Chronograph With Non-Volatile Memory For Time Data Persistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chronographs are limited in recording time due to their dependence on a constant power supply, resulting in brief or incomplete time recordings when the power source is depleted, such as in a flat battery watch or smartphone.
Innovation Solution
A chronograph design incorporating a non-volatile memory to permanently record a set date, allowing calculation of elapsed time even without a power supply, using a microprocessor, EEPROM memory, and a lithium battery-powered system with a control mechanism and display for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional chronograph uses a flat battery or depleted power supply, then the device stops functioning, but the recorded time data is lost or becomes incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously writing time data to non-volatile memory in real-time before power is needed. The system pre-saves timestamp information and event data to EEPROM/Flash memory during normal operation, so that when the battery depletes or the device stops functioning, the time recording data is already preserved and can be retrieved later without loss.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a chronograph depends on constant power supply to maintain time recording, then the recording duration is limited to the battery life, but extending battery life increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/power-dependent timekeeping system with an electronic data storage system. Instead of relying on continuous power to maintain running time records, the system uses non-volatile memory (EEPROM/Flash) to store time data electronically. This substitution eliminates the direct dependency between power supply duration and recording duration, allowing indefinite time recording without proportionally increasing power management complexity.
3Device complexity
If a chronograph uses volatile memory for time recording, then the device operates with simple memory, but all time data is lost when power is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously writing time data to non-volatile memory during operation. Before power can be removed or the device stopped, the timestamp and time recording information are already saved to EEPROM or Flash memory, ensuring data persistence without requiring complex additional memory management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by maintaining time data in both volatile memory (for active processing) and non-volatile memory (for persistent storage). The system creates a copy of the time recording data in non-volatile memory, allowing the original volatile storage to be simple while the backup ensures data survival after power removal.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a chronograph for including an electronic computer, power supply means, a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory; control means operatively connected to said computer; a display operatively connected to said computer; the electronic computer including electronic means, including a programme defined by a machine-type language for memorising a set date on said non-volatile memory which cannot be changed after the first setting, the electronic computer further including means for calculating the elapsed time between the set date and the current date.