Radio Clock Receiver Amplitude Analysis for Energy Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radio controlled clocks face challenges in efficiently evaluating time signals due to interference from electrical or electronic equipment, leading to increased energy consumption and limited memory capacity, which complicates precise time information retrieval.

Innovation Solution

A method and receiver design that focus on analyzing specific amplitude changes within time frames to retrieve time information, reducing the need for extensive signal duration analysis and allowing for direct processing within the receiver, thereby minimizing computing effort and memory requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional radio controlled clocks analyze entire time frames for time information, then time information can be retrieved, but energy consumption increases and computing effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime information retrievalVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time frame analysis by focusing only on specific amplitude changes rather than analyzing the entire time frame continuously. The receiver identifies and processes only the relevant amplitude variation portions where time information is encoded, ignoring redundant portions of the signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by processing only the necessary portion of the time signal - specifically the amplitude changes that contain time information - rather than processing the complete time frame. This reduces computational load and energy consumption while maintaining accurate time information retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If conventional radio controlled clocks analyze entire time frames, then time information can be retrieved, but computing effort and memory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime information retrievalVSAvoidcomputing effort and memory requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information from the time signal by identifying and processing specific amplitude changes that encode time data. The receiver extracts time information from discrete amplitude variation points rather than processing the entire signal waveform, significantly reducing computational and memory requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the complex task of time frame analysis into discrete, manageable amplitude change detection points. By dividing the continuous signal processing into discrete amplitude transition events, the system reduces computational complexity and memory needs while maintaining accurate time information extraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If radio controlled clocks use extensive signal duration analysis, then time information can be retrieved accurately, but the system becomes more sensitive to interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime information retrieval accuracyVSAvoidinterference sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces interference sensitivity by analyzing only partial portions of the time signal - specifically the amplitude changes that contain time information - rather than continuously analyzing the entire time frame. This limited scope reduces the system's exposure to interference from electrical or electronic equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent skips non-essential portions of the time signal analysis, focusing only on the critical amplitude change events where time information is encoded. By rushing through or skipping the redundant portions of signal analysis, the system maintains accuracy while reducing sensitivity to background interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

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 the rapid and robust evaluation of time signals, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies programming, leading to more efficient and cost-effective radio controlled clocks with improved immunity to disturbances.

Implementation Method 1

examining said at least one time duration regarding any change in an amplitude of said time signal for retrieving said time information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAmplitude modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS7486657B2Radio controlled clock and method for retrieving time information from time signals

Publication Date: 2009.02.03 ATMEL CORP

AI summary

Time information is retrieved from time signals transmitted by a transmitter and received by a receiver. The retrieval relies on the examination of at least one time portion (86, 87, 88) within a time frame. The time portion has a duration shorter than the duration of the time frame (80-82), to reduce processing operations. The examination checks whether an amplitude of the time signal changed within a time portion. The amplitude change either up or down is then evaluated for the retrieval of the time information. A receiver for receiving the time signals includes components for preprocessing the received time signals thereby reducing the processing steps of a microprocessor connected to the output of the receiver.