Time measurement apparatus

Abstract: A time measurement apparatus to realise reliable pre-estimates of the next LAP operation or reliable comparison with the standard LAP time. The LAP time watching circuit 3 watches to compare the datum in the LAP time measuring circuit 1 with datum in the standard LAP time memory circuit 2, and outputs a LAP time coincidence signal to the output signal memory circuit 4. The output signal memory circuit 4 drives informing element 6 by way of a driving circuit 5, and executes information conveyance.

Description: The present invention is related to a time measurement apparatus such as a stopwatch, a chronograph watch etc., that is capable of measuring a LAP time. There exists in the prior art a so-called "combination watch" with a chronographic function that has two display elements - analogue and digital. Also, there exists, roughly classified into two "time"s, that is, a LAP time and a split time which are measurements by a stop watch. A LAP time means an elapse of time between the first LAP operation timing and the next LAP operation timing after starting measurement. LAP time is measured by a plurality of LAP timing apparatus. In contrast to this, a split time means the total addition of specific LAP times that have elapsed after standing. In the prior art a "combination watch" with chronographic function is known and which has a function that can foresee a timing of the next LAP operation. This type of a watch in chronographic mode displays, at the digital display portion of the chronographic time (the total addition of time from the start) or the LAP time (a period of time), and at the analogue display portion, a simulational display by a rotating hand, of which one revolution is equal to 100% of the latest LAP time or the target LAP time. For example, when watching racing of an auto competition, a watcher may wish to avoid the delay of the LAP operation because the car passes through too fast in front of the watcher and then that delays the recognition of the car. This kind of delay will be avoided by showing that the hand of the watch circulates in proportion to the percentage of the elapsed time out of 100% of the latest LAP time or the car LAP time which is equal to one car circuit. On the other hand, a stop watch is also known with a function that the LAP time difference is calculated and displayed between a standard LAP time and a LAP time which is measured. By this function, a watcher can identify how fast or how slow the LAP time is, compared with a standard LAP time. Even by these kinds of prior art "combination watches" with chronographic function, one problem is not solved in that a watcher cannot concentrate on watching the race. This is because a user of this apparatus has to see and check very often the display of the apparatus in order to foresee the timing of the next LAP operation with the hand simulation above. Moreover, because the hand circulates one revolution for 100% of the latest LAP time or the target LAP time, there exists another problem in that it is difficult to forecast the next timing of the LAP operation just before, or very close to the final stage of the hand revolution in case that the LAP time is comparatively slow. Moreover, even a stop watch that shows a LAP time difference has a problem in that the LAP time difference cannot be identified without watching the display. EP-A-0459443 discloses a counting and timing device which can provide a variety of functions. A timer may record elapsed time for the total event and a recording of the time for a particular LAP. In addition, a counter counts the total number of LAPS, and a memory stores information relating to the LAP counts. An alarm function provides an indication that a predetermined distance or number of LAPS or a predetermined time has elapsed. US-A-4,637,732 discloses a device for use by referees for providing timing signals or indicating the end of a time period determined by the rules of a game. For example, in the basket ball mode, the device provides 3 second, 5 second and 10 second warnings. GB-A-2070809 provides a spoken time indication to warn the competitor the time remaining until the start of a race and the time expired during a race. EP-A-0409568 discloses an arrangement to enable a runner in a distance race to easily establish a delay or advance relative to a given time set by him for completing a LAP. GB-A-1574486 describes the general concept of providing by sounds information of time elapsed during the performance of a stop watch function. The sounds may be pulse sounds and may be coded in morse code. There is nothing in the above references which deals with the problem of how a user watching a fast moving race, for example an auto competition, may appreciate LAP timings without taking his attention away from the race. An object of this invention is to provide such a time measurement apparatus which forecasts the next time of the LAP operation and compare it with a standard LAP time, without