Electronic clock, method for controlling an electronic clock, and program

Abstract

The system allows for easy switching between displaying a predetermined elapsed time and the current time. [Solution] The clock 100 comprises a display unit 2 having at least one hand 31, 32, a CPU 5 which is a control unit that controls the operation of the hands 31, 32, and an operation unit 11 which switches the display mode of the display unit 2. The display modes include a first time display mode and a second time display mode. The CPU 5 continues to measure the time in both the first time display mode and the second time display mode in parallel, and displays the time of one of the display modes on the display unit 2. When the operation unit 11 is operated, the time displayed on the display unit 2 is switched to the other display mode, and the hand moves to a position corresponding to the time display that was being measured for the other display mode.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a clock configured such that the hands rotate once in a predetermined time, such as a 12-minute clock used in a sauna. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a sauna timer having two hands and capable of easily measuring a predetermined time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of a dedicated device as described in Patent Document 1, when it is desired to check a time other than the predetermined time, such as the current time, during measurement of the predetermined time, it is necessary to separately check a clock that displays the other time. However, it is inconvenient to possess a plurality of devices, and there has been a demand for easily checking the predetermined time during measurement and the current time, etc. with one device.

[0005] The present invention is for solving such problems, and provides an electronic clock, a control method thereof, and a program capable of easily switching and displaying a predetermined elapsed time and the current time, etc.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the electronic clock according to the present invention comprises a display unit having at least one pointer, a control unit for controlling the operation of the pointer, and an operation unit for switching the display mode of the display unit, wherein the display mode includes a first time display mode and a second time display mode, and the control unit continues to measure the time in both the first time display mode and the second time display mode in parallel, causing the time of either display mode to be displayed on the display unit, and when the operation unit is operated, the time displayed on the display unit is switched to the other display mode, and the pointer is moved to a position corresponding to the time display that was being measured for the other display mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily switch between and display a predetermined elapsed time and the current time, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of the main part of the clock according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the main parts of the clock according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the main components of a clock, showing an example of the display state in a special time display mode. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the main part of a clock, showing an example of the display state in normal time mode 12 minutes after the state shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the main part of the clock, showing the display state in normal time mode 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 30 seconds after the state shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the main part of the clock showing the display state in the special time display mode 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 30 seconds after starting the special time display mode from the state shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the main components of a clock with its hands pointing to 12 o'clock. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the main part of the clock showing the display state in normal time mode 12 minutes after the state shown in Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An embodiment of the electronic clock, control method for the electronic clock, and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In the following embodiment, the electronic clock will be simply referred to as "clock 100". In the embodiment, clock 100 is assumed to be a wristwatch worn on the wrist by a band (not shown). As will be described later, the clock 100 shown in the embodiment includes a first time display mode and a second time display mode as display modes that can be displayed on the display unit 2. In the embodiment, the first time display mode is a normal time display mode that displays the current time, and the second time display mode is a special time display mode that rotates the pointer 3 in a predetermined period, and the display unit 2 is capable of displaying in these two display modes. In the embodiment, the special time display mode is a sauna mode in which the pointer 3 rotates in a 12-minute cycle, and the clock 100 functions as a 12-minute counter. The embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the clock 100 (electronic clock) comprises a clock body 1. If the clock 100 is a wristwatch type, although not shown in the illustration, the clock body 1 is provided with attachment parts for attaching a band, and the clock 100 can be worn on the wrist or the like by the band. The clock body 1 is made of a metal material such as various resins or stainless steel (SUS), and has a hollow interior. In addition, an operation unit 11 is provided on the outside of the clock body 1 for the user to perform various input operations. In this embodiment, the operation unit 11 has the function of switching the display mode of the display unit 2, and includes a mode switching button 11a and a reset button 11b (see Figure 2). The operation unit 11 in this embodiment is a push button, and in the example shown in Figure 1, the mode switching button 11a is provided at approximately the 3 o'clock position on an analog clock, and the reset button 11b is provided between approximately 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock. Note that the arrangement, shape, and number of each operation unit 11 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the watch 100 may have a crown or the like in addition to push buttons as an operating part.

