calculated from the “year” data and the “integrated date” data.

  Moreover, a predetermined integration day can be set as the specific day. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between a predetermined integration date and the format of transmission data. As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission data includes the 23rd bit (“200”), the 24th bit (“100”), the 26th bit (“80”),. . . The integration date is specified using 10 bits of the 34th bit (“1”) (12 bits including the 25th bit (“0”) and the 30th bit (“P”)).

  In FIG. 7, the integration date (for example, 200 days, 100 days, 80 days, 40 days, 20 days, 10 days) when each bit changes from “0” to “1” can be set as the specific day (8). Day, day 4, day 2 and day 1 may be designated as specific days, but may not be included from the viewpoint of power saving). In addition to the accumulated date, for example, 300 days, 180 days, 120 days,. . . For example, a day based on the combination of the accumulated dates as a specific day may be included. In this case, the specific date is a date that can be expected to increase the number of data to be changed (updated) in the time measuring unit 301. Therefore, if an error occurs in the received data due to the influence of noise or the like, the error is indicated as a time update permission unit. The probability of being detected at 415 is increased, thereby increasing the effect of preventing erroneous reception.

  In addition, the first day or the first day of every month can be set as the specific day. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the date, the integration date, and the format of the transmission data. As shown in FIG. 8, the first day of each month (the first day of each year is “January 1”) can be calculated from the accumulated date. The year information changes on the first day of each year, and the month information changes on the first day of every month, so that it is suitable for confirming whether or not the standard radio wave is correctly received.

(Content of degree information)
Next, the contents of the degree information will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the content of the reception degree information. In FIG. 9, the degree information includes a reception interval (interval until the next reception when reception fails), the number of receptions (maximum number of receptions per day), and a reception time (one reception operation (reception start) To the end of reception)).

  In the present invention, the degree information is not limited to these, and the number of receiving stations (number of received frequencies) executed in one reception operation may be changed. In FIG. 9, when comparing the first mode (in a normal operation state and other than a specific day) and the second mode (in a normal operation state and a specific day), the second mode is more than the first mode. The degree should be large. That is, (degree of the first mode) <(degree of the second mode) may be satisfied.

  In the first embodiment, in order to increase the degree, it corresponds to at least one of “the reception interval is narrowed”, “the reception frequency is increased”, and “the reception time is increased”. do it. Therefore, as long as at least one of them is applicable, the others may be equal, and conversely become smaller (“the reception interval becomes wider”, “the reception frequency decreases”, “the reception time becomes shorter”). May be.

  Further, the content of the degree information can be changed depending on the specific date. In other words, on the first day of every month and every Sunday, even if it is the same specific day, it may be possible to receive on time according to different degrees. The stored information may be arbitrarily changed. As a result, a more appropriate degree of reception can be obtained for each user.

(Operation details of the radio-controlled watch)
Next, an example of the operation content of the radio-controlled timepiece will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the operation of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, first, it is determined whether or not a normal operation state is set (step S1001). Here, when it is not the normal operation state, that is, when it is in the power saving state (step S1001: No), the power saving mode is entered.

  In step S1001, when it is a normal operation state (step S1001: Yes), it is next determined whether it is a specific day (step S1002). Here, when it is not a specific day (step S1002: No), scheduled reception is executed in the first mode shown in FIG. 9 (step S1003), and a series of processes is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is a specific date in step S1002 (step S1002: Yes), scheduled reception is executed in the second mode shown in FIG. 9 (step S1004), and the series of processes is terminated. In this way, scheduled reception is executed in each mode.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the contents of the reception degree information, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the operation of the radio-controlled clock in accordance with the contents of the reception degree information of FIG. The content of the reception degree information in FIG. 11 consists only of whether or not to execute the scheduled reception process after successful scheduled reception on that day. However, the reception interval, the number of receptions, and the reception time when performing regular reception may be changed depending on the mode.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 12, at the predetermined time (first scheduled reception time) after the date is changed (0:00 am) at the time measured by the time measuring unit 301 (considering the time difference from the home city). It is determined whether or not (step S1201). If the predetermined time is reached after waiting for the predetermined time (step S1201: Yes), the scheduled reception process is executed (step S1202).

