Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7372779?ie=ISO-8859-1&dq=7,007,239
Timestamp: 2015-01-31 06:24:34
Document Index: 16576091

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 33', 'art 33', 'art 33', 'art 33', 'art 33', 'art 33', 'art 33', 'art 33', 'art 33']

Patent US7372779 - Radio controlled timepiece and method of controlling the same - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsThe invention is directed to obtaining a radio controlled timepiece that, in a case when the user who uses it moves from one country or one region to another where the time difference is different, has simplified an operation of correcting the time difference between the countries or regions and an operation...http://www.google.com/patents/US7372779?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7372779 - Radio controlled timepiece and method of controlling the sameAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7372779 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 10/498,701PCT numberPCT/JP2003/011376Publication dateMay 13, 2008Filing dateSep 5, 2003Priority dateSep 6, 2002Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS20050094495, WO2004023223A1Publication number10498701, 498701, PCT/2003/11376, PCT/JP/2003/011376, PCT/JP/2003/11376, PCT/JP/3/011376, PCT/JP/3/11376, PCT/JP2003/011376, PCT/JP2003/11376, PCT/JP2003011376, PCT/JP200311376, PCT/JP3/011376, PCT/JP3/11376, PCT/JP3011376, PCT/JP311376, US 7372779 B2, US 7372779B2, US-B2-7372779, US7372779 B2, US7372779B2InventorsAkinari Takada, Takashi Ihara, Masaaki Namekawa, Masami Fukuda, Minoru KobayashiOriginal AssigneeCitizen Holdings Co., Ltd.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (18), Referenced by (2), Classifications (14), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetRadio controlled timepiece and method of controlling the sameUS 7372779 B2Abstract The invention is directed to obtaining a radio controlled timepiece that, in a case when the user who uses it moves from one country or one region to another where the time difference is different, has simplified an operation of correcting the time difference between the countries or regions and an operation of correcting the time difference due to daylight saving time's being executed. To this end, the invention provides a radio controlled timepiece 1 that, in addition to the radio controlled timepiece 1 in the prior art, it further includes offset time difference information storage means 8 that stores an offset time difference between a country where reference time information is formed and a country where a standard radio wave has been received and daylight saving time information storage means 9 that has stored therein for future use information on whether daylight saving time is being executed in the region where the standard radio wave has been received, and local standard time information forming means 10 that, with respect to the reference time information of the standard radio wave that has been received in a particular region, executes calculation processing by using at least either one of offset time difference information with respect to the reference time information corresponding to the particular region and daylight saving time information in the particular region, to thereby form local standard time information in the particular region.
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a radio controlled timepiece and, more specifically, to a radio controlled timepiece the use of which can be made in global districts and eliminates the necessity of performing the correcting operation for a local time in a prescribed area and/or the necessity of performing additional correcting operations for a local time depending upon whether of not the daylight saving time is executed in a prescribed area, thereby the timepiece is convenient to use for a user. Further, the present invention relates to a radio controlled timepiece which when receiving a standard radio wave including time information therein and automatically correcting the time based upon the time information thus has been received enables a setting operation for such time difference and a correcting operation of time to be easily performed.
BACKGROUND ART A timepiece that is constructed so that, by receiving a radio wave including time information, the time may automatically be corrected to a correct time has already been put to practical use. Also, radio waves including time information that are used for radio wave correction, such as a �long wave� radio wave, have nowadays been transmitted in a plurality of countries such as Japan, the United States, Germany, Britain, etc.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION To attain the above object, the invention adopts the basic technical construction that follows. A first aspect of the present invention is a radio controlled timepiece, which comprising a reference signal generating means that outputs a reference signal, a time keeping means that outputs time keeping information based upon the reference signal, a display means that displays time information based upon the time keeping information, and a receiving means that receives a standard radio wave having reference time information, whereby output time information output from the time keeping means can be corrected based upon the reception signal output from the reception means, and further wherein the radio controlled timepiece comprising an offset time difference information storage means that stores an offset time difference formed between a region where the reference time information is formed and a region where the standard radio wave has been received, a daylight saving time information storage means that stores therein information whether or not a daylight saving time is being executed in the region where the standard radio wave has been received and a local standard time information forming means that executes an operational processing for the reference time information of the standard radio wave that has been received in a particular region with utilizing at least one of the offset time difference information with respect to the reference time information corresponding to the particular region and the daylight saving time information used in the particular region, so as to form the local standard time information in the particular region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of a concrete example of A radio controlled timepiece according to the present invention;
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The construction of a specific embodiment of a radio controlled timepiece according to the present invention will hereafter be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The term �region� in the present invention may be the one that indicates an area that has been understood at a country level and the one that indicates a partial area within one country or an area that includes more than one country, which is collected into one body.
