JP7483647B2 - Electronic clock, external device and system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic watch, an external device, and a system.

Electronic watches equipped with Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are known as configurations for communicating between electronic watches and external devices (for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent document 1 discloses a wireless communication device that includes a battery that supplies the power required for the device to operate, and a control unit that determines whether or not specific data can be overwritten with data expected to be received from another wireless communication device based on the temperature of the device detected by a detection unit and the remaining charge in the battery, and if the control unit determines that the data cannot be overwritten, controls the communication unit to transmit a determination result indicating that the data cannot be overwritten and the reason for this to the other wireless communication device.

JP 2018-155563 A

However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the above-mentioned control can be performed when the control unit is operating, and when the remaining battery power drops extremely low and the control unit stops, communication itself becomes impossible and a connection error occurs. Therefore, when the remaining battery power of the wireless communication device is low, the other wireless communication device cannot receive a response from the wireless communication device, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to recognize the reason why communication was not possible.

The present invention aims to provide an electronic watch that can transmit to an external device information about the circumstances under which the electronic watch was able or unable to communicate with the external device, even if a voltage drop occurs that is so severe that the control unit stops operating.

An electronic watch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized by having a communication unit that communicates between a power source and an external device, a control unit that processes a signal received from the external device, a detection unit that detects the voltage of the power source, a determination unit that determines whether the voltage of the power source is less than a first threshold, a memory unit that stores flag data indicating that the control unit is in a voltage reduction mode when the determination result by the determination unit is less than the first threshold, and a communication control unit that has a function of operating using external power from an external device, refers to the flag data in the memory unit, and responds to the external device based on the flag data or transmits the flag data.

In an electronic watch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the flag data corresponds to a voltage drop mode, the communication control unit may transmit to an external device a message indicating that the control unit is stopped.

In an electronic watch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the determination unit may further determine whether the voltage is less than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the memory unit may store the determination result by the determination unit, and the communication control unit may refer to the memory unit, and if the voltage is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, cause the control unit to execute a predetermined process according to the content of the signal received from the external device, and transmit the process result to the external device.

In an electronic watch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the specified process may be at least one of the following processes: time correction, time difference correction, battery voltage status notification, power generation status notification, and charging status notification.

In an electronic watch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication control unit may determine whether the contents of a signal received from an external device are processable by the communication control unit, and if the contents are processable by the communication control unit, the communication control unit may process the signal and transmit the processing results to the external device.

An external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized by having an external device-side communication unit that receives information indicating the state of the voltage of the power supply of the electronic watch from the electronic watch, and an external device-side control unit that determines whether the voltage of the power supply of the electronic watch is in a voltage reduction mode in which it is less than a first threshold value, based on the information indicating the state of the voltage of the power supply of the electronic watch received from the electronic watch.

The system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a system including an electronic watch and an external device, in which the electronic watch has a communication unit that communicates between a power source and the external device, a control unit that processes a signal received from the external device, a detection unit that detects the voltage of the power source, a determination unit that determines whether the voltage of the power source is less than a first threshold, a memory unit that stores flag data indicating that the control unit is in a voltage reduction mode when the determination result by the determination unit is less than the first threshold, and a communication control unit that has a function of operating using external power from the external device, refers to the flag data in the memory unit, and responds to the external device based on the flag data or transmits the flag data, and the external device has an external device-side communication unit that receives a signal from the electronic watch, and an external device-side control unit that determines whether the control unit of the electronic watch is in a voltage reduction mode based on the response signal based on the flag data received from the electronic watch or the flag data.

According to an electronic watch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a voltage drop occurs that causes the control unit to stop operating, the electronic watch can transmit to an external device information about the circumstances under which the electronic watch was able to communicate with the external device or was unable to communicate.

1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a system including an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a configuration diagram of a system including an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a system including an electronic timepiece according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a system including an electronic timepiece according to another modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for determining a mode of an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 11A to 11D are display examples of a menu screen of an external device that communicates with an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 13A to 13D are display examples of processing results received by an external device from an electronic timepiece when the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is in normal mode. 13A to 13D are display examples of processing results received by an external device from an electronic timepiece when the electronic timepiece according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is in a voltage drop mode. 1 is an external view of an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. This figure shows the processing results by the electronic watch when the electronic watch of the first embodiment of the present disclosure is in normal mode, where (a) shows a case where processing was performed normally and (b) shows a case where processing was not performed normally. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the battery voltage of the power supply and each mode in an electronic timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a table showing whether each process is possible in each mode in an electronic timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for determining a mode of an electronic timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure of an electronic timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation procedure of the electronic timepiece according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 13A to 13D are examples of the display of processing results received by an external device from an electronic timepiece when the electronic timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is in power save mode. A figure showing the processing results by an electronic watch when the electronic watch of the second embodiment of the present disclosure is in power save mode, where (a) shows a case where processing was performed normally and (b) shows a case where processing was not performed normally. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of an electronic timepiece according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of communication between an electronic timepiece according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure and an external device. 13 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation procedure of the electronic timepiece according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart for explaining yet another example of the operation procedure of the electronic timepiece according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of an electronic timepiece and an external device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of communication between an external device and an electronic timepiece according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure when the electronic timepiece is in a voltage reduction mode. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of communication between an external device and an electronic timepiece according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure when the electronic timepiece is in normal mode. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram of communication between an electronic timepiece according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure and an external device.

The electronic watch, external device, and system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

(First embodiment)
1 shows an outline of the configuration of a system 1000 including an electronic watch according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 1000 includes an electronic watch 101 and an external device 200. The electronic watch 101 is equipped with an antenna 12 and has a function of communicating with the external device 200. The dial of the electronic watch 101 may be provided with a subdial 120 that displays various functions.

The external device 200 is an electronic device that has the function of performing wireless communication with the electronic watch 101. The external device 200 may be, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone, tablet, or notebook PC. The wireless communication performed between the electronic watch 101 and the external device 200 is short-range wireless communication in which communication is performed while receiving power supply from the external device 200, and is performed, for example, by NFC (Near Field Communication).

The external device 200 communicates with the electronic watch 101, and can display processing results and the like on the display unit 205 of the external device 200 in response to a response from the electronic watch 101. Examples of communication content from the external device 200 to the electronic watch 101 include time correction, alarm setting, and control of the start and end of measurement. On the other hand, examples of communication content from the electronic watch 101 to the external device 200 include display of charging status, watch status, data log of an activity meter, etc. However, the communication content between the electronic watch 101 and the external device 200 is not limited to these examples.

The electronic watch 101 is equipped with an antenna 12 that receives radio waves output from an external device 200. Furthermore, the electronic watch 101 may have a hybrid configuration equipped with an antenna that can receive standard radio waves, GPS radio waves, or radio waves such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Figure 2 shows a configuration diagram of a system 1000 including an electronic watch according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic watch 101 has a communication unit 1, a control unit 2, a detection unit 3, a determination unit 4, a second memory unit 5 which is a memory unit, and a communication control unit 6. The electronic watch 101 further has a first memory unit 7, a power source 8, a power generation unit 9, a drive unit 10, a display unit 11, and an antenna 12.

The communication unit 1 controls the decoding process of signals received by the antenna 12 and the transmission of information held by the electronic watch 101 to the external device 200 via the antenna 12. In this embodiment, the communication unit 1 includes a second memory unit 5, which is a memory unit, and a communication control unit 6.

The control unit 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs functions such as keeping track of the internal time of the electronic clock 101, controlling the display of the time on the display unit 11, controlling functions of the electronic clock 101 other than displaying the time, and processing signals received from the external device 200.

The detection unit 3 detects the voltage of the power source 8 and the generated voltage of the power generation unit 9. The detection results of the detection unit 3 are output to the control unit 2.