an operator having to watch the display of the apparatus. In a first aspect, the invention provides a time measurement apparatus displaying time measuring information comprising: a switch for controlling time measurement activity; LAP time measuring means for measuring LAP time that is an elapse of time between the neighbouring two operations by multiple LAP measuring operations through said switch; LAP time memory means for memorising a latest LAP time measured by said LAP time measuring means and/or a LAP time that is set with discretion by said switch; characterised by LAP time watching means that outputs a LAP time concurrent information signal at the timing that the LAP time now in process of measuring by said LAP time measuring means coincides with the period of time memorised in said LAP time memory means but with a predetermined time period subtracted therefrom; output signal memory means responsive to an output of said LAP time watching means for generating an output driving signal for informing a coincidence of LAP time and audio indicator means responsive to the output driving signal for conveying the coincidence of LAP time by providing an audio signal that extends at least over said determined time period. In a second aspect, the invention provides the time measurement apparatus displaying time measuring information comprising: a switch for controlling time measurement activity; LAP time measuring means for measuring LAP time that is an elapse of time between the neighbouring two operations by multiple LAP measuring operations through said switch; LAP time memory means for memorising a latest LAP time measured by said LAP time measuring means and/or a LAP time that is set with discretion by said switch; characterised by LAP time difference calculating means that outputs LAP time difference signal by calculating the LAP time difference between the LAP time measured by said LAP time measuring means operated through said switch and a standard LAP time memorised in said LAP memory means; output signal memory means, responsive to an output from said LAP time difference calculating means, for generating a driving signal for informing LAP time difference information corresponding to a LAP time difference signal; and audio indicator means that conveys a LAP time difference information by receiving said driving signal, and by providing an audio signal that is indicative of the LAP time difference. In an apparatus of the first constitution above, the latest LAP time to be measured by LAP operation, or standard LAP time etc. of such a target LAP time etc. as is set by a switch are memorised in standard LAP time memory means, and when a new LAP time is initiated to be measured by LAP operation, it is continuously watched by LAP time watching means whether or not the LAP time now in process of measurement coincides with the period of a time subtracting a determined time from a LAP time memorised in standard LAP time memory means. Moreover, at the occasion when the LAP time now in process of measurement coincides with the period of a time subtracting a determined time from a LAP time memorised in a standard LAP time memory means, an output signal is generated by LAP time watching means to output signal memory means and an output signal for driving informing means is generated. Since through this operation a signal is conveyed when a LAP time now in process of measurement comes just into the time subtracting a determined time from a standard LAP time, a next LAP operation timing can be foreseen. In an apparatus of the second constitution above, a standard LAP time of the latest LAP time measured by LAP operation, the target LAP time set by switch, etc. is memorised in standard LAP time memory means, and in LAP time difference calculating means calculates the LAP time difference between the LAP time measured by LAP time calculating means and the standard LAP time is calculated and a LAP time difference signal is output to output signal memory means in accordance with the LAP time difference above. From output signal memory means, an output signal in accordance with the LAP time difference is output to the informing means. When the LAP operation is done, through this movement above, the information corresponding to the difference between the LAP time immediately after the measurement and standard LAP time is made, that is to say, the information in accordance with the LAP time difference above is made. Accordingly, the information of the LAP time difference can be recognised. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a function block diagram of a first embodiment of a time measurement apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a function block diagram of a second embodiment in a time measurement apparatus in the present invention; Figure 3 shows an external appearance of the first and second embodiment; Figure 4 shows an external appearance of a display means of the first and second embodiment; Figure 5 shows a systems block diagram of the first and second embodiment; Figure 6 shows a RAM MAP of the first embodiment; Figure 7 shows a RAM MAP of the second embodiment; Figure 8 shows a flow chart of a LAP switch operation procedure of the first embodiment; Figure 9 shows a flow chart of a LAP time watching operation procedure of the first embodiment; Figure 10 shows a flow chart of a LAP switch operation procedure of the second embodiment; Figure 11 shows a buzzer driving waveform of the first embodiment; and Figure 12 shows a buzzer driving waveform of the second embodiment. The present invention will be described in the following in connection with the embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows the Function block diagram in relation to the first embodiment of a time measurement apparatus according to the present invention. In a LAP time measuring circuit 1, LAP times are measured in terms of an hour, minute, second, and 1/10 second. A standard LAP time memory circuit 2 memorises a LAP time to be a standard, such as the latest LAP time measured by the LAP time measuring circuit 1 or a target LAP time set by a switch 9. A LAP time watching circuit 3 watches if the LAP time now in the process of being measured in the LAP time measuring circuit 1 coincides with the timing which is equal to the value which is equal to subtracting a predetermined time from the standard LAP time memorised in the standard LAP time memory circuit 2. When such coincidence is identified a LAP time coincidence signal is output to an output signal memory circuit 4. Output signal memory circuit 4 drives informing element 6 by way of a driving circuit 5 on receiving the LAP time coincidence signal from the LAP time watching circuit 3. For example, assuming that a target LAP time be 1 minute 50 seconds and that a predetermined time be 10 seconds, a datum of 1 minute 50 seconds is memorised in the standard LAP time memory circuit 2. For the purpose of easy watching, the standard LAP time memory circuit 2 memorises a datum of 1 minute 40 seconds. This is a calculation which is done beforehand of a value subtracting the predetermined time of 10 seconds from the target LAP time of 1 minute 50 seconds. Once the LAP time measurement is initiated in the LAP time measuring circuit 1, the LAP time measuring circuit 1 continuously watches if the LAP time now in the process of being measured coincides with the above-mentioned 1 minute 40 seconds. The timing of such a coincidence above, means the output of the LAP time coincidence signal to the signal memory 4, and drives the informing element 6 by way of the driving circuit 5. That is to say, when the LAP time now in the process of being measured comes to, and just passes, through 1 minute 40 seconds, which is equal to the target LAP time of 10 seconds before 1 minute 50 seconds, the information conveyance is made and accordingly it is recognised that the standard LAP time is coming closer. Informing element 6 may make a sound from say a speaker or may be with a motor which generates vibrations. Display element 7 displays such information as the LAP time, the standard LAP time, etc. For this purpose, the display element may be a digital display, like an LED or LCD, or may be an analogue display, like hands etc. A display control circuit 8 controls the contents output to the display element 7 and also controls how it is displayed. The switch 9 enables operation to be made, such as by the LAP time measuring circuit 1 in what it is measuring (start, stop, LAP, reset etc.), and conversion and reconversion of displayed information, and of setting standard LAP time etc. Figure 3 shows an external appearance of the first embodiment and the second embodiment of a time measurement apparatus in the present invention. On the upper sides of the main case of the time measurement apparatus 15 there are three switches 11, 12, 13, of which layout is neatly arranged for easy operation. A display panel 14 is made up of LCD (liquid crystal display) which operates with lower energy consumption. Figure 4 shows an external appearance of the first embodiment and the second embodiment of a time measurement apparatus in the present invention. At the upper portion the LAP number is displayed, at the middle the LAP time, and at the lower split time. Figure 5 shows a systems block diagram of the first embodiment and the second embodiment of a time measurement apparatus in the present invention. An output signal from an oscillating circuit 16 is input into a dividing circuit 17, which outputs a plurality of timing signals into an interrupt signal generating circuit 18. Into this interrupt signal generating circuit 18, the timing signals and output signals from switches 26, 27, 28 are input and the interrupt signal generating circuit 18 generates an interrupt signal for a CPU (central processing unit) 19. CPU 19 receives system clock signals from systems clock signal generating circuit 29 and drives a program memorised in a ROM (read only