[0011] Of the operating unit 11, the mode switching button 11a switches the display mode of the display unit 2 between the normal time display mode and the special time display mode. The reset button 11b has the function of resetting the special time display mode and then starting the special time display mode. In the special time display mode, once the display mode is started, the measurement unit 7 (see Figure 2) continues to measure the elapsed time from the start until it is reset again. In this embodiment, in the special time display mode, as described later, measurement starts from the state where the pointers 31 and 32 have returned to the 12 o'clock position (see Figure 7), and "elapsed time from the start" here means the elapsed time from the state where the pointers have returned to the 12 o'clock position. When the reset button 11b is operated, this elapsed time is reset, and the special time display mode starts again from the reset state. Specifically, when the special time display mode is reset, as shown in Figure 7, the pointers 31 and 32 return to the 12 o'clock position, and the measurement unit 7 starts measuring the elapsed time again from this state. The switching of the display mode will be described in detail later.

[0012] A module (not shown) is arranged in the internal storage space of the clock body 1. The module includes, for example, a circuit board and various electronic components (not shown), and is a functional unit that operates the clock 100. The CPU 5, which will be described later, is also incorporated into the module. The specific configuration of the module is not particularly limited. Furthermore, although the embodiment shows a clock body 1 that is circular in plan view, the shape and configuration of the clock body 1 are not particularly limited as long as it has an internal storage space. For example, the clock body 1 may be elliptical in plan view, or various rectangular shapes, etc.

[0013] The clock 100 includes a display unit 2 on the viewing side (front side) of the clock body 1, each having at least one pointer. In this embodiment, hour markers 21, which serve as indicators for displaying the time, are provided on the display unit 2 along the circumferential direction. Specifically, the display unit 2 has 12 hour markers 21 arranged clockwise in order from the 12 o'clock position in an analog clock. The shape, size, and form of the hour markers 21 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the hour markers 21 are not limited to being represented by numbers, but may be bar-shaped or dot-shaped indicators. The hour markers 21 may be provided at a finer pitch than in the illustrated example, or they may be provided only at reference positions for viewing the time, such as the 12 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 3 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions.

[0014] Approximately in the center of the display unit 2, a pointer shaft 33 protrudes from a module inside the clock body 1, and a pointer 3 is mounted on the pointer shaft 33 so as to be rotatable about the pointer shaft 33. As shown in Figure 1, the clock 100 of this embodiment is a two-hand type, with a first pointer 31 and a second pointer 32 as the pointer 3. As shown in Figure 2, the clock 100 is provided with stepping motors 41 and 42 corresponding to each of the pointers 31 and 32. That is, a first stepping motor 41 is provided corresponding to the first pointer 31, and a second stepping motor 42 is provided corresponding to the second pointer 32. Each stepping motor 41 and 42 rotates a rotor (not shown) in synchronization with a pulse (pulse signal). That is, when a pulse is supplied to the stepping motors 41 and 42, the rotor rotates in the forward or reverse direction by a predetermined angle depending on the number of pulses supplied. This makes it possible to accurately control the rotation angle and rotation speed of the rotor. Each of the rotor's pivot shafts is connected to gears (not shown) that constitute the gear train mechanism 45, and as the rotor rotates, these gears rotate accordingly. As a result, each of the pointers 31 and 32 attached to the pointer shaft 33 rotates by a predetermined amount.

