JP6883351B2 - Equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a program that output time information and the like.

There is a need to equip one device with a plurality of control units corresponding to a plurality of display units according to the type of information to be output, and to output a plurality of different information by each control unit.

For example, Patent Document 1 includes a first display unit composed of a dot matrix system for displaying a processing result and a second display unit composed of a segment system for displaying a time, and is provided by a DC power source such as a battery. Small electronic devices that are portable or stationary on a desk are described.

Japanese Patent No. 3140928

The small electronic device described in Patent Document 1 is only supposed to be driven by an internal power source such as a battery, and is not supposed to be driven by an external power source connected to an external power source such as an AC power source. Therefore, as a matter of course, in a device that outputs a plurality of information using a plurality of screens and the like, the control method when the internal power supply and the external power supply are used properly and driven is not considered.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device, a method, and a program capable of performing control for driving a plurality of power sources by using a plurality of power sources in a device that outputs a plurality of information.

(1) A device driven by electric power supplied from an external power source or an internal power source.
A first control unit that at least performs processing for outputting the current time and a second control unit that performs at least processing for outputting information other than the current time are provided.
When driven by the electric power supplied from the internal power source, the electric power is not supplied to the second control unit while the process for outputting information other than the current time by the second control unit is not required. A device characterized by that.

According to this configuration, since "power is not supplied to the second control unit", power is not consumed by the second control unit during this period, and it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the entire device. It becomes.

Further, according to this configuration, the power consumption is reduced "when driven by the power supplied from the internal power supply", so that the device can be used for a longer time with the internal power supply as compared with the case where such control is not performed. It becomes possible to drive.

Further, according to this configuration, the power supply is stopped "while the process for outputting information other than the current time by the second control unit is not required", so that the second control is performed when necessary. It does not interfere with the processing by the control unit for outputting information other than the current time.

The external power supply may be realized by, for example, a household AC power supply, and the converted DC power supply may be supplied to each control unit. Further, the internal power supply may be realized by, for example, a dry battery built in the device. Further, the information other than the current time may be, for example, a voice of a predetermined character or an image of a predetermined character.

(2) Regardless of whether the power is supplied from the external power supply or the internal power supply, the power supply to the first control is continued.
The first control unit may be a device that continuously executes the process for outputting the current time by being driven by the continuously supplied electric power.

According to this configuration, the power supply to the first control unit is continued regardless of the power supply source, and the supplied power first control unit outputs the current time. This device can be used as a clock by continuing the above.

(3) Is it necessary for the first control unit to output information other than the current time by the second control unit when power is not supplied to the second control unit? If it is determined whether or not it is necessary, the device may be a device in which the first control unit performs a process of supplying electric power to the second control unit.

According to this configuration, not the second control unit that does not supply electric power, but the first control unit performs processing such as determination and supplies electric power to the second control unit. Therefore, even if the second control unit cannot be operated by not supplying the electric power, it is possible to supply the electric power to the second control unit when the processing by the second control unit is required.

(4) When the power is not supplied to the second control unit, the power is supplied to the second control unit before the time when the information other than the current time should be output is reached.
The second control unit is activated by the supplied electric power before the time when information other than the current time should be output, and when the time when information other than the current time should be output arrives, the second control unit is described. It is preferable to use a device that outputs information other than the current time.

According to this configuration, power is supplied to the second control unit before the time when the information should be output, and the second control unit which receives the power is activated before the time when the information should be output. Therefore, it is possible to output the information exactly at the time when the information should be output. Therefore, even if the second control unit is controlled so that the activation process takes time, it is possible to output the information exactly at the time when the information should be output.

(5) A first display unit for the first control unit to output the current time and a second display unit for the second control unit to output information other than the current time. Further prepare
While the power is not supplied to the second control unit, the device may not supply power to the second display unit as well.

According to this configuration, while the power is not supplied to the second control unit, the power is not supplied to the second display unit, so that the power is not consumed by the second display unit during this time. , It is possible to further reduce the power consumption of the entire device. Further, since the information is not output to the second display unit by the second control unit while the power is not supplied to the second control unit, the second display unit is also described in this way. There is no inconvenience even if the power is not supplied.

The first display unit may be realized by, for example, a segment type liquid crystal display (LCD). Further, the second display unit may be realized by, for example, a dot matrix type liquid crystal display (LCD).

(6) The second display unit is a touch panel with a display unit, and is a device that does not perform processing for accepting a user's operation by the touch panel while power is not supplied to the second control unit. It is good to do.

According to this configuration, while the power is not supplied to the second control unit, the touch panel does not perform the process for accepting the user's operation. Therefore, the touch panel performs the process for accepting the user's operation. The power required for the device is not consumed, and the power consumption of the entire device can be further reduced. The touch panel may be, for example, a touch panel with a capacitance type display unit. Further, the process for accepting the user's operation by the touch panel may be, for example, operating a device for detecting a change in capacitance on the touch panel.

(7) When the own device performs a predetermined process and is driven by the electric power supplied from the external power source, the lighting unit that illuminates the first display unit is turned on, and the electric power supplied from the internal power source is used. It is preferable to use a device that turns off the lighting unit during driving.

According to this configuration, the visibility of the first display unit can be improved because the lighting unit that illuminates the first display unit is turned on when driven by the electric power supplied from the external power source.

On the other hand, when driven by the power supplied from the internal power supply, the lighting unit is turned off, so that the power consumption is reduced and the device is operated for a longer time by the internal power supply as compared with the case where such control is not performed. Can be driven. The lighting unit may be, for example, the backlight of the first display unit.

(8) Further equipped with a time acquisition means for acquiring the current time by communicating with an external device.
When driven by the electric power supplied from the internal power source, the device may be such that the frequency of acquiring the current time by the time acquiring means is lower than that when driven by the electric power supplied from the external power source.

According to this configuration, when driven by the electric power supplied from the internal power source, the frequency of acquiring the current time by the time acquiring means is lower than that when driven by the electric power supplied from the external power source. The number of communications performed for acquisition can be reduced. As a result, power consumption can be reduced when driven by the electric power supplied from the internal power source. Further, the current time can be acquired with high frequency during driving supplied from an external power source. Further, the acquired current time may be used, for example, for correcting a deviation of the current time measured based on the internal clock of the own device.

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

According to this configuration, it is possible to acquire the current time from the satellite in the satellite positioning system. In this regard, it is necessary to communicate with at least three satellites for position positioning, but since the purpose of this device is not to position the position but to acquire the current time, it is necessary to communicate with at least one of the satellites. It's enough to go. Further, the current time acquired from the satellite of the satellite positioning system may be highly accurate. Further, the time acquisition means may be realized by, for example, a GPS receiver in a GPS (Global Positioning System). Further, the satellite may be, for example, a GPS satellite in GPS. Then, it is preferable that the GPS receiver receives the radio wave transmitted by the GPS satellite and acquires the time information included in the received radio wave.

(10) Further equipped with a measuring means for measuring the current time based on the clock generated inside the own device.
The device may be a device that corrects the current time measured by the measuring means with the current time acquired by the time acquiring means, and also corrects the oscillation frequency for generating the clock based on the amount of deviation between the two current times.

According to this configuration, it is possible to correct the current time measured based on the clock inside the own device based on the acquired current time. As a result, it is possible to correct the current time that has shifted according to the shift of the internal clock. In addition to this, according to this configuration, it is also possible to correct the oscillation frequency for generating the clock. Therefore, the deviation of the internal clock can also be corrected.

As a result, the accuracy of the current time measured based on the clock inside the own device may be further improved. (11) Processing of the second control unit when driven by the electric power supplied from the external power source. It is preferable to use a device that temporarily suspends the supply of electric power to the second control unit and restarts the second control unit at a predetermined cycle while the above is not required.

