DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0061] First Embodiment

[0062] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system using a wrist-watch device 1 having a wireless communication function (hereinafter referred to as the “wrist-watch device 1 ”) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This system in its entirety would include many wrist-watch devices 1 worn by many users and a plurality of external transceiver devices 100 located at various places (only one of the wrist-watch devices 1 and one of the transceiver devices 100 are shown for clarity).

[0063] Configuration of External Transceiver Device

[0064] The external transceiver device 100 includes a controller 101 for controlling the individual elements in device 100 , a transmitter 102 for generating a transmitting signal under the control of the controller 101 and outputting it to the high frequency circuit 105 , a receiver 103 for demodulating a received signal (transmitted from the wrist-watch device 1 ) into received data and outputting it to the controller 101 , and a high frequency circuit 105 for transmitting and receiving a data signal to and from the wrist-watch device 1 via an antenna 104 .

[0065] The controller 101 contains an encryption processing unit (not shown) for encrypting and decrypting the signal transmitted and received to and from the wrist-watch device 1 .

[0066] The transmitter 102 receives the signal from the controller 101 , and generates the transmitting signal having a frequency of, for example, 13.56 MHz. This frequency is suitable for short-distance communication in a range of approximately from 2 to 19 centimeters. When the user brings his/her wrist-watch device 1 within a few centimeters (for example, within 10 cm) of the antenna 104 of the external transceiver device 100 , data communication is performed between the external transceiver device 100 and the wrist-watch device 1 .

[0067] A related facility 200 is formed of various processors (not shown) that are connected via a network in the facility, and is managed by a service provider that offers services to the user of the wrist-watch device 1 .

[0068] For example, if the service provider is a railway organization, the related facility 200 includes a database for storing fares for individual stations, a processor for calculating the fare that the user must pay based on the information stored in the database, a processor for executing accounting processing for the user based on the calculated fare, a network for connecting these elements, and so on.

[0069] The above-described database and the processors may be physically located in a physical storage unit (e.g. cabinet or housing) of each external transceiver device 100 .

[0070] The related facility 200 also includes a movable barrier for preventing users who have insufficient fare from passing through the ticket gate, and a opening/closing mechanism for opening or closing the barrier.

[0071] The external transceiver device 100 performs data communication with the wrist-watch device 1 according to short-distance wireless communication while also performing data communication with the connected related facility 200 . With this arrangement, the external transceiver device 100 transmits and receives service-related information to and from the wrist-watch device 1 .

[0072] For example, if the service provider is a railway organization, the external transceiver device 100 is integrated into a ticket selling machine or an automatic ticket machine installed in each station. Upon receiving money from the user, the external transceiver device 100 integrated into the ticket selling machine transmits the corresponding payment information to the wrist-watch device 1 . Subsequently, when the user passes through the ticket gate, the external transceiver device 100 integrated into the automatic ticket machine calculates the fare by performing data communication with the wrist-watch device 1 . Then, the payment information corresponding to the calculated fare is obtained from the wrist-watch device 1 . Various communication protocols for short-distance communication may be used between the external transceiver device 100 and the wrist-watch device 1 .

[0073] Configuration of Wrist-Watch Device

[0074] FIG. 2 illustrates a wrist-watch unit of the wrist-watch device. FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken on line b-b of FIG. 2 .

[0075] The wrist-watch device 1 includes a wrist-watch unit 2 and a band 3 . Within a housing 4 of the wrist-watch unit 2 , as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a timepiece module 10 is located at the central portion, and a generally ring-like contactless IC module 60 ( FIG. 1 ) is disposed around the outer periphery of the timepiece module 10 . This contactless IC module 60 includes a circuit board 7 , an IC chip 61 , a loop antenna 5 , and a tuning capacitor 6 , which are mounted on the circuit board 7 .

[0076] Configuration of Timepiece Module

[0077] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the timepiece module of the time wrist-watch.

[0078] The timepiece module 10 includes, as shown in FIG. 4, a timepiece control circuit 11 , a reference oscillator 12 , an external operation input unit 21 , such as a crown or a credit balance display switch (see FIG. 1 ), a battery 22 for supplying a power supply voltage Va, and moving mechanisms 30 S and 30 MH.

[0079] The timepiece control circuit 11 comprises primarily a first reference clock generator 13 , a timepiece control unit 14 , a second-hand driving unit 15 , and an hour/minute-hand driving unit 16 .

[0080] The first reference clock generator 13 receives a reference clock signal from the reference oscillator 12 so as to generate a first reference clock CLK 1 (for example, 32.768 kHz).