The determination unit 4 determines whether the voltage detected by the detection unit 3 is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Here, the first threshold may be, for example, a voltage required for the control unit 2 to operate in order to display the time or to perform functions other than the time display, or may be a lower limit of the voltage required for the operation of the control unit 2. The determination unit 4 is realized as software (program) by a computer provided in the control unit 2. Information regarding the first threshold can be stored, for example, in the first storage unit 7. If the voltage of the power source 8 that supplies power to the control unit 2 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the control unit 2 operates normally (hereinafter, the case where the voltage is equal to or greater than the first threshold is referred to as the "normal mode"). On the other hand, if the voltage of the power source 8 is less than the first threshold, the control unit 2 stops operating (hereinafter, the case where the voltage is less than the first threshold is referred to as the "voltage reduction mode"). In particular, functions such as displaying internal time information and processing signals input from the communication unit 1, which consume a large amount of power, are stopped. However, in order to confirm that the voltage of the power source 8 has been restored, the control unit 2 may control the detection unit 3 at a predetermined interval to detect the voltage of the power source 8. When the voltage of the power supply 8 is less than the first threshold, the internal time may continue to be measured.

The second memory unit 5, which is a memory unit, stores the judgment result by the judgment unit 4. For example, when the voltage of the power supply 8 detected by the detection unit 3 is equal to or higher than the first threshold (normal mode), the control unit 2 may output a signal to the second memory unit 5 to write a flag "0" indicating that the mode is normal, and the second memory unit 5 may store the acquired flag "0". Alternatively, when the voltage of the power supply 8 detected by the detection unit 3 is lower than the first threshold (voltage reduction mode), the control unit 2 may output a signal to the second memory unit 5 to write a flag "1" indicating that the mode is voltage reduction, and the second memory unit 5 may store the acquired flag "1". Hereinafter, the flag "0" and the flag "1" may be referred to as flag data.

The memory unit may be configured such that one memory unit 7' serves both as a memory unit for the communication unit 1 and a memory unit for the control unit 2, as in the electronic watch 101' constituting the system 1000' shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the second memory unit 5' may be provided outside the communication unit 1, as in the electronic watch 101" constituting the system 1000" shown in FIG. 4.

The antenna 12 transmits and receives radio waves to and from the external device 200. The antenna 12 is connected to the communication unit 1. For example, a loop antenna can be used as the antenna 12. Furthermore, an induced electromotive force is generated in the antenna 12 by an external AC magnetic field, and the generated power can operate the communication unit 1.

The communication control unit 6 has a function of operating using external power from the external device 200 received by the antenna 12. Therefore, even if the voltage of the power source 8 drops and the control unit 2 stops operating, the communication control unit 6 can operate using external power. The communication control unit 6 can be configured using a communication module. In other words, the communication unit 1 can operate using external power.

The communication control unit 6 refers to the flag data (the determination result by the determination unit 4) stored in the second storage unit 5, which is a storage unit, to determine whether the control unit 2 is in a normal mode in which it can operate or in a voltage drop mode in which the control unit 2 is stopped, and responds to the external device 200 based on the determination result (flag data). Alternatively, as described later, the communication control unit 6 itself does not make a determination based on the flag data stored in the second storage unit 5, but transmits flag data to the external device 200, causes the external device 200 to determine whether it is in a normal mode or a voltage drop mode, and receives the determination result from the external device 200. For example, when the flag "0" is stored as flag data in the second storage unit 5, the communication control unit 6 refers to the flag "0" stored in the second storage unit 5, which is a storage unit, to determine that the voltage of the power source 8 is equal to or higher than the first threshold, and determines that the control unit 2 is in the normal mode. In this case, the control unit 2 can perform processing in response to a signal from the external device 200, so the communication control unit 6 outputs the received signal to the control unit 2, and transmits the processing result by the control unit 2 to the external device 200 via the antenna 12. On the other hand, for example, if the flag "1" is stored as the determination result in the second storage unit 5, the communication control unit 6 determines that the voltage of the power source 8 is less than the first threshold by referring to the flag "1" stored in the second storage unit 5, and determines that the flag data corresponds to the voltage reduction mode. In this case, since the control unit 2 cannot perform processing in response to a signal from the external device 200, the communication control unit 6 transmits to the external device 200 via the antenna 12 that the control unit 2 is stopped.

The first storage unit 7 is composed of a semiconductor memory. The first storage unit 7 may be configured to be able to store data received from the external device 200 even when the control unit 2 is in the voltage reduction mode. After the control unit 2 enters the voltage reduction mode, if the voltage of the power source 8 increases and the control unit 2 enters the normal mode in which it is operable, the control unit 2 can read and process data from the first storage unit 7. The first storage unit 7 can also store a program for operating the control unit 2.

In addition to a primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery can be used as the power source 8. When a secondary battery is used, a power generation unit 9, which is a power generation mechanism such as photovoltaic power generation, thermal power generation, or electrostatic induction power generation, may be provided as a means for charging the secondary battery. The power generated by the power generation unit 9 is stored in the power source 8. In addition, a wired or wireless power supply means may be provided as a charging mechanism for the secondary battery.

The drive unit 10 includes, for example, one or more step motors (not shown) that move the hands (second hand, minute hand, hour hand). A date dial, function wheel, etc. that are driven and rotated by a step motor that is linked to the hands or is independent of the hands may also be provided. These step motors are driven by control signals from the control unit 2.

The display unit 11 controls the display of functions of a sub-dial 120 provided on the dial of the electronic watch 101. The sub-dial 120 can display the charge level of the power source 8, the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 9, and various other functions using a sub-hand 121 (described later).

The external device 200 comprises an external device side communication unit (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "communication unit") 201, an external device side control unit (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "control unit") 202, an input unit 203, a memory unit 204, a display unit 205, and an antenna 206. The communication unit 201 is a communication module capable of communicating with the electronic watch 101 and other communication devices. The communication unit 201 communicates with the electronic watch 101 via the antenna 206 by short-range wireless communication such as NFC. The external device side communication unit 201 can receive information indicating the voltage state of the power supply 8 of the electronic watch 101 from the electronic watch 101.

The control unit 202 is connected to and controls the communication unit 201, input unit 203, memory unit 204, and display unit 205. The control unit 202 communicates with the electronic watch 101 by executing an application program stored in the memory unit 204. The external device control unit 202 can determine whether the electronic watch 101 is in a voltage reduction mode based on information indicating the voltage state of the power supply 8 of the electronic watch 101 received from the electronic watch 101. For example, the external device control unit 202 can receive from the electronic watch 101 the result of the determination made by the communication control unit 6 of the electronic watch 101. In addition, when flag data stored in the second memory unit 5 of the electronic watch 101 is received from the electronic watch 101, the external device control unit 202 may be configured to determine whether the external device control unit 202 is in a voltage reduction mode.

The input unit 203 accepts input to the external device 200. The input unit 203 can be a physical switch such as a keyboard or a push button, or a touch panel integrated with the display unit 205.

The storage unit 204 can be a semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a RAM, a hard disk, or the like. The storage unit 204 stores application programs for operating the external device 200 and various data. The storage unit 204 can also store processing results received from the electronic watch 101.

The display unit 205 may be a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, or the like. The display unit 205 may display processing results, etc., received from the electronic watch 101.

Next, the operation of the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the electronic watch according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. First, as a premise, as shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the external device 200 transmits data to the electronic watch 101, and that the second memory unit 5 stores flag data (for example, flag "0" if the voltage value of the power source 8 output by the detection unit 3 at a predetermined interval is determined by the determination unit 4 of the control unit 2) (for example, flag "0" if the voltage value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, and flag "1" if the voltage value is less than the first threshold value).

When the electronic watch 101 receives data from the external device 200 via the antenna 12, in step S101, the communication control unit 6 of the communication unit 1 refers to the second storage unit 5. Specifically, the communication control unit 6 refers to whether the flag data stored in the second storage unit 5 is flag "0" or flag "1."

Next, in step S102, the communication control unit 6 determines whether or not the control unit 2 is in the voltage reduction mode based on the result of referring to the second storage unit 5. If the communication control unit 6 determines that the control unit 2 is not in the voltage reduction mode (step S102: No), it determines that the control unit 2 is in the normal mode in which it is operable.