According to this configuration, even in a situation where the second processing unit continues to be activated by the electric power supplied from the external power source, the second control unit can be restarted at a predetermined cycle. This makes it possible to return the second control unit to the initial state. When driven by the electric power supplied from the external power source, it is conceivable that the power supply to the second control unit is continued and the operation of the second control unit is continued. It is also conceivable that the second control unit may malfunction. Therefore, by restarting the second control unit, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of malfunction. For example, when the second control unit is a part that performs arithmetic processing based on software, this configuration allows the RAM (Random Access Memory) and the like to be reset and the software to be restarted. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of malfunction.

(12) The second control unit may be a device that outputs a message for notifying that the predetermined time has arrived, triggered by the arrival of the predetermined time.

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

This makes it possible to use the device as, for example, an alarm clock or a timer that notifies the arrival of a predetermined time.

(13) Further provided with a first operation unit for accepting operations
If the first operation unit accepts an operation during the output of the message, the device may stop the output of the message.

According to this configuration, the output of the message can be stopped when the first operation unit receives the operation. For example, the user who touches the message can stop outputting the message. Thereby, for example, when the present device is used as an alarm clock, the user who wakes up in the message can stop the output of the subsequent message. As for the output of the message, for example, a phrase such as "Hey, it's already morning" may be output by voice, and a picture of a character who speaks such a phrase may be output as an image.

(14) If the first operation unit accepts an operation while outputting the message, it is preferable to use a device that outputs a message having a content different from the message after stopping the output of the message.

According to this configuration, when the first operation unit accepts the operation, not only the output of the message can be stopped, but also a message having a different content can be output. As a result, for example, it is possible to output a message having the content corresponding to the awakening to the user who has awakened in the message. As for the message corresponding to the awakening, for example, it is advisable to output a phrase such as "Good morning. Good luck for the day today." And output an image of the character who speaks the phrase.

(15) Further provided with a second operation unit for accepting operations.
If the second operation unit accepts an operation during the output of the message, the device stops the output of the message and outputs a message indicating that the predetermined time has elapsed from the predetermined time after the lapse of the predetermined time. It is good to do it.

According to this configuration, when the second operation unit accepts the operation, the output of the message is stopped, and after the elapse of the predetermined time, the message indicating that the predetermined time has elapsed from the predetermined time can be output. it can. For example, it is possible to meet the needs of a user who currently wants to stop outputting a message but wants to output a message again after a predetermined time has elapsed. This makes it possible to use this device as a wake-up caller with a so-called snooze function. Further, by making the message when the predetermined time arrives different from the message when the predetermined time has elapsed, the user determines whether the present time is when the predetermined time has arrived or when the predetermined time has elapsed. It becomes possible.

(16) If the second operation unit accepts an operation while outputting a message indicating that a predetermined time has passed from the predetermined time, the output of a message indicating that a predetermined time has passed from the predetermined time is stopped. At the same time, it is preferable to use a device that repeats the process of outputting a message indicating that a predetermined time has passed from the predetermined time again after the elapse of a predetermined time, and makes the content of the output message different based on the number of repetitions.

According to this configuration, when the second operation unit accepts the operation, the output of the message is stopped, and the content of the message is different depending on the number of repetitions of the process of outputting the message again after a predetermined time has elapsed. Can be made. For example, if the process is repeated four times, the message output the fifth time can be different from the messages output before that. By doing so, for example, the user can know the number of times the snooze process is repeated.

(17) It is preferable to use a device that randomly selects a time from a predetermined time zone and outputs a message requesting execution of an operation when the selected time arrives.

According to this configuration, a message can be output at a time randomly selected by the device. That is, the message is not output at a predetermined time such as a time set by the user or a time signal for notifying the exact time, but a message is output at a randomly selected time. Further, since the message is a message requesting the execution of the operation, the user can be prompted to perform the operation.

As a result, the user is requested to perform an operation at a time that he / she cannot predict, and the operation is performed in response to the request, which may improve entertainment.

(18) The message may be a device that is a combination of a predetermined phrase corresponding to a predetermined character and image data representing the predetermined character.

According to this configuration, a phrase corresponding to a predetermined character and an image of the predetermined character can be output as a message. As a result, for example, it is possible to give the user who touches the message the feeling that the character is being spoken to, and it is possible to improve the entertainment property. For example, when this device is used as an alarm clock, it is possible to reduce the discomfort caused by the user getting up, as compared with the case where only the notification by the electronic sound is given.

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

According to this configuration, a phrase corresponding to a predetermined character and an image of the predetermined character can be output as a message. As a result, for example, it is possible to give the user who touches the message the feeling that he / she is talking to a predetermined character, and it is possible to improve the entertainment property.

Further, according to this configuration, since the electronic sound is output even after the phrase has been output, the message can be output for a longer time than the length of the phrase. In addition, since the phrase and the electronic sound are not output at the same time, the electronic sound does not make it difficult to grasp the content of the phrase.

(20) When the operation corresponding to the output message is not accepted, the device for changing the predetermined character in the subsequent output message to a different character may be used.

According to this configuration, if the operation corresponding to the message is not performed, the message of a different character is output thereafter. As a result, different characters can be used properly depending on whether or not there is an operation. As a result, for example, for a user who does not want to change the character, an incentive is given when an operation corresponding to the message is performed.

(21) It is preferable that the device adds values each time the device accepts an operation, and makes the content of the output message different according to the integrated value of the added values.

According to this configuration, it is possible to make the output message different according to the number of times the operation is accepted. As a result, the output message differs depending on whether the device has just begun to be used and the number of operations accepted is small, and the message output is different depending on whether the device has been used for a long period of time and a large number of operations have been accepted. For example, a user can output different messages by repeatedly using the device and using the device.

(22) It is preferable to use a device that makes the number of values to be added different according to the content of the received operation.

According to this configuration, the number of the values to be added is different depending on the content of the received operation. Therefore, depending on the content of the operation, the integrated value of the added values may increase immediately or may be quite large. I don't. Then, as described in 18, since the content of the output message is different depending on the integrated value, the messages may or may not be different immediately.

As a result, it is possible to give an incentive that the message can be changed at an early stage to the user who repeats the operation in which the number of values to be added is large.

(23) It is preferable to use a device that makes the output message different depending on the time zone in which the message is output.

According to this configuration, the output message differs depending on the time zone in which the message is output. For example, the phrase of the output message can be different depending on whether the time zone is morning or night.

(24) When the operation for responding to the output message is not accepted, it is preferable to use a device that outputs a message to that effect by a method different from the method of outputting the output message.

According to this configuration, when an operation for responding to a message is not accepted, not only a message indicating that fact can be output, but also a different method can be output. Thereby, for example, even if the user cannot grasp the message output by a certain method, it can be output by another method that the user can grasp. For example, it is possible to output text by displaying it on the display unit after outputting by sound.

(25) It is preferable to use a device that can reproduce the message once output according to the user's selection.

According to this configuration, the message once output can be played back according to the user's selection thereafter. This allows the user to continue to play the message they like and touch the message repeatedly.

(26) A program characterized in that a computer functions as the device according to any one of 1 to 25.

According to this configuration, the computer can be made to function as the device according to any one of 1 to 25 above by a program.

According to the present invention, in a device that outputs a plurality of information, it is possible to perform control for driving a plurality of power sources properly.

It is a figure which shows the outline of the appearance of embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the front of the Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the back surface of the Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the display example in each display part of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the change before and after receiving GPS in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen transition in the normal state in the battery mode in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen transition of the alarm clock operation in the battery mode in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen transition of the timer in the battery mode in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen transition of the event in the battery mode in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen transition of a normal time and a time signal in the AC mode in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the change of clothes in embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows each functional block included in the Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation about the power supply to the 2nd control part and the like in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation about the power supply to the GPS module in embodiment of this invention.

First, the outline of the clock 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Referring to FIG. 1, the clock 100 includes two display units, a first display unit 1 and a second display unit 2. Here, the first display unit 1 is a portion that exclusively displays the current time. On the other hand, the second display unit 2 is a portion that displays an image of the character in addition to the current time. Then, the clock 100 realizes a function such as an alarm clock by using these two display units, and also performs an entertainment effect by using an image of a character. This makes it possible to entertain the user as compared with a tasteless clock that simply outputs the time and the like.

