Clock, method for controlling a clock, and program

Abstract

Reduce power consumption for measuring elapsed time. [Solution] The clock includes a control unit that measures the current time and measures the elapsed time from a start timing corresponding to a first operation by the user, based on a clock signal common to the clock signal used to measure the current time. The clock control method executed by the computer measures the current time and measures the elapsed time from a start timing corresponding to a first operation by the user, based on a clock signal common to the clock signal used to measure the current time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clock, a clock control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a clock that can operate in a time display mode for displaying the current time and a chronograph mode for measuring and displaying the elapsed time (for example, Patent Document 1). In the time display mode, the current time is measured by counting the pulses of a 1 Hz clock signal. In the chronograph mode, the elapsed time from the timing when a predetermined start operation is performed by the user is measured.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the start operation in the chronograph mode is performed at a timing independent of the 1 Hz clock signal. Therefore, it is necessary to execute various processes related to the measurement of the elapsed time at a timing different from the process related to the measurement of the current time that is executed every second according to the 1 Hz clock signal. For this reason, the above conventional technology has a problem that the power consumption required to measure the elapsed time in parallel with the measurement of the current time increases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption for measuring the elapsed time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the clock according to the present invention measures the current time, The elapsed time from the start timing corresponding to the first operation by the user is measured based on the clock signal common to the clock signal used to measure the current time. It is equipped with a control unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, power consumption for measuring elapsed time can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an electronic clock. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the external appearance of the display unit of an electronic clock. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the current time and the measurement operation of the 12-minute timer. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the current time and the measurement operation of the 12-minute timer. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the operation of a conventional chronograph mode. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the clock control process. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the clock control process. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the control procedure for the reset process. [Figure 9] This figure shows the measurement operation of the current time and the elapsed time of the 12-minute timer in a modified example. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the control procedure for the reset process in the modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the electronic clock 1 (clock) comprises a microcomputer 10 (control unit, control means), a storage unit 20, a display unit 30, and an operation unit 40. Each part of the electronic clock 1 is connected via a data transmission path such as a bus. The electronic clock 1 is a wristwatch that is worn on the user's wrist by wrapping a band (not shown) around the wrist. Furthermore, the electronic clock 1 is a sauna clock that has heat resistance, humidity resistance, and water resistance and can operate in saunas and cold baths.

[0010] The microcontroller 10 performs various processes related to the control operation of the electronic clock 1, as well as the measurement of the current time and elapsed time. The microcontroller 10 comprises a CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit), RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), an oscillator circuit 13, a frequency divider circuit 14, and a timing circuit 15.

[0011] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the electronic clock 1 by reading and executing the program 21 stored in the memory unit 20 and performing various arithmetic operations. The microcontroller 10 may have multiple processors (for example, multiple CPUs), and the multiple processes that the CPU 11 in this embodiment performs may be performed by these multiple processors. In this case, the multiple processors may be involved in common processing, or the multiple processors may independently perform different processes in parallel. The RAM 12 provides the CPU 11 with a working memory space and stores temporary data. The RAM 12 may be externally connected to the microcontroller 10.

[0012] The oscillation circuit 13 outputs an oscillation signal at a predetermined frequency, for example, 32.768 kHz. A crystal oscillator, for example, is used to generate this oscillation signal. This crystal oscillator may be externally connected to the microcontroller 10. The frequency divider circuit 14 generates and outputs a predetermined frequency signal (hereinafter referred to as the clock signal S) by dividing the oscillation signal input from the oscillation circuit 13 by a set division ratio. The division ratio may be set by the CPU 11. In this embodiment, the frequency divider circuit 14 generates and outputs a 1 Hz clock signal S (see Figure 3) by dividing the 32.768 kHz oscillation signal. The timing circuit 15 counts and holds the current time and the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter, which will be described later, by counting the clock signal S input from the frequency divider circuit 14. The timing circuit 15 includes a first counter 151 that counts and holds the current time and a second counter 152 that counts and holds the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter. The current time may include date information.

