Timepiece device

Abstract: A timepiece device including: display means (20) for displaying time information; display-driving means (16) for driving said display means (20); termination-detection means (12) for outputting a termination-detection signal when halt of said display means (20) is detected; storage means (10) for holding and outputting a termination-storage signal, based on said termination-detection signal; power-supply means (2) for supplying a voltage to the display driving means (16); power-supply-voltage detection means (4) for outputting a power-supply-voltage detection signal when the voltage from the power-supply means (2) is equal to or more than a first reference voltage which is higher than a movement-start voltage; and modulation-signal generating means (8) for outputting a modulation signal; the modulation signal being output when said power-supply-voltage detection signal is input to said modulation-signal generating means (8) while said termination-storage signal is being input to said modulation-signal generating means (8); said display-driving means (16) performing modulated driving after receipt of said modulation signal for alerting a user of the timepiece device of a start of said display means (20).

Description: The present invention relates to a timepiece device provided with a power-generator mechanism. Timepiece devices provided with a power-generator mechanism for generating the electrical energy necessary for timepiece driving are known , see EP-A-0 766 150 which is prior art under Art. 54(3) EPC. Power-generator mechanisms of this type include those which use solar cells to charge a rechargeable battery, those which charge a rechargeable battery from the output of a built-in, automatically-activated power-generator mechanism for generating power in accordance with a natural movement of a user's hand or the like. Such timepiece devices include those which perform so-called "modulated movements of pointers", in which, for example, pointers are moved with increased pointer-velocity in order to inform the timepiece-device user that the pointers have started to move in accordance with rechargeable battery charging. When modulated movements of pointers, which consume much electrical power, start just after rechargeable battery charging has started; the voltage of the rechargeable battery instantly becomes equal to or less than a necessary voltage for activating the timepiece device. This terminates the modulated movements of pointers because the rechargeable battery has a small storage amount just after the rechargeable battery charging has started. In other words, starting the modulated movements just after the start of the rechargeable battery charging makes it impossible for timepiece movements to continue securely. The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing problems. An object thereof is to provide a timepiece device which securely informs a user when timepiece movements start after the rechargeable battery of the timepiece device has been charged, and which can continue timepiece movements. Thus, the present invention provides a display means for displaying time information, comprising; a timepiece device including: display means for displaying time information; display-driving means for driving said display means; termination-detection means for outputting a termination-detection signal when halt of said display means is detected; storage means for holding and outputting a termination-storage signal, based on said termination-detection signal; power-supply means for supplying a voltage to the display driving means; power-supply-voltage detection means for outputting a power-supply-voltage detection signal when the voltage from the power-supply means is equal to or more than a first reference voltage which is higher than a movement-start voltage; and modulation-signal generating means for outputting a modulation signal; the modulation signal being output when said power-supply-voltage detection signal is input to said modulation-signal generating means while said termination-storage signal is being input to said modulation-signal generating means; said display-driving means performing modulated driving after receipt of said modulation signal for alerting a user of the timepiece device of a start of said display means. The "modulated driving" differs from conventional timepiece driving, by enabling a user to visually and/or acoustically to recognise the start of timepiece movements after a halt. The modulation-signal generating means preferably terminates generating the modulation signal under given conditions. For example, modulated driving may be terminated based on the result of comparing a power-supply voltage and a reference voltage. Alternatively modulated driving may be terminated when the modulated driving is performed for a lapse of a predetermined time, or modulated driving may be terminated when a user operates means for adjusting the time. Beneficially, a first reference voltage for causing display means to start modulated driving is set to a value higher than a movement-start voltage for the timepiece device, namely, a voltage at which timepiece movements can be stably performed. This prevents the occurrence of modulated driving, which consumes much electrical power, just after a start of timepiece movements which coincide with the start of charging of the power-supply means. Modulated driving for showing a start of timepiece movements thus occurs when charging has been performed, such that timepiece movements can be stably performed. As a result, it is possible securely to inform a user that timepiece movements have started after the timepiece-device power-supply means, e.g., a rechargeable battery, has been charged; without affecting continuation of timepiece movements. Thus according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a structure in which modulated driving is performed only when the storage means holds a termination-storage signal and the power-supply voltage reaches the first reference voltage. The structure securely prevents a situation in which the modulated driving is repeatedly performed when the power-supply voltage changes in the vicinity of the first reference voltage while timepiece movements of the timepiece device are being performed. The structure performs the modulated driving only when the timepiece device starts movements from a halt, and enables a user to know the condition. Preferably, the timepiece device includes reference-signal generating means for generating a reference signal when a voltage capable of driving the display-driving means accumulates in the power-supply means, and the termination-detection means outputs the termination-detection signal when the reference signal is not output from the reference-signal generating means. Thus, a a reference signal for movements of the timepiece device is used accurately to detect whether or not timepiece movements are performed. It is desirable that, after the power-supply-voltage detection signal from the power-supply-voltage detection means is input to the storage means, the condition of the termination-storage signal is reset in accordance with predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions preferably include, for example, the condition that the modulated driving starts or