  Then, it is determined whether the reception process is successful (step S1203). If the reception process is successful (step S1203: Yes), the time update process is executed based on the successfully received standard radio wave (step S1204), and the process proceeds to step S1205. On the other hand, if the reception process is not successful (step S1203: No), nothing is done and the process proceeds to step S1205.

  Next, in step S1205, it is determined whether or not it is the last predetermined time (step S1205). Here, when it is not the last predetermined time (step S1205: No), it is determined whether the said day is a specific day (step S1206). Here, if it is not a specific day (step S1206: No), a series of processes will be complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is a specific day (step S1206: Yes), the process proceeds to step S1201 without ending the process.

  Then, it waits for the next predetermined time (step S1201). The migration repeats each step of steps S1201 to S1206. In step S1205, if it is the last predetermined time (step S1205: Yes), the series of processing ends. As described above, only on a specific day (for example, Sunday), even after the scheduled reception is successful, by repeatedly performing the reception process at a predetermined time, the time update (correction) process can be more reliably performed on the specific day. it can. In other words, in this case, since Sunday is the day when important data (daylight saving time information) can be expected to be updated, even if it is in a power saving state, the reception operation is executed on the specific day when important data is expected to be updated. By doing this, even in the power saving state, the time measuring unit 301 can measure the accurate time without overlooking important data updates.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the time measuring unit 301 that measures time, the receiving unit 302 that receives a standard radio wave including time information, and the receiving unit 302 automatically execute the standard radio wave receiving operation. The reception control unit 303 that controls the degree of the reception operation such as the reception interval, the number of receptions, the reception time applied to one reception operation, and the time (hereinafter referred to as “timed time”) timed by the time measuring unit 301 are standard radio waves. And a time adjustment unit 304 that corrects based on the reception unit so that the reception control unit 303 receives the standard radio wave at a degree larger than the degree other than the specific day on at least a specific day based on the time measurement time. 302 is controlled.

  As a result, the standard radio wave can be received more reliably at an appropriate timing by increasing the degree of the scheduled reception operation on a specific day in the normal operation state, and thereby, on the specific day in the normal operation state. By receiving the standard radio wave at an appropriate timing, the time can be corrected reliably.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the number of reception operations performed on one day by the reception unit 302 is different between a specific day and a day other than the specific day (for example, the specific day is other than the specific day). Therefore, the standard radio wave can be successfully received more reliably.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the reception degree information storage unit 305 that stores a plurality of reception times in a single standard radio wave reception operation by the reception unit 302 so as to be different between a specific day and a day other than the specific day. Since it is provided, the reception time can be set based on the stored information. The stored information can be arbitrarily changed.

  In the first embodiment, the reception degree information storage unit 305 stores the first reception time and the second reception time longer than the first reception time, and the reception control unit 303 receives the reception unit 302. However, since the reception operation is performed at the first reception time on a day other than the specific day and the reception operation is performed at the second reception time on the specific day, the standard radio wave reception process should be performed more reliably. Can do. In particular, it is possible to appropriately detect the change of daylight saving time and reflect it to correct the time.

  In the first embodiment, since the specific day is a predetermined day of the week (for example, Sunday), the start and end of daylight saving time can be appropriately handled without delay. Further, in the first embodiment, since the specific day is a predetermined integration day (for example, the first day of each year, the first day of every month), it is possible to appropriately grasp the change in the data of the transmission format.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, a radio-controlled timepiece according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Note that the external appearance of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the second embodiment, the hardware configuration of the radio-controlled clock, the contents of the format of the transmission data, and the contents of the specific date are shown in FIG. ), Hardware configuration (see FIG. 2), contents of transmission data format (see FIG. 5), contents of specific date (see FIGS. 6 to 8), description thereof Is omitted.