[0015] As described above, the clock 100 includes a normal time display mode and a special time display mode as display modes provided by the display unit 2. The first hand 31 functions as an hour hand in the normal time display mode and as a minute hand that completes one rotation in a predetermined period of 12 minutes in the special time display mode. The second hand 32 functions as a minute hand in the normal time display mode and as a second hand that completes one rotation in a predetermined period of 60 seconds in the special time display mode. When the first hand 31 is to function as an hour hand, the CPU 5 outputs a pulse that can rotate it once per pulse, controlling the first hand 31 to complete one rotation in 12 hours. When the first hand 31 is to function as a minute hand, the CPU 5 switches the pulse output timing to control the first hand 31 to complete one rotation in 12 minutes. Furthermore, when the second pointer 32 is to function as the minute hand, the CPU 5 outputs a pulse that can rotate it 6 degrees with one pulse once per minute, controlling the second pointer 32 to complete one rotation in 60 minutes. When the second pointer 32 is to function as the second hand, the CPU 5 switches the pulse output timing so that it outputs a pulse that can rotate it 6 degrees with one pulse once per second, controlling the second pointer 32 to complete one rotation in 60 seconds.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the clock 100 includes a CPU 5, a memory unit 51, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 52. The clock 100 also includes an oscillator circuit 53, a frequency divider circuit 54, and a timing circuit 55. The oscillator circuit 53 oscillates and outputs a predetermined frequency signal. The frequency divider circuit 54 divides the frequency signal input from the oscillator circuit 53 to generate and output various frequency signals used by the clock 100. The timing circuit 55 counts the 1-second periodic signal output from the frequency divider circuit 54 and adds it to the time data every second to maintain the current time. Note that these components, including the CPU 5, memory unit 51, RAM 52, oscillator circuit 53, frequency divider circuit 54, and timing circuit 55, may be mounted on a circuit board (not shown) and constitute an LSI (Large Scale Integration). The clock 100 also includes a power supply unit 6 that supplies power to each part of the clock 100 via the CPU 5.

[0017] The CPU 5 performs various arithmetic operations at the clock 100 and comprehensively controls the operation of the entire clock. In the embodiment, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5 functions as a control unit that controls the pulses input to each of the stepping motors 41 and 42, causing each pointer 31 and 32 to rotate in accordance with their respective display modes. The storage unit 51 is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs such as the control program of the clock 100 executed by the CPU 5 and the operation programs related to various functions such as the switching process of the display mode. In addition, the storage unit 51 is provided with a storage area 512 for storing the measurement information measured by the measurement unit 7 described later, and the elapsed time since the start of the special time display mode is stored. When the reset button 11b is operated and the elapsed time is reset, the elapsed time stored in the measurement information storage area 512 is also reset. In addition, various data, etc. may be appropriately stored in the storage unit 51. The RAM 52 is a volatile memory that provides a working memory space for the CPU 5 and stores the expanded programs and temporary data, etc.

[0018] In the embodiment, the CPU 5 continuously measures time in both modes regardless of whether the display mode is the normal time display mode or the special time display mode. Then, the time of either one of the display modes selected by the user operation is displayed on the display unit 2. That is, when the normal time display mode is selected, the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 are positioned at positions corresponding to the current time held by the timekeeping circuit 55. For example, if the current time is 10:08, as shown in FIG. 1, the first pointer 31 functioning as the hour hand is placed at the 10 o'clock position, and the second pointer 32 functioning as the minute hand is placed at the 8-minute position. In the normal time display mode, the CPU 5 inputs pulses to the first stepping motor 41 so that the first pointer 31 functioning as the hour hand rotates once in 12 hours. Also, pulses are input to the second stepping motor 42 so that the second pointer 32 functioning as the minute hand rotates once in 60 minutes.

[0019] Also, when the special time display mode is selected, the respective hands 31, 32 are positioned at corresponding positions. As described above, in the embodiment, the special time display mode is the sauna mode that makes the clock 100 function as a 12-minute clock. In this case, the first hand 31 functions as a minute hand and makes one revolution with a cycle of 12 minutes. The second hand 32 functions as a second hand and makes one revolution in 60 seconds. For example, when the elapsed time in the special time display mode is 3 minutes and 20 seconds, as shown in FIG. 3, the first hand 31 is arranged at a position slightly past 3 minutes, and the second hand 32 is arranged at a position indicating 20 seconds. Then, while the display is performed in the special time display mode, the CPU 5 controls the pulses applied to the respective stepping motors 41, 42 so that the respective hands 31, 32 function as a minute hand and a second hand, respectively.

[0020] When the operation unit 11 is operated and an input operation for switching the display mode by the user is performed, the CPU 5 changes the display on the display unit 2 according to the instruction. That is, the time displayed on the display unit 2 is switched to the other display mode, and the first hand 31 and the second hand 32 are moved to positions corresponding to the time display measured for the other display mode. Specifically, the hands 31, 32 are moved to positions corresponding to the time to be displayed in each display mode, and thereafter, the pulses applied to the stepping motors 41, 42 corresponding to the respective hands 31, 32 are controlled so that the hands move according to the mode. For example, when the display mode is switched from the normal time display mode to the special time display mode when the current time is 10:08 shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 5 reads the elapsed time corresponding to the special time display mode that has been continued in the measurement unit 7 from the measurement information storage area 512 of the storage unit 51, and arranges the respective hands 31, 32 at positions corresponding thereto.

