Time measuring device, time measuring method, and program

Abstract

To enable easy measurement of multiple different time settings. [Solution] The time measuring device includes a control unit that performs display control to display the elapsed time from the start of each of the multiple modes using a pointer, and that performs multiple display controls for the multiple modes in a predetermined order. In the display control, the control unit displays the elapsed time using a pointer with respect to a predetermined starting position, based on setting information in which a set time representing the length of each of the multiple modes is associated with the setting time for that mode, until the elapsed time from the start of the mode reaches the setting time corresponding to that mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a time measuring device, a time measuring method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a time measuring device designed to be able to recognize that a predetermined set time has elapsed from the movement of a pointer around a circle, such as a 12-minute timer used in a sauna (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above conventional time measuring device has a problem that its use is limited because the length of the set time cannot be changed.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable easy measurement of a plurality of different set times.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a time measuring device according to the present invention includes a control unit that executes display control for displaying the elapsed time from the start of a mode by a pointer for each of a plurality of modes, and continuously executes the plurality of display controls for the plurality of modes in a predetermined order. In the display control, the control unit displays the elapsed time using the pointer with respect to a predetermined starting position, based on setting information in which a set time representing the length of each of the plurality of modes is associated with and registered for each of the modes, until the elapsed time from the start of the mode reaches the set time corresponding to that mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, multiple different set times can be easily measured. [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 display unit that shows the current time. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the contents of the configuration information. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the display at the start of the measurement of elapsed time in the sauna. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the display unit at the point when the elapsed time in the sauna reaches the set time. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the display at the start of the measurement of elapsed time in the "cold bath". [Figure 7] This diagram shows the display unit at the point when the elapsed time in the "cold bath" reaches the set time. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the display at the start of measurement of the elapsed time during "outdoor bathing." [Figure 9] This diagram shows the display unit at the point when the elapsed time for "outdoor air bathing" reaches the set time. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the operation of displaying the remaining waiting time. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the control procedure for time measurement processing. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the display process. [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 (time measuring device) comprises a CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit) (control unit, control means), RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), storage unit 13, display unit 20, timing unit 30, operation unit 40, and temperature sensor 50. 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 CPU 11 is a processor that controls the operation of the electronic clock 1 by reading and executing the program 131 stored in the memory unit 13 and performing various arithmetic operations. The electronic clock 1 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 control unit is composed of multiple processors. In this case, the multiple processors may be involved in common processing, or the multiple processors may independently execute different processes in parallel. The RAM 12 provides the CPU 11 with a working memory space and stores temporary data. The memory unit 13 is a non-temporary recording medium readable by the CPU 11 as a computer, and stores the program 131 and various data. The memory unit 13 has non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory. The program 131 is stored in the memory unit 13 in the form of program code that can be read by the computer.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the display unit 20 comprises a first pointer 21, a second pointer 22, a function hand 23, and a dial 28. The first pointer 21 and the second pointer 22 rotate around a rotation axis 27 located at the center of the dial 28. The display unit 20 displays the current time or the elapsed time of an event in the sauna mode described later, using the first pointer 21 and the second pointer 22. "Event" may be replaced with "process". The first pointer 21 is longer than the second pointer 22. When the display unit 20 displays the current time, the first pointer 21 functions as a minute hand to display minutes, and the second pointer 22 functions as an hour hand to display hours. When the display unit 20 displays the elapsed time of an event, the first pointer 21 functions as a second hand to display seconds, and the second pointer 22 functions as a minute hand to display minutes. The function hand 23 rotates within a predetermined angular range around an axis different from the rotation axis 27. The function hand 23 indicates the operating mode of the electronic clock 1 and the event currently underway by pointing to one of the indicators included in the indicator group 29. The indicator group 29 includes the indicators "H", "S", "W", and "O". Indicator "H" indicates that the electronic clock 1 is operating in time display mode, which displays the current time, while indicators "S", "W", and "O" indicate that the electronic clock 1 is operating in sauna mode. In addition, indicators "S", "W", and "O" indicate that the events of "sauna", "cold bath", and "outdoor air bath" are currently underway in sauna mode, respectively. Hereafter, two or more of the first hand 21, second hand 22, and function hand 23 will be collectively referred to as "hands 21, 22", "hands 21-23", etc. The dial 28 is a plate-shaped component located on the back side of the hands 21-23. The dial 28 has 12 hour markers corresponding to the top of the hour, located at positions that divide the circular outer circumference of the dial 28 into 12 equal parts. Each hour marker has one of the numbers "1" through "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. The dial 28 also has multiple minute scales positioned to divide the space between adjacent hour markers into five equal parts. The dial 28 is also provided with the aforementioned group of markers 29.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 20 further includes gear train mechanisms 241 to 243, which are a plurality of gear trains respectively connected to the first pointer 21, the second pointer 22, and the function pointer 23, stepping motors 251 to 253 for rotating the gear train mechanisms 241 to 243 respectively, and a motor drive circuit 26 for driving the stepping motors 251 to 253. The first pointer 21 rotates by a predetermined angle in response to the step operation of the stepping motor 251 transmitted through the gear train mechanism 241. The second pointer 22 rotates by a predetermined angle in response to the step operation of the stepping motor 252 transmitted through the gear train mechanism 242. The function pointer 23 rotates by a predetermined angle in response to the step operation of the stepping motor 253 transmitted through the gear train mechanism 243. The stepping motors 251 to 253 are step-driven based on the voltage waveforms of the drive pulses input from the motor drive circuit 26 respectively, and rotate and move the pointers 21 to 23 by the above-mentioned predetermined angles in the forward rotation direction (the direction in which time progresses) or the reverse rotation direction (the direction in which time returns). The stepping motors 251 and 252 can also rotate (fast-forward rotate) the first pointer 21 and the second pointer 22 at a speed higher than when displaying the current time or the elapsed time of an event. The motor drive circuit 26 outputs drive voltage pulses for driving the stepping motors 251 to 253 respectively to perform step operations at appropriate timings and pulse widths according to the control signals input from the CPU 11.