(Functional configuration of radio-controlled clock)
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the reception unit 1302, the reception control unit 1303, and the time adjustment unit 1304 of FIG. In FIG. 13, the radio-controlled timepiece 100 includes a time measuring unit 1301, a receiving unit 1302, a reception control unit 1303, a time correcting unit 1304, a reception degree information storage unit 1305, and a time zone selecting unit 1306. It has become.

  The timekeeping unit 1301 keeps time (specifically UTC) in the same manner as the timekeeping unit 301 of FIG. 3 shown in the first embodiment. Specifically, the time measuring unit 1301 can realize its function by, for example, the reference signal generating unit 206 and the counter unit 207 shown in FIG.

  Then, based on the time measured by the time measuring unit 1301 (hereinafter referred to as “timed time”), the time in a desired time zone is displayed. Specifically, for example, the motor drive circuit 203, the motor 204, the train wheel 205 shown in FIG. 2 and the pointers 101 to 103 shown in FIG. 1 or the liquid crystal drive circuit 216, the first digital display unit 113, the second digital The display function is realized by the display unit 114, the LED drive circuit 218, the LED 217, the alarm drive circuit 220, the alarm 219, or the like.

  The receiving unit 1302 receives a standard radio wave including time information, like the time measuring unit 302 of FIG. 3 described in Embodiment 1. Specifically, the receiving unit 1302 realizes its function by, for example, the receiving circuit 210 shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the receiving unit 1302 includes an amplification unit 1401, a filter unit 1402, a detection unit 1403, an AD conversion unit 1404, a gain control unit 1405, and the like.

  Similarly to the timing unit 303 of FIG. 3 shown in the first embodiment, the reception control unit 1303 automatically receives the standard radio wave by the receiving unit 1302, so-called “scheduled reception (detailed contents in the first embodiment). The description is omitted, and the description thereof is omitted.) Controls the degree of reception operation such as the reception interval for executing "the number of receptions, the reception time required for one reception operation, the number of reception stations that perform the reception operation, etc." . Specifically, the reception control unit 1303 realizes its function by, for example, the microcomputer IC 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 executing programs stored in the RAM 201 and the ROM 202.

  The operation state has two operation states of a normal operation state and a power saving state in which power consumption is lower than that of the normal operation state. The reception control unit 1303 receives the standard radio wave in the power saving state. The degree of reception operation is controlled such that the power consumption related to the power consumption is smaller than the power consumption in the normal operation state (for example, the reception control unit 1303 receives the reception when the standard radio wave reception operation is performed in the power saving state). The interval is set to be longer than the reception interval in the normal operation state), and at least on a specific day based on the timekeeping time, the standard radio wave has such a degree that the power consumption is larger than the reception operation in the power saving state. Control to receive.

  In addition, in the power saving state, the reception control unit 1303 controls the degree of the reception operation so that the power consumption related to the reception of the standard radio wave is smaller than the power consumption in the normal operation state, and at least at the time measurement time. On the specified date, the standard radio wave is transmitted to the same degree as the reception operation in the normal operation state, that is, approximately the same degree, or the power consumption is larger than the reception operation in the normal operation state. Control to receive. Details regarding the contents of the degree will be described later (see FIG. 15).

  The time correction unit 1304 corrects the time measured by the timekeeping unit 1301 based on the standard radio wave. Therefore, when the reception unit 1302 fails to receive the standard radio wave, the timekeeping time is not corrected. Specifically, the time correction unit 1304 realizes its function by the microcomputer IC 200 shown in FIG. 2 executing programs stored in the RAM 201 and the ROM 202, for example.

  The reception degree information storage unit 1305 stores a plurality of reception times from the start of reception to the end of reception in one reception operation of the standard radio wave by the reception unit 1302 so as to differ between the normal operation state and the power saving state. Specifically, the reception degree information storage unit 1305 realizes its function by, for example, the RAM 201 and the ROM 202 shown in FIG.