Meanwhile, as a standard radio wave including the reference time information that is now already used generally for time correction, as far as Japan is concerned, there are two types that are transmitted from two places, one type of standard radio wave being the one having a frequency of 40 kHz (hereinafter called �JJY 40�) that is transmitted from the Prefecture of Fukushima and the other type of standard radio wave being the one having a frequency of 60 kHz (hereinafter called �JJY 60�) that is being transmitted from the District of Kyushu.
On the other hand, in the United States of America, as stated before, there is used a standard radio wave that is transmitted from the State of Colorado (hereinafter called �WWVB�).
Also, in Germany, there is used a standard radio wave that is transmitted from Frankfurt and that is called �DCF 77� while in Great Britain there is used a standard radio wave that is transmitted from Rugby and that is called �MSF�.
Also, the waveform of the transmission radio waves used in one country is different from that used in other country and, therefore, the selection of country can be performed by checking the frequency or the frequency and the transmission waveform�.
Therefore, in a case when the user performs time correction by his manual operation that uses the switch means 11, it is necessary to store in the time difference information in the offset time different information storage means 8, not a time difference information of −14 hours that is the time difference between Japan and New York but a time difference information saying that �alter the same from +9 hours to −5 hours�. If doing so, even the above-described way of using doesn't cause the occurrence of a shift in time.
After start, in a step (S-1), a resetting operation is performed, and, in a step (S-2), for example, in a case when A radio controlled timepiece 1 that is used is an analog type timepiece, an operation for adjusting the �0� position is performed. In a step (S-3), the frequency information of a standard radio wave that is to be received is initialized to thereby set a code number for a reception station FQN to FQN=0 for future operations. Up to this step of operation are initial operations.
Thereafter, in a step (S-4), it is determined whether or not the user has operated the switch 11 of A radio controlled timepiece 1 and the time correction processing operation using a radio controlled timepiece 1 has thereby been started. If �NO�, the step (S-4) is repeatedly executed while if �YES�, the flow proceeds to a step (S-5), in which there is executed an operation of calling a reception station (JJY 40, JJY 60, or WWVB) for the standard radio wave that was previously received. The flow then proceeds to a step (S-6), in which the reception station FQN for the standard radio wave that was previously received is inserted into a prescribed buffer FQNA (FQNA=FQN).
Therefore, if in the step (S-7) the determination is �YES�, namely in a case in that no reception has ever been made after the resetting operation, the flow proceeds to a step (S-8), in which setting operation is performed to compulsively adjust the reception station for the standard radio wave that is to be received to JJY 40. Namely, setting operation to set FQNA=1 is performed and then the flow proceeds to a step (S-9), in which an operation for determining whether or not the standard radio wave from the JJY 40 that has been set can be received, is executed.
On the other hand, in a case when in the step (S-7) �NO� determination is made, namely in a case when in the previous reception operation a particular standard radio wave could have been received, the flow similarly proceeds to the step (S-9), in which there is executed an operation of determining whether or not the standard radio wave that could be received in the previous reception operation can also be received this time.
In the step (S-9), if �NO� determination is made, namely in a case when it has been determined that the standard radio wave that has been designated is unable to be received, the flow proceeds to a step (S-10), in which it is determined whether all the standard radio waves have been checked, in other words, whether or not all radio wave output stations that output the standard radio waves each having a prescribed frequency, which are foreseen or anticipated, have been checked.
And, in a case when �YES� determination is made in the step (S-10), since it is determined that the standard radio waves is impossible to receive, the flow proceeds to a step (S-16), in which any reception operation is stopped.
On the other hand, in a case when �NO� determination is made in the step (S-10), the flow proceeds to a step (S-11), in which, for receiving another standard radio wave or for changing the transmission station that is transmitting a relevant standard radio wave, the value of the frequency code number (FQN) is incremented by 1 (FQNA=FQN +1). Then the flow proceeds to a step (S-12), in which it is determined whether or not the frequency code number of the standard radio wave that has newly been selected is a final code number.
Accordingly, in a case when �YES� is made in the step (S-12), the flow proceeds to the step (S-13), thereby the FQNA=1 is confirmed, so that the processing is returned to selecting operation for selecting the JJY 40 standard radio wave.
Also, in a case when �NO� determination is made in the step (S-12), the flow is returned to the step (S-9), whereby the above-described respective steps are repeatedly executed.
On the other hand, in a case when �YES� is made in the step (S-9), that is, it has been able to be confirmed that the standard radio wave that is planed to be received is in a state of being able to be received, the flow proceeds to a step (S-14), in which that reception station is determined and the FQNA is set accordingly.
If �NO�, the flow returns to a step (S-16), in which the reception operation for that standard radio wave is stopped.
However if �YES�, the flow proceeds to a step (S-17), in which it is determined whether or not the frequency code number FQNA of the standard radio wave that has been is either 1 or 2.
In a case when �YES� is made in the step (S-31), namely in a case when both the previous reception and the present reception were made in America, the flow proceeds to a step (S-32), in which it is determined whether or not the time correction operation has already been performed by the user's manual operation.