[0013] The timekeeping unit 30 includes an oscillation circuit, a frequency division circuit, a timekeeping circuit, etc. The timekeeping unit 30 divides the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit by the frequency division circuit, and the timekeeping circuit counts the divided signal to count and hold the current date and time.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The temperature sensor 50 detects the temperature around the electronic timepiece 1 and outputs the detection data to the CPU 11.

[0016] 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 the present embodiment can operate in a sauna mode for the user to manage the bathing time in the sauna. The operation mode of the electronic clock 1 switches between the time display mode and the sauna mode every time a predetermined mode switching operation is performed. The mode switching operation may be, for example, an operation of long-pressing the operation button 42. To enhance the effect of the sauna, it is said to be effective to repeat the three events (processes) of "sauna", "hot bath", and "outdoor bath (rest)". Also, each event of "sauna", "hot bath", and "outdoor bath" has an appropriate time, and to enhance the effect of the sauna, it is preferable to perform each event for the appropriate time. Therefore, the electronic clock 1 of the present embodiment supports the user to perform each event for the appropriate time by displaying the elapsed time from the start of each event in the sauna mode. The sauna mode is an aspect of the chronograph mode that measures and displays the elapsed time.

[0017] More specifically, in sauna mode, the CPU 11 of the electronic clock 1 performs display control to display the elapsed time from the start of each event, "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor air bath," using the pointers 21 and 22. "Elapsed time from the start of each event" can be rephrased as "elapsed time from the start of the mode for measuring the elapsed time of each event." Therefore, "event" in the following description may be replaced with "mode." The CPU 11 performs three consecutive display controls for the three events (three modes) of "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor air bath" in a predetermined order (in this embodiment, in the order of "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor air bath"). The CPU 11 also repeatedly performs the three display controls for the three events until a predetermined termination operation is performed. The termination operation may be the same as the mode switching operation described above, and the operating mode of the electronic clock 1 may also be switched to the time display mode in conjunction with the termination operation. In each display control, the CPU 11 displays the elapsed time using the pointers 21 and 22 with respect to a predetermined starting position until the elapsed time from the start of the event (mode) reaches a predetermined set time for that event. The CPU 11 identifies the setting time for each event by referring to the setting information 132. As shown in Figure 3, the setting information 132 registers a setting time representing the length of each event (mode) for each event: "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor air bath." The setting time is set within a range of less than or equal to the upper limit time corresponding to one cycle of the second guideline 22 (a certain guideline) (i.e., 12 minutes or less). The upper limit time may also be set separately (independently of each other) for each event. Therefore, the upper limit time of one event among multiple events may differ from the upper limit time of any other event. For example, since staying in a cold bath for a long time is not good for one's health, the upper limit time for "cold bath" may be set shorter than that of "sauna" and "outdoor air bath" (for example, to 3 minutes). The setting information 132 also registers the order of the three events (the order of the three modes). There are individual differences in the appropriate time