  The reception degree information storage unit 1305 stores, for example, a first reception time (for example, about 10 minutes) and a second reception time (for example, about 3 minutes) shorter than the first reception time. The reception control unit 1303 controls the reception unit 1302 to execute the reception operation at the first reception time in the normal operation state and to execute the reception operation at the second reception time in the power saving state. To do. Then, the reception control unit 1303 controls the reception unit 1302 to execute the reception operation at the first reception time (about 10 minutes) on the specific day in the power saving state.

  The reception time (time from the start of reception to the end of reception) is set to "about". The reason is that the transmission format is started from 0 seconds (minute) and every minute until the minute reaches the minute. This is because time varies.

  The reception degree information storage unit 1305 stores a third reception time (for example, 5 minutes) longer than the second reception time (for example, 3 minutes), and the reception control unit 1303 has the reception unit 1302 in the power saving state. Control may be performed so that the reception operation is executed at the third reception time on a specific day. Furthermore, the third reception time may be a reception time (for example, 12 minutes) longer than the first reception time.

  The time zone selection unit 1306 selects one arbitrary time zone (home city) from a plurality of time zones in the world. The time zone selection unit 1306 functions by the switch unit 211 shown in FIG. 2 (more specifically, for example, the crown 115 and the plurality of operation buttons 116 and 117 shown in FIG. 1) and the switch control circuit 212. Can be realized. The selected desired time zone is displayed by the abbreviation of the city name on the second digital display unit 114 shown in FIG. Moreover, it can also be notified by the country name (USA, GER, JPN) indicated by the charging / station selection hand 110 of the charging / station selection indicator 109.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the reception unit 1302, the reception control unit 1303, and the time correction unit 1304 of FIG. In FIG. 14, the amplification unit 1401 of the reception unit 1302 amplifies the signal received by the antenna 208. Further, the filter unit 1402 of the receiving unit 1302 removes components other than the desired frequencies (40 kHz, 60 kHz, 77.5 kHz). In addition, the detection unit 1403 of the reception unit 1302 detects the received standard radio wave. The AD conversion unit 1404 of the reception unit 1302 converts the detection output into a digital output. Further, the gain control unit 1405 of the reception unit 1302 automatically adjusts the amplification factor.

  The time correction unit 1304 includes a sampling unit 1411, a data determination unit 1412, a decoding unit 1413, a reception level determination unit 1414, and a time update permission unit 1415. The sampling unit 1411 samples the output from the receiving unit 1302 at a constant period (for example, 32 Hz). Then, the data determination unit 1412 determines “0”, “1”, “P” or an error from the sampling result. In addition, it is determined whether noise is included, and if there is an error or noise, it is also output to the reception level determination unit 1414.

  The decoding unit 1413 generates time information using a format shown in FIG. 5 to be described later based on the determination result of “0”, “1”, and “P” codes. The reception level determination unit 1414 counts the error / noise information from the data determination unit 1412 and divides the level (for example, “H”, “M”, “L” in three stages or five stages). Further, the reception level may be divided according to the strength of the received radio wave according to the output of the gain control unit 1405 of the receiving unit 1302, or both of them may be used.

  Based on the reception level determined by the reception level determination unit 1414 and the time information decoded by the decoding unit 1413, the time update permission unit 1415 determines whether or not to update (correct) the time. Accordingly, the update of the time measured by the time measuring unit 1301 is executed (/ not executed). In addition, a signal indicating that the reception is successful / failed (reception success / failure signal) is transmitted to the reception control unit 1303 (reception ON / OFF unit 1429 described later).