terminates. The above-described structure prevents a situation in which the termination-storage signal is reset before the modulated driving starts. It resets the termination-storage signal after a termination of the modulated driving, thereby realising a timepiece device which securely performs modulated driving only just after a start of timepiece movements. A more specific example of the predetermined condition is to reset the storage condition of the termination-storage signal by the storage means when the power-supply-voltage detection signal is continuously input for a predetermined time from the power-supply-voltage detection means. Preferably, the power-supply means includes power-generating means and power-storage means, and the power-storage means is charged by the power-generating means. Thereby, the charging can be easily performed. Beneficially, the display means includes at least two pointers comprising a minute pointer and an hour pointer, and the modulated driving is performed with respect to at least one of the two pointers. According to such a timepiece device for analogue display, for example, a wrist watch which displays the time with two pointers; by performing a modulated movement of at least either a minute pointer or an hour pointer, a user can be securely informed that timepiece movements of pointers have started. In other words, in the case of a timepiece device with two pointers, movements of an hour pointer and a minute pointer are too slow to be recognised by eye. However, according to the present invention, by performing a modulated movement (different from normal movement) with respect to at least either a minute pointer or an hour pointer, a user can be securely informed that movements of the timepiece device have started. Desirably, the modulation-signal generating means outputs the modulation signal after the power-supply-voltage detection signal from the power-supply-voltage detection means has been continuously input to the modulation-signal generating means for a predetermined time. For example, a charging voltage in the timepiece device does not always increase with charging. In many cases it increases overall while fluctuating irregularly. In addition, depending on the type of the rechargeable battery used, a superficial charging voltage can differ from a real charging voltage. In such a case the superficial charging voltage may not directly reflect the real charging condition. In one embodiment of the present invention, a structure is employed in which the modulated driving is performed on condition that the power-supply voltage exceeds the first reference voltage for a predetermined time. Thus, the modulated driving can be performed without being affected by an irregular increase in the charging voltage. It is preferred that the modulation-signal generating means terminates output of the modulation signal after a lapse of a predetermined time when the power-supply voltage is equal to or less than a second reference voltage; as detected by the power-supply-voltage detection means. The above-described structure causes the modulated driving to be continuously performed for at least the predetermined time or longer, which can more securely inform the user of a start of timepiece movements. Preferably, the predetermined time is set to a necessary and minimum time for notifying the user of the modulated driving, for example, approximately 4 seconds. The second reference voltage may be set to an optional value as the need arises, and is preferably set to a voltage identical to the first reference voltage, otherwise to a voltage which is higher than the movement-start voltage and lower than the first reference voltage. Thereby, the modulated driving is continuously performed for an optimal time which is not too long and not too short, and the user can be securely informed of a start of timepiece movements with timepiece-device charging, without hindering normal timepiece movements. Beneficially, the timepiece device includes display control means for outputting a display-control signal for adjusting time information displayed on the display means so that the time is adjusted. Display means frequently display the time different from real-time information, due to modulated driving. However, according to the present invention, it is possible that display means avoids displaying the time information different from the real-time information, and is automatically adjusted to display accurate time information. Preferably, after output of the modulation signal is terminated, the display-control means outputs to the display-driving means a reverse-driving signal for retroactively displaying the time information displayed on the display means until the time advanced by the modulated driving coincides with the time displayed by normal driving. Preferably, the display-control means outputs to the display-driving means a display-control signal for terminating the driving of the display means until the time advanced by the modulated driving coincides with the time displayed by the normal driving. Display means frequently perform timepiece movements in the future direction by modulated driving. However, according to one embodiment of this invention, after a termination of modulated driving, by driving the display means in the past direction, namely, the reverse direction, the time can be automatically adjusted so that the display means can be automatically adjusted to display accurate time information. According to another embodiment, by terminating the driving of display means until the time advanced by modulated driving coincides with the time displayed with normal driving after a termination of the modulated driving, the time can be automatically adjusted and the real-time information can be automatically displayed. Preferably, switching means for outputting a switching signal are included, and the modulation-signal generating means terminates output of the modulation signal when the switching signal from the switching means is input to the modulation-signal generating means. The switching means is preferably formed as a so-called crown device which enables a timepiece-device user to optionally operate pointers or the like of the display means. This terminates a modulation signal when the timepiece-device user uses the crown device to adjust the time. Thus, after the time adjustment with the crown device, normal timepiece movements can be performed so that the accurate time is displayed. Preferably, timer means for measuring a lapse of time spent by the modulated driving are included, and the modulation-signal generating means terminates output of the modulation signal after a lapse of a predetermined time spent by the modulated driving. The timer means may be formed to be integrated with or to be independent of the modulation-signal generating means. Beneficially, the arrangement includes driving-start control means for controlling the display-driving means to be in a normal-driving-inhibited condition when the termination-storage signal is stored in the storage means. In other words, if the pointer-movement-start control means is not provided, normal movements of pointers start instantly when a start of charging in power-supply means causes a power-supply voltage to exceed a movement-start voltage, and power consumption thereof