Apparatus and program

Abstract

To perform control for driving by properly using a plurality of power sources in equipment for outputting a plurality of pieces of information.SOLUTION: An apparatus driven by power supplied from an external power supply or an internal power supply includes a first control unit that performs at least processing for outputting a current time, and a second control unit that performs at least processing for outputting information other than the current time, and during driving by the power supplied from the internal power supply, power is not supplied to the second control unit while the second control unit does not need processing for outputting the information other than the current time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a program for outputting time information and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a need to provide a single device with a plurality of control units corresponding to a plurality of display units according to the type of information to be output, and to output a plurality of different pieces of information using each control unit.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a small portable or desktop electronic device that has a first display unit that uses a dot matrix method to display processing results and a second display unit that uses a segment method to display the time, and is powered by a DC power source such as a battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3140928 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The small electronic device described in Patent Document 1 is only intended to be powered by an internal power source such as a battery, and is not intended to be connected to an external power source such as an AC power source and be powered by the external power source. Naturally, therefore, no consideration is given to a control method for a device that outputs multiple pieces of information using multiple screens, etc., when powered by selectively using an internal power source and an external power source.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, method, and program that are capable of controlling a device that outputs a plurality of pieces of information to selectively use a plurality of power sources for driving the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A device that is powered by power supplied from an external or internal power source, a first control unit that performs at least a process for outputting the current time, and a second control unit that performs at least a process for outputting information other than the current time; A device characterized in that, when driven by power supplied from the internal power supply, power is not supplied to the second control unit while processing by the second control unit to output information other than the current time is not required.

[0008] According to this configuration, "power is not supplied to the second control unit," so that no power is consumed by the second control unit during this period, making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the entire device.

[0009] Furthermore, this configuration reduces power consumption "when driven by power supplied from an internal power supply," making it possible to drive the device for a longer period of time using the internal power supply compared to when such control is not performed.

[0010] Furthermore, according to this configuration, the power supply is stopped "while processing by the second control unit to output information other than the current time is not required," so processing by the second control unit to output information other than the current time when necessary is not hindered.

[0011] The external power source may be, for example, a household AC power source, which may be converted to DC power and supplied to each control unit. The internal power source may be, for example, a dry cell battery built into the device. Furthermore, information other than the current time may be, for example, the voice or image of a specified character.

[0012] (2) whether power is being supplied from the external power source or the internal power source, continuing to supply power to the first control; The first control unit may be a device that is driven by the continuously supplied power to continuously execute a process for outputting the current time.

[0013] With this configuration, regardless of the power source, power continues to be supplied to the first control unit, and the first control unit continues to output the current time using the supplied power, making it possible to use this device as a clock.

[0014] (3) When power is not being supplied to the second control unit, the first control unit may determine whether or not processing is necessary for the second control unit to output information other than the current time, and if it is determined that processing is necessary, the first control unit may perform processing to supply power to the second control unit.

[0015] According to this configuration, the first control unit performs processing such as determination and supplies power to the second control unit, rather than the second control unit that is not supplied with power. Therefore, even if the second control unit is rendered inoperable by not supplying power, it is possible to supply power to the second control unit when processing by the second control unit is required.

[0016] (4) When power is not being supplied to the second control unit, power is supplied to the second control unit before the time when information other than the current time should be output. The second control unit may be configured to be activated by the supplied power before the time arrives when information other than the current time should be output, and to output the information other than the current time when the time arrives when the information other than the current time should be output.

[0017] According to this configuration, power is supplied to the second control unit before the time when the information should be output, and the second control unit that receives this power starts up before the time when the information should be output, so it is possible to output the information exactly at the time when the information should be output. Therefore, even if the second control unit is controlled in such a way that it takes time to start up, it is possible to output the information exactly at the time when the information should be output.

[0018] (5) The device further includes a first display unit for the first control unit to output the current time, and a second display unit for the second control unit to output information other than the current time, It is preferable that the device not supply power to the second display unit while not supplying power to the second control unit.

[0019] According to this configuration, while power is not being supplied to the second control unit, power is not being supplied to the second display unit either, so power is not consumed by the second display unit during this period, making it possible to further reduce power consumption of the entire device. Furthermore, while power is not being supplied to the second control unit, the second control unit does not output information to the second display unit, so no inconvenience occurs even if power is not being supplied to the second display unit in this way.

[0020] The first display unit may be realized by, for example, a segment LCD (liquid crystal display), and the second display unit may be realized by, for example, a dot matrix LCD (liquid crystal display).

[0021] (6) The second display unit may be a touch panel with a display unit, and the device may not perform processing to accept user operations via the touch panel while power is not being supplied to the second control unit.

[0022] According to this configuration, since the process for accepting user operations through the touch panel is not performed while power is not supplied to the second control unit, the power required for performing the process for accepting user operations through the touch panel is not consumed, thereby making it possible to further reduce the power consumption of the entire device. The touch panel may be, for example, a capacitive touch panel with a display unit. Furthermore, the process for accepting user operations through the touch panel may be, for example, operating a device for detecting changes in capacitance on the touch panel.

[0023] (7) When the device itself performs a predetermined process, it is preferable that the device turns on a lighting unit that illuminates the first display unit when powered by the external power source, and turns off the lighting unit when powered by the internal power source.

[0024] According to this configuration, when the device is driven by power supplied from an external power source, the lighting unit that illuminates the first display unit is turned on, thereby improving the visibility of the first display unit.

[0025] On the other hand, when the device is driven by power supplied from the internal power supply, the lighting unit is turned off, thereby reducing power consumption and enabling the device to be driven for a longer period of time by the internal power supply compared to when such control is not performed. The lighting unit may be, for example, a backlight for the first display unit.

[0026] (8) The device further includes a time acquisition unit that acquires the current time through communication with an external device; When driven by power supplied from the internal power supply, the device may be configured such that the frequency with which the time acquisition means acquires the current time is reduced compared to when driven by power supplied from the external power supply.

[0027] According to this configuration, when the device is powered by the internal power supply, the time acquisition means acquires the current time less frequently than when the device is powered by the external power supply, thereby reducing the number of communications required to acquire the current time. This reduces power consumption when the device is powered by the internal power supply. Furthermore, when the device is powered by the external power supply, the current time can be acquired more frequently. The acquired current time can be used, for example, to correct a discrepancy in the current time measured based on the device's own internal clock.

[0028] (9) The time acquisition means is a receiver in a satellite positioning system, and the external device is a satellite in the satellite positioning system, The time acquisition means may be a device that acquires the current time from at least one of the satellites.

[0029] This configuration makes it possible to acquire the current time from a satellite in a satellite positioning system. While communication with at least three satellites is required to determine a position, this device is not intended to determine a position but to acquire the current time, so communication with at least one satellite is sufficient. Furthermore, the current time acquired from the satellite in the satellite positioning system is highly accurate. Furthermore, the time acquisition means may be implemented, for example, by a GPS receiver in a GPS (Global Positioning System). Furthermore, the satellite may be, for example, a GPS satellite in a GPS. The GPS receiver may then receive radio waves transmitted by the GPS satellite and acquire the time information contained in the received radio waves.

[0030] (10) The device further includes a clock measuring unit for measuring the current time based on a clock generated within the device itself; It is preferable that the device corrects the current time measured by the measurement means using the current time acquired by the time acquisition means, and corrects the oscillation frequency for generating the clock based on the amount of difference between the two current times.

[0031] This configuration makes it possible to correct the current time measured based on the device's internal clock using the acquired current time. This makes it possible to correct the current time that has shifted due to a shift in the internal clock. Furthermore, this configuration also makes it possible to correct the oscillation frequency used to generate the clock. Therefore, it is possible to correct any shift in the internal clock.

[0032] This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the current time measured based on the internal clock of the device. (11) When driven by power supplied from the external power source, the device may be configured to temporarily suspend the supply of power to the second control unit at a predetermined cycle while processing by the second control unit is not required, and restart the second control unit.