  The reception control unit 1303 includes a specific date determination unit 1421, a clock state management unit 1422, a reception degree determination unit 1425, and a reception ON / OFF unit 1429. The specific date determination unit 1421 determines the specific date based on the time counted by the time measuring unit 1301. When the time measured by the time measuring unit 1301 is UTC, the specific date in the home city is determined in consideration of the time difference from the time in the home city, and information on the determination result is transmitted to the reception degree determining unit 1425. Details of the specific date will be described later (see FIGS. 6 and 8).

  The watch state management unit 1422 includes a power generation detection unit 1423 and a voltage detection unit 1424. Specifically, the clock state management unit 1422 realizes its function by, for example, the charge control circuit 215 and the microcomputer IC 200 shown in FIG. The power generation detection unit 1423 detects whether the power generation means (for example, the solar cell 213 shown in FIG. 2) is in a power generation state or a non-power generation state. Then, based on the detection result of the power generation detection unit 1423, the clock state management unit 1422 switches to the power saving state when non-power generation continues for a predetermined time, and transmits information regarding the switched state to the reception degree determination unit 1425.

  The voltage detection unit 1424 detects the voltage (value) of the secondary battery 214. The clock state management unit 1422 is normal when the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit 1424 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, the RAM 201 and the ROM 202 shown in FIG. 2). An operating state is established, and a power saving state is established when the voltage is less than a predetermined value. In addition, the clock state management unit 1422 updates the charge amount display or limits the function (write or alarm prohibition) based on the voltage value detected from the voltage detection unit 1424.

  The reception level determination unit 1425 determines the reception level based on the information regarding the switched state received from the clock state management unit 1422, that is, whether the normal operation state or the power saving state. In addition, the reception degree determination unit 1425 determines the reception degree based on the information regarding the determination result received from the specific day determination unit 1421 in the power saving state, that is, whether or not it is a specific day. Specifically, the reception degree determination unit 1425 realizes its function by, for example, the microcomputer IC 200 shown in FIG.

  The degree of reception includes a reception interval 426, the number of receptions 427, and a reception time 428. The smaller the reception interval 426, the higher the reception level. Further, the degree of reception increases as the number of receptions 427 increases. In addition, the longer the reception time 428, the greater the reception degree.

  The reception ON / OFF unit 1429 receives the signal based on the reception start signal from the reception degree determination unit 1425 and the reception success / failure signal from the time update permission unit 1415 or by pressing the switch unit 211 shown in FIG. Start and end. Specifically, the reception ON / OFF unit 1429 realizes its function by, for example, the microcomputer IC 200 shown in FIG.

(Content of degree information)
Next, the contents of the degree information will be described. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the content of the reception degree information. In FIG. 15, the degree information includes the reception interval (interval until the next reception when reception fails), the number of receptions (maximum number of receptions per day), and the reception time (one reception operation (reception start) To the end of reception)).

  In the present invention, the degree information is not limited to these, and the number of receiving stations (number of received frequencies) executed in one reception operation may be changed. In FIG. 15, when the first mode (normal operation state) and the second mode (power saving state) are compared, the first mode only needs to be greater than the second mode. In addition, when the second mode (power saving state / non-specific date) is compared with the third mode (power saving state / specific date), the third mode only needs to have a greater degree than the second mode. The degree of the first mode and the third mode may be any. Still, the first mode and the third mode may have the same degree.

  That is, (degree of the first mode)> (degree of the second mode) and (degree of the second mode) <(degree of the third mode) may be satisfied.

  In the second embodiment, in order to increase the degree, it corresponds to at least any one of “the reception interval is narrowed”, “the reception frequency is increased”, and “the reception time is increased”. do it. Therefore, as long as at least one of them is applicable, the others may be equal, and conversely become smaller (“the reception interval becomes wider”, “the reception frequency decreases”, “the reception time becomes shorter”). May be.

  The stored information may be arbitrarily changed. As a result, a more appropriate degree of reception can be obtained for each user.

