Display device and display action control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device and a display action control method. The display device comprises: a display that performs digital display; a sensor that detects the use of the device by a user; and a processor, wherein the processor makes the digital display of the display become a predetermined screen burn-in prevention state in a set first time period, and when the sensor detects the use in a second time period including the first time period, the processor terminates the screen burn-in prevention state and changes the data related to the setting of the first time period.

Description

[0001] The present invention is a divisional application with application date of September 9, 2020, application number 2020109437071, and invention name “Display device and display action control method”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a display device and a display action control method. Background Art

[0003] There is a display device that drives and controls a digital display screen in which display elements that perform dot display are arranged to perform various displays. In this display device, if the same display content is continuously displayed at the same position for a long time, a so-called screen burn-in such as an afterimage or a normal image may occur depending on the type of the display element, causing problems in subsequent displays.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-53442 discloses a technique for eliminating polarity imbalance by applying a voltage corresponding to an inverted image that erases the display content of the liquid crystal when the display is turned off, when display is continued for a long time on a liquid crystal display screen. Summary of the invention

[0005] The display device of this embodiment includes: a display that performs digital display; a sensor that detects the user's use of the device; and a processor, which causes the digital display of the display to become a predetermined burn-in prevention state during a set first time period, and when the sensor detects use during a second time period including the first time period, the processor terminates the burn-in prevention state and changes data related to the setting of the first time period. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is a front view of the electronic timepiece which is the display device of the first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the functional structure of an electronic timepiece.

[0008] Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 3c It is a diagram showing a change pattern of the setting related to the time period for turning off the display.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a changeable pattern of settings related to a time period for turning off display.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a display erasing control process executed in the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing another example of a display related to preventing screen burn-in on the display screen.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a display erasing control process executed in the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 9 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of an electronic timepiece according to a third embodiment.

[0015] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing an example of the content of the usage frequency information.

[0016] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a display erasing control process executed in the electronic timepiece according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] [First embodiment]

[0019] Figure 1 It is a front view of the electronic timepiece 1 which is the display device of the first embodiment.

[0020] Here, the electronic timepiece 1 is an electronic wristwatch having a main body 10 and a belt 20. The main body 10 includes a display screen 11, a push button switch 12, and the like.

[0021] The display screen 11 performs display (digital display). The digital display may be a dot matrix type or a segment type or a combination thereof. In addition, the display screen 11 may be a screen (memory in pixel) that maintains the display state even if no update operation is performed once it is driven to perform a certain display.

[0022] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the electronic timepiece 1 .

[0023] The electronic timepiece 1 includes a CPU 41 (Central Processing Unit) (processor), a memory 42 , a display unit 43 , an operation receiving unit 44 , a motion sensor 45 , an oscillation circuit 46 , a frequency division circuit 47 , a timing circuit 48 (timing unit) and the like.

[0024] The CPU 41 is a processor that performs various calculations and performs operation control processing. The CPU 41 performs a display erasure control process described later.

[0025] The memory 42 includes a random access memory (RAM) and a non-volatile memory. The RAM provides a working memory space for the CPU 41 and stores temporary data. The non-volatile memory stores and saves setting data and various programs. The non-volatile memory may also include a non-rewritable mask ROM. The memory 42 stores a switching setting 421. The switching setting 421 is data related to the setting of the time period for turning off the display of the display screen 11, and the content will be described later.

[0026] The display unit 43 has the above-mentioned display screen 11, and digital display is performed on the display screen 11 according to the control of the CPU 41. The display content includes the current date and time (time). In addition, in addition to the display of the current time (date and time), or instead of the display of the current time (date and time), the CPU 41 can also make the display unit 43 perform various displays related to various other functions. In addition, a part of the display of the current date and time can also be temporarily removed, for example, a part or all of the display other than the time.

[0027] The operation receiving unit 44 has the above-mentioned button switch 12, detects an input operation from the outside and outputs it as an input signal to the CPU 41. The structure for receiving the input operation is not limited to the button switch 12. For example, the operation receiving unit 44 may also have a touch panel overlapped with the display screen 11, or may also have a crown.

[0028] The motion sensor 45 has a sensor for detecting the movement of the electronic timepiece 1. Examples of the sensor include an acceleration sensor and / or a tilt sensor. In addition, the motion sensor 45 may include an illumination sensor, which can detect the presence or absence of external light, particularly the presence or absence of lighting at night, to determine the usable state of the user.

