Optical Watch Frequency Calibration via Pulse Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for calibrating the operating frequency of electronic watches require expensive specialized equipment, limiting frequency adjustment to quality control or after-sales service, and are not easily accessible for user calibration.
Innovation Solution
A method using a portable electronic device with a microcontroller, light source, and screen to transmit a modulated optical signal to an electronic watch, allowing for the adjustment of the operating frequency by inhibiting pulses in the frequency divider circuit, eliminating the need for specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized measuring and programming equipment is used to calibrate the operating frequency, then the frequency calibration accuracy is improved, but the cost and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical communication interface as an intermediary between a portable electronic device and the watch. The portable device transmits calibration data optically to the watch, enabling frequency adjustment without requiring specialized programming equipment. This intermediary system allows standard portable devices to perform calibration functions that previously required expensive specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The watch includes an integrated optical communication receiver and frequency adjustment circuitry that enables it to self-calibrate using data from a portable device. The inhibition circuit within the watch automatically adjusts the operating frequency based on received calibration parameters, allowing the device to perform its own frequency calibration without external specialized equipment.
2Measurement precision
If the operating frequency is adjusted by removing clock pulses during inhibition periods, then the frequency accuracy is improved, but the time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates and transmits the total inhibition duration and pulse count to be removed before the calibration process begins. The portable device communicates the complete calibration program optically to the watch, allowing the user to know in advance the exact time loss that will occur during frequency adjustment. This preliminary information enables informed decision-making about when to perform calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency adjustment is performed by periodically removing clock pulses at specific intervals during calibration periods. The inhibition circuit selectively blocks pulses at predetermined times to achieve the desired frequency correction. This periodic pulse removal approach concentrates the frequency adjustment into specific calibration windows rather than continuously affecting timekeeping.
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
Enables on-site, user-friendly calibration of electronic watch frequencies without the need for expensive equipment, improving accessibility and reducing costs associated with frequency adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor (16) arranged to receive a signal in the form of a sequence of optical pulses, called a modulated optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting the operating frequency of an electronic watch via a computer application installed in a portable electronic device, the adjustment method including the following steps, performed by the computer application: generating a pulsed reference signal in the portable electronic device, converting the pulsed reference signal into a modulated optical signal consisting of light pulses, transmitting the modulated optical signal to the electronic watch via the light source or via a modulation of the light emitted by the screen of the portable electronic device, and the following steps, performed by the electronic watch: reconstituting the pulsed reference signal from the modulated optical signal received by the optical sensor, correcting an inhibition value stored in the memory of an adjustment circuit of the electronic watch as a function of the pulsed reference signal.