Electronic timepiece

Abstract

A control circuit (72) of the electronic timepiece (1) controls a month age plate rotation direction R, which is the rotation direction of the month age plate (42), and a month age plate rotation position (month age plate step position S), which is the rotation position of the month age plate (42), through a third actuator (72c). If the control circuit (72) determines that switching operation of the northern hemisphere display mode DN and the southern hemisphere display mode DS is performed by the operation unit, a monthly age difference between a current monthly age MR based on a current monthly age plate rotation position (a current monthly age plate step position SR) and a reference monthly age MB is set as a reference monthly age difference MD. A month-age plate (42) is driven in a step rotation manner from the current month-age plate rotation position (current month-age plate step position SR) to a switched month-age plate rotation position (switched month-age plate step position SC) obtained by separating a reference month-age difference MD from the reference month-age MB to a side opposite to the current month-age MR side. The operation load of a control circuit during the switching operation of the semispherical display mode of the moon phase display part can be suppressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic watches. Background Art

[0002] The timepiece includes a time display unit and a moon phase display unit that displays the waxing and waning of the moon, i.e., the phase of the moon, providing the user with a moon phase display corresponding to the age of the moon on the current date. The moon phase display unit includes an opening for a moon age disc formed in the dial, and a rotationally driven moon age disc that displays the moon (full moon). The moon age disc rotates relative to the opening in one direction to display the moon phase corresponding to the age of the moon.

[0003] As a method for correcting the moon phase display of a timepiece, a method in which the user manually rotates the moon age plate is considered. In this manual method, the user, knowing the current moon age, manually operates the timepiece to rotate the moon age plate to a position corresponding to the moon age, which is relatively troublesome for the user. Therefore, it is preferable to automatically calculate the current moon age and rotate the moon age plate based on the calculated moon age (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-194461.

[0005] Here, the clock uses the time at a specified location (such as Coordinated Universal Time (UCT)) as a reference and corrects the time based on the time difference. However, when the user of the clock moves and the time changes based on the time difference, in addition to correcting the time, the age of the moon also needs to be corrected, preferably automatically. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic timepiece capable of automatically correcting internal moon age information based on an acquired time difference.

[0007] An electronic watch, characterized in that it comprises: a time display portion for displaying the time based on internal timing; a moon phase display portion having a moon age plate that is rotatably supported, and displaying the moon phase corresponding to the age of the moon by rotating the above-mentioned moon age plate; an actuator for the moon age plate for rotationally driving the above-mentioned moon age plate; a time difference information acquisition unit for acquiring time difference information related to the time difference; and a control circuit for rotationally driving the above-mentioned moon age plate by the above-mentioned moon age plate actuator based on the internal moon age information, the above-mentioned internal moon age information corresponding to the rotational position relative to the reference position of the above-mentioned moon age plate, and the above-mentioned control circuit corrects the above-mentioned internal moon age information based on the above-mentioned time difference information acquired by the above-mentioned time difference information acquisition unit.

[0008] The electronic watch of the present invention has the effect of automatically correcting the internal moon age information based on the acquired time difference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of an electronic watch according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the moon phase display portion of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment (in the northern hemisphere display mode).

[0011] Figure 3 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the moon phase display portion of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment (southern hemisphere display mode).

[0012] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a movement of an electronic watch in an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the operation of a digital watch in time difference correction mode.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the age-in-month calculation operation of the electronic watch in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the error in moon age (without period correction).

[0016] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the error in moon age (with periodic correction).

[0017] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the error associated with the age of the moon (with period correction, without time difference correction).

[0018] Figure 10 This diagram explains the error in the moon's age (with period correction and time difference correction). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments. In addition, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include structures that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art or substantially the same structures.

[0020] [Implementation Method]

[0021] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of an electronic watch according to an embodiment. Figure 2 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the moon phase display portion of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment (in the northern hemisphere display mode). Figure 3 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the moon phase display portion of the electronic timepiece according to the embodiment (southern hemisphere display mode). Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a movement of an electronic watch in an embodiment. Figure 5 This is an illustration of the operation of the electronic watch in the time difference correction mode. Figures 1 to 3 、 Figure 5 The X direction is the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock directions of the electronic watch, and the Y direction is the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock directions of the electronic watch. The direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is the vertical direction (thickness direction) of the electronic watch. O1 is the center of the electronic watch 1 and coincides with the rotation axis of the pointer. The direction in the XY plane centered on O1 is referred to as the radial direction.

[0022] The electronic watch 1 in the embodiment is an electronic watch that uses the output of a crystal oscillator to measure internal time and indicates the measured time with a pointer 31. The electronic watch 1 may also be a multifunctional electronic watch that has, in addition to measuring time, an alarm clock function, a chronograph function, and other functions. Furthermore, the electronic watch 1 may be a terminal-connected electronic watch that connects to an external terminal device via a communication unit using at least one of wireless or wired connections and implements specific functions (e.g., an alarm clock function, a time correction function based on the terminal device's internal time information, a notification function for receiving emails, etc.) based on requirements set in the terminal device.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, electronic watch 1 comprises an outer case 2, a time display 3, a moon phase display 4, a function display 5, an operating unit 6, and a movement 7. In this embodiment, electronic watch 1 is an analog electronic watch with an analog time display 3 and a lunar phase display 4 that displays the waxing and waning of the moon, i.e., the phases of the moon. While electronic watch 1 is described as a wristwatch, it may also be of another clock type, such as a pocket watch, as long as it functions as a lunar phase watch.

[0024] The outer casing 2 is the outermost shell of the electronic watch 1 and is composed of a shell 21, a frame 22, a windshield 23, and a back cover (not shown). The shell 21 has an opening, and the time display unit 3, the moon phase display unit 4, the function display unit 5, and the movement 7 are held in an internal space S1 corresponding to the space inside the opening. In this embodiment, the shell 21 is annular, and the opening is a circular shape centered on the clock center O1 of the electronic watch 1. The shape of the opening can be set to any shape according to the outer shape and design of the outer casing 2 of the electronic watch 1. The shell 21 has a front tube 24 formed by protruding from the outer peripheral side at the 12 o'clock direction and the 6 o'clock direction respectively. One end of the strap 8 is connected to the front tube 24 on the 12 o'clock side, and the other end of the strap 8 is connected to the front tube 24 on the 6 o'clock side.

