Dual-Path Communication System for Electronic Timepieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces with single electromagnetic communication paths face inefficiencies due to the need to repeatedly switch communication directions, leading to increased communication time and potential interference between sending and receiving signals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual communication system using separate electromagnetic and optical paths for sending and receiving signals, allowing for simultaneous communication without the need to switch paths, and utilizing existing components like motor coils and solar cells for transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electromagnetic communication path is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the communication time increases due to the need to switch between sending and receiving modes
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into two independent communication paths: an electromagnetic coupling path (using coils) and an optical communication path (using light-emitting devices and photodetectors). Each path handles specific communication directions, eliminating the need for mode switching and enabling simultaneous bidirectional communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension electromagnetic communication to a two-dimension communication system by adding the optical communication path. This dimensional expansion allows parallel communication channels, resolving the time loss caused by sequential switching in the single-path system.
2Quantity of substance
If a single electromagnetic communication path is used, then the parts count is reduced, but signal interference occurs between sending and receiving operations
Solution Approach 1:
The communication functions are segmented into two separate paths: electromagnetic coupling for one direction and optical communication for the other direction. This segmentation physically isolates the sending and receiving signals, preventing interference while maintaining a reasonable parts count through the use of existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an optical intermediary path that mediates communication between the two devices. By using light as an intermediate carrier for one direction of communication, the system avoids electromagnetic interference between bidirectional signals while still achieving complete communication functionality.
3Device complexity
If communication path switching is implemented, then single-path device complexity is maintained, but communication speed decreases due to repeated switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-path communication system enables continuous bidirectional communication without interruption or switching. Both devices can send and receive signals simultaneously through their respective paths, maintaining continuous useful action and eliminating the speed reduction caused by repeated switching operations in single-path systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances communication speed and reliability by eliminating interference and reducing the parts count, while allowing for synchronized data transmission and reception, and enabling the storage of signals in nonvolatile memory for future use.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmitter including a transmission coil and a drive circuit configured to drive the transmission coil, and is configured to transmit signals by communicating through electromagnetic coupling using the transmission coil
Implementation Method 2
an first receiver including a photodetector and a detection circuit that detects the output value of the photodetector, and configured to receive signals by optical communication using the photodetector
Implementation Method 3
a second transmitter including a light-emitting device and a drive circuit that drives the light-emitting device, and configured to transmit signals by optical communication using the light-emitting device
Data Source
AI summary
Either the electronic timepiece or the communication device of a communication system has a first communicator, and the other has a second communicator. The first communicator has a first transmitter including a transmission coil and a drive circuit configured to drive the transmission coil, and is configured to transmit signals by communicating through electromagnetic coupling; and an first receiver including a photodetector and a detection circuit that detects the output value of the photodetector, and configured to receive signals by optical communication. The second communicator has an second transmitter including a light-emitting device and a drive circuit that drives the light-emitting device, and configured to transmit signals by optical communication; and a second receiver including a reception coil and a detection circuit that detects the output value of the reception coil, and configured to receive signals by communicating through electromagnetic coupling.