Multi-Region Timing Apparatus Using Segmented Counter Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timing devices for overseas travel, such as watches, face challenges in efficiently generating local time information across multiple regions without high CPU processing power and with significant electric current consumption, especially when dealing with time differences involving multiple days or leap years.
Innovation Solution
A timing apparatus comprising a frequency divider circuit, a lower counter, and multiple groups of upper counters that generate timing information for multiple regions by performing count operations in synchronization with a frequency-divided clock signal, allowing for independent management of leap years and time zone adjustments without complex software calculations and increased power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software computation is used to calculate zone time based on reference time, then timing information for multiple regions can be generated, but a CPU with sufficient processing capability is required which increases power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The timing apparatus segments the time calculation function into multiple independent counter groups (first group of upper counters and second group of upper counters), each handling different time zones. Each counter group operates independently with its own initial count values, eliminating the need for complex software computation while enabling multi-region timing information generation with low power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of the counter structure for different time zones. The first group of upper counters and second group of upper counters are identical in structure but differ in their initial count values, allowing them to generate timing information for different regions simultaneously without requiring additional processing power
2Adaptability or versatility
If a real time clock with multiple channels is provided, then timing information for multiple regions can be generated, but frequency divider circuits and counters require high electric current consumption that increases with the number of channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing functionality for multiple regions into a unified counter structure. Instead of providing separate real-time clock channels for each region, the system uses a single frequency divider circuit and shared counter groups that operate in synchronization, reducing the overall current consumption while maintaining multi-region timing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The counter groups are designed to serve multiple functions by generating timing information for different time zones simultaneously. The same counter infrastructure handles both first and second time zones by simply changing the initial count values, making the system universally applicable to multiple regions without requiring dedicated hardware for each
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a timing apparatus that can generate timing information regarding a plurality of regions without performing a complex calculation that uses software and without causing a significant increase in electric current consumption. The timing apparatus includes: a lower counter that generates a count value that indicates a time in seconds; a first group of upper counters that generates a first group of count values that indicate a time in minutes, hours, days, months and years by performing a count operation in synchronization with the count operation performed by the lower counter; and a second group of upper counters that generates a second group of count values that indicate a time in minutes, hours, days, months and years by performing a count operation in synchronization with the count operation performed by the lower counter.