[0081] The timepiece control unit 14 comprises a microcomputer including a CPU 14 B, a ROM 14 C, a RAM 14 D, and other common elements of a microcomputer, as are well known.

[0082] The ROM stores a program for controlling the second-hand driving unit 15 and the hour/minute-hand driving unit 16 using a time signal generated based on the first reference clock CLK 1 . The ROM also stores a program for performing second-reference signal generation processing by receiving a signal from the contactless IC module 60 or an operation performed on the external operation input unit 21 and by generating a second reference clock signal CLK 2 having a frequency of, for example, 1.0 MHz, and for supplying it to the contactless IC module 60 . A program for performing determination processing for determining the credit balance data of the contactless IC module 60 (insufficient-balance reporting processing in the mode of use discussed below) is also stored in the ROM.

[0083] The RAM stores determination data D 0 used for this determination processing. If the contactless IC module 60 is used for a prepaid ticket function, it is preferable in a practical sense that this determination data D 0 corresponds to the minimum fare.

[0084] Additionally, a suitable communication interface may be connected to an input/output terminal (not shown) of the timepiece control unit 14 , in which case, a control program for performing the method of the present invention can be downloaded and installed via a network, such as the Internet. Via such a communication interface, a control program recorded on a removable recording medium, such as a flexible disk or an optical disc, may be installed.

[0085] As the insufficient-balance reporting processing, power-voltage supply processing, irregular movement processing, etc. may be employed. According to the power-voltage supply processing, the power supply voltage Va from the battery 22 is transformed to power a supply voltage Vb, and is supplied to the contactless IC module 60 , thereby driving the contactless IC module 60 . The irregular movement processing is as follows. The value of balance data Da read from the contactless IC module 60 is compared with the value of the predetermined data D 0 , and upon receiving the comparison result, the second-hand moving mechanism 30 S changes the duty of the pulse signal, resulting in a three-second movement. The timepiece control unit 14 includes a comparator unit that may comprise the CPU 14 B that is programmed to compare the two values and provide a comparison result as described.

[0086] In this case, the power supply voltage Va is generated using, for example, a high potential voltage as the reference potential (GND) and a low potential voltage as the supply voltage. A light-emission driving unit 17 receives a determination signal output from the timepiece control unit 14 , and causes a light-emitting unit 18 , which is separately provided for the wrist-watch unit 1 , to emit light.

[0087] The configurations of the moving mechanisms 30 S and 30 MH are discussed below.

[0088] The second-hand moving mechanism 30 S includes a stepping motor 31 that may be a pulse motor, a stepper motor, or a digital motor. The stepping motor 31 is driven by a driving pulse signal.

[0089] The stepping motor 31 includes a driving coil 32 which generates a magnetic force in accordance with the driving pulse signal supplied from the second-hand driving unit 15 , a stator 33 excited by the driving coil 32 , and a rotor 34 that rotates by a magnetic field excited within the stator 33 .

[0090] The rotor 34 is a PM type having a disk-like bipolar permanent magnet (permanent-magnet rotary type). The stator 33 is provided with a magnetic saturating portion 37 in which different magnetic poles resulting from the magnetic force generated in the driving coil 32 are generated in corresponding phases (poles) 35 and 36 around the rotor 34 .

[0091] In order to define the rotating direction of the rotor 34 , an internal notch 38 is provided at a suitable position of the inner periphery of the stator 33 . A cogging torque is generated by this internal notch 38 so as to stop the rotor 34 at a suitable position.

[0092] The rotation of the rotor 34 of the stepping motor 31 is conveyed to a second hand 40 by a gear train 39 including an intermediate second date wheel 39 a , which is meshed with the rotor 34 , and a second wheel (second designating wheel) 39 b . As a result, seconds are displayed by the second hand 40 .

[0093] Substantially similar to the above-described second-hand moving mechanism 30 S, the hour/minute-hand moving mechanism 3 OHM includes a stepping motor 41 , a driving coil 42 , a stator 43 , and a rotor 44 .

[0094] The stator 43 is provided with a magnetic saturating portion 47 in which different magnetic poles resulting from the magnetic force generated in the driving coil 42 are generated in corresponding phases (poles) 45 and 46 around the rotor 44 .

[0095] In order to define the rotating direction of the rotor 44 , an internal notch 48 is provided at a suitable position of the inner periphery of the stator 43 . A cogging torque is generated by this internal notch 48 so as to stop the rotor 44 at a suitable position.

