JP2012189531A - Electronic clock - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic timepiece that is easy to see for a user and provides a sensual time notification with an analog clock display that does not get bored.
SOLUTION: It includes a time measuring means 13 for measuring time, a display means 10 for displaying the time, and a control means 14 for controlling the display means. The control means 14 receives the time from the time measuring means 13. The display means 10 is caused to display a display area that is a part of an analog timepiece that represents the time and that has a predetermined size including at least the hour hand, based on the time signal. . The control means 14 includes a part of the minute hand of an analog timepiece representing the time in the display area.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece and the like.

  Among electronic timepieces, there is a display-type electronic timepiece having a display such as an EPD (Electro Phoretic Display). The display-type electronic timepiece can express various characters and numbers, and can display various backgrounds.

  Here, there are two types of clocks: a digital clock that displays the time in numbers and an analog clock that indicates the time with hands. The digital clock can know the time instantly. On the other hand, an analog timepiece can grasp the amount of time sensuously, such as easy to understand the elapsed time.

  For example, in the invention of Patent Document 1, the start time, the end time, and the time between them can be easily recognized by analog clock display.

  Some display-type electronic timepieces have a function of displaying an analog timepiece by a user operation or setting. The user can use either a digital clock or an analog clock depending on the situation.

JP-A-7-193759

  However, when the electronic timepiece is a wristwatch or a pocket watch, the size of the display is generally small. For this reason, when a hand display type analog timepiece is displayed, for example, it may be difficult to see numbers on the hands and dial.

  Moreover, even if it is a table clock or wall clock having a relatively large display size, the shape of the display may be extremely vertically or horizontally for design. Even in such a case, the display of the analog timepiece becomes small, and the same problem occurs.

  And when the same dial is always displayed in the analog clock display, the functions of the display-type electronic clock that can display a variety of displays are not fully demonstrated, and users can get bored with the display screen. There was sex.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems. According to some aspects of the present invention, an electronic timepiece is provided that provides a sense of time with an analog timepiece display that is easy for the user to see and does not get bored.

(1) The present invention is an electronic timepiece, which includes a time measuring unit that measures time, a display unit that displays the time, and a control unit that controls the display unit, and the control unit includes the time measuring unit. Receiving a time signal representing the time from the means, and, based on the time signal, a display area which is a part of an analog timepiece representing the time and is a predetermined size area including at least the hour hand; To display.

  According to the electronic timepiece of the invention, the control means causes the display means to display a display area which is a part of an analog timepiece representing the time and is an area of a predetermined size including at least the hour hand. By not displaying the entire analog clock, it is possible to avoid the problem of difficult to see numbers and hands.

  At this time, the display area which is a part of the analog timepiece is enlarged and displayed so that the user can easily see the numbers and hands. Since the display area changes with the movement of the hour hand, the user does not get bored with the display. Further, since the display area is an area including the hour hand, the user can know the approximate time.

  Here, the electronic timepiece is a display-type electronic timepiece including display means. As the display means, for example, EPD may be used, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), or other display means may be used. Good.

  Here, the analog timepiece is a timepiece indicating the time with hands, and is displayed on the display means. Specifically, it refers to an analog clock image displayed on the display means. Therefore, there is no physical analog timepiece, and at least one of the control means and the display means generates.

  The shape of the analog timepiece is not limited to a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon, and may be, for example, a fan shape. The shape of the display area which is a part of the analog timepiece is not limited to a polygon, and may take various shapes such as an ellipse according to the shape of the display means.

  Note that the time may be the current time, or in the case of world time or the like, may be the time of the region designated by the user.

(2) In this electronic timepiece, the control means may cause the display means to display the display area including a part of the minute hand of the analog timepiece representing the time.

(3) In this electronic timepiece, the control means may cause the display means to display the display area including a number representing a minute digit of the time.

  According to these inventions, since the minute hand information or minute digit information is included in the display area, the user can know the time more accurately than the approximate time based only on the hour hand.

