Clock provided with time display dial plate having display capabilities on substantially the entire surface

The present invention relates to a clock having a timetable hour dial.

Conventionally, a clock capable of displaying incidental information in addition to time and date information has been known regardless of the type of table clock or wristwatch.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a digital-format target display clock that can numerically display the current achievement level for a target to be achieved in a certain period of time. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an analog-type countdown clock that can numerically display how many days are left until a specific target date.

<p><patcit num="1"><text>JP 2009-85935</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-226982</text></patcit></p>

<p> However, with a clock such as the one described above, it is difficult to instantly grasp incidental information when viewing the time, and that information is often not utilized well. Moreover, since the incidental information is only displayed numerically, it cannot be said that it is widely accepted by a wide range of generations.</p>

<p> In order to solve the above problems, a time display dial having a display function on almost the entire surface and an outer shape resembling the contour of a face, and facial expression information holding for holding a plurality of facial expression information that can be displayed on the display. The unit, the external information acquisition unit that acquires external information, the correspondence information holding unit that holds the correspondence information that associates the external information with the facial expression information, and the acquired external information and the correspondence information should be displayed on the display. We propose a clock having a dial control unit that acquires facial expression information from a facial expression information holding unit and displays it on a display.</p>

<p> According to the present invention having the above configuration, it is possible to grasp incidental information even when the watch is casually viewed, and the frequency of utilization of the information is increased. In addition, since it is possible to express incidental information by the facial expression displayed on the timetable dial of the face shape, it becomes close to the feeling of facing a person even though it is a clock, and it is easy to have familiarity. Become.</p>

<figref num="1">The figure which shows the outline of the clock of Example 1.</figref><figref num="2">The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the clock of Example 1.</figref><figref num="3">Diagram showing an example of correspondence information</figref><figref num="4">Diagram showing another example of correspondence information</figref><figref num="5">The figure which shows an example of the structure of the clock of Example 1.</figref><figref num="6">The figure which shows an example of another configuration of the clock of Example 1.</figref><figref num="7">The figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of the timepiece of Example 1.</figref><figref num="8">The figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the clock of Example 1.</figref><figref num="9">The figure which shows the outline of the clock of Example 2.</figref><figref num="10">The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the clock of Example 2.</figref><figref num="11">The figure which shows an example of the table information which associates the contrast operation result and the facial expression information.</figref><figref num="12">The figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the clock of Example 2.</figref><figref num="13">The figure which shows the outline of the clock of Example 3.</figref><figref num="14">The figure which shows an example of the functional block of the clock of Example 3.</figref><figref num="15">The figure which shows an example of the shape of a pointer</figref><figref num="16">The figure which shows an example of the structure of Example 3.</figref><figref num="17">The figure which shows another example of the structure of Example 3.</figref><figref num="18">The figure which shows an example of the processing flow of the clock of Example 3.</figref><figref num="19">The figure which shows another example of the functional block of the clock of Example 1.</figref><figref num="20">The figure which shows another example of the functional block of the clock of Example 1.</figref><figref num="21">The figure which shows another example of the functional block of the clock of Example 1.</figref>

Examples of the present invention will be described below. The mutual relationship between the examples and the claims is as follows. Example 1 is mainly<u style="single">Claims 2, 3, 5, 6</u>Corresponds to. Example 2 is mainly<u style="single">Claim 4</u>Corresponds to. Example 3 is mainly<u style="single">Claim 1</u>Corresponds to. The present invention is not limited to these examples, and can be carried out in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof.

