Optical Time Correction System Reducing Processing Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time correction systems for timepieces increase the load on the device due to complex arithmetic processing when calculating the difference between reference and instruction time data.
Innovation Solution
A time correction system that includes an electronic device and a timepiece, where the electronic device acquires the current time, determines an instruction time, calculates a time correction amount, and transmits it to the timepiece, allowing the timepiece to correct its display without performing complex calculations, using optical communication for data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the timepiece calculates the difference between reference time data and instruction time data, then the time correction is achieved, but the processing load on the timepiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic device as an intermediary that performs the complex calculation of time correction amounts. The electronic device receives instruction time data from the timepiece, calculates the correction amount based on reference time data, and transmits the result back to the timepiece. This mediator approach transfers the computational burden from the timepiece to the electronic device, resolving the contradiction between achieving accurate time correction and maintaining low processing load on the timepiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the time correction system into two functional segments: the timepiece that provides instruction time data and receives correction amounts, and the electronic device that performs the actual time correction calculation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function efficiently, with the electronic device handling the complex arithmetic operations while the timepiece maintains its simple timekeeping function.
2Measurement precision
If the timepiece performs complex arithmetic processing to calculate time difference, then the time correction is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device acts as an intermediary that automatically performs the complex time correction calculations. The timepiece operator simply needs to input instruction time data through the electronic device, and the system automatically computes and applies the correction amount. This eliminates the need for manual arithmetic operations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining accurate time correction.
3Reliability
If the timepiece calculates time correction internally, then the independence of the timepiece is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a time reference source and a calculation processor. By integrating these functions into a single universal device, the system avoids adding complex processing capabilities to the timepiece while maintaining reliable time correction. The electronic device's multi-functionality compensates for the reduced independence of the timepiece.
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 reduces the processing load on the timepiece, enabling easy and accurate time correction by allowing the electronic device to handle the calculation and transmission of the time correction amount, thereby minimizing the computational burden on the timepiece.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting unit of the electronic device may be a light source which transmits an optical signal. The receiving unit of the timepiece may be a solar cell which receives the optical signal.
Implementation Method 2
The receiving unit of the timepiece may be a solar cell which receives the optical signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A time correction system includes a timepiece, and an electronic device that corrects the time of the timepiece. The electronic device includes a display unit, a time data acquisition unit, a control unit that causes the display unit to display an instruction time of the electronic timepiece, based on the current time, and that calculates a time correction amount from a difference between the current time and the instruction time, and a light source that transmits the time correction amount to the electronic timepiece. The electronic timepiece includes an input unit that receives an operation input for correcting the time displayed by a display unit, a solar cell that receives the time correction amount from the electronic device, and a control circuit that corrects the time displayed by an indicating hand of the display unit, based on the time correction amount.