memory) 20 due to an interrupt signal from the interrupt signal generating circuit 18. According to the procedures of this program above, the LAP time measurement or LAP time watching etc. are processed. Moreover, CPU 19 drives a liquid crystal display driving circuit 23 and a buzzer driving circuit 25, and through these operations, a liquid crystal display 22 and a buzzer 24 are driven respectively. In a RAM (random access memory) 21 there are memorised, such data as LAP time, standard LAP time, etc. and the renewal or storing of those, of many kinds of data or information which are also processed through such a program operation as above. Figures 6 and 7 shows a RAM MAP of the first embodiment of a time measurement apparatus in the present invention, which shows how many kinds of data are stored in the RAM. A LAP time data 34 consists of 1/10 second datum 30, second datum 31, minute datum 32, hour datum 33, those of which data are renewed respectively along with the elapse of LAP time in every a 1/10 second, second, minute, and an hour. A standard LAP time data 39 also consists, the same as the LAP time data above, of a 1/10 second datum 35, second datum 36, minute datum 37, and hour datum 38. Figure 8 shows a flow chart of procedures of the LAP switch operation in the first embodiment apparatus. Figure 9 shows a flow chart of procedures of the LAP time watching operation in the first embodiment. The operations in the first embodiment will be explained in the following according to the flow charts. In Figure 5, assuming that one of the switches 26-28 is assigned as the LAP switch, an interrupt which is keyed into the CPU 12 is done and the LAP switch procedure is processed once the switch above is pushed. According to Figure 8, the LAP switch procedure will be hereinafter explained. The LAP switch is the switch by which input is made (step 46), and in the case that LAP time is now being measured (step 47), the following procedure is processed. The LAP time datum 34 (Figures 6 and 7) is transferred into the standard LAP time data area 39 (step 48) when the LAP switch is activated. At the same time, the LAP time is displayed on the LCD 22 (step 49). Once input is made by the LAP switch the LAP time data area 34 is cleared for the purpose of restarting the LAP time measurement (step 50). Moreover, the datum revision of the standard LAP time data 39 is made. The datum revision is for easy watching of the LAP time. That is, in reality, the deduction of a predetermined time from a standard LAP time is made beforehand. Here in particular, the datum of subtracting say 10 seconds, from the standard LAP time is stored as the standard LAP time datum (step 51). Next, a procedure of LAP time watching will be explained according to Figure 9. When LAP time, is being measured from several interrupting procedures, the counting is made according to the interrupting procedure to a 10 Hz timing. Every time the 10 Hz interrupting is made, 0.1 second is added to the LAP time, and the LAP time measurement is made (step 52). Since a buzzer used as an output is already done to indicate that the LAP time which is now in the process of being measured has elapsed over the standard LAP time, the following procedure of LAP time watching (step 53) is not done. When the buzzer is not yet sounded, the LAP time which is being measured is compared to the standard LAP time (step 54). A buzzer is initiated just at the timing of the coincidence of the above comparison (step 55). Finally, the LAP time which is being measured, is displayed on the LCD 22 (step 56). Figure 11 shows a buzzer driving waveform in the first embodiment of the time measurement apparatus in the present invention. Through the LAP time watching procedure, when the LAP time and standard LAP time coincide with each other, an output to the buzzer is initiated. Then a buzzer driving wave as shown in Figure 11 is output from the buzzer driving circuit 25 into the buzzer 24. When the buzzer output level is "High" in Figure 11, a rectangular wave of 4 kHz is assumed to be the output. Up to 6 seconds from the buzzer output initiation, about a 63 milli-second shot sound output signal is generated every 1 second (driving waveforms 65-71). Moreover, between the 7th to 9th second, two shot sound output signals with intervals of 1 second are generated every 1 second (driving waveforms 72-74). A continuous sound of 1 second is generated at the 10th second (driving waveform 75). As is explained above, shot sounds are generated for 10 seconds and a continuous sound of 1 second is at last generated. If the current LAP time coincides with the standard LAP time (in this case, the standard LAP time means the LAP time of which the revision is made in step 51). But since the standard LAP time with which LAP time in the LAP time watching procedure is compared is the time which is 10 seconds before LAP time (the previous LAP time) at the timing of the input by the LAP switch, the real behaviour is as follows. Once the LAP