<p>&lt;Overview&gt; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the clock of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the clock of this embodiment has a configuration in which incidental information can be expressed by a facial expression displayed on almost the entire surface of a face-shaped time display dial. In the example of this figure, (A) when the incidental information indicates good information (for example, when the video game time is short), a happy expression appears on the dial, and (B) the incidental information. When the information indicates bad information (for example, when the video game is played for a long time), the expression of being amazed appears on the dial. By having this configuration, it is possible to intuitively grasp incidental information even when the watch is casually viewed. In addition, even though it is a watch, it feels like you are facing a person, which makes it easier to get familiar with it.</p><p>&lt;Structure&gt; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the clock of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the "clock" 0200 of this embodiment includes a "time display dial" 0201, a "facial expression information holding unit" 0202, an "external information acquisition unit" 0203, and a "corresponding information holding unit". 0204 and "dial control unit" 0205. The clock of this embodiment can be a wall clock, a stationary clock, or a wristwatch (the same applies to the following examples).</p><p> The functional blocks of each device described below can be realized as hardware, software, or both hardware and software. Further, the present invention can be realized not only as an apparatus but also as a method.</p><p> Further, a part of such an invention can be configured as software. Further, a software product used to make a computer execute such software, and a recording medium in which the product is fixed to a recording medium are naturally included in the technical scope of the present invention (as well as throughout the present specification). Is).</p><p> The "time display dial" has a display function on almost the entire surface, and has an outer shape that is similar to the outline of a face. Here, on the time display dial, characters (Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, Chinese numerals, etc.), symbols, scales, etc. for indicating each time are arranged. That is, the clock of this embodiment displays the time in an analog manner. The characters, symbols, scales, etc. that display each time can be displayed and output by the display function, and the characters that indicate the time can be printed on the dial in advance or the dial plane. On the other hand, it is possible to express by unevenness.</p><p> As a specific configuration of the display function, for example, it is conceivable that the display function is composed of an LED element, an LED driving unit for driving the LED element, and the like. In this case, the LED element can be an element of a plurality of colors such as red, green, and blue, or can be an element of a single color. It should be noted that a configuration using an LCD (liquid crystal) display, a CRT display, a plasma display, or the like is also possible, and the present invention is not particularly limited to any of the examples.</p><p> Further, the fact that the outer shape of the time display dial is regarded as the outline of the face means that the time display dial has an outer shape similar to the outline of the face. The contour of the face includes not only the contour of the human face but also the contour of the face of animals, insects, anime characters, and the like. Various contours of these faces can be considered, and shapes close to basic figures such as circles, ellipses, polygons, and stars are possible, and complex contours of humans, animals, etc. are imitated in detail. It is also possible to have a different shape. It is not necessary that the outer shape of the time display dial and the outer shape of the watch itself match. For example, it is conceivable that the outer shape of the time display dial is circular and the outer shape of the timepiece itself is square.</p><p> The "facial expression information holding unit" has a function of holding a plurality of facial expression information that can be displayed on the display. Here, as the plurality of facial expression information, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, facial expression information indicating a state of being pleased or a state of being amazed can be considered. In addition, facial expression information indicating how well or tired, facial expression information indicating a good or bad complexion, facial expression information indicating sneezing or sneezing, and hot weather. Facial expression information showing how it looks and how cold it is, facial expression information that shows how proud and bad it looks, facial expression information that shows how it looks calm and impatient, how it looks respected and looks down. Various facial expression information such as facial expression information indicating the state can be considered. These do not have to be human facial expressions, but can be facial expressions of animals, anime characters, and the like.</p><p> The facial expression information can be stored as facial expression information of the entire face, and information on each part of the face that forms the facial expression (types of each part such as eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and eyebrows). It is also possible to subdivide and hold the information of the above and the information of each position, color, etc.). Further, the facial expression information can be graphic information (including three-dimensional graphics information) or photographic information.</p><p> As a specific configuration of the facial expression information holding unit, it is conceivable to use a storage device such as a non-volatile memory. The facial expression information may be stored in a storage device in advance, but it may be possible to modify or add the facial expression information by accepting or receiving new facial expression information input.