Radio Controlled Timepiece Noise Resistant Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio controlled clocks and watches face significant delays in obtaining accurate time information due to noise interference, requiring repetitive synchronization processes that prolong the time taken to correct the current time.
Innovation Solution
A time correcting apparatus that compares detected time code data with prognostic data to calculate errors, shifting bits to generate new data and determine valid discrepancies, allowing for rapid correction of the current time without the need for second and minute synchronization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional synchronization processes (second synchronization, minute synchronization) are performed to detect time codes, then time information can be obtained, but the processing time becomes extremely long when noises interfere with the signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing reference time code sequences in a ROM before actual time correction is needed. When time correction is required, the system compares received time codes with these pre-stored references, eliminating the need for lengthy real-time synchronization processes and significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the time code structure by storing reference time code sequences in ROM. Instead of repeatedly detecting and synchronizing with the actual signal, the system uses these copied reference sequences to quickly compare and determine time information, thereby reducing processing time without sacrificing reliability.
2Reliability
If repetitive synchronization processes are performed to ensure accurate time detection, then time information reliability improves, but the time required to obtain time information increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing reference time code sequences in ROM before actual correction is needed. This allows the system to quickly compare received codes with pre-prepared references, ensuring accurate time detection without requiring repetitive real-time synchronization processes, thus maintaining both reliability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/repetitive synchronization process with a data comparison approach. Instead of repeatedly detecting and adjusting synchronization points in real-time, the system substitutes this with a direct comparison of pre-stored reference sequences against received time codes, achieving both accuracy and speed.
3Reliability
If conventional processing circuits repeatedly perform second synchronization and minute synchronization processes, then time information can be obtained, but noises in the signal cause the processes to fail and require retraction from the beginning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copied reference time code sequences stored in ROM to simplify the processing circuit's task. Instead of complex real-time synchronization and error detection, the system simply compares received time codes with these pre-stored references, reducing processing circuit complexity while maintaining high reliability through the use of pre-validated reference data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable pre-stored reference sequences that are loaded once and then used repeatedly for comparison. These reference sequences act as simple, single-use templates that eliminate the need for complex, reusable synchronization circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable time information extraction.
Data Source
AI summary
In a time correcting apparatus, a signal including time codes is sampled to generate a bit sequence of input TCO data. A prognostic TCO data generating unit 33 generates a bit sequence of prognostic TCO data based on a current time calculated by a time calculating circuit 17. An error number calculating unit 34 compares bits of the input TCO data with bits of the prognostic TCO data to count the number of discrepancy, thereby calculating the number of errors, and shifts bits of the prognostic TCO data to generate new TCO data and compares bits of the new TCO data with bits of the input TCO data to calculate the number of errors. A judging unit 35 judges if the number of errors is valid. When the number of errors is valid, a time correcting unit 36 calculates a time difference of the calculated current time based on the number of shifting bits, as much as which number of shifting bits the prognostic TCO data has been shifted to calculate such valid number of errors.