for each event; for example, it is appropriate for beginners to shorten the time spent in the "sauna" compared to normal.Therefore, the set time in the setting information 132 may be changed by user operation. For example, the set time may be changed by a predetermined operation on operation buttons 41 and 42. Alternatively, the set time may be changed by inputting the set time for each event in a terminal device (not shown), such as a smartphone, that can communicate with the electronic clock 1, and transmitting the information of the set time to the electronic clock 1. In this embodiment, the set times for the events "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor air bath" are assumed to be "6 minutes," "1 minute 30 seconds," and "10 minutes," respectively.

[0018] The operation of the electronic clock 1 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 2, 4 to 10. As shown in Figure 2, when the electronic clock 1 is operating in time display mode, the current time is displayed by the hands 21 and 22. In addition, the indicator "H" is pointed to by the function hand 23 to indicate that it is in time display mode. When a mode switching operation is performed on the operation unit 40 in time display mode, the operating mode of the electronic clock 1 switches to sauna mode.

[0019] When switching to sauna mode, the display control of the "sauna" event (mode) is initiated. During the display control, as shown in Figure 4, the pointers 21 and 22 move to the position of the hour marker "12" (hereinafter referred to as the "return to zero position") (hereinafter, this movement of pointers 21 and 22 is referred to as "return to zero"). In this configuration, the return to zero position corresponds to the "start position" of pointers 21 and 22. That is, pointers 21 and 22 move to the start position before the display of elapsed time by pointers 21 and 22 begins. In addition, the indicator "S" is indicated by the function hand 23, indicating that the "sauna" event in sauna mode is being executed. Subsequently, when a predetermined start operation is performed on the operation unit 40, the measurement of the elapsed time of the "sauna" event begins, and the elapsed time is displayed by pointers 21 and 22 with respect to the return to zero position. The start operation may be, for example, pressing the operation button 41. Alternatively, the mode switching operation described above may also serve as the start operation. In other words, depending on the mode switching operation, the hands 21 and 22 may reset to zero, and the display of elapsed time may automatically start after the reset is complete. In sauna mode, the first hand 21 functions as the second hand and completes one rotation around the rotation axis 27 in one minute. The second hand 22 functions as the minute hand, rotating 30 degrees per minute and completing one rotation around the rotation axis 27 in 12 minutes. As shown in Figure 3, the set time for the "sauna" event is "6 minutes," so as shown in Figure 5, the hands 21 and 22 move until the elapsed time displayed by the hands 21 and 22 reaches "6 minutes." When the elapsed time reaches "6 minutes," the display control for the "sauna" event ends, and the display control for the next "cold bath" event immediately begins.

[0020] When the display control for the "cold bath" event (mode) is initiated, the hands 21 and 22 move to the reset position (start position), as shown in Figure 6. The indicator "W" is also indicated by the function hand 23, showing that the "cold bath" event in sauna mode is in progress. The elapsed time for the "cold bath" event is then measured and displayed by the hands 21 and 22, relative to the reset position. As shown in Figure 3, the set time for the "cold bath" event is "1 minute 30 seconds," so the hands 21 and 22 move until the displayed elapsed time reaches "1 minute 30 seconds," as shown in Figure 7. Once the elapsed time reaches "1 minute 30 seconds," the display control for the "cold bath" event ends, and the display control for the next event, "outdoor bath," immediately begins.