In this case, in step S103, the communication control unit 6 outputs the data received from the external device 200 to the control unit 2, and in step S104, the data is processed by the control unit 2.

Next, in step S105, the communication control unit 6 transmits a response signal (the processing result by the control unit 2) to the external device 200.

On the other hand, if the communication control unit 6 determines in step S102 that the control unit 2 is in a stopped voltage reduction mode (step S102: Yes), then in step S106, the data received from the external device 200 is stored in the first storage unit 7.

Next, in step S107, the communication control unit 6 transmits a response signal (indicating that the control unit 2 is stopped) to the external device 200.

As described above, even when the voltage of the power supply 8 for driving the control unit 2 drops and the control unit 2 does not operate, the communication control unit 6 can transmit a response to the external device 200 indicating that the control unit 2 has stopped operating. In the prior art, when the control unit 2 is stopped, there is no response from the electronic watch 101, so it is determined that there is no connection to the electronic watch 101, or a connection cannot actually be made. In contrast, in the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication control unit 6 of the electronic watch 101 has a function of operating using external power, so that even when the control unit 2 is stopped, it is possible to respond to the external device 200 and recognize that the external device 200 is connected to the electronic watch 101.

In addition, even if the control unit 2 is stopped, the data is stored in the first memory unit 7, so when the voltage of the power source 8 returns to above the first threshold, the control unit 2 that has resumed operation can process the data.

Note that the process of storing the data in step S106 in the storage unit (first storage unit) does not need to be performed.

Next, a procedure for determining the mode of the electronic watch 101 based on the voltage of the power source 8 that supplies power to the control unit 2 will be described. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for explaining the procedure for determining the mode of the electronic watch according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

First, in step S201, the detection unit 3 detects the battery voltage of the power source 8, which is a secondary battery. The detection unit 3 may perform voltage detection at a predetermined interval.

Next, in step S202, the determination unit 4 of the control unit 2 determines whether the battery voltage of the power source 8 detected by the detection unit 3 is equal to or higher than the first threshold. If the detected battery voltage is equal to or higher than the first threshold (step S202: Yes), the control unit 2 determines that the normal mode is in effect, and the process returns to step S201, where the detection unit 3 continues to detect the battery voltage of the power source 8.

On the other hand, if in step S202 the determination unit 4 determines that the detected battery voltage is less than the first threshold (step S202: No), in step S203 the control unit 2 transitions from the normal mode to the voltage reduction mode.

Next, in step S204, the control unit 2 stores in the second storage unit 5 information indicating that the control unit 2 will transition to the voltage reduction mode. Specifically, the flag "1" is stored as the flag data stored in the second storage unit 5. If the flag "0" has already been stored, the flag data is rewritten to flag "1."

The processing order of steps S203 and S204 may be reversed.

Next, in step S205, the detection unit 3 detects the battery voltage of the power source 8.

Next, in step S206, the determination unit 4 determines whether the detected battery voltage is equal to or greater than the first threshold. If the detected battery voltage is less than the first threshold (step S206: No), the control unit 2 determines that the voltage reduction mode continues, and the process returns to step S205, where the detection unit 3 continues to detect the battery voltage of the power source 8.

On the other hand, if in step S206 the determination unit 4 determines that the detected battery voltage is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S206: Yes), in step S207 the control unit 2 transitions from the voltage reduction mode to the normal mode.

Next, in step S208, the control unit 2 stores in the second storage unit 5 a message indicating that the control unit 2 will transition to the normal mode. Specifically, the flag "1" stored in the second storage unit 5 is rewritten to a flag "0".
The processing order of steps S207 and S208 may be reversed.

Next, return to step S201 and continue the above series of operations.

In this way, the control unit 2 can determine whether to operate in normal mode or reduced voltage mode depending on the battery voltage of the power source 8, and store the current mode status in the second memory unit 5. As a result, the communication control unit 6 can recognize whether the control unit 2 is in normal mode or reduced voltage mode by referring to the second memory unit 5.

Here, we will explain how to respond when returning from the voltage drop mode to the normal mode with respect to the information received in the voltage drop mode. For example, if the radio-controlled clock 101 receives and stores area information (e.g., time zone, coordinates, etc.) from the external device 200 while in the voltage drop mode, it can use that area information to receive signals after returning from the voltage drop mode to the normal mode. Since the frequency and code of long-wave radio waves differ for each transmitting station, storing the area information makes it possible to quickly adjust the time zone, coordinates, etc. when returning from the voltage drop mode to the normal mode.

In addition, if the electronic clock 101 is a GPS radio clock and leap second information is acquired from the external device 200 while in voltage drop mode, the internal time can be corrected (updated) based on the acquired leap second information when returning from voltage drop mode to normal mode.

Furthermore, for example, when transmitting and receiving information with the external device 200, if the information received in the voltage drop mode is of high importance or if the data is large, flag data for OTA (Over The Air) may be stored, and when returning to normal mode from the voltage drop mode, the user may be notified that communication with the external device 200 is required again.

In addition, if NFC is also used for other purposes such as a smart key, key registration information can be sent in advance from the external device 200 to the electronic watch 101 so that it can be used quickly when returning from the voltage reduction mode to the normal mode.

It is also possible to store reset/initialization information and automatically reset (and delete security information, if it has one) the device when it returns to normal mode from reduced voltage mode. This can strengthen security measures during long-term storage or when the device is lost.

In addition, since there is a high possibility that the internal time will be out of sync when returning from the reduced voltage mode to the normal mode, a notification requesting connection to the external device 200 may be sent. Also, if NFC communication is performed (an interrupt occurs) at the timing of returning from the reduced voltage mode to the normal mode, there is a risk that the communication operation will not be performed normally due to reasons such as the initial settings of the register set not being completed. Therefore, when returning from the reduced voltage mode to the normal mode, flag data for prohibiting communication may be stored so that NFC communication is not performed, and communication may be enabled again after the transition to the normal mode is completed.

Next, a specific example of communication between the external device 200 and the electronic watch 101 will be described. Figures 7(a) to (d) show examples of the display of a menu screen of the external device 200 that communicates with the electronic watch according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. When an application program stored in the external device 200 that communicates with the electronic watch 101 is executed, a screen such as that shown in Figure 7(a) is first displayed on the display unit 205. A menu of operations to be performed on the electronic watch 101 is displayed on the display unit 205. This menu screen displays, for example, a watch control button 210, a data collection button 220, and a watch diagnosis button 230.

When the clock control button 210 is selected on the screen displayed on the display unit 205 of the external device 200 shown in FIG. 7(a), for example, a time synchronization button 211, an alarm time setting button 212, and a measurement control button 213 are displayed as shown in FIG. 7(b). When the time synchronization button 211 is selected, the time of the electronic clock 101 is synchronized with the time of the external device 200. When the alarm time setting button 212 is selected, the alarm time of the electronic clock 101 is set. When the measurement control button 213 is selected, time measurement by the chronograph function installed in the electronic clock 101 is controlled.

When the data collection button 220 is selected on the screen displayed on the display unit 205 of the external device 200 shown in FIG. 7(a), for example, an activity amount button 221, a step count button 222, and a temperature button 223 are displayed as shown in FIG. 7(c). When the activity amount button 221 is selected, body data such as heart rate and calories burned measured using a sensor mounted on the electronic watch 101 is collected. When the step count button 222 is selected, step count data measured by an acceleration sensor or the like mounted on the electronic watch 101 is collected. When the temperature button 223 is selected, temperature data measured by a temperature sensor mounted on the electronic watch 101 is collected.

When the watch diagnosis button 230 is selected on the screen displayed on the display unit 205 of the external device 200 shown in FIG. 7(a), for example, a battery remaining status button 231, a power generation status button 232, and a status button 233 are displayed as shown in FIG. 7(d). When the battery remaining status button 231 is selected, an inquiry is made about the status of the remaining battery level of the power source 8, which is a secondary battery built into the electronic watch 101. When the power generation status button 232 is selected, an inquiry is made about the power generation status of the power generation unit 9 built into the electronic watch 101. When the status button 233 is selected, an inquiry is made about the status of the electronic watch 101, such as whether the electronic watch 101 is in normal mode or voltage drop mode.

