Electronic Timepiece Time Difference Correction via Candidate Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic timepieces require a large number of operations to correct time differences, especially for larger time differences, making the process inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
An electronic timepiece with a display section, input section, and time difference correction control section that allows for continuous display of multiple time difference correction candidates upon a single input, enabling quick and convenient selection of the desired time difference by moving the second hand to specific positions on the dial, reducing the need for multiple button presses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the switch is pressed multiple times to correct a large time difference, then the time difference can be corrected accurately, but the number of operations increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by displaying all possible time difference correction candidates (0-12 hours) in advance on the display section before the user makes a selection. When the crown is operated, the system presents a list of candidate times, and the user can directly select the desired correction without multiple incremental adjustments. This allows the user to see all options at once and make the correction in fewer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the display section showing multiple candidate time differences - that mediates between the current time and the target time. Instead of directly adjusting the time in small increments, the system presents intermediate candidate values that the user can select from, effectively using the display as an intermediary to bridge the gap between current and desired time settings.
2Loss of information
If the second hand is moved stepwise to display time difference candidates, then the candidates are clearly recognizable, but the display updates in discrete steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the second hand to operate in two modes: stepwise movement for clear discrete positioning at time difference candidates, and continuous movement for smooth scanning through options. The system dynamically switches between these movement types based on the operational phase, providing both clear recognizability when needed and continuous display when presenting candidates, thus resolving the contradiction between discrete recognition and continuous display.
Data Source
AI summary
When an operation button is pressed for three seconds, a second hand is reversed and fast-forwarded to the position of a currently set time difference. After the second hand stops, the second hand is moved stepwise to time difference display positions to continuously display time difference correction candidates. In this state, when the operation button is pressed, the second hand is caused to stop, and an hour hand is moved to the position of time determined in consideration of the time difference at which the second hand points. The time difference at which the second hand points is stored as a time difference set value, and an action mode is switched to a normal time display mode for time-difference time display based on the time difference set value.