may cause the movements to be unstable. In contrast, by providing the pointer-movement-start control means, enables normal movements of pointers to be inhibited to suppress power consumption until charging in the power-supply means becomes sufficient, namely, until the modulated movements of pointers terminate. As a result, charging when operation for charging starts can be efficiently performed, and after a start of charging, the timepiece device can be promptly led to a condition in which stable movements of pointers are performed. In particular, normal driving initially starts in a phase in which the modulated movements of pointers terminate, which prevents a situation in which the modulated driving is suddenly performed just after a start of normal driving. Accordingly, an improved timepiece device can be obtained. The driving-start control means may be formed to be integrated with or to be independent of the modulation-signal generating means. Preferably, the display means electronically displays the time. Thus, display means for the timepiece device can perform notification of a start of charging not only in an analogue-type timepiece device but also in a digital-type timepiece device. The display means is not limited to one for visual display, but may include, for example, one which uses an alarm or the like for acoustic representation. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a timepiece device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a timing chart showing signals in the timepiece device in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a chart illustrating an example of charging and discharging in a timepiece device. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for movements of pointers in the timepiece device in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 consists of schematic block diagrams showing a timepiece device according to a second embodiment. The diagram (A) shows the whole structure, and the diagram (B) shows a block diagram of reverse-control means. Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing signals in the timepiece device in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process for movements of pointers in the timepiece device in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 consists of schematic block diagrams showing a timepiece device according to a third embodiment. The diagram (A) shows the whole structure, and the diagram (B) shows a block diagram of display-control means. Fig. 9 is a timing chart showing signals in the timepiece device in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for movements of pointers in the timepiece device in Fig. 8. Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a timepiece device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 shows a timing chart of signals in the timepiece device shown in Fig. 1. The timepiece device displays, for example, analogue time information. Display means 20 for displaying time information consists of, specifically, two pointers representing the time. Namely, one pointer of the two pointers is a hour pointer representing the hour, while the other pointer is a minute pointer representing the minute. Power-supply means 2 in the timepiece device includes power-generating means and power-storage means, and charges the power-storage means with the power-generating means. Thus, if the timepiece device is, for example, a wristwatch to be carried by a man, a natural movement or the like of the man carrying the wristwatch causes the power-generating means to generate electrical power, which charges the power-storage means comprising a rechargeable battery. A power-supply voltage accumulated in the power-supply means 2 is input to reference-signal generator means 14. The reference-signal generating means 14 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit and so forth, and the oscillation circuit generates oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1. The oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1 are reference pulses used when the timepiece device is driven, and are input to termination-detection means 12, timer means 6 and display-driving means 16. The reference-signal generating means 14 also generates a driving timing signal S7 having a predetermined interval, based on the oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1, and outputs it to the display-driving means 16. The display-driving means 16 generates motor-driving pulses S10 for normal movements of pointers, based on the input oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1 and the driving timing signal S7, and outputs the motor-driving pulses S10 to a motor 18. The motor 18 is driven based on the motor-driving pulses S10. Display means 20 is connected to the motor 18, and the pointers of the display means 20 are thus driven. Normally, when the rechargeable battery of the power-supply means 2 is sufficiently charged, the pointers of the display means 20 are driven at normal velocity. Normally, pointer driving at the normal velocity, or so-called "normal movements of pointers" is performed. When the whole timepiece device is not moved so as to be in a halt, charging is not performed, and the normal movements of pointers by the display means 20 continue. Thus, the power from the power-supply means 2 is continuously consumed. Accordingly, the power-supply voltage from the power-supply means 2 continues to decrease, which causes the reference-signal generating means 14 not to generate the oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1 and the driving-timing signal S7, and finally, the normal movements of pointers become impossible. In this case, by shaking the whole timepiece device to activate the power generating mechanism so that the power-supply means 2 is charged, the timepiece device can start movements of pointers. In the case of a timepiece device with two pointers as shown in this embodiment, if pointers start to move, a user frequently cannot recognise the movements due to relatively small motions of a minute pointer and an hour pointer. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, when timepiece movements with battery charging have started, changed-velocity driving in which pointers are driven at faster velocity different from normal, namely, so-called "modulated movements of pointers" are performed so as to inform the user of a start of the timepiece movement. In order to perform the modulated driving, the timepiece device of the embodiment includes: the termination-detection means 12 for outputting a termination-detection signal when detecting a halt of the display means 20; storage means 10 for holding and outputting a termination-storage signal, based on the termination-detection signal from the termination-detection means 12; power-supply-voltage detection means 4 for outputting a power-supply-voltage detection signal when a power-supply-voltage from power-supply means 2 is equal to or more than a reference voltage higher than a movement-start voltage; and modulation-signal generating means 8 for generating a modulation signal for notification of a driving start of the display means 20 when the power-supply-voltage detection signal from the power-supply detection means 4 is input while the termination-storage signal from the storage means 10 is being