Next, an example will be described in which the external device 200 displays the results of communication with the electronic watch 101 on the display unit 205 of the external device 200 when the electronic watch 101 is in normal mode and the control unit 2 of the electronic watch 101 is operating. Figures 8(a) to (d) show display examples of the processing results received by the external device 200 from the electronic watch 101 when the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is in normal mode.

Figure 8 (a) shows an example in which the time synchronization button 211 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Figure 7 (b) and the external device 200 fails to communicate with the electronic watch 101. In this case, the display unit 205 may display a message indicating that communication has failed and recommending that the user check the position of the antenna and try communication again.

Figure 8 (b) shows an example in which the external device 200 has successfully communicated with the electronic watch 101. In this case, the display unit 205 may display a message indicating that communication has been successful.

Fig. 8(c) shows the processing result when the step count button 222 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Fig. 7(c). In this case, for example, the display unit 205 may display a message indicating that step count data has been collected, and a graph 224 showing the progress of the step count over a predetermined period of time.

Fig. 8(d) shows the processing result when the battery remaining status button 231 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Fig. 7(d). In this case, for example, the display unit 205 may display a message indicating that the battery remaining data has been collected, an icon 234 indicating the remaining battery level, and usage advice according to the remaining battery level.

Next, an example will be described in which the external device 200 displays the results of communication with the electronic watch 101 on the display unit 205 of the external device 200 when the electronic watch 101 is in a voltage drop mode in which the control unit 2 of the electronic watch 101 is stopped. Figures 9(a) to (d) show display examples of the processing results received by the external device 200 from the electronic watch 101 when the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is in a voltage drop mode.

Figure 9 (a) shows an example in which the time synchronization button 211 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Figure 7 (b), and the external device 200 is unable to synchronize the time with the electronic clock 101 because the control unit 2 is in a voltage drop mode. In this case, the display unit 205 may display a message that time synchronization was not possible, that control is not possible due to a low battery level, and that charging is required.

9(b) shows an example in which the alarm time setting button 212 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in FIG. 7(b), and the external device 200 is unable to complete the alarm time setting of the electronic clock 101 because the control unit 2 is in the voltage drop mode. In this case, the display unit 205 may display information that the data for setting the alarm time itself is stored, that the alarm time setting was not possible, and that the battery is low and cannot be controlled, so charging is required. Furthermore, when the display unit 205 is scrolled, if the voltage of the power source 8, which is a secondary battery, becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold due to power generation by the power generation unit 9 and the control unit 2 returns to the normal mode, a display 207 may be displayed indicating that the alarm time setting will be performed. Since the data for setting the alarm time itself is stored in the first storage unit 7, when the control unit 2 returns to the normal mode, the data for setting the alarm time can be read from the first storage unit 7 and the alarm time can be set. In this way, when the control unit 2 is in the voltage reduction mode and is therefore unable to process data received from the external device 200, the received data is temporarily stored in the first storage unit 7, and data processing is performed after the control unit 2 returns from the voltage reduction mode to the normal mode, making it possible to quickly process data without the need to receive data again from the external device 200. Also, although the alarm time setting data has been described as an example of data stored in the first storage unit 7, the data stored in the first storage unit 7 is not limited to this example.

Fig. 9(c) shows the processing result when the step count button 222 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Fig. 7(c). In this case, for example, the display unit 205 may display a message that step count data could not be collected, that data cannot be collected because the battery level is low, and that charging is required.

Figure 9 (d) shows the processing result when the battery remaining status button 231 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Figure 7 (d). In this case, for example, the display unit 205 may display an icon 235 indicating that the battery is almost out of charge and that charging is required. In the voltage drop mode, the control unit 2 is stopped, but since the second storage unit 5 stores that the control unit 2 is in the voltage drop mode, the communication control unit 6 can provide the external device 200 with information that the battery is almost out of charge.

In the above example, the external device 200 displays the status of data processing between the external device 200 and the electronic watch 101, but the electronic watch 101 can also notify the status. FIG. 10 shows an external view of the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The character "OK" 131 is printed at the 11 o'clock position on the dial of the electronic watch 101, and the character "NG" 132 is printed at the 1 o'clock position. The dial also has a subdial 120, and the right half of the subdial 120 has a mark 122 for indicating the remaining battery level. The mark 122 visually indicates the remaining battery level by the number of overlapping arcs. For example, six overlapping arcs are drawn in the range from 12 o'clock to 1 o'clock, indicating that the remaining battery level is high. On the other hand, only one arc is drawn in the range from 5 o'clock to 6 o'clock, indicating that the remaining battery level is low.

Figure 11 shows the results of processing by the electronic watch 101 when the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is in normal mode, with (a) showing a case where processing was performed normally and (b) showing a case where processing was not performed normally. As shown in Figure 11(a), if processing was performed normally, the second hand 110 moves to overlap the character "OK" 131, indicating that processing of the data transmitted from the external device 200 to the electronic watch was performed normally. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11(b), if processing was not performed normally, the second hand 110 moves to overlap the character "NG" 132, indicating that processing of the data transmitted from the external device 200 to the electronic watch was not performed normally.

The sub-dial 120 can also display the remaining battery charge of the power source 8. As shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), when the sub-hand 121 points to 1 o'clock, it can be seen that there is sufficient battery charge remaining in the power source 8.

Second Embodiment
Next, an electronic watch 102 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The configuration of the electronic watch 102 according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment, when the voltage of the power source 8 is less than the first threshold, the control unit 2 stops. In contrast, in the electronic watch 102 according to the second embodiment, when the voltage of the power source 8 is less than the first threshold, the control unit 2 stops, and when the voltage of the power source 8 is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the control unit 2 stops some functions, but sets a second threshold greater than the first threshold so that certain functions can be operated. In this way, the mode in which the voltage of the power source 8 is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold is referred to as a "power save mode" here.

The operation of the electronic watch 102 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the determination unit 4 of the control unit 2 determines whether the voltage of the power source 8 is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Next, the control unit 2 stores the determination result by the determination unit 4 in the second storage unit 5 as flag data. When the communication control unit 6 of the communication unit 1 communicates with the external device 200, it refers to the second storage unit 5, and if the voltage of the power source 8 is less than the first threshold, the communication control unit 6 transmits to the external device 200 a message that the control unit 2 is stopped, and if the voltage is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it causes the control unit 2 to execute a predetermined process according to the contents of the signal received from the external device 200 and transmits the process result to the external device 200.

Fig. 12 shows the relationship between the battery voltage of the power source 8 and each mode in an electronic watch 102 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 12, when the voltage V of the power source 8 is equal to or greater than 0 V and less than the first threshold V _TH1 (V < V _TH1 ), the mode is a voltage drop mode in which the control unit 2 is stopped. When the voltage V of the power source 8 is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold (V _TH2 > V ≥ V _TH1 ), the mode is a power save mode in which the control unit 2 can perform a specified operation. When the voltage V of the power source 8 is equal to or greater than the second threshold (V ≥ V _TH2 ), the mode is a normal mode in which the control unit 2 can operate.

