Electronic Timepiece Dual Processor Time Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic timepieces face challenges in accurate time correction due to differences in processing timing between processors of varying arithmetic capacities, leading to potential inaccuracies in measuring time.

Innovation Solution

An electronic timepiece design incorporating a first processor for low-load, low-power time measurement and a second processor with higher arithmetic capacity for obtaining and synchronizing time information from external sources, allowing the first processor to correct its time measurement based on synchronization signals and current time data from the second processor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a processor with higher arithmetic processing capacity is operated all the time to handle various functions, then the processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing system into two separate processors: a first processor dedicated to time measurement and a second processor with higher arithmetic capacity for various functions. This segmentation allows each processor to operate independently at appropriate power levels, with the first processor consuming less power since it only needs to perform simple timekeeping tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If processes are divided and assigned to a plurality of processors, then power consumption is reduced, but processing timing differences cause inaccurate time correction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtime correction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a synchronization signal as an intermediary mechanism between the two processors. The first processor generates this signal based on its time measurement, and the second processor uses it to align its operations. This mediator enables accurate time correction despite the processors operating independently with different power consumption characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a controller with higher arithmetic processing capacity performs control to obtain time information from outside, then processing capability is improved, but difference in processing timing is generated between controllers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidprocessing timing difference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The first processor performs preliminary time measurement and generates synchronization signals in advance. This preliminary action establishes a time reference that the second processor can use to coordinate its operations, thereby reducing processing timing differences and enabling accurate time correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240103448A1Electronic timepiece, storage medium storing program, and time correction method

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic timepiece includes an obtaining circuit, a first processor and a second processor. The obtaining circuit obtains information on current time from outside. The first processor measures time. The second processor is connected to the obtaining circuit. The first processor obtains a synchronization signal corresponding to the current time, obtains the current time, which the second processor obtains from the obtaining circuit, and based on the current time and the synchronization signal, corrects the measuring time, which the first processor is measuring.