[0029] The operation accepting unit 44 and the motion sensor 45 constitute a sensor 50 for detecting use of the electronic timepiece 1 (electronic timepiece 1 ) by a user in the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment.

[0030] The oscillation circuit 46 generates and outputs a predetermined frequency signal (clock signal). Here, the oscillation circuit 46 has, for example, a crystal oscillator. The frequency division circuit 47 receives the clock signal from the oscillation circuit 46, converts (divides) it into a desired frequency signal, and outputs it to the CPU 41 and the timing circuit 48. The converted and output frequencies may be multiple, and the setting may also be changed.

[0031] The timing circuit 48 counts the signal input from the frequency division circuit 47, counts the current date and time (time and date), and outputs it to the CPU 41. In addition, the CPU 41 counts the date and time with high precision, and the timing circuit 48 may also be an RTC (Real Time Clock) or the like. In this case, the CPU 41 is also included in the timing unit of the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment.

[0032] Furthermore, the electronic timepiece 1 may further include a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves with external equipment and / or a satellite radio wave receiving unit capable of receiving radio waves from a positioning satellite and performing positioning processing.

[0033] Next, control of the display erasing operation in the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0034] In principle, the date and time are continuously displayed in an electronic timepiece. However, in the electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment, a time period when the user is not using the timepiece is set, and the display is temporarily turned off for a predetermined length, here, 1 hour (predetermined screen burn-in prevention state). Even during the period when the display is turned off, if the user's use is detected, the normal display state is quickly restored.

[0035] In the electronic timepiece 1, as the initial setting of the time period (first time period) for turning off the display, "0:30 to 1:30" is stored in the switching setting 421. Whether the user actually uses the timepiece is determined based on the detection content of the motion sensor 45 and the operation detection of the operation receiving unit 44. For example, when the operation receiving unit 44 detects an operation, when the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor meets a predetermined reference, or when the tilt state detected by the tilt sensor changes, it is determined that the timepiece is used. When the situation where none of these situations occurs continues, it is determined that the timepiece is not used.

[0036] In the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment, control for turning off the display is performed in 1-hour units (units of length of the first time period). In the electronic timepiece 1, before the scheduled time of the start of the set time period set as the closed time period, here, detection of use begins from 1 hour ago, and when no use is continuously detected during the 1-hour period, the display is actually turned off for 1 hour. When use is detected before the end of the closed time period, the display is restored to the display state in the case of being closed, and then restarted from the detection of use within the next 1 hour. The detection of use can end at the same time as the end of the closed time period. That is, in the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment, the period from the scheduled time (1 hour) before the start of the closed time period to the end of the closed time period is used as the detection time period (second time period) for detecting the use.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a change pattern of settings related to a time period during which display is turned off.

[0038] In the electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment, Figure 3a As shown, if no use is continuously detected from a predetermined time before the time period when the display is turned off (elimination time Ts = t0 (starting time of the first time period) to restoration time Te = t0+1 (ending time of the first time period)), for example, 1 hour before (detection time Td = t0-1 (starting time of the second time period)), the display is turned off at the elimination time Ts as scheduled. If no use is detected between the elimination time Ts and the restoration time Te, the display continues to be turned off, and the display is turned on at the restoration time Te.

[0039] like Figure 3b As shown, when use is detected from the detection time Td to the elimination time Ts in the initial setting, the detection time Td, elimination time Ts and restoration time Te are all delayed by 1 hour. That is, the use detection is restarted at the detection time Td=t0 after the shift. If no use is detected for 1 hour, the elimination time Ts=t0+1, that is, the display is turned off for 1 hour from the original restoration time Te. From the next day, the display is turned off according to the changed setting time, that is, the detection time Td=t0, the elimination time Ts=t0+1, and the restoration time Te=t0+2.

[0040] like Figure 3c As shown, when no use is detected from the detection time Td to the elimination time Ts in the initial setting, but when use is detected during the period from the elimination of the display at the elimination time Ts to the restoration time Te (the first time period), the display is immediately restarted (the closed state is terminated). In this case, the detection time is changed to Td=t0+1 after a delay of 2 hours, and the action of closing the display with a delay of 2 hours from the original restoration time Te is repeated from the beginning. From the next day, the display is closed according to the set times after the change (movement setting), that is, detection time Td=t0+1, elimination time Ts=t0+2, and restoration time Te=t0+3. When use is detected again before or in the middle of the time period for closing the display after the movement setting, the setting of the closed time period (set time period) can be further changed.