[0021] When the display control for the "Outdoor Bath" event (mode) is initiated, the hands 21 and 22 move to the reset position (start position), as shown in Figure 8. The indicator "O" is also indicated by the function hand 23, showing that the "Outdoor Bath" event in sauna mode is in progress. The elapsed time for the "Outdoor Bath" event is then measured and displayed by the hands 21 and 22, relative to the reset position. As shown in Figure 3, the set time for the "Outdoor Bath" event is "10 minutes," so the hands 21 and 22 move until the displayed elapsed time reaches "10 minutes," as shown in Figure 9. Once the elapsed time reaches "10 minutes," the display control for the "Outdoor Bath" event ends. Afterward, the display control for the "Sauna" event is initiated again, and the display unit 20 returns to the state shown in Figure 4.

[0022] Furthermore, after the display control of a certain event has finished, the display of the elapsed time for the next event may be started after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed (in other words, after a predetermined interval). The waiting time may be set to a uniform length (for example, 30 seconds). Alternatively, the waiting time after the end of an event may be set to be longer the further the distance is between the location where the event takes place and the location where the next event takes place. In addition, the remaining time until the waiting time ends may be displayed by the first pointer 21. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the first pointer 21 may be moved clockwise so that it reaches the zero position when the waiting time ends. This allows the remaining time to be displayed by the difference between the position of the first pointer 21 and the zero position. Such movement of the first pointer 21 corresponds to a countdown display of the remaining time until the waiting time ends.

[0023] Furthermore, if the user performs a predetermined reset operation at any time in sauna mode, the system may be reset to the state before the start of the "sauna" event (the state shown in Figure 4), and the display of the elapsed time for the "sauna" event may be restarted. The reset operation may be, for example, pressing operation button 42. Also, if a predetermined skip operation (predetermined operation) is performed on the operation unit 40 while display control for a certain event is being executed, the display control may be stopped and display control for the next event may be started. The skip operation may be, for example, pressing and holding operation button 41. Also, if a predetermined pause operation is performed on the operation unit 40 while display control for a certain event is being executed, the measurement of the elapsed time and the movement of the pointers 21 and 22 in that display control may be temporarily paused. The pause operation may be, for example, pressing operation button 41.

[0024] Next, with reference to Figures 11 and 12, the time measurement process executed by the CPU 11 to realize the operation of the electronic clock 1 described above will be explained. The time measurement process starts when the device switches from time display mode to sauna mode. When the time measurement process starts, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the start operation described above has been performed on the operation unit 40 (step S101). If the mode switching operation to switch to sauna mode also serves as the start operation, step S101 is omitted. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed ("YES" in step S101), the CPU 11 assigns "1" to the variable n, which represents the ordinal number of the event (mode) (step S102). After that, the CPU 11 executes a display process to control the display related to the nth event (step S103).

[0025] As shown in Figure 12, when the display process starts, the CPU 11 initiates the resetting of the first pointer 21 and the second pointer 22 (step S201). Here, the CPU 11 operates the stepping motors 251 and 252 by sending a control signal to the motor drive circuit 26, rotating the gear train mechanisms 241 and 242 to move the first pointer 21 and the second pointer 22 toward the reset position. The CPU 11 rotates the function needle 23 to indicate the indicator for the nth event (mode) (step S202). Here, the CPU 11 operates the stepping motor 253 by sending a control signal to the motor drive circuit 26, rotating the gear train mechanism 243 to rotate the function needle 23. For example, if the variable n is "1", the CPU 11 causes the function needle 23 to indicate the "H" indicator corresponding to the first "sauna" event. Furthermore, the CPU 11 refers to the configuration information 132 and obtains the configuration time registered in association with the nth event (step S203).