</p><p> The "external information acquisition unit" has a function of acquiring external information. Specific examples of external information include information indicating the usage status of energy consumption such as electricity, gas, and water, temperature (outside air / inside air), humidity (outside air / inside air), amount of solar radiation, wind speed, precipitation, amount of snow, and so on. Information such as precipitation probability / warning, earthquake information, typhoon information, emergency evacuation information, etc. can be considered. It is conceivable that such information is acquired from a measurement sensor, a storage device that stores the data of the measurement sensor, a specific server device, or the like via a network. It is also possible to receive such information via an operation input device.</p><p> Other examples of external information include viewing time and video game time acquired from viewing devices and game devices, information such as the operating mode, operating time, and errors of electrical appliances acquired from household electrical appliances, and hot water supply. Information on bath temperature and boiling status obtained from water heaters, etc., power consumption (including unit time) per predetermined time (including unit time) obtained from the power management unit and power generation unit, power consumption, power purchase, storage power, Information on the amount of power generated can also be considered.</p><p> In addition to the information acquired from the external device or the like, the external information includes information newly generated by performing internal processing using the information acquired from the external device or the like. For example, the information of the calculation result obtained by the comparison calculation between the information of the viewing time acquired from the external device or the like and the information of the target time held in the internal storage area is also included in the external information.</p><p> Further, the external information does not have to be one type, and it is possible to acquire a plurality of types of external information. For example, it is conceivable to acquire information such as viewing time from a viewing device or the like, and also acquire information such as air conditioning operating time from an air conditioner.</p><p> Specific configurations of the external information acquisition unit include processing arithmetic units such as CPUs and MPUs, programs and interfaces for receiving external information (communication interfaces, external storage devices, measuring devices, and interfaces with operation input devices). It is conceivable to use a storage device (including a volatile memory) for holding external information. The acquired external information can be temporarily stored in RAM or the like, or stored in a non-volatile memory or the like and retained for a long period of time.</p><p> The "correspondence information holding unit" has a function of holding correspondence information in which external information and facial expression information are associated with each other. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of correspondence information. In the example of this figure, the air temperature (outdoor or indoor temperature) is associated with facial expression information indicating how hot or cold it is. Specifically, facial expression information showing a temperature range of 40 ° C or higher and a state of being extremely hot, facial expression information showing a temperature range of 30 to 40 ° C and a state of being slightly hot, 15 to 30 Facial expression information showing the temperature range of ° C and neither hot nor cold, facial expression information showing the temperature range of 0 to 15 ° C and slightly cold, the region lower than 0 ° C and very cold Facial expression information indicating how they are doing is associated with each other. With this configuration, it is possible to intuitively grasp the temperature through the facial expression information displayed on the time display dial of the timepiece.</p><p> In addition, the viewing time (viewing time per predetermined time in the past, continuous viewing time, etc.) in a viewing device in a specific room (for example, a children's room) is associated with facial expression information indicating how impressed or amazed. An example is also possible. Specifically, I am a little disappointed with the information that the viewing time per 3 hours is 2 hours or more, the facial expression information that shows the state of being very amazed, and the information that the viewing time is 1 to 2 hours. Facial expression information showing the situation, information that the viewing time is 30 minutes to 1 hour, facial expression information showing that you are not impressed or amazed, information that the viewing time is 0 to 30 minutes and you are impressed It is conceivable to associate each facial expression information indicating. With this configuration, it is possible to intuitively grasp the viewing time of a specific viewing device through the facial expression information displayed on the time display dial of the clock.</p><p> The "dial control unit" has a function of acquiring facial expression information to be displayed on the display from the facial expression information holding unit and displaying it on the display using the acquired external information and corresponding information. Here, the timing of displaying on the display and the time of displaying on the display can be variously considered and can be appropriately set. For example, it may be configured to be displayed at all times, or it may be configured to be displayed for 1 minute every hour. It is also possible to change the display timing and display time for each facial expression information displayed on the display. For example, when the facial expression information indicating the warning state is displayed and output, the display output of the facial expression may be terminated when the content confirmation operation is accepted.</p><p> As a specific configuration of the dial control unit, a processing arithmetic unit such as a CPU or MPU or a display signal control device for controlling a display display (for example, a video signal is converted into an LED display signal and used as an LED display drive unit). It is conceivable that it is composed of an LED signal control unit) or the like having a function of distributing.</p><p> The process of acquiring the facial expression information and displaying it on the display may include a process of processing and modifying the facial expression information so as to match the size and shape of the display. In particular, if the facial expression information is divided into information on each part of the face (information on the type of each part such as eyes, nose, mouth, ears, eyebrows, etc., information on each position, etc.), it will be referred to as external information and corresponding information. Based on this, it is also possible to combine each part and output it on the display.