input, and the display-driving means 16 performs modulated driving with respect to the display means 20, based on the modulation signal. In this case the movement-start voltage is V1, and the first reference voltage is V2. In other words, the first reference voltage V2 is set to a value higher than the movement-start voltage V1 so that the subsequent movements of pointers can be securely maintained even if there is a temporary increase in power consumption with a start of the modulated movements of pointers. According to the above-described structure, in the timepiece device the power-supply voltage from the power-supply means 2 is equal to or less than the movement-start voltage V1, and the two pointers of the display means 20 are in a halt. Subsequently, the timepiece device is operated to increase the power-supply voltage, and when the power-supply voltage reaches the movement-start voltage V1 or more, the timepiece device performs normal movements of pointers. In addition, when the power-supply voltage reaches the first reference voltage V2 or more, the timepiece device performs, for example, modulated driving with respect to the minute pointer at greater velocity different from the velocity of the pointer in normal movements of pointers. The modulated movements of pointers performed by the modulated driving can inform a user that pointer movements caused by charging the power-supply means 2 of the timepiece device have started. Particularly, in this embodiment, when the power-supply means 2 of the timepiece device with pointers in a halt has been charged to the pointer-movement-start voltage V1 by charging, the modulated driving is not instantly performed. Instead, modulated driving is performed when the power-supply means 2 has been charged to the first reference voltage V2 higher than the above voltage V1. By employing this manner, movements of pointers in the timepiece device can be securely maintained even if there is a temporary voltage decrease with the modulated movements of pointers. The timepiece device is designed to terminate the modulated movements of pointers and restart normal movement of pointers when the power-supply voltage Vss from the power-supply means 2 becomes equal to or less than the first reference voltage V1 again. A structure for performing modulated movements of pointers will be described below. As already mentioned, the reference-signal generating means 14 outputs the oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1 and the driving-timing signal S7 only when the power-supply voltage Vss from the power-supply means 2 is equal to or more than the movement-start voltage V1. In detail, the power-supply voltage Vss from the power-supply means 2 is equal to or less than the movement-start voltage V1 between points t1 and t2 in Fig. 2. Thus, the oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1 are not output. Subsequently, after point t2, the power-supply voltage Vss reaches the movement-start voltage V1 or more, which causes the reference-signal generating means 14 to output the oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1 and the driving-timing signal S7. The oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1 generated by the reference-signal generating means 14 are output to the termination-detection means 12, the timer means 6 and the display-driving mean 16. The termination-detection means 12 detects when the output of the oscillation-circuit-output pulses S1 is terminated, between t1 and t2, and outputs a termination-detection signal S2 to the storage means 10. The storage means 10 holds the input termination-detection signal S2, and outputs a termination-storage signal S3 to the modulation-signal generating means 8. In addition, the power-supply detection means 4 detects whether or not the power-supply voltage Vss from the power-supply means 2 has reached the first reference voltage V2 or more, and outputs a power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 to the timer means 6 if the power-supply voltage Vss has reached the first reference voltage V2 or more. The timer means 6 detects a time in which the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 is input, namely, a time in which the power-supply voltage Vss is a voltage equal to or more than the first reference voltage V2. If it has detected that the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 was continuously input during a predetermined time or more, it outputs a timer-output signal S8 to the modulation-signal generating means 8 and the storage means 10. Specifically, the timer means 6 includes a flip-flop which measures a time in which the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 is input. For example, between points t3 and t4 and between points t5 and t6 (shown in Fig. 2), the power-supply voltage Vss is equal to or more than the first reference voltage V2, which causes the power-supply-voltage detection means 4 to output the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4. The power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 is input to the flip-flop of the timer means 6. In the flip-flop, timing signals Q1, Q2 and Q3 are generated, and a time in which the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 is input is measured, so that detection of whether or not the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 has been continuously input during a predetermined time is performed. In detail, as shown in Fig. 2, coincidence of the output levels H of pulses of the timing signals Q1, Q2 and Q3 detects that the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 has been continuously input during the predetermined time. As shown in Fig. 2, the period t3 to t4 and the period t5 to t6 are each shorter than the predetermined time. Thus, the timer-output signal S8 is not output, and after point t7, the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 is continuously input, and at point t8, the output levels H of pulses of the timing signals Q1, Q2 and Q3 coincide to detect a predetermined time T10. Thereby, at point t8, a pulse of the timer-output signal S8 is output from the timer means 6. The timer-output signal S8 is input to the modulation-signal generating means 8 and the storage means 10. The storage means 10 resets a condition for holding the termination-storage signal S3 at point t9 at which an input pulse as the timer-output signal S8 falls, and terminates outputting the termination-storage signal S3. The modulation-signal generating means 8 generates a modulation signal S5 on condition that the timer-output signal S8 from the timer means 6 is input thereto while the termination-storage signal S3 from the storage means 10 is being input thereto. The modulation signal S5 is output to the display-driving means 16. When the modulation signal S5 is not input, the display-driving means 16 generates motor-driving pulses for driving the motor 18, based on the driving-timing signal S7 input from the reference-signal generating means 14, and causes the display means 20 to display the time by normal movements of pointers. When the modulation signal S5 is input, the display-driving means 16 generates the motor-driving pulses S10 for driving the motor 18, based on the input modulation signal S5, and causes the display means 20 to display the time by modulated movements