Further, the clock 100 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) module inside, and uses the current time acquired from GPS satellites by the GPS module to correct the current time measured by the clock 100. This makes it possible to correct the time more reliably than a general radio-controlled timepiece having a function of receiving a standard radio wave and automatically correcting an error.

Further, the clock 100 not only converts and drives the electric power supplied from the AC power source of the household outlet which is an external power source, but also drives by the electric power of the dry battery which is an internal power source. As a result, the watch 100 can be moved to a place where an external power source does not exist or a place where GPS radio waves can be easily acquired and used.

Further, the clock 100 has a control unit for outputting information to the first display unit 1 and a control unit for outputting information to the second display unit 2 corresponding to the above two display units. It has two control units. Then, the clock 100 switches the power supply method to these two control units and the two display units depending on whether the timepiece is driven by an external power source or an internal power source. This makes it possible to extend the driving time when driving with an internal power supply.

The above is the outline of the clock 100. In the following, in addition to the description of each feature described above, the configuration and operation for realizing these features, and features other than those described above will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Appearance of watch 100>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front surface of the clock 100 (the surface provided with the first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2) from the upper right. Referring to FIG. 2, the clock 100 includes an upper button 3 and an SD card slot 4 in addition to the first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2.

The first display unit 1 is a segment liquid crystal display, which displays a current time, an icon, and the like. The second display unit 2 is an active matrix type TFT (Thin Film Transistor) liquid crystal display. The second display unit 2 is a touch panel type and also functions as an input device for receiving an operation from the user.

Here, the size of the second display unit 2 is 3.0 inches. The width of the first display unit 1 is the same as the width of the second display unit 2 of 3.0 inches, but the vertical width of the first display unit 1 is the second display unit 2. It is shorter than the vertical width of. This is a result of considering the amount of information to be displayed on both display units and the design of the front surface of the watch 100.

The clock 100 is provided with an LED (Light emitting diode) backlight corresponding to the first display unit 1 separately from the first display unit 1. Then, by turning on the LED backlight under the control of the clock 100, the visibility can be further improved as compared with the case where the backlight is turned off.

The upper button 3 is a physical button for receiving an operation from the user, and is used for an operation for stopping the alarm or the like.

The SD card slot 4 is a slot for inserting an SD card (Secure Digital memory card). In the SD card slot 4, image data for displaying on the second display unit 2, character voice data for outputting character voice from the speaker 6 described later, software for updating the clock 100, and the like are recorded. The SD card is inserted.

Next, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back surface of the watch 100 from the upper right. Referring to FIG. 3, the watch 100 includes a battery cover 5, a speaker 6 and a microUSB terminal 7 in addition to the upper button 3 described with reference to FIG.

The battery cover 5 is a cover that can be attached and detached by the user. The user removes the battery cover 5 and installs a dry battery as an internal power source. Then, after the dry battery is attached, the battery cover 5 is attached to the housing of the watch 100 again. The clock 100 is driven by four AA alkaline batteries. The battery cover 5 is provided with a recess having a shape related to the character displayed on the second display unit 2 as a design. Specifically, a depression in the shape of a cat silhouette related to the character is provided.

The speaker 6 is a speaker for outputting an alarm sound and a character's voice. In the watch 100, a sound emitting hole corresponding to the speaker 6 is provided in the housing of the watch 100. Then, the sound emitting hole forms a shape related to the character displayed on the second display unit 2 as a design. Specifically, it forms a shape similar to the ornaments related to the character.

The microUSB terminal 7 is a terminal for supplying an external power supply to the watch 100, and its shape and the like conform to the microUSB standard which is a general terminal. In the present embodiment, the AC adapter is connected to the AC power supply of the household outlet, and further, the AC adapter and the microUSB terminal 7 are connected by a cable compliant with the microUSB standard. In this way, the power supplied from the AC power supply is converted to DC5V by the AC adapter and acquired via the cable to supply the external power supply to the watch 100.

<Screen display of clock 100>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the contents displayed on the first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2 will be described. First, the content of the display on the first display unit 1 is shown on the left side of FIG.

With reference to the upper left of FIG. 4, the current time 1-1, the day of the week 1-2, the date 1-3, the alarm icon 1-4, and the GPS icon 1-5 are displayed on the first display unit 1.

The current time 1-1 is a so-called digital display of the current time, which is a 24-hour display.

Day 1-2 is a three-letter notation of today's day of the week in English. Dates 1-3 indicate today's date.

The alarm icons 1-4 are icons indicating whether or not the alarm is set to sound at a predetermined time, that is, whether or not the so-called alarm clock is set. When the alarm clock is set, the alarm icon 1-4 is displayed, and when the alarm clock is not set, the alarm icon 1-4 is hidden.

The GPS icon 1-5 is an icon indicating whether or not the GPS satellite can be communicated with. The clock 100 acquires the current time from the GPS satellites by periodically communicating with the GPS satellites using the internal GPS module. Then, the clock 100 displays the GPS icon 1-5 if the current time can be acquired, and the clock 100 does not display the GPS icon 1-5 if the current time cannot be acquired. That is, it can be said that GPS icon 1-5 is an icon indicating that the previous communication was successful.

Next, the relationship between the GPS icon 1-5 and the power-on of the clock 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 5, when the power of the clock 100 is turned on, the current time 1-1, the day of the week 1-2, and the date 1-3 are not set correctly. Also, the GPS icon 1-5 is not displayed.

Therefore, when the power is turned on, the clock 100 acquires the current time, the current date, etc. from the GPS satellites by using the internal GPS module, and these current times 1-1, day 1-2, dates 1-3, etc. Correct the display contents of. After the correction, the GPS icon 1-5 is lit. The corrected display is shown in the lower part of FIG.

Here, the reason why the clock 100 is not a radio-controlled clock but a clock that corrects the time by using such a GPS module will be described.

The radio waves used in radio-controlled clocks may stop due to periodic inspections, weather response, such as lightning avoidance. In addition, there are two transmission stations for radio clocks in Japan, Tohoku and Kyushu, but since they are constructed in fixed locations, there are places where radio waves do not reach, such as the Maejima Islands and the Ogasawara Islands. If a radio-controlled clock is used under such circumstances, the time of the radio-controlled clock may not be accurate.

On the other hand, in the case of a clock that corrects the time using a GPS module such as the clock 100, multiple GPS satellites that emit radio waves are constantly moving around the earth, so GPS radio waves are used. GPS is used in the clock 100 because the time can be corrected reliably if it is received.

Since the clock 100 can be driven by a battery, it can be carried and used. Therefore, the user can take the watch 100 to a place where GPS radio waves can be easily received, and receive the GPS radio waves there. After that, it is possible to take it to the place where it should be installed and use it with an external power supply. That is, even if the place to be originally installed is a place where it is difficult to receive GPS radio waves, it is possible to use it after correcting the time of the clock 100.

The description will be continued again with reference to FIG. The display when the upper button 3 is pressed is shown in the middle left side of FIG. When the clock 100 is driven by an internal power source or is driven by an external power source but has a predetermined setting, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned off if there is no user operation. .. This is to prevent the internal power supply from being consumed and to protect the backlight.

However, during operation by the user, it is preferable to turn on the backlight in order to improve visibility. Therefore, the clock 100 turns on the backlight when the user receives the pressing of the upper button 3. As a result, the backlight is turned on as shown in the middle left side of FIG. 4, and the visibility is improved as compared with the upper left side of FIG. Further, when the upper button 3 is pressed continuously for a predetermined time, that is, when the upper button 3 is pressed and held for a long time, the display content is switched. Specifically, it switches to display the alarm set time, which is the time set to sound the alarm. The user can grasp that the alarm is set by displaying the alarm icons 1-4, and can also grasp the alarm setting time by pressing and holding the upper button 3 in this way. ..