</p><p> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of correspondence information for realizing the configuration. As shown in this figure, the corresponding information includes information on the type of each part (LE1 etc.) and position information ((X1 etc.)) associated with external information (IN1 etc.)._LE1, Y_LE1) etc.) are included. The dial control unit acquires facial expression information of each part associated with the acquired external information from the facial expression information holding unit based on the corresponding information, and performs a process of displaying it at an appropriate position on the display.</p><p> It should be noted that a configuration is also conceivable in which the position, inclination, color, shape, etc. of the characters or the like are changed according to the facial expression displayed on the display.</p><p> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the position and inclination of the characters on the dial are changed according to the facial expressions. As shown in this figure, when the facial expression represents information with good facial expression (when the facial expression is bright, etc.), the characters indicating each time are arranged as usual, and when the facial expression represents information with bad facial expression. (In the case of a dark facial expression, etc.), it is conceivable that the characters indicating each time are arranged at an angle in various directions. The configuration can be realized by a drive motor or a drive program capable of changing the position and inclination of parts on which predetermined characters constituting the dial are printed. Further, in the case of a configuration in which characters indicating each time are displayed by the display function, it can be realized by using a program or table information in which the position and inclination information of the characters indicating each time and the facial expression information are associated with each other. ..</p><p> In addition, when the facial expression shows good information (bright facial expression, etc.), the characters indicating each time are made into bright colors or well-formed shapes, and when the facial expression shows bad information (dark). In the case of facial expressions, etc.), it is possible to make the characters indicating each time dark or distorted. This configuration can be realized by using a program or table information that associates facial expression information with information such as the color and shape of characters indicating each time.</p><p> It is also possible to display external information together with facial expression information on the display. With this configuration, the external information can be intuitively grasped by the facial expression information, and at the same time, the external information itself can be confirmed as needed. External information is displayed in areas where facial expression information is not displayed or areas that do not significantly affect the confirmation of the content of facial expression information (for example, the gap between the nose and mouth, between the eyes, and the area near the edge of the face). The configuration is preferred.</p><p> In addition to the above configuration, a voice output unit capable of outputting voice, a voice information holding unit holding a plurality of voice information that can be output from the voice output unit, and voice support in which external information and voice information are associated with each other. Further, a voice-corresponding information holding unit that holds information and a voice output control unit that acquires and outputs voice information to be output from the voice output unit using the acquired external information and voice-corresponding information. It is also possible to have a configuration. Here, it is conceivable to control the timing of the voice output so as to be synchronized with the timing of the display output of the facial expression information. For example, it is conceivable to output facial expression information indicating a happy state and voice information indicating a happy state at the same timing.</p><p> Further, the time display dial has a touch input operation receiving means for receiving a touch input operation for the facial expression information displayed on the display, and the dial control unit expresses the facial expression in response to the touch input operation for the facial expression information. It is also possible to have a configuration having a display mode control means for controlling the display mode of information. For example, a touch operation (rotation slide operation, etc.) for rotating the facial expression information displayed on the display clockwise or counterclockwise, or a touch operation (enlargement / enlargement / reduction) for enlarging or reducing all or part of the facial expression information. It is conceivable to accept a reduction slide operation, etc.). FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block having the configuration.</p><p> It is also possible that the external information acquisition unit has an external information type selection means for selecting the type of external information to be acquired in response to the touch operation input for the facial expression information. For example, when an operation input for touching the eye position of the facial expression information displayed on the display is received, information on the viewing time of the viewing device (including the playing time of a video game, etc.) is acquired from the viewing device, etc. When the operation input that touches the position is accepted, the information of the continuous talk time is acquired from the telephone device, etc., and when the operation input that touches the position of the ear is accepted, the information of the charging status is acquired from the portable audio device, etc. , Etc. can be considered. In this case, the correspondence information has a type-specific correspondence information holding means for holding the type-specific correspondence information in which the external information and the facial expression information are associated with each type of the external information. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block having the configuration. In addition, the setting of the external information type selection means and the content of the corresponding information holding means for each type should be configured to be appropriately changeable via the operation input unit, so that the external information to be acquired and the corresponding facial expression information can be selected. Is also possible.</p><p> Further, it is also conceivable that the clock of the present embodiment has a control command transmitting unit that transmits a control command to an electric device connected via a wired or wireless network in response to a touch input operation for the facial expression information. .. Specifically, when the watch is connected to the air conditioner via a network, a control command for changing the mode of the air conditioner when a predetermined touch input operation is received for the facial expression displayed on the display. Can be transmitted to the air conditioner<u style="single">(For example, when a slide operation that wipes sweat is accepted for a facial expression that seems to be sweaty and hot, a command to lower the set temperature by a predetermined level is sent to the air conditioner to make it look like it is trembling and cold. A command to raise the set temperature to a predetermined temperature is sent to the air conditioner when a slide operation that rubs against the indicated facial expression is accepted.)</u>.. Control is ordered. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block having the configuration.</p><p> It is also possible to remove a part of the outer shape of the watch so that it can be changed to another. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a configuration is conceivable in which a part of the outer shape of the watch can be removed and replaced with the outer shape of a bear or the outer shape of a monkey.</p><p>&lt;Concrete configuration&gt; FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of a configuration when each functional configuration requirement of the watch is realized as hardware. Using this figure, the function of each hardware component will be described.</p><p> As shown in this figure, the clock has "CPU" 0701, "RAM" 0702, "ROM" 0703, "communication unit" 0704, "display unit" 0705, and "nonvolatile memory (for example). , Flash memory) 0706. The above configurations are interconnected by the data communication path of the "system bus" 0707 to send, receive, and process information.</p><p> The CPU performs a process of acquiring external information via a communication unit and a process of storing it in RAM. Here, it is also possible to further perform a process of storing in the non-volatile memory. Next, a process of reading the corresponding information stored in the ROM or the flash memory into the RAM is performed. Subsequently, a process of determining facial expression information to be displayed on the display is performed based on the external information stored in the RAM and the corresponding information. Next, a process of reading the determined facial expression information from the ROM or flash memory and storing it in the RAM is performed. Next, a process of outputting the read facial expression information to the display unit is performed.</p><p> The communication unit may be configured to receive data from a measurement sensor in the local area or a storage device that stores data from the measurement sensor, or receive data from a server device or the like outside the local area. ..</p><p>&lt;Processing flow&gt; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of a clock having a time display dial having an outer shape resembling the outline of a face and having a display function on substantially the entire surface. .. The processing flow in the figure consists of the following steps. First, in step S0801, the external information is acquired (external information acquisition step). Next, in step S0802, the correspondence information in which the external information is associated with a plurality of facial expression information that can be displayed on the display is acquired (correspondence information acquisition step). Next, in step S0803, the facial expression information to be displayed on the display is acquired using the acquired external information and the corresponding information (facial expression information acquisition step). Next, in step S0804, the acquired facial expression information is displayed on the display (facial expression information display step).</p><p>&lt;Effect&gt; The clock of this embodiment makes it possible to intuitively grasp incidental information even when the clock is casually viewed. In addition, even though it is a watch, it feels like you are facing a person, which makes it easier for you to become familiar with it.</p>

<p>&lt;Overview&gt; As shown in FIG. 9, the clock of this embodiment shows the comparison result between the target value of the energy consumption and the actually measured value by the facial expression displayed on almost the entire surface of the face-shaped time display dial. By having this configuration, it is possible to intuitively grasp information on energy consumption even when the watch is casually viewed. In addition, even though it is a watch, it feels like you are facing a person, which makes it easier for you to become familiar with it.</p><p> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the clock of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the "clock" of this embodiment includes the "time display dial" 1001, the "expression information holding unit" 1002, the "external information acquisition unit" 1003, and the "corresponding information holding unit". It is composed of 1004 and "dial control unit" 1005, and the "external information acquisition unit" includes "energy consumption acquisition means" 06, "target value holding means" 1007, and "contrast calculation means" 1008. The "correspondence information holding unit" has the "calculation result correspondence information holding means" 1009. Since the basic configuration is the same as that of the clock of the first embodiment, the differences are "energy consumption acquisition means" 1006, "target value holding means" 1007, "contrast calculation means" 1008, and "calculation result". Correspondence information holding means "1009 will be described.</p><p> The "energy usage acquisition means" has a function of acquiring energy usage such as electricity, gas, and water. Here, as the energy consumption of electricity, gas, water, etc., in addition to the energy consumption of electricity, gas, and water, the energy consumption of liquid fuel (petroleum, etc.) and solid fuel (coal, etc.) can be considered. ..