If �NO� is made in the step (S-32), the flow proceeds to a step (S-34), in which the reception time, time difference value, and the daylight saving time data is displayed.
On the other hand, if �YES� is made in the step (S-32), the flow proceeds to a step (S-33), in which from the daylight saving time conditions in the previous reception and that in the present reception, adjusting operation for adjusting the time difference, based on using the daylight saving time, is automatically performed according to, for example, the algorism that follows.
When previous When present Conditions for reception is made reception is made processing 0 0 No change is made in time difference value 0 1 Time difference value is made −1 1 1 Time difference value is made +1 1 0 No change is made in time difference value In the algorism above, the �0� represents the standard time, and the �1� represents the daylight saving time's time.
Subsequently, if �YES� is made in this step (S-32) and, in addition, after a step (S-33) has been executed, as well, the flow proceeds to a step (S-34), in which the time difference value that is necessary for the UTC time that has been received and the local standard time information that has been formed by performing addition or subtraction processing on the daylight saving time data are displayed in the display means. Then, the flow proceeds to a step (S-35), in which the station that transmits the standard radio wave that has been received is stored in the prescribed storage means, to thereby execute updating processing. Then, the flow proceeds to a step (S-36), in which the time difference correction history is cleared to END.
Also, in a case when �NO� is made in the step (S-31), or �NO� is made in a step (S-39) as described later, a separate unit of processing is provided after the END of that flow chart.
On the other hand, in a case when �NO� is made in the step (S-31), that is, in a case when the previous reception is either in Japan or the first reception that the user succeeded in making after he had done resetting (ALL RESET), the flow proceeds to a step (S-37), in which it is determined whether or not FQN=0.
Accordingly, in a case when �YES� is made in the step (S-37), it results that in the step (S-38) the determined data is set as the local standard time information in one of the regions that have been determined beforehand.
On the other hand, in a case when �NO� is made in the step of (S-37), the flow proceeds to a step (S-39), in which it is determined whether or not before reception that has been made this time, time correction operation was performed with the user's manual operation.
Thereupon, in the step (S-39), it is determined whether or not the time difference correction operation that includes the manual operation that is performed by the user in the plane, has already been performed. If �NO�, the flow proceeds to the step (S-38), after the execution of that the above-described respective steps are executed.
On the other hand, if �YES� in the step (S-39), the flow proceeds to the step (S-33), in which the adjusting operation for daylight saving time is performed, after which the above-described respective steps are executed.
Here, if attempting to explain about the flow chart of FIG. 5, after start, in a step (S-98), it is determined whether or not correction for time difference was performed. If �NO�, the processing comes to END. However, if �YES�, the flow proceeds to a step (S-99), in which the time setting flag is set �ON� (ZESA_SYU=1). Subsequently, the flow proceeds to a step (S-100), in which the range for correction for time difference is set.
Also, at the position corresponding to �50 seconds� on the peripheral portion of the display part 33 there is marked the word �SET� indicating that the time difference is being set.
Also, at the position corresponding to �45 seconds� there is marked the symbol ��0� indicating that the time difference is not set. This is for the purpose of indicating the stored state of the time difference data P14 by way of a second hand 33 a, the detail of that will be described later.
Incidentally, although, in this embodiment, the marks �SET� and ��0� have been assigned, respectively, at the positions of �50 seconds� and �45 seconds�, they maybe assigned at other positions and, in addition, the symbols or word letters may also be arbitrarily determined.
Incidentally, in the normal hand-movement in the flow ST1, it is premised that the stem 35 is located at the position of zero position (namely, the switches S3 and S4 are both turned �OFF�).
Next, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P1 and knows the state of the switch S1 and determines whether or not the switch S1 is depressed. When �YES� is made (namely the operation button 36 is depressed), the flow proceeds to a flow ST3 and, when �NO� is made, the flow proceeds to a flow ST10 (flow ST2). Here, the switch S1 functions as a switch for making a transfer to the time difference setting mode, and, the processing that is executed from a flow ST3 and those being followed thereafter becomes the one that is in the time difference setting mode.
