Radio-controlled clock movement

Details Radio-controlled clock movement Radio-controlled clock movement

1998-11-16

2001-07-31

Roskoski, Bernard (Department: 2859)

Horology: time measuring systems or devices

Plural timepiece system or system device

With wireless synchronization

C368S021000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06269055

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to radio-controlled clock movements. More particularly, the present invention relates to radio-controlled clock movements including signal reception indicators and manual set capabilities.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Wall clocks and the like are commercially available which provide for remote resetting or remote synchronization, in order that the time displayed at a particular location will be accurately synchronized with time signal information broadcast from a central control point. A number of systems utilized for this purpose involve the reception and processing of timing information that is constantly broadcast from government operated radio stations, such as WWVB, on a 60 kHz time signal.
There are areas in the United States where the signal strength of the time signal is relatively weak or subject to interference. Furthermore, the ferrite antennas typically used in radio-controlled clocks for receiving the time signal are directional in nature and require proper location placement and alignment. Without such proper placement and alignment, the timing information cannot be recovered from the time signal.
Because the WWVB time signals do not account for time zones, another challenge facing radio-controlled clock designers is to provide a method for setting the initial clock time that accounts for the time zone in which the clock is located. Prior art clocks include various methods of adjusting for different time zones such as including time zone switches for setting the desired time zone. Typically, these prior art clocks require optical and/or mechanical sensing of gear position to provide clock hand position information to a controller, which adjusts the clock hands to the time zone input by the clock user. However, the sensing component costs and extra assembly costs due to difficulties in aligning the clock hands with the position sensors during assembly make these prior art systems costly. In addition, slippage or misalignment of the position sensors during shipping or use can cause the clock to fail or become inaccurate.
Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for ensuring that a radio-controlled clock is properly receiving the broadcast time signal. There is also a need for an accurate and reliable method for setting a radio-controlled clock, which accounts for different time zones.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These needs and others are satisfied by the radio-controlled clock movement of the present invention. A radio-controlled clock movement according to the present invention is configured for use in a clock having a time indicating means for displaying time that is synchronized with timing information supplied by a broadcast time signal. The clock movement comprises a receiver for receiving the broadcast time signal, determining means for determining the strength of the received time signal and audible indication means for providing an audible signal representative of the determined strength of the received time signal.
Preferably, the audible indication means provides separate signals indicating a satisfactorily received time signal strength, saturation of the received time signal by interference and a poorly received signal strength. The audible indication means may provide the saturation and poorly received time signal strength indication signals for a longer period of time than the satisfactorily received time signal strength indication signal to allow the user to find a satisfactory location and orientation for the clock.
In a preferred embodiment, the time indicating means comprises a dial and clock hands and the clock movement further comprises a motor and a gearbox connected to the motor. The motor is configured to drive the gearbox, which in turn moves the clock hands around the dial. Alternatively, the time indicating means can be digital and may comprise a liquid crystal display device.
The clock movement also includes decoding means for decoding the timing information from the received time signal, setting means for setting the clock hands to an initial set position and a controller for controlling operation of the motor. The initial set position is determined based on the desired time zone. The controller is configured to assume the clock hands are set at a predetermined initial position. Based on this assumption, the controller calculates a relative distance to move the clock hands to make the displayed clock time synchronous with the decoded timing information. The controller then applies control signals to the motor to move the clock hands the relative distance from the initial set position.
The clock movement includes an internal clock wherein after the clock hands are moved the relative distance from the initial set position to make the displayed clock time synchronous with the decoded timing information, the internal clock supplies timing signals to the controller. The controller applies control signals to the motor to move the clock hands coincident with the internal clock timing signals. The clock movement attempts to resynchronize with the broadcast time signal every 6 hours or at other regular intervals. Preferably, the determining means, internal clock, controller and decoding means comprise a microprocessor.
A method of setting a radio-controlled clock for displaying a time in a desired time zone is also disclosed comprising the steps of setting the clock hands to an initial set position determined by the desired time zone, receiving the time signal, decoding timing information from the received time signal, calculating a relative distance to move the clock hands to make the displayed clock time synchronous with the decoded timing information and moving the clock hands the relative distance from the initial set position. It is assumed that the initial set position corresponds to an expected predetermined set position. The clock hands move the calculated relative distance at an accelerated rate.
The step of setting the clock hands to an initial set position may also comprise offsetting the clock hands a desired distance ahead of or behind the expected predetermined initial set position. The step of moving the clock hands a relative distance preserves the offset. In this manner, the clock can be synchronized a set time ahead or behind the actual time.


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