[0041] As described above, in the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment, the time period for turning off the display is set later so that the detection time Td becomes after the current time.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an example of a changeable pattern of a time period in which display is turned off.

[0043] In this way, the setting of the time period for turning off the display is postponed in units of 1 hour (as mentioned above, it may be postponed for 2 hours at a time), but it is also possible to determine that the setting for turning off the display is not performed during the daytime time period. For example, when the time period that can be set as the time period for turning off the display (the third time period) is limited to the range of 0:30 to 5:30, and the setting time period for turning off the display is set to 4:30 to 5:30 (the erasure time is 4:30), when use is detected after 3:30, the erasure time Ts is not changed to 5:30, but can be changed to 0:30, i.e., the beginning of the third time period (shift setting) at the next night.

[0044] In addition, the setting of the time period for turning off the display can also be applied to the local time. That is, when moving to a time zone with a different local time, the above processing can be performed on the local time of the moving destination with reference to the same time period setting.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the display erasing control process performed by the CPU 41 in the electronic timepiece 1. The display erasing control process is called and started at, for example, 0 minutes of each hour. The display erasing control process includes the display operation control method of this embodiment.

[0046] When the display elimination control process is started, the CPU 41 determines whether it is in the detection time period, that is, whether it is between the detection time Td and the restoration time Te (including both ends) 1 hour before the elimination time Ts (step S101). If it is determined that it is not in the detection time period ("No" in step S101), the CPU 41 ends the display elimination control process.

[0047] When it is determined that it is in the detection time period ("Yes" in step S101), the CPU 41 obtains the detection data of the usage status from the motion sensor 45, etc. (step S102). The CPU 41 determines whether the usage status is detected (step S103). When it is determined that the usage status is not detected ("No" in step S103), the CPU 41 determines whether it is the restoration time Te of the set time period for turning off the display (step S104). When it is determined that it is the restoration time Te ("Yes" in step S104), the CPU 41 starts the display of the display unit 43 again (step S105). Then, the CPU 41 ends the display elimination control processing.

[0048] If it is determined that it is not the restoration time Te of the set time period for turning off the display ("No" in step S104), the CPU 41 determines whether it is the display elimination time Ts, that is, whether it is the start time of the set time period for turning off the display (step S114). If it is determined that it is the elimination time Ts ("Yes" in step S114), the CPU 41 eliminates the display content of the display unit 43 and stops the display operation (step S115). Then, the processing of the CPU 41 returns to step S102. If it is determined that it is not the elimination time Ts ("No" in step S114), the processing of the CPU 41 returns to step S102.

[0049] In the determination process of step S103, when it is determined that the use state is detected ("Yes" in step S103), the CPU 41 determines whether the display of the display unit 43 is currently deleted (step S124). When it is determined that it has been deleted ("Yes" in step S124), the CPU 41 restarts the display of the display unit 43 (step S125). The CPU 41 postpones the set time period (deletion time Ts and restoration time Te) related to the current display shutdown by 2 hours (step S126). Then, the CPU 41 ends the display deletion control process.

[0050] When determining that the display on the display unit 43 has not been erased (No in step S124), the CPU 41 postpones the set time period (erasing time Ts and restoring time Te) for the current display off by one hour (step S127). Then, the CPU 41 ends the display erase control process.

[0051] The processing of steps S104, S105, S114, and S115 constitutes an operation step in the display operation control method of this embodiment. The processing of steps S125 to S127 constitutes a setting change step in the display operation control method of this embodiment.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the display is turned off during the set time period, but other displays that can prevent screen burn-in may be performed.

[0053] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing another example of display related to preventing screen burn-in on the display screen 11. In this way, in the set time period, the grayscale value of the normal display can be inverted and displayed by the display unit 43. In such a display, compared with the case where the display of the display unit 43 is turned off, the power consumption increases, but the display of the date and time is not interrupted. In addition, the following control can be performed: although the display of the date and time is interrupted, all pixels that have been lit for a predetermined time or more from the last set time period to the current set time period are inverted.

