U.S. patent application number 12/046663 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for wireless synchronous time system with solar powered transceiver.
Invention is credited to Mark A. Abbott, Derek J. Brykowski, Jerald M. Cayo, Terrence J. O'Neill, James F. Stoffer, Darrel L. Thompson.
Application Number | 20080159080 12/046663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46322759 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080159080 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abbott; Mark A. ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
WIRELESS SYNCHRONOUS TIME SYSTEM WITH SOLAR POWERED TRANSCEIVER
Abstract
A primary device for a synchronous event system. In one
construction, the primary device includes a solar panel operable to
convert light into electricity; a receiver operable to receive a
global positioning system time signal; a processor coupled to the
receiver and operable to process the global positioning system time
signal to produce a processed time component; an internal clock
coupled to the processor and operable to store the processed time
component and to increment relative to the processed time component
thereafter to produce an internal time; and a transmitter coupled
to the processor and operable to transmit the internal time to a
secondary device for wireless reception by the secondary device and
synchronization of the secondary device relative to the primary
device.
Inventors: |
Abbott; Mark A.; (Delavan,
WI) ; Cayo; Jerald M.; (Belvidere, IL) ;
Thompson; Darrel L.; (Algonquin, IL) ; Brykowski;
Derek J.; (Cary, IL) ; O'Neill; Terrence J.;
(Lake Geneva, WI) ; Stoffer; James F.; (Delafield,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE, Suite 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
46322759 |
Appl. No.: |
12/046663 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11236439 |
Sep 27, 2005 |
7369462 |
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12046663 |
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11086860 |
Mar 22, 2005 |
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11236439 |
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10094100 |
Mar 8, 2002 |
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11086860 |
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10979049 |
Nov 2, 2004 |
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11236439 |
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10876767 |
Jun 25, 2004 |
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10979049 |
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09960638 |
Sep 21, 2001 |
6873573 |
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10876767 |
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60613865 |
Sep 28, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
368/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 19/14 20130101;
G04G 3/00 20130101; G04G 9/0005 20130101; G04G 15/00 20130101; G04C
10/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
368/47 |
International
Class: |
G04C 11/00 20060101
G04C011/00 |
Claims
1. A synchronous event system comprising: a primary device
including a solar panel operable to convert light into electricity,
a first receiver operable to receive a global positioning system
time signal, a first processor coupled to the first receiver and
operable to process the global positioning system time signal to
produce a processed time component, a first internal clock coupled
to the first processor and operable to store the processed time
component and to increment relative to the processed time component
thereafter to produce a first internal time, and a transmitter
coupled to the first processor and operable to transmit the first
internal time; and a secondary device including a second receiver
operable to wirelessly receive the first internal time, a second
processor coupled to the second receiver, and a second internal
clock coupled to the second receiver and operable to store the
first internal time and to increment relative to the first internal
time thereafter to produce a second internal time.
2. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the solar panel
is further operable to provide at least a portion of the
electricity to at least one of the first receiver, the first
processor, the first internal clock, and the transmitter.
3. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the primary
device further includes at least one power storage device.
4. The synchronous event system of claim 3, wherein the at least
one power storage device is operable to be charged by the
electricity.
5. The synchronous event system of claim 3, wherein the at least
one power storage device is operable to provide power to at least
one of the first receiver, the first processor, the first internal
clock, and the transmitter.
6. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the first
processor is further operable to adjust the time signal based on a
time zone adjustment.
7. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the first
processor is further operable to adjust the time signal based on a
daylight savings time adjustment.
8. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the primary
device further includes a memory coupled to the first processor and
operable to store a programmed instruction including a time
element.
9. The synchronous event system of claim 8, wherein the transmitter
is further operable to transmit the programmed instruction.
10. The synchronous event system of claim 9, wherein the second
receiver is further configured to receive the programmed
instruction.