[0096] The rotation of the rotor 44 of the stepping motor 41 is then conveyed to the corresponding hands by a gear train 49 including a fourth wheel 49 a , that is meshed with the rotor 44 , a third wheel 49 b , a second wheel (minute designating wheel) 49 c , a minute wheel 49 d , and a sliding pinion (hour designating wheel) 49 e.

[0097] A minute hand 50 is connected to the second wheel 49 c , and an hour hand 51 is connected to the sliding pinion 49 e . In association with the rotation of the rotor 44 , hours and minutes are displayed by these hands 50 and 51 , respectively.

[0098] Configuration of Contactless IC Module

[0099] The electrical configuration of the contactless IC module 60 is described below with reference to FIG. 5 , which is a block diagram illustrating the contactless IC module 60 .

[0100] This contactless IC module 60 includes the double-winding loop antenna 5 formed by attaching a copper foil on the circuit board 7 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ), the tuning capacitor 6 , and the IC chip 61 .

[0101] In order to increase the antenna efficiency of the loop antenna 5 , it is desirable to make the opening area of the loop antenna 5 larger. If the space within the housing 4 permits, the IC chip 61 is preferably formed on the exterior of the loop antenna 5 , and then, the communication quality can be improved. The communication distance with the external transceiver 100 can also be increased.

[0102] The number of turns of the loop antenna 5 is on the order of a few turns if a frequency in the short-wave band, such as 13.56 MHz, is used for communication. If the long-wave band at 125 kHz or 134 kHz is used for communication, a few tens of turns are used. If the number of turns is a few tens of turns, it is difficult to form the loop antenna 5 by attaching a copper foil pattern on the circuit board because of the lack of space. Accordingly, the loop antenna 5 may be formed three-dimensionally by winding, for example, a copper line. Further, if the microwave band at 2.45 GHz is used as the communication frequency, a microstrip antenna is formed on the circuit board.

[0103] The IC chip 61 includes a rectifying circuit 62 , a third-reference signal generator 63 , a demodulator 64 , a modulator 65 (RF portion), an SP/PS converter 66 , an IC controller 67 , an encryption processor 68 , and a non-volatile memory 69 .

[0104] The third-reference signal generator 63 , the demodulator 64 , the modulator 65 , the SP/PS converter 66 , the IC controller 67 , the encryption processor 68 , and the non-volatile memory 69 form a drive unit A which is driven by receiving the supply voltage Vb output from the rectifying circuit 62 .

[0105] Upon receiving an induction magnetic field (polling signal) from the external transceiver 100 via the loop antenna 5 and the tuning capacitor 6 , the rectifying circuit 62 applies the supply voltage Vb obtained by rectifying the polling signal to the drive unit A. The rectifying circuit 62 is formed of a diode, thereby outputting the half-wave rectified or full-wave rectified supply voltage Vb. This enables the the drive unit A of the contactless IC module 60 to be driven without requiring a power source.

[0106] The third-reference signal generator 63 generates a third reference clock CLK 3 (for example, 13.56 MHz) from the signal received via the loop antenna 5 and the tuning capacitor 6 , and outputs it to the SP/PS converter 66 and the IC controller 67 . The demodulator 64 demodulates the signal received via the loop antenna 5 and the tuning capacitor 6 , and the demodulated signal is converted into a parallel signal in the SP/PS converter 66 and is then transmitted to the IC controller 67 . The modulator 65 modulates the transmitting data that is sent from the IC controller 67 and is serial-converted by the SP/PS converter 66 , and supplies the modulated data to the tuning capacitor 6 and the loop antenna 5 .

[0107] It should be noted that the SP/PS converter 66 is driven based on the reference clock signal output from the third-reference signal generator 63 .

[0108] The IC controller 67 performs various types of control operations based on the third reference clock CLK 3 from the third-reference signal generator 63 . This IC controller 67 is provided with conventional microcomputer elements such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc., (none of which are shown for simplicity). In the ROM, control programs and parameters for performing various types of control operations, such as control processing for transmitting and receiving data to and from the external transceiver 100 by wireless communication are stored. The IC controller 67 then allows data communication between the demodulator 64 and the encryption processor 68 and between the modulator 65 and the encryption processor 68 according to the control programs.

[0109] The encryption processor 68 performs encryption processing when receiving non-encrypted data. The encryption processor 68 then supplies the encrypted data to the non-volatile memory 69 . The encryption processor 68 also decrypts data read from the non-volatile memory 69 according to an instruction from the IC controller 67 , and supplies it to the IC controller 67 .