The normal mode, power save mode, and voltage reduction mode described above each have different content of processing that can be executed from the external device 200 to the electronic watch 102, or from the electronic watch 102 to the external device 200. Fig. 13 shows a table indicating whether each processing is possible in each mode in the electronic watch 102 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the following (1) to (6) are given as representative examples of communication between the external device 200 and the electronic watch 102. "External device → watch" is processing performed from the external device 200 to the electronic watch 102, and "watch → external device" is processing performed from the electronic watch 102 to the external device 200.
(1) [External device → Clock] Set the alarm time (2) [External device → Clock] Correct the time and time difference (3) [Clock → External device] Provide the clock's sensor data to the external device (4) [Clock → External device] Battery voltage status, power generation and charging status (5) [Clock → External device] Clock status (6) [External device → Clock] Start and stop control of operations (start and end of measurement)

In FIG. 13, executable processes are indicated by circles, and non-executable processes are indicated by crosses. As shown in FIG. 13, in normal mode, all of the above processes (1) to (6) can be executed. On the other hand, in voltage drop mode, among the processes (1) to (6) shown as examples, only the process (5) in which the electronic watch 102 notifies the external device 200 of the state of the electronic watch 102 can be executed. This is because, in voltage drop mode, the voltage of the power source 8 drops, and flag data indicating that the control unit 2 is in voltage drop mode is stored in the second storage unit 5 provided in the communication unit 1. Therefore, even if the control unit 2 is stopped, the communication control unit 6 can notify the external device 200 of the state of the electronic watch 102, indicating whether the control unit 2 is operating or stopped, by referring to the flag data stored in the second storage unit 5.

On the other hand, in the power save mode, in addition to the process (5) that can be performed in the voltage reduction mode, the process (2) for correcting the time and time difference, and the process (4) for notifying the battery voltage status and power generation/charging status can be performed. This is because the process (4) can be performed with a relatively small amount of power.

Next, a procedure for determining the mode of the electronic watch 102 according to the second embodiment based on the voltage of the power source 8 that supplies power to the control unit 2 will be described. FIG. 14 shows a flowchart for describing the procedure for determining the mode of the electronic watch 102 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. First, in step S301, the detection unit 3 detects the battery voltage of the power source 8. The detection unit 3 may perform voltage detection at a predetermined interval.

Next, in step S302, the determination unit 4 determines whether the detected battery voltage is equal to or greater than the second threshold. If the detected battery voltage is equal to or greater than the second threshold (step S302: Yes), the control unit 2 determines that the normal mode is in effect, and the process returns to step S301, where the detection unit 3 continues to detect the battery voltage of the power source 8.

On the other hand, if in step S302 the determination unit 4 determines that the detected battery voltage is less than the second threshold (step S302: No), in step S303 the control unit 2 stores in the second storage unit 5 that the control unit 2 will transition to the power save mode. Next, in step S304, the control unit 2 transitions from the normal mode to the power save mode. The order of steps S303 and S304 may be reversed.

Next, in step S305, the detection unit 3 detects the battery voltage of the power source 8.

Next, in step S306, the determination unit 4 determines whether the detected battery voltage is equal to or greater than the first threshold. If the detected battery voltage is less than the first threshold (step S306: No), in step S307, the control unit 2 stores in the second storage unit 5 that the control unit 2 will transition to the voltage reduction mode. Next, in step S308, the control unit 2 transitions from the power save mode to the voltage reduction mode. The order of steps S307 and S308 may be reversed.

On the other hand, if in step S306 the determination unit 4 determines that the detected battery voltage is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S306: Yes), then in step S309 the determination unit 4 determines whether the detected battery voltage is equal to or greater than the second threshold. If the detected battery voltage is less than the second threshold (step S309: No), the control unit 2 determines that the power save mode is continuing, and the process returns to step S305, where the detection unit 3 continues to detect the battery voltage of the power source 8.

If it is determined in step S309 that the detected battery voltage is equal to or higher than the second threshold (step S309: Yes), in step S310, the control unit 2 stores in the second storage unit 5 that the control unit 2 will transition to the normal mode. Next, in step S311, the control unit 2 transitions from the power save mode to the normal mode. Steps S310 and S311 may be executed in reverse order. Thereafter, the process returns to step S301, and the detection unit 3 continues to detect the battery voltage of the power source 8.

In step S308, the control unit 2 transitions from the power save mode to the voltage reduction mode, and then in step S312, the detection unit 3 detects the battery voltage of the power source 8.

Next, in step S313, the determination unit 4 determines whether the detected battery voltage is equal to or greater than the first threshold. If the detected battery voltage is less than the first threshold (step S313: No), the process returns to step S312, and the detection unit 3 continues to detect the battery voltage of the power source 8.

In step S313, if the detected battery voltage is equal to or higher than the first threshold (step S313: Yes), the process returns to step S303, and the control unit 2 stores in the second storage unit 5 a message indicating that the control unit 2 will transition to the power save mode. Next, in step S304, the control unit 2 transitions from the voltage reduction mode to the power save mode.

In this manner, whether the control unit 2 is in normal mode, power save mode, or voltage reduction mode can be stored in the second storage unit 5. As a result, the communication control unit 6 can recognize whether the control unit 2 is in normal mode, power save mode, or voltage reduction mode by referring to the second storage unit 5.

Next, the operation of the electronic watch 102 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the electronic watch according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. First, as a premise, as shown in FIG. 2, the external device 200 transmits data to the electronic watch 102. In the control unit 2, the detection unit 3 detects the voltage of the power source 8, and the judgment unit 4 judges whether the detected voltage is equal to or higher than a first threshold value and whether it is equal to or higher than a second threshold value. Based on the judgment result of the judgment unit 4, the control unit 2 stores in the second memory unit 5 whether the control unit 2 is in a normal mode, a power save mode, or a voltage reduction mode.

When the communication unit 1 receives data from the external device 200, in step S401, the communication control unit 6 refers to the second memory unit 5.

Next, in step S402, the communication control unit 6 determines whether the control unit 2 is in the voltage reduction mode based on the result of referring to the second memory unit 5.

If the communication control unit 6 determines that the control unit 2 is in the voltage reduction mode (step S402: Yes), in step S404, the data received from the external device 200 is stored in the first storage unit 7. By storing the data in the first storage unit 7, processing can be executed quickly when returning from the voltage reduction mode to the power save mode or normal mode.

Next, in step S405, the communication control unit 6 transmits to the external device 200 a message indicating that the control unit 2 is in the voltage reduction mode. This completes the process in the voltage reduction mode.

On the other hand, if the communication control unit 6 determines in step S402 that the control unit 2 is not in the voltage reduction mode (step S402: No), in step S403, the communication control unit 6 transmits the data received from the external device 200 to the control unit 2.

After transmitting data to the control unit 2 in step S403, the control unit 2 determines in step S406 whether or not it is in the power save mode. If the communication control unit 6 determines that the control unit 2 is not in the power save mode (step S406: No), it can be determined that the control unit 2 is in the normal mode, and therefore data processing is performed by the control unit 2 in step S407.

Next, in step S408, the communication control unit 6 transmits the processing result by the control unit 2 to the external device 200. The above is the processing when the control unit 2 is in normal mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S406 that the control unit 2 is in the power save mode (step S406: Yes), the type of data is determined in step S409. The type of data may be, for example, information on whether the data can be processed by the communication control unit 6, or information on the type of content, data capacity, and priority.

Next, in step S410, it is determined whether the data can be processed in the power save mode. If it is determined that the data cannot be processed in the power save mode (step S410: No), the data is stored in the first storage unit 7 in step S411. By storing the data in the first storage unit 7, it is possible to execute the processing quickly when returning from the power save mode to the normal mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S410 that the data can be processed in the power save mode (step S410: Yes), data processing is performed by the control unit 2 in step S407, and in step S408, the communication control unit 6 transmits the processing result by the control unit 2 to the external device 200. In this case, the communication control unit 6 may transmit a notice indicating that the power save mode is in effect together with the processing result.

Next, in step S412, the control unit 2 transmits to the external device 200 a signal indicating that the device is in the power save mode. This completes the process in the power save mode.

In this way, the control unit 2 can process data appropriately depending on whether it is in normal mode, power save mode, or voltage reduction mode.

Next, another example of the operation procedure of the electronic watch according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 16 shows a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation procedure of the electronic watch according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. It is assumed that the second memory unit 5 stores, based on the determination result of the determination unit 4, whether the control unit 2 is in the normal mode, the power save mode, or the voltage reduction mode.

When the communication unit 1 receives data from the external device 200, in step S501, the communication control unit 6 refers to the second memory unit 5.