time which is now in the process of being measured comes to 10 seconds before the standard LAP time (the previous LAP time of the one when the LAP switch is effected) shot sounds are made for 10 seconds and a 1 second continuous sound is made at the timing of the coincidence of the LAP time with the standard LAP time. The operation of the second Embodiment will now be explained in the following. Figure 2 shows a functional block diagram of the second embodiment of a time measurement apparatus in the present invention. The elements, other than a LAP time difference calculating circuit 10, are the same as in the first embodiment. Once in the LAP time measuring circuit 1, an input by the switch 9 is made while the LAP time which is now in the process of being measured, the LAP time difference is calculated between the standard LAP time memorised in the standard LAP time memory circuit 2 and the LAP time measured by the LAP time measuring circuit 1. The LAP time difference signal is output into output signal memory circuit 4, which then drives informing element 6 by way of the driving circuit 5 in accordance with the LAP time difference signal from the LAP time difference calculating circuit 10. For example, assuming that a target LAP time is equal to 1 minute 50 seconds, a datum of 1 minute 50 seconds is memorised into the standard LAP time memory circuit 2. If a LAP time is measured as 1 minute 47 seconds by the LAP time measuring circuit 1 on effecting the switch 9 during LAP measurement, a LAP time difference (it is 3 seconds in this particular case) between the LAP time and the standard LAP time is calculated in the LAP time difference calculating circuit. The LAP time difference signal is output to the output signal memory circuit 4, and the informing element 6 is driven in accordance with the LAP time difference. That is, through the LAP measuring operation, the LAP time difference between the LAP time and the standard LAP time can be recognised by the informing function. The external appearance and the systems block diagram of the second embodiment are the same as of the first embodiment. Figure 7 shows a RAM MAP of the second embodiment of a time measurement apparatus in the present invention. The difference from the first embodiment is that an area 45 for memorising the LAP time difference is added. The area 45 consists of 1/10 second datum 41, second datum 42, minute datum 43, and hour datum 44. The data of the LAP time difference are memorised into the area 45. Figure 10 shows a flow chart of the procedure of the LAP time switch operation in the second embodiment of a time measurement apparatus in the present invention. Operation of the second embodiment will be explained in the following with reference to the flow chart. If the LAP switch is activated (step 57) whilst the LAP time is being measured (step 58), the following steps will be processed. The LAP time datum is transferred to a standard LAP time data area (step 59), and is substituted for the standard LAP time at the next LAP operation. For preparation of calculating the LAP time difference, the LAP time datum is transferred to the LAP time difference data area (step 60). Using the LAP time difference data area, a standard LAP time datum is deducted from the LAP time difference datum. Since the LAP time difference is equal to the LAP time (based on step 60), the standard LAP time is deducted in reality from the LAP time (step 61). Then, the LAP time difference and the LAP time are displayed (step 62). The LAP time is cleared (step 63) and the output for a buzzer is initiated (step 64). Figure 12 shows a buzzer driven waveform in the second embodiment of a time measurement apparatus in the present invention. Once the LAP time difference is calculated according to the LAP time difference calculation procedure, the buzzer driving wave in accordance with the LAP time difference as shown in Figure 12 is output to a buzzer 24 from a buzzer driving circuit 25. When the LAP time difference is 0 second to less than 1 second, a shot sound output signal of about 63 milli-seconds is generated twice (driving waveform 76). When the LAP time difference is between 1 second and less than 2 seconds, two shot sound output signals of about 63 milli-seconds is generated twice (driving form 76). When the LAP time difference is between 1 second and less than 2 seconds, two shot sound output signals of about 63 milli-seconds are generated twice (driving wave form 77). In the same manner as above, shot sound output signals are generated according to the LAP time difference between 2 and 3, 3 and 4, and 4 and 5 seconds (driving waveforms 78-80). By the LAP operation as shown above, there is output as many times shot sound output signals as the LAP time difference between the current LAP time and the standard LAP time. At this moment, there exists the chance that the LAP time comes earlier or later than a standard LAP time. This distinction can be identified by using different sounds to each