[0110] The non-volatile memory 69 is formed of, for example, an EEPROM. The encrypted data supplied from the encryption processor 68 is written into the non-volatile memory 69 . Upon receiving an instruction from the IC controller 67 , the stored data is read out of the non-volatile memory 69 . For example, in the non-volatile memory 69 , data corresponding to the payment information for the services, ICCID (IC Card Identification) with which each IC card must be provided, a service provider ID for identifying the corresponding service provider, and so on, are stored.

[0111] When this contactless IC module 60 is used as a prepaid train ticket, the data format of the data stored in the non-volatile memory 69 is, for example, such as that shown in FIG. 6 . That is, the personal ID of the user, the balance data Da, the service provider ID, etc., are stored in the non-volatile memory 69 .

[0112] In this non-volatile memory 69 , a control program for controlling the entire wrist-watch device 1 is also stored. This control program is rewritable by wireless communication with the external transceiver device 100 . Accordingly, the upgrading of the control program and the addition of modules can easily be performed. It is also possible to connect an external wireless device having a communication function similar to the external transceiver device 100 to a personal computer at the user's home, in which case, the control program can be downloaded and installed via a network, such as the Internet. Similarly, a suitable communication interface may be provided, and a control program recorded on a removable recording medium, such as a flexible disk or an optical disc, can be installed.

[0113] An overview of the operation performed by the contactless IC module 60 is discussed below.

[0114] The IC controller 67 of the contactless IC module 60 detects a digital-modulated (ASK, FSK, or the like) polling signal transmitted in the form of an induction magnetic field from the external transceiver 100 via the loop antenna 5 and the tuning capacitor 6 . The IC controller 67 then reads parallel data from a designated memory address in the non-volatile memory 69 . The IC controller 67 further performs parallel-serial (PS) conversion on the parallel data read from the memory in synchronization with the modulated signal transmitted to the IC controller 67 . Then, the IC controller 67 outputs the obtained serial data as the transmitting data.

[0115] The modulator 65 modulates the transmitting data output from the IC controller 67 , and sends the transmitting data toward an external wireless device by changing the resonance state of a tank circuit formed by the loop antenna 5 and the tuning circuit 6 .

[0116] Power is completely supplied from the external wireless device, and the data memory also uses a non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM or a ferroelectric memory. Accordingly, the contactless IC module 60 is completely battery-less.

[0117] Specific Examples for Use

[0118] A description is provided below of an example in which the contactless IC module 60 of the wrist-watch device 1 is used as a prepaid train ticket in a contactless automatic ticket system.

[0119] In this case, the balance data Da has been written into the non-volatile memory 69 , and the determination data D 0 has been written into the RAM of the timepiece control unit 14 .

[0120] FIG. 7 illustrates that a user R with the wrist-watch device 1 attempts to pass through a contactless automatic ticket machine 300 . The contactless automatic ticket machine 300 is provided with the external transceiver device 100 .

[0121] When the user R approaches the ticket gate of the contactless ticket machine 300 , an induction magnetic field (polling signal) transmitted from the antenna 104 of the automatic ticket machine 300 is received by the loop antenna 5 of the wrist-watch device 1 . Accordingly, the signal corresponding to the induction magnetic field is rectified in the rectifying circuit 62 so as to generate the supply voltage Vb, thereby driving the drive unit A. The IC controller 67 then stores the data corresponding to the signal according to the control program, and also transmits the data stored in the non-volatile memory 69 from the loop antenna 5 .

[0122] Thus, the signals are transmitted and received between the non-volatile memory 69 and the controller 101 of the automatic ticket machine 300 . Then, the controller 101 of the automatic ticket machine 300 determines whether the user R is able to pass through the ticket gate. As a result, if the information stored in the non-volatile memory 69 of the contactless IC module 60 of the user R is valid, the user R is allowed to pass through the ticket gate. If invalid ticket information (for example, an insufficient balance) is stored, the ticket gate is closed by the movable barrier, and the user R is prevented from passing through the gate.

[0123] The balance data Da is written into the non-volatile memory 69 as follows.

[0124] When entering the ticket gate, the value corresponding to the minimum fare is subtracted from the value of the balance data Da, and the subtracted value is written as new balance data Da.

[0125] When exiting the ticket gate, a subtracted value is obtained by first subtracting the minimum fare from the fare corresponding to the boarding zone, and then subtracting the result from the value of the balance data Da. Then, the subtracted value is written as new balance data Da.