Next, referring to the right side of FIG. 4, the clock 2-1 and the character image 2-2, the time signal icon 2-3, and the icon 2-4 are displayed on the second display unit 2.

The clock 2-1 is an analog clock that represents the current time, with the long hand representing the "hour", the short hand representing the "minute", and the circle drawn on the outer circumference representing the "second".

The character image 2-2 is an image of a predetermined character and may be represented as a still image, or may be represented as an animation by continuously displaying the still images. Specifically, the still image of the character is displayed while the second display unit 2 is lit. In addition, the character is displayed as an animation when the alarm sound is sounded or when the voice of the character of a predetermined phrase is output. The voice of the character corresponds to the character displayed as the character image 2-2. That is, it is assumed that the effect is performed as if the character displayed as the character image 2-2 is speaking.

That is, the clock 100 can output a message by the character to the user by outputting the character voice of a predetermined phrase in combination with the character image. The output of the message is performed, for example, when the clock 100 itself is started. The message output at startup is a combination of the character voice and the character animation of the phrase, for example, "OK. I'll do my best to sound the alarm."

In addition to the startup, the message is output in various situations such as when an alarm is output and when a time signal is output. This point will be described in detail at the time of explaining the screen transition described later.

The time signal icon 2-3 is an icon indicating whether or not a "time signal event" is set, and is an icon that is displayed when the time signal event is set and blinks while the time signal event is occurring. Here, the time signal event is an event that outputs a message by the character every hour on the hour.

The Kamatte icon 2-4 is an icon indicating whether or not "Kamata event" is set, and is displayed when the Kamare event is set, and blinks while the Kame event is occurring. It is an icon. Here, the event is an event that occurs at random timing and outputs a message by the character. The event is not intended mainly for notifying the time, but is an event that occurs as an effect for the user to have a sense of familiarity with the character.

Next, screen transitions and the like in the clock 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. In this regard, the watch 100 is operated with a dry battery (hereinafter referred to as "battery mode") and when the watch 100 is operated by converting the electric power acquired from the AC power source (hereinafter referred to as "AC mode"). , The content of the screen transition is different from the first display unit. Therefore, the screen transition in the battery mode will be described first, and then the screen transition in the AC mode will be described.

With reference to FIG. 6, the screen transition in normal times in the battery mode is shown. First, in the "standby state" on the left side, the second display unit 2 is not activated, and therefore no information is displayed. On the other hand, the first display unit 1 is in a state where the current time and the like can be visually recognized, but the backlight is in a state of being turned off. The reason why the first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2 are in such a state in the standby state is to reduce the power consumption in the standby state and suppress the consumption of the dry battery. Further, for the screen transition, it is necessary to accept the operation from the user, but even if the second display unit 2 is not activated, the upper button 3 is present, so that the user's operation can be accepted. Is.

Here, when the upper button 3 is pressed by the user, the transition to the "clock display state" is triggered by this. Specifically, the second display unit 2 is activated to display various information as described with reference to FIG. 4, and the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned on. This is because it is considered that the user is currently viewing the first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2 because the user presses the upper button 3, so that the visibility should be improved. When the upper button 3 is accepted, a message is output. The message to be output in this case is a combination of the character voice and the character animation of the phrase such as "I was waiting for you to call me."

Next, when the user presses the second display unit 2, the second display unit 2, which is a touch panel type display unit, detects such a press. Then, with this as an opportunity, the transition to "various setting states" occurs. In such various transition states, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is continuously lit, and the second display unit 2 displays a screen for making various settings. By operating the screen for making such various settings, the user can switch the alarm and time signal on and off, set the time to sound the alarm as an alarm, the number and interval of snooze, etc., and the alarm and character voice. Adjust the volume. The screens for making various settings are hierarchical. For example, when the "alarm" button on the first screen is pressed, the screen transitions to the alarm-related setting screen. This is because it is difficult to fit the buttons for all the settings on the first display unit 1 screen with the screen size of the second display unit 2.

In various setting states, when the end button displayed on the second display unit 2 is pressed, the state shifts to the clock display state. Further, in the clock display state, if there is no operation for 10 seconds, that is, if neither the upper button 3 nor the second display unit 2 is pressed for 10 seconds, the state transitions to the standby state.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, a screen transition in normal times during the alarm clock operation in the battery mode is shown. First, as shown on the left side of the upper row, the alarm is in the "standby state (that is, the standby state for the alarm)" until the time when the alarm should be sounded arrives. Each standby state described below is the same, but this is the same state as the standby state described with reference to FIG. Therefore, if the operation is accepted during this period, the transition is performed as described with reference to FIG.

Next, when the time to sound the alarm arrives, the transition to "alarm output" occurs. In the alarm output, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is first turned on, and the second display unit 2 is activated to output a message. The message to be output in this case is a combination of the character voice and the character animation of the phrase, for example, "If you do not get up early, you will be late for work. Is it school?" Then, when the output of the message is completed, an alarm with an electronic sound such as "beep, beep" is sounded. As a result, it is possible to notify the user that it is time to sound the alarm even after the message is output. Further, the same applies to the following explanation, but if the message and the electronic sound are sounded at the same time, it may be difficult to hear the character voice of the message. Therefore, the electronic sound is sounded after the message is output.

Here, when the upper button 3 is pressed or a predetermined time elapses, the alarm output transitions to the "standby state (that is, the standby state for snooze)". Here, the predetermined time is 30 seconds. On the other hand, when the second display unit 2 is pressed instead of the upper button 3, the transition to the "result phrase" occurs.

First, the case of transitioning to the "standby state (that is, the standby state for snooze)" will be described. Although the alarm output is stopped by pressing the upper button 3, the snooze output is performed after a predetermined time set by the user has elapsed after the button is pressed. Therefore, it is in a standby state (that is, a standby state for snooze) until the predetermined time elapses. The predetermined time is set by the user by selecting from four of 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutes.

Then, when the predetermined time elapses and it is time to output the snooze, the transition to the "snooze output" occurs.

In the snooze output, first, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned on, and the second display unit 2 is activated to output a message. The message to be output in this case is a combination of the character voice and the character animation of the phrase, for example, "Hey, if you don't get up soon, you'll be late." Here, the phrase is different between the alarm output state and the snooze output state so that the user can distinguish between the alarm output state and the snooze output state. Then, when the output of the message is completed, an alarm with an electronic sound such as "beep, beep" is sounded. This makes it possible to notify the user that it is time to sound the snooze even after the message is output.

Here, when the upper button 3 is pressed or a predetermined time elapses, the alarm output is re-transitioned to the "standby state (snooze)". Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 30 seconds. Then, when it is time to output the snooze, the transition to the "snooze output" is performed again.

That is, the snooze is repeated 7 times until the user performs the snooze release operation. If the snooze release operation is not performed even after repeating the snooze a predetermined number of times, the repetition is ended and the state transitions to the standby state.

Here, in the process of repeating snooze, the phrase of the message output at the time of snooze output is changed. For example, at the time of the fifth snooze output, a phrase such as "Don't get up. I'll get angry if I don't care. Oh, I'm angry already." Is output. As a result, the user can understand that it is necessary to wake up promptly because the snooze is repeated. In addition, since the user has a strong vocabulary, it is possible to work with the feeling that the user has to wake up.

Here, when the second display unit 2 is pressed by the user during alarm output or snooze output, it is determined that the snooze release operation has been performed. Then, it transitions to the "result phrase".

In the result phrase, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is continuously turned on, and a message is output with the second display unit 2 being activated. The message to be output in this case is, for example, a phrase such as "Okay, I've done my best, it's okay. I'm still in time now!" It is a combination of character voice and character animation.

By outputting such a phrase, it is possible to praise the user for getting up, and the user can get up comfortably.

In the result phrase, when the output of the message ends, the state transitions to the "standby state".