[0033] According to this configuration, even in a situation where the second processing unit continues to operate using power supplied from an external power source, the second control unit can be restarted at a predetermined interval. This allows the second control unit to be restored to its initial state. When driven by power supplied from an external power source, it is possible to continue supplying power to the second control unit and keep the second control unit operating. However, if the second control unit continues to operate for a long period of time, it is possible that the second control unit may malfunction. Therefore, by restarting the second control unit, malfunctions can be prevented. For example, if the second control unit is a part that performs arithmetic processing based on software, this configuration can advantageously prevent malfunctions by resetting RAM (Random Access Memory) and restarting the software.

[0034] (12) The second control unit may be a device that, when a predetermined time arrives, performs a process of outputting a message to notify the user that the predetermined time has arrived.

[0035] According to this configuration, a message for notifying that a predetermined time has arrived can be output by a message for notifying that a predetermined time has arrived. For example, if a user touches such a message, the user can know that the predetermined time has arrived.

[0036] This allows the device to be used as, for example, an alarm clock that notifies the user of the arrival of a predetermined time, or as a timer.

[0037] (13) Further comprising a first operation unit for receiving an operation, It is preferable that the device be configured such that if the first operation unit accepts an operation while the message is being output, the output of the message is stopped.

[0038] According to this configuration, the output of a message can be stopped when the first operating unit accepts an operation. For example, a user can stop the output of a message by touching the message. As a result, for example, when using the device as an alarm clock, a user who is woken up by a message can stop the output of subsequent messages. The message can be output, for example, by outputting a phrase such as "Hey, it's morning already," as a voice, and by outputting an image of a character speaking the phrase as an image.

[0039] (14) If the first operation unit accepts an operation while the message is being output, the device may stop outputting the message and then output a message with content different from the message that was output.

[0040] According to this configuration, when the first operating unit accepts an operation, not only can the output of the message be stopped but a different message can be output. This makes it possible to output a message with content corresponding to the user waking up, for example, to a user who has just woken up. The message with content corresponding to the user waking up can be, for example, a voice output of a phrase such as "Good morning. Do your best today," and an image output of a character saying the phrase.

[0041] (15) Further comprising a second operation unit for receiving an operation, If the second operating unit accepts an operation while the message is being output, the device may stop outputting the message and, after a predetermined time has elapsed, output a message indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined time.

[0042] According to this configuration, when the second operating unit accepts an operation, the output of the message can be stopped, and after a predetermined time has passed, a message indicating that a predetermined time has passed from the predetermined time can be output. For example, this can meet the needs of a user who wants to stop the message output now but wants to output the message again after the predetermined time has passed. This makes it possible to use this device as an alarm clock with a so-called snooze function. Furthermore, by displaying different messages when the predetermined time arrives and when the predetermined time has passed, the user can determine whether the predetermined time has arrived or when the predetermined time has passed.

[0043] (16) If the second operating unit receives an operation while outputting a message indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined time, the device may repeat the process of ceasing output of the message indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined time, and outputting a message indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined time again after the predetermined time has elapsed, and may vary the content of the message output based on the number of times the process is repeated.

[0044] According to this configuration, when the second operation unit accepts an operation, the output of the message is stopped, and the content of the message can be changed depending on the number of times the process of outputting the message again after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, if such a process is repeated four times, the message output the fifth time can be different from the messages output previously. This is advantageous because it allows the user to know, for example, the number of times the snooze process has been repeated.

[0045] (17) It is preferable that the device randomly selects a time from a predetermined time slot, and when the selected time arrives, outputs a message requesting the execution of an operation.

[0046] According to this configuration, the device can output a message at a randomly selected time. That is, instead of outputting a message at a predetermined time, such as a time set by the user or a time signal to notify the user of the exact time, the message is output at a randomly selected time. Furthermore, since the message is a message requesting the execution of an operation, it can prompt the user to perform the operation.

[0047] This allows the user to be requested to perform an operation at a time that the user cannot predict, and to perform the operation accordingly, which is advantageous in that it improves the entertainment value.

[0048] (18) The message may be a combination of a predetermined phrase corresponding to a predetermined character and image data representing the predetermined character.

[0049] According to this configuration, a phrase corresponding to a predetermined character and an image of the predetermined character can be output as a message. This allows a user who touches the message to feel as if the predetermined character is speaking to them, thereby improving entertainment value. For example, if the device is used as an alarm clock, it can reduce the discomfort of waking up compared to when only an electronic sound is used to notify the user.

[0050] (19) The message may be a combination of a predetermined phrase corresponding to a predetermined character, an electronic sound output after the phrase is output, and image data representing the predetermined character.

[0051] According to this configuration, a phrase corresponding to a predetermined character and an image of the predetermined character can be output as a message, which makes it possible to give a user who touches the message the feeling that the predetermined character is speaking to them, thereby improving the entertainment value.

[0052] Furthermore, with this configuration, the electronic sound is output even after the phrase has finished being output, so it is possible to output the message for a period longer than the length of the phrase. In addition, the phrase and the electronic sound are not output simultaneously, so the content of the phrase is not difficult to understand due to the electronic sound.

[0053] (20) If the operation corresponding to the output message is not accepted, the device may change the predetermined character in a message to be output thereafter to a different character.

[0054] According to this configuration, if no operation corresponding to the message is performed, a message of a different character will be output thereafter. This makes it possible to use different characters depending on whether or not an operation is performed. This provides an incentive for users who do not want to change characters to perform an operation corresponding to the message, for example.

[0055] (21) It is preferable that the device increments a value each time an operation is received, and that the content of the message to be output varies depending on the cumulative value of the incremented value.

[0056] This configuration makes it possible to output different messages depending on the number of times an operation has been accepted. As a result, the message to be output will be different depending on whether the device has just started to be used and has only accepted a small number of operations, or whether the device has been used for a long period of time and has accepted a large number of operations. For example, it is possible to output different messages as the user uses the device more and more and becomes more adept at using it.

[0057] (22) It is preferable that the number of values ​​to be added is changed depending on the content of the received operation.

[0058] According to this configuration, the number of values ​​to be added varies depending on the content of the accepted operation, so depending on the content of the operation, the cumulative value of the added values ​​may or may not increase immediately. And, as described in 18, the content of the message to be output varies depending on the cumulative value, so the message may or may not change immediately.

[0059] This makes it possible to provide an incentive to a user who has repeatedly performed an operation that adds up a large number of values, by allowing the user to change the message at an early stage.

[0060] (23) It is preferable that the device outputs different messages depending on the time period in which the messages are output.

[0061] According to this configuration, the message to be output varies depending on the time of day the message is output in. For example, different phrases can be output for morning and nighttime periods.

[0062] (24) If an operation corresponding to the output message is not accepted, the device may output a message indicating this in a manner different from the manner in which the output message was issued.

[0063] According to this configuration, when an operation to respond to a message is not received, a message indicating this fact can be output, and the message can be output in a different manner. Therefore, even if a message output in a certain manner is not understandable to the user, the message can be output in another manner that the user can understand. For example, the message can be output by sound followed by displaying text on the display unit.

[0064] (25) It is preferable that the device be such that once a message has been output, it can be reproduced at the user's discretion.

[0065] According to this configuration, a message that has been output once can be reproduced in response to a user's selection thereafter, allowing the user to repeatedly play back a message that they like.

[0066] (26) A program that causes a computer to function as the device described in any one of 1 to 25.

[0067] According to this configuration, a program can cause a computer to function as the device described in any one of items 1 to 25 above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0068] According to the present invention, it is possible to control a device that outputs a plurality of pieces of information so that the device is driven by using a plurality of power sources selectively. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0069] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the appearance of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear surface of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on the display units according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing changes before and after GPS reception in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing screen transitions during normal operation in battery mode in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing screen transitions during an alarm operation in battery mode in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing screen transitions of a timer in a battery mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing screen transitions for an attention event in battery mode in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing screen transitions during normal operation and for time announcements in AC mode in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating changing clothes according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing each functional block included in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation related to power supply to a second control unit and the like in the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]5 is a flowchart showing operations related to power supply to a GPS module in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] First, an overview of a watch 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the watch 100 has two display units: a first display unit 1 and a second display unit 2. Here, the first display unit 1 is a unit that primarily displays the current time. In contrast, the second display unit 2 is a unit that displays the current time as well as character images. The watch 100 uses these two display units to realize functions such as an alarm clock, and also uses character images to create an entertaining presentation. This allows the user to enjoy the watch more than a boring watch that simply displays the time, etc.