[0025] The windshield 23 covers one side of the opening of the housing 21, i.e., the upper opening, while the back cover covers the other side, i.e., the lower opening. By securing these two parts, the interior space S1 becomes a closed space, thereby protecting the time display 3, moon phase display 4, function display 5, and movement 7. When securing the windshield 23 and back cover to the housing 21, they are each secured via a waterproof member (not shown), such as a rubber gasket, to enhance retention and improve the dust and water resistance of the electronic watch 1. The housing 21 is formed, for example, from a resin material, a metal material, or a ceramic material. The bezel 22 is a member that secures the windshield 23 to the housing 21. It is annular and is fixed to the annular portion of the housing 21 that defines the interior space S1. The bezel 22 is located radially outward of the time display 3. The bezel 22 is formed, for example, from a resin material, a metal material, or a ceramic material. Alternatively, the bezel 22 may be rotatably supported relative to the housing 21 about the timepiece center O1 of the electronic watch 1. The windshield 23 is shaped so as to cover the upper opening via the frame 22, is inserted from the upper side and fixed to the frame 22, and is fixed to the housing 21 via the frame 22 to close the internal space S1. In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the windshield 23 when viewed from above is circular. The windshield 23 is formed of, for example, glass, a transparent resin material, or the like. The back cover has a snap-fitting portion having a shape substantially the same as the lower opening, is inserted from the lower side and fixed to the housing 21 to close the internal space S1. In the present embodiment, the outer shape of the back cover is circular. The back cover is formed of, for example, a resin material, a metal material, a ceramic material, or the like, similar to the housing 21. In addition, if the frame 22 is not a rotating component, it may also be formed integrally with the housing 21.

[0026] The time display unit 3 displays the time based on the internal time and the time difference. The time display unit 3 includes hands 31, a dial 32, a backing ring 33, and a calendar plate 34. In this embodiment, the time display unit 3 displays the day, hour, minute, and second of the internal time measured by the control circuit 72 of the movement 7, described later. Here, the internal time includes the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second.

[0027] The hands 31 are rotatably supported on the movement 7 about the center O1 of the electronic watch 1 and are rotationally driven by the movement 7. The hands 31 are rod-shaped and formed from a metal material, resin material, or the like. In this embodiment, the hands 31 are the second hand 31a, minute hand 31b, and hour hand 31c, positioned upward (on the windshield 23 side) relative to the dial 32. The hands 31 are also rotated by the user operating the operating unit 6. The hands 31 can display the time based on the internal time according to the indicated position.

[0028] The dial 32 is positioned between the hands 31 and the movement 7 to protect the movement 7. The dial 32 has the function of providing the user with an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the electronic watch 1. Time characters 321, 322, and 323 are provided on the surface of the dial 32 (on the side facing the windshield 23). Specifically, the time characters 321-323 are positioned vertically opposite the windshield 23 and are visually recognizable by the user through the windshield 23. The user can identify the current time based on the time display by the relative positions of the hands 31 (second hand 31a, minute hand 31b, and hour hand 31c) and the time characters 321-323. In this embodiment, the seconds are displayed by the relative position of any one of the time characters 321-323 and the second hand 31a, the minutes are displayed by the relative position of the time characters 321-323 and the minute hand 31b, and the hours are displayed by the relative position of the time characters 321-323 and the hour hand 31c. The dial 32 is formed with a calendar plate opening 324 that allows the user to visually recognize the calendar plate 34 through the windshield 23. The calendar plate opening 324 is formed at a position opposite the calendar plate 34 in the vertical direction of the dial 32 and extends vertically through the dial 32. The calendar plate opening 324 in this embodiment is rectangular and is formed at the "4 o'clock" position on the dial 32.

[0029] The backing ring 33 is positioned radially outward of the dial 32. The backing ring 33 is annular and positioned radially outward of the tip of the hands 31. The time display 3 in this embodiment can display information corresponding to the time difference correction function. This information is displayed as a time zone display, and time difference correction marks 331 to 335 are provided on the backing ring 33. The time difference correction mark 331 indicates the reference time difference, i.e., the time difference of 0, and also indicates the positive or negative direction of the time difference corresponding to the rotation direction of the hands 31. It is located at the position where the second hand 31a indicates 0 seconds. The time difference correction mark 332 indicates the time difference, which is a time zone shifted positively by 5 from the reference time difference, i.e., the time difference of +5. It is located at the position where the second hand 31a indicates 5 seconds. The time difference correction mark 333 indicates the time difference, which is a time zone shifted positively by 10 from the reference time difference, i.e., the time difference of +10. It is located at the position where the second hand 31a indicates 10 seconds. The time difference correction mark 334 indicates a time difference of -5, which is a time difference minus 5 relative to the reference time difference, and is formed at the position where the second hand 31a indicates 55 seconds. The time difference correction mark 335 indicates a time difference of -10, which is a time difference minus 10 relative to the reference time difference, and is formed at the position where the second hand 31a indicates 50 seconds. Furthermore, the time display unit 3 can display information such as setting information corresponding to functions other than the time display function. Examples of displayed information include alarm on / off settings, alarm set time, chronograph display, time zone display, reception operation related display, and daylight saving time setting display. In this case, function indicia (not shown) are provided on the dial 32 and backing ring 33. The relative positions of the hands 31 (second hand 31a, minute hand 31b, hour hand 31c) and the function indicia allow identification of the setting information for each function based on the displayed information.

[0030] The calendar plate 34 displays the date by rotating. The calendar plate 34 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from the top and bottom, and is arranged between the dial 32 and the movement 7 in the top and bottom directions. The calendar plate 34 is rotatably supported on the movement 7 with the clock center O1 as the rotation axis, and is rotationally driven by the movement 7. A plurality of date marks 341 are formed on the calendar plate 34. The date mark 341 is visually recognized by the user through the calendar plate opening 324 and the windshield 23, thereby displaying the current date based on the internal time. The date mark 341 in this embodiment is the number "1" to "31" corresponding to the date, and is formed clockwise in an area of 1 week in the circumferential direction of the calendar plate 34.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the moon phase display 4 displays the moon phase corresponding to the age of the moon by rotating the moon age plate 42. The moon phase display 4 includes a moon age plate opening 41, the moon age plate 42, and moon age plate rotation direction marks 43, 44.

[0032] The opening 41 for the moon age plate allows the user to visually identify the moon age plate 42 via the windshield 23. The opening 41 for the moon age plate in this embodiment is formed in the dial 32. The opening 41 for the moon age plate is opposite to the moon age plate 42 in the up and down directions, and is formed into a roughly fan-shaped shape in the 12 o'clock direction in the area where the dial 32 and the moon age plate 42 are opposite. The opening 41 for the moon age plate has recesses 411 and 412 formed at both ends in the rotation direction R of the moon age plate. When the recesses 411 and 412 overlap with the later-described month marks 421 and 422 of the moon age plate 42 in the up and down directions, the waxing and waning of the month is displayed. In addition, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In order to facilitate understanding of the actions of the illustrated month marks 421 and 422, the opening 41 for the moon age plate (including the recesses 411 and 412) is illustrated by a dotted line.