[0013] The storage unit 20 is a non-temporary recording medium readable by the CPU 11 of the microcontroller 10, which functions as a computer, and stores the program 21 and various data. The program 21 is stored in the storage unit 20 in the form of program code that can be read by the computer. The storage unit 20 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the display unit 30 includes a first pointer 31 and a second pointer 32 that rotate around a rotation axis 36. The display unit 30 displays the current time or the elapsed time of a 12-minute counter using the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32. The first pointer 31 is longer than the second pointer 32. When the display unit 30 displays the current time, the first pointer 31 functions as the minute hand to display minutes, and the second pointer 32 functions as the hour hand to display hours. When the display unit 30 displays the elapsed time of a 12-minute counter, the first pointer 31 functions as the second hand to display seconds, and the second pointer 32 functions as the minute hand to display minutes. Hereafter, the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 will be collectively referred to as "pointers 31 and 32". The display unit 30 has a dial 37 located on the back side of the points 31 and 32. The dial 37 has 12 hour markers corresponding to the top of the hour, positioned at positions that divide the circular outer circumference of the dial 37 into 12 equal parts. Each hour marker has one of the numbers from "1" to "12" and a bar-shaped mark indicating the position of the hour marker. However, the form of the hour markers is not limited to these. In addition, the dial 37 has multiple minute scales provided at positions that divide the space between adjacent hour markers into five equal parts.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 30 further includes gear train mechanisms 331 and 332, which are a plurality of gear trains respectively connected to the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32, stepping motors 341 and 342 for rotating the gear train mechanisms 331 and 332 respectively, and a motor drive circuit 35 for driving the stepping motors 341 and 342. The first pointer 31 rotates in a predetermined angle step by step according to the step operation of the stepping motor 341 transmitted through the gear train mechanism 331. The second pointer 32 rotates in a predetermined angle step by step according to the step operation of the stepping motor 342 transmitted through the gear train mechanism 332. The stepping motors 341 and 342 are step-driven based on the voltage waveforms of the drive pulses input from the motor drive circuit 35 respectively, and rotate and move the pointers 31 and 32 in the forward rotation direction (the direction in which time progresses) or the reverse rotation direction (the direction in which time returns) by the above-mentioned predetermined angles. The stepping motors 341 and 342 can also rotate (fast-forward rotate) the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 at a speed higher than when displaying the current time or the elapsed time of the 12-minute timer. The motor drive circuit 35 outputs drive voltage pulses for driving the stepping motors 341 and 342 respectively in step operation at an appropriate timing and pulse width according to the control signals input from the CPU 11.

[0016] The operation unit 40 has operation buttons 41 and 42 and operation means such as a dragon head (not shown), and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation performed on the operation means to the CPU 11.

[0017] Next, the operation of the electronic clock 1 will be described. In addition to the time display mode for displaying the current time, the electronic clock 1 of this embodiment can operate in a sauna mode for the user to manage the bathing time in the sauna. In the sauna mode, the electronic clock 1 functions as a 12-minute timer for measuring 12 minutes, which is a specification generally adopted for sauna clocks. The sauna mode is an aspect of the chronograph mode for measuring and displaying the elapsed time.

[0018] In sauna mode, the elapsed time from a start timing corresponding to a predetermined first operation by the user is measured and displayed on the display unit 30. The first operation may be, for example, pressing the operation button 41. When the first operation is performed, the first hand 31 and the second hand 32 move to the position of the hour marker "12" (hereinafter referred to as the "reference position") (hereinafter, this movement of the hands 31 and 32 is referred to as "returning to zero"). The elapsed time from the start timing is also displayed on the hands 31 and 32 with respect to the reference position. In sauna mode, the first hand 31 functions as the second hand and completes one rotation around the rotation axis 36 in one minute. The second hand 32 functions as the minute hand, rotating 30 degrees per minute and completing one rotation around the rotation axis 36 in 12 minutes. That is, the hands 31 and 32 return to their original reference position in 12 minutes. Therefore, after performing the first operation, the user can determine that 12 minutes have elapsed when the hands 31 and 32 return to their original reference positions. If the user performs the first operation again at any time, the elapsed time is reset to 0 minutes and 0 seconds, the hands 31 and 32 return to zero, and a new elapsed time measurement begins, with the new elapsed time displayed by the hands 31 and 32. In other words, the first operation serves as both an operation to reset the elapsed time and an operation to start measuring the elapsed time. This allows the electronic clock 1 to be operated with fewer operation buttons or fewer operations.

[0019] In sauna mode, when a predetermined second operation is performed on the operation unit 40, the operating mode of the electronic clock 1 switches to time display mode, and the current time is displayed by the hands 31 and 32. The second operation may be, for example, pressing and holding the operation button 42. As described above, in time display mode, the first hand 31 functions as the minute hand, and the second hand 32 functions as the hour hand. Even in time display mode, the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter continues to be measured internally. When the second operation is performed in time display mode, the operating mode of the electronic clock 1 switches to sauna mode, and the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter at that time is displayed by the hands 31 and 32. That is, each time the second operation is performed, the display on the display unit 30 switches between the current time and the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter.

