초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for adjusting the accuracy of an electronic timepiece that includes an oscillator with a 2.sup.n frequency output, means for reducing the oscillator output frequency to a time keeping frequency, means for counting the time keeping frequency, and means for displaying the time c

A method and apparatus for adjusting the accuracy of an electronic timepiece that includes an oscillator with a 2.sup.n frequency output, means for reducing the oscillator output frequency to a time keeping frequency, means for counting the time keeping frequency, and means for displaying the time corresponding to the count of the time keeping frequency. The timepiece is initially synchronized with a time standard. After a period of time has elapsed, the timepiece is resynchronized with a time standard and the error E accumulated by the timepiece since the previous synchronization is calculated. The accumulated error, E, is divided by the number of adjustment intervals elapsed since the previous synchronizing of the timepiece, N, to obtain an accuracy adjustment factor. Then, at a specified time interval during each subsequent adjustment interval, the timekeeping frequency is adjusted by the amount of the accuracy adjustment factor to produce a resultant adjustment interval which equals an ideal time period. Thus, the cumulative accuracy of the timepiece is maintained over the life of the timepiece.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for maintaining and adjusting the accuracy of an electronic timepiece that includes an oscillator with a 2.sup.n frequency output, comprising the steps of:(1) reducing the oscillator output frequency to a time keeping frequency;(2) counting the time keeping frequ

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for maintaining and adjusting the accuracy of an electronic timepiece that includes an oscillator with a 2.sup.n frequency output, comprising the steps of:(1) reducing the oscillator output frequency to a time keeping frequency;(2) counting the time keeping frequency;(3) displaying the time corresponding to the count of the time keeping frequency;(4) selecting an adjustment interval, said adjustment interval corresponding to a time period being measured by the timepiece;(5) calculating an initial accuracy adjustment factor at the time of manufacture of the electronic timepiece, said factor corresponding to the difference between the adjustment interval being measured by said timepiece and an ideal time period;(6) adjusting the time keeping frequency at a first specified time interval during each adjustment interval by the amount of the initial accuracy adjustment factor;(7) synchronizing the timepiece with a time standard to effect an initial synchronization, said synchronization initiated by a user of the timepiece;(8) counting the number of adjustment intervals, N, elapsed since the previous synchronizing of the timepiece;(9) resynchronizing the timepiece with a time standard, said resynchronizing initiated by a user of the timepiece;(10) calculating the error, E, accumulated by the timepiece since the previous synchronizing of the timepiece;(11) dividing the accumulated error by the number of adjustment intervals elapsed since the previous synchronizing of the timepiece to obtain the quotient E/N;(12) multiplying the quotient E/N by a constant C, equal to the oscillator output frequency, to obtain a first correction increment, I, for the accuracy adjustment factor;(13) adjusting the accuracy adjustment factor by the amount of the first correction increment, I, to obtain a new value for the accuracy adjustment factor; and(14) adjusting the time keeping frequency at the first specified time interval during each subsequent adjustment interval by the amount of the new accuracy adjustment factor.