Hereinafter, the operational flows from the flow ST3 downward, i.e. the ones in the time difference setting mode will be explained. When a radio controlled timepiece 31 is transferred to the time difference setting mode, in a case when the time difference data P14 is already stored and set in the storage circuit 46, the second hand 33 a is moved to the above-described position �SET� of the display part 33 while, on the other hand, in a case when the time difference data P14 is not set (namely when the time difference data P14=zero time), the second hand 33 a is moved to the position ��0� of the display part 33 (flow ST3) corresponding to the position of the 45 second. FIG. 15( b) illustrates an example of the displayed state of the display part 33 in the stage of flow ST3. Here, since no time difference is set, the second hand 33 a is moved to the position ��0�, i.e. the position corresponding to �45 seconds�. Accordingly, in the flow ST3, the user can confirm the presence or absence of the setting for time difference by the motion of the second hand 33 a. Next, the time difference inputting flow, executed by rotating the stem 35, in the time difference setting mode will be explained. The microcomputer 45, by inputting a switch signal P5, detects the state of the switch S5 that is turned ON interlockingly with the rotation of the stem 35 in the direction to 12 o'clock, and determines whether or not the switch S5 has been turned ON. When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 12 o'clock), the operational flow proceeds to a flow ST11, whereas, when �NO� is made, it proceeds to the next flow ST5 (flow ST4).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST4, the microcomputer 45 adds 1 hour to the time difference data P14 and causes this new time difference P14 to be stored in the storage circuit 46. At the same time, it also adds 1 hour to the time keeping data P13 that is the time keeping information of the time keeping means 45 c (flow ST11). Here, as a result of the fact that the time keeping means 45 c has been added by 1 hour thereto, the time keeping data P13 becomes 11 (hour):10 (minutes) a.m. from 10 (hour):10 (minutes) a.m.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST4, the microcomputer 45 inputs a switch signal P6 and detects the state of the switch S6 whether or not that becomes ON interlockingly with the rotation in the direction to 6 o'clock of the stem 35. It thereby determines whether or not the switch S6 has been made (turned) ON.
When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 6 o'clock), the operational flow proceeds to a flow ST12, whereas, when �NO� is made, it proceeds to a flow ST6 (flow ST5).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST5, the microcomputer 45 subtracts 1 hour from the time difference data P14 and stores this new time difference data P14 into the storage circuit 46.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST5, the microcomputer 45 inputs a switch signal P1 and detects the state of the switch S1. It thereby determines whether or not the switch S1 has been depressed. When �YES� is made (namely the operation button 36 has been depressed), the operational flow is returned to the normal hand-movement in the flow ST1, whereas, when �NO� is made, it proceeds to the next flow ST7 (flow ST6). Namely, when the switch S1 is depressed again in the time difference setting mode showing in the flow s as defined by the flows after the flow ST3 inclusive, it results that the operation is returned to the normal hand-movement.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST6, the microcomputer 45 examines the value of a timer (not illustrated) within it and determines whether or not a predetermined elapsed time has passed. When �YES� is made (namely the time is zero second), the operation is returned to the normal hand-movement in the flow ST1, whereas, when �NO� is made, the operation proceeds to the next flow ST7.
Here, since the timer within the microcomputer 45 counts down when all the switches S1 to S6 are in the �OFF� state, the flow ST7 operates as an auto-return function so that it automatically returns to the normal hand-movement when the user in the time difference setting mode continues his or her non-operation status for a fixed amount of time.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST7, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P2 and knows the state of the switch S2 and determines whether or not the switch S2 had been depressed for a long time. When �YES� is made (namely the operation button 37 had been depressed for a long time), the operation proceeds to a flow ST13, whereas, when �NO� is made, the operation is returned to the flow ST4 (flow ST8).
Next, when �YES� is made in the flow ST8, in the flow 13, the microcomputer 45 starts the time difference clearing means 45 d to output time difference clear signal P17 and then clears the time difference data P14 stored in the storage circuit 46 to make it zero time. Thereafter, the control operation is returned to the flow ST4 (flow ST13).
Also, in a case when �NO� is made in the flow ST8 and, without the flow ST13 being executed, the control operation is returned to the normal hand-movement by depressing of the switch S1 or operation of the timer, the time difference data P14 in the storing means 46 is freed from being cleared and is valid.
Next, an explanation will be given of a case where �NO� determination is made in the flow ST2. Namely, when �NO� determination is made in the flow ST2, the microcomputer 45 in the flow ST10 inputs a switch signal P3 and detects the state of the switch S3 and determines whether the switch S3 has been turned ON (namely the stem has been pulled by one step). When in the flow ST10 �YES� determination is made, the control operation is transferred to the calendar/second and minute correction mode, whereas, when �NO� determination is made, the control operation is returned to the flow ST1, whereby the normal hand-movement continues to be performed (flow ST10).
Next, an explanation will be given of a method of manually performing correction of calendar/second and minute. When �YES� determination is made in the flow ST10, a transfer is made to the calendar/second and minute correction mode that follows a flow ST20 and its thereafter-succeeding flows that are illustrated in FIG. 11. Here, in the flow ST20, the microcomputer 45 inputs a switch signal P4 and detects the state of the switch S4 and determines whether the switch S4 has been turned ON (namely the stem 35 has been pulled by two steps). When �YES� determination is made, the flow proceeds to a flow ST30 in which the second and minute correction mode is executed, whereas, when �NO� determination is made, the flow proceeds to a flow ST21 in which the calendar correction mode is executed (flow ST20).
Next, an explanation will be given of the calendar correction mode that is executed when �NO� determination is made in the flow ST20. The microcomputer 45 inputs a switch signal P5 and detects or knows the state of the switch S5 and determines whether the switch S5 has been turned ON. When �YES� determination is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 12 o'clock), the flow proceeds to a flow ST22, whereas, when �NO� determination is made, the flow proceeds to a flow ST23 (flow ST21).