[0020] Referring to Figure 3, the measurement operation of the current time and the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter will be explained. The top row of Figure 3 shows a clock signal S with a frequency of 1 Hz generated by the frequency divider circuit 14. The timing circuit 15 of the microcontroller 10 measures the current time based on this clock signal S. That is, the first counter 151 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the current time being counted when a pulse P of the clock signal S is input. When the electronic clock 1 is operating in time display mode, the CPU 11 of the microcontroller 10 displays the current time using the hands 31 and 32. The CPU 11 also moves the first hand 31 by 1 step (in this case, 1 degree) at a frequency of, for example, once every 10 seconds, so that the first hand 31 completes one rotation in 1 hour. The CPU 11 also moves the second hand 32 by 1 step (in this case, 6 degrees) at a frequency of, for example, once every 12 minutes, so that the second hand 32 completes one rotation in 12 hours. The frequency of movement of the first indicator 31 and the second indicator 32, as well as the rotation angle for each movement, can be changed as appropriate. For example, the frequency of movement of the second indicator 32 may be set to once every two minutes, and the rotation angle for each movement may be set to 1 degree.

[0021] Furthermore, the timing circuit 15 of the microcontroller 10 measures the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter from the start timing corresponding to the first operation, based on a clock signal S common to the clock signal S used for measuring the current time. That is, the second counter 152 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter being counted when a pulse P of the clock signal S is input. When the electronic clock 1 is operating in sauna mode, the CPU 11 of the microcontroller 10 displays the elapsed time using hands 31 and 32. The CPU 11 also moves the first hand 31 by 1 step (6 degrees in this case) once every second so that the first hand 31 completes one rotation in 1 minute. The CPU 11 also moves the second hand 32 by 1 step (1 degree in this case) at a frequency of, for example, once every 2 seconds so that the second hand 32 completes one rotation in 12 minutes. The frequency of movement of the second hand 32 and the rotation angle for each movement can be changed as appropriate.

[0022] When the first operation is performed while the device is operating in sauna mode, the timing circuit 15 resets the elapsed time being counted to 0 minutes and 0 seconds according to the control signal from the CPU 11 (time Ta2 in Figure 3). The CPU 11 also initiates the reset of the pointers 31 and 32. That is, the CPU 11 sends a control signal to the motor drive circuit 35 to move the pointers 31 and 32 toward the reference position. The CPU 11 rotates the pointers 31 and 32 at a higher speed than normal when they are resetting. The maximum time required for resetting is determined by the configuration of the gear train mechanisms 331 and 332, etc., and is approximately 2 / 3 second for the first pointer 31 and approximately 3 seconds for the second pointer 32. Then, at time Ta3, after the first pointer 31 has completed moving toward the reference position, the CPU 11 counts the first second of elapsed time at the input timing (time Ta4) when the pulse P of the clock signal S is first input, and moves the first pointer 31 one step from the reference position. In other words, the first indicator 31 displays "1 second". The CPU 11 displays the elapsed time using indicators 31 and 32 from time Ta4 onward. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 3, the elapsed time of the 12-minute timer represents the elapsed time from 1 second before time Ta4, i.e., from time Ta1. Time Ta1 corresponds to the "start timing corresponding to the first operation".

[0023] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, if the first operation is performed at time Tb1, the elapsed time is reset, and the resetting of pointers 31 and 32 begins, but a pulse P of the clock signal S is input at time Tb2, before the resetting of the first pointer 31 is completed, the CPU 11 does not count the first second of the elapsed time at this time Tb2. Then, after time Tb3, when the resetting of the first pointer 31 is completed, at the input timing (time Tb4) when the pulse P of the clock signal S is first input, the CPU 11 counts the first second of the elapsed time and moves the first pointer 31 one step from the reference position. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter represents the elapsed time from time Tb2, which is one second before time Tb4. Time Tb2 corresponds to the "start timing corresponding to the first operation".