(Operation details of the radio-controlled watch)
Next, an example of the operation content of the radio-controlled timepiece will be described. FIGS. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the contents of the operation of the radio-controlled timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 16, first, in a normal operation state, whether or not a condition for shifting to a power saving state (whether the solar cell 213 is in a non-power generation state or the voltage value of the secondary battery 214 is less than a predetermined value) is satisfied. Judgment is made (step S1601).

  Here, when the transition condition is not satisfied (step S1601: No), the normal operation state is maintained as it is. On the other hand, when satisfy | filling the said transfer conditions (step S1601: Yes), a power saving state is transferred (step S1602). When the power saving state does not satisfy the condition for transition to the normal operation state (the solar cell 213 is in the power generation state or the voltage value of the secondary battery 214 is at least a predetermined value or more) (step S1603: No). The power saving state is maintained as it is.

  On the other hand, when the condition for transition to the normal operation state is satisfied (step S1603: Yes), the state shifts to the normal operation state (step S1604), and the process returns to step S1601. In this way, the transition from the normal operation state to the power saving state or the transition from the power saving state to the normal operation state is repeated.

  In FIG. 17, first, it is determined whether or not a normal operation state is set (step S1701). Here, when it is a normal operation state (step S1701: Yes), scheduled reception is executed in the first mode shown in FIG. 15 (step S1702), and the process returns to step S1701.

  In step S1701, when it is not a normal operation state, that is, in a power saving state (step S1701: No), it is next determined whether or not it is a specific day (step S1703). If it is a specific day (step S1703: YES), scheduled reception is executed in the third mode shown in FIG. 15 (step S1704), and the process returns to step S1701.

  In step S1703, if it is not a specific day (step S1703: No), scheduled reception is executed in the second mode shown in FIG. 15 (step S1705), and the process returns to step S1701. In this way, scheduled reception is executed in each mode.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the contents of the reception degree information, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the operation of the radio-controlled clock in accordance with the contents of the reception degree information of FIG. The content of the reception degree information in FIG. 18 consists only of whether or not the scheduled reception process is executed on that day. However, the reception interval, the number of receptions, and the reception time when performing regular reception may be changed depending on the mode.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 19, when the date is changed (0:00 am) at the time measured by the time measuring unit 1301 (considering the time difference from the home city), it is determined whether or not the power saving state is set (step S1901). ). Here, in the power saving state (step S1901: Yes), it is next determined whether or not it is a specific day (for example, Sunday) (step S1902). Here, when it is not a specific day (step S1902: No), 2nd mode is applied and a series of processes are complete | finished without doing anything. Therefore, scheduled reception is not executed.

  When the power saving state is not set in step S1901, that is, in the normal operation state (step S1901: No), it is determined whether or not the first mode is applied and then the predetermined time set in advance as the scheduled reception is reached. (Step S1903). Here, after the predetermined time is reached, if the predetermined time is reached (step S1903: Yes), the reception process is executed (step S1904).

  Then, it is determined whether the reception process is successful (step S1905). If the reception process is successful (step S1905: Yes), the time update process is executed based on the standard radio wave that has been successfully received (step S1906), and the series of processes ends. If reception fails in step S1905 (step S1905: No), it is determined whether or not the current predetermined time is the last predetermined time (step S1907).

  If it is not the last predetermined time in step S1907 (step S1907: No), the process returns to step S1903, and thereafter, the processes in steps S1903 to S1907 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, in step S1907, when it is the last predetermined time (step S1907: Yes), a series of processing is ended.