[0126] For example, when the minimum fare is $1.40, the fare corresponding to the boarding zone is $3.00, and the amount of the initial credit balance data Da is $10.00, the balance data Da becomes $8.60 when the user enters the ticket gate, and becomes $7.00 when the user exits from the ticket gate.

[0127] Operation of the Present Embodiment

[0128] Insufficient-Balance Reporting Processing

[0129] The insufficient-balance reporting processing performed by the timepiece module 10 is described below with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 8 .

[0130] This insufficient-balance reporting processing is performed at regular intervals of predetermined determination cycle periods TSP. Accordingly, the timepiece control unit 14 counts a predetermined time with an internal timer 14 E (step Sa 1 ), and waits until the counted time reaches the end of determination cycle period TSP (step Sa 2 ).

[0131] When the timer reaches the end of the determination cycle period TSP (step Sa 2 ; YES), the timepiece control unit 14 supplies the supply voltage Vb obtained by transforming the supply voltage Va from the battery 22 to the contactless IC module 60 . Simultaneously, the timepiece control unit 14 outputs the second reference clock CLK 2 generated based on the first reference clock CLK 1 to the contactless IC module 60 (step Sa 3 ).

[0132] Upon receiving the supply voltage Vb and the second reference clock CLK 2 , the contactless IC module 60 becomes operable.

[0133] Then, the timepiece control unit 14 of the timepiece module 10 supplies a balance confirmation command (I/O) to the IC controller 67 (step Sa 4 ).

[0134] The IC controller 67 of the contactless IC module 60 receives this balance confirmation command (I/O), and reads out the balance data Da of the non-volatile memory 69 . Then, the IC controller 67 transmits the balance data Da to the timepiece module 10 .

[0135] The timepiece control unit 14 receives the balance data Da (step Sa 5 ). The timepiece control unit 14 then determines whether the balance of the received balance data Da is insufficient for the fare corresponding to the determination data (minimum fare) stored in the RAM (step Sa 6 ).

[0136] If the balance is not insufficient (step Sa 6 ; NO), the second-hand moving mechanism 30 S is operated to perform the regular time-display operation.

[0137] On the other hand, if it is determined that the balance is insufficient (step Sa 6 ; YES), the timepiece control unit 14 receives a signal reflecting this result, and controls the second-hand moving mechanism 30 S so that the second hand 40 performs the irregular movement operation, that is, moving once every three seconds.

[0138] Then, the timepiece control unit 14 stops the supply of the supply voltage Vb to the contactless IC module 60 (step Sa 9 ). Thereafter, this processing is repeated every determination cycle period TSP.

[0139] As a result, the user R is able to easily recognize that the balance becomes insufficient by the irregular movement of the second hand 40 .

[0140] In this case, for example, in an analog timepiece that performs irregular movement (such as two-second movement) when a driving supply (battery) voltage becomes lower than a predetermined voltage, another type of irregular movement (in the above-described example, five-second movement) may be set in the case for the insufficient balance so as to distinguish it from the reduced-voltage reporting.

[0141] Minimum-Fare Rewriting Processing

[0142] A description is now provided for the minimum-fare rewriting processing with reference to the sequence chart of FIG. 9 .

[0143] This processing is performed when the user R enters the ticket gate.

[0144] As discussed above, when the user R approaches the ticket gate of the automatic ticket machine 300 , an induction magnetic field (polling signal) transmitted from the antenna 104 of the automatic ticket machine 300 is received by the loop antenna 5 of the wrist-watch device 1 (step Sb 1 ).

[0145] When the polling signal is received by the loop antenna 5 , the rectifying circuit 62 supplies the power supply voltage Vb to the drive unit A.

[0146] Mutual authentication is performed between the automatic ticket machine 300 and the contactless IC module 60 (step Sb 2 ). This mutual authentication is performed to prevent illegal use by confirming that both the automatic ticket machine 300 and the contactless IC module 60 are authenticated by verifying the encryption key.

[0147] Thereafter, the automatic ticket machine 300 requests the contactless IC module 60 to send the balance data (step Sb 3 ).

[0148] Upon receiving the balance-data sending request, the IC controller 67 reads the balance data Da from the non-volatile memory 69 (step Sb 4 ). The IC controller 67 then sends the balance data Da to the automatic ticket machine 300 via the loop antenna 5 (step Sb 5 ).

[0149] The external transceiver 100 of the automatic ticket machine 300 sends the value obtained by subtracting the minimum-fare data D 0 from the value of the received balance data Da to the wrist-watch device 1 as the new balance data Da (step Sb 6 ).