[0024] It is possible that the second indicator 32 may not have completed resetting to zero when the first second of elapsed time is counted. In this case, the first indicator 31 should be moved according to the elapsed time while the second indicator 32 continues to reset to zero.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, instead of counting the first second of the 12-minute counter's elapsed time one second after the first operation is performed, the first second of the elapsed time is counted in accordance with the timing of the pulse P input. This allows the current time and the elapsed time on the 12-minute counter to be measured based on a common clock signal S. In other words, the processing related to measuring the seconds of the current time and moving the hands can be synchronized with the processing related to measuring the seconds of the 12-minute counter's elapsed time and moving the hands. This makes it possible to operate the system such that, after a pulse P is input and the processing related to measuring the current time and the elapsed time on the 12-minute counter and moving the hands is completed, the CPU 11 is switched to a low-power mode (sleep mode) until the next pulse P is input. Therefore, power consumption for measuring elapsed time can be reduced. The low-power mode may be, for example, a mode in which major functions are stopped except for the function that waits for the pulse P of the 1Hz clock signal S and the user's first operation. While this method of measuring elapsed time introduces an error of about one second compared to measuring elapsed time based on the timing of the first operation, it provides sufficient accuracy for the purpose of managing sauna bathing time.

[0026] To illustrate the operation of this embodiment, Figure 5 shows the operation of a conventional chronograph mode. In a conventional chronograph mode, after the stopwatch measurement is started at time Tx0, the elapsed time is counted every second at time points Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, etc., based on time Tx0. Since these time points Tx1, Tx2, Tx3 are different from the time points Ty1, Ty2, Ty3, etc., where the current time is counted as one second, various processes related to measuring elapsed time must be executed at a different timing than the processes related to measuring the current time. As a result, power consumption for measuring elapsed time in parallel with measuring the current time becomes large. In contrast, according to the measurement operation shown in Figures 3 and 4 of this embodiment, as described above, power consumption for measuring elapsed time can be reduced.

[0027] Next, with reference to Figures 6 to 8, the clock control processing performed by the microcontroller 10 to realize the operation of the electronic clock 1 described above will be explained. The clock control processing starts, for example, when the microcontroller 10 is started up. When the clock control processing starts, the CPU 11 of the microcontroller 10 switches the operating mode of the electronic clock 1 to the time display mode (step S101). The CPU 11 obtains the current time counted by the first counter 151 and moves the first pointer 31 to the minute position of the current time and the second pointer 32 to the hour position of the current time (step S102). Here, the CPU 11 operates the stepping motors 341 and 342 by sending a control signal to the motor drive circuit 35, and rotates the gear train mechanisms 331 and 332 to move the pointers 31 and 32. Note that when the CPU 11 performs step S102 for the first time after startup, it may obtain the current time from outside the microcontroller 10 or outside the electronic clock 1 in a predetermined manner prior to step S102 and reflect it in the first counter 151. In addition, the CPU 11 may reset the elapsed time counted by the second counter 152 prior to step S102.

[0028] The timing circuit 15 of the microcontroller 10 determines whether or not a pulse P of the clock signal S has been input (step S103). If it is determined that a pulse P has been input ("YES" in step S103), the first counter 151 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the current time being counted (step S104). Also, the second counter 152 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter being counted (step S105). The CPU 11 determines whether or not it is the timing for the first pointer 31 or the second pointer 32 to move (step S106). As described above, in the time display mode, for example, the timing for the first pointer 31 is once every 10 seconds of the current time, and the timing for the second pointer 32 is once every 12 minutes. If it is determined that it is time to move the hands (YES in step S106), the CPU 11 moves the first pointer 31 and / or the second pointer 32, which are now at the timing to move the hands, by one step (step S107).

[0029] When step S107 is completed, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a second operation (in this case, pressing and holding the operation button 42) has been performed by the user (step S108). The CPU 11 also executes the process in step S108 if it determines that no pulse P of the clock signal S has been input ("NO" in step S103) or that it is not the timing for hand movement ("NO" in step S106). If it determines that no second operation has been performed ("NO" in step S108), the CPU 11 determines whether or not an operation to turn off the power of the electronic clock 1 has been performed (step S109). If the CPU 11 determines that no such operation has been performed ("NO" in step S109), it returns to step S103, and if it determines that no such operation has been performed ("YES" in step S109), it terminates the clock control process.