[0071] The watch 100 also has an internal GPS (Global Positioning System) module that uses the current time obtained from GPS satellites to correct the current time measured by the watch 100. This allows for more reliable time correction than a typical radio-controlled watch that receives standard radio waves and automatically corrects errors.

[0072] Furthermore, the watch 100 is powered not only by converting power supplied from an external power source (i.e., AC power from a household outlet), but also by power from an internal battery, which allows the watch 100 to be used in places where there is no external power source or where GPS signals can be easily received.

[0073] Furthermore, timepiece 100 has two control units corresponding to the two display units: one for outputting information to first display unit 1, and one for outputting information to second display unit 2. Timepiece 100 switches the power supply method to these two control units and two display units depending on whether it is powered by an external power source or an internal power source. This makes it possible to extend the operating time when powered by an internal power source.

[0074] The above is an overview of the timepiece 100. In addition to explaining each of the above-mentioned features, the configurations and operations for realizing these features, as well as features other than those mentioned above, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0075] <Appearance of Clock 100> 2 is a perspective view of the front of watch 100 (the side having first display unit 1 and second display unit 2) viewed from the upper right. Referring to FIG. 2, in addition to first display unit 1 and second display unit 2, watch 100 has an upper button 3 and an SD card slot 4.

[0076] The first display unit 1 is a segment liquid crystal display that displays the current time, icons, etc. The second display unit 2 is an active matrix TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal display. The second display unit 2 is a touch panel type that also functions as an input device for receiving operations from the user.

[0077] Here, the size of the second display unit 2 is 3.0 inches. The width of the first display unit 1 is the same as the width of the 3.0-inch second display unit 2, but the height of the first display unit 1 is shorter than the height of the second display unit 2. This was the result of taking into consideration the amount of information to be displayed on both display units and the design of the front of the watch 100.

[0078] The watch 100 is equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) backlight that corresponds to the first display unit 1, separate from the first display unit 1. By controlling the watch 100 to turn on the LED backlight, visibility can be improved compared to when the backlight is turned off.

[0079] The upper button 3 is a physical button for accepting operations from the user, and is used for operations such as stopping an alarm.

[0080] The SD card slot 4 is a slot for inserting an SD card (Secure Digital memory card) into which an SD card containing image data to be displayed on the second display unit 2, character voice data for outputting character voice from the speaker 6 (described later), software for updating the clock 100, etc. is inserted.

[0081] Next, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the back of the watch 100 viewed from the upper right. Referring to Figure 3, in addition to the upper button 3 described with reference to Figure 2, the watch 100 also has a battery cover 5, a speaker 6, and a microUSB terminal 7.

[0082] The battery cover 5 is a cover that can be attached and detached by the user. The user removes the battery cover 5 and installs dry batteries, which are the internal power source. After installing the dry batteries, the user then reattaches the battery cover 5 to the case of the watch 100. The watch 100 is powered by four AA alkaline batteries. The battery cover 5 is designed with a recess in a shape related to the character displayed on the second display section 2. Specifically, the recess is in the shape of a cat silhouette, which is related to the character.

[0083] The speaker 6 is a speaker for outputting alarm sounds and character voices. The watch 100 has a sound emission hole corresponding to the speaker 6 provided in the case of the watch 100. This sound emission hole forms a design related to the character displayed on the second display unit 2. Specifically, it forms a shape similar to that of an accessory related to the character.

[0084] The microUSB terminal 7 is a terminal for supplying external power to the watch 100, and its shape and other features conform to the microUSB standard, which is a common terminal. In this embodiment, an AC adapter is connected to the AC power source of a household outlet, and the AC adapter is then connected to the microUSB terminal 7 with a cable that conforms to the microUSB standard. In this way, the power supplied from the AC power source is converted to DC 5V by the AC adapter and obtained via the cable, supplying external power to the watch 100.

[0085] <Clock 100 screen display> Next, the contents displayed on the first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. First, the contents displayed on the first display unit 1 are shown on the left side of Fig. 4.

[0086] Referring to the upper left of FIG. 4, the first display section 1 displays the current time 1-1, the day of the week 1-2, the date 1-3, an alarm icon 1-4, and a GPS icon 1-5.

[0087] Current Time 1-1 is a so-called digital display of the current time, and is displayed in 24-hour format.

[0088] Day of the week 1-2 is the three-letter English representation of today's day of the week. Date 1-3 is the representation of today's date.

[0089] The alarm icon 1-4 indicates whether an alarm is set to ring at a predetermined time, i.e., whether an alarm clock is set. If the alarm clock is set, the alarm icon 1-4 is displayed, and if the alarm clock is not set, the alarm icon 1-4 is hidden.

[0090] The GPS icon 1-5 indicates whether communication with a GPS satellite is possible. The watch 100 periodically communicates with a GPS satellite using an internal GPS module to obtain the current time from the GPS satellite. If the watch 100 is able to obtain the current time, it displays the GPS icon 1-5; if the watch 100 is unable to obtain the current time, it does not display the GPS icon 1-5. In other words, the GPS icon 1-5 can be considered an icon indicating that the previous communication was successful.

[0091] Next, the relationship between the GPS icon 1-5 and powering on the watch 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 5. As shown in the upper part of Figure 5, when the watch 100 is powered on, the current time 1-1, day of the week 1-2, and date 1-3 are not set correctly. Also, the GPS icon 1-5 is not displayed.

[0092] Therefore, when the watch 100 is turned on, it uses its internal GPS module to obtain the current time, current date, etc. from GPS satellites and correctly corrects the display contents of the current time 1-1, day of the week 1-2, date 1-3, etc. After correction, the GPS icon 1-5 lights up. The display after correction is shown in the lower part of Figure 5.

[0093] Here, the reason why the clock 100 is not a radio-controlled clock but a clock that uses a GPS module to correct the time will be explained.

[0094] The radio waves used by radio-controlled clocks can be interrupted due to periodic inspections or weather conditions, such as lightning hazards. While there are two radio-controlled clock transmitters in Japan, one in Tohoku and one in Kyushu, they are built in fixed locations, meaning there are areas where the radio waves cannot reach, such as the Sakishima Islands and the Ogasawara Islands. Using a radio-controlled clock under these conditions can result in the time being inaccurate.

[0095] In contrast, in the case of a watch that uses a GPS module like watch 100 to correct the time, multiple GPS satellites that emit radio waves are constantly moving around the Earth, so time correction can be performed reliably by receiving GPS radio waves, and therefore watch 100 uses GPS.

[0096] The watch 100 can be powered by a battery, making it portable. This allows the user to take the watch 100 to a location where GPS signals are easily received and receive them there. The user can then take the watch 100 to the desired location and use it with an external power source. In other words, even if the desired location for installation is one where GPS signals are difficult to receive, the user can correct the time on the watch 100 and use it.

[0097] The explanation will be continued with reference to Figure 4 again. The display when the upper button 3 is pressed is shown in the middle left section of Figure 4. When the watch 100 is powered by an internal power source, or when it is powered by an external power source but a specific setting has been made, the backlight of the first display unit 1 will be turned off if there is no user operation. This is to prevent consumption of the internal power source and to protect the backlight.

[0098] However, it is preferable to turn on the backlight to improve visibility during user operation. Therefore, the watch 100 turns on the backlight when the user presses the upper button 3. This turns on the backlight as shown in the middle left section of FIG. 4, improving visibility compared to the upper left section of FIG. 4. Furthermore, if the upper button 3 is pressed for a predetermined period of time, i.e., if the upper button 3 is pressed and held, the display content changes. Specifically, it switches to displaying the alarm setting time, which is the time the alarm is set to sound. The user can see that an alarm is set by seeing the alarm icons 1-4 displayed, and by pressing and holding the upper button 3 in this way, they can also see the alarm setting time.

[0099] Next, referring to the right side of FIG. 4, the second display section 2 displays a clock 2-1, a character image 2-2, a time signal icon 2-3, and an attention icon 2-4.

[0100] The clock 2-1 is an analog clock that displays the current time, with the long hand indicating the hours, the short hand indicating the minutes, and the circle around the periphery indicating the seconds.