Next, in step S502, the communication control unit 6 determines whether the control unit 2 is in the voltage reduction mode based on the result of referring to the second storage unit 5. If the communication control unit 6 determines that the control unit 2 is in the voltage reduction mode (step S502: Yes), in step S503, the data received from the external device 200 is stored in the first storage unit 7. Storing the data in the first storage unit 7 allows for rapid processing when returning from the voltage reduction mode to the power save mode or normal mode.

Next, in step S504, the communication control unit 6 transmits to the external device 200 a message indicating that the control unit 2 is in the voltage reduction mode. This completes the process in the voltage reduction mode.

If the communication control unit 6 determines that the control unit 2 is not in the voltage reduction mode (step S502: No), in step S505, the communication control unit 6 determines whether the control unit 2 is in the power save mode. If the communication control unit 6 determines that the control unit 2 is not in the power save mode (step S505: No), it can determine that the control unit 2 is in the normal mode, so in step S506, it transmits the data received from the external device 200 to the control unit 2, and in step S507, the control unit 2 processes the data.

Next, in step S508, the communication control unit 6 transmits the processing result by the control unit 2 to the external device 200. The above is the processing when the control unit 2 is in normal mode.

On the other hand, if the communication control unit 6 determines in step S505 that the control unit 2 is in the power save mode (step S505: Yes), the type of data is determined in step S509.

Next, in step S510, it is determined whether the data can be processed by the control unit 2. If it is determined that the data cannot be processed by the control unit 2 (step S510: No), the data is stored in the first storage unit 7 in step S511. By storing the data in the first storage unit 7, processing can be executed quickly when returning from the power save mode to the normal mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S510 that the data can be processed by the control unit 2 (step S510: Yes), the data received from the external device 200 is transmitted to the control unit 2 in step S506. Then, in step S507, the control unit 2 processes the data, and in step S508, the communication control unit 6 transmits the processing result by the control unit 2 to the external device 200.

Next, in step S512, the control unit 2 transmits to the external device 200 a signal indicating that the device is in the power save mode. This completes the process in the power save mode.

In this way, the control unit 2 can process data appropriately depending on whether it is in normal mode, power save mode, or voltage reduction mode.

Next, an example will be described in which the external device 200 displays the results of communication with the electronic watch 102 on the display unit 205 of the external device 200 when the control unit 2 of the electronic watch 102 is in power save mode. Figures 17(a) to (d) show display examples of the processing results received by the external device from the electronic watch when the electronic watch according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is in power save mode.

Figure 17 (a) shows an example in which the time synchronization button 211 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Figure 7 (b), and because the control unit 2 is in power save mode, the external device 200 has succeeded in time synchronization with the electronic clock 102. In this case, the display unit 205 may display a message indicating that time synchronization has been successful, and that functions are limited due to low battery power and charging is required.

Figure 17 (b) shows an example in which the measurement control button 213 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Figure 7 (b), and the external device 200 is unable to perform measurement control of the electronic watch 102 because the control unit 2 is in power save mode. In this case, the display unit 205 may display a message that measurement control is not possible and that charging is required.

Fig. 17(c) shows the processing result when the step count button 222 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Fig. 7(c). In this case, for example, the display unit 205 may display a message that step count data could not be collected, that data cannot be collected because the battery level is low, and that charging is required.

Fig. 17(d) shows the processing result when the battery remaining status button 231 is selected on the screen of the display unit 205 shown in Fig. 7(d). In this case, for example, the display unit 205 may display an icon 236 indicating that the battery is almost full, and a message indicating that the battery is low and functions are limited, requiring charging.

In the above example, the external device 200 displays the status of data processing between the external device 200 and the electronic watch 102, but the electronic watch 102 can also notify the user. FIG. 18 shows the results of processing by the electronic watch 102 when the electronic watch 102 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is in power save mode, where (a) shows a case where processing was performed normally and (b) shows a case where processing was not performed normally. As shown in FIG. 18(a), when processing was performed normally, the second hand 110 moves to overlap the character "OK" 131, thereby indicating that processing of the data transmitted from the external device 200 to the electronic watch 102 was performed normally. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18(b), when processing was not performed normally, the second hand 110 moves to overlap the character "NG" 132, thereby indicating that processing of the data transmitted from the external device 200 to the electronic watch 102 was not performed normally.

The sub-dial 120 can also display the remaining battery charge of the power source 8. As shown in Figures 18(a) and (b), the sub-hand 121 points to 5 o'clock, indicating that the remaining battery charge of the power source 8 is very low.

Third Embodiment
Next, an electronic watch according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The electronic watch 103 according to the third embodiment differs from the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment in that the communication control unit 6 determines whether the content of the signal received from the external device 200 is processable by the communication control unit 6, and if the content is processable by the communication control unit 6, the communication control unit 6 processes the signal and transmits the processing result to the external device 200. The other configurations of the electronic watch 103 according to the third embodiment are similar to those of the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description will be omitted.

Next, the operation procedure of the electronic watch 103 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the electronic watch 103 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The flowchart shown in FIG. 19 is the same as the flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the electronic watch 101 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5, to which control in the communication control unit 6 has been added.

First, in step S601, the communication control unit 6 determines the type of data received from the external device 200. Next, in step S602, it is determined whether the received data can be processed by the communication control unit 6. If it is determined that the data can be processed by the communication control unit 6 (step S602: Yes), in step S603, the communication control unit 6 executes data processing, and in step S604, a response signal (the processing result by the communication control unit 6) is transmitted to the external device 200.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the received data cannot be processed by the communication control unit 6 (step S602: No), the processing in steps S605 to S611 is the same as the processing in steps S101 to S107 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 20 shows a sequence diagram of communication between the electronic watch 103 and the external device 200 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. First, in step S701, the external device 200 starts an NFC communication application program (app). Next, in step S702, the external device 200 transmits a command to the electronic watch 103.

Next, in step S703, the communication control unit 6 of the electronic watch 103 is started and receives the command sent from the external device 200. Next, in step S704, if the data processing received from the external device 200 is a predetermined data processing, the communication control unit 6 determines that it can be processed by the communication control unit 6 alone. Next, in step S705, the communication control unit 6 executes the processing.

Next, in step S706, the communication control unit 6 transmits a response signal including the processing result to the external device 200. Next, in step S707, the processing result is displayed on the screen of the external device 200.

On the other hand, in the electronic watch 103, in step S708, the communication control unit 6 sends a command to the control unit 2 to display that data processing has been executed.

Next, in step S709, the control unit 2 displays the result with a needle.

The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 20 describes a case where the command received from the external device 200 can be processed only by the communication control unit 6, but if it is determined that the processing cannot be performed by the communication control unit 6, the received command can be processed by the control unit 2 as shown in the flowchart in FIG. 19.

As described above, after receiving a command from the external device 200, the communication control unit 6 processes commands that can be processed by the communication control unit 6 without referring to the mode of the control unit 2 stored in the second memory unit 5, and therefore the processing results can be quickly transmitted to the external device 200.

Next, another example of the operation procedure of the electronic watch 103 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 21 shows a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation procedure of the electronic watch 103 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The flowchart shown in FIG. 21 is the same as the flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the electronic watch 102 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 15, except that control in the communication control unit 6 has been added.

First, in step S801, the communication control unit 6 determines the type of data received from the external device 200. Next, in step S802, it is determined whether the received data can be processed by the communication control unit 6. If it is determined that the data can be processed by the communication control unit 6 (step S802: Yes), in step S803, the communication control unit 6 executes data processing, and in step S804, the processing result is transmitted to the external device 200.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the received data cannot be processed by the communications control unit 6 (step S802: No), the processing in steps S805 to S816 is the same as the processing in steps S401 to S412 in FIG. 15.

Next, another example of the operation procedure of the electronic watch 103 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 22 shows a flowchart for explaining another example of the operation procedure of the electronic watch 103 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The flowchart shown in FIG. 22 adds control in the communication control unit 6 to the flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the electronic watch 102 according to another example of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

First, in step S901, the communication control unit 6 determines the type of data received from the external device 200. Next, in step S902, it is determined whether the received data can be processed by the communication control unit 6. If it is determined that the data can be processed by the communication control unit 6 (step S902: Yes), in step S903, the communication control unit 6 executes data processing, and in step S904, the processing result is transmitted to the external device 200.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the received data cannot be processed by the communications control unit 6 (step S902: No), the processing in steps S905 to S916 is the same as the processing in steps S501 to S512 in FIG. 1.