[0030] If it is determined in step S108 that the second operation has been performed ("YES" in step S108), the CPU 11 switches the operating mode of the electronic clock 1 to sauna mode (step S110 in Figure 7). The CPU 11 obtains the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter being counted by the second counter 152 and moves the first pointer 31 to the second position of the elapsed time and the second pointer 32 to the minute position of the elapsed time (step S111). The timing circuit 15 of the microcontroller 10 determines whether or not the pulse P of the clock signal S has been input (step S112). If it is determined that the pulse P has been input ("YES" in step S112), the first counter 151 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the current time being counted (step S113). Also, the second counter 152 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter being counted (step S114). The CPU 11 causes the first pointer 31 and / or the second pointer 32 to move one step at a time (step S115). In this embodiment, in sauna mode, the timing for moving the first pointer 31 occurs once every second of elapsed time, so the CPU 11 causes the first pointer 31 to move one step at a time in step S115. Also, since the timing for moving the second pointer 32 occurs once every 12 seconds of elapsed time, the CPU 11 causes the second pointer 32 to move one step at a time in step S115 once every 12 times. When step S115 is completed, or when no pulse P of the clock signal S is input ("NO" in step S112), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the first operation (in this case, pressing the operation button 41) has been performed by the user (step S116). If it is determined that the first operation has been performed ("YES" in step S116), the CPU 11 executes a reset process (step S117).

[0031] As shown in Figure 8, when the reset process is started, the CPU 11 resets the elapsed time of the 12-minute timer being counted by the second counter 152 of the timing circuit 15 to 0 minutes and 0 seconds (step S201). The CPU 11 also sends a control signal to the motor drive circuit 35 to start the resetting of the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 (step S202). The CPU 11 determines whether the resetting of the first pointer 31 is complete, that is, whether the first pointer 31 has moved to the reference position (step S203). If it is determined that the resetting of the first pointer 31 is not complete ("NO" in step S203), the timing circuit 15 of the microcontroller 10 determines whether the pulse P of the clock signal S has been input (step S204). If it is determined that the pulse P has been input ("YES" in step S204), the first counter 151 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the current time being counted (step S205). At this point in time, the second counter 152 does not add 1 second to the elapsed time of the 12-minute timer. This timing corresponds to point Tb2 in Figure 4, before the first indicator 31 has finished resetting to zero, and the elapsed time of the 12-minute timer remains at 0 minutes and 0 seconds. If step S205 is completed, or if no pulse P of the clock signal S is input ("NO" in step S204), the CPU 11 returns to step S203.

[0032] If it is determined that the first pointer 31 has completed its reset to zero ("YES" in step S203), the timing circuit 15 of the microcontroller 10 repeatedly determines whether or not a pulse P of the clock signal S has been input (step S206). If it is determined that a pulse P has been input ("YES" in step S206), the first counter 151 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the current time being counted (step S207). Also, the second counter 152 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter being counted (step S208). In response to the addition of 1 second to the elapsed time, the CPU 11 moves the first pointer 31 one step and displays "1 second" on the first pointer 31 (step S209). The execution timing of steps S207 to S209 corresponds to time Ta4 in Figure 3 or time Tb4 in Figure 4. Once step S209 is complete, CPU 11 terminates the reset process.

[0033] Returning to Figure 7, if the reset process in step S117 is completed, or if it is determined in step S116 that the first operation has not been performed ("NO" in step S116), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the second operation has been performed by the user (step S118). If it is determined that the second operation has been performed ("YES" in step S118), the CPU 11 moves the process to step S101 in Figure 6 and switches the operating mode of the electronic clock 1 to the time display mode. If it is determined that the second operation has not been performed ("NO" in step S118), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the operation to turn off the power of the electronic clock 1 has been performed (step S119). If the CPU 11 determines that the operation has not been performed ("NO" in step S119), it returns the process to step S112, and if it is determined that the operation has been performed ("YES" in step S119), it terminates the clock control process.

[0034] In the clock control process described above, steps S104 in Figure 6, S113 in Figure 7, and S205 and S207 in Figure 8 correspond to the process of measuring the current time. Furthermore, steps S105 in Figure 6, S114 in Figure 7, and S208 in Figure 8 correspond to the process of measuring the elapsed time of a 12-minute timer from the start timing corresponding to the first operation, based on a clock signal S common to the clock signal S used to measure the current time. Note that Figures 6 to 8 illustrate the case where the electronic clock 1 is operated in time display mode when the microcontroller 10 is started up, but if it is operated in sauna mode at startup, the process should start from step S110 in Figure 7.

