Wireless Time Setting for Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices require complex key manipulations and separate power supplies for time setting, which can lead to reduced timekeeping functionality and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a communication unit that connects to an external apparatus to obtain and update time information wirelessly, allowing for easy time setting and continuous timekeeping without the need for a dedicated timekeeping power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If time setting is performed by key manipulation, then time can be set, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device automatically obtains time information from an external apparatus (such as a server or another device) without requiring user intervention. The control unit autonomously performs the time setting operation by receiving time information through the communication unit and updating the timekeeping unit, thereby eliminating the need for complex key manipulations and reducing the time required for time setting.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a separate power supply is installed for continuous timekeeping, then timekeeping function can be maintained continuously, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timekeeping function with the main power supply of the electronic device, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated power supply for timekeeping. The control unit manages the timekeeping unit using the existing power supply, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining continuous timekeeping capability. The device can continuously perform timekeeping operations without requiring additional power supply components.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a separate power supply is installed for continuous timekeeping, then timekeeping can continue regardless of device operation, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the timekeeping power requirements with the main device's power supply system. Instead of maintaining a separate power supply dedicated solely to timekeeping (which would consume additional energy), the control unit manages the timekeeping unit using the existing power supply. This approach reduces overall power consumption while enabling continuous timekeeping operations whenever the device is operational.
4Ease of operation
If time information is obtained from external apparatus, then time setting becomes automatic and easy, but communication functionality is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing communication unit of the electronic device, which is typically required for other functions (such as data transmission, network connectivity, or device pairing). This communication unit is used multi-functionally to also obtain time information from external apparatus. By doing so, the patent avoids adding dedicated communication hardware solely for time setting, thereby minimizing additional device complexity while achieving automatic and easy time setting.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a communication unit that performs communication with an external apparatus; a timekeeping unit that performs timekeeping of time; and a control unit, after completion of a connection with the external apparatus using the communication unit, updates time of the timekeeping unit using time information when being in a state where time can be set by obtaining the time information from the external apparatus.