[0033] The moon age plate 42 rotates to display the moon phase corresponding to the age of the moon. The moon age plate 42 is circular when viewed from above and below, and is positioned vertically between the dial 32 and the movement 7. The moon age plate 42 is rotatably supported on the movement 7, with its center O2 serving as the axis of rotation, and is rotationally driven by the movement 7. In the moon age plate 42, clockwise rotation is considered forward rotation, while counterclockwise rotation is considered reverse rotation. Within the moon age plate rotation direction R, the clockwise direction is considered forward rotation direction RY, while the counterclockwise direction is considered reverse rotation direction RN. Two month markings 421 and 422 are formed on the two vertical surfaces of the moon age plate 42 that face the dial 32. The month markings 421 and 422 are opposed to each other across the center O2 of the moon age plate, i.e., they are formed 180 degrees apart in the moon age plate rotation direction R. In other words, the moon phase display 4 in this embodiment displays the moon phase corresponding to the age of the moon corresponding to two synodic cycles during one rotation. In this embodiment, the month marks 421 and 422 are identical (same shape, color, etc.), and the user cannot distinguish between the month marks 421 and 422 even if they visually recognize them. For example, if the electronic watch 1 is in the northern hemisphere display mode DN described later, the moon age plate 42 is rotated in the forward direction RY, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, by rotating one circle, the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age = 0) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 is performed in sequence (moon age plate 42 on the upper left of the figure), the moon phase display of the full moon (moon age = 15) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 is displayed (moon age plate 42 on the upper right of the figure), the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age = 0) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 is displayed (moon age plate 42 on the lower right of the figure, which is also the moon phase display of the new moon in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421), the moon phase display of the full moon (moon age = 15) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 (moon age plate 42 on the lower left of the figure), and the moon phase display of the new moon in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 (also the moon phase display of the new moon in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422). On the other hand, if the electronic watch 1 is in the southern hemisphere display mode DS described later, the moon age plate 42 is rotated in the reverse direction RN, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, by rotating one circle, the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age = 0) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 is performed in sequence (moon age plate 42 on the upper left of the figure), the moon phase display of the full moon (moon age = 15) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 is displayed (moon age plate 42 on the lower left of the figure), the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age = 0) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 (moon age plate 42 on the lower right of the figure, which is also the moon phase display of the new moon in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422), the moon phase display of the full moon (moon age = 15) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 (moon age plate 42 on the upper right of the figure), and the moon phase display of the new moon in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 (which is also the moon phase display of the new moon in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421).

[0034] Moon age indicator rotation direction marks 43 and 44 indicate the moon age indicator rotation direction R in each hemisphere display mode D. These marks 43 and 44 are provided on the surface of the dial 32. Moon age indicator rotation direction mark 43 corresponds to the northern hemisphere display mode DN and is composed of a clockwise arrow and an abbreviated "N" for north. Moon age indicator rotation direction mark 44 corresponds to the southern hemisphere display mode DS and is composed of a counterclockwise arrow and an abbreviated "S" for south.

[0035] The function display unit 5 displays the status of the electronic timepiece 1 based on a function different from the time display function of the electronic timepiece 1, i.e., a function display. The function display unit 5 includes a function hand 51 and a function indicator plate 52. In this embodiment, the function display unit 5 displays the current day of the week based on the internal time kept by the control circuit 72, i.e., a day of the week display; the remaining charge of the secondary battery 76 measured by the control circuit 72, i.e., a remaining charge display; and the hemispherical display mode display, i.e., the hemispherical display mode D of the moon phase display unit 4, i.e., either the northern hemisphere display mode DN or the southern hemisphere display mode DS stored in the control circuit 72.

[0036] The function hand 51 is rotatably supported on the movement 7 about the function mark center O3 of the function mark plate 52, and is rotationally driven by the movement 7. The function hand 51 is rod-shaped and formed from a metal material, resin material, or the like. In this embodiment, the function hand 51 is positioned upward (on the windshield 23 side) relative to the function mark plate 52. The function hand 51 rotates when the user operates the operating unit 6, thereby indicating one of the aforementioned function displays. Depending on the indicated position of the function hand 51, the function display corresponding to each function is displayed.

[0037] The function indicator plate 52 is positioned between the function hand 51 and the movement 7. In this embodiment, the function indicator plate 52 forms part of the dial 32. On the surface of the function indicator plate 52 (the side facing the windshield 23), a day mark, a remaining charge mark 522, a northern hemisphere display mode mark 523, and a southern hemisphere display mode mark 524 are provided. Specifically, the function indicators 521-524 are positioned vertically opposite the windshield 23 and are visually recognizable by the user through the windshield 23. The relative positions of the function hand 51 and the function indicators 521-524 allow the user to identify the state of the electronic watch 1 based on the function display. The day mark 521 displays the current day of the week based on the position of the function hand 51. In this embodiment, the day marks 521 are the abbreviated English letters "S," "M," "T," "W," "T," "F," and "S," corresponding to the days of the week (Sunday through Saturday). They are arranged clockwise from the 2 o'clock to 5 o'clock positions on the function indicator plate 52. The remaining battery level indicator 522 indicates the remaining battery level of the secondary battery 76 based on the position of the function hand 51. In this embodiment, the remaining battery level indicator 522 includes a first remaining battery level indicator corresponding to the remaining battery level, a second remaining battery level indicator with a radially narrower width than the first remaining battery level indicator, a third remaining battery level indicator with a radially narrower width than the second remaining battery level indicator, and a fourth remaining battery level indicator with a radially narrower width than the third remaining battery level indicator. These indicators are arranged counterclockwise from the 10 o'clock to 6 o'clock positions on the function indicator plate 52. Hemispherical display mode indicators 523 and 524 correspond to hemispherical display mode D and display the current display mode DR in hemispherical display mode based on the position of the function hand 51. In this embodiment, the northern hemisphere display mode indicator 523 is the abbreviation "N" for north and is displayed in the 1 o'clock position on the function indicator plate 52. In this embodiment, the southern hemisphere display mode indicator 524 is the abbreviation "S" for south and is displayed in the 11 o'clock position on the function indicator plate 52. The function indicator plate 52 is formed as a part of the dial 32, but is not limited thereto and may be formed as a plate separate from the dial 32. In this case, an opening for the function indicator plate (not shown) is formed in the dial 32, and the function indicator plate 52 is disposed vertically between the dial 32 and the movement 7.

