Dual-Mode Mobile Terminal Time Synchronization via Timer Interrupts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-mode mobile terminals struggle to accurately display current time in asynchronous GSM mode due to reliance on user-input time and clock generator accuracy, which can be incorrect or malfunctioning.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode mobile terminal design that periodically connects to a synchronous CDMA system to obtain accurate time information and updates the display in GSM mode using a timer to ensure continuous accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dual-mode mobile terminal uses user-input time and clock generator in asynchronous GSM mode, then the terminal can operate independently without external time sources, but the displayed time becomes inaccurate when user input is incorrect or clock generator malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timer as an intermediary component that periodically triggers switching to synchronous CDMA mode. This timer acts as a mediator between the asynchronous GSM mode and synchronous CDMA mode, automatically initiating time synchronization without requiring user intervention or complex judgment logic, thereby improving time display accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic time synchronization by using a timer to generate interrupt signals at predetermined intervals. When the timer expires, it triggers the controller to switch to synchronous CDMA mode to obtain accurate time information. This periodic action ensures time accuracy is maintained without requiring continuous synchronization, balancing reliability with operational efficiency
2Reliability
If the dual-mode mobile terminal periodically switches to synchronous CDMA mode to obtain accurate time, then time display accuracy is maintained, but additional mode switching operations and time synchronization processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing time synchronization only when necessary - specifically when the timer interrupt occurs and the terminal is in asynchronous GSM mode. The controller checks whether synchronization is needed before switching to synchronous mode, avoiding unnecessary mode transitions and saving time when the clock is already accurate or synchronization is not immediately required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the timer continuously run in the background during asynchronous GSM operation, preparing for the next synchronization event. The timer is pre-configured with a predetermined time interval, so when it expires, the synchronization process can begin immediately without delay, minimizing the time loss associated with mode switching
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-mode mobile terminal that connects to synchronous and asynchronous mobile communication systems and a method for displaying accurate time information in the terminal. The terminal includes a timer and a controller. The timer generates an interrupt signal at a predetermined time. When entering an asynchronous communication mode, the controller starts the timer to generate the interrupt signal at the predetermined time. When receiving the interrupt signal from the timer, the controller connects to the synchronous mobile communication system to obtain accurate time information therefrom and then connects to the asynchronous mobile communication system to switch to the asynchronous communication mode.