  The display area may include a part of the minute hand of the analog timepiece. As a result, the user knows the approximate time indicated by the minute hand. The part of the minute hand is, for example, a root part of the minute hand.

  The display area may include a number representing a minute digit. This allows the user to know the exact time.

(4) The electronic timepiece may include an input unit that receives an instruction from the outside, and the control unit may determine the predetermined size of the display area based on the instruction received by the input unit. .

  According to the present invention, the predetermined size of the display area is adjusted by the input unit that receives an instruction from the outside. For example, the user can enlarge or reduce the displayed analog timepiece by the input means. Therefore, the user can select an easy-to-see display.

(5) The electronic timepiece includes a timer for measuring time, and the control means causes the display means to display the entire analog timepiece representing the time at predetermined time intervals based on a signal from the timer. May be.

  According to the present invention, the entire analog timepiece is displayed at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, the user can know sensuously that the displayed image is a part of the analog timepiece.

The figure which shows the example of a display of the electronic timepiece in 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the analog clock display in 1st Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic timepiece according to a first embodiment. The block diagram of EPD in 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the pixel of the display part in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6A illustrates a configuration example of an electrophoretic element. 6B to 6C are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the electrophoretic element. The flowchart of the control in 1st Embodiment. 8A to 8B are diagrams showing another example of analog clock display. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B are diagrams for explaining a modification of the first embodiment. The figure explaining another modification of 1st Embodiment. 11A to 11B are diagrams of comparative examples.

1. First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, first, the problem in the display of the electronic timepiece of the comparative example will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11B, and then the electronic timepiece of the present embodiment will be described.

1.1. Problem of Display of Electronic Timepiece of Comparative Example FIG. 11A is a front view of the electronic timepiece 100 of the comparative example. The electronic timepiece 100 is a wristwatch and has a small display unit 103. Then, an analog clock display can be performed according to the setting of the user (the right diagram in FIG. 11A). In analog clock display, the amount of time can be perceived sensuously.

  However, unlike the digital clock display that displays the time only by numbers (the left diagram in FIG. 11A), it is necessary to display many elements such as hands and dials. Then, the problem that the numbers written on the hands and dials are difficult to see small occurs.

  This is a particular problem in a female electronic timepiece 100A as shown in FIG. The display part of the wrist watch for women is smaller than that for men. Therefore, the problem that it is difficult to see the numbers written on the hands and dials is remarkable. In addition, like the display portion 103A in FIG. 11B, the dial numbers on the analog clock display may be omitted, making it difficult to read the time.

  In the following electronic timepiece of the present embodiment, an analog timepiece display that is easy for the user to see is performed, and the problem that the time on the hands and the dial is difficult to see or the time is difficult to read by omitting the number does not occur.

1.2. Display Example of Electronic Timepiece of this Embodiment FIG. 1 is a front view of an electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment. The electronic timepiece 1 includes a timepiece case 2 and a pair of bands 4 connected to the timepiece case 2. On the front face of the watch case 2, an EPD (electrophoretic display device) display unit 3 and operation buttons 6 and 7 are provided.

  The electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment has a digital timepiece display (left figure in FIG. 1) and an analog timepiece display (right figure in FIG. 1) as display modes. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the display mode can be switched by a user setting. Here, the operation buttons 6 and 7 may be used for switching the display mode.

  In the present embodiment, the electronic timepiece 1 is a wristwatch, but may be a table clock, a wall clock, or the like. In this embodiment, the display mode can be switched, but only an analog clock display may be performed.

  In FIG. 1, the digital clock display on the left shows the current time as a number, and the analog clock display on the right shows the current time with a hand. Here, in the analog clock display on the right side, the entire analog clock is not displayed, and only a part of the area with the hour hand is displayed in an enlarged manner. Therefore, there are no problems that the user can easily see, the numbers on the hands and dial are small and difficult to see, and the time is difficult to read by omitting the numbers.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the details of the analog clock display of the present embodiment. The same elements as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  An upper view of FIG. 2 is an overall view of the analog timepiece 5. In the comparative example, since the entire analog timepiece is displayed on the small display portion of the electronic timepiece, there is a problem that it is difficult to see numbers and the like. In the present embodiment, only a region 5A of a predetermined size that is a part of the analog timepiece 5 and includes at least the hour hand 8 is displayed on the display unit 3 in the lower diagram of FIG. Therefore, the problem that numbers are difficult to see is solved. Here, the area 5A having a predetermined size is hereinafter referred to as a display area 5A.