[0026] The CPU 11 determines whether the current event is the first "sauna" after the start of the time measurement process (step S204). If it determines that the current event is not the first "sauna" (i.e., there is another event that has finished after the start of the time measurement process) ("NO" in step S204), it starts measuring the waiting time as described above (step S205) and starts displaying the remaining waiting time using the first pointer 21, as shown in Figure 10 (step S206). When step S206 is executed, the zeroing operation of the first pointer 21 in step S201 may be stopped when it reaches the position where the display of the remaining waiting time begins. The position where the display of the remaining waiting time begins is, for example, the position of the hour marker "9" (the position where the minute hand displays 45 minutes in time display mode) when displaying the remaining time from 15 seconds before the end of the waiting time. The CPU 11 repeatedly determines whether the waiting time has elapsed (step S207). Furthermore, if display control for the next event is to be started immediately after the completion of display control for a certain event, steps S205 to S207 may be omitted.

[0027] If the CPU determines that the waiting time has elapsed ("YES" in step S207), it starts measuring the elapsed time of the event (step S208) and starts displaying the elapsed time using the first pointer 21 and the second pointer 22 (step S209). Also, if the CPU determines in step S204 that the current event is the first "sauna" ("YES" in step S204), since there are no other events that have finished up to that point, the CPU immediately executes steps S208 and S209 without waiting for the waiting time to elapse. For example, the CPU 11 moves the first pointer 21 by one step (in this case, 6 degrees) once per second so that the first pointer 21 rotates at a speed of one revolution in one minute. The CPU 11 also moves the second pointer 22 by one step (in this case, 1 degree) at a frequency of, for example, once every two seconds so that the second pointer 22 rotates at a speed of one revolution in twelve minutes.

[0028] The CPU 11 determines whether the elapsed time of the event has reached the set time acquired in step S203 (step S210). If it determines that the elapsed time of the event has not reached the set time ("NO" in step S210), the CPU 11 determines whether the above-mentioned skip operation has been performed on the operation unit 40 (step S211). If it determines that the skip operation has not been performed ("NO" in step S211), the CPU 11 returns to step S210. If it determines that the skip operation has been performed ("YES" in step S211), the CPU 11 stops the display control without measuring the elapsed time to the set time. That is, the CPU 11 stops the movement of the first pointer 21 and the second pointer 22 (step S212) and terminates the display process. Furthermore, if the CPU determines that the elapsed time of an event has reached the set time ("YES" in step S210), the CPU 11 stops the movement of the first pointer 21 and the second pointer 22 (step S212) and terminates the display process. Steps S201 to S212 of the display process correspond to "display control" for one event. Note that if the above-mentioned pause operation is performed after the start of step S209 and before the start of step S212, the CPU 11 may temporarily pause the measurement of the elapsed time and the movement of the pointers 21 and 22. In this case, if the pause operation is performed again, the CPU 11 will resume the measurement of the elapsed time and the movement of the pointers 21 and 22.

[0029] When the display process is completed, the CPU 11 determines whether the above-described termination operation has been performed on the operation unit 40 (step S104 in Figure 11). If it is determined that the termination operation has not been performed ("NO" in step S104), the CPU 11 determines whether the above-described reset operation has been performed on the operation unit 40 (step S105). If it is determined that the reset operation has not been performed ("NO" in step S105), the CPU 11 determines whether the variable n is equal to the number of events N (in this embodiment, N=3) registered in the setting information 132 (step S106). If it is determined that the variable n is less than N ("NO" in step S106), the CPU 11 increments the variable n (step S107) and executes the display process for the next event (step S103). On the other hand, if the variable n is equal to N ("YES" in step S106), the events of "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor air bath" have completed one cycle, so the CPU 11 moves the process to step S102 and resets the variable n to "1". From there, the processing of events from the second cycle onward is executed.

[0030] If it is determined in step S104 that the termination operation has been performed ("YES" in step S104), the CPU 11 switches the operating mode of the electronic clock 1 to the time display mode. That is, it restarts the display of the current time by the hands 21 and 22 (step S108), and causes the function hand 23 to indicate the current time indicator "H" (step S109). When step S109 is completed, the CPU 11 terminates the time measurement process.

[0031] For convenience, the above describes how the determination of whether a termination operation has been performed is performed at step S104, and the determination of whether a reset operation has been performed is performed at step S105. However, termination and reset operations can be accepted at any time during the execution of the time measurement process (including during the execution of the display process). If the CPU 11 determines that a termination operation has been performed at any time, it proceeds to step S108. Also, if the CPU 11 determines that a reset operation has been performed at any time, it proceeds to step S102.

