Radio-Controlled Timepiece Power Optimization via Predictive Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio-controlled timepieces face high power consumption due to the need to receive data from GPS satellites, particularly when obtaining leap second information, which is transmitted infrequently, leading to increased battery drain in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A radio-controlled timepiece with a CPU that sets optimized receiving terms for satellite radio waves based on elapsed time and timekeeping error, allowing for efficient retrieval of leap second correction information, reducing power consumption by minimizing unnecessary reception times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the radio-controlled timepiece continuously receives data from the GPS satellite to ensure accurate timekeeping and leap second information, then the timekeeping accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases drastically
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only at specific intervals to receive timekeeping data and leap second information from GPS satellites. This periodic reception strategy maintains timekeeping accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit predicts the optimal reception timing based on elapsed time since the last reception and estimated satellite passage time. By performing preliminary calculations to determine when leap second information will be transmitted, the system activates the receiving unit only at the most appropriate moment, avoiding unnecessary power consumption while ensuring accurate time synchronization.
2Reliability
If the timepiece receives leap second information more frequently to ensure accurate UTC correction, then the timekeeping reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors elapsed time since the last reception and compares it with predetermined thresholds. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts reception timing to coincide with predicted satellite passages that carry leap second information. This feedback-based approach ensures accurate UTC correction while minimizing power consumption by receiving only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The reception strategy is dynamic rather than static. The control unit adapts reception timing based on the current elapsed time and predicted satellite passage times. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between receiving leap second information frequently enough for accuracy while consuming minimal power.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the timepiece reduces reception frequency to save battery power, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to receive necessary leap second information is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary calculations to predict when leap second information will be transmitted based on elapsed time and estimated satellite passage times. By knowing in advance when the necessary information will be available, the system can schedule reception at the optimal moment, ensuring no information is lost while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal timekeeping and elapsed time tracking to autonomously determine optimal reception timing. By serving itself with prediction algorithms that use internally tracked time data, the timepiece can independently decide when to activate the receiving unit, ensuring necessary information is captured without requiring external control or continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-controlled timepiece includes the following. A timekeeping unit keeps date and time. A satellite radio wave receiving unit receives a transmitting radio wave of a positioning satellite. A receiving term setting unit sets a receiving term with the satellite radio wave receiving unit. A date/time obtaining unit obtains date/time information from the transmitting radio wave received by the satellite radio wave receiving unit. An elapsed time counting unit counts elapsed time from when the date and time is obtained by the date/time obtaining unit. A first judging unit judges whether the elapsed time is less than a first reference time determined based on a timekeeping error of the timekeeping unit and a format of a signal transmitted from the positioning satellite.