[0021] For example, if the elapsed time measured by the measurement unit 7 in the special time display mode and stored in the measurement information storage area 512 is 3 minutes and 20 seconds in the nth cycle, the respective hands 31 and 32 are positioned to correspond to this (see Figure 3). Subsequently, the movement of the hands is controlled so that the first hand 31 operates as a minute hand that completes one rotation in 12 minutes, and the second hand 32 operates as a second hand that completes one rotation in 60 seconds. In other words, when 12 minutes have elapsed in the special time display mode, the display on the display unit 2 returns to the state shown in Figure 3 (the state where the hands 31 and 32 indicate 3 minutes and 20 seconds). At this point, if the operation unit 11 (mode switching button 11a) is operated again and the display is switched to the normal time display mode, the display on the display unit 2 transitions to the current time. At this point, the current time is 10:20, which is 12 minutes after 10:08. Therefore, the display unit 2 will show the pointers 31 and 32 indicating 10:20, as shown in Figure 4. Also, for example, 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 30 seconds after the state shown in Figure 1, the current time will be around 11:15, and the display unit 2 in normal time mode will be in the state shown in Figure 5. In contrast, if the special time display mode is started from the state shown in Figure 1, the display unit 2 in the special time display mode after 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 30 seconds will show the time 7 minutes and 30 seconds after a predetermined cycle (6th cycle) has elapsed from the position of pointers 31 and 32 as shown in Figure 1, and as shown in Figure 6, pointers 31 and 32 will be positioned at that location.

[0022] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the clock 100 is equipped with a notification unit 8. The notification unit 8 is a notification means that notifies the user of the passage of a predetermined period in the special time display mode. The notification unit 8 is a sound output unit that notifies, for example, with an alarm or voice. However, the notification unit 8 is not limited to notifying with sound. For example, it may notify by vibration, or by lighting or flashing a lamp. The notification unit 8 is configured to notify the user of the passage of a predetermined period (a period in which a predetermined time such as 12 minutes is defined as one period) when the display mode of the display unit 2 is in the normal time display mode and a predetermined period in the special time display mode has passed (every 12 minutes if the clock 100 in this embodiment is a 12-minute counter). This allows the user to notice that a predetermined time has passed, even when the display unit 2 is displaying the current time. The notification unit 8 may also notify the user of the passage of a predetermined period even when the display is in the special time display mode. For example, if the special time display mode is set to sauna mode, a user might not notice that a predetermined time, such as 12 minutes, has passed because they are talking to someone or dozing off. In this case, providing a notification can help prevent dangers such as the user staying in the sauna for too long and harming their health.

[0023] In the special time display mode, as mentioned above, the elapsed time from the start is continuously measured until it is reset. Therefore, even after the predetermined cycle (e.g., 12 minutes) has elapsed once, the predetermined cycle will continue to elapse many times. However, if the notification unit 8 is constantly notifying the user every time a predetermined cycle has elapsed, it may be bothersome in daily life. For this reason, the notification unit 8 may be configured to stop notifying the user after a predetermined time has elapsed after at least one predetermined cycle has elapsed since the start of the special time display mode, or after a predetermined number of predetermined cycles have elapsed. The user may set how long the notification continues. For example, if the clock 100 is used as a clock for a sauna, and the user has a habit of taking multiple sauna sets, such as 12 minutes in the sauna, then 12 minutes of rest, and then another 12 minutes in the sauna, the user may set it to notify the user up to four times during two sets of sauna and rest, and then stop notifying the user thereafter. Alternatively, the user may be able to select settings based on time, such as notifying the user every time until 1 hour has elapsed since the reset, and then not notifying the user thereafter.