[0054] [Second Embodiment]

[0055] Next, the electronic timepiece of the second embodiment is described. In the electronic timepiece of this embodiment, when the use is detected for a predetermined number of consecutive days, here for 2 consecutive days, in the detection time period corresponding to the time period of the off display and the off time period is changed, the off time period is moved and set.

[0056] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the electronic timepiece 1 a according to the second embodiment.

[0057] The electronic timepiece 1a has the same configuration as the electronic timepiece 1 except that the switch setting 421 includes a change setting 4211. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same configuration, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The changed setting 4211 indicates, in units of days, whether the time period for turning off the display on the previous display turning off implementation day has been changed from the initial setting.

[0059] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing the control sequence of the display elimination control process performed by the CPU 41 in the electronic timepiece 1a of the present embodiment. With respect to the display elimination control process performed in the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment, the processes of steps S130 to S134 are added, and the processes of steps S126 and S127 are replaced by the processes of steps S126a and S127a. The other processes are the same between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted.

[0060] In the process of step S105, after the display is normally terminated (off state) and the display is restarted, the CPU 41 refers to the changed setting 4211 to determine whether there is a change in the set time period for turning off the display on the previous day (step S130). If it is determined that there is a change (step S130 is "yes"), the CPU 41 cancels the changed setting (step S133). Then, the CPU 41 ends the display elimination control process. If it is determined that there is no change in the set time period for turning off the display (step S130 is "no"), the CPU 41 ends the display elimination control process.

[0061] If it is determined that the display is not being erased in the determination process of step S124 and the branch is "No", the CPU 41 postpones the set time period for turning off the display for the day by 1 hour (step S127a). Then, the processing of the CPU 41 is transferred to step S131. If it is determined that the display is being erased and the branch is "Yes", the CPU 41 starts the display again in the processing of step S125, and then postpones the set time period for turning off the display for the day by 2 hours (step S126a). Then, the processing of the CPU 41 is transferred to step S131.

[0062] When the processing is transferred to step S131, the CPU 41 refers to the change setting 4211 to determine whether there is a change in the set time period for turning off the display on the previous day (step S131). If it is determined that there is a change ("Yes" in step S131), the CPU 41 performs a mobile setting to postpone the time (1 hour or 2 hours) of the set time period for turning off the display in step S126a or step S127a (step S132). Alternatively, the CPU 41 can also postpone the set time period by 1 hour. Then, the processing of the CPU 41 is transferred to step S133.

[0063] In the determination process of step S131, when it is determined that the set time period for turning off the display has not been changed on the previous day (No in step S131), the CPU 41 sets the changed setting 4211 to be changed (step S134). Then, the CPU 41 ends the display erasure control process.

[0064] That is, when use is detected in the detection time period, the setting time period for closing the display on the date of the detection is changed in the same manner as the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment in that the start time of the detection time period becomes after the current time, but in only one movement, the movement setting will not be reflected after the next day. In the case of unconventional use due to special events, etc., since it is expected to return to normal use after the next day, the movement setting is not immediately performed, thereby making it easy to maintain normal and appropriate settings. In addition, as in the first embodiment, in the case that the time period that can be set as the time period for closing the display is limited, the time period for closing the display is not set on that day, and since it is not reflected in the initial setting of the next day, in the case of continuous use detected in the detection time period, the display is not closed for a predetermined number of days (here 2 days) before the movement setting. However, the conditions for the occurrence of such a situation are limited, so as a whole, the time for closing the display can be fully ensured compared with the past.

[0065] [Third Embodiment]

[0066] Next, an electronic timepiece 1 b according to a third embodiment will be described.

[0067] Fig. 9 It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of an electronic timepiece 1b according to the third embodiment.

[0068] The electronic timepiece 1b of the third embodiment includes the use frequency information 4212 in the switching setting 421. The electronic timepiece 1b has the same configuration as the electronic timepiece 1 except for this, and the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] The usage frequency information 4212 stores the number of detections of the usage state in each time period set as the detection time period or settable as the detection time period.

[0070] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of the content of the use frequency information 4212.