Next, referring to FIG. 8, the screen transition when the timer is used in the battery mode is shown. First, as shown on the left side of the upper row, it starts from "various setting states". The transition method to the various setting states is as described above with reference to FIG. Then, on the screen for performing various settings displayed on the second display unit 2 in the various setting states, the transition to "timer set and start" is triggered when the timer button is pressed.

In the timer set and start, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is continuously lit, and the up / down button and the start button are displayed to set the length of the timer while keeping the second display unit 2 activated. Let me. Then, the user sets the timer to a desired length by operating the up / down buttons. For example, if the user's desired timer length is 10 minutes, the user presses the start button after setting it to 10 minutes. As a result, the operation of the timer is started, and the countdown of the entertainment length is started. A message is output at the start of the countdown. The message to be output in this case is a combination of the character voice of the phrase such as "I will measure the time from now on" and the animation of the character. If the length of the timer set by the user is a predetermined length, a message corresponding to the predetermined length may be output. For example, if the length of the timer set by the user is 3 minutes, the output message is a combination of the phrase "Do you eat cup ramen?" And the animation of the character.

During the countdown, the remaining time until the time is up is displayed on the second display unit 2. Then, when the countdown ends and the time is up, the transition to "alarm output" occurs.

In the alarm output, first, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is continuously turned on, and a message is output with the second display unit 2 being activated. The message to be output in this case is a combination of the character voice of the phrase such as "The set time has passed" and the animation of the character. Then, when the output of the message is completed, an alarm with an electronic sound such as "beep, beep" is sounded. As a result, it is possible to notify the user that it is time to sound the alarm even after the message is output.

In the alarm output, when the output of the message is completed, the state transitions to the "standby state".

Next, referring to FIG. 9, the screen transition when the "bite event" occurs in the battery mode is shown. First, as shown on the left side of the upper row, it starts from the "standby state". As described above, the event is an event that occurs at random timing and outputs a message by the character.

Therefore, the clock 100 randomly determines the time when the event occurs due to internal processing. In addition, the event occurs once a day.

Then, when the time for the event to occur has arrived, the transition to "catch and alarm output" occurs.

In the alarm output, first, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned on, and the second display unit 2 is activated to output a message. The message output in this case is, for example, "Hello. Did you forget about me? Did you forget?" Or "If you stay in your room all the time, it looks like a bird in my basket. Such a cute I don't think there are birds. ”Is a combination of character voice and character animation. Further, the icon 2-4 is blinked as described with reference to FIG. 4 so that the user can grasp that the alarm is not currently sounding due to the alarm clock but the event is occurring.

Since the event lasts for 2 minutes, the message that outputs a message every 30 seconds during these 2 minutes may be long or short. In this regard, if long messages are repeated, the character will be in a state of talking for 2 minutes.

Here, when the second display unit 2 is pressed within 2 minutes, the user transitions to the "result phrase" as if there was a reaction to the event. On the other hand, if the second display unit 2 is not pressed within 2 minutes, the user transitions to the "standby state" assuming that there is no reaction to the event.

In the result phrase, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is continuously turned on, and a message is output with the second display unit 2 being activated. The message to be output in this case is, for example, a phrase such as "Pass-I think a man who has the capacity to accept me is wonderful" or "Pirorin. It is a combination of character voice and character animation. The meaning of the word "experience value" in such a phrase will be described later.

By outputting such a phrase, it is possible to give the user a sense of familiarity with the character.

In the result phrase, when the output of the message ends, the state transitions to the "standby state".

Next, the screen transition in the AC mode will be described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 10, in the AC mode, the standby state is not provided in normal times, and the clock display state is continued. That is, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is always turned on, and the second display unit 2 is activated to display a character image or an analog clock. That is, unlike the battery mode, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is turned off and the second display unit 2 is not put into a standby state of not operating.

This is because the power supply from the AC power supply is always continuous, and there is no need to worry about the remaining battery level as in the case of dry batteries. Therefore, the user can always refer to the character image and the analog clock displayed on the second display unit 2, and the backlight of the first display unit 1 is lit, so that the visibility is improved.

Further, in the AC mode, the first display unit is also in the "standby state" at the screen transition in each of the <alarm clock>, <timer>, and <catch event> described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. It differs from the battery mode in that the backlight of 1 is turned on and the second display unit 2 is activated to continue displaying the character image and the analog clock. That is, the difference is that the "standby state" in the battery mode is replaced with the "clock display state".

However, regarding the screen transition, there is no other difference between the AC mode and the battery mode. Therefore, with the intention of omitting duplicate explanations, the description of the screen transitions of <alarm clock>, <timer>, and <catch event> in the AC mode will be omitted.

Next, referring to the lower part of FIG. 10, the screen transition when the timer is used in the AC mode is shown. First, as shown on the left side of the upper row, it starts from the "clock display state".

Then, when the time to output the time signal, that is, the hour of "n: 0: 0 (n is an integer of 0 to 23)" has arrived, the transition to the "time signal" occurs.

In the time signal, the backlight of the first display unit 1 is continuously turned on, and the time signal icon is blinked while the second display unit 2 is kept activated. It also outputs a message. The message to be output in this case is, for example, the character voice and character animation of phrases such as "Hello. It's lunch at 12:00 am-what's your lunch today?" It is a combination of.

In this way, it is possible to provide the user with fun on a regular basis every hour by not only transmitting the time signal as an hourly report but also outputting a message with a phrase including the impression of the character. At the same time, it is possible to give the user a feeling of familiarity with the character.

Next, changing clothes of the character will be described with reference to FIG. The clock 100 has different costumes for the characters displayed on the second display unit 2 depending on the time zone. Specifically, the costumes are different between the first time zone (from 6:00 am to 8:59 pm on the day) and the second time zone (from 9:00 pm to 5:59 am the next day). ..

As shown on the left side of FIG. 11, when displaying the character on the second display unit 2, the character wears a dress in the first time zone. However, when the second time zone arrives, the clock 100 outputs a message. In addition, the character is not displayed on the screen once in the first display unit, and then the character wearing the pajamas is displayed again. Then, when the first time zone arrives again, the clock 100 outputs a message. In addition, the character is not displayed on the screen once in the first display unit, and then the character wearing the dress is displayed again. The message to be output in these cases is a combination of the character voice and the character animation of the phrase, for example, "Oh, it's about this time. I'll change my clothes a little."

In this way, the effect is performed as if the character had changed clothes outside the screen. As a result, the user can not only grasp the time by the clock display but also intuitively grasp whether the present is daytime or nighttime.

<Functional block and internal processing of clock 100>
Next, each functional block included in the clock 100 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG.

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

Each of these functional blocks will be described below. Here, duplicate description of each part described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 will be omitted. For example, the description of what kind of display the first display unit 1 and the second display unit 2 are realized by has already been described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the battery cover 5 shown in FIG. 3 is not described as a functional block.

The MicroUSB terminal 7 is a part that is connected to the AC adapter as described above and receives the power supply of DC5V converted by the AC adapter. The power supplied from the AC adapter is supplied to the power switching unit 9 via the MicroUSB terminal 7.

As described above, the dry battery 8 is four AA alkaline batteries. The electric power of these dry batteries 8 is supplied to the power switching unit 9.

The power switching unit 9 is a unit that supplies either the electric power supplied from the AC adapter as an external power source or the electric power supplied from the dry battery 8 as an internal power source to the first control unit 10. That is, the power supply switching unit 9 is a part that switches between using an external power supply and using an internal power supply.

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

That is, the use of the external power supply or the use of the internal power supply is switched according to the attachment / detachment of the AC adapter to / from the MicroUSB terminal 7. Further, the power switching unit 9 notifies the first control unit 10 whether the current power supply source is an external power source or an external power source. Then, the electric power supplied to the first control unit 10 is supplied to each unit inside the watch 100 based on the control of 10.