[0101] The character image 2-2 is an image of a predetermined character, and may be displayed as a still image, or may be displayed as an animation by displaying a series of still images. Specifically, the still image of the character is displayed while the second display unit 2 is lit. Furthermore, when an alarm is sounded or when the character's voice of a predetermined phrase is output, the character is displayed as an animation. The voice of the character corresponds to the character displayed as the character image 2-2. In other words, the character displayed as the character image 2-2 is presented as if it is speaking.

[0102] That is, the watch 100 can output a message from the character to the user by combining a character voice of a predetermined phrase with a character image. The message is output, for example, when the watch 100 itself is started up. The message output at start-up is, for example, a combination of a character voice of a phrase such as "All right. Let's do our best to ring the alarm" and an animation of the character.

[0103] In addition to the time of startup, messages are also output in various other situations, such as when an alarm is output or when a time signal is output, etc. This will be explained in detail later when explaining screen transitions.

[0104] The time signal icon 2-3 indicates whether or not a time signal event is set. It is displayed when a time signal event is set and flashes while the time signal event is occurring. Here, the time signal event is an event in which a character outputs a message every hour on the hour.

[0105] The attention icon 2-4 is an icon that indicates whether or not an "attention event" is set, and is displayed when an attention event is set, and flashes while the attention event is occurring. Here, the attention event is an event that occurs at random timing, and is an event that outputs a message from the character. The main purpose of the attention event is not to notify the user of the time, but is an event that occurs as a performance to make the user feel closer to the character.

[0106] Next, screen transitions in the watch 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 10. In this regard, the screen transitions in the first display section of the watch 100 differ between when the watch 100 is operating on batteries (hereinafter referred to as "battery mode") and when the watch 100 is operating by converting power obtained from an AC power source (hereinafter referred to as "AC mode"). Therefore, screen transitions in battery mode will be explained first, and then screen transitions in AC mode will be explained.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 6, the screen transitions during normal operation in battery mode are shown. First, in the "standby state" on the left, the second display unit 2 is not activated, and therefore no information is displayed. On the other hand, the first display unit 1 is in a state where the current time and other information can be seen, but the backlight is turned off. The first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2 are in this state in the standby state in order to reduce power consumption in the standby state and save battery consumption. Furthermore, in order to transition between screens, user operations must be accepted, and even if the second display unit 2 is not activated, user operations can be accepted thanks to the presence of the upper button 3.

[0108] Here, when the user presses the upper button 3, this triggers a transition to the "clock display state." Specifically, the second display unit 2 is activated to display various pieces of information as described with reference to FIG. 4, and the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned on. This is because, since the user has pressed the upper button 3, it is assumed that the user is currently viewing the first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2, and therefore visibility should be improved. Note that, when pressing the upper button 3 is accepted, a message is output. The message output in this case is, for example, a combination of a character's voice and character animation, such as a phrase like "I've been waiting for you to call me."

[0109] Next, when the user presses the second display unit 2, the second display unit 2, which is a touch panel display unit, detects the press. This triggers a transition to a "various setting state." In this transition state, the backlight of the first display unit 1 continues to light, and the second display unit 2 displays a screen for configuring various settings. By operating the screen for configuring various settings, the user can switch the alarm and time signal on and off, set the time for the alarm to sound, the number of snoozes and intervals, and adjust the volume of the alarm and character voice. The screens for configuring various settings are hierarchical. For example, pressing the "Alarm" button on the first screen transitions to a settings screen related to the alarm. This is because it is difficult to fit all the setting buttons on the screen of the first display unit 1 due to the screen size of the second display unit 2.

[0110] In the various setting states, pressing the end button displayed on the second display unit 2 triggers a transition to the clock display state. Also, if there is no operation for 10 seconds in the clock display state, that is, if neither the upper button 3 nor the second display unit 2 is pressed for 10 seconds, the state transitions to the standby state.

[0111] Next, referring to Figure 7, the screen transitions during normal alarm operation in battery mode are shown. First, as shown on the left side of the top row, the device enters a "standby state (i.e., a standby state for the alarm)" until the time for the alarm to sound arrives. The same applies to each standby state described below, which is the same as the standby state described with reference to Figure 6. Therefore, if an operation is received during this time, the device will transition as described with reference to Figure 6.

[0112] Next, when the time to sound the alarm arrives, the process transitions to "alarm output." In alarm output, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is first turned on, and the second display unit 2 is activated to output a message. In this case, the message to be output is, for example, a combination of a character's voice and character animation, such as "If you don't get up early, you'll be late for work. Oh, is it school?" Then, once the message output is complete, an alarm with an electronic beep such as "beep, beep, beep" is sounded. This allows the user to be notified that it is time to sound the alarm even after the message has been output. Also, as will be the case in the following explanation, if the message and electronic beep are sounded at the same time, it may be difficult to hear the character's voice for the message, so the electronic beep is sounded after the message is output.

[0113] Here, when the upper button 3 is pressed or a predetermined time has passed, the alarm output transitions to a "standby state (i.e., a snooze standby state)." Here, the predetermined time is set to 30 seconds. On the other hand, when the second display section 2 is pressed instead of the upper button 3, the transition to the "result phrase" occurs.

[0114] First, we will explain the case where the device transitions to the "standby state (i.e., a standby state for snooze)." Pressing the upper button 3 stops the alarm output, but after pressing the upper button 3, the snooze output will be activated after a predetermined time set by the user has elapsed. Therefore, the device remains in the standby state (i.e., a standby state for snooze) until the predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is set by the user, selecting from four options: 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes.

[0115] Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed and it is time to output a snooze, the state transitions to "snooze output."

[0116] In snooze output, first, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned on, and the second display unit 2 is activated to output a message. The message to be output in this case is, for example, a combination of a character's voice and character animation, including a phrase such as "Hey, hey, if you don't get up soon, you'll be late." Here, different phrases are used for the alarm output state and the snooze output state so that the user can distinguish between the alarm output state and the snooze output state. Then, once the message output is complete, an alarm with an electronic beep sound such as "beep, beep, beep." This allows the user to be notified that it is time to snooze, even after the message has been output.

[0117] Here, when the upper button 3 is pressed or a predetermined time has passed, the alarm output transitions back to the "standby state (snooze)." Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 30 seconds. Then, when it is time to output the snooze, the alarm output transitions back to the "snooze output."

[0118] In other words, snooze is repeated seven times until the user performs an operation to cancel snooze. If the user does not perform an operation to cancel snooze after the snooze is repeated a predetermined number of times, the repetition ends and the device transitions to a standby state.

[0119] Here, the phrase of the message output when the snooze is output is changed as the snooze is repeated. For example, when the fifth snooze is output, a phrase such as "Wake up! Stop it already, or I'll get mad. Oh, I'm already mad" is output in a strong tone. This allows the user to understand that the snooze has been repeated and that they need to get up quickly. In addition, the strong tone of the message can further influence the user's need to get up.

[0120] If the user presses the second display section 2 while the alarm or snooze is being output, it is determined that an operation to cancel the snooze has been performed, and the display transitions to the "Result Phrase."

[0121] In the result phrase, the backlight of the first display unit 1 continues to light up, and a message is output while the second display unit 2 remains activated. In this case, the message to be output is a combination of character voice and character animation, such as phrases like "Okay, you did a good job, it's okay. You can still make it!" or "Oh, I'm awake. I'm going back to sleep. Just kidding."

[0122] By outputting such a phrase, it is possible to praise the user for waking up, and the user can wake up in a good mood.

[0123] In the result phrase, when the message output is completed, the state transitions to the "standby state."

[0124] Next, referring to FIG. 8, the screen transitions when using the timer in battery mode are shown. First, as shown on the left side of the upper row, the screen starts from the "various setting state." The method of transitioning to the various setting states is as described above with reference to FIG. 6. Then, when the timer button is pressed on the screen for making various settings displayed on the second display unit 2 in the various setting state, the screen transitions to "timer set and start."