[0024] Next, the operation of the clock 100 (electronic clock) according to this embodiment and the control method of the clock 100 will be described. For example, if the current time is 10:08 as shown in Figure 1, and the user enters a sauna and wants to use the clock 100 as a sauna timer, the user operates the reset button 11b on the operation unit 11 to start a new special time display mode. When the reset button 11b is operated, the CPU 5 resets the elapsed time stored in the measurement information storage area 512 and moves the pointers 31 and 32 to the 12 o'clock position, as shown in Figure 7. Then, a new special time display mode is started from this state. When the special time display mode is started, the elapsed time from the start is measured by the measurement unit 7, and the measurement result is stored in the measurement information storage area 512.

[0025] Then, when a predetermined period (12 minutes in this embodiment) has elapsed, the notification unit 8 notifies the user of the elapsed period with an alarm or the like. At this point, the display in special time display mode has returned to the 12 o'clock position as shown in Figure 7. When the user operates the mode switching button 11a to check the current time, the CPU 5 moves the pointers 31 and 32 to the current time position. That is, the display on the display unit 2 transitions to a state where the pointers 31 and 32 are pointing to 10:20 (see Figure 4), which is 12 minutes after 10:08 as shown in Figure 1. If the user starts the special time display mode when the current time is 12 o'clock (see Figure 7), the display in special time display mode will return to the 12 o'clock state as shown in Figure 7 after 12 minutes. When the user operates the mode switching button 11a to check the current time, the current time is 12:12, which is 12 minutes after 12 o'clock, so the CPU 5 moves the pointers 31 and 32 to the position indicating 12:12 (the state shown in Figure 8).

[0026] Regarding the movement of pointers 31 and 32 when switching display modes, in either case, pointers 31 and 32 may be moved in the forward direction (clockwise). However, if pointers 31 and 32 can rotate in either the forward or reverse direction (counterclockwise), the CPU 5 may switch the rotation direction of pointers 31 and 32 as needed to move them to the corresponding positions. In other words, depending on the position of pointers 31 and 32 immediately before switching display modes, moving pointers 31 and 32 in the reverse direction may require less movement (rotation) of pointers 31 and 32. On the other hand, the stepping motors 41 and 42 take longer to rotate in the reverse direction than when rotating in the forward direction. Also, there are limits to the rotation speed depending on the type of stepping motor 41 and 42. For example, the second stepping motor 42 that operates the second pointer 32 rotates 6 degrees in 1 pulse (1 step) and can complete one rotation of the second pointer 32 in 60 pulses (60 steps). The control unit 5 can output 90 pulses per second, so when switching from one display mode to the other to move the second pointer 32 at high speed, even if it is rotated one full rotation in the forward direction, the second pointer 32 can be moved in less than one second. In contrast, the first stepping motor 41 that operates the first pointer 31, which also functions as the hour hand, rotates one degree with one pulse (one step) and can complete one full rotation of the first pointer 31 with 360 pulses (360 steps). Therefore, even if 90 pulses are output per second, it takes 4 seconds to complete one full rotation of the first pointer 31. Furthermore, when rotating the pointers 31 and 32 in the reverse direction, the number of pulses that can be output per second decreases, resulting in a slower movement speed compared to forward rotation.

[0027] Therefore, when the pointers 31 and 32 are moved by switching the display mode, the CPU 5 may appropriately determine whether the pointers 31 and 32 should be moved in the forward or reverse direction depending on the position of each pointer 31 and 32 before and after the display mode switch, and the capabilities of the stepping motors 41 and 42 that operate each pointer 31 and 32, and switch the direction of rotation. For example, for the second pointer 32, which can be rotated one full turn in the forward direction in less than one second, the second pointer 32 may always be moved by rotating it in the forward direction regardless of its position before and after the display mode switch. For the first pointer 31, which takes about four seconds to rotate one full turn in the forward direction, the first pointer 31 may be moved in the reverse direction if the angle of movement in reverse is within 90 degrees, such as when moving from the 10 o'clock position to the 8 o'clock position, before and after the display mode switch, and moved in the forward direction otherwise.

[0028] Thus, in this embodiment, the clock 100 can be used to easily switch between displaying the current time and displaying the elapsed time as a 12-minute timer that can be used as a sauna timer, and these displays can be shown on the display unit 2 by user operation.