[0032] Next, a modification 1 of the above embodiment will be described. The differences from the above embodiment will be described below. In the above embodiment, the starting positions of pointers 21 and 22 were set to be the same for all events (modes) of "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor bath," but the ending position may be set to be the same for all events instead of the starting position. Here, the ending position is the position of pointers 21 and 22 when the elapsed time of the event reaches the set time. For example, the ending position of pointers 21 and 22 for all events may be set to the zero position. In this case, in the display control of each event, the CPU 11 moves pointer 21 counterclockwise from the starting position so that pointers 21 and 22 reach the zero position when the elapsed time reaches the set time. In this modification, the starting position is determined for each of the multiple events such that the rotation angle of the second pointer 22 (a certain pointer) from the starting position to the ending position (zero position) is proportional to the length of the set time. Specifically, the starting position for the "sauna" event is set to the "6 minutes" position shown in Figure 5, and the hands 21 and 22 move counterclockwise from this starting position to the reset position shown in Figure 4. Similarly, the starting position for the "cold bath" event is set to the "1 minute 30 seconds" position shown in Figure 7, and the hands 21 and 22 move counterclockwise from this starting position to the reset position shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the starting position for the "outdoor air bath" event is set to the "10 minutes" position shown in Figure 9, and the hands 21 and 22 move counterclockwise from this starting position to the reset position shown in Figure 8.

[0033] Next, a modified example 2 of the above embodiment will be described. The differences from the above embodiment will be described below. In modified example 2, when the elapsed time of each event reaches the set time, the elapsed time of the next event (mode) is measured and displayed without resetting the indicators 21 and 22 to zero. Therefore, the starting position of the indicators 21 and 22 in each event is the ending position of the indicators 21 and 22 in the previous event. Thus, in this modified example, the sum of the elapsed times for "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor bath" is displayed by the indicators 21 and 22. The user can recognize which event is currently being performed by the position of the function needle 23. When the "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor bath" events have completed one cycle, the indicators 21 and 22 may be reset to zero.

[0034] As described above, the CPU 11 of the electronic clock 1 according to this embodiment performs display control to display the elapsed time from the start of each of the multiple events (multiple modes) using the hands 21 and 22, and performs multiple display controls for multiple events in a predetermined order. In addition, in the display control, the CPU 11 displays the elapsed time using the hands 21 and 22 with respect to a predetermined starting position, based on the setting information 132, which is registered in which a set time representing the length of each of the multiple events is associated. This allows for the measurement and display of the set time for each event sequentially and automatically by registering the set time for each event in the setting information 132 in advance. Therefore, there is no need to perform reset or start operations or register the set time for each event. As a result, the set times of multiple events that are different from each other can be easily measured. Furthermore, by changing the set time in the setting information 132, the elapsed time of events can be measured at an optimal length for each user. Therefore, a sauna clock that suits any user can be provided.

[0035] Furthermore, the starting position is the same for all events, and in display control, the CPU 11 moves the pointers 21 and 22 to the starting position before the display of elapsed time by the pointers 21 and 22 begins. This makes it possible to visually indicate the transition between events by moving the pointers 21 and 22 to the starting position. In addition, the elapsed time of each event can be displayed in a common display manner based on the same starting position.

[0036] Furthermore, the CPU 11 may immediately start display control for the next event after the completion of display control for a certain event. This allows the elapsed time of multiple events to be measured continuously without any special operation by the user.

[0037] Furthermore, the CPU 11 may start displaying the elapsed time for the next event after a predetermined waiting period has elapsed following the completion of display control for a certain event. This allows the display of the elapsed time for the next event to start at a timing that takes into account the preparation time (travel time, etc.) between events.

[0038] Furthermore, the CPU 11 may display the remaining time until the waiting period ends using the first indicator 21. This makes it possible to visually indicate the start timing of the next event.