[0071] For the five time periods that can be set as detection time periods, the detection frequency of the usage status is stored separately. The detection frequency includes the weighted calculation value of the number of detections in the most recent week (previous day to 7 days ago), 2 weeks ago (8 days ago to 14 days ago), and the number of detections before that (before 15 days ago). Therefore, for example, the detection frequency of the most recent two weeks can also be saved on a daily basis. In the case of counting all the usage conditions of each time period that can be set as a detection time period, independent of the detection time period setting for display elimination, the detection of the usage status can also be performed continuously every day in all time periods (here 23:30 to 5:30). The detection of the usage status outside the detection time period does not affect the set time period related to the display elimination of the date on which the detection was implemented.

[0072] The accumulated usage frequency and usage degree (indicators related to the detection frequency) are calculated by weighted addition. For example, the accumulated value can be updated each time the date changes by adding the usage frequency 15 days ago and the accumulated value saved at that time point multiplied by a predetermined weighting coefficient (for example, 0.9, etc.). In addition, the usage degree can be obtained by, for example, adding the value 1 week ago and the value 2 weeks ago multiplied by a predetermined first coefficient (0.5, etc.) and the accumulated value multiplied by a predetermined second coefficient (a value smaller than the first coefficient, for example, 0.2, etc.). Thus, a greater weight is given to the most recent detection results, and the degree of usage frequency can be quantitatively evaluated while reducing the impact of old detection results.

[0073] In the electronic timepiece 1b of the present embodiment, when the usage status is detected in the detection time period, the set time period is changed to the time period with the lowest current usage level with reference to the usage frequency information 4212. In addition, only on the day of detection, if there is a time period in which the usage status is not detected when the time period is postponed by 1 hour or 2 hours as in the first embodiment, the display of 1 hour is eliminated. In addition, even if the usage status is detected and the usage level is updated, if the usage level in the same time period continues to be the lowest, the set time period may not be changed. Alternatively, only in this case, the set time period may be changed to the time period with the second lowest usage level.

[0074] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a display erasing control process performed by the CPU 41 in the electronic timepiece 1 b of the present embodiment.

[0075] In the display erasure control process, the processes of steps S126 and S127 in the display erasure control process of the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment are replaced by the processes of steps S126a and S127a executed in the electronic timepiece 1a of the second embodiment, respectively, and the processes of steps S141 to S143 are added. The other processes are the same in the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment and the electronic timepiece 1b of the third embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used for the same process contents, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0076] When the processing of steps S126a and S127a is completed, the processing of CPU 41 is transferred to step S141. In the processing of step S141, CPU 41 adds 1 to the usage frequency of the current time period and updates it (step S141). CPU 41 updates the value of the usage degree (step S142). CPU 41 changes the set time period in the usage frequency information 4212 to the time period with the lowest usage degree (step S143). Then, CPU 41 ends the display elimination control processing.

[0077] As described above, the electronic timepieces 1, 1a, and 1b of each embodiment include: a display unit 43 for performing digital display on a display screen 11; a sensor 50 (an action sensor 45 and an operation receiving unit 44) for detecting the use of the unit by a user; and a CPU 41. In a first time period set as a time period for turning off the display, the CPU 41 causes the digital display of the display unit 43 to be in a predetermined state to prevent screen burn-in, such as a turned-off state. When the sensor 50 detects use in a detection time period including the first time period, the CPU 41 terminates the turned-off state and changes and updates the data related to the setting of the first time period, i.e., the switching setting 421.

[0078] In this way, for the display screen 11, which is usually not assumed to be interrupted and the fixed display content is difficult to move, it is expected that the display screen 11 will be turned off within a predetermined time at night when the user is not using it. In this way, the needs of users related to the always-on display can be almost met, and the convenience is not reduced, and the screen burn-in can be suppressed. In addition, the time period when the user does not use it varies from user to user. In addition, the habits of each user sometimes change, or sometimes the user uses it unconventionally during the time period when it is not usually used. Therefore, it is possible to quickly restore to normal display during use detection and change the time period set to prevent the screen burn-in state. In particular, in electronic watches used by individuals, there must be some time when they are not used along with sleep. Therefore, by adjusting the optimal time period, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the user cannot instantly know the current time, and at the same time, it is possible to effectively suppress the screen burn-in.

[0079] In addition, the detection time period is the time period from one hour before the start time of the set time period for turning off the display to the end time of the set time period. That is, since the actual display is turned off one hour after the user's stable non-use time period, even if the user's bedtime or outing time is slightly off, the possibility of the user actually seeing the display turned off can be reduced.