[0038] The operating unit 6, when operated by the user, causes the movement 7 to perform functions based on the operations. The operating unit 6 provides various instructions to the control circuit 72. In this embodiment, the operating unit 6 is a time difference information acquisition unit that acquires time difference information related to the time difference. The operating unit 6 provides the control circuit 72 with instructions for calculating the age of the moon A, i.e., the age of the moon calculation instruction. Specifically, the electronic watch 1, in response to user operation of the operating unit 6 in the time difference correction mode (age of the moon calculation instruction), drives the hands 31 to indicate any of the time difference correction marks 331-335 or time characters 321-323 corresponding to the time difference information. Based on the time difference information corresponding to the indicated time difference correction mark 331-335 or time characters 321-323, the time difference information stored in the storage unit 723 of the control circuit 72 is updated. The updated time difference information, or the time difference information before and after the update, is used to calculate the age of the moon A. Based on the calculated age of the moon A, the age of the moon plate 42 of the moon phase display unit 4 is adjusted to change its rotational position, or in this embodiment, its stepping position, in the time difference correction mode. Furthermore, the operating unit 6 instructs the control circuit 72 to switch the moon phase display unit 4 to the semi-off display mode D from either the Northern Hemisphere display mode DN or the Southern Hemisphere display mode DS. Here, the Northern Hemisphere display mode DN controls the moon phase display unit 4 to display the moon phase corresponding to the age of the moon in the Northern Hemisphere. The moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate in one of the rotation directions R, or in this embodiment, the forward direction RY. The Southern Hemisphere display mode DS controls the moon phase display unit 4 to display the moon phase corresponding to the age of the moon in the Southern Hemisphere. The moon age plate 42 is driven to rotate in the other of the rotation directions R, or in this embodiment, the reverse direction RN. Furthermore, while the ages of the moon in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere for the same date and time and at the same longitude are the same, the moon phase display corresponding to the Northern Hemisphere moon and the Southern Hemisphere moon are different. Specifically, the electronic watch 1 switches to hemispherical display mode D by user operation of the operating unit 6. This changes the rotational position, or in this embodiment, the stepping position, of the moon age plate 42 of the moon phase display 4, setting the subsequent rotational direction of the moon age plate 42 to the opposite direction of the current rotational direction. This performs a hemispherical display mode switching operation, indicating hemispherical display mode marks 523 and 524 corresponding to the hemispherical display mode D of the function hand 51 of the function display unit 5. The operating unit 6 includes a crown 61, a button 62, and a button 63. The crown 61 protrudes from the side of the housing 21 and can be pulled out one or more steps in the protruding direction by user operation and rotated about its axis. Rotating the crown 61 in a position different from the zero position (not pulled out), such as two steps, can forcibly rotate the hand 31 in the time display state, thereby correcting the time display. The buttons 62 and 63 protrude from the side of the housing 21 and can be pressed in the direction opposite to the protruding direction by user operation.When no external force is applied, buttons 62 and 63 remain protruding in the protruding direction. For example, by pressing either or both buttons 62 and 63, the day display or the remaining battery level display on the function display 5 can be switched. The operating unit 6 is connected to the control circuit 72 of the movement 7 and outputs an operation signal based on the user's operation to the control circuit 72.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the movement 7 includes an antenna 71 , a control circuit 72 , an actuator 73 , a wheel assembly mechanism 74 , a power generation mechanism 75 , and a secondary battery 76 , and performs the timing function and other functions of the electronic timepiece 1 .

[0040] Antenna 71 receives standard radio waves. In other words, electronic watch 1 is also a radio-controlled timepiece. Antenna 71 is electrically connected to control circuit 72 and outputs standard radio wave signals to control circuit 72. Antenna 71 can also receive GPS (Global Positioning System) signals transmitted from satellites.

[0041] The control circuit 72 controls the rotational position and direction of the hands 31, calendar plate 34, month age plate 42, and function hand 51. The control circuit 72 controls the electronic timepiece 1. Based on a clock signal output from an oscillator (not shown), it keeps the internal time of the electronic timepiece 1, stores the time difference TD, and outputs control signals corresponding to various functions. The control circuit 72 includes a receiver IC 721 and a storage unit containing a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The receiver IC 721 processes the standard radio wave signal received by the antenna 71 and outputs time information (including year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and time difference information) based on the standard radio wave to the control IC 722. The control IC 722 outputs a control signal to the actuator 73 for the hands 31 to display the time based on the internal timekeeping, i.e., the internal time resulting from the internal timekeeping. Control IC 722 corrects the internal time based on the time information output from receiving IC 721. Here, the time information is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which includes year information corresponding to the Gregorian calendar, month information, day information corresponding to the day, minute information corresponding to the minute, second information corresponding to the second, and time difference information corresponding to the time difference TD. Specifically, the time difference TD is based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), with the time difference corresponding to Coordinated Universal Time (reference time difference) as 0, east longitude as positive, and west longitude as negative. The oscillator is an oscillation source used to generate a reference frequency related to the timing of the displayed time and other functional operations of the electronic watch 1. For example, a crystal oscillator can be used. Because the oscillation characteristics of a crystal oscillator are easily affected by external temperature, a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) can also be used.

[0042] Based on the internal moon age information, the control circuit 72 uses a third actuator 73c (described later) as a moon age plate actuator to rotationally drive the moon age plate 42. In this embodiment, the control circuit 72 stores the internal moon age information corresponding to the rotational position of the moon age plate 42 relative to its reference position. Based on the moon age A, the control circuit 72 uses a third actuator 73c (described later) as a moon age plate actuator to control the rotational direction of the moon age plate 42, i.e., the moon age plate rotational direction R, and the rotational position relative to the reference position of the moon age plate 42, i.e., the moon age plate rotational position (internal moon age information). In this embodiment, the control circuit 72 rotates the moon age plate 42 in a stepwise manner, resulting in a moon age plate rotational position S. In other words, the moon age plate 42 rotates one full rotation through multiple stepwise rotations by the third actuator 73c. In this embodiment, the moon age plate 42 rotates one full rotation in 60 steps, displaying a moon phase corresponding to the moon age of two synodic cycles. Therefore, one synodic cycle consists of 30 steps. For example, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, if the stepping position of the moon age plate 42 in the direction of 12 o'clock is set to the current moon age plate stepping position SR, the current moon age plate stepping position SR in the moon phase display of the new moon (moon age M=0) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 is set to 0 (SR=0), then the current moon age plate stepping position SR in the moon phase display of the full moon (M=15) in the first synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 421 is set to 15 (SR=15), the current moon age plate stepping position SR in the moon phase display of the new moon (M=0) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 is set to 30 (SR=30), and the current moon age plate stepping position SR in the moon phase display of the full moon (M=15) in the second synodic cycle corresponding to the month mark 422 is set to 45 (SR=45).

[0043] If the date is changed based on the internal time, the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate by one step via the third actuator 73c. That is, the moon age plate 42 is rotated by one step per day, where one step is the amount of movement of the moon age plate 42 per day. Furthermore, the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 by two steps per day via the third actuator 73c once every 59 days.