11. The synchronous event system of claim 10, wherein the secondary
device further includes an event switch operable to execute the
programmed instruction when the second internal time matches the
time element.
12. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the primary
device is mounted at an angle of approximately 130 degrees with
respect to a horizontal reference line.
13. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the secondary
device further includes a display operable to display the second
internal time.
14. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the first
processor is further operable to determine a processing time and to
use the processing time to produce the processed time
component.
15. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the first
processor is further operable to perform a diagnostic test and to
generate at least one test result, and wherein the transmitter is
further operable to transmit the at least one test result.
16. The synchronous event system of claim 15, wherein the second
receiver is further operable to wirelessly receive the at least one
test result.
17. The synchronous event system of claim 15, wherein the primary
device further includes a display operable to display the at least
one test result.
18. The synchronous event system of claim 15, wherein the secondary
device further includes a display operable to display the at least
one test result.
19. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the primary
device further includes at least one port coupled to the first
processor and operable to connect the primary device to an external
device.
20. The synchronous event system of claim 1, wherein the secondary
device further includes at least one port coupled to the second
processor and operable to connect the secondary device to an
external device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/236,439, filed Sep. 27, 2005, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/613,865, filed on Sep. 28, 2004, now abandoned, and which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/086,860, filed on Mar. 22, 2005, now abandoned, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/094,100, filed
on Mar. 8, 2002, now abandoned, the entire contents of which are
all hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/236,439 is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/979,049, filed on Nov. 2, 2004,
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/876,767, filed on Jun. 25, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/960,638, filed on Sep. 21, 2001, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,873,573, the entire contents of which are all
hereby also incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to synchronous time systems
and particularly to systems having "slave" devices synchronized by
signals transmitted by a controlling "master" device. More
particularly, the present invention relates to synchronous time
systems, wherein the master device wirelessly transmits the signals
to the slave devices.
[0003] Conventional hard-wired synchronous time systems (e.g.,
clock systems, bell systems, etc.) are typically used in schools
and industrial facilities. The devices in these systems are wired
together to create a synchronized system. Because of the extensive
wiring required in such systems, installation and maintenance costs
may be high.
SUMMARY
[0004] Conventional wireless synchronous time systems are not
hard-wired, but instead rely on wireless communication among
devices to synchronize the system. For example, one such system
utilizes a government WWVB radio time signal to synchronize a
system of clocks. This type of radio controlled clock system
typically includes a master unit that broadcasts a government WWVB
radio time signal and a plurality of slave clocks that receive the
time signal. To properly synchronize, the slave clock units must be
positioned in locations where they can adequately receive the
broadcast WWVB signal. Interference generated by power supplies,
computer monitors, and other electronic equipment may interfere
with the reception of the signal. There are also areas, such as the
east coast of the United States, where the WWVB signal is weak or
where the WWVB signal cannot reliably penetrate buildings.
Additionally, the antenna of a radio controlled slave clock can be
de-tuned if it is placed near certain metal objects, including
conduit, wires, brackets, bolts, etc., which may be hidden in a
building's walls. Wireless synchronous time systems that provide
reliable synchronization and avoid high installation and
maintenance costs would be welcomed by users of such systems.
[0005] Furthermore, orbiting satellites, such as global positioning
system ("GPS") satellites, provide a precision time signal that can
be received throughout the world, and many schools, hospitals,
businesses, and other organizations have synchronized time systems
that use the accurate time from GPS satellites for their precision
time source. GPS satellite signals are transmitted on low power
high frequency radio signals. The penetration of these radio
signals through the atmosphere is good; however, these high
frequency signals do not penetrate solids, such as building
materials, very well. As a result, indoor reception of these
satellite signals ranges from poor to non-existent. To achieve
good, consistent signal reception from these satellites, the
receiver should be located outside in an open area with a clear
view of the sky.
