Electronic Timepiece Power Management via Predicted Satellite Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces face high power consumption and long initial setup times when identifying the current position using satellite positioning systems, as they require receiving positional information directly from satellites, which is time-consuming and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An electronic timepiece that shifts between a normal operation state and a power-saving state based on its status, using predicted positional information stored in memory, and communicates with an external device to update this information when the valid period exceeds a predetermined time, thereby reducing power consumption and improving positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electronic timepiece receives positional information from positioning satellites, then positioning accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and initial setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic timepiece obtains predicted positional information (predicted ephemeris) from an external device before actual satellite positioning is needed. This preliminary action stores approximate satellite position data in the memory, which can be used immediately when the timepiece starts up or enters power-saving mode, avoiding the need to receive fresh positional information from satellites in those states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically updates the predicted positional information through communication with external devices during normal operation states, rather than continuously receiving satellite signals. This periodic update approach maintains positioning accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous satellite reception.
2Measurement precision
If the electronic timepiece receives positional information from positioning satellites, then positioning accuracy is improved, but initial setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Predicted positional information is obtained in advance through communication with external devices and stored in memory before the electronic timepiece needs to determine its position. This eliminates the need for time-consuming satellite signal acquisition during initial setup or when the device is first powered on.
Solution Approach 2:
An external device acts as an intermediary between the positioning satellite system and the electronic timepiece. The external device provides predicted positional information to the timepiece, serving as a mediator that delivers positioning data without requiring the timepiece to directly communicate with satellites, thus reducing initial setup time.
3Measurement precision
If the electronic timepiece continuously updates positional information, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic timepiece dynamically adjusts its operation between normal state and power-saving state based on usage conditions. During power-saving state, it relies on stored predicted positional information without continuous updates. When transitioning to normal state, it selectively updates positional information only when the elapsed time from the valid period exceeds a reference time, optimizing the balance between accuracy and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the validity parameter of positional information by tracking the elapsed time from the valid period. When this elapsed time exceeds a predetermined reference time, the system triggers an update of predicted positional information through communication with external devices, otherwise it maintains the existing data, thus adaptively managing power consumption based on data freshness requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic timepiece includes a radio wave receiver, a communication unit, a memory and a processor. The radio wave receiver receives radio waves from positioning satellites. The communication unit communicates with an external device. The memory stores a program and predicted positional information on the positioning satellites. Based on the program stored in the memory, the processor shifts the timepiece between a normal operation state and a power saving state in which operation of the timepiece is restricted, depending on a status of the timepiece. In response to an elapsed time from a valid period of the predicted positional information exceeding a predetermined reference time during the power saving state, the processor causes the communication unit to receive updated data of the predicted positional information and other information from the external device when shifting the timepiece from the power saving state to the normal operation state.