Although the power switching unit 9 can be realized by using software, hardware such as a relay that switches depending on whether or not power is supplied from the MicroUSB terminal 7 and a signal line for notifying the power supply source. It shall be realized by the wear. This is because if a moment when the power supply is interrupted occurs due to the switching of the power supply, the software is stopped, the switching cannot be executed, and the clock 100 may shut down. If the switching is performed by hardware, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such a problem.

The upper button 3 is a part that notifies the first control unit 10 to that effect when it receives a press from the user.

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

In response to the control of the first control unit 10, the first display unit backlight 11 is a portion that improves the visibility of the first display unit 1 by lighting itself.

The RTC12 is a module that measures the current time. The RTC 12 outputs the current time measured by the RTC 12 to the first control unit 10. Further, the current time measured by the RTC 12 and the oscillation frequency of the RTC 12 are appropriately corrected by the first control unit 10.

Specifically, the current time measured by the RTC 12 is corrected to the current time acquired from the GPS module 13. Further, the oscillation frequency of the RTC 12 is corrected so that the deviation is corrected based on the deviation amount of the current time measured by the RTC 12 and the current time acquired from the GPS module 13 before the correction. Normally, it takes a long time to perform frequency correction at the factory, but in this way, the watch 100 automatically corrects the frequency even while the user is using it, that is, the frequency can be adjusted after the watch 100 is shipped. It becomes.

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

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

The second display unit 2 displays the image data input from the second control unit 20. Further, the second display unit 2 also has a touch panel function, and when the user presses the second display unit 2, the second control unit 20 is notified to that effect. Upon receiving such a notification, the second control unit 20 notifies the first control unit 10 that the second display unit 2 has accepted the press. That is, the first control unit 10 can grasp whether or not the second display unit 2 has accepted the press.

The SD card slot 4 is a slot for inserting an SD card. In the SD card slot 4, image data for displaying on the second display unit 2, character audio data for outputting character audio from the speaker 6, software for updating the clock 100, and the like are recorded. The SD card is inserted. These data are read by the second control unit 20. Further, depending on the content of the read data, the read data is also notified to the first control unit 10. The SD card slot 4 corresponds to FlashAir (registered trademark). Therefore, the first control unit 10 and the second control unit 20 can perform communication by using an SD card slot 4 or an SD card compatible with FlashAir (registered trademark).

The first control unit 10 and the second control unit 20 are control units that cooperate with each other to control the entire clock 100. Each of the first control unit 10 and the second control unit 20 can be realized by a separate microcomputer. Specifically, the arithmetic processing unit in each microcomputer reads predetermined software from the storage unit provided inside or outside of each microcomputer, and the inside of the clock 100 according to the arithmetic processing result based on the software. By controlling the hardware of the clock 100, it is possible to realize the control of the entire clock 100.

The first control unit 10 supplies the electric power supplied from the power switching unit 9 to each functional block in the timepiece 100. The specific supply method will be described later. Further, the first control unit 10 causes the first display unit 1 to display the current time and the icon acquired from the RTC 12. Further, the first display unit backlight 11 turns on the first display unit backlight 11 according to the screen transition.

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

Further, the first control unit 10 controls for transitioning the screen as described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. For example, it is determined whether or not it is time to output an alarm, snooze, or time signal based on the current time acquired from RTC12. Further, it is determined whether or not the upper button 3 is pressed or the second display unit 2 is pressed. Then, by controlling each part of the clock 100 at the timing based on these determination results, the screen transition described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10 is realized.

Further, in order to realize the screen transition, the first control unit 10 manages the set time of the alarm clock and the like. Further, the first control unit 10 also manages setting information such as screen brightness setting and volume setting. Further, for example, the first control unit 10 manages which message should be output at which timing. The first control unit 10 controls each unit of the clock 100 based on the managed information. The first control unit 10 also determines the timing at which the event is generated.

The second control unit 20 is a control unit that mainly controls for outputting a message. Specifically, the second control unit 20 controls to output the image data to be displayed on the second display unit 2 and to output the character voice and the electronic sound from the speaker 6. These controls are realized by outputting the data corresponding to the instructed message at the timing instructed by the first control unit 10. Further, the second control unit 20 reads or writes to the SD card inserted in the SD card slot 4. Further, the second control unit 20 communicates with the first control unit 10 as needed. For example, communication is performed to notify the first control unit 10 that the second display unit 2 has been pressed.

The functions included in the clock 100 have been described above. Next, the power supply control executed by the first control unit 10 will be described.

<Power control>
The first control unit 10 supplies the power supplied from the power switching unit 9 to each functional block included in the clock 100. However, 10 controls the function block of the first display unit 1 that does not need to be operated exclusively in the battery mode to stop the supply of electric power until it becomes necessary to operate. This point will be explained.

Specifically, the first control unit 10 constantly supplies power to the parts that detect the pressing of the RTC 12, the first display unit 1, and the upper button 3. This is because each of these parts needs to be in constant operation. This is because the clock does not function unless the first display unit 1 is operated. Further, it is necessary to detect the pressing of the upper button 3 for the screen transition. Further, unless the RTC 12 is operated to acquire the current time, it is not possible to output the current time to the first display unit 1 or grasp the timing of outputting the message.

On the other hand, the first control unit 10 supplies power to the second control unit 20 when it is necessary to operate the second control unit 20 in response to the screen transition, but the second display unit 2 When it is not necessary to operate the second control unit 20, the power supply to the second control unit 20 is stopped.

In this regard, the second control unit 20 is a part that controls to generate and output an image to be displayed on the second display unit 2 and to output a character voice or an electronic sound from the speaker 6. is there. The second control unit 20 is a part that controls to access the SD card inserted in the SD card slot 4.

That is, it is not necessary to operate the second control unit 20 while these controls are not performed, and it is not necessary to supply electric power to the second control unit 20. Therefore, in such a case, the second control unit 20 needs to be supplied. The power supply to the control unit 20 is stopped.

When the second control unit 20 is supplied with electric power, the second control unit 20 supplies electric power to the second display unit 2, the SD card slot 4, and the speaker 6. That is, by not supplying power to the second control unit 20, power is not supplied to the second control unit 20, the second display unit 2, the SD card slot 4, and the speaker 6. By not supplying power if it is not necessary to operate the second display unit and the second control unit 20 in this way, power consumption is consumed in the battery mode in which power is supplied from the dry battery 8. Can be reduced.

Refer to the transition diagrams of FIGS. 6 to 10 for the timing at which the second control unit 20, the second display unit 2, the speaker 6, etc. need to be activated and operated in accordance with the screen transition or the like. As explained in.

On the other hand, the first control unit 10 also supplies power to the first display unit backlight 11 when the first display unit backlight 11 is turned on according to the screen transition. When the display unit backlight 11 of 1 is turned off, the power supply is stopped. As described with reference to the transition diagrams of FIGS. 6 to 10, since the first display unit backlight 11 is turned on at the same timing as the second display unit 2 is operated, the first display unit backlight 11 is turned on. As a result, the timing of supplying electric power to the display unit backlight 11 is the same as the timing of supplying electric power to the second display unit 2 and the second control unit 20.

Next, the operation of the first control unit 10 for realizing such control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The timing of power supply to the GPS module 13 is related to the communication cycle between the GPS module 13 and the first control unit 10 regardless of the necessity of the operation of the second display unit 2 due to the screen transition. Therefore, the operation of supplying power to the GPS module 13 by the first control unit 10 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

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

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

In step S102, in the case of the AC mode, both the second control unit 20 and the first display unit backlight 11 are always operated, so that the second control unit 20 and the first display unit backlight 11 are operated at all times. Power supply to both of 11 is started (step S102). Then, the process returns to step S101. Then, as long as the AC mode is set (No in step S101), the power supply in step S102 is continued. Therefore, in the AC mode, both the second control unit 20 and the first display unit backlight 11 are always operated. ..

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

In step S103, in the case of the battery mode, both the second control unit 20 and the first display unit backlight 11 are operated only when necessary, so that the second control unit 20 and the first display unit are operated only when necessary. If power is supplied to both of the backlights 11 for use, this is stopped (step S103).