[0080] In addition, the CPU 41 sets a time period for turning off the display within the range of a predetermined third time period. For example, it is generally not assumed that the display is not used during the day, and during the day, it can be set that the display is not turned off between 5:30 and 24:30 (0:30 the next day). As a result, it is not necessary to perform unnecessary use detection operations and store their history during the day.

[0081] In addition, when the use of the machine is detected during the detection time period, the CPU 41 moves the time period for turning off the display. That is, even if the time period was previously turned off due to non-use, the time period for turning off the display can be quickly changed when use is detected. In this way, changes in the user's usage status can be quickly responded to.

[0082] In addition, the CPU 41 determines the moving time of the set time period related to the display closing in the moving setting, using the length of the time period for closing the display (1 hour) as a unit. That is, the closing time period is not determined at an arbitrary time, but is moved in units of 1 hour, so the processing is easy. In addition, since the user's usage time period is usually not so strictly the same every day, even if it is set in detail, it will not produce much benefit.

[0083] In addition, when the use of the machine is detected during the detection time period, the CPU 41 performs a mobile setting to postpone the time period for turning off the display so that the start time of the detection time period becomes after the current time. That is, the detection time period is reset to after the current time so that the time period when the use is detected does not enter the detection time period, and the use can be detected with the same reference as normal, and the time for turning off the display can be postponed.

[0084] In addition, when the time period for turning off the display cannot be postponed within the range of the third time period in which the display can be turned off, the CPU 41 moves the start time of the time period for turning off the display to the beginning of the third time period. That is, when it moves one circle and cannot be further delayed, it returns to the setting of the earliest time period and adjusts again. In the case of temporary excessive postponement, the time period for turning off the display can be reset to an appropriate time. In addition, in the case that the user has a habit of reversing day and night, the display can be turned off appropriately.

[0085] In the electronic timepiece 1b of the third embodiment, the CPU 41 counts the detection frequency of use in the detection time period and stores it in the data (switching setting 421) as the use frequency information 4212. When the use of the machine is detected in the detection time period, the time period for turning off the display is set according to the detection frequency. That is, by saving the use history, not only can the time period for turning off the display be simply postponed, but also the display can be set to be properly turned off in the least used time period.

[0086] In addition, the CPU 41 counts the detection frequency of use in the time period that can be determined as the detection time period according to the setting of the variable time period for turning off the display, and saves it as the use frequency information 4212. When the use is detected in the detection time period, the time period for turning off the display is set according to the detection frequency. If the detection frequency is simply counted only in the detection time period at that time point, the detection frequency of other time periods cannot be compared. Therefore, especially in the case where the time period for turning off the display has not changed for a long time, by obtaining the use history for all the detection time periods that can be changed according to the change of the set time period related to turning off the display, it is possible to reliably set the display to be turned off in the least used time period.

[0087] In addition, the CPU 41 calculates the degree of use as an indicator related to the detection frequency based on the added value obtained by giving a larger weight to the detection that is used more recently. Since the least used time period can be determined based on the user's recent usage habits, the time period that was frequently used in the past and the time period that is currently frequently used can be appropriately determined, thereby determining the time period that is difficult to detect use in the time period that is turned off.

[0088] In addition, in the electronic timepiece 1a of the second embodiment, when the use of the machine is detected in the detection time period on a predetermined day, here, for two consecutive days, the CPU 41 moves and sets the time period for turning off the display. Since users often use the machine irregularly and irregularly, if the time period for turning off the display is immediately changed according to such irregularity, it may deviate from the optimal time period. Therefore, when the use is detected for a predetermined number of consecutive days and it is determined that the use time period has habitually changed, the time period for turning off the display is changed, thereby maintaining the time period for turning off the display from being changed from the current appropriate time period according to the exceptional use of only one day.