[0044] The control circuit 72 is a moon age calculation unit that calculates the moon age A based on the internal timekeeping result, i.e., the internal time, and the acquired time difference TD. In this embodiment, the control circuit 72 calculates the moon age A based on the moon age calculation instruction from the operating unit 6. Specifically, when the user operates the operating unit 6 to correct the time difference TD stored in the electronic watch 1, i.e., the current time difference TD, the control circuit 72 uses the fact that the time difference correction mode has been selected as the moon age calculation instruction from the operating unit 6 to calculate the moon age A. The control circuit 72 calculates the moon age A based on the internal time, the acquired time difference TD (stored time difference TD), and the following equations (3) and (4). A is determined based on the moon age, Y is determined based on the year (Gregorian calendar), D is determined based on the day, and Cm is determined based on the following [Table 1]. In addition, Cx is determined based on the time difference TD and is 0 or 1. If the time difference TD is greater than 0, Cx in this embodiment is 0, and if the time difference TD is less than -1, Cx in this embodiment is 1. In addition, Cz is determined based on the cycle and is 0 or 1. If Cy is 7 or greater, Cz in this embodiment is 1, and if Cy is 6 or less, Cz in this embodiment is 0. In addition, % is the remainder obtained by dividing the right-hand equation by the left-hand value. The following equations (3) and (4) are simple calculation equations for the age of the moon based on the 19-year cycle of the Metonic cycle. In order to calculate the age of the moon A with high precision, a correction value Cx related to the time difference TD and a correction value Cz related to the cycle are added. The Metonic cycle is one of the cycles in which the moon phases on a certain date are consistent. It is a cycle in which 19 tropical years are almost equal to 235 synodic cycles (synodic months) (one cycle is 19 years).

[0045] A=(Cy×11+Cm+D+Cx+Cz)%30……(3)

[0046] Cy=(Y-2006)%19……(4)

[0047] [Table 1]

[0048] (Table 1)

[0049] M 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 <![CDATA[C m ]]> 0 2 0 2 2 4 4 6 7 8 9 10

[0050] Here, if Cy is 7 or more, the +1 correction of the lunar age A using Cz is based on the next few decades, and is determined by how much the lunar age error between the calculated lunar age A and the actual lunar age converges within ±1 day. The annual average error in the year of Cy = 0 is a delay of 0.15 days. According to the calculation formula, each increase of Cy by 1 results in a delay of 0.056 days. It is preferred to make a +1 day correction when the cumulative value of the delay exceeds 0.5 days. If the value obtained by subtracting the annual average error of 0.15 days from 0.5 days is divided by 0.056, it is approximately 6.25 days. Therefore, it is appropriate to make a +1 day correction when Cy = 7 or more.

[0051] If the time difference TD is less than -1, the moon age A is corrected using Cx and calculated based on the increase in moon age due to the time difference. For every minus one hour of time difference, the moon age at a given date and time at that location increases by 1 ÷ 24 = 0.042 days. When the moon age calculation formula is optimized for Japan (UTC+9), the moon age increases by 0.5 days, resulting in -0.5 ÷ 0.042 = -12, a time zone with a negative time difference of 12 hours from Japan. Therefore, by applying a +1 correction to the moon age calculation result, the difference between the actual moon age and the displayed moon age is minimized at +9 - 12 = -3, or UTC -3. On the other hand, if the moon age is displayed as an integer from 0 to 29, a full moon will be indicated when the calculated moon age is 15. However, the actual full moon age averages approximately 14.75 days, so when the calculated moon age is +0.25 days relative to the actual moon age, the full moon is most often displayed on full moon days. The limit at which the moon's age is corrected by +1, increasing the frequency of full moon indications on full moon days, is (-0.5 + 0.25) ÷ 0.42 = -6. Therefore, +9 - 6 = +3, or UTC + 3. To satisfy both of these requirements, the midpoint between them, UTC ± 0, is appropriate.

[0052] The control circuit 72 determines whether the user has corrected the time difference using the operating unit 6 in the time difference correction mode. In this embodiment, the control circuit 72 determines whether the crown 61 is rotated when the crown 61 is in the first position, thereby determining whether the time difference has been corrected. If the crown 61 is in the first position, the control circuit 72 drives the second hand 31a in stepwise rotation based on the stored time difference TD using the first actuator 73a, described later. Specifically, the control circuit 72 moves the second hand 31a from its current position to a position opposite the time character 321-323 among the time characters 321-323 corresponding to the time difference TD. In the time difference correction mode, among the time characters 321 to 323, the time character 321 (the time character corresponding to 12 o'clock) is set to the time character corresponding to the time difference 0, the clockwise direction relative to the time character 321 as the time difference TD is set to the positive direction, the counterclockwise direction relative to the time character 321 as the time difference TD is set to the negative direction, and the time difference TD between adjacent time characters 321 to 323 is set to the amount of the time difference TD of 1. For example, if the stored time difference is 9, Figure 5 As shown, the control circuit 72 drives the second hand 31a to rotate in steps using the first actuator 73a to a position where the second hand 31a faces the time characters 321 to 323 among the time characters 321 to 323 at which the second hand 31a corresponds to 9 seconds.

[0053] The actuator 73 rotationally drives the hands 31, calendar plate 34, moon age plate 42, and function hand 51. The actuator 73 includes a drive circuit, a drive unit, etc., which inputs a control signal from the control circuit 72 to the drive circuit, outputs a drive signal based on the input control signal to the drive unit, and drives the drive unit based on the input drive signal. The actuator 73 in this embodiment is a motor capable of stepping and rotating, such as a stepping motor or an electric motor. It comprises a first actuator 73a that rotationally drives the second hand 31a, a second actuator 73b that rotationally drives the minute hand 31b and the hour hand 31c, a third actuator 73c that is a moon age plate actuator that rotationally drives the moon age plate 42, and a fourth actuator 73d that rotationally drives the function hand 51 and the calendar plate 34.

[0054] The wheel mechanism 74 transmits the driving force output by the actuator 73 to the hands 31, calendar plate 34, moon age plate 42, and function hand 51. The wheel mechanism 74 includes a wheel gear, etc., one end of which is connected to the actuator 73 and the other end of which is connected to the hands 31, calendar plate 34, moon age plate 42, and function hand 51. In this embodiment, the wheel mechanism 74 comprises a first wheel mechanism 74a connecting the first actuator 73 to the second hand 31a; a second wheel mechanism 74b connecting the second actuator 73b to the minute hand 31b and hour hand 31c; a third wheel mechanism 74c connecting the third actuator 73c to the moon age plate 42; and a fourth wheel mechanism 74d connecting the fourth actuator 73c to the function hand 51 and calendar plate 34.

[0055] The power generation mechanism 75 generates electricity from external energy and supplies the generated electricity to electronic components such as the secondary battery 76 and the control circuit 72. The power generation mechanism 75 can use a photoelectric conversion element that converts light energy, a thermoelectric conversion element that converts heat energy, or an electromechanical conversion element that generates electricity from mechanical motion such as vibration energy.