[0039] Furthermore, in the display control according to Modification 1, the CPU 11 moves the pointers 21 and 22 counterclockwise from the starting position so that when the elapsed time reaches the set time, the pointers 21 and 22 reach a predetermined end position. The starting position is determined for each of the multiple events such that the rotation angle of the second pointer 22 from the starting position to the end position is proportional to the length of the set time, and the end position is the same for all of the multiple events. This makes it possible to display the elapsed time of each event in a countdown manner. Thus, the remaining time until the set time of each event can be shown in an easy-to-understand visual way.

[0040] Furthermore, the CPU 11 uses the function indicator 23 to display the event for which display control is currently being performed among multiple events. This allows the user to see which event the displayed elapsed time belongs to.

[0041] Furthermore, if a predetermined skip operation is performed while display control for a certain event is being executed, the CPU 11 may cancel the display control and start display control for the next event following the current event. This allows the measurement of the elapsed time for the next event to start immediately if the user cancels an event midway through.

[0042] Furthermore, the set time is set within a range that is less than or equal to the upper limit time corresponding to one rotation of the second indicator 22. This allows the set time to be determined within a range in which the elapsed time can be uniquely determined by the position of the second indicator 22.

[0043] Furthermore, the set time may be set within a range that is not exceeding the upper limit time separately defined for each of the multiple events. This ensures that the set time for each event does not fall outside an appropriate range for that event.

[0044] Furthermore, in the control method for the electronic clock 1 according to this embodiment, the CPU 11 executes the above-mentioned process, making it possible to easily measure the set times of multiple events that are different from each other. In addition, the program 131 according to this embodiment causes the CPU 11 to function as a control means for executing the above-mentioned process. This makes it possible to easily measure the set times of multiple events that are different from each other.

[0045] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiments, "sauna," "cold bath," and "outdoor air bath" were given as examples of multiple events during sauna use, but the invention is not limited to these. The content of the multiple events is arbitrary as long as the order of implementation is predetermined. For example, the multiple events may be multiple types of physical training, and the set time for each event may be the duration of each physical training session.

[0046] Furthermore, in addition to the first hand 21 and the second hand 22, 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 21 may display the elapsed time in minutes.

[0047] Furthermore, the timing for starting the measurement of elapsed time for each event may be determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50. In this case, a reference temperature is set in advance for each of the multiple events. The CPU 11 also determines that the temperature value acquired by the temperature sensor 50 satisfies the reference temperature conditions for any of the multiple events, and determines that the event satisfying those reference temperature conditions has started, and begins displaying the elapsed time for that event. For example, the reference temperature for the "sauna" event may be set to the temperature of the sauna room. The CPU 11 may then determine that the reference temperature conditions for the "sauna" event are met when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50 falls within a predetermined temperature range that includes the reference temperature for the "sauna" event, and begin measuring the elapsed time for that event. The reference temperature for the "cold bath" event may be set to the temperature of the cold bath (water temperature). The CPU 11 may then determine that the reference temperature conditions for the "cold bath" event are met when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50 falls within a predetermined temperature range that includes the reference temperature for the "cold bath" event, and begin measuring the elapsed time for that event. Furthermore, the reference temperature for the "outdoor bath" event may be set to the ambient temperature. The CPU 11 may determine that the conditions for the reference temperature corresponding to the "outdoor bath" event are met when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50 falls within a predetermined temperature range that includes the reference temperature for the "outdoor bath" event, and may start measuring the elapsed time of that event. The CPU 11 may also issue a predetermined notification prompting the user to move to the next event if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 50 does not change after a certain period of time has elapsed after the elapsed time of each event has reached a set time. In addition, sensors other than the temperature sensor 50 may be used to determine the event. For example, a water detection sensor may be used to determine whether the user is in a cold bath. Alternatively, a pressure sensor may be used to determine whether the user is in a sauna, cold bath, or outdoor bath. This allows for the automatic start of elapsed time measurement at the appropriate timing for each of the multiple events.

[0048] Furthermore, while the above embodiment exemplified a mode for measuring the elapsed time of multiple events as one of the multiple modes, it is not limited to this. Each of the multiple modes may be any mode for measuring the elapsed time from a certain point in time.

