Electronic Timepiece Automatic Declination Angle Specification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces with compass functions require users to manually input or calculate declination angles, which is complex and consumes significant power, especially when power is limited.
Innovation Solution
An electronic timepiece equipped with a magnetic detection unit, positional information reception, a specifying unit that calculates declination angles based on positional data, and an azimuth display unit that shows the direction of true north, allowing for automatic declination angle specification without user input or complex preparation, while minimizing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually input or calculate declination angles using maps or orientation methods, then the compass function can be used, but the preparation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic timepiece automatically acquires positional information via GPS and calculates the declination angle using stored geomagnetic model data, eliminating the need for users to manually input or calculate declination angles. The system serves itself by autonomously obtaining position coordinates and computing the appropriate declination angle based on the acquired location.
Solution Approach 2:
The timepiece stores geomagnetic model data and algorithms in advance that enable automatic declination angle calculation. By preparing the computational framework beforehand, the system can quickly determine declination angles whenever positional information is obtained, without requiring users to perform manual calculations or look up values on maps.
2Extent of automation
If GPS is frequently activated to acquire position coordinates for automatic declination angle setting, then the declination angle can be automatically updated, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously activating GPS, the system acquires positional information periodically or at specific trigger events such as when the user travels to a different region. The GPS receiver is activated only when necessary to update the position coordinates, and the declination angle is recalculated based on the new location, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining automatic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously determines when GPS activation is necessary based on contextual information such as movement detection or location changes, and automatically updates the declination angle without requiring continuous GPS operation. This self-managed approach activates GPS only when position updates are actually needed, optimizing power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If users are required to examine declination angle information or orient the timepiece toward due north, then accurate declination angle can be obtained, but the preparation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical orientation procedures with electronic and computational methods. Instead of requiring users to physically orient the timepiece toward due north using magnetic sensors and manual adjustments, the system uses GPS to acquire position coordinates and computational algorithms to calculate the declination angle automatically, substituting mechanical orientation with electronic position-based calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The timepiece autonomously obtains position information and calculates the declination angle using stored geomagnetic model data, eliminating the need for users to examine declination angle information on maps or perform manual orientation procedures. The system independently completes the entire process from position acquisition to declination angle determination.
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
Enables the electronic timepiece to specify declination angles automatically, reducing user complexity and power consumption, and allowing for continuous direction pointing with minimal user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
biaxial or triaxial magnetic sensors, obtain the magnetic north by measuring azimuths of geomagnetism
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic timepiece includes a magnetic sensor that serves as a magnetic detection unit, a GPS reception unit that serves as a reception unit receiving positional information of a current position, a time zone setting unit that sets a time zone, a specifying unit that specifies a declination angle based on the positional information of the current position, a decision unit that decides a direction of a due north based on an output of the magnetic sensor and a declination angle, and an azimuth display unit that displays the direction of the due north decided by the decision unit.