  In step S1902, when it is a specific day (for example, Sunday) (step S1902: Yes), the third mode is applied, and the process proceeds to step S1903. Thereafter, similarly to the first mode, the processes in steps S1903 to S1907 are executed. As described above, in the power saving state, the scheduled reception is executed only on a specific day (for example, Sunday), and the scheduled reception is not performed on the other days, so that the power saving can be efficiently performed. In other words, in this case, since Sunday is the day when important data (daylight saving time information) can be expected to be updated, even if it is in a power saving state, the reception operation is executed on the specific day when important data is expected to be updated. By doing this, even in the power saving state, the time measuring unit 1301 can measure the accurate time without overlooking important data updates.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the time measuring unit 1301 for measuring time, the receiving unit 1302 for receiving the standard radio wave including time information, and the receiving unit 1302 automatically execute the standard radio wave receiving operation. The reception control unit 1303 that controls the degree of reception operation such as the reception interval, the number of receptions, the reception time applied to one reception operation, and the time measured by the time measuring unit 1301 (hereinafter referred to as “timed time”) are standard radio waves. And a time correction unit 1304 that corrects based on the above.

  Then, there are two operation states, a normal operation state and a power saving state that consumes less power than the normal operation state. In the power saving state, the reception control unit 1303 has power consumption related to reception of standard radio waves. The degree of reception operation is controlled so as to be smaller than the power consumption in the normal operation state, and the power consumption is larger than the degree of reception operation in the power saving state at least on a specific day based on the time measurement time. Control to receive the standard radio wave at a moderate level.

  In Embodiment 2, the reception control unit 1303 controls the degree of the reception operation so that the power consumption related to the reception of the standard radio wave is smaller than the power consumption in the normal operation state in the power saving state. , At least on a specific day based on the clock time, receive the standard radio wave at a level equivalent to the reception operation in the normal operation state or the power consumption is larger than the reception operation in the normal operation state To control.

  As a result, in the power saving state, the standard radio wave can be received at an appropriate timing in the power saving state by increasing the degree on the specific day while reducing power consumption by reducing the degree of the scheduled reception operation. This makes it possible to obtain a radio-controlled timepiece that can more accurately maintain the timekeeping time while executing power saving.

  Further, in Embodiment 2, the reception control unit 1303 performs more power saving by making the reception interval when executing the standard radio wave reception operation in the power saving state longer than the reception interval in the normal operation state. be able to.

  Further, in the second embodiment, the reception level for storing a plurality of reception times from the start of reception to the end of reception in one reception operation of the standard radio wave by the reception unit 1302 so as to be different between the normal operation state and the power saving state. Since the information storage unit 1305 is provided, the reception time can be set based on the stored information. The stored information can be arbitrarily changed.

  In the second embodiment, the reception degree information storage unit 1305 stores the first reception time and the second reception time shorter than the first reception time, and the reception control unit 1303 receives the reception unit 1302. However, in the normal operation state, the reception operation is executed at the first reception time, and in the power saving state, the reception operation is executed at the second reception time, so that the power saving can be surely executed. it can.

  In Embodiment 2, the reception control unit 1303 controls the reception unit 1302 to execute the reception operation at the first reception time on a specific day in the power saving state, so that the standard radio wave reception process can be performed more reliably. Can be done.

  In the second embodiment, the reception degree information storage unit 1305 stores a third reception time longer than the second reception time, the reception control unit 1303 receives the specific date in the power saving state, Control is performed so that the reception operation is performed at the third reception time, and the third reception time is longer than the first reception time, so that the standard radio wave reception process is performed more reliably. Can do. In particular, it is possible to appropriately detect the change of daylight saving time and reflect it to correct the time.

  In the second embodiment, the time zone selection unit 1306 that selects any one time zone from a plurality of time zones in the world is provided, and the reception control unit 1303 selects the time selected by the time zone selection unit 1306. Since the reception interval is controlled based on the band, it is possible to execute the reception of the standard radio wave at a more appropriate time in consideration of the time difference between each time slot (home city) and the time measurement (UTC).

  In the second embodiment, since the specific day is a predetermined day of the week (for example, Sunday), the start and end of daylight saving time can be appropriately handled without delay. In the second embodiment, since the specific date is a predetermined integration date (for example, the first day of each year, the first day of every month), it is possible to appropriately grasp the change in the data of the transmission format.