of pointers. In short, the display-driving means 16 generates the motor-driving pulses S10 for driving the motor 18, based on the modulation signal S5. In detail, the display-driving means 16 outputs the motor-driving pulses S10 (for normal movements of pointers) synchronised with the driving-timing signal S7 when the power-supply voltage Vss is equal to or more than the movement-start voltage V1 and is equal to or less than the first reference voltage V2, while it outputs the motor-driving pulses S10 (for modulated movements of pointers) synchronised with the modulation signal S5 when the power-supply voltage Vss is equal to or more than the first reference voltage V2 and the modulation signal S5 is input. In accordance with such changes in the output of the motor-driving pulses S10, the driving velocity of the motor 18 also changes, which modulates movements of the pointers of the display means 20 driven by the motor 18. The relationship between the power-supply voltage Vss accumulated in the power-supply means 2 of the timepiece device and time T is shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows changes in the power-supply voltage Vss with response to a lapse of time, obtained when discharging was performed without moving the timepiece device after charging to point b by shaking the timepiece device. At first, for example, when the timepiece device has been left for long time, the power-supply voltage Vss from the power-supply means 2 is a value close to 0 V, and just after the timepiece device has terminated movements of pointers, the power-supply voltage Vss is a voltage lower than the movement-start voltage V1. The movement-start voltage V1 is, for example, 0.45 V. By shaking the whole timepiece device to be continuously moved, the power-supply means 2 starts charging, and the power-supply voltage Vss reaches the movement-start voltage V1 at point p, which restarts normal movements of pointers. After that, by further continuously moving the timepiece device, the power-supply voltage Vss increases to reach the first reference voltage V2 at point a. The first reference voltage V2 is, for example, 1.0 V. At point a, when the power-supply voltage Vss continues to be the first reference voltage V2 or higher during a predetermined time, the modulation signal S5 is output from the modulation-signal generating means 8, which causes the display-driving means 16 to output the motor-driving pulses S10 for modulated movements of pointers. Thus, modulated movements of pointers are started. As described, when the modulated movements of pointers are started just after point p at which the power-supply voltage Vss is equal to the movement-start voltage V1, there is a great possibility that the power-supply voltage Vss decreases instantly lower than the movement-start voltage V1 to terminate the modulated movements of pointers. Accordingly, in this embodiment the modulated movements of pointers are started from point a at which the power-supply voltage Vss has reached the first reference voltage V2 to enable continuous movements of pointers. Thereby, stable modulated movements of pointers can be performed. The timepiece device in Fig. 1 employs a structure for performing modulated movements of pointers by determining whether or not the power-supply voltage Vss continues to be equal to or more than the first reference voltage V2 during a predetermined time, thereby reducing effects of changes in the power-supply voltage Vss during charging. However, depending on the type of power-supply means 2, there is less fluctuation in the power-supply voltage Vss during charging. In such a case the modulated movements of pointer may be started by instantly generating the modulation signal S5 when the power-supply voltage Vss has reached the first reference voltage V2. In Fig. 3, the timepiece device is continuously operated to point b. Thereby, the power-supply means 2 is continuously charged, and the power-supply voltage Vss continues to increase. Consequently, when the timepiece device is continuously operated to point b at the power-supply voltage Vss of 0 V, time T1 is regarded as a charging time. Also, when the timepiece device is continuously operated to point b at the power-supply voltage Vss equal to the movement-start voltage V1, time T2 is regarded as a charging time. In Fig. 3, after point b, moving the timepiece device is terminated to discontinue the charging. Since the modulated movements of pointers continue after point b even if the charging is discontinued, the power-supply voltage Vss decreases. In addition, the timepiece device is designed to terminate the modulated movements of pointers and restart normal movements of pointers when the power-supply voltage Vss from the power-supply means 2 has become equal to or less than the first reference voltage V1. In other words, when the power-supply voltage Vss reaches the first reference voltage V2 or less, the power-supply-voltage detection mean 4 outputs to the timer means 6 the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 representing the information. When the power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 is input during a predetermined time T3, the timer means 6 outputs to the modulation-signal detection means 8 the timer-output signal S8 commanding a termination of the modulated movements of pointers. Thereby, the modulation-signal detection means 8 terminates outputting the modulation signal S5, so the modulated movements of pointers terminate. As described above, according to this embodiment, modulated movements of pointers are discontinued to restart normal movements of pointers at point d showing a lapse of a predetermined time T3 from point c at which the power-supply voltage Vss from the power-supply means 2 reaches the first reference voltage V1 or less again. Thereby, even if time T4 from a to c is short, the modulated movements of pointers can be continuously performed during time T3, which securely enables a user to know a start of movements of pointers. The above-mentioned predetermined time T3 may be optionally determined in accordance with the type of timepiece device and its use. According to circumstances, T3 may be set as T3 = 0. In this embodiment, T3 = approximately 4 seconds. In addition, according to this embodiment, a reference voltage used to determine whether or not modulated movements are discontinued, namely, a second reference voltage used as a reference point at a start of detecting the predetermined time T3 is set to a value equal to the first reference voltage V2. However, the second reference voltage may be set to an optional value if necessary. In order to obtain a sufficient driving time, it is preferable to set the second reference voltage to a value which is equal to more than movement-start voltage V1 and is equal to or less than first reference voltage V2. After point d at which normal movements of pointers are performed, in order for the user to wear the timepiece device on his or her wrist or the like and start its use, for example, from point e, as shown by curve B 1 , charging is restarted to increase the power-supply voltage Vss. In this case the power-supply voltage Vss exceeds the reference voltage V1 again at point g, which causes the termination-storage signal S3 stored in the storage means 10 to be reset as described