[0029] As described above, the clock 100 in this embodiment includes a display unit 2 having at least one pointer (in this embodiment, a first pointer 31 and a second pointer 32), a CPU 5 which is a control unit that controls the operation of the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32, and an operation unit 11 which switches the display mode of the display unit 2. The display modes include a first time display mode and a second time display mode. The CPU 5 continues to measure the time in both the first and second time display modes in parallel, and displays the time of one of the display modes on the display unit 2. When the operation unit 11 is operated, the CPU 5 switches the time displayed on the display unit 2 to the other display mode and moves the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 to a position corresponding to the time display that was measured for the other display mode. In this embodiment, the first time display mode is a normal time display mode that displays the current time, and the second time display mode is a special time display mode that rotates the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 in a predetermined period. This makes it possible to easily switch and check the current time and the elapsed time of a predetermined period using a single clock 100. Therefore, a single clock 100 can be used to check the elapsed time since entering a sauna, for example, as a sauna timer, and the current time can also be displayed with simple operations on the control unit 11. In this way, a single clock can be used as a clock capable of displaying multiple time zones by switching the display.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pointer includes a first pointer 31 that functions as an hour hand in normal time display mode and as a minute hand in special time display mode, and a second pointer 32 that functions as a minute hand in normal time display mode and as a second hand in special time display mode. In normal time display mode, where the current time is displayed by the first pointer 31 as the hour hand and the second pointer 32 as the minute hand, the movement of pointers 31 and 32 is relatively small. In contrast, in special time display mode, the movement of pointers 31 and 32 is larger, making it easy for the user to understand which display mode the pointer position displayed on the display unit 2 corresponds to simply by looking at the movement of pointers 31 and 32. In addition, in special time display mode, where the movement of pointers 31 and 32 is large, the second pointer 32 in particular operates as a second hand, allowing the user to enjoy the dynamic movement of pointers 31 and 32. Moreover, sauna meters and the like, commonly used for saunas, are often composed of two hands, a minute hand and a second hand, and it is possible to achieve the interesting feature of being able to use this two-hand type of clock as a regular clock while maintaining its appearance.

[0031] In another embodiment, when there are multiple pointers (a first pointer 31 and a second pointer 32), a stepping motor (a first stepping motor 41 and a stepping motor 42 in this embodiment) is provided corresponding to each pointer, and the CPU 5 appropriately supplies pulses to the first stepping motor 41 and the stepping motor 42 at timings corresponding to each display mode, thereby causing each pointer (the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32) to move in accordance with each display mode in response to the switching of the display mode by the operation unit 11. As a result, by simply controlling the pulses supplied to the stepping motors 41 and 42 by software, it is possible to easily switch the movement patterns of the first pointer 31 and the second pointer 32 according to the display mode and transition the display of the display unit 2.

[0032] In this embodiment, a notification unit 8 is further provided as a notification means for notifying the user of the passage of a predetermined period in the special time display mode. The notification unit 8 notifies the user of the passage of a predetermined period in the special time display mode when the display mode of the display unit 2 is at least in the normal time display mode. As a result, even when the display unit 2 is displaying the current time, the user can notice when a predetermined time has passed.

[0033] In this embodiment, the notification unit 8 stops notification after a predetermined time has elapsed, at least once after a predetermined cycle has started from the start of the special time display mode, or after a predetermined number of predetermined cycles have elapsed. This prevents, for example, alarms from sounding at predetermined intervals in daily life, thus avoiding inconvenience for the user.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, in the embodiments, the first pointer 31 functions as an hour hand in normal time display mode and as a minute hand in special time display mode, and the second pointer 32 functions as a minute hand in normal time display mode and as a second hand in special time display mode. However, the functions (roles) of the multiple pointers 31, 32 are not limited to this. For example, the first pointer 31 may function as a minute hand or a second hand, and the second pointer 32 may function as an hour hand or a minute hand. Also, for example, one of the pointers may function as a minute hand in both normal time display mode and special time display mode, while the other pointer 32 functions as an hour hand in normal time display mode and as a second hand in special time display mode.

[0035] Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example was given in which the special time display mode is a sauna mode in which the hands 31 and 32 rotate with a predetermined period of 12 minutes, and the clock 100 can also function as a sauna meter. However, the special time display mode in a clock is not limited to this. The special time display mode can be any mode that rotates the hands 31 and 32 with a predetermined period to display a time different from the current time displayed in the normal time display mode, and the clock may have uses other than as a sauna meter.