[0006] Although locating a GPS receiver in an open area solves the
reception problem, it can create additional problems. A first
problem can include getting power to the GPS receiver so that it
can operate, and a second problem can include getting the time or
other data from the outdoor GPS receiver to another location, such
as an indoor location, where it is to be used. There are wired
solutions to these problems, but they can be costly to install and
maintain (e.g., difficulty and cost of drilling holes, running a
cable, providing a good seal around the cable in order to withstand
outdoor environments, etc.) and may be inconvenient, cosmetically
undesirable, or impractical for some applications.
[0007] Furthermore, typical wired GPS receivers are also usually
located on the tops of roofs and on metal poles that are exposed to
potential lightning strikes. In the event of a GPS receiver being
struck by lightning, cables connected to the GPS receivers provide
a direct electrical link to secondary receivers and/or power
sources connected to the GPS receivers, thus extending the damage
from lightning to the connected devices.
[0008] Embodiments of the invention provide a wireless synchronous
time system comprising a primary event device or "master" device
including a first receiver operable to receive a global positioning
system ("GPS") time signal, and a first processor coupled to the
first receiver to process the GPS time signal. The primary event
device also includes a memory coupled to the first processor and
operable to store a programmed instruction, including a
preprogrammed time element and a preprogrammed function element.
The primary event device also includes an internal clock coupled to
the first processor to store the time component and to increment
relative to the stored time component thereafter to produce a first
internal time. A transmitter is also included in the primary event
device and is coupled to the first processor to transmit the first
internal time and the programmed instruction.
[0009] The synchronized event system further includes a secondary
event device or "slave" device having a second receiver to
wirelessly receive the first internal time and the programmed
instruction, which are transmitted by the primary event device. The
secondary event device includes a second processor coupled to the
second receiver to selectively register the programmed instruction,
a second internal clock coupled to the processor to store the time
component and to increment relative to the stored time component
thereafter to produce a second internal time, and an event switch
operable to execute the registered programmed instruction when the
second internal time matches the preprogrammed time element of the
programmed instruction.
[0010] In some embodiments, the secondary event device or "slave"
device may include an analog clock, a digital clock, one or more
time-controlled switching devices (e.g., a bell, a light, an
electronic message board, a speaker, etc.), or any other device for
which the functionality of the device is synchronized with other
devices. In these devices, the programmed instruction includes an
instruction to display time and/or an instruction to execute a
function at a predetermined time. The programmed instruction is
broadcast to the "slave" unit devices by the primary event device
or "master" device. In this way, for example, the master device
synchronizes the time displayed by a system of analog slave clocks,
synchronously sounds a system of slave bells, synchronizes the time
displayed by a system of slave digital clocks, or synchronizes any
other system of devices for which the functionality of the devices
of the system is desired to be synchronized. In some embodiments,
the master device transmits multiple programmed commands (a
"program") to the slave devices and the slave devices include a
processor operable to execute the multiple programmed commands.
[0011] In some embodiments, these systems further include a power
interrupt module coupled to the processors to retain the internal
time and the programmed instruction in the event of a power
failure. Both the "master" primary event device and the "slave"
secondary event device are able to detect a power failure and store
current time information into separate memory modules.
[0012] The system is synchronized by first receiving a GPS time
signal at the master device and setting a first internal clock to
the GPS time signal. The first internal clock is then incremented
relative to the GPS time signal to produce a first internal time.
Operational data in the form of the programmed instruction,
including the preprogrammed time element and the preprogrammed
function element, is then retrieved from a memory and is wirelessly
transmitted along with the first internal time. A second receiver
at the "slave" device wirelessly receives the first internal time
and the operational data and selectively registers it. A second
internal clock within the "slave" device is set to the first
internal time and is incremented relative thereto to produce a
second internal time. In preferred embodiments, such as an analog
clock, the second internal time is simply displayed. In other slave
devices, such as a system of bells, a function is identified from
the preprogrammed function element and is executed (e.g., bells or
alarms are rung) when the second internal time matches the
preprogrammed time element.