[0125] When setting and starting the timer, the backlight of the first display unit 1 continues to light, and the second display unit 2 remains activated, displaying the up / down buttons and start button for setting the timer length. The user then operates the up / down buttons to set the timer to the desired length. For example, if the user's desired timer length is 10 minutes, the user sets it to 10 minutes and then presses the start button. This starts the timer, and the countdown to the desired length begins. When the countdown begins, a message is output. In this case, the output message is a combination of a character voice and character animation, such as "I'm going to start timing now." If the user has set the timer to a predetermined length, a message corresponding to that predetermined length may also be output. For example, if the user has set the timer to three minutes, the output message is a combination of a character animation and the phrase "Are you going to eat instant ramen?"

[0126] During the countdown, the remaining time until the time is up is displayed on the second display unit 2. Then, when the countdown ends and the time is up, the state transitions to "alarm output".

[0127] To output the alarm, first, the backlight of the first display unit 1 continues to light up, and the second display unit 2 remains activated and outputs a message. In this case, the message to be output is a combination of a character's voice and character animation, such as a phrase like "The set time has passed." Then, once the message output has finished, an alarm with an electronic beep such as "beep beep, beep beep" is sounded. This allows the user to be notified that it is time to sound the alarm even after the message has been output.

[0128] In alarm output, when the message output is completed, the state transitions to "standby state."

[0129] Next, referring to Figure 9, the screen transitions when an "attention event" occurs in battery mode are shown. First, as shown on the left side of the top row, it starts from "standby state." As mentioned above, attention events are events that occur at random times and output messages from characters.

[0130] Therefore, the clock 100 randomly determines the time at which the attention event occurs through internal processing. The attention event occurs once a day.

[0131] Then, when the time for the attention event to occur arrives, the state transitions to "attention alarm output."

[0132] In the attention alarm output, first, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned on, and the second display unit 2 is activated to output a message. The message output in this case is a combination of character voice and character animation, such as phrases like "Hello. Have you forgotten about me? You have, haven't you?" or "If I'm locked up in your room all the time, I'll feel like a bird in a cage. I don't think there's any bird cuter than that." Also, the attention icon 2-4 described with reference to Figure 4 is flashed so that the user can understand that an attention event is occurring, rather than that an alarm is currently sounding.

[0133] The attention event lasts for two minutes, and during this time, a message is output every 30 seconds. The message may be long or short. In this regard, if a long message is output in succession, it will be as if the character has been talking for two minutes straight.

[0134] If the second display unit 2 is pressed within two minutes, it is assumed that the user has responded to the attention event, and the state transitions to "Result Phrase." On the other hand, if the second display unit 2 is not pressed within two minutes, it is assumed that the user has not responded to the attention event, and the state transitions to "Waiting State."

[0135] In the result phrase, the backlight of the first display unit 1 continues to light up, and the second display unit 2 remains activated and a message is output. In this case, the message output is a combination of character voice and character animation, such as phrases like "Passed~I think tolerant men are wonderful" or "Pirorin. As a reward for your attention, I'll give you some experience points." The meaning of the word "experience points" in such phrases will be explained later.

[0136] By outputting such phrases, it is possible to make the user feel closer to the character.

[0137] In the result phrase, when the message output is completed, the state transitions to the "standby state."

[0138] Next, the screen transition in AC mode will be explained using FIG. 10. First, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 10, in AC mode, there is no standby state under normal circumstances, and the clock display state continues. In other words, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is always on, and the second display unit 2 is always activated to display character images and an analog clock. In other words, unlike in battery mode, there is no standby state in which the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned off and the second display unit 2 is not activated.

[0139] This is because the power supply from the AC power source is always continuous and there is no need to worry about the remaining battery power like with dry batteries. Therefore, the user can always refer to the character image and analog clock displayed on the second display unit 2, and the backlight of the first display unit 1 is lit, improving visibility.

[0140] Furthermore, the AC mode differs from the battery mode in that the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned on and the second display unit 2 is activated to continue displaying the character image and analog clock even in the "standby state" in the screen transitions of each of the <Alarm Clock>, <Timer>, and <Attention Event> described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. In other words, the AC mode differs from the battery mode in that the "standby state" in the battery mode is replaced with a "clock display state."

[0141] However, there are no other differences in screen transitions between AC mode and battery mode. Therefore, to avoid redundant explanations, we will omit explanations of the screen transitions for the <Alarm Clock>, <Timer>, and <Attention Event> in AC mode.

[0142] Next, the screen transitions when using the timer in AC mode are shown in the bottom row of Figure 10. First, start from the "clock display state" as shown on the left side of the top row.

[0143] Then, when the time to output the time signal, that is, the hour at "n:0:00 (n is an integer between 0 and 23)", arrives, the display transitions to "time signal."

[0144] When announcing the time, the backlight of the first display unit 1 continues to light up, and the second display unit 2 remains activated and the time signal icon flashes. A message is also output. The message to be output in this case is a combination of character voice and character animation of phrases such as "Hello. It's 12:00 AM and it's lunchtime. What would you like for lunch today?" or "It's 5:00 PM. Sunsets are so sentimental."

[0145] In this way, by not only simply announcing that the hour has arrived, but also outputting a message using phrases that include the character's thoughts, etc., it is possible to provide the user with enjoyment on a regular hourly basis and to make the user feel closer to the character.

[0146] Next, changing of the character's clothes will be described with reference to Figure 11. The watch 100 displays different costumes for the character on the second display unit 2 depending on the time of day. Specifically, different costumes are used for a first time period (6:00 AM to 8:59 PM on the current day) and a second time period (9:00 PM to 5:59 AM the next day).

[0147] As shown on the left side of FIG. 11, when a character is displayed on the second display unit 2, the character is wearing a dress during the first time period. However, when the second time period arrives, the watch 100 outputs a message. The character is temporarily hidden from the screen of the first display unit, and then the character wearing pajamas is displayed again. Then, when the first time period arrives again, the watch 100 outputs a message. The character is temporarily hidden from the screen of the first display unit, and then the character wearing a dress is displayed again. The message output in these cases is a combination of character voice and character animation, for example, a phrase such as "Oh, it's already this late. I'm going to go get changed."

[0148] In this way, it is presented as if the character has changed clothes off-screen, allowing the user to not only know the time from the clock display, but also intuitively know whether it is day or night.

[0149] <Functional blocks and internal processing of the watch 100> Next, each functional block included in the timepiece 100 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 12, the watch 100 includes a first display unit 1, a second display unit 2, an upper button 3, an SD card slot 4, a speaker 6, a MicroUSB terminal 7, a dry cell battery 8, a power supply switching unit 9, a first control unit 10, a backlight 11 for the first display unit, an RTC (Real-time clock) 12, and a GPS module 13.

[0151] Each of these functional blocks will be explained below. Here, redundant explanations of the parts explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3 will be omitted. For example, explanations of the types of displays that realize the first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2 have already been given above, so explanations will be omitted. Also, the battery cover 5 shown in Figure 3 will not be shown as a functional block.

[0152] As described above, the MicroUSB terminal 7 is connected to the AC adapter and receives the DC 5V power converted by the AC adapter. The power supplied from the AC adapter is supplied to the power supply switching unit 9 via the MicroUSB terminal 7.

[0153] As described above, the dry batteries 8 are four AA alkaline batteries. The power of these dry batteries 8 is supplied to the power supply switching unit 9.

[0154] The power supply switching unit 9 is a part that supplies either power supplied from an AC adapter as an external power supply or power supplied from the dry cell battery 8 as an internal power supply to the first control unit 10. In other words, the power supply switching unit 9 is a part that switches between using the external power supply or the internal power supply.

[0155] Here, when an AC adapter is not connected to the MicroUSB terminal 7, the power supply switching unit 9 supplies the power supplied from the dry cell 8 to the first control unit 10. On the other hand, when an AC adapter is connected to the MicroUSB terminal 7, the power supply switching unit 9 supplies the power supplied from the MicroUSB terminal 7 to the first control unit 10.

[0156] That is, whether to use an external power source or an internal power source is switched when an AC adapter is attached or detached to the MicroUSB terminal 7. The power source switching unit 9 also notifies the first control unit 10 whether the current power source is an external power source or an internal power source. The power supplied to the first control unit 10 is then supplied to each unit inside the watch 100 under the control of 10.

[0157] Although the power supply switching unit 9 can be realized using software, it is assumed to be realized by hardware such as a relay that switches depending on whether or not power is being supplied from the MicroUSB terminal 7, or a signal line that notifies the power supply source. This is because if the power supply is interrupted for a moment when switching the power supply, the software may stop, preventing the switching from being performed and potentially shutting down the watch 100. Implementing the switching using hardware makes it possible to prevent such problems from occurring.