When �YES� determination is made in the flow ST21, the microcomputer 45 adds +1 to month data of the time keeping means 45 c and updates the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c. Then, it moves the second hand 33 a to a �month� display position that is predetermined, though not illustrated (flow ST22). Although the detail is omitted, it may be arranged that not only correction of �month� but also correction of year that has lapsed from a relevant leap year be performed along with correction of �month�. Incidentally, after finishing the execution of the flow ST22, the flow proceeds to a flow ST25 that will be described later.
Next, when �NO� determination is made in the flow ST21, the microcomputer 45 inputs a switch signal P6 and knows the state of the switch S6 and determines whether the switch S6 is turned ON. When �YES� determination is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 6 o'clock), the flow proceeds to a flow ST24, whereas, when �NO� determination is made, the flow proceeds to a flow ST25 (flow ST23).
When �YES� determination is made in the flow ST23, the microcomputer 45 subtracts −1 from the month data in the time keeping means 45 c and updates the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c. Then, although not illustrated, it moves the second hand 33 a to the �month� display position that is predetermined (flow ST24). Although the detail is omitted, it may be arranged that not only correction of �month� but also correction of year that has lapsed from a relevant leap year be performed along with correction of �month�. Incidentally, after finishing the execution of the flow ST24, the flow proceeds to a flow ST25.
Next, after executing the flow ST22 and flow ST24, or in case �NO� determination is made in the flow ST23, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P3 and knows or detects the state of the switch S3 and determines whether the switch S3 is in ON state (namely the stem 35 is pulled by one step). When �YES� determination is made, the flow is returned to the flow ST20, whereas, when �NO� determination is made, the microcomputer finishes the execution of the calendar/second and minute correction. Thereby, the control is returned to the normal hand-movement (flow ST25).
Next, an explanation will be given of the second and minute correction mode that is executed when �YES� determination has been made in the flow ST20. The microcomputer 45 resets the second data of the time keeping data P13 to zero second and then moves the second hand 33 a to the zero-second position (flow ST30).
Next, the microcomputer 45 in a flow ST31 inputs the switch signal P5 and detects the state of the switch S5 and determines whether the switch S5 has been turned ON. When �YES� determination (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 12 o'clock), the control operation proceeds to a flow ST32, whereas, when �NO� determination is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST33 (flow ST31).
When �YES� determination is made in the flow ST31, the microcomputer 45 adds +1 to the minute data of the time keeping means 45 c and, according to the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c, although not illustrated, advances the minute hand 33 b by the extent of one minute (flow ST32). Incidentally, after termination of the flow ST32, the control proceeds to a flow ST99.
Next, when �NO� determination is made in the flow ST31, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P6 and detects the state of the switch S6 and determines whether the switch S6 has been turned ON. When �YES� determination is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 6 o'clock), the control proceeds to a flow ST34, whereas, when �NO� determination is made, the control proceeds to the flow ST99 (flow ST33).
When �YES� determination is made in the flow ST33, the microcomputer 45 subtracts −1 from the minute data of the time keeping means 45 c and delays the minute second 33 b although not illustrated according to the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c (flow ST34). Incidentally, after termination of the flow ST34, the control flow proceeds to the flow ST99.
Next, in the flow ST99, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P4 and detects the state of the switch S4 and determines whether the switch S4 has been turned ON (namely the stem 35 has been pulled by two steps). When �YES� determination is made, the flow proceeds to the flow ST31, whereas, when �NO� determination is made, the flow proceeds to the flow ST25 (flow ST99). As a result, if, at the point of time when correcting the minute hand 33 b has finished being performed, returning the stem 35 to the �zero� step position according to the �zero� second at the standard time over the telephone, etc., �NO� determination is made in both the flow ST99 and the flow ST25 and the flow is returned to the ordinary run of hand. Therefore, the second hand 33 a can also be subjected to accurate correction of the time.
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, by depressing the operation button 36, A radio controlled timepiece 31 is transited to the time difference setting mode. And, by rotating the stem 35 in the direction to 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock at the �zero� step position of that stem 35, the time difference data P14 with respect to the time information that has been received can be input in units of an hour. The input operation system in this time difference setting mode corresponds to the first input operation system that is defined in the present invention.
Incidentally, since in the storage circuit 46 the time difference data P14 of −1 hour was stored during his stay in England, +1 hour is added to that value, with the result that the time difference data P14 of the storage circuit 46 becomes �zero� time.
Next, the user returns the stem 35 to the original �zero� step position and operates the operation button 36 and depresses the switch S1 in order to transfer the current mode to the time difference setting mode. As a result, the control is transferred to the flow ST3 illustrated in FIG. 10 to become the time difference setting mode. If in this state by rotating the stem 35 in the direction to 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock, the time difference data P14 is stored into the storage circuit 46 and simultaneously the time data of the time keeping means 45 c is corrected.
