Radio-Controlled Timepiece Synchronization Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radio-controlled timepieces face inefficiencies when generating time data, as incorrect minute synchronization points require restarting the process, leading to prolonged acquisition of accurate time data.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a time information acquiring apparatus that allows for the correction of minute synchronization points without discarding acquired data, using parallel pulse signal measurement and code determination processes, enabling prompt generation of accurate time data even when initial detection is incorrect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the conventional method detects minute synchronization point and performs code determination sequentially, then the process structure is simple, but the time to acquire accurate time data increases significantly when detection errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs pulse signal measurement and acquires code determination data before detecting the minute synchronization point. This preliminary action ensures that when the synchronization point is detected, the code determination can be immediately performed using pre-acquired data, avoiding the need to restart the entire process when errors occur, thus reducing time loss without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent stores code determination data in a buffer memory for multiple frames. When a detection error is identified, the system recovers and reuses the previously stored code determination data instead of discarding it, allowing rapid correction of synchronization errors without wasting previously acquired data, thereby reducing the time required to acquire accurate time data
2Reliability
If the system restarts from minute synchronization point detection when time data is inconsistent, then data validation is ensured, but the acquired data becomes useless and acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a buffer memory that stores code determination data for multiple frames. When time data inconsistency is detected, the system recovers and reuses the stored data from the buffer instead of discarding it, enabling rapid re-validation and correction without restarting from the beginning, thus maintaining reliability while reducing acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the consistency of time data is continuously checked. When inconsistency is detected, the system uses the stored code determination data to perform corrective actions, creating a closed-loop system that ensures data accuracy while minimizing time loss through intelligent reuse of previously acquired data
3Productivity
If the conventional process performs code determination after minute synchronization detection, then the process sequence is simple, but incorrect detection requires complete restart wasting acquired data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs pulse signal measurement and stores code determination data in buffer memory before minute synchronization point detection is completed. This preliminary action ensures that when synchronization is detected, code determination can immediately use the pre-acquired data, improving productivity and preventing data wastage when corrections are needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and reuses the code determination data stored in the buffer memory when detection errors occur, rather than discarding the acquired data. This allows the system to maintain high productivity by minimizing data wastage and enabling rapid correction of synchronization errors
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a time information acquiring apparatus wherein: a second data acquiring section (20, S131) acquires a second data by measuring pulse signals of a frame of a time code signal during a period of time including a period of time a first data acquiring section (20, S121) acquires a first data which is stored in a first data storing section (21a) ; and when a time data, generated by a decoder (20, S151) based on information on a starting point of the frame detected by a detecting section (20, S141, S142) and the second data stored in a second data storing section (21b, 21c, 21d), is determined as inconsistent by a consistency determining section (20, S161), a controller (20) makes the detecting section re-detect the starting point of the frame, and makes the decoder re-generate the time data based on a result of the re-detection of the starting point of the frame and the second data stored in a second data storing section.