</p><p> As the energy consumption, an arbitrary amount of energy used per hour can be considered, for example, the amount of energy used per second, or the amount of energy used per hour, one day, or one month. is there.</p><p> The energy consumption can be obtained from, for example, a measuring device that measures the energy usage, can be obtained from an energy usage storage device that stores energy usage data, or a server device that exists in an external network. It is conceivable to acquire from, or to receive and acquire input via an operation input device.</p><p> Specific configurations of energy usage acquisition means include processing arithmetic units such as CPUs and MPUs, programs and interfaces for receiving external information (communication interfaces, external storage devices, measuring devices, interfaces with operation input devices, etc.). , It is conceivable to use a storage device (including a volatile memory, etc.) for holding external information. The acquired external information can be configured to be temporarily stored in RAM or the like, or can be stored in a non-volatile memory or the like and retained for a long period of time.</p><p> The "target value holding means" has a function of holding the target value of the energy consumption. As the target value of energy consumption, the target value of energy consumption per arbitrary time can be considered. For example, the target value of energy consumption every 30 minutes may be used, or per day, January, or year. It is also possible to set the target value of energy consumption. These target values do not have to be fixed values, and may be values that change depending on the time and date. For example, it is conceivable that the target value of the energy consumption in the time from 12:00 to 12:30 is different from the target value of the energy consumption in the time from 12:30 to 13:00.</p><p> As a configuration for holding the target value of energy consumption, it is also possible to hold it as table information in which the target value is associated with each time zone, day of the week, and season, and the time zone, day of the week, and season are accepted as variables. A configuration in which the target value is held as a calculable program is also conceivable.</p><p> In addition, the above table information and programs do not have to be fixed, and can be configured to change. For example, in the example of table information in which target values are associated with each time zone, day of the week, and season, when the target value of a predetermined time zone on a predetermined day of a certain season is cleared (energy consumption is less than the target value). In that case), it is conceivable to set a new target value automatically based on the value of the energy consumption at the time of clearing.</p><p> In addition, the time of the day when the energy consumption was the lowest among the data obtained from the data stored in the non-volatile memory etc. on the day when the environmental conditions such as the temperature and humidity of the outside air are similar. It is also possible to perform a process of setting the value of the energy consumption for each zone as the target value of the energy consumption for each time zone.</p><p> It is also possible to appropriately acquire the data of the target value from the energy consumption storage device existing in the local area network, or acquire the data of the target value from the server device or the like existing in the external network and hold it. Is.</p><p> The "contrast calculation means" has a function of performing a comparison calculation between the target value and the actually measured value. That is, the difference between the measured value and the target value is calculated, or the ratio between the measured value and the target value is calculated, and the measured value and the target value are compared. Specifically, the contrast calculation means may be composed of a processing calculation device such as a CPU or MPU and RAM or the like.</p><p> The calculation result correspondence information holding means has a function of further holding the calculation result correspondence information in which the comparison calculation result and the facial expression information are associated with each other. As the calculation result correspondence information in which the contrast calculation result and the facial expression information are associated, the table information in which the contrast calculation result and the facial expression information are associated is mainly considered.</p><p> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of table information that associates the contrast calculation result with the facial expression information. In the example of this figure, the ratio of the measured value to the target value is 1.5 or more, the facial expression information showing how disappointed it is, and the contrast calculation result of 1 to 1.5 is somewhat disappointing. The facial expression information indicating the state, the comparison calculation result of less than 1, and the facial expression information indicating the happy state are associated with each other.</p><p>&lt;Concrete configuration&gt; The hardware configuration of the timepiece of this embodiment is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the timepiece of Example 1 described with reference to FIG. 7. Hereinafter, the characteristic processing of the timepiece of this embodiment will be described.</p><p> The CPU performs a process of acquiring energy usage data via a communication unit and stores it in RAM. Here, it is also possible to further perform a process of storing in the non-volatile memory. Next, a process of storing the target value of the energy consumption stored in the ROM or the non-volatile memory in the RAM is performed. Further, based on the energy consumption data and the target value data, a contrast calculation process of the target value and the measured value is performed, and the processing result is stored in the RAM. Next, a process of storing the calculation result correspondence information in which the comparison calculation result and the facial expression information stored in the ROM or the non-volatile memory are associated with each other is performed in the RAM. Next, a process of determining facial expression information to be displayed on the display is performed based on the result of the comparison calculation process stored in the RAM and the calculation result correspondence information. Next, the process of reading the determined facial expression information from the ROM or the non-volatile memory into the RAM is performed. Next, a process of outputting the read facial expression information to the display unit is performed.