[0158] The upper button 3 is a part that notifies the first control unit 10 when it is pressed by the user.

[0159] The first display unit 1 is a display unit that switches time information according to the output from the first control unit 10 and displays or hides icons.

[0160] The first display backlight 11 is a part that improves the visibility of the first display 1 by turning itself on in response to the control of the first control unit 10.

[0161] The RTC 12 is a module that measures the current time. The RTC 12 outputs the current time measured by itself to the first control unit 10. The current time measured by the RTC 12 and the oscillation frequency of the RTC 12 are corrected by the first control unit 10 as appropriate.

[0162] Specifically, the current time measured by RTC 12 is corrected to the current time obtained from GPS module 13. Furthermore, based on the discrepancy between the current time measured by RTC 12 and the current time obtained from GPS module 13 before correction, the oscillation frequency of RTC 12 is corrected to correct this discrepancy. Normally, frequency correction takes a long time to perform in a factory, but in this way, clock 100 automatically performs frequency correction while the user is using it, meaning that the frequency can be adjusted after clock 100 is shipped.

[0163] The GPS module 13 is a part that acquires the current time by communicating with GPS satellites. The GPS module 13 outputs the current time acquired from the GPS satellites to the first control unit 10. The first control unit 10 corrects the current time measured by the RTC 12 and the oscillation frequency of the RTC 12 based on the current time input from the GPS module 13.

[0164] The speaker 6 converts an electrical signal corresponding to the character voice or electronic sound input from the second control unit 20 into a physical signal and outputs it to the outside.

[0165] The second display unit 2 displays image data input from the second control unit 20. The second display unit 2 also has a touch panel function, and when the user presses the second display unit 2, it notifies the second control unit 20 of this. Upon receiving this notification, the second control unit 20 notifies the first control unit 10 that the second display unit 2 has accepted the press. In other words, the first control unit 10 can determine whether the second display unit 2 has accepted the press.

[0166] The SD card slot 4 is a slot for inserting an SD card. An SD card is inserted into the SD card slot 4, and stores therein image data to be displayed on the second display unit 2, character voice data for outputting character voices from the speaker 6, software for updating the watch 100, and the like. This data is read by the second control unit 20. Depending on the content of the read data, the read data is also notified to the first control unit 10. The SD card slot 4 is compatible with FlashAir (registered trademark). Therefore, the first control unit 10 and the second control unit 20 can communicate using the SD card slot 4 or an SD card compatible with FlashAir (registered trademark).

[0167] The first control unit 10 and the second control unit 20 cooperate to control the entire watch 100. The first control unit 10 and the second control unit 20 can each be realized by a separate microcomputer. Specifically, the arithmetic processing unit in each microcomputer reads predetermined software from a memory unit provided inside or outside the microcomputer, and controls the hardware inside the watch 100 in accordance with the results of arithmetic processing based on that software, thereby realizing overall control of the watch 100.

[0168] The first control unit 10 supplies the power supplied from the power supply switching unit 9 to each functional block in the watch 100. A specific supply method will be described later. The first control unit 10 also displays the current time and icons obtained from the RTC 12 on the first display unit 1. The first display backlight 11 also lights up in response to screen transitions.

[0169] Furthermore, the first control unit 10 acquires the current time transmitted by the GPS satellite from the GPS module at a predetermined cycle, and corrects the current time measured by the RTC 12 and the oscillation frequency of the RTC 12 based on the current time.

[0170] Furthermore, the first control unit 10 performs control for transitioning the screen as described with reference to Figures 6 to 10. For example, it determines whether it is time to output an alarm, snooze, or time signal based on the current time acquired from the RTC 12. It also determines whether the upper button 3 or the second display unit 2 has been pressed. Then, at timings based on the results of these determinations, it controls each unit of the watch 100 to realize the screen transitions described with reference to Figures 6 to 10.

[0171] To realize the screen transition, the first control unit 10 also manages the alarm clock's set time, etc. The first control unit 10 also manages setting information such as screen brightness and volume settings. The first control unit 10 also manages, for example, what message should be output and at what timing. The first control unit 10 controls each unit of the clock 100 based on the information it manages. The first control unit 10 also determines the timing at which an attention event will occur.

[0172] The second control unit 20 is a control unit that mainly performs control for outputting messages. Specifically, the second control unit 20 performs control for outputting image data to be displayed on the second display unit 2 and control for outputting character voices and electronic sounds from the speaker 6. These controls are realized by outputting data corresponding to the instructed message at the timing instructed by the first control unit 10. The second control unit 20 also reads from and writes to an SD card inserted in the SD card slot 4. Furthermore, the second control unit 20 communicates with the first control unit 10 as necessary. For example, the second control unit 20 performs communication to notify the first control unit 10 that the second display unit 2 has been pressed.

[0173] This concludes the explanation of the functions included in the timepiece 100. Next, the power supply control executed by the first control unit 10 will be explained.

[0174] <Power control> The first control unit 10 supplies power from the power supply switching unit 9 to each functional block included in the timepiece 100. However, the first control unit 10 controls the first display unit 1 so that it does not supply power to functional blocks that do not need to be operated, especially in battery mode, until they need to be operated. This point will be explained below.

[0175] Specifically, the first control unit 10 constantly supplies power to the RTC 12, the first display unit 1, and the unit that detects pressing of the upper button 3. This is because these units must be constantly operating. This is because the first display unit 1 does not function as a clock unless it is operating. Also, it is necessary to detect pressing of the upper button 3 to transition between screens. Furthermore, unless the RTC 12 is operating and the current time is obtained, it is impossible to output the current time on the first display unit 1 or to determine the timing to output a message.

[0176] On the other hand, the first control unit 10 supplies power to the second control unit 20 when it is necessary to operate the second control unit 20 in response to a screen transition, but stops supplying power to the second control unit 20 when it is not necessary to operate the second display unit 2.

[0177] In this regard, the second control unit 20 is a part that performs control to generate and output images to be displayed on the second display unit 2, and control to output character voices and electronic sounds from the speaker 6. The second control unit 20 is also a part that performs control to access the SD card inserted into the SD card slot 4.

[0178] In other words, while these controls are not being performed, there is no need to operate the second control unit 20, and there is no need to supply power to the second control unit 20, so in such cases the power supply to the second control unit 20 is stopped.

[0179] When the second control unit 20 itself is receiving power, it supplies power to the second display unit 2, the SD card slot 4, and the speaker 6. In other words, by not supplying power to the second control unit 20, power is also not supplied to the second control unit 20, the second display unit 2, the SD card slot 4, and the speaker 6. By not supplying power to the second display unit or the second control unit 20 if it is not necessary to operate them in this way, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the battery mode when power is supplied from the dry cell battery 8.

[0180] The timing at which the second control unit 20, the second display unit 2, the speaker 6, etc. need to be started and operated in conjunction with screen transitions, etc., is as explained with reference to the transition diagrams of Figures 6 to 10.

[0181] On the other hand, the first control unit 10 also supplies power to the first display unit backlight 11 when turning on the first display unit backlight 11 in response to a screen transition, but stops supplying power when turning off the first display unit backlight 11. As described with reference to the transition diagrams of Figures 6 to 10, the first display unit backlight 11 is turned on at the same timing as the second display unit 2 is operated, and therefore the timing at which power is supplied to the first display unit backlight 11 is the same as the timing at which power is supplied to the second display unit 2 and the second control unit 20.

[0182] Next, the operation of the first control unit 10 for realizing such control will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 13. Note that the timing of power supply to the GPS module 13 is related to the communication cycle between the GPS module 13 and the first control unit 10, regardless of the necessity of operation of the second display unit 2 accompanying screen transitions, and therefore the operation of the first control unit 10 for power supply to the GPS module 13 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 14.

[0183] First, the first control unit 10 determines whether the timepiece 100 is currently in the battery mode or the AC mode (step S101).

[0184] If the mode is not the battery mode, that is, if the mode is the AC mode (No in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102.