[0049] Furthermore, while an example has been given of displaying the ongoing event using the function needle 23, the system is not limited to this. For example, instead of the function needle 23, the ongoing event may be displayed using a liquid crystal display or the like. In addition to, or instead of, the display of the ongoing event, the system may also notify the user that the event has switched by vibration from an oscillator (not shown) provided in the electronic clock 1, and / or by sound from a speaker (not shown) provided in the electronic clock 1.

[0050] Furthermore, the time measuring device is not limited to a sauna clock. Also, the time measuring device is not limited to a wristwatch; it may be a wall clock, a desk clock, or a pocket watch, etc. Furthermore, the time measuring device may be an electronic device other than a clock that has a time measuring function.

[0051] Furthermore, while the above description discloses examples in which the ROM or flash memory of the storage unit 13 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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]

[0054] 1...Electronic clock (time measuring device), 11...CPU (control unit, control means), 21...First pointer (pointer), 22...Second pointer (pointer), 132...Setting information

Claims

1. The system includes a control unit that performs display control to display the elapsed time from the start of each of the multiple modes using a pointer, and that performs multiple of the above display controls for the multiple modes in a predetermined order. In the display control, the control unit, based on setting information in which a set time representing the length of each of the plurality of modes is associated and registered, displays the elapsed time by the pointer with respect to a predetermined starting position until the elapsed time from the start of the mode reaches the set time corresponding to that mode. Time measuring device.

2. The aforementioned starting position is the same for all of the aforementioned multiple modes. The control unit, in the display control, moves the pointer to the starting position before the start of the display of the elapsed time by the pointer. The time measuring device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, after the completion of the display control for a certain mode, immediately starts the display control for the next mode after the current mode. The time measuring device according to claim 1.

4. The control unit, after the completion of the display control for a certain mode, starts displaying the elapsed time for the next mode after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. The time measuring device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit displays the remaining time until the waiting time ends using the indicator. The time measuring device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit, in the display control, moves the pointer counterclockwise from the starting position so that when the elapsed time reaches the set time, the pointer reaches a predetermined end position. The starting position is determined such that, for each of the multiple modes, the rotation angle of a certain pointer from the starting position to the ending position is proportional to the length of the set time. The aforementioned termination position is the same in all of the aforementioned multiple modes. The time measuring device according to claim 1.

7. The control unit displays the mode in which the display control is currently being executed among the plurality of modes using a predetermined display method. The time measuring device according to claim 1.

8. The control unit, when a predetermined operation is performed during the execution of the display control for a certain mode, cancels the display control and starts the display control for the next mode after the current mode. The time measuring device according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned setting time is set within a range that is less than or equal to the upper limit time corresponding to one rotation of a certain indicator. The time measuring device according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned setting time is set within a range that is less than or equal to the upper limit time separately determined for each of the multiple modes. The time measuring device according to claim 1.

11. Equipped with an additional temperature sensor, Each of the aforementioned modes has a reference temperature set. If the control unit determines that the temperature value obtained by the temperature sensor satisfies the reference temperature condition corresponding to any of the multiple modes, it determines that the mode satisfying the reference temperature condition has started and begins displaying the elapsed time of that mode. The time measuring device according to claim 1.

12. A method of measuring time performed by a computer, For each of the multiple modes, display control is performed to display the elapsed time from the start of the mode using an indicator, and the multiple display controls for the multiple modes are performed consecutively in a predetermined order. In the display control described above, based on setting information in which a set time representing the length of each of the multiple modes is associated with and registered for each of the modes, the elapsed time from the start of the mode is displayed by the pointer with respect to a predetermined starting position until the elapsed time reaches the set time corresponding to that mode. Method of measuring time.

13. Using a computer as a control device, The control means is For each of the multiple modes, display control is performed to display the elapsed time from the start of the mode using an indicator, and the multiple display controls for the multiple modes are performed consecutively in a predetermined order. In the display control described above, based on setting information in which a set time representing the length of each of the multiple modes is associated with and registered for each of the modes, the elapsed time from the start of the mode is displayed by the pointer with respect to a predetermined starting position until the elapsed time reaches the set time corresponding to that mode. program.

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