[0056] The secondary battery 76 is a power source that can store the power generated by the power generation mechanism 75 and supply it to the control circuit 72 , the actuator 73 , other electronic components, etc. For example, a lithium ion battery or an all-solid battery can be used as the secondary battery 76 .

[0057] Next, the calculation of the age of the moon A by the electronic timepiece 1 will be described. The electronic timepiece 1 in this embodiment calculates the age of the moon A when the time difference TD is corrected in the time difference correction mode. Figure 6This is a flowchart of the moon age calculation operation of the electronic watch in this embodiment. Furthermore, the calculation operation of the moon age A in the time difference correction mode of the electronic watch 1 in this embodiment also includes the stepping rotation drive operation of the moon age plate 42. First, the control circuit 72 determines whether the crown 61 is in the first position (step ST1). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether the user intends to operate the operating unit 6 in order to perform time difference correction.

[0058] Next, if the control circuit 72 determines that the crown 61 is not in the first position (step ST1: No), it determines whether to change the date (step ST2). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether the day information has been incremented by one count based on the internal time, and thus determines whether to perform step rotation drive of the age of the month plate 42.

[0059] Next, if the control circuit 72 determines that the date has changed (step ST2: Yes), it determines whether the count N of the moon age plate 42 is 58 (step ST3). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether the moon age plate 42 has been driven to rotate by the first two steps of 58 steps, which is the first two steps of 60 steps (60 days) per revolution. If the control circuit 72 determines that the date has not changed (step ST2: No), the control cycle ends and moves on to the next control cycle.

[0060] Next, when the control circuit 72 determines that the count N of the moon age plate 42 is not 58 (step ST3 : No), the control circuit 72 rotationally drives the moon age plate 42 by one step (step ST4 ).

[0061] Next, the control circuit 72 increments the count N of the month age plate 42 by 1 count (step ST5 ), ends the current control cycle, and moves to the next control cycle.

[0062] When the control circuit 72 determines that the count N of the moon age plate 42 is 58 (step ST3 : Yes), the control circuit 72 rotationally drives the moon age plate 42 by two steps (step ST4 ).

[0063] Next, the control circuit 72 sets the count N of the moon age plate 42 to 0, i.e., resets it (step ST6), ends the current control cycle, and moves to the next control cycle. In other words, the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate by two steps during one rotation of the moon age plate 42.

[0064] If the crown 61 is determined to be in the first position (step ST1: YES), the control circuit 72 drives the second hand 31a to rotate in steps based on the time difference TD (step ST8). In this case, when in the time difference correction mode, the control circuit 72 moves the second hand 31a from its current position to a position opposite the time character 321-323 corresponding to the stored time difference TD, thereby displaying the time difference to the user.

[0065] Next, the control circuit 72 determines whether the crown 61 is rotated (step ST9 ). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether the user intends to correct the time difference.

[0066] Next, if the control circuit 72 determines that the crown 61 is rotated (step ST9: YES), the second hand 31a is driven to rotate in steps based on the rotation of the crown 61 (step ST10). Here, the second hand 31a is driven to rotate in steps by the user's rotation of the crown 61, and the second hand 31a, which was originally positioned opposite the time characters 321-323 corresponding to the stored time difference TD, is rotated to a position opposite the time characters 321-323 corresponding to the corrected time difference TD.

[0067] Next, the control circuit 72 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step ST11). In this case, when in time zone correction mode, the control circuit 72 determines whether the time period during which the user can correct the time zone TD has elapsed. For example, the control circuit 72 includes a counter that counts every 0.5 seconds, and uses the counter to determine whether three counts, or 1.5 seconds, have elapsed.

[0068] When the control circuit 72 determines that the crown 61 is not rotated (step ST9 : NO), it determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step ST11 ).

[0069] Next, the control circuit 72 stores the time difference TD based on the current position of the second hand 31a (step ST12). Here, if the time difference TD is corrected by rotating the crown 61, the control circuit 72 stores the corrected time difference TD. If the time difference TD is not corrected by not rotating the crown 61, the control circuit 72 stores the stored time difference TD again.

[0070] Next, the control circuit 72 calculates the age of the month A based on the stored time difference TD (step ST13 ). Here, the control circuit 72 calculates the age of the month A based on either the corrected time difference TD or the re-stored time difference TD.

[0071] Next, the control circuit 72 drives the hour hand 31c and the minute hand 31b to rotate in steps based on the time difference TD (step ST14). Here, in the time difference correction mode, when the time difference TD is corrected, the control circuit 72 displays the time corresponding to the current time difference TD on the time display unit 3 based on the internal time and the difference between the time difference TD before and after correction.

[0072] Next, the control circuit 72 determines whether to rotate the moon age plate 42 based on the calculated moon age A (step ST15). Here, the control circuit 72 determines whether there is a difference between the current moon age plate step position SR corresponding to the internal moon age information and the calculated moon age plate step position SC corresponding to the calculated moon age A.

[0073] Next, when the control circuit 72 determines that the moon age plate 42 is to be rotated (step ST15 : Yes), the control circuit 72 drives the moon age plate 42 to rotate in steps based on the calculated moon age A (step ST16 ).

[0074] Next, the control circuit 72 determines whether to rotate the calendar plate 34 (step ST17). In the time difference correction mode, when the time difference TD is corrected, the control circuit 72 determines whether to advance the time to advance the date or to return the time to advance the date in the time display of the time display unit 3 based on the internal time, the time difference TD before correction, and the time difference TD after correction.

[0075] When the control circuit 72 determines that the month age plate 42 is not rotated (step ST15 : NO), it determines whether the calendar plate 34 is rotated (step ST17 ).

[0076] Next, if the control circuit 72 determines that the calendar plate 34 is to be rotated (step ST17: YES), the calendar plate 34 is driven to rotate in steps (step ST18). Here, when in the time difference correction mode, the control circuit 72 corrects the time difference TD. When the time crosses a date, the calendar plate 34 is driven to rotate in steps corresponding to the direction of the difference between the corrected time difference TD and the time difference TD before correction, i.e., the positive direction or the negative direction.

[0077] Next, the control circuit 72 determines whether the crown 61 is in the first position (step ST1 ), and repeats steps ST8 to ST18 until it determines that the crown 61 is not in the first position (step ST1 : No).