  In the present embodiment, the size of the display area 5A is adjusted so that the user can easily see it. Specifically, it is adjusted according to the resolution of the display unit 3 so that the hour hand 8 and the numbers on the dial face can be clearly seen. The user can know the approximate time (around 2:20) from the display area 5 </ b> A displayed on the display unit 3. In FIG. 2, the minute hand 9 is included in the display area 5 </ b> A, but the minute hand 9 is not necessarily included.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user can set the initial value of the size of the display area 5A on the initial setting screen, for example. In setting, the operation buttons 6 and 7 may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the display area 5 </ b> A that is a partial area of the analog clock 5 is enlarged and displayed on the display unit 3, whereby an analog clock display that is easy for the user to see is performed. At this time, the display area 5A also changes with the movement of the hour hand 8, so that the user does not get bored with the display. The display area 5A is adjusted in accordance with the resolution of the display unit 3 so that the hour hand 8 and the numbers on the dial face can be clearly seen, so that the user can know the approximate time. At this time, unlike the comparative example, the number of the dial face is small and the problem that the time is difficult to read does not occur.

  The display unit 3 of the present embodiment is an active matrix type EPD display unit, and displays the analog timepiece that changes with time. Hereinafter, a configuration block diagram of the electronic timepiece of the present embodiment including the EPD will be shown, and an EPD driving method and the like will be described.

1.3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic timepiece 1 according to this embodiment. The analog clock display can be realized by the configuration of FIG. 3, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic timepiece 1 includes an oscillation circuit 11, a frequency dividing circuit 12, a time counter 13, a display control circuit 14, an EPD 10, switches 15 and 16, a time correction circuit 17, and a timer 22. Although illustration of the power source is omitted in FIG. 3, the electronic timepiece 1 may include a primary battery, or may include a power generation device and a secondary battery.

  The oscillation circuit 11 generates a reference oscillation signal by causing a reference oscillation source such as a crystal resonator to oscillate at a high frequency.

  The frequency dividing circuit 12 divides the reference oscillation signal generated by the oscillation circuit 11 to generate a predetermined reference signal (for example, a signal of 1 Hz).

  The time counter 13 counts the reference signal generated by the frequency dividing circuit 12 and measures the current time, for example. The time counter 13 functions as a time measuring means of the electronic timepiece 1. The time counter 13 outputs, for example, a time signal indicating the current time to the display control circuit 14.

  The switches 15 and 16 are turned on by pressing the operation buttons 6 and 7 (see FIG. 1) which are input means from the outside. The switches 15 and 16 are input detection means for detecting the input of the operation buttons 6 and 7. The switches 15 and 16 output signals corresponding to the detected input of the operation buttons 6 and 7 to the time adjustment circuit 17 and the display control circuit 14.

  The time adjustment circuit 17 generates a time adjustment signal based on the signals from the switches 15 and 16 and outputs it to the time counter 13. The time counter 13 corrects the time signal according to the time correction signal.

  The timer 22 receives the reference signal from the frequency dividing circuit 12. Then, it functions as a general-purpose timer for measuring a predetermined time in accordance with an instruction from the display control circuit 14.

  The display control circuit 14 causes the EPD 10 to display the time based on the time signal from the time counter 13. At this time, digital clock display (see the left figure in FIG. 1) or analog clock display (see the right figure in FIG. 1) is performed according to the setting of the user. The display control circuit 14 functions as a control unit that controls display of the electronic timepiece 1.