[0035] Next, a modified version of the above embodiment will be described. In this modified version, the operation related to resetting the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter differs from the above embodiment, but other aspects are the same as the above embodiment. The differences from the above embodiment will be described below. As shown in Figure 9, at time Tc2, the first operation by the user is performed and the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter is reset. From time Tc2 onward, the pointers 31 and 32 are reset to zero, as in the above embodiment. Time Tc2 corresponds to the "timing when the pointers start moving to the reference position". Thereafter, at time Tc4, the resetting of the first pointer 31 is completed, and at the later time Tc6, the resetting of the second pointer 32 is completed. In this modified version, regardless of whether the resetting of the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 is completed or not, from time Tc2 onward when the first operation is performed, each time a pulse P of the clock signal S is input (i.e., at time Tc3, Tc5, Tc7, and Tc8), the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter is counted up by 1 second. At time Tc3, the first pointer 31 has not yet reset to zero, but the first second of the 12-minute counter's elapsed time is counted. At time Tc5, the first pointer 31 has already reset to zero, but the second second of the elapsed time is counted, and the first pointer 31 remains stopped at the reference position. Then, after time Tc6, when both the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 have completed resetting to zero, at the input timing (time Tc7) when the first pulse P is input, the first pointer 31 moves by a number of steps (3 steps in Figure 9) corresponding to the number of pulse Ps input since time Tc2 when the resetting started (3 pulses in Figure 9: times Tc3, Tc5, and Tc7). In other words, the first pointer 31 moves by 3 steps in a fast-forward manner to display the elapsed time (3 seconds) of the 12-minute counter at time Tc7. From time Tc7 onward, the elapsed time is displayed by pointers 31 and 32. In the example shown in Figure 9, the elapsed time on the 12-minute counter represents the elapsed time from time Tc1, which is one second before time Tc3, when the first second is counted. Time Tc1 corresponds to the "start timing corresponding to the first operation." According to the method of this modified example, the operation of the hands to display the elapsed time begins after both the first hand 31 and the second hand 32 have returned to their reference positions, which has the advantage of being visually appealing.

[0036] Alternatively, instead of the configuration shown in Figure 9, the first second of elapsed time may be counted at the input timing of the first pulse P (time Tc7) after both the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 have completed their resetting to zero, and "1 second" may be displayed on the first pointer 31. This configuration has the advantage of being visually more appealing because, although the start timing of elapsed time measurement for the 12-minute counter is delayed compared to Figure 9, the initial needle speed after the pointers 31 and 32 have reset to zero is the same as normal.

[0037] In order to achieve the operation shown in Figure 9, in this modified example, the reset process shown in Figure 10 is performed instead of the reset process shown in Figure 8. Steps S301 and S302 of the reset process in Figure 10 are the same as steps S201 and S202 of the reset process in Figure 9. After step S302, the CPU 11 of the microcontroller 10 determines whether the resetting of both the first indicator 31 and the second indicator 32 has been completed (step S303). If it is determined that the resetting of at least one of the first indicator 31 and the second indicator 32 has not been completed ("NO" in step S303), the timing circuit 15 of the microcontroller 10 determines whether the pulse P of the clock signal S has been input (step S304). If it is determined that the pulse P has been input ("YES" in step S304), the first counter 151 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the current time being counted (step S305). Furthermore, the second counter 152 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the elapsed time of the 12-minute timer being counted (step S306). When step S306 is completed, or when no pulse P of the clock signal S is input ("NO" in step S304), the CPU 11 returns to step S303.

[0038] If it is determined that both the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 have completed their resetting ("YES" in step S303), the timing circuit 15 of the microcontroller 10 repeatedly determines whether or not a pulse P of the clock signal S has been input (step S307). If it is determined that a pulse P has been input ("YES" in step S307), the first counter 151 of the timing circuit 15 adds 1 second to the current time being counted (step S308). The second counter 152 of the timing circuit 15 also adds 1 second to the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter being counted (step S309). After that, the CPU 11 moves the first pointer 31 from the reference position for a number of steps corresponding to the number of pulses P input since the start of the resetting in step S302, and displays the elapsed time in seconds of the 12-minute counter at that point using the first pointer 31 (step S310). When step S310 is completed, the CPU 11 terminates the reset process.

[0039] As described above, the electronic clock 1 according to this embodiment includes a microcontroller 10 as a control unit. The microcontroller 10 measures the current time and measures the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter from the start timing corresponding to the first operation by the user, based on a clock signal S common to the clock signal S used for measuring the current time. This makes it possible to synchronize the timing of the processing related to measuring the current time and the timing of the processing related to measuring the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption for measuring the elapsed time compared to conventional technology in which these processes were performed at separate timings. For example, it becomes possible to transition the microcontroller 10 to a low-power mode (sleep mode) during periods when no pulse P of the clock signal S is input. This makes it possible to incorporate a 12-minute counter function into a wristwatch that requires low power consumption.