FIG. 16( a) illustrates the displayed state of the display part 33 during the normal hand-movement operation and, as an example, is displaying a state of 10 (hour):10 (minute):00 (second) a.m. and a 7th day as the date. Incidentally, in the normal hand-movement in the flow ST40, it is premised that the stem 35 is located at the position of zero steps (namely the switches S3 and S4 are both �OFF�). Also, in the normal hand-movement at this stage, there can be assumed two cases, in one of that a standard radio wave is received and accurate time is being carried by the hands in correct synchronism with the standard time and in the other of that hand-movement is being made in a state where, for some reason or other, the timepiece is unable to receive the standard radio wave, or the timepiece is not receiving the standard radio wave.
Next, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P1 and knows the state of the switch S1 and determine whether or not the switch S1 is depressed. When �YES� is made (namely the operation button 36 is depressed), the control proceeds to a flow ST42, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST50 (flow ST41). Here, the switch S1 functions as a switch for causing transferring the flow to the time difference setting mode and, after the flow ST42, the time difference setting mode becomes executed.
Next, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signals P3 and P4 and detects the states of the switch S3 and switch S4 and determines whether or not the switch S3 or S4 has been turned ON (namely whether or not the stem 35 has been pulled by one step or by two steps). When �YES� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST44, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST51 (flow ST43).
When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 12 o'clock), the control proceeds to a flow ST53, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to the next flow ST45 (flow ST44).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST44, the microcomputer 45 adds 1 hour to the time difference data P14 to store the time difference data P14 that has been updated into the storage circuit 46 and simultaneously also adds 1 hour to the time keeping means 45 c (flow ST53). Here, since 1 hour is added to the time keeping means 45 c, the time keeping data P13 becomes from 10 (hour):10 (minute) a.m. to 11 (hour):10 (minute) a.m. As a result, the hour hand 33 c of the display part 33 that is driven by time keeping data P13 is moved to the time position that has been advanced by 1 hour. Also, as a result of the fact that 1 hour has been added to the time difference, the second hand 33 a that serves to monitor the state of time difference is moved to the position having a time difference of +1 (namely the position of 35 seconds). Incidentally, after executing the flow ST53, the control is returned to the flow ST44, whereby the determination on the switch S5 is repeatedly executed.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST44, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P6 and knows or detects the state in that the switch S6 that is turned ON interlockingly with the rotation of the stem 35 in the direction to 6 o'clock and determines whether or not the switch S6 has been turned ON. When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 6 o'clock), the control proceeds to a flow ST54, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST46 (flow ST45).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST45, the microcomputer 45 subtracts 1 hour from the time difference data P14 to store the time difference data P14 that has been updated into the storage circuit 46 and simultaneously also subtracts 1 hour from the time keeping means 45 c (flow ST54). Here, since 1 hour is subtracted from the time keeping means 45 c, the time keeping data P13 is changed from 10 (hour):10 (minute) a.m. to 9 (hour):10 (minute) a.m. As a result, the hour hand 33 c of the display part 33 that is driven by the time keeping data P13 is moved to the time position that has been delayed by the extent of 1 hour. Also, as a result of the fact that 1 hour has been subtracted from the time difference, the second hand 33 a that serves to monitor the state of time difference is carried to the position having a time difference of −1 (namely the position of 45 seconds). Incidentally, after executing the flow ST54, the control is returned to the flow ST44, whereby the determination on the switch S5/S6 is repeatedly executed.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST45, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signals P3 and P4 and knows the state of the switches S3 and S4 and determines whether or not the switches S3 and S4 have been turned OFF (namely the stem 35 has been returned to the zero step position). When �YES� is made, the control proceeds to the flow ST40 for normal hand-movement, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control is returned to the flow ST44, in which determination on the switches S5 and S6 is repeatedly executed (flow ST46).
Next, the flow that follows the flow ST51 will be explained. When �NO� is made in the flow ST43, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P1 and knows the state of the switch S1 and determines whether or not the switch S1 has been turned ON. When �YES� is made (namely the operation button 36 has been depressed), the control is returned to the flow ST40 for the normal hand-movement, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to the next flow ST52 (flow ST51). Namely, when, during monitoring the state of time difference in the flow ST42, the switch S1 is again depressed by the operation button 36 without pulling the stem is, the control is returned to the normal hand-movement.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST51, the microcomputer 45 checks the value of the built-in timer (not illustrated) and determines whether or not the predetermined elapsed time has been passed. When �YES� is made, the control is returned to the normal hand-movement in the flow ST40, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control is returned to monitoring the state of time difference in the flow ST42 (flow ST52). Here, since the built-in timer of the microcomputer 45 counts down when all the switches S1 to S6 are in their OFF state, the flow ST52 operates as an auto-return function whereby the current mode can automatically returned to the normal hand-movement operation with the user continues a condition in which no operation is performed for a predetermined period, under the time difference state monitoring mode.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST41, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P3 and knows the state of the switch S3 and determines whether or not the switch S3 has been turned ON (namely the stem 35 has been pulled by one step). When �YES� is made, the control is transferred to the calendar/time correction mode, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control is returned to the normal hand-movement in the flow ST40 (flow ST50).