  When performing the analog clock display, the display control circuit 14 calculates the display area 5A (see FIG. 2) based on the time signal. At this time, image data to be displayed by the display control circuit 14 may be generated, but in this embodiment, the display control circuit 14 generates a control signal 18 from the calculation result and outputs the control signal 18 to the EPD 10. Then, the EPD 10 reads the image signal from the storage unit and displays it on the display unit.

  The electronic timepiece 1 of this embodiment includes an EPD 10 as a display device. The EPD 10 performs display with a wide viewing angle and high contrast. The EPD 10 functions as a display unit of the electronic timepiece 1. The display unit of the EPD 10 corresponds to the display unit 3 in FIG.

1.4. EPD
1.4.1. Configuration of EPD FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an active matrix type EPD (electrophoretic display device) of the present embodiment. For example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display, or the like may be used instead of the EPD.

  The EPD 10 includes an EPD control unit 60, a storage unit 160, and a display unit 3. The EPD control unit 60 controls the display unit 3 and includes a scanning line drive circuit 61, a data line drive circuit 62, a controller 63, and a common power supply modulation circuit 64. In the present embodiment, the EPD control unit 60 controls the display unit 3 based on the control signal 18 from the display control circuit 14 (see FIG. 3), but part or all of the functions of the EPD control unit 60 are the display control circuit. 14 may be included.

  The scanning line driving circuit 61, the data line driving circuit 62, and the common power supply modulation circuit 64 are each connected to the controller 63. The controller 63 comprehensively controls these based on the image signal read from the storage unit 160 and the control signal 18. The controller 63 may include a storage unit 160.

  The storage unit 160 may be an SRAM, a DRAM, or other memory, and stores at least image data (image signal) to be displayed on the display unit 3. In addition, information necessary for control by the controller 63 may be stored in the storage unit 160.

  The display unit 3 is formed with a plurality of scanning lines 66 extending from the scanning line driving circuit 61 and a plurality of data lines 68 extending from the data line driving circuit 62, and a plurality of pixels corresponding to these intersecting positions. 40 is provided.

The scanning line driving circuit 61 is connected to each pixel 40 by _m scanning lines 66 (Y ₁ , Y ₂ ,..., Y _m ). The scanning line driving circuit 61 regulates the ON timing of the driving TFT 48 (see FIG. 5) provided in the pixel 40 by sequentially selecting the scanning lines 66 from the first row to the m-th row under the control of the controller 63. A selection signal is supplied.

The data line driving circuit 62 is connected to each pixel 40 by _n data lines 68 (X ₁ , X ₂ ,..., X _n ). The data line driving circuit 62 supplies an image signal defining 1-bit image data corresponding to each of the pixels 40 to the pixels 40 under the control of the controller 63. In the present embodiment, when defining pixel data “0”, a low-level image signal is supplied to the pixel 40, and when defining image data “1”, a high-level image signal is applied to the pixel 40. 40.

The display unit 3 also includes a low-potential power line 49 (Vss), a high-potential power line 50 (Vdd), a common electrode line 55 (Vcom), and a first pulse signal line 91 (S) extending from the common power modulation circuit 64. ₁ ), a second pulse signal line 92 (S ₂ ) is provided, and each wiring is connected to the pixel 40. The common power supply modulation circuit 64 generates various signals to be supplied to each of the wirings according to the control of the controller 63, and performs electrical connection and disconnection (high impedance, Hi-Z) of these wirings.

1.4.2. Circuit Configuration of Pixel Part FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of the pixel 40 of FIG. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the same wiring as FIG. 4, and description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the description of the common electrode wiring 55 common to all pixels is omitted.

  The pixel 40 is provided with a driving TFT (Thin Film Transistor) 48, a latch circuit 70, and a switch circuit 80. The pixel 40 has an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) type configuration in which an image signal is held as a potential by a latch circuit 70.

  The driving TFT 48 is a pixel switching element made of an N-MOS transistor. The gate terminal of the driving TFT 48 is connected to the scanning line 66, the source terminal is connected to the data line 68, and the drain terminal is connected to the data input terminal of the latch circuit 70. The latch circuit 70 includes a transfer inverter 70t and a feedback inverter 70f. A power supply voltage is supplied to the inverters 70t and 70f from the low potential power supply line 49 (Vss) and the high potential power supply line 50 (Vdd).