[0150] The IC controller 67 updates the received balance data Da by writing it into the non-volatile memory 69 (step Sb 7 ).

[0151] The IC controller 67 also transmits the minimum-fare data D 0 to the timepiece module 60 (step Sb 8 ).

[0152] The timepiece control unit 14 of the timepiece module 10 determines whether the minimum-fare data stored in the RAM coincides with the minimum-fare data D 0 sent to the timepiece control unit 14 (step Sb 9 ). Upon this determination, if the minimum-fare data stored in the RAM coincides with the minimum-fare data D 0 (step Sb 9 ; YES), this processing is completed.

[0153] In contrast, if the two minimum-fare data are different (step Sb 9 ; NO), the timepiece control unit 14 stores the received minimum-fare data D 0 in the RAM so as to update the minimum-fare data D 0 (step Sb 10 ).

[0154] As described above, even if the business organizer has changed the fares, it is possible to report to the user the insufficient balance according to the minimum-fare rewriting processing of this embodiment without any action on the part of the user.

[0155] Advantages of the Present Embodiment

[0156] According to the foregoing description, in the present invention, when, for example, the balance becomes insufficient for the minimum fare, it is possible to report to the user the insufficient balance by causing the second hand 40 to perform the irregular movement every determination cycle period TSP.

[0157] Modified Examples of First Embodiment

[0158] First Modified Example

[0159] In the first embodiment, an insufficient balance is reported by the irregular movement of the second hand. However, the present invention is not restricted to this arrangement. For example, the second hand 40 may be stopped at the position of the 30th second for a predetermined period so as to inform the user about the insufficient balance. In short, an insufficient balance can be reported by any movement that is different from the regular movement so that it is noticeable by the user.

[0160] More specifically, in a timepiece device provided with a calendar plate corresponding to the day of the week or the day of the month, i.e., a calendar display portion for sequentially displaying the days of the week or the days of the month, a character “E” (Empty) indicating the insufficient balance may be provided rather than the day of the week or the day of the month on the calendar plate. Thus, “E” may be indicated in the case of the insufficient balance, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 .

[0161] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of the calendar plate (day wheel) of a first modified example.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 12, a “−” indication 81 is provided near the day of a calendar plate (day wheel) 80 (at the position under the day in FIG. 12 ). During the normal operation, the number indicating the day is displayed at the center of a calendar display window by a motor, which is separately provided from a regular time-displaying motor (hand-driving motor). In this case, “_” indicating the insufficient balance is not visible to the user.

[0163] FIG. 13 is an external view illustrating a timepiece device having the built-in calendar plate (day wheel) of the first modified example.

[0164] In the case of the insufficient balance, as shown in FIG. 13 , the calendar plate 80 is driven to move the position of the number indicating the day to a position displaced from the center of the calendar display window by a few degrees i.e., to a position slightly upper than the center of the calendar display window 82 . In this case, the “_” indication 81 representing the insufficient balance appears within the calendar display window, and the user is able to easily recognize that the balance is insufficient. In order to enable the user to more reliably identify the insufficient balance, the “_” indication 81 representing the insufficient balance may be displayed in a color different from the number indicating the day. For example, the number indicating the day may be displayed in black, and the “_” indication 81 may be displayed in red.

[0165] Alternatively, a character “E” (Empty) indicating the insufficient balance may be provided other than the day of the week or the day of the month on a fixed character plate for displaying the time. During the calendar display mode, the day of the week or the day of the month may be designated by an indicator hand, and in the case of the insufficient balance, the character “E” may be designated by an indicator hand.

[0166] Second Modified Example

[0167] Although in the first embodiment the minimum-fare data D 0 is stored in the timepiece module 10 , this data may be stored in the non-volatile memory 69 of the contactless IC module 60 .

[0168] Third Modified Example

[0169] Moreover, the insufficient-balance reporting processing is performed every determination cycle periods TSP. However, this processing may be performed when the user operates the balance display switch 21 (see FIG. 1 ).

[0170] Fourth Modified Example

[0171] The light-emitting unit 18 may be provided on the surface of the housing 4 , and the insufficient balance may be reported by causing this light-emitting unit 18 to emit light.

[0172] Fifth Modified Example

[0173] In the foregoing description, the minimum fare is used as the determination data stored in the RAM for performing the balance determination processing. However, this determination data may be changed as desired by the user.

[0174] More specifically, the operation mode may be changed to a display threshold setting mode by performing a predetermined operation on the external operation input unit 21 . Then, the user operates the external operation input unit 21 to input a desired value of the determination data (balance for the determination processing in the above-described example).