[0078] As described above, the electronic watch 1 in this embodiment calculates the age of the moon A using the internal time, the acquired time difference TD, and the above-mentioned formulas (3) and (4). Therefore, the age of the moon A is calculated using the simplified calculation formula for the age of the moon based on the Metonic cycle. Here, the above-mentioned formulas (3) and (4) are calculation formulas based only on integers, and the age of the moon A is calculated as an integer. Therefore, in the electronic watch 1, the computational load when calculating the age of the moon A can be suppressed. In addition, the electronic watch 1 in this embodiment corrects the simplified calculation formula for the age of the moon based on the Metonic cycle by using the correction value Cx determined based on the time difference TD. Therefore, the error of the age of the moon based on the time difference TD, i.e., the longitude, can be suppressed, and the age of the moon A with good accuracy can be calculated. In addition, the electronic watch 1 in this embodiment corrects the simplified calculation formula for the age of the moon based on the Metonic cycle by using the correction value Cz determined based on the cycle. Therefore, the error of the age of the moon generated in the simplified calculation formula for the age of the moon based on the Metonic cycle can be suppressed, and the age of the moon A with good accuracy can be calculated.

[0079] The difference between the actual age of the moon and the age of the moon calculated by an electronic watch, caused by the presence or absence of period correction, is explained. Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the error in moon age (without period correction). Figure 8 This is an illustration of the error in the moon age (with periodic correction). Figure 7 、 Figure 8 In the chart, the vertical axis is the error [days] between the actual lunar age and the calculated lunar age A, and the horizontal axis is the Gregorian calendar [year] (from 2023 to 2044), comparing the actual lunar age with the calculated lunar age A. Figure 7 It indicates the error of the calculated moon age A when the time difference TD is 9 and the correction value Cz determined based on the cycle is not corrected. Figure 8 It indicates the error of the calculated moon age A when the time difference TD is 9 and the correction value Cz determined based on the cycle is corrected.

[0080] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, for the same time difference TD, the error converges to ±1 day when Cz correction is applied compared to when Cz correction is not applied. Specifically, from 2023 to 2044, the rate of error convergence to ±1 day is 66.3% when Cz correction is not applied and 88.9% when Cz correction is applied.

[0081] Next, the error of the calculated age of the moon with or without time difference correction will be described. In the following description, periodic correction is performed. Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the error associated with the age of the moon (with period correction, without time difference correction). Figure 10 This diagram explains the error in the moon's age (with period correction and time difference correction). Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 7 、 Figure 8 Similarly, the vertical axis is the error [days] between the actual lunar age and the calculated lunar age A, and the horizontal axis is the Gregorian calendar [year] (from 2023 to 2044), comparing the actual lunar age with the calculated lunar age A.

[0082] Figure 9 This indicates the error in the age of the moon A calculated when the time difference TD is -10, Cz, which is a correction value determined based on the cycle, is corrected, and Cx, which is a correction value determined based on the time difference TD, is not corrected. Figure 10 This shows the error in the calculated age of the month A when the time difference TD is -10, a correction is made to Cz, which is a correction value determined based on the cycle, and also a correction is made to Cx, which is a correction value determined based on the time difference TD.

[0083] like Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown, for the same time difference TD, the proportion of periods where the error converges to ±1 day is higher when both Cz and Cx corrections are performed than when Cz corrections are performed without Cx corrections. Specifically, from 2023 to 2044, the percentage of periods where the error converges to ±1 day is 55.0% when no Cx correction is performed and 88.3% when Cz correction is performed. Therefore, the use of corrections based on the time difference TD allows for more accurate calculation of the lunar age A than the use of corrections based on the cycle.

[0084] In addition, when the user moves to a different time zone, the age of the moon on the moon age plate 42 can be displayed with high accuracy through the user's time difference correction operation.

[0085] Furthermore, in the electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment, the control circuit 72 calculates the age of the moon A based on the age of the moon calculation instruction from the operating unit 6 . This reduces the frequency of calculating the age of the moon A and the frequency of driving the age of the moon plate 42 for stepwise rotation based on the calculated age of the moon A. Consequently, the power consumption of the control circuit 72 can be suppressed.

[0086] In addition, in this embodiment, the correction based on the time difference TD and the correction based on the period are performed by the internal time, the acquired time difference TD and the above-mentioned formula (3) and formula (4) to calculate the age of the month A, but it is not limited to this. The control circuit 72 can also calculate the age of the month A by performing a correction based only on the time difference TD using the result of internal timing, that is, the internal time, the acquired time difference TD (the stored time difference TD) and the following formula (1) and formula (2). Among them, A is determined based on the age of the month, Y is determined based on the year, D is determined based on the day, and Cm is determined based on the following [Table 1]. In addition, Cx is determined based on the time difference TD and is 0 or 1. If the time difference TD is greater than 0, Cx in this embodiment is 0, and if the time difference TD is less than -1, Cx in this embodiment is 1. In addition, % is the remainder obtained by dividing the right-hand formula by the left-hand value.

[0087] A=(Cy×11+Cm+D+Cx)%30……(1)

[0088] Cy=(Y-2006)%19……(2)

[0089] [Table 1]

[0090] (Table 1)

[0091] M 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 <![CDATA[C m ]]> 0 2 0 2 2 4 4 6 7 8 9 10

[0092] The above-mentioned formula (1) and formula (2) are simple calculation formulas for the age of the moon based on the Metonic cycle. In order to calculate the age of the moon A with high precision, a correction value Cx related to the time difference TD is added. In the electronic watch 1, the age of the moon A is calculated using the internal time, the acquired time difference TD, and the above-mentioned formulas (1) and (2), so that the computational load when calculating the age of the moon A can be suppressed. In addition, the electronic watch 1 in this embodiment corrects the simple calculation formula for the age of the moon based on the Metonic cycle by using the correction value Cx determined based on the time difference TD, thereby suppressing the error of the age of the moon based on the time difference TD, i.e., the longitude, and calculating the age of the moon with good precision. In addition, the electronic watch 1 in this embodiment corrects the simple calculation formula for the age of the moon based on the Metonic cycle by using the correction value Cz determined based on the cycle, thereby suppressing the error of the age of the moon generated in the simple calculation formula for the age of the moon based on the Metonic cycle, and calculating the age of the moon with good precision.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when calculating the age of the moon A, a correction based on the time difference TD, i.e., time difference correction, is performed, but this is not limiting. The control circuit 72 may also correct the internal age of the moon information when the internal time difference information is changed, when the time difference before the change is changed to the time difference after the change, if a predetermined time difference is crossed. For example, in the time difference correction mode, when the time difference TD changes from the stored time difference TD to the corrected time difference TD, if a predetermined time difference, here, 0, is crossed, the control circuit 72 may add the age of the moon A if the value obtained by subtracting the stored time difference TD from the corrected time difference TD is negative, for example, by correcting the age of the moon A by +1. If the value obtained by subtracting the stored time difference TD from the corrected time difference TD is positive, the control circuit 72 may subtract the age of the moon A from the corrected time difference, for example, by correcting the age of the moon A by -1. In this case, the age of the moon A may be corrected by rotating the age of the moon plate 42 based on the correction, without calculating the age of the moon A. This reduces the computational load in the time difference correction mode and allows the age of the moon to be displayed in accordance with the time difference.