  The switch circuit 80 includes transmission gates TG1 and TG2, and outputs a signal to the pixel electrode 35 (see FIGS. 6B and 6C) according to the level of the pixel data stored in the latch circuit 70. . Note that Va means a potential (signal) supplied to the pixel electrode of one pixel 40.

Image data "1" in the latch circuit 70 (the image signal of high level) is stored, the transmission gate TG1 is turned on, the switch circuit 80 supplies the signals S ₁ as Va. On the other hand, the image data "0" in the latch circuit 70 (the image signal of a low level) is stored, when the transmission gate TG2 is turned on, the switch circuit 80 supplies the signal S ₂ as Va. With such a circuit configuration, the EPD control unit 60 can control the potential (signal) supplied to the pixel electrode of each pixel 40.

1.4.3. Display Method The EPD 10 of this embodiment is assumed to be a two-particle microcapsule type electrophoresis method. If the dispersion is colorless and transparent, and the electrophoretic particles are white or black, at least two colors can be displayed with two colors of white or black as basic colors. Here, it is assumed that the EPD 10 can display black and white as basic colors.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the electrophoretic element 132 of the present embodiment. The electrophoretic element 132 is sandwiched between the element substrate 130 and the counter substrate 131 (see FIGS. 6B and 6C). The electrophoretic element 132 is configured by arranging a plurality of microcapsules 120. The microcapsule 120 encloses, for example, a colorless and transparent dispersion, a plurality of white particles (electrophoretic particles) 127, and a plurality of black particles (electrophoretic particles) 126. In the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the white particles 127 are negatively charged and the black particles 126 are positively charged.

  FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the display unit 3 of the EPD 10. The element substrate 130 and the counter substrate 131 sandwich the electrophoretic element 132 in which the microcapsules 120 are arranged. The display unit 3 includes a drive electrode layer 350 in which a plurality of pixel electrodes 35 are formed on the electrophoretic element 132 side of the element substrate 130. In FIG. 6B, a pixel electrode 35 </ b> A and a pixel electrode 35 </ b> B are shown as the pixel electrode 35. The pixel electrode 35 can supply a potential to each pixel (for example, Va, Vb). Here, a pixel having the pixel electrode 35A is referred to as a pixel 40A, and a pixel having the pixel electrode 35B is referred to as a pixel 40B. The pixel 40A and the pixel 40B are two pixels corresponding to the pixel 40 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

  On the other hand, the counter substrate 131 is a transparent substrate, and an image is displayed on the counter substrate 131 side in the display unit 3. The display unit 3 includes a common electrode layer 370 in which a common electrode 37 having a planar shape is formed on the electrophoretic element 132 side of the counter substrate 131. The common electrode 37 is a transparent electrode. Unlike the pixel electrode 35, the common electrode 37 is an electrode common to all pixels, and is supplied with the potential Vcom.

  The electrophoretic element 132 is disposed on the electrophoretic display layer 360 provided between the common electrode layer 370 and the drive electrode layer 350, and the electrophoretic display layer 360 serves as a display region. A desired display color can be displayed for each pixel according to the potential difference between the common electrode 37 and the pixel electrode (for example, 35A, 35B).

  In FIG. 6B, the common electrode side potential Vcom is higher than the potential Va of the pixel electrode of the pixel 40A. At this time, the negatively charged white particles 127 are attracted to the common electrode 37 side, and the positively charged black particles 126 are attracted to the pixel electrode 35A side, so that the pixel 40A is visually recognized as displaying white.

  In FIG. 6C, the common electrode side potential Vcom is lower than the potential Va of the pixel electrode of the pixel 40A. At this time, on the contrary, the positively charged black particles 126 are attracted to the common electrode 37 side, and the negatively charged white particles 127 are attracted to the pixel electrode 35A side, so that it is visually recognized that the pixel 40A displays black. Is done. Note that the structure in FIG. 6C is similar to that in FIG. Further, in FIGS. 6B and 6C, Va, Vb, and Vcom are described as fixed potentials. However, in actuality, Va, Vb, and Vcom are voltages based on a driving pulse signal, and potentials are increased with time. Changes.