In the electronic watch 103 according to the third embodiment, before transmitting received data to the control unit 2, the communication control unit 6 determines whether processing is possible, and if processing is possible, the communication control unit 6 executes the processing, so that a quick response to the external device 200 can be achieved. Furthermore, when processing is completed by the communication control unit 6, it can be executed using only externally supplied power without operating the control unit 2, so that power consumption of the electronic watch 103 can be reduced.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, an electronic watch according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the communication control unit 6 on the electronic watch 101 side can determine whether it is in normal mode or reduced voltage mode, and transmit the result to the external device 200. However, this is not limited to the above example, and the communication control unit 6 may transmit flag data from the second storage unit 5 to the external device 200, and an application program in the external device 200 may determine whether it is in normal mode or reduced voltage mode, and determine and display whether communication with the electronic watch 101 is possible or not. The electronic watch and external device according to the fourth embodiment are characterized in that they check flag data at the beginning of communication.

The configuration of the electronic watch and external device according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2. FIG. 23 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the electronic watch and external device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the electronic watch and external device according to the fourth embodiment, the external device 200 first obtains flag data from the electronic watch 101 and determines the mode of the electronic watch 101. In step S1001, in order to read the second storage unit 5 of the electronic watch 101 at the time of the first communication, the communication unit 201 of the external device 200 transmits a flag data inquiry signal to the electronic watch 101. The electronic watch 101 reads the flag data (information of flag "0" or flag "1") from the second storage unit 5 as a response signal in response to this inquiry signal, and returns it to the external device 200 as it is. Next, in step S1002, the communication unit 201 of the external device 200 receives the flag data from the electronic watch 101.

Next, in step S1003, the external device 200 determines in the control unit 202 based on the received flag data what mode the electronic watch 101 is currently in, for example, whether the electronic watch 101 is in a voltage reduction mode.

If the control unit 202 determines that the electronic watch 101 is in normal mode ("No" in step S1003), in step S1004, it transmits the originally intended inquiry (command) signal (data) to the control unit 2 of the electronic watch 101 and causes the electronic watch 101 to process it. Then, in step S1005, it receives a response signal that is the processing result by the control unit 2 of the electronic watch 101, and ends the processing. Depending on the response signal received in step S1005, the display unit 205 may display the processing result or information corresponding to the processing result.

Returning to step S1003, if it is determined that the device is in the voltage reduction mode ("Yes" in step S1003), and if the inquiry that was originally intended to be made is a command that is to be stored in the first memory unit 7 of the electronic watch 101 in step S1006, a signal for such an inquiry is sent to the control unit 2 of the electronic watch 101. Next, in step S1007, a response signal is received from the electronic watch 101, and the process ends.

Here, in step S1006, the result of the determination made by the external device 200 (that the electronic watch 101 is in the voltage reduction mode) may be transmitted to the electronic watch 101. Also, the display unit 205 may display information such as that the electronic watch 101 is in the voltage reduction mode, that the processing that was desired to be performed could not be performed, or that the content that was desired to be performed has been stored in the electronic watch 101.

On the other hand, if the external device 200 determines that the desired process cannot be performed with the electronic watch 101 in the voltage reduction mode, it may end the process without performing steps S1006 and S1007.

When the electronic watch 101 has a power save mode as in the second embodiment described above, the external device 200 may receive flag data indicating whether it is in normal mode, voltage reduction mode, or power save mode, and may then transmit a command signal according to the content of the processing to be executed, transmit a command signal for storing in the second memory unit 5, or terminate without executing the processing.

Also, as in the third embodiment, if the communication control unit 6 can process the signal even in the voltage reduction mode, the communication control unit 6 may be configured to transmit a command signal for the process to be executed.

The series of steps shown in FIG. 23 above will be described in detail using a sequence diagram. First, a description will be given of the case where the electronic watch 101 is in voltage drop mode. FIG. 24 shows a sequence diagram of communication between an external device and an electronic watch according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure when the electronic watch is in voltage drop mode. First, in step S1101, the user uses the external device 200 to start up an NFC communication application program (app) and selects a process to be executed. When the process to be executed is selected, the external device 200 first transmits an inquiry (command) signal to read flag data from the second memory unit 5 of the electronic watch 101.

The communication control unit 6 of the electronic watch 101 that receives the command from the external device 200 executes processing in step S1102 and transmits the flag data in the second storage unit 5 to the external device 200. Here, it is assumed that the communication control unit 6 starts up at an appropriate time and goes into a sleep state when there is no more work to be processed.

In step S1103, the control unit 202 of the external device 200 determines whether the electronic watch 101 is in voltage reduction mode or normal mode based on the flag data received from the electronic watch 101. Here, the processing when the external device 200 determines that the electronic watch 101 is in voltage reduction mode will be described. In step S1104, if the control unit 202 of the external device 200 determines that the inquiry content (command signal) for the electronic watch 101 should be stored in the memory unit, it transmits a command signal to the electronic watch 101 to cause the electronic watch 101 to perform processing to store the inquiry content (command signal) and data to be stored in the second memory unit 5 of the electronic watch 101.

Next, in step S1105, the electronic watch 101 executes a process of storing the command signal in the first storage unit 7 based on the received command signal, and transmits a response signal to the external device 200. Next, in step S1106, the external device 200 displays the result on the display unit 205.

On the other hand, if in step S1104 it is determined that the command should not be stored in the memory unit of the electronic watch 101, or that the query signal that was originally intended should not be sent to the electronic watch 101 in the voltage reduction mode, step S1106 is executed without performing the command sending process to the electronic watch 101.

Here, depending on the selected program, the control unit 202 of the external device 200 may determine whether the processing can be performed by the communication control unit 6 of the electronic watch 101 alone. If it is determined that the desired processing can be performed by the communication control unit 6, the control unit 202 sends the inquiry content (command signal) to be executed to the electronic watch 101. Then, upon receiving a response signal corresponding to the processing, the control unit 202 of the external device 200 displays the processing result on the display unit 205.

In this manner, communication is performed between the electronic watch 101 and the external device 200 when the electronic watch 101 is in the voltage reduction mode. Next, communication between the electronic watch 101 and the external device 200 when the electronic watch 101 is in the normal mode will be described. FIG. 25 shows a sequence diagram of communication between the electronic watch 101 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and the external device 200 when the electronic watch 101 is in the normal mode. The procedures from steps S1201 to S1203 are the same as the procedures from steps S1101 to S1103 described above.

Here, the process will be described when the external device 200 determines that the electronic watch 101 is in normal mode. In this case, the external device 200 transmits a command to the electronic watch 101. Next, in step S1204, the electronic watch 101 outputs data (command) to the control unit 2 based on the command received from the external device 200.

Next, in step S1205, the control unit 2 executes data processing and transmits a response signal to the external device 200 via the communication control unit 6. Next, in step S1206, the external device 200 displays the result on the display unit 205 as necessary.

In the electronic watch and external device according to the fourth embodiment, the flag data is checked at the beginning of communication, which shortens the processing time in the voltage drop mode.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, an electronic timepiece according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the electronic timepiece and external device according to the fourth embodiment described above, an example in which flag data is confirmed at the beginning of communication has been described, but this is not limited to this example, and flag data may be confirmed at the end of communication. Fig. 26 shows a sequence diagram of communication between an electronic timepiece according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure and an external device.

The configuration of the electronic watch and external device according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2. Here, the processing procedure when the electronic watch 101 is in voltage reduction mode will be described. First, in step S1301, the user starts an NFC communication application program (app) using the external device 200 and selects the processing to be executed. When the processing to be executed is selected, the external device 200 transmits a command to the electronic watch 101.

