Satellite Radio-Watch Controller Shortens Time Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite radio-controlled wristwatches face challenges in reducing the time required for receiving and adjusting to time information from satellite radio waves, which is transmitted at intervals, leading to potential erroneous adjustments due to incomplete data reception and varying reception intensity.

Innovation Solution

The wristwatch employs a controller that selectively executes shortened or normal time adjustment operations based on internal time error evaluation and reception intensity, allowing for early termination of time information acquisition when head information is received, and updates date information within predetermined ranges to prevent erroneous adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the wristwatch receives the complete time information (TOW) from the satellite radio wave, then the time adjustment accuracy is improved, but the reception time period increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime adjustment accuracyVSAvoidreception time period
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential head information (preamble) from the complete satellite radio wave data structure, eliminating the need to receive the entire 60-bit subframe. By taking out only the critical timing information contained in the preamble portion, the system achieves time adjustment without the time penalty of receiving complete TOW data, directly resolving the contradiction between accuracy and reception time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by receiving only the necessary portion of the satellite radio wave (the preamble containing head information) rather than the complete time information package. This partial reception approach provides sufficient data for time adjustment while avoiding the excessive time consumption of receiving the full 60-bit subframe, effectively balancing accuracy requirements with time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Loss of time

If the wristwatch selectively executes shortened time adjustment operation by ending reception at head information, then the reception time period is reduced, but the risk of erroneous time adjustment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception time periodVSAvoidtime adjustment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the controller evaluates whether the received head information is sufficient for accurate time adjustment before executing the shortened operation. The system uses feedback from the reception process to determine whether to proceed with partial data or switch to complete data reception, ensuring reliability while maintaining time efficiency when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the time adjustment operation adaptable - the system can dynamically switch between shortened time adjustment operation (using only head information) and normal time adjustment operation (using complete TOW data) based on reception conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between speed and reliability in different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the wristwatch receives satellite radio wave with varying reception intensity, then the adaptability to different environments is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring accurate time information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidtime information detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the most robust and easily detectable portion of the satellite signal - the preamble containing head information - which can be reliably identified even under varying reception conditions. By focusing on this extractable element that stands out in the signal structure, the system reduces detection difficulty while maintaining environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2874028B1Satellite radio-wave wristwatch
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 CITIZEN WATCH CO LTD
  • EP2874028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2874028B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2874028B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reception time period required for time adjustment is reduced in a satellite radio-controlled wristwatch. A satellite radio-controlled wristwatch according to the present invention includes: a satellite radio wave reception unit including an antenna for receiving a satellite radio wave, a high frequency circuit, and a decoder circuit; a clock circuit for holding and counting an internal time; and a controller for controlling a timing of at least a time information acquisition operation of acquiring time information from the satellite radio wave received by the satellite radio wave reception unit, the controller being configured to selectively execute, in the time information acquisition operation, based on error evaluation of the internal time: a shortened time adjustment operation of ending the time information acquisition operation at a stage at which head information representing a head of unit information is received, and adjusting the internal time based on a timing at which the head information is received; and a normal time adjustment operation of receiving the time information, and adjusting the internal time based on the time information.