above, the modulation signal S5 is not output to continue normal movements of pointers. In addition, when charging in the timepiece device is not performed after point d at which normal movements of pointers are performed, the power-supply voltage Vss further decreases as shown by dotted-line curve B 2 , and its value reaches the movement-start voltage V1 or less at point f, at which the normal movements of pointers terminate. In other words, during the time T5 between points d and f, the normal movements of pointers are performed, and after that, the normal movements of pointers terminate. A termination of the movements of pointers is detected by the termination-detection means 12, and termination-storage signal S3 is stored in the storage means 10. The timepiece device also includes switching means (not shown) for adjusting time information displayed on the display means 20. The switching means is, for example, a so-called crown device. In the timepiece device, when the operation of the switching means has been detected, the modulation-signal generating means 8 terminates outputting the modulation signal S5. Subsequently, motor-driving pulses S10 synchronised with the driving-timing signal S7 are output, and switching to the normal movements of pointers is performed. This enables automatic switching from the modulated movements to the normal movements of pointers when the user adjusts the time during the modulated movements of pointers in the timepiece device. Next, a flowchart for a process for the movements of pointers by the display means 20 in the above-described timepiece device is shown in Fig. 4, and the movements of pointers obtained while the power-supply means 2 is being charged will be described. At first, in step S2, the power-supply voltage Vss is detected. If the process has determined that the power-supply voltage Vss is higher than the movement-start voltage V1, it proceeds to step S4, in which the normal movements of pointers are performed using the motor-driving pulses S10 synchronised with the driving-timing signal S7. Secondly, in step S6, the process determines whether or not the termination-detection signal S3 is stored in the storage means 10. If it has determined that the signal is stored, it determines whether or not the power-supply voltage Vss is equal to or more than first reference voltage V2. If this determination has showed that the power-supply voltage Vss is higher than the first reference voltage V2, the process proceeds to step S8, in which counting is performed by the timer means 6. At this time, the timer means 6 performs counting only while power-supply-voltage detection signal S4 is being input. After the counting terminates, the process determines whether or not counting for a predetermined time is performed in step S8. If the counting has revealed that the counting for the predetermined time has not terminated, the process returns to step S6, in which the process determines whether or not the power-supply voltage Vss is equal to or more than the first reference voltage V2. In addition, if the determination in step S8 has revealed that the counting for the predetermined time was completed, the process proceeds to step S10, in which motor-driving pulses S10 synchronised with the modulation signal S5 output from the modulation-signal generating means 8 are used to perform the modulated movements of pointers. In step S12, the modulated movements of pointers are terminated by detecting a lapse of the predetermined time from point a at which the power-supply voltage Vss was equal to or less than the reference voltage V1 again. Subsequently, in step S14, the process restarts the normal movements of pointers. Incidentally, when the normal movements of pointers start, the time information displayed on the display means 20 differs from the real-time information representing the present time, due to effects of the modulated movements of pointers. Particularly when the user has adjusted the time during the normal movements of pointers between points p and a shown in Fig. 3, effects of the modulated movements of pointers bring about the inconveniences of re-adjusting the time after a termination of the modulated movements of pointers. Accordingly, a timepiece device according to a second embodiment, in which the above-described inconveniences are eliminated, will now be described below. In Fig. 5, a schematic block diagram of the timepiece device according to the second embodiment is shown. In Fig. 5, blocks denoted by reference numerals identical to those shown in Fig. 1 have functions similar to those described in Fig. 1. Accordingly, detailed descriptions of these blocks will be omitted. The timepiece device is designed such that the user uses time-adjustment means such as a winder-knob (not shown) to perform adjusting the time to the real time when normal movements of pointers are performed between points p and a shown in Fig. 3. The timepiece device displays real-time information by automatically adjusting time information displayed on display means after a termination of modulated movements of pointers. Accordingly, the timepiece device shown in Fig. 5 (A) is formed by adding to the structure of the timepiece device shown in Fig. 1, reverse-control means 22 as one embodiment of display-control means. While modulation-signal generating means 8 is outputting a modulation signal S5, the reverse-control means 22 carries out an operation to find the time difference between the time information displayed on the display means and the real-time information based on the set time. After the modulated movements of pointers terminate, the reverse-control means 22 outputs to display-driving means 16 a reverse-driving signal S6 so that the time-difference-corrected time information displayed on the display means can be displayed retroactively to the real time. The reverse-driving signal S6 causes the display-driving means 16 to output motor-driving pulses S10 for reversely driving a motor 18, and the display means 20 moves an hour pointer and a minute pointer in opposed directions. Fig. 5 (B) shows a functional block diagram of the reverse-driving control means 22, and Fig. 6 shows a timing chart thereof. The reverse-driving means 22 according to this embodiment includes: an up-down counter 100 for up-counting about pulses of the modulation signal S5 and down-counting about pulses input from an OR gate 180; a 0-detector 102 which detects whether or not the count outputs of the up-down counter 100 are all zeros, and outputs an H-level signal S30 only when the outputs are all zeros; a gate 104 for outputting a signal S32 formed by inverting the signal S30; and an AND gate 106 for inputting a driving-timing signal S7 to the OR gate 108 on condition that the gate signal S32 is at level H. The above-described structure enables the up-down counter 100 to carry out a simplified operation to find an advanced time by modulated movements of pointers by up-counting about the pulses of the modulation signal S5 output from the modulation-signal generating means 8. When the up-down counter 100 starts counting as described, the outputs R1, R2, ... of the up-down counter 100 become values different from zero. When the outputs R1, R2, ... are values different from zero, the 0-detector 102 detects this condition and outputs an L-level signal