Electronic Timepiece Signal Code Differentiation via Width Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces face complexity in processing standard time signals that transmit information using two data bits in a 1-second signal, as they require evaluation of signal levels in multiple periods, leading to complications in differentiating between signal codes with similar total signal widths.
Innovation Solution
An electronic timepiece that includes a receiver, detector, and code evaluator to calculate the total signal width of first and second level signals within a second, allowing differentiation of signal codes based on signal width and position, thereby simplifying the evaluation process and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the signal level is evaluated in five signal level evaluation periods to identify the time code, then the time code can be determined, but the processing becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential information needed for time code identification by stopping sampling at the second level signal and calculating only the total width of first level signals. This selective extraction approach maintains identification accuracy while dramatically simplifying the processing complexity by ignoring unnecessary signal evaluation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the 1-second signal into two distinct parts: first level signals (High) and second level signals (Low). By focusing only on the total width of first level signals and stopping sampling at second level signals, the system simplifies the evaluation process while maintaining sufficient accuracy for time code identification.
2Device complexity
If the simplified method using total High level signal width is used, then processing is simplified, but signals with different wave patterns cannot be differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds the dimension of signal position and wave pattern analysis alongside the total width measurement. By considering not only the total width of first level signals but also their positions and the presence of second level signals, the system achieves differentiation between signals with different wave patterns while maintaining processing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality analysis by examining the specific positions and characteristics of first and second level signals within the 1-second period. By analyzing the local distribution of signal levels rather than just the total width, the system can differentiate between signals with different wave patterns.
3Measurement precision
If continuous sampling is performed throughout the 1 second, then all signal information is captured, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by stopping sampling at the second level signal before completing the full 1-second period. This preliminary termination of sampling maintains sufficient signal information for accurate time code identification while significantly reducing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary sampling during the second level signal period.
Data Source
AI summary
The electronic timepiece has a receiver that receives standard time signals; a detector that samples the received signal and detects the signal level; a calculator that computes, based on the detected signal level, the total signal width of a first level signal in 1-second, and the continuous time of the second level signal; and a code evaluator that determines the code transmitted in the signal based on the calculated total. The signal contains a first code and a second code in which the total signal width of the first level signal in 1 second is the same; the first code is a code that transmits the first level signal in 1 second; the second code is a code that transmits two first level signals separated by a second level signal in 1 second.