Then, it is determined whether or not the operation of the second control unit 20 is necessary. If the timing does not require the operation (No in step S104), the process returns to step S101.

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

In step S105, power is first supplied to the second control unit 20 five seconds before the operation of the second control unit 20 is required (step S105). The reason for supplying power five seconds ago is that the second control unit 20 controls to generate and output an image to be displayed on the second display unit 2 immediately after receiving the power supply. This is because it is not possible to control the output of the character voice or the electronic sound from the speaker 6, and it takes about 3 seconds for the activation process in the previous stage. That is, power is supplied in advance and the second control unit 20 is started so that the second control unit 20 can be operated without fail at the timing when the operation of the second control unit 20 is required.

After that, it waits for 5 seconds (step S105). As a result, it is the timing to operate the second control unit 20, so that the second control unit 20 can control to generate and output the image to be displayed on the second display unit 2, and the character sound from the speaker 6. And an operation instruction for executing the control for outputting the electronic sound (step S107). As a result, the second control unit 20 executes an operation, and a character image, a character voice, or the like is output as a message from the second display unit 2 or the speaker 6. At the same time, power is also supplied to the first display unit backlight 11. As a result, the backlight 11 for the first display unit is turned on, and the visibility of the first display unit 1 is improved.

After that, for example, the operation of the second control unit 20 is waited until the operation of the second control unit 20 is no longer necessary because the output of the message is completed (No in step S108). Then, when the operation of the second control unit 20 becomes unnecessary (Yes in step S108), the power supply to the second control unit 20 and the first display unit backlight 11 is stopped. As a result, both the second control unit 20 and the first display unit backlight 11 end their operations.

By the operation described above, the power is not supplied to the first display unit backlight 11. Further, by not supplying power to the second control unit 20, power is not supplied to the second control unit 20, the second display unit 2, the SD card slot 4, and the speaker 6. If it is not necessary to operate the second display unit 2 in this way, power consumption can be reduced in the battery mode in which power is supplied from the dry battery 8 by not supplying power to each unit. Is possible.

Next, the operation of the power supply to the GPS module 13 by the first control unit 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

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

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

In the AC mode, the GPS module 13 is constantly supplied with electric power. Therefore, in step S202, the power supply to the GPS module 13 is started, and the GPS module 13 is operated. Then, it is determined whether it is the timing to communicate with the GPS module 13 (step S203). If it is not the timing for communication (No in step S203), the process returns to step S201. After that, as long as it is in the AC mode (No in step S201), the power supply in step S202 is continued, so that the GPS module 13 always operates in the AC mode.

Then, when the timing for communication has arrived (Yes in step S203), the first control unit 10 communicates with the GPS module 13 and acquires the current time received by the GPS module 13 from the GPS satellite. This makes it possible to correct the current time of the RTC12 and the like.

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

Then, it is determined whether it is the timing to communicate with the GPS module 13 (step S206). If it is not the timing for communication, the process returns to step S201. After that, as long as it is in the battery mode (Yes in step S201), the power supply in step S205 is stopped. Therefore, in the battery mode, the GPS module 13 does not operate except when necessary.

Then, when the timing for communication has arrived (Yes in step S206), the power supply to the GPS module 13 is started and the GPS module 13 is operated. As a result, the GPS module 13 starts communication with the GPS satellites and acquires the current time from the GPS satellites.

Then, the first control unit 10 communicates with the GPS module 13 and acquires the current time received by the GPS module 13 from the GPS satellite. This makes it possible to correct the current time of the RTC12 and the like.

After that, if the battery mode remains (Yes in step S201), the process proceeds to step S205. Then, in step S205, if power is currently being supplied to the GPS module 13, this is canceled (step S205). By doing so, in the battery mode, the GPS module 13 is supplied only while communication with the GPS module 13 is required. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption in the battery mode in which the power is supplied from the dry battery 8. In particular, since the GPS module 13 consumes a large amount of power, it is effective in reducing the power consumption.

Regarding the timing and communication time for communicating with the GPS module 13, the clock 100 is activated regardless of whether it is in the AC mode or the battery mode, and the first display unit also communicates with the GPS module 13 once. If this is not done, the first control unit 10 continues to communicate with the GPS module 13 until the GPS module 13 succeeds in communicating with the GPS satellite and receives the current time.

After that, in the AC mode, the first control unit 10 communicates with the GPS module 13 for 15 minutes at a timing of once an hour. The reason for the communication for 15 minutes is that the leap second exists in GPS, and the current time may not be accurate unless the leap second is received. In this regard, if the communication is continued for 12 minutes and 30 seconds, the leap second can be received, so that the communication is continued for 15 minutes with a margin in this time.

On the other hand, in the battery mode, in consideration of the consumption of the dry battery 8, the frequency is reduced as compared with the AC mode, and the GPS module 13 is communicated with the GPS module 13 once every 24 hours for 5 minutes. In this regard, if the GPS module 13 is activated at the same time every day to communicate with the GPS module 13, the GPS module 13 may fail to communicate with the GPS satellite.

This is because, if the time is the same, the positional relationship between the clock 100 and the GPS satellite is the same, but if this is the positional relationship such that an obstacle such as a mountain exists between the clock 100 and the GPS satellite. This is because there is a possibility that GPS radio waves cannot be received every day.

However, if the time is changed every day, the positional relationship between the clock 100 and the GPS satellite will be different, and there is a high possibility that the positional relationship will be such that there are no obstacles. Then, the GPS radio wave can be received without any problem. Therefore, in the battery mode, the first control unit 10 communicates with the GPS module 13 at different times every day. The time for communication is randomly determined by the first control unit 10.

Further, in order to position the current position in GPS, the GPS module 13 needs to communicate with at least three GPS satellites, but in the present embodiment, the purpose is not to position the current position but to acquire the current time. Therefore, if the GPS module 13 can communicate with one GPS satellite, the purpose can be achieved.

The operation related to the power supply control of the first control unit 10 has been described above. The two operations described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13 and the flowchart of FIG. 14 are separately performed in parallel by the first control unit 10.

<Modification example>
Although the above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Can be implemented. Hereinafter, examples of modifications and detailed settings in which these various changes have been made will be described.

In the above-described embodiment, the second display unit 2 is always operated in the AC mode. In this regard, the second display unit 2 may always operate at the same brightness, but if, for example, 5 minutes have passed since the message output was completed, the brightness of the second display unit 2 should be reduced. You may. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the aged deterioration of the second display unit 2. Similarly, from the viewpoint of suppressing deterioration over time, even in the AC mode, a time may be provided during which the second display unit 2 is not operated as in the battery mode.

Further, as mentioned in the above-described embodiment, the concept of experience value and level may be provided. Then, when the value of the predetermined experience value is reached, the level is increased. Then, as an incentive to raise the level, it is advisable to increase the variation of the output message. For example, the phrase of the message at the time of alarm output may be 30 types for level 1, 50 types for the next level 2, and 100 types for level 3. Also, instead of simply increasing the number of phrases, it is better to increase the number of phrases that make the character feel more intimate with the user. For example, in the case of level 1, it is recommended to use honorific phrases, and as the level increases, add phrases that are used in conversations between friends. Furthermore, as the level increases, it is advisable to add phrases that are used in conversations between lovers. In this way, the user can be more attached to the character and the user can use the watch 100 for a long period of time without getting bored.

Further, as the level is improved, the character output to the second display unit 2 may be a different character. In other words, it is good to prepare a so-called hidden character. The message should also be a phrase, voice, or image message corresponding to this character. This can surprise the user. The hidden character may be, for example, a deformed character of the initial character. In addition, it is advisable to make the initial character a character that is three-dimensionally expressed as if it were 3D.