[0013] Embodiments further provide a synchronous event system
comprising a primary device and a secondary device. In one
construction, the primary device includes a solar panel operable to
convert light into electricity, a first receiver operable to
receive a global positioning system time signal, a first processor
coupled to the first receiver and operable to process the global
positioning system time signal to produce a processed time
component, a first internal clock coupled to the first processor
and operable to store the processed time component and to increment
relative to the processed time component thereafter to produce a
first internal time, and a transmitter coupled to the first
processor and operable to transmit the first internal time. The
secondary device can include a second receiver operable to
wirelessly receive the first internal time, a second processor
coupled to the second receiver, and a second internal clock coupled
to the second receiver and operable to store the first internal
time and to increment relative to the first internal time
thereafter to produce a second internal time.
[0014] Additional embodiments provide a primary device for a
synchronous event system involving the primary device and at least
one secondary device whose operation is at least in part dependent
on information transmitted by the primary device. In one
construction, the primary device includes a solar panel operable to
convert light into electricity, a receiver operable to receive a
global positioning system time signal, a processor coupled to the
receiver and operable to process the global positioning system time
signal to produce a processed time component, an internal clock
coupled to the processor and operable to store the processed time
component and to increment relative to the processed time component
thereafter to produce an internal time, and a transmitter coupled
to the processor and operable to transmit the internal time to a
secondary device for at least wireless reception by the secondary
device and synchronization of the secondary device relative to the
primary device.
[0015] Another embodiment provides a primary device for a
synchronous event system involving the primary device and at least
one secondary device whose operation is at least in part dependent
on information transmitted by the primary device. In one
construction, the primary device includes at least one sensor
operable to detect at least one environmental condition and to
produce a condition signal based on the at least one environmental
condition, a receiver operable to receive a global positioning
system time signal, a processor coupled to the receiver and
operable to process the global positioning system time signal to
produce a processed time component, an internal clock coupled to
the processor and operable to store the processed time component
and to increment relative to the processed time component
thereafter to produce an internal time, and a transmitter coupled
to the processor and operable to transmit the internal time and the
condition signal to a secondary device for at least wireless
reception by the secondary device and synchronization of the
secondary device relative to the primary device.
[0016] Some embodiments also provide a secondary device for a
synchronous event system involving the secondary device and a
primary device, wherein operation of the secondary device is at
least in part dependent on synchronization and programming
information transmitted by the primary device. In one construction,
the secondary device includes a receiver operable to wirelessly
receive a first internal time and a condition signal transmitted by
the primary event device, the first internal time being derived
from a global positioning system time signal, a processor coupled
to the receiver and operable to process the condition signal to
produce weather information, an output operable to provide at least
a portion of the weather information, and a second internal clock
coupled to the receiver and operable to store the first internal
time and to increment relative to the first internal time
thereafter to produce a second internal time.
[0017] Still further embodiments provide a method of assembling a
synchronous event system for operation, the system comprising a
primary device having a solar panel for converting light to
electricity and a first internal clock, and a secondary device
having a second internal clock. In one construction, the method
includes positioning the primary device in a first location wherein
a first signal including a time component is accessible and light
to be converted by the solar panel is accessible, determining a
transmitting region surrounding the first location and in which
signals transmitted by the primary device can be received, and
positioning the secondary device in a second location within the
transmitting region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless synchronous time
system according to embodiments of the invention including a master
device that receives a GPS signal and broadcasts a time and
programmed instruction to a system of slave devices.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the master device of FIG.
1.
[0020] FIG. 3A shows a time package structure used in the
transmission of the time element of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3B shows a function package structure used in the
transmission of the programmed instruction element of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an analog clock slave device
of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4a shows a clock movement box used in the setting of
the slave clock of FIG. 4.
[0024] FIG. 4b shows a block diagram of a secondary device of FIG.
1.
[0025] FIG. 5a shows a block diagram of a slave device of FIG. 1,
which includes a switch for controlling the functionality of the
device.