Next, the calendar/time correction method will be explained with reference to FIG. 13. When �YES� is made in the flow ST50, the control is transferred to the calendar/time correction mode that is executed from the flow ST60 and its successive flows, that is illustrated in FIG. 13. Here, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P2 and knows the state of the switch S2 and determines whether or not the switch S2 has been turned ON (namely the operation button 37 has been operated). When �YES� is made, the control proceeds to a manual hour/date correction mode, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST61 (flow ST60).
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST60, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P4 and knows the state of the switch S4 and determines whether or not the switch S4 has been turned ON (namely the stem 35 has been pulled by two steps). When �YES� is made, the control is transferred to a flow ST70 for executing the second/minute correction mode, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST62 for executing a calendar correction mode (flow ST61).
Next, the calendar correction mode in a case when �NO� is made in the flow ST61 will be explained. The microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P5 and knows the state of the switch S5 and determines whether or not the switch S5 has been turned ON. When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 12 o'clock), the control proceeds to a flow ST63, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST64 (flow ST62).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST62, the microcomputer 45 adds +1 to the month data of the time keeping means 45 c of the microcomputer 45 and the second hand 33 a moves to the month display position that is predetermined although not illustrated by the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c (flow ST63). Although the detail is omitted, it may be arranged that not only the correction of month but also the correction of the passed years that have lapsed from a relevant leap year be executed. Incidentally, after executing the flow ST63, the control proceeds to a flow ST66 that will be described later.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST62, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P6 and knows the state of the switch S6 and determines whether or not the switch S6 has been turned ON. When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 6 o'clock), the control proceeds to a flow ST65, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST66 that will be described later (flow ST64).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST64, the microcomputer 45 subtracts −1 from the month data of the time keeping means 45 c and the second hand 33 a moves to the month display position that is predetermined although not illustrated by the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c (flow ST65). Although the detail is omitted, it may be arranged that not only the correction of month but also the correction of the passed years that have lapsed from a relevant leap year be executed. Incidentally, after executing the flow ST65, the control proceeds to a flow ST66 that will be described later.
Next, after finishing the flow ST63 and flow ST65, when �NO� is made in the flow ST64, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P3 and knows the state of the switch S3 and determines whether or not the switch S3 has been turned ON (namely the stem 35 has been pulled by one step or not). When �YES� is made, the control is returned to the flow ST60, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control finishes the current calendar/time correction mode and is returned to the normal hand-movement (flow ST66).
Next, the second and minute correction mode that the control is about to be transferred when �YES� determination has been made in the flow ST6 will be explained. The microcomputer 45 resets the second data of the time keeping data P13 to zero second and thereby moves the second hand 33 a to the zero second position (flow ST70).
Next, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal S5 and knows the state of the switch S5 and determines whether or not the switch S5 has been turned ON. When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 12 o'clock), the control proceeds to a flow ST72, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST73 (flow ST71).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST71, the time keeping means 45 c of the microcomputer 45 adds +1 to the minute data of the time keeping means 45 c and advances the minute hand 33 b (not Shown) by 1 minute by the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c although not illustrated (flow ST72). Incidentally, after finishing the flow ST72, the control proceeds to a flow ST98.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST71, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P6 and knows the state of the switch S6 and determines whether or not the switch S6 has been turned ON. When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 6 o'clock), the control proceeds to a flow ST74, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST98 (flow ST73).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST73, the microcomputer 45 subtracts −1 from the minute data of the time keeping means 45 c and delays the minute hand 33 b by 1 minute although not illustrated by the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c (flow ST74). Incidentally, after finishing the flow ST74, the control proceeds to a flow ST98.
Next, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P4 and senses the state of the switch S4 and determines whether or not the switch S4 has been turned ON (namely the stem 35 has been pulled by two steps). When �YES� is made, the control proceeds to the flow ST71, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to the flow ST66 (flow ST98). As a result, when, at the point of time when correction of the minute hand 33 b has finished, if the stem 35 is returned to the zero step position according to the zero second at the standard time that is transmitted over a relevant telephone, �NO� is made in both the flow ST98 and flow ST66, whereby the control is returned to the normal hand-movement. Therefore, it is possible to perform accurate time adjustment for the second hand 33 a. Next, the manual hour/date correction method will be explained with reference to FIG. 14. In the flow ST60, when �YES� is made, in the flow 80, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P5 and knows the state of the switch S5 and determines whether or not the switch S5 has been turned ON. When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 12 o'clock), the control proceeds to a flow ST81, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST82 (flow ST80).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST80, the microcomputer 45 adds +1 to the hour data of the time keeping means 45 c and advances the hour hand 33 c by 1 hour although not illustrated by the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c. Also, when the gear train mechanism (not illustrated) built in the display part 33 operates to move the hour hand 33 c reaches at the neighborhood of zero time before noon, the date display part 33 d is advanced by 1 day (flow ST81) Incidentally, after executing the flow ST81, the control proceeds to a flow ST84 that will be described later.