[0089] In addition, when the use of the machine is detected in the detection time period, the CPU 41 postpones the time period for turning off the display on the date when the detection is performed so that the start time of the detection time period becomes after the current time. That is, in the case where the normal setting of the time period for turning off the display is not changed only in the irregular use as in the electronic timepiece 1a of the second embodiment, or in the case where the moving destination of the time period for turning off the display is uncertain as in the electronic timepiece 1b of the third embodiment, as a special case of the date of use detection, the setting can be postponed in sequence according to the use detection time in the same way as the electronic timepiece 1 of the first embodiment. As a result, even on the date of use detection, the time period for turning off the display can be set more reliably, and the burn-in of the display screen 11 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0090] In addition, when the time period for turning off the display cannot be delayed within the range of the third time period, the CPU 41 does not set the time period for turning off the display on the date when the use is detected. However, regardless of the above, when the time period for turning off the display cannot be further postponed, it is not necessary to forcibly set the time period for turning off the display, and it is sufficient to set it appropriately on the next day. Since there is not necessarily a strict upper limit on the display duration to suppress screen burn-in, there is no need to continue to detect use during a time period when it is difficult to expect the non-use state to continue and perform unreasonable processing.

[0091] In addition, the burn-in prevention state is a state in which the digital display is turned off. In display devices such as electronic watches, which are generally difficult to turn off, burn-in can be easily suppressed by simply turning off the display. In addition, since the display driving operation related to the suppression of burn-in is not actively performed, power consumption does not increase.

[0092] In addition, a timing circuit 48 (which may include a CPU 41) for counting the current time is provided, and the CPU 41 causes the display unit 43 to display the current time. That is, in a display device that mainly displays the time, such as an electronic clock, it is usually difficult to erase the date and time display, and in many cases, it is also difficult to change the display position. Therefore, by performing the above-mentioned control related to the display erasing operation in such a display device, it is possible to suppress screen burn-in caused by long-term continuous display of the same position without impairing the convenience of the user.

[0093] In addition, in the display operation control method of the display device of the present embodiment, for the display of the display screen that is usually not assumed to be interrupted and the fixed display content is difficult to move, it is expected to be turned off for a predetermined time at night when the user is not using it, thereby being able to almost meet the needs of users related to the always-on display, and to seek to suppress the screen burn-in without reducing the convenience. In addition, the time period when the user does not use the display varies from user to user, and the habits of each user sometimes change, or sometimes the user uses the display in a time period that is not usually used, so it is possible to quickly restore the display to normal when using it, and change the time period set to prevent the screen burn-in state.

[0094] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

[0095] For example, in the above embodiment, a one-hour non-use detection is performed before the time period for shutting down the display, but it is not necessary to set the time period for one hour. In addition, if the display is not used in the time period for shutting down the display from the beginning, that is, if the time period for shutting down is set to avoid the time period for which use is detected recently, on the same day, or within the nearest predetermined period (one week, etc.), then use can be performed before the time period. In addition, the time period for shutting down after the next day can also be set after the detection time period ends.

[0096] In addition, in the above embodiment, the off time period is set in units of 1 hour, but when the use status is detected during the unused detection time period, the off display time period can also be postponed in such a way that it becomes off 1 hour after the last detection of the use status.

[0097] In addition, when the display is turned off and the display is restored to the display state due to the detection of the use state (including the case of returning to the display state from the off state multiple times a day), the display operation may be stopped for the day based on the total time of the off time of that day. In this case, only the set time period after the next day is postponed (including the shift to the night of the next day, etc.).

[0098] In the above embodiment, the display can be turned off only between 0:30 and 5:30, but this does not necessarily need to be limited. The display can be turned off at any time within 24 hours. Alternatively, the user can change the setting for determining whether the display can be turned off within 24 hours.

[0099] In the second embodiment, the set time period is changed when use is detected in the detection time period for two consecutive days, but the number of consecutive days is not limited to two days. Alternatively, it is not limited to continuous detection, for example, more than two times within three days, more than a predetermined number of times within one week, etc. can also be used.

[0100] Alternatively, only when the time period for turning off the display is delayed for a long time, such as more than 2 hours, the time period can be moved and set based on 2 consecutive days of usage detection in consideration of the possibility of irregularities, and the time period for turning off the display can be moved and set based on 1 day of usage detection under normal circumstances.

[0101] In addition, in the third embodiment described above, the usage detection frequency is stored and saved in units of days, and the usage detection frequency is calculated based on the information of the usage detection frequency in units of 1 week, but the usage detection frequency can also be changed in units of 1 week. That is, instead of dividing by the most recent 7 days, the usage detection frequency of the most recent 2 weeks and the usage detection frequency of 1 week starting from a certain day of the specific week can be fixedly saved. That is, at the beginning of a certain day of the above-mentioned specific week, the value of the usage detection frequency of "1 week" is moved to the usage detection frequency of "2 weeks ago", and the values ​​of the usage detection frequency of "1 week" are all initialized to zero. In this way, the data volume of the usage frequency information 4212 can be reduced.