[0036] Furthermore, while the embodiment illustrates a case where the notification unit (notification means) 8 notifies the user of the elapsed time of a predetermined period (e.g., 12 minutes) in a special time display mode, the timing of notifications by the notification unit 8 is not limited to this. For example, if the clock 100 is used as a sauna timer, and the user enters the sauna for 5 minutes, takes a 2-minute break, and then enters the sauna for another 5 minutes as one set, the notification may be set to also be given after an additional 5 minutes, 7 minutes, etc., within the predetermined 12-minute period. In this case, the alarm sound may also be changed at each timing to make it easier for the user to understand which timing the notification is being given.

[0037] Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example was given where the first time display mode is a normal time display mode that displays the current time, and the second time display mode is a special time display mode that rotates the pointer 3 in a predetermined period. However, the first and second time display modes are not limited to this. In the embodiment, the first and second time display modes are modes with different rotation periods for the pointer 3, and only one can be displayed on the display unit, while the other can be displayed immediately by switching the display mode. For example, if a clock (electronic clock) has only one pointer 3, the first time display mode may be a mode in which the pointer 3 rotates once in 12 minutes, and the second time display mode may be a mode in which the pointer 3 rotates once in 1 minute, and by appropriately switching the display mode, it may be possible to use a 12-minute counter and a 1-minute counter.

[0038] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, 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]

[0039] 2...Display unit, 5...Control unit, 11a...Mode switching button (operation unit), 11b...Reset button (operation unit), 31...First pointer (pointer), 32...Second pointer (pointer), 100...Clock (electronic clock)

Claims

1. A display unit having at least one indicator, A control unit that controls the operation of the pointer, The system includes an operation unit for switching the display mode of the display unit, The aforementioned display mode includes a first time display mode and a second time display mode. The control unit continues to measure the time in both the first time display mode and the second time display mode in parallel, and displays the time in either display mode on the display unit. When the aforementioned control unit is operated, the time displayed on the display unit is switched to the other display mode. The pointer is moved to a position corresponding to the time display that was measured for the other display mode. Electronic clock.

2. A stepping motor is provided in accordance with the aforementioned guideline. The control unit supplies pulses to the stepping motor at timings corresponding to each display mode, thereby causing the pointer to move in accordance with each display mode when the operation unit switches the display mode. The electronic clock according to claim 1.

3. The first time display mode is a normal time display mode that displays the current time, and the second time display mode is a special time display mode that rotates the pointer at a predetermined period. The electronic clock according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned pointer includes a first pointer that functions as an hour hand in the normal time display mode and as a minute hand in the special time display mode, and a second pointer that functions as a minute hand in the normal time display mode and as a second hand in the special time display mode. The electronic clock according to claim 3.

5. The system further includes a notification means for informing the user of the elapsed time of a predetermined period in a special time display mode. The notification means notifies the user of the elapsed predetermined period when the display mode of the display unit is in the normal time display mode and a predetermined period has elapsed in the special time display mode. The electronic clock according to claim 3.

6. The notification means stops notification after a predetermined time has elapsed, at least one predetermined cycle has elapsed since the start of the second time display mode, or after a predetermined number of predetermined cycles have elapsed. The electronic clock according to claim 5.

7. A control method for an electronic clock having a display unit with at least one pointer, The display mode in the display unit includes a first time display mode and a second time display mode. The first and second time display modes continue to measure time in parallel, displaying the time for one of the display modes on the display unit, and when the operation unit for switching the display mode on the display unit is operated, the time displayed on the display unit is switched to the other display mode, and the pointer is moved to a position corresponding to the time display that was being measured for the other display mode. A method for controlling an electronic clock.

8. In the computer of an electronic clock having a display unit with at least one pointer, The display unit can display two time zones: a first time zone display mode and a second time zone display mode. The first and second time display modes continue to measure time in parallel, displaying the time for one of the display modes on the display unit, and when the operation unit for switching the display mode on the display unit is operated, the time displayed on the display unit is switched to the other display mode, and the pointer is moved to a position corresponding to the time display that was being measured for the other display mode. program.

Images