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST80, the control proceeds to a flow ST82 and the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P6 and knows the state of the switch S6 and determines whether or not the switch S6 has been turned ON. When �YES� is made (namely the stem 35 has been rotated in the direction to 6 o'clock), the control proceeds to a flow ST83, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to a flow ST84 (flow ST82).
When �YES� is made in the flow ST82, the microcomputer 45 subtracts −1 from the hour data of the time keeping means 45 c and delays the move of the hour hand 33 c, although not illustrated, by 1 hour by the time keeping data P13 that is the output of the time keeping means 45 c (flow ST83). Incidentally, after finishing the flow ST83, the control proceeds to a flow ST84.
Next, the control that is executed from the flow ST84 and its successive flows, will be explained. After finishing the flow ST81 and flow ST83, or when �NO� is made in the flow ST82, the microcomputer 45 inputs the switch signal P2 and knows the state of the switch S2 and determines whether or not the switch S2 has been depressed. When �YES� is made (namely the operation button 37 has been depressed). The control is returned to the flow ST60 for calendar/time correction mode, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control proceeds to the next flow ST85 (flow ST84)
Next, when �NO� is made in the flow ST84, the microcomputer 45 checks the value of the built-in timer (not illustrated) and determines whether or not a predetermined elapsed time has passed.
When �YES� is made, the control is returned to the flow ST60 for the calendar/time correction mode, whereas, when �NO� is made, the control is returned to the flow ST80 that is the leading flow for the manual hour/date correction mode (flow ST85).
Also, the respective flow charts illustrated as the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. But, if satisfying the respective functions, the operation flows can arbitrarily be set. Also, although the time difference data P14 stored into the storage circuit 46 has been prepared in units of an hour, the invention is not limited to that value but permits that data P14 to be in units of, for example, 5 minutes or 10 minutes. And, if it is arranged that, for allowing the user to have some room for acquiring a surplus amount of time not for allowing realizing the concept �correction for time difference�, a value of, for example, 10 minutes be stored in the storage circuit 46, the radio controlled timepiece 31 can display with respect to the received standard time the time that is always kept advanced by the 10-minute amount of time.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4582434 *Apr 23, 1984Apr 15, 1986Heath CompanyTime corrected, continuously updated clockUS5068838 *Jul 18, 1990Nov 26, 1991Klausner Patent TechnologiesLocation acquisition and time adjusting systemUS5247440 *May 3, 1991Sep 21, 1993Motorola, Inc.Location influenced vehicle control systemUS5408444 *Jun 16, 1992Apr 18, 1995Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Electronic timepiece capable of receiving signals from satellitesUS5490122 *May 22, 1992Feb 6, 1996Sony CorporationClock apparatusUS5901115 *Sep 25, 1996May 4, 1999Helmut Hechinger Gmbh & Co.Analog radio clock with time zone conversionUS6269055 *Nov 16, 1998Jul 31, 2001Quartex, A Division Of Primex, Inc.Radio-controlled clock movementUS6278660 *Apr 29, 1996Aug 21, 2001Sun Microsystems, Inc.Time-zone-tracking timepieceUS6304618 *Aug 31, 1998Oct 16, 2001Ericsson Inc.Methods and systems for reducing co-channel interference using multiple timings for a received signalUS6563765 *Jun 15, 2000May 13, 2003Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Clock systemUS6876600 *May 23, 2001Apr 5, 2005Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Portable terminal apparatus having automatic adjustment function for time differenceJP2001108769A Title not availableJP2001235568A Title not availableJP2002196088A Title not availableJPH0712966A Title not availableJPH06160551A Title not availableJPS54127358A Title not availableJPS63250584A Title not available* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8264914 *Sep 14, 2010Sep 11, 2012Seiko Epson CorporationElectronic timepiece and time adjustment method for an electronic timepieceUS20110063952 *Sep 14, 2010Mar 17, 2011Seiko Epson CorporationElectronic Timepiece And Time Adjustment Method For An Electronic Timepiece* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification368/21, 368/47International ClassificationG04C11/02, G04C9/02, G04B19/22, G04G9/00, G04G5/00Cooperative ClassificationG04R20/12, G04G9/0076, G04G5/002, G04C9/02European ClassificationG04G9/00G, G04G5/00B, G04C9/02Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionOct 12, 2011FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Jun 14, 2007ASAssignmentOwner name: CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD., JAPANFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.;REEL/FRAME:019453/0258Effective date: 20070401Dec 20, 2004ASAssignmentOwner name: CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD., JAPANFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TAKADA, AKINARI;IHARA, TAKASHI;NAMEKAWA, MASAAKI;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:016146/0725Effective date: 20040628RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services