The experience value should be increased according to the operation of the user. For example, when an alarm sounds, an operation for stopping an alarm may be performed, or when a snooze sounds, a snooze may perform an operation for stopping, so that the experience value may increase. In this case, if the operation for stopping is performed immediately after the alarm or snooze sounds, the experience value should be increased. Also, in the case of snooze, if the operation for snooze stop is performed while the number of repetitions is small, it is better to increase the experience value. In this way, the user may try to get up as soon as possible after the alarm sounds in order to gain experience points.

In addition, regarding the operation of the alarm stop of the alarm in the event, it is preferable to give a higher experience value than the operation of the alarm stop of the normal alarm. This is because the alarm is randomly generated once a day for 2 minutes at a timing that the user cannot grasp, so compared to the alarm or snooze that the user knows the time of occurrence, the operation for stopping is performed. Because it is difficult to do. Further, the experience value may be given according to the usage time of the clock 100.

Further, it is preferable that the software of the first control unit 10 and the second control unit 20 can be updated by reading the data from the SD card inserted in the SD card slot 4. Also, by reading the data from the SD card, it is preferable to be able to add character costumes and message phrases. As a result, for example, these data can be additionally sold separately.

Further, on a predetermined day such as New Year's Day, a character's birthday, or Christmas, it is preferable to output a predetermined message that is not output on other days. For example, on New Year's Day, it is advisable to output a message with a phrase such as "Happy new year! Get up early this year."

In addition, it is advisable to consider the lifestyle of the user. For example, let the user choose whether the lifestyle is daytime or nighttime. If it is a daytime type, the time signal and the message due to the event should not be output during the nighttime. On the other hand, if it is a night type, the time signal and the message by the event should not be output during the daytime. By doing so, it is good that the time signal and the event do not disturb the user's sleep.

Further, when the user does not perform the operation, it is preferable that the character is not displayed on the second display unit 2 and the effect is as if the character has run away from home. For example, when the alarm stop operation and the snooze stop operation are not performed continuously many times, such an effect may be performed. Then, when the alarm stop operation or the snooze stop operation is performed, it is advisable to display the character as before. By doing so, the user may try to perform each operation.

While the character is running away from home, it is advisable to send a message by the voice or phrase of another character. For example, it is preferable to send a voice or phrase message with the voice actor himself as a character.

Further, the message output once in the first display unit may be listened to again at a later date by the user's operation. This allows the user to listen to their favorite message at a later date. It is also good to let the user know that there is a message that has not been output yet. By doing this, the user can enjoy completing all the messages. For example, on the message selection screen for re-listening to a message, a message that has not been output yet is displayed as "???", and there is a message whose content is unknown but has not been output yet. Should be understood. By doing so, the user may find pleasure in trying to complete the message, for example, by intentionally outputting a time signal at night.

In addition, the output message may be different depending on the time zone in which the message is output. For example, the phrase of the output message may be different depending on whether the time zone is morning or night. Also, it is advisable to output a different message for each hour in the time signal.

Further, when the user does not perform the alarm stop operation or the snooze stop operation many times in succession, for example, a text message is output. Then, it is preferable that the user can refer to such a text message at a later date. For example, the text should be something like "Get up properly every morning." In other words, it is good to make it look like a letter was sent from the character.

Further, it is advisable to add an illuminance sensor to the clock 100. In this way, even if the second display unit 2 is set to operate all the time, the bedroom can be darkened by not operating the second display unit 2 while the user is sleeping. Good. Specifically, the illuminance sensor operates the second display unit 2 when the room lighting is detected, and the brightness of the second display unit 2 when it is detected that the room lighting has been turned off. It is good because it can be lowered.

The snooze interval can be selected from 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes, and the longer the interval, the longer the time for outputting the electronic sound after the message is output. However, if the time for outputting the electronic sound becomes longer than the interval for performing the snooze, the electronic sound will continue to sound endlessly. Therefore, the time for outputting the electronic sound should be shorter than the interval for performing the snooze.

In addition, it is preferable to output a message as the AC adapter is attached or detached. For example, when you connect an AC adapter, you should output a message with the phrase "Do you use an AC adapter? I'm lonely without me." Also, for example, when the AC adapter is removed, a message with a phrase such as "Would you like to go somewhere?" May be output.

Further, when the GPS module 13 succeeds in communicating with the GPS satellite, a message may be output.

In addition, it is preferable to enable the time signal to be executed even in the battery mode.

Further, even in the AC mode, a time may be provided to stop the supply of electric power to the second control unit 20. This is because the clock 100 continues to operate as a clock, so that the second control unit 20 continues to operate. Then, the behavior of the program that operates the second control unit 20 may become strange. Therefore, even in the AC mode, the second control unit 20 is periodically reset by periodically stopping the supply of electric power to the second control unit 20. For example, the power supply to the second control unit 20 is stopped and supplied again at a timing that does not require the operation of the second control unit 20, such as continuous driving for 24 hours or more and no message output for the time being. The second control unit 20 is reset by doing the above.

Also, while the alarm or snooze is sounding, it is advisable not to generate an event and not to give a time signal. From the perspective of an alarm clock, alarms and snooze should be prioritized.

Also, the phrase and character image in the message do not necessarily have to be one-to-one. For example, even if the same phrase is output, different images may be output depending on whether the phrase is output in the daytime or at night.

The modified example of this embodiment has been described above.

Here, the reason why the second control unit 20 is not put into the sleep state in the present embodiment but is put into the shutdown state by cutting off the power supply will be described.

If the first display unit is shut down once, power is of course required for the next startup process. However, since the clock 100 does not normally start up dozens of times a day, it is better to shut it down than to put it to sleep, considering the total power consumption if it is put to sleep. Power consumption can be suppressed.

That is, based on the feature of the clock that the time when the alarm is not sounded is much longer than the time when the alarm sounds, in the present embodiment, the second display unit 2 is not put into the sleep state, but the power is supplied. The supply is cut off and the system is shut down.

Further, when the second display unit 2 is operated, for example, a clock of 100 mA flows. Further, if the second display unit 2 is operated together, 200 mA or 300 mA will flow. In addition, if the GPS module 13 is operated, for example, 30 mA will flow. On the other hand, when the first display unit 1 is operated, for example, only 45 μA flows, and when the first display unit 1 is operated, 9 mA flows.

As described above, since each functional block whose power supply is to be stopped consumes a large amount of power, this embodiment is useful from the viewpoint of power saving.

Further, in the present embodiment, the RTC corresponding to the second control unit 20 is not provided, and the second control unit 20 is synchronized with the first control unit 10. By doing so, the number of RTCs can be reduced to one, and the cost can be reduced.

The above-mentioned clock can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Further, the time notification method performed by the above-mentioned clock can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, what is realized by software means that it is realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

Programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (eg, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (eg, magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD- R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)) are included.

The present invention is widely suitable for devices that display time.

1 1st display 2 2nd display 3 Upper button 4 SD card slot 5 Battery cover 6 Speaker 7 microUSB terminal 8 Dry cell 9 Power switching unit 10 1st control unit 11 Backlight for 1st display 12 RTC
13 GPS module 20 Second control unit 100 Clock

Claims (7)

The function to get the current time and
A function to notify by a message that the specified time has arrived,
A function to generate an event with a notification to the user at random timing,
A function that accepts operations from users for the event , and
Have,
The notification function is
A device that increases the variation or number of the messages in response to the operation on the event. The accepting function is
Accepting the operation for the notification of the arrival of the predetermined time and the operation for the event,
The notification function is
Increase the variation or number of the messages according to the operation for the notification of the arrival of the predetermined time and the operation for the event.
The device according to claim 1. The notification function is
Depending on whether the operation is for the notification of the arrival of the predetermined time or the operation for the event, the variation or number of the messages is increased differently.
The device according to claim 2. The notification function notifies by a character message.
The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A function to notify by a character message and
A function to generate an event with a notification to the user at random timing,
A function that accepts operations from users for notifications associated with the event,
Have,
Increase the variation or number of the messages in response to the operation on the event
apparatus. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the function for generating the event is different in timing according to the lifestyle of the user. A program for operating a computer as the device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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