[0175] Second Embodiment

[0176] The present embodiment is characterized in that the balance is displayed by indicator hands (time display members). In this embodiment, the elements similar to the above-described elements are indicated by like reference numerals, and an explanation thereof will thus be omitted.

[0177] In this embodiment, too, the contactless IC module 60 is used as a prepaid train ticket in the contactless automatic ticket system by way of example.

[0178] Operation of Second Embodiment

[0179] The balance display processing is described below based on FIG. 14 .

[0180] This processing is started when the user operates the balance display switch 21 (step Sc 1 ).

[0181] In response to an operation performed on the balance display switch 21 , the timepiece control unit 14 supplies the power supply voltage Vb from the battery 22 to the contactless IC module 60 , and also outputs the second reference clock CLK 2 generated based on the first reference clock CLK 1 to the contactless IC module 60 (step Sc 2 ).

[0182] Upon receiving the power supply voltage Vb and the second reference clock CLK 2 , the contactless IC module 60 becomes operable.

[0183] Then, the timepiece control unit 14 of the timepiece module 10 supplies the balance confirmation command (I/O) to the IC controller 67 (step Sc 3 ).

[0184] Upon receiving the balance confirmation command (I/O), the IC controller 67 of the contactless IC module 60 reads out the balance data Da of the non-volatile memory 69 , and sends it to the timepiece module 10 .

[0185] Then, the timepiece control unit 14 receives the balance data Da (step Sc 4 ).

[0186] The timepiece control unit 14 sets in a time counter 14 A the amount by which the second hand is to be moved according to the balance data Da, and fast-forwards the second hand 40 (or another indicator hand) by the amount of movement. Accordingly, the balance according to the balance data Da is displayed by using the second hand 40 (step Sc 5 ).

[0187] Then, the timepiece control unit 14 stops the supply of the power supply voltage Vb and the second reference clock CLK 2 to the contactless IC module 60 (step Sc 6 ).

[0188] Thereafter, the timepiece control unit 14 restarts the display of the current time (step Sc 7 ).

[0189] In this case, the time counter 14 A counts down the second hand 40 every second, and when the count value becomes zero, the regular one-second movement is restarted.

[0190] Balance Display Examples

[0191] First Display Example

[0192] The display of the balance using the second hand 40 can be implemented by changing, for example, the duty ratio of the pulses supplied to the second-hand moving mechanism 30 S.

[0193] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate examples in which the balance is displayed by using the second hand 40 . FIG. 15 illustrates an example when the contactless IC module 60 is unused. FIG. 16 illustrates an example when the balance becomes ⅔.

[0194] It is now assumed that the user has operated the balance display switch 21 when the second hand 40 was positioned at the fifth second by the regular movement operation.

[0195] When the contactless IC module 60 is unused, the second hand 40 moves from the position at the fifth second to the 35th second, which obtained by adding 30 seconds to the fifth second. When the balance is {fraction (2/3)}, the second hand 40 moves from the position at the fifth second to the 25th second, which is obtained by adding 20 seconds to the fifth second.

[0196] As discussed above, in the first display example, the balance is displayed by the distance traveled by the second hand 40 .

[0197] Second Display Example

[0198] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate examples in which the balance is displayed by the second hand 40 . FIG. 17 illustrates an example when the contactless IC module 60 is unused. FIG. 18 illustrates an example when the balance becomes ⅔.

[0199] When the contactless IC module 60 is unused, the second hand 40 is moved to the position at the 30th second. When the balance becomes ⅔, the second hand is moved to the position at the 20th second.

[0200] As discussed above, in the second display example, the balance is displayed by the position of the second hand 40 .

[0201] Third Display Example

[0202] In the wrist-watch device 1 shown in FIG. 19 , dials 56 , 57 , and 58 for displaying 24 hours, the days, and the days of the week by indicator hands 53 , 54 , and 55 , respectively, are separately provided on a dial 52 that also displays the time by the hour hand 51 , the minute hand 50 , and the second hand 40 .

[0203] In this case, it is assumed that the indicator hand 53 of the dial 56 indicates the tens of dollars unit place, the indicator hand 54 of the dial 57 indicates the ones of dollars unit place, and the indicator hand 55 of the dial 58 indicates the tens of cents unit place.

[0204] It is now assumed, for example, that the positions of the indicator hands 53 , 54 , and 55 corresponding to the balance are similar to those of the time display, i.e., that “1” is positioned at one o'clock, “2” is positioned at two o'clock, and so on.