[0026] FIG. 5b shows a block diagram of another slave device of
FIG. 1, which includes a switch for controlling the functionality
of the device.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart illustrating the functionality of
a wireless synchronous time system in accordance with the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless synchronous
time keeping system.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows another schematic diagram of a wireless
synchronous time keeping system.
[0030] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a repeating device for use
in a wireless synchronous time keeping system, such as the systems
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0031] FIG. 10 shows another block diagram of a repeating device
for use in a wireless synchronous time keeping system, such as the
systems illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0032] FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a wireless synchronous time
system according to one embodiment of the invention including a
transceiver having a solar panel.
[0033] FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of the transceiver of FIG.
11 according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a receiver included in
the wireless synchronous time system of FIG. 1 according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 14 shows a mounting assembly of the transceiver of FIG.
11 according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
constructions and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. The terms "mounted," "connected," and
"coupled" are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect
mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, "connected" and
"coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections
or couplings and can include electrical connections and couplings,
whether direct or indirect.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless synchronous time system 100
in accordance with the present invention includes a primary
"master" device 110, which receives a first time signal through a
receiving unit 115 and broadcasts a second time signal to a
plurality of "slave" secondary event devices 130. The receiving
unit 115 can include a global positioning system ("GPS") receiver
127 having an antenna 129 which receives a GPS signal, including a
GPS time signal component. The receiving unit 115 can send the GPS
time signal component to the primary master device 110 where it is
processed as further discussed below. In other embodiments, the
primary device 110 can receive a first time signal from another
system that may or may not include a GPS time signal component.
[0038] The primary master device 110 can further include a
transmission unit 120, which wirelessly transmits a signal to the
secondary or "slave" devices 130. In one embodiment, the signal
sent to the slave devices 130 includes the processed GPS time
signal component and/or a programmed instruction that is input to
the primary master device 110 through a programmer input connection
125. The programmed instruction includes a preprogrammed time
element and a preprogrammed function element, which, along with the
GPS time signal component, is transmitted by the primary master
device 110 to synchronize the slave devices 130. In one
construction, the processed GPS time signal component and the
programmed instruction are wirelessly transmitted to the slave
devices 130 at approximately a frequency between 72 and 76 MHz. In
another construction, the processed GPS time signal component and
the programmed instruction are wirelessly transmitted to the
secondary devices 130 at a frequency of approximately 154 MHz.
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a few examples of secondary or slave
devices 130. As shown in FIG. 1, examples of secondary or slave
devices 130 can include an analog time display 145, a digital time
display 135, and one or more switching devices 140, which may be
associated with any one of a number of devices, such as a bell, a
light, a lock, a speaker, etc. In other constructions, such as the
construction illustrated in FIG. 4b, the secondary devices 130 can
also include such devices as a message board 147.
[0040] Each of the secondary devices 130 includes an antenna 150 to
wirelessly receive the signal from the primary device 110, such as,
for example, the processed GPS time signal component and the
programmed instruction. Each of the secondary devices 130 also
includes a processor (see FIG. 4, element 410 and FIG. 5, element
525, not shown in FIG. 1) to process the processed time signal and
the programmed instruction received from the primary device 110. As
will be further discussed below, in some constructions, when the
preprogrammed time element of the programmed instruction matches a
second time generated by the slave device, an event will be
executed.
[0041] The primary device 110 may also transmit one or more
programmed instructions (a "program") that may be executed by the
processor of the secondary devices 130. The program may include a
message to be displayed by a message board, a tone or a wave file
(a "sound file") to be generated by a speaker, an image file to be
displayed by a monitor, or a function or algorithm to be performed
on a data set. The secondary devices 130 may also store one or more
programs in an internal memory and receive a direction of which
program to retrieve from the internal memory and execute from the
primary device 110. The primary device 110 may also transmit input
parameters to a secondary device 130 that the processor of the
secondary device 130 may use when executing a program.
