Electronic Timepiece Leap Second Acquisition Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces face challenges in maintaining a high reception success rate for leap second information while minimizing power consumption, particularly when switching between GPS and quasi-zenith satellite signals, leading to premature termination of reception processes and increased power usage.
Innovation Solution
The electronic timepiece employs a controller to determine whether to continue or stop the reception process based on the type of satellite signal received, with extended timeout times for quasi-zenith satellite signals and reduced power consumption by stopping reception when GPS signals are not strong enough, ensuring accurate leap second information acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reception process continues for GPS satellites with 12.5 minute intervals, then the reception success rate improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the timeout setting changeable based on satellite type. The controller dynamically adjusts the timeout period from a first timeout (shorter) for GPS satellites to a second timeout (longer) for quasi-zenith satellites, optimizing both reception success rate and power consumption for each satellite system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timeout parameter based on the type of position information satellite. When a GPS satellite is detected, a first timeout value is applied; when a quasi-zenith satellite is detected, a second timeout value is applied. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching reception duration to satellite characteristics.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the reception process is stopped after timeout for GPS satellites, then power consumption is suppressed, but reception success rate declines when quasi-zenith satellite signals are available
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts reception behavior based on satellite type detection. The controller identifies whether a GPS or quasi-zenith satellite is being received and applies appropriate timeout settings, ensuring power efficiency for GPS while maintaining reception success for quasi-zenith satellites with longer intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The timeout parameter is changed based on satellite identification. The system detects the satellite type and switches between first timeout (for GPS) and second timeout (for quasi-zenith), resolving the contradiction between power suppression and reception success.
3Reliability
If the timeout period is extended for quasi-zenith satellites transmitting every minute, then reception success rate improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by setting different timeout values for different satellite types. The second timeout for quasi-zenith satellites is longer than the first timeout for GPS satellites, matching the one-minute transmission interval of quasi-zenith satellites and improving reception success while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic timepiece includes a receiver that executes reception process to capture a position information satellite transmitting leap second information and receive a satellite signal transmitted from the captured position information satellite and a controller that acquires the leap second information on the basis of the satellite signal received by the receiver, in which the controller determines whether or not to stop the reception processing on the basis of a type of the satellite signal receivable from the position information satellite captured by the receiver.