Software-Based RTC Alarm Logic for Flexible Multi-Channel Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing real-time clock devices have limited extensibility in their alarm functions due to fixed hardware logic, leading to increased circuit complexity and inability to accommodate various alarm settings.

Innovation Solution

A real-time clock module with an oscillation circuit, interface circuit, memory, and processor that generates clocking data and compares it with alarm setting data to output an alarm signal, allowing for flexible implementation of alarm functions through software processes without significant circuit scale increases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If hardware logic circuits are used to implement alarm functions, then alarm timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and lack of extensibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealarm timing accuracyVSAvoidcircuit scale

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hardware logic circuits (mechanical/electronic system) with a processor executing software programs. The alarm determination unit uses software to compare clocking data with alarm setting data, substituting the fixed hardware alarm unit with a flexible software-based implementation that reduces circuit complexity while maintaining timing accuracy through programmed logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If hardware logic circuits are used to implement alarm functions, then alarm timing accuracy is improved, but adaptability of alarm functions worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealarm timing accuracyVSAvoidextensibility of alarm function

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic configurability through software programs that can be modified to implement various alarm functions. The alarm determination unit executes programs that can be updated to support different alarm channels, time formats, and alarm types, transforming the static hardware logic into a dynamic software-based system that adapts to changing requirements without hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by storing alarm setting data in memory and using software to process comparisons. The system can modify alarm parameters such as alarm time, alarm channel, and time format through software configuration rather than hardware reconfiguration, allowing flexible adaptation to different alarm scenarios while maintaining accurate timing through the processor's clocking data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple alarm channels and formats are supported, then adaptability of alarm functions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealarm function extensibilityVSAvoidcircuit scale

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal alarm determination unit that can handle multiple alarm channels and formats through a single software-based processor. The alarm determination unit executes programs that support various alarm types (first alarm, second alarm, etc.) and time formats (BCD, binary) using the same hardware resources, eliminating the need for separate hardware circuits for each alarm function and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the extensibility of alarm functions and reduces circuit complexity by enabling software-based implementation of multiple alarm channels and formats, preventing RAM size increases and allowing for efficient handling of exceptional conditions like leap years.

Implementation Method 1

an oscillation circuit configured to generate a first clock signal by oscillating a resonator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Data Source

PatentUS12259745B2Real-time clock module

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A real-time clock module includes: an oscillation circuit configured to generate a first clock signal by oscillating a resonator; an interface circuit configured to receive alarm setting data; a memory in which the alarm setting data and a program are to be stored; and a processor configured to execute the program to perform a comparison process of comparing clocking data generated based on the first clock signal with the alarm setting data, and output an alarm signal according to a result of the comparison process.