</p><p> The communication unit can receive data from a measurement sensor in the local area or a storage device that stores data from the measurement sensor, or can receive data from a server device or the like outside the local area. The configuration is conceivable.</p><p>&lt;Processing flow&gt; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of a clock having a time display dial having an outer shape resembling the outline of a face and having a display function on substantially the entire surface. The processing flow in the figure consists of the following steps. First, in step S1201, the energy consumption of electricity, gas, water, etc. is acquired (energy usage acquisition step). Next, in step S1202, a comparison calculation is performed between the target value of the energy consumption and the actually measured value (contrast calculation step). Next, in step S1203, the calculation result correspondence information in which the comparison calculation result and the facial expression information are associated is acquired (calculation result correspondence information acquisition step). Next, in step S1204, the facial expression information to be displayed on the display is acquired using the acquired comparison calculation result and the calculation result correspondence information (facial expression information acquisition step). Next, in step S05, the acquired facial expression information is displayed on the display (facial expression information display step).</p><p>&lt;Effect&gt; The clock of this embodiment makes it possible to intuitively grasp information on energy consumption even when the clock is casually viewed. In addition, even though it is a watch, it feels like you are facing a person, which makes it easier to get familiar with it.</p>

<p>&lt;Overview&gt; As shown in FIG. 13, the clock of this embodiment expresses incidental information by the facial expression displayed on almost the entire surface of the face-shaped time display dial , and the type of facial expression changes according to the position of the pointer. .. By having this configuration, it is possible to intuitively grasp incidental information even when the watch is casually viewed. In addition, even though it is a watch, it feels like you are facing a person, which makes it easier for you to become familiar with it.</p><p>&lt;Structure&gt; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the clock of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the "clock" 1400 having the "guideline" of this embodiment includes the "time display dial" 1401, the "expression information holding unit" 1402, and the "external information acquisition unit" 1403. It has a "correspondence information holding unit" 1404, a "dial control unit" 1405, and a "pointer position acquisition unit" 1406, and the "correspondence information holding unit" has a "guideline correspondence information holding means" 1407, and is " The "dial control unit" has a "pointer-compatible dial control means" 1408. Hereinafter, the "pointer position acquisition unit", the "pointer correspondence information holding means", and the "pointer correspondence dial control means", which are the differences from the first and second embodiments, will be described.</p><p> The "guideline" has a function of indicating the time on the dial. As the pointer, there are an hour hand, a minute hand, and a second hand, and various configurations such as a configuration having only an hour hand and a minute hand and a configuration having any pointer of the hour hand, the minute hand, and the second hand can be considered. Further, the pointer can be configured to be displayed and output by the display function, or can be a physical pointer.</p><p> The pointer should be shaped so that it extends from the vicinity of the center of the dial shown in Fig. 15 (A) to the letters indicating each time, the scale, etc., and the letters from a position away from the center of the dial shown in Fig. 15 (B). , It is also conceivable to have a shape extending to a scale or the like. The shape and arrangement of the pointer is not limited to the above example, and various shapes and arrangements can be considered.</p><p> The "pointer position acquisition unit" has a function of acquiring the position information of the pointer. As the position information of the pointer, for example, information such as how many times the pointer is oriented clockwise from the 0 o'clock position on the dial, or which of the scales indicating each time on the dial is oriented. Information such as is possible. Further, as the position information of the pointer, it is conceivable to acquire the relative angle between the hour hand, the minute hand, and the second hand, the difference in scale, and the like.</p><p> As a measure for acquiring the position information of the pointer, the elapsed time from a predetermined time (for example, 0 o'clock) is calculated based on the internal clock of a processing arithmetic unit such as a CPU, and the position information of the pointer is calculated based on the elapsed time. It is conceivable to perform processing. Further, in the case of a clock (radio clock, etc.) that sets the time based on information acquired from the outside, it is conceivable to perform a process of acquiring the position information of the pointer based on the information acquired from the outside.</p><p> The "guideline correspondence information holding means" has a function of holding guideline correspondence information in which external information, position information of the guideline, and facial expression information are associated with each other. As the guideline correspondence information, table information in which external information, position information of the guideline, and facial expression information are associated with each other can be considered.</p><p> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing how the facial expression displayed on the display changes depending on the position of the pointer. In the example of this figure, the information that the continuous talk time is one hour or more is associated with the facial expression indicating that the person is very annoyed. It is subdivided into facial expressions. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to prevent the facial expression from becoming difficult to see due to the pointer or to appear as a facial expression showing a different appearance. That is, the coexistence with the analog type clock is high.</p><p> Further, in the example of the above figure, the configuration is such that the facial expression information is subdivided according to the positions of the hour hand and the minute hand, but it is also possible to subdivide the information including the position of the second hand. In the above example, the continuous talk time information acquired as external information may be acquired from a telephone device, or may be acquired from a modem or the like connected to the telephone device.</p><p> The "pointer-compatible dial control means" is a function of acquiring facial expression information to be displayed on the display from the facial expression information holding unit and displaying it on the display using the acquired external information, the acquired position information of the pointer, and the guideline-compatible information. Has.</p><p> As a specific configuration of the pointer-compatible dial control means, a processing arithmetic unit such as a CPU or MPU or a display signal control device for controlling a display display (for example, a video signal is converted into an LED display signal and expressed by an LED). It is conceivable that it is composed of an LED signal control unit) or the like that is distributed to the drive unit.</p><p> As a process of acquiring facial expression information and displaying it on a display, it is also possible to perform a process of processing and modifying the facial expression information so as to match the size and shape of the display. In particular, when the facial expression information is divided into each part of the face (eyes, nose, mouth, ears, eyebrows, etc.), a configuration is conceivable in which these parts are combined and displayed and output on the display.</p><p> It is also conceivable to perform processing / correction of facial expression information based on the position information of the pointer. For example, after acquiring facial expression information based on external information, pointer position information, and pointer correspondence information, the facial expression information may be rotated based on the angle of the hour hand (or minute hand) as shown in FIG. good.</p><p>&lt;Concrete configuration&gt; The hardware configuration of the timepiece of this embodiment is basically the same as the hardware configuration of the timepiece of Example 1 described with reference to FIG. 7. Hereinafter, the characteristic processing of the timepiece of this embodiment will be described.</p><p> The CPU performs a process of acquiring external information via a communication unit and a process of storing it in RAM. Here, it is also possible to further perform a process of storing in the non-volatile memory. Next, a process of calculating the position information of the pointer using the time information of the clock is performed, and a process of storing the process result in the RAM is performed. Next, a process of reading the guideline correspondence information stored in the ROM or the flash memory into the RAM is performed. Subsequently, a process of determining the facial expression information to be displayed on the display is performed based on the external information stored in the RAM, the position information of the pointer, and the pointer correspondence information. Next, a process of reading the determined facial expression information from the ROM or flash memory and storing it in the RAM is performed. Next, a process of outputting the read facial expression information to the display display unit is performed.</p><p>The read facial expression information is rotated based on the position information of the pointer stored in the RAM, and the facial expression information is enlarged or trimmed according to the size and shape of the display. A configuration that outputs to the display unit is also conceivable.</p><p>&lt;Processing flow&gt; FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow of a clock having a time display dial having an outer shape resembling the outline of a face and having a display function on substantially the entire surface. The processing flow in the figure consists of the following steps. First, in step S1801, the external information is acquired (external information acquisition step). Next, in step S1802, the position information of the pointer is acquired (pointer position information acquisition step). Next, in step S1803, the guideline correspondence information in which the external information, the position information of the pointer, and the plurality of facial expression information that can be displayed on the display are associated with each other is acquired (guideline correspondence information acquisition step). Next, in step S1804, the facial expression information to be displayed on the display is acquired using the acquired external information, the position information of the pointer, and the pointer correspondence information (guideline facial expression information acquisition step). Next, in step S1805, the acquired facial expression information is displayed on the display (facial expression information display step).</p><p>&lt;Effect&gt; The clock of this embodiment makes it possible to intuitively grasp incidental information even when the clock is casually viewed. In addition, even though it is a watch, it feels like you are facing a person, which makes it easier for you to become familiar with it.</p>

0200 ... Clock, 0201 ... Time display dial, 0202 ... Facial expression information holding unit, 0203 ... External information acquisition unit, 0204 ... Corresponding information holding unit, 0205 ... Dial control Unit, 1006 ... Energy usage acquisition means, 1007 ... Target value holding means, 1008 ... Contrast calculation means, 1009 ... Calculation result correspondence information holding means, 1406 ... Pointer position acquisition unit, 1407 ... Pointer-compatible information holding means, 1408 ... Guideline-compatible dial control means, 1906 ... Touch input operation reception means, 1907 ... Display mode control means, 2007 ... External information type selection means, 2008 ... Correspondence information for each type, 2107 ... Control command transmitter, 0701 ... CPU 0702 ... RAM 0703 ... ROM, 0704 ... Communication unit, 0705 ... Display unit, 0706 .. .Non-volatile memory, 0707 ... system bus