S30, and the gate 104 inverts it and outputs the H-level signal S32 to the AND gate 110 and the AND gate 106. While the H-level signal S32 is being input, the AND gate 106 inputs to the down-count terminal of the up-down counter 100 via the OR gate 108 the driving-timing signal S7 output from reference-signal generating means 14. Thereby, the up-down counter 100 performs down-counting about the driving-timing signal S7 input from a start the modulated movements of pointer. As a result, based on the time advanced by the modulated movements of pointers, which is found by the up-counting, and a lapse of time found by the down-counting, the up-down counter 100 carries out an operation to find the time difference between the present time and the real time, and outputs from R1, R2 and R3 the count outputs corresponding to the time difference. Consequently, the 0-detector 102 outputs the H-level signal S32 to the AND gates 110 and 106 via the gate 104 until the count outputs of the up-down counter 100 become zero. In addition, as shown in Fig. 6, the modulation-signal generating means 8 according this embodiment outputs an H-level signal S20 in a modulated-driving period during which the modulation signal S5 is output, and the reverse-driving means 22 inputs the H-level signal S20 to the AND gate 110. The reverse-driving means 22 also includes a divider circuit 114 which generates a timing signal having a predetermined cycle for reverse driving by dividing output pulses S1 output from the reference-signal generating means 14, and inputs the timing signal to the AND gate 110. Thereby, in a period during which the H-level signal S20 representing the modulated-driving period, and the H-level signal S32 showing that the count outputs of the up-down counter 100 are values different from zero are input to the AND gate 110, the timing signal output from the divider circuit 114 is output as the pulse signal of the reverse-driving signal S6 unchanged to the display-driving means 16. At this time, the pulses of the reverse-driving signal S6 output from the AND gate 110 are fed back to be input to the down-count terminal of the up-down counter 100 via the OR gate 108. The above-described structure enables the reverse-driving means 22 according to this embodiment to output the reverse-driving signal S6 to the display-driving means so that the time difference between the present time and the real time is zero, based on the time advanced by the modulated movements of pointers, which is obtained by the up-counting, and a lapse of time obtained by the down-counting. Even in the period during which the reverse-driving signal S6 is output, time passes, and the driving-timing signal S7 is input to the down-count terminal of the up-down counter 100. Thus, the reverse-driving signal S6 in which a lapse of time in the reverse-driving period is considered is output. In the above manner the reverse-driving signal S6 is output from the reverse-driving means 22 so that the real time, which would be displayed by the display means 20 if it were not for the modulated movements of pointers, is displayed. Fig. 7 shows an operation flowchart of this embodiment. Since the operations of steps S22 to S28, S30 and S34 are similar to those of steps S2 to S8, S10, S12 and S14 in Fig. 4, descriptions thereof will be omitted. According to this embodiment, when modulated movements of pointers start in step S28, the reverse-driving means 22 simultaneously carries out an operation to find the time difference between the present time and the real time in step S29. After a termination of the modulated movements of pointers in step S30, in step S32, the display means 20 is reversely driven to display the accurate time, based on the time difference obtained by the operation in step S29. Subsequently, in step S34, normal movements of pointers restart. Fig. 8 shows schematic block diagrams of a timepiece device according to a third embodiment of the invention. The timepiece device according to the third embodiment, shown in Fig. 8 (A) is provided with display-control means 24 instead of the reverse-control means 22 of the timepiece device according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 5 (A). Fig. 8 (B) shows a functional block diagram of the display-control means 24, and Fig. 9 shows a timing chart thereof. The structures of an up-down counter 100, a 0-detector 102, a gate 104 and an AND gate 106 which are included in the display-control means 24 are similar to those of the reverse-control means 22 shown in Fig. 5 (B), and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Fig. 10 shows an operation flowchart of this embodiment, in which steps S42 to S50 and S54 correspond to steps S22 to S30 and S34 in the operation flowchart shown in Fig. 7, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the timepiece device according to this embodiment, when modulated movements of pointers start in step S48, the display-control means 24 carries out an operation to find the time difference between the real time and the time advanced by the modulated movements of pointers as shown in step S49. The structure for the operation to find the time difference is similar to that of the reverse-driving means 22 shown in Fig. 5, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the modulated movements of pointers terminate in step S50, the display-control means 24 outputs to the display-driving means 16 a display-control signal S9 for terminating the movements of pointers in step S52. In a period during which the display-control signal S9 is output, the display-driving means 16 does not receive a driving-timing signal S7 output from a reference-signal generating means 14, and terminates outputting motor-driving pulses 10. The display-control means 24 uses an up-down counter 100 to carry out an operation to find the amount of the difference between the time displayed on the display means 22 in a halt of the movements of pointers and the real time, based on the driving-timing signal S7 output from the reference-signal generating means 14. The display-control means 24 outputs the display-control signal S9 to the display-driving means 16 until the amount of the difference becomes zero, and terminates outputting the signal when the difference reaches zero. The display-driving means 16 starts outputting the motor-driving pulses S10 based on the driving-timing signal S7 when the display-control signal S9 is not input thereto. Thereby, normal movements of pointers start in step S54, and a display of the time on the display means 26 by normal movements of pointers restarts. The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, but may be variously modified for practice within the scope of the invention. For example, according to the above-described embodiments, modulated movements of pointers are terminated by comparing a power-supply-voltage Vss and a reference voltage V2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, in other words, modulated movements of pointers may be terminated based on other conditions. For example, by providing timer means for counting a lapse of a time from a start of modulated movements of pointers, outputting a modulation signal S5 may be terminated when the timer means detects a lapse of a predetermined time. The timer means may be formed to be integrated with or to be