[0042] For the analog time display 145, as shown in FIG. 1, an
executed event can include positioning an hour, minute, and second
hand to visually display the current time. For the digital time
display 145, an executed event can include digitally displaying the
current time. For a time controlled switching device 140, an
executed event may include any of a number of events that may be
controlled by a switch. For example, a system of bells may include
switches that sound the bells at a particular time. Alternatively,
a system of lights may include switches that turn the lights on or
off at a particular time. For the message board 147 (see FIG. 4b),
in one construction, an executed event may include displaying a
message stored in a memory of the secondary device 130 at a certain
time. In another construction, for the message board 147, an
executed event may include displaying a message that accompanies a
time component transmitted by the primary device 110.
[0043] It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that the secondary devices 130 may include any one of a
number of electronic devices for which a particular functionality
is desired to be performed at a particular time, such as
televisions, radios, electric door locks, lights, etc.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, a detailed diagram of the primary
master device 110 is shown. The primary master device 110 can
receive a time signal component, such as the GPS time signal
component from the receiving unit 115 (FIG. 1) at an input unit,
such as the GPS time signal input receiving unit or connector 205.
The primary master device 110 can further include a processor 210,
a memory 215, a programmer input connector 125, a communication
port 220, a display 225, a transmission unit 120, and a powered
input socket 235. In some embodiments, these elements of the
primary master device 110 serve to receive, process, and transmit
information used to synchronize the slave units 130, as will be
fully discussed below. The communication port 220 may be used to
perform diagnostic testing or auditing or to perform software
upgrades or modifications by an external computing device (i.e., a
personal computer, a PDA, etc.). Additionally, the primary device
110 can include a channel switch 245, time zone switch 250, and a
daylight savings bypass switch 255. In some embodiments, the
primary device 110 includes a power interrupt module 258 coupled to
the processor 210 to retain the internal time and the programmed
instruction in the event of a power loss.
[0045] In some embodiments, upon powering up the primary device
110, the processor 210 of the primary device 110 checks the setting
of the channel switch 245, the time zone switch 250, and the
daylight savings bypass switch 255. The processor 210 stores the
switch information in the memory 215. In some embodiments, a signal
is received through the antenna 129 of the receiving unit 115 and a
time signal component is extracted from it. For example, in some
embodiments using a GPS time signal, a GPS signal is received
through the antenna 129 of the receiving unit 115 and a GPS time
signal component is extracted from it. When the receiving unit 115
or the connector 205 receives the GPS time signal component, the
processor 210 adjusts the GPS time signal component according to
the switch information of the channel switch 245, the time zone
switch 250, and the daylight savings bypass switch 255 and sets an
internal clock 260 of the primary device 110 to the processed GPS
time signal component to produce a first internal time.
[0046] The channel switch 245 enables a user to select a particular
transmission frequency or range of frequencies determined best for
transmission in the usage area, and to independently operate
additional primary master devices in overlapping broadcast areas
without causing interference between them. The GPS time signal uses
a coordinated universal time ("UTC") and requires a particular
number of compensation hours to display the correct time and date
for the desired time zone.
[0047] The time zone switch 250 enables the user to select a
desired time zone, which permits worldwide usage. The time zone
switch 250 or a separate switch may also be used to compensate for
fraction-of-an-hour time differences. For example, in some areas a
half-an-hour time offset may be added to the received time
component to generate a correct time.
[0048] The time input to the GPS connector 205 may or may not
include daylight savings time information. As a result, users in
areas, or for applications, that do not require daylight savings
adjustment may be required to set the daylight savings bypass
switch 255 to bypass an automatic daylight savings adjustment
program. Manual daylight savings time adjustment can also be
accomplished by adjusting the time zone switch 250 to a desired
time zone to retain a correct time.
