Hand Position Detection for Wristwatch Power Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand position detecting devices for timepieces consume significant battery power when left in darkness due to repeated detection attempts, leading to inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A hand position detecting device equipped with an optical detection unit, a darkness detector, and a hand rotation controlling unit that determines if the device has been in darkness for a predetermined time, allowing for controlled hand rotation to a reference position and reduced detection frequency, thereby conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the hand position detecting device continuously detects hand positions in darkness, then detection accuracy is maintained, but battery power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic detection by controlling the detecting unit to operate only at predetermined time intervals during darkness conditions. The control unit determines whether continuous detection is necessary based on darkness duration and hand position information, switching between continuous and periodic detection modes to optimize power consumption while maintaining adequate detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the hand position detecting device rotates hands to reference position in darkness, then hand position accuracy is ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the detecting unit itself provides the solution by detecting hand positions and transmitting this information to the control unit. The control unit then autonomously determines whether hand rotation to reference position is necessary, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex additional control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the hand position detecting device performs repeated detections in darkness, then detection reliability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the detecting unit detect hand positions and the control unit store this information in advance during darkness periods. This pre-detected information is then used to determine whether continuous detection or hand rotation is necessary, reducing the need for repeated detections and minimizing time consumption while maintaining detection reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces battery power consumption by minimizing unnecessary detections when the device is in darkness, ensuring accurate hand position detection while optimizing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detection unit configured to detect whether or not light passes through light-passing apertures provided in hand wheels having hands
Data Source
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AI summary
A solar panel (9) determines whether or not a wristwatch (1) is in darkness. When the darkness has continued for a predetermined time period, e.g., for 61-70 minutes, it is determined that the wristwatch (1) is not in use and set in a sleep state. Out of seconds, center and hour hands (2, 3 and 4), at least the seconds hand (2) is rotated to a reference position (00-second position) and stopped, and positions of the center and hour hands (3 and 4) are detected. Therefore, power consumption during can be reduced when the wristwatch (1) is not in use.