[0102] In addition, the method for calculating the degree of use and the method for setting the weighting are not limited to the methods shown in the above embodiment. For example, the number of detections after 2 weeks ago can also be included in the cumulative value, and further, the number of detections other than the number of detections on the day can also be included in the cumulative value. In this case, the product of the predetermined coefficient multiplied by the number of days that have passed (exponentiation) becomes the weighting coefficient. Alternatively, it is also possible to save only the usage detection frequency within a predetermined period, such as 2 weeks, and discard the old usage detection frequency data without considering it.

[0103] In addition, in the above embodiment, the time period for turning off the display is shown as simply delaying every 1 hour or every 2 hours, or setting the minimum time period according to the frequency of use information, but it is not limited to this. For example, if use is detected, the time period for turning off the display can be returned to the initially set time period and a suitable time period can be reset the next day.

[0104] In the second and third embodiments, the delay of the day and the shift setting after the next day are determined separately, but the day may not be delayed separately. In this case, the display may be turned off at a completely different time period of the day, and the display may not be turned off on the day of use detection when the time period after the shift setting has passed.

[0105] In addition, the contents of each process shown in the first to third embodiments can be combined arbitrarily within the range that they do not contradict each other. For example, if use is detected in the detection time period for two consecutive days according to the second embodiment, the time period for turning off the display can be moved to the time period with the least use according to the third embodiment.

[0106] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the setting change is only set to be all automatically performed, but the user can also perform a predetermined input operation to confirm the current setting of the time period for turning off the display, and can also perform a command operation to restore the setting of the time period for turning off the display to the initial setting (default setting), etc. Furthermore, in the case of performing a mobile setting of the time period for turning off the display, a predetermined alarm display can be performed within a predetermined period thereafter. Alternatively, in the case where the electronic timepiece has a communication unit and can communicate with an external device through short-range wireless communication, etc., the display and / or manual setting of the time period for turning off the display can be performed only in the external device of the communication connection target.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the CPU 41 performs control operations related to display erasure by software, but control processing may be shared among a plurality of CPUs, or a part of the processing may be performed by hardware such as a dedicated logic circuit.

[0108] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the digital display screen of an electronic watch is described as an example, but in principle, various display devices having a digital display screen that does not erase the display but continues to display a predetermined state may be used.

[0109] Furthermore, specific details such as the configuration, display content, content and order of display processing described in the above embodiments may be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0110] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but includes the scope of the technical solutions protected by the patent rights and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that: have: A display unit that performs digital display on a display screen; a detection unit for detecting the use of the machine by a user; and processor, The processor counts the detection frequency of the use during the period from a scheduled time before the start time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in for digital display of the display unit to an end time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in, and saves the counted count as data related to the setting of the time period for preventing screen burn-in; when the use is detected during the period from a scheduled time before the start time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in to an end time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in, the time period for preventing screen burn-in is controlled based on the data.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that The processor sets the time period for preventing screen burn-in within a range that is longer by a predetermined time period than a period from a predetermined time before a start time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in to an end time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The processor sets a shift of the time period for preventing screen burn-in when the use is detected during a period from a predetermined time before the start time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in to the end time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in.

4. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The processor determines a shift time of the time period for performing the screen burn-in prevention in the shift setting, using a length of the time period for performing the screen burn-in prevention as a unit.

5. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the processor detects the use during the period from a scheduled time before the start time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in to an end time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in, the processor sets the start time before the scheduled time before the start time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in to a time after the current time and included in the period from the scheduled time before the start time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in to an end time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in, and performs the movement setting for delaying the time period for preventing screen burn-in.

6. The display device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The processor sets the time period for preventing screen burn-in within a range of a predetermined time period longer than a period from a predetermined time before the start time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in to an end time of the time period for preventing screen burn-in, and if the postponement cannot be performed within the predetermined time period, moves the time period for preventing screen burn-in to the beginning of the predetermined time period.

7. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The processor calculates the index related to the detection frequency based on the added value of the used detection with a larger weight being given as the detection is more recent.

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