[0049] Once the processor 210 adjusts the GPS time signal component
according to the settings of the switches discussed above and sets
the internal clock 260 to produce the first internal time, the
internal clock 260 starts to increment the first internal time
until another GPS time signal is received from the GPS receiver 127
of the receiving unit 115 (FIG. 1). Between receiving GPS time
signals, the internal clock 260 independently keeps the first
internal time which, in addition to other information, such as date
information and reception status, can be displayed on the display
225 of the primary device 110. The internal clock 260 may also
include a back-up power source 270 for retaining power to the
internal clock 260 if a primary power source (i.e., power supplied
by an alternating current outlet) is lost, disrupted, or
insufficient for supplying needed power to the primary device 110.
In some embodiments, the back-up power source 270 includes a
battery.
[0050] In addition to processing the time signal, the processor 210
also checks for a new programmed instruction on a continuous basis,
and stores any new programmed instructions in the memory 215. As
briefly mentioned above, to enter a programmed instruction, a user
keys in the programmed instruction into a computing device (e.g., a
personal computer, a PDA, etc.) and transfers the programmed
instruction to the primary master device 110 through the programmer
input connector 125. The programmed instruction is stored in the
memory 215 and, along with the first internal time kept in the
internal clock 260, is transmitted through the transmission unit
120 at the transmission frequency set in the channel switch
245.
[0051] The first internal time and the programmed instruction are
transmitted by the primary device 110 using a data protocol as
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3A shows a time packet structure 300
comprising a preprogrammed time element having a 10-bit preamble
304, a sync bit 308, a packet identity byte 312, an hour byte 316,
a minute byte 320, a second byte 324, a checksum byte 328, and a
postamble bit 332. FIG. 3B shows a function packet structure 350
comprising a preprogrammed function element having a 10-bit
preamble 354, a sync bit 358, a packet identity byte 362, an hour
byte 366, a minute byte 370, a function byte 374, a checksum byte
378, and a postamble bit 382.
[0052] Each secondary device 130 receives the signals broadcast by
the primary device 110. The signals can include information
structured according to the time packet structure of FIG. 3A and
the function packet structure FIG. 3B. Each secondary device 130
attempts to match the packet identity bytes 312 or 362 with the
setting of a user configurable identification ("ID") switch (e.g.,
ID switch 384 of FIGS. 5a and 5b) or with an internal identity
number programmed in the processor of the secondary device 130
(i.e., 410 of FIG. 4 or 525 of FIG. 5) to selectively register the
program instruction. It should be readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that the time packet structure 300 and
the function packet structure 350 may have a different structure
size so that more or less information may be transmitted using
these packets. For example, the time packet structure may include,
in addition to the existing timing bytes, a month byte, a day byte,
a year byte, and a day of the week byte. Similarly, the function
packet structure 350 may include additional hour, minute, and
function bytes to terminate the execution of an event triggered by
the hour, minute, and function bytes 366, 370, and 374, shown in
FIG. 3B.
[0053] A diagram of the analog time display 145 of FIG. 1 is shown
in FIG. 4. The analog time display 145 includes a second receiving
unit 402 having an antenna 150 and a second receiver 406. The
analog time display also includes a second processor 410, a second
memory 415, a second internal clock 420, and an analog display 425.
The analog display 425 includes a set of hands 430 including a
second hand 432, a minute hand 434, and an hour hand 436. As with
the primary device 110, the analog time display 145 also includes a
power interrupt module 438 coupled to the processor 410 to retain
an internal time and a programmed instruction in the event of a
power interruption to the analog time display 145.
[0054] In some constructions, the secondary devices 130 can also
include an indicator 417 that indicates whether the secondary
device 130 is receiving any signals from the primary device 110. In
one construction, the indicator 417 can include a light emitting
diode ("LED") that flashes in response to an incoming signal
received and processed by the secondary device 130. In another
construction, the indicator 417 can include an LED that flashes
after a certain period of time elapses during which the secondary
device 130 does not receive any signal from the primary device 110.