  In the electronic timepiece 1 of the present embodiment, the display unit 3 of an active matrix type EPD (electrophoretic display device) is provided, so that at least two colors can be displayed for each pixel. Therefore, in the analog clock display, a display area (see FIG. 2) that changes with the movement of the hour hand can be displayed, and the display can be enlarged or reduced.

  In addition, it is possible to make decorative expressions for the numbers on the hands and dials, so that the user can not get bored and the design can be improved.

1.5. Flowchart FIG. 7 is a flowchart of control performed by the display control circuit of the electronic timepiece according to this embodiment.

  The display control circuit checks the presence / absence of a minute carry based on the time signal (S10). Since the EPD has a memory property, the display may be updated only when there is a minute carry. Therefore, when there is no minute carry (S10N), it waits until there is a minute carry.

  If there is a minute carry (S10Y), it is confirmed whether the display mode is analog clock display (S20). If the display mode is a digital clock display (S20N), a digital clock representing the time in numbers is displayed on the EPD (S30).

  If the display mode is analog clock display (S20Y), the display area which is a partial area of the analog clock is updated. Specifically, the position of the hour hand may be specified by calculation based on the time signal (S22), and the size of the area including the hour hand (display area, see FIG. 2) may be adjusted for ease of viewing (S24). . Note that S24 may be omitted. Then, an analog clock indicating the time with hands is displayed on the EPD (S26).

  When the digital clock display (S30) and the analog clock display (S26) are finished, the process returns to S10 again.

1.6. Another Display Example FIGS. 8A to 8B are diagrams showing another example of the analog clock display in the electronic timepiece of the present embodiment. The same elements as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the example of the analog clock display of FIG. 2, the minute hand 9 is included in the display area 5A, but the minute hand 9 is not necessarily included. Even without the minute hand 9, the user can know the approximate time by displaying the enlarged position of the hour hand.

  However, when the minute hand is displayed, it becomes easier for the user to grasp the time. In the present embodiment, a part of the minute hand 9 is included in the display area (see FIG. 2). For example, in FIG. 8A, the root portion of the minute hand 9 is displayed, and the user knows the approximate time pointed by the minute hand (about 5 minutes). Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to grasp the time.

  Also, the user may want to know the exact time even in the analog clock display. In this embodiment, it has the function to display a minute digit numerically as an auxiliary. For example, in FIG. 8B, the minute digit 19 is displayed as a number in the upper left part of the display unit 3. As a result, the user can know the exact time (6: 4 in this example).

  Note that the function of displaying the minute digits as a number may be switched on and off by the operation buttons 6 and 7.

2. Modified Examples Several modified examples of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same element as FIGS. 1-8B, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

2.1. First Modification FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in display area according to a first modification. The electronic timepiece of the first modification can enlarge and reduce the analog timepiece display in real time. The analog clock display can be enlarged and reduced so that the user can easily see it while looking at the display unit, so that convenience is improved.

  For example, when the display area 5A of FIG. 9A is displayed on the display unit, the user wants to know more accurate time. In this modification, for example, by pressing an operation button, the display area 5B of FIG. 9A is enlarged and displayed on the display unit. By this operation, a finer hour hand position can be seen. Conversely, in this modification, the display area 5C of FIG. 9A can be reduced and displayed on the display unit by pressing another operation button. This is convenient when you want to see the entire analog clock.

2.2. Second Modification (Modification in which the entire analog clock display is displayed)
FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a display example of the second modified example. The electronic timepiece of the second modified example displays the entire analog timepiece at a predetermined time interval (for example, 10 seconds to 3 minutes) measured by a timer (see FIG. 3).