[0185] In step S102, in the AC mode, both the second control unit 20 and the first display backlight 11 are operated at all times, so power supply to both the second control unit 20 and the first display backlight 11 is started (step S102). Then, the process returns to step S101. Then, as long as the AC mode is selected (No in step S101), the power supply in step S102 is continued, so in the AC mode, both the second control unit 20 and the first display backlight 11 are operated at all times.

[0186] On the other hand, if the mode is the battery mode (Yes in step S101), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0187] In step S103, in the battery mode, both the second control unit 20 and the backlight 11 for the first display unit are operated only when necessary, so if power is being supplied to both the second control unit 20 and the backlight 11 for the first display unit, this is stopped (step S103).

[0188] Then, it is determined whether or not an operation is required by the second control unit 20. If the timing does not require an operation (No in step S104), the process returns to step S101.

[0189] On the other hand, if an action is required (Yes in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0190] In step S105, power is first supplied to second control unit 20 five seconds before the operation of second control unit 20 is required (step S105). The reason for supplying power five seconds before is that second control unit 20 cannot immediately perform control to generate and output an image to be displayed on second display unit 2 or control to output character voices and electronic sounds from speaker 6 after receiving power supply, and it takes about three seconds for the startup process prior to that. In other words, power is supplied in advance to start up second control unit 20 so that second control unit 20 will be able to operate without fail when the operation of second control unit 20 is required.

[0191] Thereafter, the system waits for five seconds (step S105). This marks the timing for operating the second control unit 20, and the system issues an operation instruction to the second control unit 20 to execute control for generating and outputting an image to be displayed on the second display unit 2 and control for outputting character voices and electronic sounds from the speaker 6 (step S107). This causes the second control unit 20 to execute its operation, and character images, character voices, etc. are output as messages from the second display unit 2 and the speaker 6. At the same time, power is also supplied to the first display unit backlight 11. This turns on the first display unit backlight 11, improving the visibility of the first display unit 1.

[0192] Thereafter, the controller waits until the operation of the second control unit 20 becomes unnecessary, for example, because the message output has ended (No in step S108). If the operation of the second control unit 20 becomes unnecessary (Yes in step S108), the controller stops supplying power to the second control unit 20 and the first display unit backlight 11. As a result, both the second control unit 20 and the first display unit backlight 11 end their operations.

[0193] The above-described operation results in no power being supplied to the first display backlight 11. Furthermore, by not supplying power to the second control unit 20, no power is supplied to the second control unit 20, the second display unit 2, the SD card slot 4, and the speaker 6. In this way, if there is no need to operate the second display unit 2, power is not supplied to each unit, thereby making it possible to reduce power consumption in the battery mode in which power is supplied from the dry cell 8.

[0194] Next, the operation of the first control unit 10 in supplying power to the GPS module 13 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0195] First, the first control unit 10 determines whether the timepiece 100 is currently in the battery mode or the AC mode (step S201).

[0196] If the mode is not the battery mode, that is, if the mode is the AC mode (No in step S201), the process proceeds to step S202.

[0197] In AC mode, power is constantly supplied to the GPS module 13. Therefore, in step S202, power supply to the GPS module 13 is started to operate the GPS module 13. Then, it is determined whether it is time to communicate with the GPS module 13 (step S203). If it is not time to communicate (No in step S203), the process returns to step S201. Thereafter, as long as the AC mode is selected (No in step S201), the power supply in step S202 continues, and the GPS module 13 operates constantly in AC mode.

[0198] Then, when the timing for communication has arrived (Yes in step S203), the first control unit 10 communicates with the GPS module 13 and acquires the current time received from a GPS satellite by the GPS module 13. This makes it possible to correct the current time of the RTC 12, etc.

[0199] On the other hand, if the mode is the battery mode (Yes in step S201), the process proceeds to step S205. Then, in step S205, if power is currently being supplied to the GPS module 13, this is stopped (step S205).

[0200] Then, it is determined whether it is time to communicate with the GPS module 13 (step S206). If it is not time to communicate, the process returns to step S201. Thereafter, as long as the battery mode is selected (Yes in step S201), the power supply is stopped in step S205, so that the GPS module 13 does not operate in the battery mode unless necessary.

[0201] Then, if the timing for communication has arrived (Yes in step S206), power supply to the GPS module 13 is started to operate the GPS module 13. As a result, the GPS module 13 starts communication with the GPS satellite and acquires the current time from the GPS satellite.

[0202] Then, the first control unit 10 communicates with the GPS module 13 and acquires the current time received from a GPS satellite by the GPS module 13. This makes it possible to correct the current time of the RTC 12, etc.

[0203] Thereafter, if the battery mode remains (Yes in step S201), the process proceeds to step S205. Then, in step S205, if power is currently being supplied to the GPS module 13, this is stopped (step S205). By doing so, in the battery mode, power is supplied to the GPS module 13 only while communication with the GPS module 13 is required. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption in the battery mode in which power is supplied from the dry cell 8. This is particularly effective in reducing power consumption, as the GPS module 13 consumes a large amount of power.

[0204] Regarding the timing and duration of communication with GPS module 13, whether in AC mode or battery mode, if watch 100 is started and the first display unit has never communicated with GPS module 13, first control unit 10 will continue to communicate with GPS module 13 until GPS module 13 successfully communicates with a GPS satellite and receives the current time.

[0205] Thereafter, in AC mode, the first control unit 10 communicates with the GPS module 13 for 15 minutes, once every hour. The reason for the 15-minute communication is that the GPS has leap seconds, and if the leap seconds are not received, the current time may not be accurate. In this regard, if communication continues for 12 minutes and 30 seconds, the leap seconds can be received, so the communication is continued for 15 minutes to allow for this time leeway.

[0206] On the other hand, in battery mode, communication with GPS module 13 is performed for five minutes once every 24 hours, less frequently than in AC mode, taking into consideration consumption of dry cell batteries 8. In this regard, if GPS module 13 is started up and communication is performed with GPS module 13 at the same time every day, there is a risk that GPS module 13 will fail to communicate with a GPS satellite.

[0207] This is because, at the same time, the positional relationship between the watch 100 and the GPS satellite will be the same, but if there is an obstacle such as a mountain between the watch 100 and the GPS satellite, there is a possibility that GPS signals will not be received every day.

[0208] However, if the time is changed every day, the positional relationship between the watch 100 and the GPS satellites will be different, increasing the possibility of a positional relationship where no obstacles exist. If this occurs, GPS signals can be received without any problems. Therefore, in battery mode, the first control unit 10 communicates with the GPS module 13 at a different time every day. The time of communication is randomly determined by the first control unit 10.

[0209] Furthermore, in order to determine the current position using GPS, the GPS module 13 needs to communicate with at least three GPS satellites. However, in this embodiment, the purpose is not to determine the current position but to obtain the current time, so the purpose can be achieved if the GPS module 13 can communicate with one GPS satellite.

[0210] The above has described the operation related to power supply control by the first control unit 10. Note that the two operations described with reference to the flowcharts of Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are performed separately and in parallel by the first control unit 10.

[0211] <Modification> Although the above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Examples of modifications and detailed settings that incorporate these various modifications will be described below.

[0212] In the above-described embodiment, the second display unit 2 is always in operation in the AC mode. In this regard, the second display unit 2 may always operate at the same brightness, or the brightness of the second display unit 2 may be reduced, for example, if five minutes have passed since the message output ended. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration over time of the second display unit 2. Similarly, from the viewpoint of suppressing deterioration over time, a time period in which the second display unit 2 is not in operation may be set in the AC mode as in the battery mode.

[0213] As mentioned in the above embodiment, the concept of experience points and levels may be established. The level may increase when a predetermined experience point is reached. As an incentive for increasing the level, the variety of messages to be output may be increased. For example, the number of phrases in the message when the alarm is output may be 30 for level 1, 50 for level 2, and 100 for level 3. Rather than simply increasing the number of phrases, it may be better to increase the number of phrases that convey a sense of increased intimacy between the character and the user. For example, polite phrases may be used for level 1, and as the level increases, phrases more like those used in conversations between friends may be added. Furthermore, as the level increases, phrases more like those used in conversations between lovers may be added. This approach allows the user to develop a stronger attachment to the character and allows the user to use the watch 100 for a long period of time without becoming bored.