other. The following differentiation may be good for its identification. In case the LAP time is earlier than the standard LAP time, a 2 kHz frequency may be used, and in case that the LAP time is later than the standard LAP time, a 4 kHz frequency may be used. Concerning the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the present invention, the previous LAP time is used for the standard LAP time. But the standard LAP time may not necessarily be the previous LAP time. For example, a user's predetermined target LAP time may be also used as a standard LAP time for its comparison base. According to the present invention as is explained above, information conveyance is done when the LAP time which is now in the process of being measured comes to and/or falls into a certain length of time just before a standard LAP time. By the LAP operation, the informing function is done in accordance with the LAP time difference between a LAP time just now measured and a standard LAP time. Therefore, users can avoid troublesome frequent confirmation, by looking at the display means, in every LAP of every turn of a circuit race, since they can confirm the next LAP operation timing or LAP time difference by way of the informing function as in the present invention, while they are watching the races.

Claims: A time measurement apparatus displaying time measuring information comprising: a switch (9) for controlling time measurement activity; LAP time measuring means (1) for measuring LAP time that is an elapse of time between the neighbouring two operations by multiple LAP measuring operations through said switch; LAP time memory means (2) for memorising a latest LAP time measured by said LAP time measuring means and/or a LAP time that is set with discretion by said switch; characterised by LAP time watching means (3) that outputs a LAP time concurrent information signal at the timing that the LAP time now in process of measuring by said LAP time measuring means coincides with the period of time memorised in said LAP time memory means but with a predetermined time period subtracted therefrom; output signal memory means (4, 5) responsive to an output of said LAP time watching means for generating an output driving signal for informing a coincidence of LAP time and audio indicator means (6) responsive to the output driving signal for conveying the coincidence of LAP time by providing an audio signal that extends at least over said memorised period of time with said predetermined time period subtracted. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the audio indicator means makes a plurality of shot sounds. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frequency and/or length of the shot sounds increases towards the end of the memorised perid of time with said predetermined time period subtracted. A time measurement apparatus displaying time measuring information comprising: a switch (9) for controlling time measurement activity; LAP time measuring means (1) for measuring LAP time that is an elapse of time between the neighbouring two operations by multiple LAP measuring operations through said switch; LAP time memory means (2) for memorising a latest LAP time measured by said LAP time measuring means and/or a LAP time that is set with discretion by said switch; characterised by LAP time difference calculating means (10) that outputs LAP time difference signal by calculating the LAP time difference between the LAP time measured by said LAP time measuring means operated through said switch and a standard LAP time memorised in said LAP memory means; output signal memory means (4, 5), responsive to an output from said LAP time difference calculating means, for generating a driving signal for informing LAP time difference information corresponding to a LAP time difference signal; and audio indicator means (6) that conveys a LAP time difference information by receiving said driving signal, and by providing an audio signal that is indicative of the LAP time difference. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the audio indicator means makes a plurality of shot sounds. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the frequency or number of shot sounds increases proportionately to the LAP time difference information. A time measurement apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising: display control means (23) for controlling the display signal of LAP time and/or standard LAP time; and display means (22) for displaying LAP time and/or standard LAP time. A time measurement apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said display means displays split time. A time measurement apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said LAP time measuring means measures hour, minute, second, and 1/10 second.

Inventors: HORIGUCHI KATSUHIRO, HORIGUCHI, KATSUHIRO
Applicants: SEIKO INSTR INC, SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
Application year: 1993
Main classification: G04F10
IPC codes: G04F10