  For example, when only a part of an analog clock is enlarged and displayed, it may be difficult for the user to understand what the display image is. In the present modification, the entire analog timepiece is sometimes displayed, so that the user can be sensibly informed that the displayed image is part of the analog timepiece.

2.3. Third Modification FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the third modification. The shape of the analog timepiece is not limited to an ellipse, a circle, or a polygon as in the first embodiment. Moreover, it does not necessarily need to be provided with a minute hand. In the third modified example, an analog clock 105 that is a fan-shaped dial and represents the time only by the hour hand 8 is used. Note that the hour hand 8 in this modification also serves as a minute hand.

  In this modification, the gauge portion pointed by the hour hand 8 is enlarged and displayed on the display unit 3 as a display region 105A. The user can immediately know the approximate time because the enlarged display is sufficient to read the scale of the gauge portion.

3. Other EPD used in each of the above embodiments may be one in which black-and-white two-particle electrophoresis with black particles and white particles is performed, may be performed in one-particle electrophoresis, and other than monochrome A combination may be used.

  And a display means is not limited to EPD, Another display may be sufficient. For example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), or the like may be used.

  Furthermore, the electronic timepiece of the present invention is not limited to a wristwatch, and may be a table clock, a wall clock, a pocket watch, or the like.

  The present invention is not limited to these exemplifications, and includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in the embodiments (for example, configurations that have the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations that have the same objects and effects). In addition, the invention includes a configuration in which a non-essential part of the configuration described in the embodiment is replaced. In addition, the present invention includes a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects as the configuration described in the embodiment or a configuration that can achieve the same object. Further, the invention includes a configuration in which a known technique is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100,100A ... Electronic timepiece, 2 ... Timepiece case, 3,103,103A ... Display part, 4 ... Band, 5,105 ... Analog timepiece, 5A, 5B, 5C, 105A ... Area (display area), 6 ... Operation buttons, 7 ... operation buttons, 8 ... hour hand, 9 ... minute hand, 10 ... EPD (electrophoretic display device), 11 ... oscillation circuit, 12 ... frequency dividing circuit, 13 ... time counter, 14 ... display control circuit, 15 ... Switch, 16 ... Switch, 17 ... Time adjustment circuit, 18 ... Control signal, 19 ... Minute digit, 22 ... Timer, 35, 35A, 35B ... Pixel electrode, 37 ... Common electrode, 40, 40A, 40B ... Pixel, 48 ... Driving TFT (Thin Film Transistor) 49... Low potential power line (Vss) 50. High potential power line (Vdd) 55. Common electrode wiring (Vcom) 60. EPD controller 61. , 2 ... data line driving circuit, 63 ... controller, 64 ... common power supply modulation circuit, 66 ... scanning line, 68 ... data line, 70 ... latch circuit, 80 ... switching circuit, 91 ... first pulse signal line _(S 1) 92 ... second pulse signal line (S ₂ ), 120 ... microcapsule, 126 ... black particles, 127 ... white particles, 130 ... element substrate, 131 ... counter substrate, 132 ... electrophoretic element, 160 ... storage unit, 350 ... Drive electrode layer, 360 ... Electrophoretic display layer, 370 ... Common electrode layer

Claims (5)

A time measuring means for measuring time;
Display means for displaying the time;
Control means for controlling the display means,
The control means includes
Receiving a time signal representing the time from the time measuring means;
An electronic timepiece that displays on the display means a display area that is a part of an analog timepiece that represents the time and is a predetermined size area including at least the hour hand based on the time signal. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1,
The control means includes
An electronic timepiece that causes the display means to display the display area including a part of a minute hand of an analog timepiece representing the time. The electronic timepiece according to claim 1,
The control means includes
An electronic timepiece that causes the display means to display the display area including a number representing a minute digit of the time. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Including input means for receiving external instructions,
The control means includes
An electronic timepiece that determines the predetermined size of the display area based on the instruction received by the input means. The electronic timepiece according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Including a timer to time,
The control means includes
An electronic timepiece that causes the display means to display an entire analog timepiece representing the time at predetermined time intervals based on a signal from the timer.

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