[0214] Furthermore, as the level increases, it is advisable to use different characters for the characters displayed on the second display unit 2. In other words, it is advisable to prepare a so-called hidden character. The message should also be a phrase, audio message, or image message corresponding to this character. This is good because it can surprise the user. For example, the hidden character should be a deformed version of an initial character. Alternatively, it is advisable to use an initial character that is three-dimensionally expressed as if it were 3D.

[0215] The experience points may be increased in response to user operations. For example, the experience points may be increased when an operation to stop the alarm is performed when an alarm sounds, or when an operation to stop the snooze is performed when the snooze sound is sounded. In this case, the experience points may be increased more if an operation to stop the alarm or snooze is performed immediately after the alarm or snooze sound is sounded. In addition, in the case of the snooze, the experience points may be increased more if an operation to stop the snooze is performed while the number of repetitions is still small. In this way, the user is encouraged to wake up as soon as possible after the alarm sounds in order to gain experience points.

[0216] Furthermore, it is advisable to award higher experience points for the operation of stopping the alarm of the attention alarm in the attention event than for the operation of stopping the alarm of a normal alarm. This is because the attention alarm occurs randomly for two minutes once a day at a time that the user cannot grasp, making it more difficult to perform the operation to stop it than an alarm or snooze, whose occurrence time the user knows. Furthermore, experience points may be awarded according to the amount of time the watch 100 is used.

[0217] It is also preferable that software for the first control unit 10 and the second control unit 20 can be updated by reading data from an SD card inserted into the SD card slot 4. It is also preferable that character costumes and message phrases can be added by reading data from the SD card. This makes it possible to sell these additional data separately, for example.

[0218] Also, on certain days such as New Year's, a character's birthday, Christmas, etc., it is advisable to output a specific message that is not output on other days. For example, on New Year's, it is advisable to output a message such as "Happy New Year! Get up early this year too."

[0219] It is also advisable to take the user's lifestyle into consideration. For example, the user is asked to select whether their lifestyle is a daytime or nighttime type. If the user is a daytime type, time signals and attention event messages are not output during the nighttime hours. Conversely, if the user is a nighttime type, time signals and attention event messages are not output during the daytime hours. This is advantageous because time signals and attention events do not disturb the user's sleep.

[0220] Furthermore, if the user does not perform any operation, the character should not be displayed on the second display unit 2, and it should be as if the user has run away from home. For example, if the user has repeatedly failed to perform the alarm stop operation or snooze stop operation, this kind of effect should be displayed. Then, if the user begins to perform the alarm stop operation or snooze stop operation, the character should be displayed as before. This will encourage the user to perform each operation.

[0221] While the character is running away from home, messages may be sent using the voices and phrases of other characters, such as a voice or phrases that are voiced by the voice actor himself.

[0222] It is also preferable that the first display unit allows the user to listen to a message that has been output once at a later date by operating the unit. This allows the user to listen to a message that they like at a later date. It is also preferable that the user be made aware that there are messages that have not yet been output. This allows the user to enjoy completing all the messages. For example, on a message selection screen for listening to messages again, messages that have not yet been output may be displayed as "???" so that the user knows that there are messages that have not yet been output, even though the content is unknown. This allows the user to discover the enjoyment of, for example, deliberately trying to output the time signal at night in order to complete the messages.

[0223] It is also advisable to output different messages depending on the time of day. For example, different phrases may be output for morning and nighttime hours. It is also advisable to output different messages for each hour of the day.

[0224] Furthermore, if the user fails to perform the alarm stop operation or snooze stop operation several times in a row, a message, for example, in text form, can be output. The user can then refer to this text message at a later date. For example, the text can be something like "Make sure you wake up on time every morning." In other words, it can be presented as if a character has left a note for the user.

[0225] It is also advisable to add an illuminance sensor to the watch 100. In this way, even if the second display unit 2 is set to operate at all times, the bedroom can be darkened by not operating the second display unit 2 while the user is sleeping. Specifically, the illuminance sensor can operate the second display unit 2 when it detects that the room lights are on, and reduce the brightness of the second display unit 2 when it detects that the room lights have been turned off.

[0226] The snooze interval can be selected from 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes, and the longer this interval is, the longer the time for which the electronic sound is output after the message is output. However, if the time for which the electronic sound is output is longer than the snooze interval, the electronic sound will continue to ring indefinitely, so the time for which the electronic sound is output should be shorter than the snooze interval.

[0227] It is also a good idea to output a message when the AC adapter is connected or disconnected. For example, when the AC adapter is connected, a message such as "Are you using the AC adapter? You're lonely without me." is output. Also, when the AC adapter is disconnected, a message such as "Are you going out somewhere?" is output.

[0228] Furthermore, when the GPS module 13 has succeeded in communicating with a GPS satellite, a message may be output.

[0229] It is also advisable to be able to provide a time signal even in battery mode.

[0230] Furthermore, even in AC mode, a time period may be set in which the supply of power to the second control unit 20 is stopped. This is because the clock 100 continues to operate as a clock, and the second control unit 20 continues to run. This could lead to the program operating the second control unit 20 behaving strangely. Therefore, even in AC mode, the supply of power to the second control unit 20 is periodically stopped to reset the second control unit 20. For example, the supply of power to the second control unit 20 is stopped at a timing when the second control unit 20 does not need to operate, such as when the clock has been running continuously for 24 hours or more and no messages are to be output for the time being, and then the power is supplied again to reset the second control unit 20.

[0231] Also, while the alarm or snooze is ringing, it is a good idea to not trigger any events or announce the time, because from the perspective of an alarm clock, the alarm and snooze should take priority.

[0232] Furthermore, the phrases in the message and the character images do not necessarily have to correspond one to one. For example, the same phrase may be output in different images when it is output during the day and when it is output at night.

[0233] The above describes the modified example of this embodiment.

[0234] Here, the reason why the second control unit 20 is not put into a sleep state in this embodiment but is put into a shutdown state by cutting off the supply of power will be explained.

[0235] Once the first display unit is shut down, power is of course required the next time it is started up. However, since the watch 100 does not normally perform start-up processes dozens of times a day, when considering the total power consumption if it were to go into sleep mode, shutting down the display unit rather than putting it into sleep mode reduces power consumption.

[0236] In other words, based on the characteristic of a clock that the time when the alarm is not sounding is much longer than the time when the alarm is sounding, in this embodiment, the second display unit 2 is not put into a sleep state, but is instead shut down by cutting off the power supply.

[0237] Furthermore, when the second display unit 2 is operated, for example, 100 mA flows. When the second display unit 2 is also operated, 200 mA or 300 mA flows. In addition, when the GPS module 13 is operated, for example, 30 mA flows. In contrast, when the first display unit 1 is operated, for example, only 45 μA flows, and when the first display unit 1 is operated, 9 mA flows.

[0238] As described above, the functional blocks to which power supply is cut off consume a large amount of power, and therefore, this embodiment is advantageous from the viewpoint of power saving.

[0239] In addition, in this embodiment, no RTC corresponding to the second control unit 20 is provided, and the second control unit 20 is synchronized with the first control unit 10. In this way, the number of RTCs can be reduced to one, which makes it possible to reduce costs.

[0240] The above clock can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of these. The time notification method performed by the above clock can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of these. "Realized by software" here means that the method is realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

[0241] The program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). [Industrial Applicability]

[0242] The present invention is widely applicable to devices that display time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0243] 1 First display 2 Second display 3 Top Button 4 SD card slots 5 Battery cover 6 speakers 7 microUSB port 8 dry batteries 9 Power supply switching section 10 First control section 11 Backlight for first display 12 RTC 13 GPS module 20 Second control section 100 Clocks

Claims

1. A device driven by power supplied from an external power source or an internal power source, The present invention provides a display device that includes a first control unit that performs at least a process for outputting the current time, and a second control unit that performs at least a process for outputting information other than the current time, and further includes: a first display unit for the first control unit to output the current time, and a second display unit for the second control unit to output information other than the current time; The device is characterized in that while power is not supplied to the second control unit, power is not supplied to the second display unit either.

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first display is realized by a segmented liquid crystal display, and the second display is realized by a dot matrix liquid crystal display.

3. A program for causing a computer to function as the device according to claim 1 or 2.

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