  Although the wristwatch has been described in the first embodiment, the radio-controlled timepiece includes all types of timepieces such as a wristwatch, a pocket watch, a wall clock, and a table clock. In addition, portable information terminal devices such as cameras, digital cameras, digital video cameras, game machines, mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), notebook personal computers, etc., which have a pointer-type display function, and home Electronic devices including electrical appliances and automobiles may be used.

  As described above, the present invention is useful for a radio-controlled timepiece, and is particularly suitable for a radio-controlled timepiece having a world clock function and receiving standard radio waves in a plurality of time zones.

Claims (19)

A time measuring means for measuring time;
A receiving means for receiving a standard radio wave including time information;
A reception control means for controlling the degree of reception operation such as a reception interval, the number of times of reception, a reception time applied to one reception operation, and the like.
Time correcting means for correcting the time measured by the time measuring means based on the standard radio wave;
With
The radio wave correction characterized in that the reception control means controls the reception means so as to receive the standard radio wave at a degree larger than a degree other than the specific day at least on a specific day based on the clock time. clock.   2. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the number of receptions of reception operations performed on one day by the receiving unit is different between the specific date and a date other than the specific date.   3. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 2, wherein the specific date is more frequently received than days other than the specific date.   A reception degree information storage unit that stores a plurality of reception times in the reception operation of the standard radio wave by the reception unit once so that the specific day differs from a day other than the specific day is provided. The radio wave correction watch according to claim 1. The reception degree information storage means stores a first reception time and a second reception time longer than the first reception time,
The reception control means executes the reception operation at the first reception time on a day other than the specific day and the reception operation at the second reception time on the specific day. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 2, wherein the radio-controlled timepiece is controlled as follows. It has two operating states, a normal operating state and a power saving state that consumes less power than the normal operating state,
The reception control means controls the degree of the reception operation so that the power consumption related to reception of the standard radio wave is smaller than the power consumption in the normal operation state in the power saving state, and at least the 2. The control according to claim 1, wherein the standard radio wave is controlled to be received on a specific date based on a clock time so that the power consumption is larger than a reception operation in the power saving state. Radio correction watch.   The reception control means controls the degree of the reception operation so that the power consumption related to reception of the standard radio wave is smaller than the power consumption in the normal operation state in the power saving state, and at least the On a specific day based on the clock time, the standard radio wave is transmitted in such a degree that the power consumption is larger than the reception operation in the normal operation state or the reception operation in the normal operation state. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 6, wherein the radio-controlled timepiece is controlled to receive.   The radio wave according to claim 6, wherein the reception control unit makes a reception interval when performing the reception operation of the standard radio wave in the power saving state longer than the reception interval in the normal operation state. Correction clock.   Reception degree information storage means for storing a plurality of the reception times from the reception start to the reception end in one reception operation of the standard radio wave by the reception means, so that the normal operation state and the power saving state are different. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 6, further comprising: The reception degree information storage means stores a first reception time and a second reception time shorter than the first reception time,
The reception control means causes the reception means to execute a reception operation at the first reception time in the normal operation state and to execute a reception operation at the second reception time in the power saving state. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 9, wherein the radio-controlled timepiece is controlled.   11. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 10, wherein the reception control unit controls the reception unit to perform a reception operation at the first reception time on the specific date in the power saving state. The reception degree information storage means stores a third reception time longer than the second reception time,
11. The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 10, wherein the reception control unit controls the reception unit to execute a reception operation at the third reception time on the specific date in the power saving state.   The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 12, wherein the third reception time is a reception time longer than the first reception time. A time zone selection means for selecting any one time zone from a plurality of time zones in the world,
The radio wave correction timepiece according to claim 6, wherein the reception control unit controls the reception interval based on the time zone selected by the time zone selection unit.   The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the specific day is a predetermined day of the week.   The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined day of the week is Sunday.   The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the specific date is a predetermined integrated date.   The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the specific date is the first day of every year.   The radio-controlled timepiece according to claim 1, wherein the specific date is the first day of every month.

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