independent of the modulation-signal generating means. If necessary, when the termination-storage signal is stored in the storage means, a timepiece device according to the present invention may include pointer-movement-start control means for controlling the display-driving means to be in a normal pointer-movement-inhibited condition until the modulated driving terminates. In other words, if the pointer-movement-start control means is not provided, normal movements of pointers start instantly when a start of charging in power-supply means causes a power-supply voltage to exceed a movement-start voltage, and power consumption thereof may cause the movements to be unstable. In contrast, by providing the pointer-movement-start control means, normal movements of pointers can be inhibited to suppress power consumption until charging in the power-supply means becomes sufficient, namely, until the modulated movements of pointers terminate. As a result, charging when operation for charging starts can be efficiently performed, and after a start of charging, the timepiece device can be promptly led to a condition in which stable movements of pointers are performed. In particular, normal driving initially starts in a step in which the modulated movements of pointers terminate, which prevents a situation in which the modulated driving is suddenly performed just after a start of normal driving. Accordingly, an improved timepiece device can be obtained. If necessary, the pointer-movement-start control means may be formed to be integrated with or to be independent of the modulated-pointer-movement generating means. The above-described embodiments have described cases in which modulated driving is performed by modulated movements of analogue display pointers. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but may be designed such that similar modulated driving is performed also in a digital display device. In this case the modulated driving may be designed to operate visually and/or acoustically.

Claims: A timepiece device including: display means (20) for displaying time information; display-driving means (16) for driving said display means (20); termination-detection means (12) for outputting a termination-detection signal when halt of said display means (20) is detected; storage means (10) for holding and outputting a termination-storage signal, based on said termination-detection signal; power-supply means (2) for supplying a voltage to the display driving means (16); power-supply-voltage detection means (4) for outputting a power-supply-voltage detection signal when the voltage from the power-supply means (2) is equal to or more than a first reference voltage which is higher than a movement-start voltage; and modulation-signal generating means (8) for outputting a modulation signal; the modulation signal being output when said power-supply-voltage detection signal is input to said modulation-signal generating means (8) while said termination-storage signal is being input to said modulation-signal generating means (8); said display-driving means (16) performing modulated driving after receipt of said modulation signal for alerting a user of the timepiece device of a start of said display means (20). A timepiece device according to Claim 1, wherein said timepiece device includes reference-signal generating means (14) for generating a reference signal when a voltage capable of driving said display-driving means (16) accumulates in said power-supply means (2), and said termination-detection means (12) outputs said termination-detection signal when said reference signal is not output from said reference-signal generating means (14). A timepiece device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein, after said power-supply-voltage detection signal is input to said storage means (10), the condition of the termination-storage signal is reset. A timepiece device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said power-supply means (2) includes power-generating means and power-storage means, and said power-storage means is charged by said power-generating means. A timepiece device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said display means (20) includes at least two pointers comprising a minute pointer and an hour pointer, and said modulated driving is performed with respect to at least one of said two pointers. A timepiece device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein said modulation-signal generating means (8) outputs said modulation signal after said power-supply-voltage detection signal has been continuously input to said modulated-signal generating means (8) for a predetermined time. A timepiece device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein said modulation-signal generating means (8) terminates output of said modulation signal after a lapse of a predetermined time when the power-supply voltage has been detected by said power-supply-voltage detection means (4) as being equal to or less than a second reference voltage. A timepiece device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein said timepiece device includes display control means (24) for outputting a display-control signal for adjusting time information displayed on said display means (20) so that the time indicated by the display means (20) is adjusted. A timepiece device according to Claim 8, wherein, after the output of said modulation signal is terminated, said display-control means (24) outputs to said display-driving means (16) a reverse-driving signal for reversing the time information displayed on said display means (20) to compensate for the change resulting from the modulated driving. A timepiece device according to Claim 8, wherein said display-control means (24) outputs to said display-driving means (16) a display-control signal for terminating the driving of said display means (20) until the time advanced by the modulated driving coincides with the time which would be displayed by normal driving of the display means (20). A timepiece device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein said timepiece device includes switching means for outputting a switching signal, and said modulation-signal generating means (8) terminates output of said modulation signal when the switching signal is input to said modulation-signal generating means (8). A timepiece device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein said timepiece device includes timer means (6) for measuring the time spent in modulated driving, and said modulation-signal generating means (8) terminates output of said modulation signal after a lapse of a predetermined time spent in modulated driving. A timepiece device according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein said timepiece device includes driving-start control means for controlling said display-driving means (16) to be in a normal-driving-inhibited condition when said termination-storage signal is stored in said storage means (10). A timepiece device according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein said display means (20) displays the time in digital form.

Inventors: KAWAGUCHI TAKASHI, KUBOTA MASARU, KAWAGUCHI, TAKASHI, KUBOTA, MASARU
Applicants: SEIKO EPSON CORP, SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G04C10
IPC codes: G04C10, G04C3, G04G19