[0040] Furthermore, the electronic clock 1 has a first pointer 31 that displays the seconds of the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter, and a second pointer 32 that displays the minutes of the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter. The microcontroller 10 displays the current time or elapsed time using the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32. Also, as shown in Figure 3, when the first operation is performed at time Ta2, the microcontroller 10 moves the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 to the reference position (resets them to zero). After time Ta3, when the first pointer 31 has finished moving to the reference position, at the input timing (time Ta4) when the first pulse P of the clock signal S is input, the first pointer 31 moves one step from the reference position. From this input timing onward, the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 display the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter. In this way, by counting the first second of the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter in accordance with the input timing of the pulse P of the clock signal S, the current time and the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter can be measured thereafter based on the common clock signal S. Therefore, the timing of the processing related to measuring the current time and the timing of the processing related to measuring the elapsed time of the 12-minute timer can be synchronized.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above modified example, when the first operation is performed, the microcontroller 10 moves the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 to the reference position. After the movement of the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 to the reference position is completed, at the input timing when the first pulse P of the clock signal S is input, the first pointer 31 moves from the reference position for a number of steps corresponding to the number of pulses P input since the start timing of the movement of the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 to the reference position. From the above input timing onward, the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter is displayed by the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32. As a result, the movement to display the elapsed time begins after both the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 have returned to the reference position, which improves the appearance.

[0042] Furthermore, the frequency of the clock signal S is 1 Hz. This allows the current time and the elapsed time on the 12-minute counter to be counted up by 1 second at a time by counting the pulses P of the clock signal S.

[0043] Furthermore, in response to the first operation, the microcontroller 10 resets the elapsed time of the 12-minute timer that is currently being measured and starts measuring the elapsed time anew. This allows for the resetting of the 12-minute timer's elapsed time and the start of new elapsed time measurement to be instructed with a single operation. Therefore, the number of operation buttons on the electronic clock 1 can be reduced, and the number of operations required in sauna mode can be reduced.

[0044] Furthermore, the microcontroller 10 switches the display on the display unit 30 between the current time and the elapsed time on the 12-minute timer in response to a second operation by the user. This allows the user to measure their sauna bathing time using the 12-minute timer while checking the current time as needed.

[0045] Furthermore, in the control method for the electronic clock 1 according to this embodiment, the microcontroller 10 performs the above processing, thereby reducing the power consumption required for measuring elapsed time. In addition, the program 21 according to this embodiment causes the microcontroller 10 to function as a control means for performing the above processing. This reduces the power consumption required for measuring elapsed time.

[0046] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiments, a microcontroller 10 was exemplified as a configuration corresponding to the control unit, but the invention is not limited to this form. For example, the electronic clock 1 may include a main CPU (or a microcontroller including the main CPU) that controls each part of the electronic clock 1, and an external microcontroller provided separately from the main CPU, and the external microcontroller may measure the current time and the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter. In this case, the external microcontroller may include, for example, the oscillation circuit 13, frequency divider circuit 14, and timing circuit 15 in the above embodiment, and a CPU that controls the operation of each of these parts. In this embodiment, the "control unit" is configured by the main CPU and the external microcontroller. Furthermore, at least some of the components of the microcontroller 10 in the above embodiment may be implemented as discrete components.

[0047] Furthermore, while the first indicator 31 and the second indicator 32 illustrate a display unit 30 that displays the current time and the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter in an analog manner, the display unit 30 is not limited to this. The display unit 30 may have a display device such as a liquid crystal display device capable of digital display, and at least one of the current time and the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter may be displayed in a digital manner.

[0048] Furthermore, while the display unit 30 has been shown as an example of selectively displaying either the current time or the elapsed time, it is not limited to this, and the display unit 30 may display both the current time and the elapsed time. For example, the display unit 30 may be provided with two sub-pointers that rotate around a rotation axis separate from the rotation axis 36, and the first point 31 and the second point 32 may display either the current time or the elapsed time, while the two sub-pointers display the other. Alternatively, in addition to the first point 31 and the second point 32, a digital display unit may be provided, and the first point 31 and the second point 32 may display either the current time or the elapsed time, while the digital display unit displays the other.

[0049] Furthermore, there may be periods during which the microcontroller 10 measures the current time and elapsed time, but the display unit 30 does not display either the current time or the elapsed time. This period may be, for example, the period during which the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) display mode is activated, which displays the local time of any city in the world using the first indicator 31 and the second indicator 32.