[0094] Furthermore, the control circuit 72 may also correct the internal moon age information when the internal time difference information is changed, if the absolute value of the difference between the time difference before the change and the time difference after the change exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, in the time difference correction mode, if the absolute value of the time difference obtained by subtracting the stored time difference TD from the corrected time difference TD, i.e., the time difference difference value, exceeds a threshold of 12, the control circuit 72 may add the moon age A to the display if the value obtained by subtracting the stored time difference TD from the corrected time difference TD is negative, for example, by adding the moon age A to the display, or subtract the moon age A to the display, for example, by subtracting the moon age A to the display, for example, by subtracting the moon age A to the display, if the value is positive. In this case, the moon age A can be corrected by rotating the moon age plate 42 based on the correction, without calculating the moon age A. This reduces the computational load in the time difference correction mode and allows the moon age display to be adapted to the time difference change.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control circuit 72 calculates the age of the moon A when the user operates the operating unit 6 to enter the time difference correction mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the age of the moon A may be calculated automatically. For example, the control circuit 72 may calculate the age of the moon A each time the electronic watch 1 acquires time information from the outside. Furthermore, the control circuit 72 may calculate the age of the moon A each time the electronic watch 1 changes dates, i.e., when the date changes. Examples of date changes include date changes based on internal timekeeping, date changes automatically changing internal time difference information, date changes due to switching daylight saving time on or off, and the like. Furthermore, the control circuit 72 may calculate the age of the moon A each time the hemispherical display mode D is switched.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, a correction based on the time difference TD is performed when calculating the age of the moon A, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the electronic watch 1, the moon phase display unit 4 is provided. Even if the control circuit 72 does not calculate the age of the moon A, that is, even if the age of the moon plate 42 is driven to rotate by the operation of the operating unit 6 to display the age of the moon corresponding to the current age of the moon, the age of the moon plate 42 can be driven to rotate based on the acquired time difference TD in the time difference correction mode to correct the age of the moon A.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, information display corresponding to the time difference correction function is provided on the back ring 33, but it is not limited to this. A time difference correction mark may be provided on the function mark plate 52 of the function display unit 5, and the function hand 51 may indicate the time difference correction mode.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the time difference correction mode is performed in the northern hemisphere display mode DN. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the time difference correction mode can also be performed in the southern hemisphere display mode DS.

[0099] Description of Reference Numerals

[0100] 1…electronic watch; 2…exterior case; 21…housing; 22…bezel; 23…windshield; 24…front tube; 3…time display; 31…hand; 32…dial; 321–323…time characters; 324…opening for calendar plate; 33…backing ring; 34…calendar plate; 341…date mark; 4…moon phase display; 41…opening for moon phase plate; 411, 412…recesses; 42…moon phase plate; 421, 422…month marks; 43, 44…moon phase plate rotation direction marks; 5…function display; 51…function hand; 52…function mark plate; 6… Operating part; 61…handle; 62, 63…buttons; 7…movement; 71…antenna; 72…control circuit; 73…actuator; 73a…first actuator; 73b…second actuator; 73c…third actuator (actuator for moon age plate); 73d…fourth actuator; 74…wheel assembly mechanism; 74a…first wheel assembly mechanism; 74b…second wheel assembly mechanism; 74c…third wheel assembly mechanism; 74d…fourth wheel assembly mechanism; 75…power generation mechanism; 76…secondary battery; 8…belt; O1…clock center; O2…moon age plate center; O3…function mark center.

Claims

1. An electronic watch, characterized in that: have: A time display unit for displaying the time based on internal timing; A moon phase display portion includes a moon age plate rotatably supported, wherein the moon phase corresponding to the moon age is displayed by the rotation of the moon age plate; an actuator for the moon age board, for rotating the moon age board; A time difference information acquisition unit, which acquires time difference information related to the time difference; as well as The control circuit drives the moon age board to rotate through the moon age board actuator based on the internal moon age information. The internal moon age information corresponds to a rotational position relative to a reference position of the moon age plate, The control circuit corrects the internal moon age information based on the time difference information acquired by the time difference information acquiring unit.

2. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein: When the internal time difference information is changed, the control circuit corrects the internal moon age information when the time difference before the change changes to the time difference after the change crosses the prescribed time difference. If the value obtained by subtracting the time difference before the change from the time difference after the change is negative, the age in months is corrected by addition. If the value obtained by subtracting the time difference before the change from the time difference after the change is positive, the age in months is corrected by subtraction.

3. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein: When the internal time difference information is changed and the absolute value of the difference between the time difference before the change and the time difference after the change exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control circuit corrects the internal moon age information. If the value obtained by subtracting the time difference before the change from the time difference after the change is negative, the age in months is corrected by addition. If the value obtained by subtracting the time difference before the change from the time difference after the change is positive, the age in months is corrected by subtraction.

4. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein: The control circuit includes a moon age calculation unit that calculates the internal moon age information based on the internal timekeeping and the acquired time difference.

5. The electronic watch according to claim 4, wherein: The control circuit calculates the age of the moon as the internal age of the moon information through the internal timing, the acquired time difference and the moon age calculation formula based on the 19-year cycle of the Metonic cycle.

6. The electronic watch according to claim 5, wherein: The moon age calculation formula based on the 19-year cycle of the Metonic cycle is formula (1) and formula (2). A=(Cy×11+Cm+D+Cx)%30……(1) Cy=(Y-2006)%19……(2) [Table 1] (Table 1) Among them, A is determined based on the age in months, Y is determined based on the year, D is determined based on the day, Cm is determined based on [Table 1], Cx is determined based on the time difference, and is 0 or 1, and % is the remainder obtained by dividing the right-hand side by the left-hand side.

7. The electronic watch according to claim 5, wherein: The calculation formulas for the moon age based on the 19-year cycle of the Metonic cycle are formula (3) and formula (4), A=(Cy×11+Cm+D+Cx+Cz)%30……(3) Cy=(Y-2006)%19……(4) [Table 1] (Table 1) Among them, A is determined based on the age in months, Y is determined based on the year, D is determined based on the day, Cm is determined based on [Table 1], Cx is determined based on the time difference and is 0 or 1, Cz is determined based on the value of Cy and is 0 or 1, and % is the remainder obtained by dividing the right-hand side by the left-hand side.

8. The electronic watch according to claim 7, wherein: If the C y is 7 or more, then the C z is 1, if C y is less than 6, then the C z is 0.

9. The electronic watch according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The time difference is based on Coordinated Universal Time. If the time difference is greater than 0, then the C x If the time difference is less than -1, then the C x is 1.

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