Next, in step S1302, the communication control unit 6 of the electronic watch 101 outputs data (command) to the control unit 2 based on the received command. Next, in step S1303, the received command is input to the control unit 2, but since the control unit is in the voltage reduction mode, it cannot execute any processing.

In step S1304, if the communication control unit 6 does not receive a response from the control unit 2 within a predetermined time, it transmits a response (error) signal to the external device 200. Here, if the electronic watch 101 is configured to have a power save mode as in the second embodiment, the control unit 2 may transmit a response signal to the communication control unit 6 indicating that processing cannot be executed.

Next, in step S1305, the control unit 202 of the external device 200 determines that the electronic watch 101 may be in a voltage reduction mode, and transmits to the electronic watch 101 a command to read flag data from the second storage unit 5 of the electronic watch 101. Next, in step S1306, the communication control unit 6 of the electronic watch 101 executes a process to read flag data from the second storage unit 5, and transmits the flag data to the external device 200.

Next, in step S1307, the control unit 202 of the external device 200 determines that the electronic watch 101 is in the voltage reduction mode based on the received flag data. If the control unit 202 determines that the processing that the external device 200 wants the electronic watch 101 to perform can be performed only by the communication control unit 6, the processing of steps S1104 and S1105 shown in FIG. 24 may be executed. Next, in step S1308, the control unit 202 of the external device 200 displays the determination result that the electronic watch 101 is in the voltage reduction mode on the display unit 205.

In the above description, the case where the electronic watch 101 is in the voltage drop mode has been described. However, in the normal mode, the external device 200 can determine that the electronic watch 101 is in the normal mode without checking the flag data based on the fact that the response to the command sent by the external device 200 to the electronic watch 101 is normal. That is, in the fifth embodiment, a command to cause the electronic watch 101 to execute a process is first sent, and if the communication process does not end normally as a result, the flag data check process is executed, and it can be determined whether the communication with the electronic watch 101 simply failed or was not accepted because the electronic watch 101 is in the voltage drop mode. Compared to the control in the fourth embodiment, the control in the fifth embodiment can shorten the communication time because if the command can be sent and processed first, the confirmation that the electronic watch 101 is in the normal mode is completed. In this way, the electronic watch and external device according to the fifth embodiment can shorten the processing time in the normal mode. The fourth and fifth embodiments described above can be used with any of the first to third embodiments described above.

(Method of displaying time using the hands of an electronic clock)
In the above explanation, an example was described in which the processing result by the electronic timepiece 101 is displayed using a pointer such as a second hand, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. In the above example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the result display started, the display of the processing result by the second hand is cancelled and the display returns to the current time. However, while the external device 200 covers the electronic timepiece 101, there is a problem in that even if the second hand is moved, it cannot be seen by the user. Therefore, it is preferable to start displaying the processing result by the electronic timepiece 101 after the user can see it, and to cancel the display of the processing result after a predetermined time has elapsed.

Specifically, it is preferable that the electronic watch 101 displays the processing result by the electronic watch 101 using hands after detecting that the external device 200 has been separated from the electronic watch 101. In addition, the processing result by the electronic watch 101 may be displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the external device 200 was separated from the electronic watch 101.

There are various methods that the electronic watch 101 can use to detect that the external device 200 has been separated from the electronic watch 101. One example is a method that uses the presence or absence of photovoltaic power generation by a solar cell. This method utilizes the fact that the power generation level of photovoltaic power generation by the solar cell drops when the external device 200 blocks the dial of the electronic watch 101. If the external device 200 does not completely cover the dial of the electronic watch 101, the dial will not become completely dark. Therefore, instead of the brightness/darkness of the dial, a threshold value for the power generation level may be set as a trigger for determining whether the external device 200 and the electronic watch 101 are separated. Alternatively, the determination may be made based on whether power generation above a predetermined level has been detected continuously for a predetermined period of time. This method can be applied, for example, to a model in which the external device 200 stops outputting NFC radio waves after the NFC communication ends.

Other methods for determining whether the external device 200 and the electronic watch 101 are separated include detecting a magnetic field using a magnetic sensor, or detecting a charging current caused by NFC radio waves. Some ICs that make up the communication control unit 6 have the function of detecting magnetic fields. Such methods are effective when the external device 200 is a model that does not stop outputting NFC radio waves even when NFC communication is finished, or when the electronic watch 101 is not a model that generates electricity using a solar cell.

However, depending on the relative positions of the antenna of the external device 200 and the antenna of the electronic watch 101, it may happen that the electronic watch 101 starts displaying the processing results when it determines that there is no magnetic field or charging current and the dial of the electronic watch 101 is not yet visible. Therefore, it is preferable to start displaying the processing results of the electronic watch 101 a predetermined time after the magnetic field or charging current is no longer detected. This ensures that the user can see the display of the processing results.

As described above, according to the electronic watch according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, even if a voltage drop occurs so severe that the control unit stops operating, the electronic watch can transmit to the external device information about the circumstances under which it was able to communicate with the external device or was unable to communicate.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Communication section 2 Control section 3 Detection section 4 Determination section 5 Second storage section 6 Communication control section 7 First storage section 8 Power supply 9 Power generation section 10 Drive section 11 Display section 12 Antenna 101, 102, 103 Electronic clock 120 Subdial 200 External device

Claims (7)

Power supply,
A communication unit for communicating with an external device;
A control unit for processing a signal received from an external device;
A detection unit that detects a voltage of the power supply;
a determination unit that determines whether a voltage of the power supply is less than a first threshold;
a storage unit configured to store, when a result of the determination by the determination unit is less than a first threshold value, a flag indicating that the control unit is in a voltage reduction mode;
a communication control unit that has a function of operating using external power from an external device, refers to the flag data in the storage unit, and responds to the external device based on the flag data, or transmits the flag data;
An electronic watch comprising: The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein, when the flag data corresponds to a voltage drop mode, the communication control unit transmits to an external device a message indicating that the control unit is stopped. The determination unit further determines whether the voltage is less than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value;
The storage unit stores a determination result by the determination unit,
The communication control unit refers to the storage unit,
2. The electronic watch of claim 1, wherein when the voltage is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the control unit is caused to execute a predetermined processing depending on the content of the signal received from the external device, and the processing result is transmitted to the external device. The electronic watch according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined process is at least one of the following processes: time correction, time difference correction, battery voltage status notification, power generation status notification, and charging status notification. the communication control unit determines whether the content of the signal received from the external device is processable by the communication control unit;
5. The electronic watch according to claim 1, wherein, if the communication control unit is capable of processing, the communication control unit performs the processing and transmits the processing result to an external device.
) an external device communication section that receives information indicating a voltage state of the power supply of the electronic timepiece from the electronic timepiece;
an external device side control unit that determines whether or not the voltage of the power supply of the electronic timepiece is in a voltage reduction mode in which the voltage of the power supply of the electronic timepiece is less than a first threshold value, based on information that indicates the state of the voltage of the power supply of the electronic timepiece received from the electronic timepiece;
having
supplying power from the electronic timepiece to the external device side communication unit to operate a communication control unit capable of transmitting information indicating the voltage state of the power supply of the electronic timepiece ;
13. An external device comprising: A system including an electronic watch and an external device,
The electronic watch comprises:
Power supply,
A communication unit for communicating with an external device;
A control unit that processes a signal received from an external device;
A detection unit that detects a voltage of the power supply;
a determination unit that determines whether a voltage of the power supply is less than a first threshold;
a storage unit configured to store, when a result of the determination by the determination unit is less than a first threshold value, a flag indicating that the control unit is in a voltage reduction mode;
a communication control unit that has a function of operating using external power from an external device, refers to the flag data in the storage unit, and responds to the external device based on the flag data, or transmits the flag data;
having
The external device is
an external device communication unit for receiving a signal from the electronic watch;
an external device side control unit that determines whether the control unit of the electronic timepiece is in a voltage reduction mode based on a response signal based on the flag data received from the electronic timepiece or based on the flag data;
having
A system characterized by:

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