[0050] Furthermore, while an example was given in which the measurement of elapsed time by the 12-minute counter continues internally even when switching from sauna mode to time display mode, the device is not limited to this. For example, when switching from sauna mode to time display mode, the elapsed time of the 12-minute counter may be reset and measurement may stop.

[0051] Furthermore, while the elapsed time of a 12-minute timer was used as an example of the elapsed time at which measurement begins in response to the user's first operation, the system is not limited to this. For example, in an electronic clock 1 that can operate in stopwatch mode, measurement of any length of elapsed time may begin in response to a first operation on a predetermined start button.

[0052] Furthermore, in addition to the first hand 31 and the second hand 32, the electronic clock 1 may also be equipped with a third hand that displays seconds in time display mode. In this case, in sauna mode (chronograph mode), the third hand may display the elapsed time in seconds, or the first hand 31 may display the elapsed time in minutes.

[0053] Furthermore, while an example has been given in which the first operation combines the operation of resetting the elapsed time and the operation of starting the measurement of a new elapsed time, the example is not limited to this, and the operation of resetting the elapsed time and the operation of starting the measurement of the elapsed time may be separate.

[0054] Furthermore, while a clock signal S with a frequency of 1 Hz was used as an example, the frequency of the clock signal S is not limited to 1 Hz. For example, a 2 Hz clock signal could be used, and the current time and the elapsed time on the 12-minute counter could be counted up by 0.5 seconds every 0.5 seconds.

[0055] Furthermore, the time is not limited to a sauna clock. Also, the time is not limited to a wristwatch; it may be a wall clock, desk clock, or pocket watch, etc.

[0056] Furthermore, while the above description discloses examples in which the ROM or flash memory of the storage unit 20 is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, the invention is not limited to these examples. Other computer-readable mediums that can be used include information recording media such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Drives), and CD-ROMs. In addition, carrier waves can also be used as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0057] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the detailed configuration and operation of each component of the electronic clock 1 in the above embodiment can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1...Electronic clock (clock), 10...Microcontroller (control unit, control means), 30...Display unit, 31...First pointer, 32...Second pointer, P...Pulse, S...Clock signal

Claims

1. Measure the current time, The elapsed time from the start timing corresponding to the first operation by the user is measured based on the clock signal common to the clock signal used to measure the current time. A clock equipped with a control unit.

2. The control unit, A rotating pointer displays at least one of the current time and the elapsed time. When the first operation is performed, the pointer is moved to a predetermined reference position. After the pointer has moved to the reference position, at the input timing when the clock signal pulse is first input, the pointer is moved one step from the reference position, and thereafter the input timing, the elapsed time is displayed by the pointer. The clock according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned indicator has a first indicator that displays the elapsed time in seconds, and a second indicator that displays the elapsed time in minutes. When the first operation is performed, the control unit moves the first pointer and the second pointer to a predetermined reference position. The input timing is the timing at which the first pulse of the clock signal is input after the first pointer has completed moving to the reference position. The clock according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, A rotating pointer displays at least one of the current time and the elapsed time. When the first operation is performed, the pointer is moved to a predetermined reference position. After the pointer has completed moving to the reference position, at the input timing when the first pulse of the clock signal is input, the pointer is moved from the reference position for a number of steps corresponding to the number of pulses input since the timing when the pointer started moving to the reference position, and the elapsed time is displayed by the pointer from the input timing onward. The clock according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned indicator has a first indicator that displays the elapsed time in seconds, and a second indicator that displays the elapsed time in minutes. When the first operation is performed, the control unit moves the first pointer and the second pointer to a predetermined reference position. The input timing is the timing at which the first pulse of the clock signal is input after both the first and second pointers have completed moving to the reference position. The clock according to claim 4.

6. The frequency of the aforementioned clock signal is 1 Hz. The clock according to claim 1.

7. The control unit, in response to the first operation, resets the elapsed time being measured and starts measuring the elapsed time again. The clock according to claim 1.

8. The control unit, The current time and the elapsed time are displayed on the display unit. In response to the second operation by the user, the display on the display unit is switched between the current time and the elapsed time. The clock according to claim 1.

9. A method for controlling a clock performed by a computer, Measure the current time, The elapsed time from the start timing corresponding to the first operation by the user is measured based on the clock signal common to the clock signal used to measure the current time. How to control a clock.

10. The computer installed in the clock, Measure the current time, The elapsed time from the start timing corresponding to the first operation by the user is measured based on the clock signal common to the clock signal used to measure the current time. A program that functions as a control mechanism.

Images