[0205] With this arrangement, the balance is $36.90 in the example of FIG. 19 , with “3”, “6”, and “9” indicated by hands 53 , 54 , and 55 , respectively.

[0206] Fourth Display Example

[0207] The wrist-watch device 1 shown in FIG. 20 is a so-called chronograph (having a stop-watch function). That is, as shown in FIG. 20 , dials 74 , 75 , and 76 for counting 30 minutes, 60 seconds, 12 hours by indicator hands 71 , 72 , and 73 , respectively, are separately provided on the dial 52 that also displays the time by the hour hand 51 , the minute hand 50 , and the second hand 40 . In this case, a plurality of motors are provided for driving the individual indicator hands 51 , 50 , 71 , 72 , and 73 in addition to a “second motor” for driving the second hand 40 , and the timepiece control unit 14 is adapted to separately control the individual indicator hands.

[0208] The 30-minute meter indicates 30 minutes by one cycle of the indicator hand 71 , the 60-second meter indicates 60 seconds by one cycle of the indicator hand 72 , and the 12-hour meter indicates 12 hours by one cycle of the indicator hand 73 .

[0209] In this case, it is assumed that the indicator hand 71 of the dial 74 indicates the tens of dollars unit place, the indicator hand 72 of the dial 75 indicates the ones of dollars unit place, and the indicator hand 73 of the dial 76 indicates the tens of cents unit place.

[0210] It is now assumed, for example, that the positions of the indicator hands 71 , 72 , and 73 corresponding to the balance are similar to those of the time display, i.e., that “1” is positioned at one o'clock, “2” is positioned at two o'clock, and so on.

[0211] With this arrangement, as in the example of FIG. 19 , the balance is $36.90, with “3”, “6”, and “9” indicated by hands 71 , 72 , and 73 , respectively.

[0212] Advantages of Second Embodiment

[0213] According to the foregoing description, in the second embodiment, the balance is displayed by the second hand or the indicator hands, thereby enabling the user to easily identify the balance.

[0214] Modified Examples of Embodiments

[0215] The present invention is not restricted to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made, for example, as follows.

[0216] First Modified Example

[0217] In the above-described individual embodiments, the wrist-watch device 1 is used as a prepaid train ticket. However, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement, and the wrist-watch device 1 may be used as other various types of tickets, such as a ski resort lift pass, an entrance ticket or a boarding ticket in an amusement park, an entrance pass in a cinema, etc.

[0218] Second Modified Example

[0219] In the above-described individual embodiments, the wrist-watch device 1 is used as a prepaid ticket, and the balance is displayed (balance display) every time the wrist-watch device 1 is used.

[0220] However, instead of the balance, an accumulative amount (accumulative number) may be displayed. For example, points are given every time the user passes through the gate or every time the user visits, for example, an amusement park, and the accumulated number of points may be displayed.

[0221] Third Modified Example

[0222] In the above-described individual embodiments, a power source is not provided in the contactless IC module 60 . However, a power source may be provided, and power may be supplied from this power source when performing wireless communication with the external transceiver 100 .

[0223] Fourth Modified Example

[0224] In the above-described individual embodiments, the wrist-watch device 1 is used as a prepaid ticket, and the balance is displayed every time the wrist-watch device 1 is used. However, instead of the balance, the expiry date may be displayed for a ticket having an expiry date, such as a commuter ticket. For example, if the remaining days before the expiry date of the commuter ticket becomes less than a predetermined number of days, the user may be informed by the irregular movement. Alternatively, the expiry date may be displayed when the external operation input unit 21 is operated.

[0225] Fifth Modified Example

[0226] In the above-described individual embodiments, the second hand, i.e., the time display portion, used for the regular time display, is also used as the irregular movement or special display operation. However, as shown in FIG. 21 , an independent data-retaining indicator 90 may be provided.

[0227] In this case, power is supplied to the contactless IC module 60 with predetermined intervals to check the balance, and the balance is displayed by using an indicator hand 91 of the data-retaining indicator 90 . As a result, the user is able to check the balance at any time.

[0228] Sixth Modified Example

[0229] In the foregoing embodiments, a short-distance wireless communication system used for contactless IC cards has been described as the wireless communication system. However, another type of short-distance wireless communication system, such as a Bluetooth (trade name) system, may be employed.

[0230] According to the wrist-watch device having a communication function of the present invention, information corresponding to data (the value or the content of the data) stored in a wireless communication circuit (for example, the remaining amount), or the information of the balance is displayed, thereby enabling the user to easily identify such information.

[0231] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.