In other constructions, the indicator 417 can include a speaker
operable to indicate the reception or lack of reception of a signal
with an audible indication.
[0055] In some constructions, the indicator 417 can also be used to
indicate the execution of an instruction. For example, an LED may
flash or a speaker may transmit a sound or recording that indicates
that an event will occur, is occurring, or has occurred, such as
the locking of a door or the turning off of a light.
[0056] In some constructions, the secondary devices 130 also
include a power source 418. In the illustrated construction of FIG.
4, the power source 418 includes a battery, such as a D-size
battery, for example. The second devices 130 may also include a
solar panel or other generally portable power source. In these
constructions, the secondary devices 130 do not need to be placed
within an area with a power source readily available, such as, for
example, within a certain area of an alternating current ("AC")
outlet that can have a generally fixed position that limits the
placement of the secondary device 130. In some constructions, the
primary device 110 may include a generally portable power source,
such as a battery or a solar panel.
[0057] FIG. 4a illustrates a clock movement box 450 having a manual
time set wheel 465 and a push button 470 for setting the position
of the hands 430 of the analog display 425. The clock movement box
450 is of the type typically found on the back of conventional
analog display wall clocks, and is used to set such clocks. In
setting the analog slave clock 145, the manual time set wheel 465
of the clock movement box 450 is initially turned until the set of
hands 430 shows a time within 29 minutes of the GPS time (i.e., the
actual time). When power is applied to the slave analog clock 145,
the second hand 432 starts to step. The push button 470 of the
clock movement box 450 is depressed when the second hand reaches
the 12 o'clock position. This signals to the second processor 410
that the second hand 432 is at the 12 o'clock position, enabling
the second processor 410 to "know" the location of the second hand
432. The push button 470 is again depressed when the second hand
432 crosses over the minute hand 434, wherever it may be. This
enables the second processor 410 to "know" the location of the
minute hand 434 on the clock dial. (See U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/645,974 to O'Neill, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein). The second processor 410 may
also "know" the location of the hands of the clock dial by
optically detecting the hands 430 of the analog time display 145 or
the position of gears within the analog time display 145 that
determine the position of the hands.
[0058] To synchronize itself to the primary device 110, the second
receiver 406 of the analog time display 145 automatically and
continuously or periodically searches a transmission frequency or a
channel that contains the first internal time and the programmed
instruction. When the receiving unit 402 wirelessly receives and
identifies the first internal time, the processor 410 stores the
received first internal time in the second internal clock 420. The
second internal clock 420 immediately starts to increment to
produce a second internal time. The second internal time is kept by
the second internal clock 420 until another first internal time
signal is received by the analog time display 145. If the processor
410 determines that the set of hands 430 displays a lag time (i.e.,
since a first internal time signal was last received by the analog
time display 145, the second internal clock 420 has fallen behind),
the processor 410 speeds up the second hand 432 from one step per
second to a rate greater than one step per second until both the
second hand 432 and the minute hand 434 agree with the newly
established second internal time. If the processor 410 determines
that the set of hands 430 shows a lead time (i.e., since the first
internal time signal was last received by the analog time display
145, the second internal clock 420 has moved faster than the time
signal relayed by the master device), the processor 410 slows down
the second hand 432 from one step per second to a rate less than
one step per second until both the second hand 432 and the minute
hand 434 agree with the newly established second internal time.
[0059] FIG. 4b illustrates a message board 147, which is another
example of a secondary device 130 for use in the synchronous system
100. In some constructions, the message board 147 includes similar
components to the analog time display 145, such as, for example, a
receiving unit 402, a processor 410, memory 415, a power interrupt
module 438, and an internal clock 420. The message board 147
further includes a display 421. In some constructions, the message
board 147 can store preprogrammed messages in a portion 415a of
memory 415. The messages can be hardwired into the memory portion
415a or can be manually entered via a programmer input connector
416. In other constructions, the messages are stored in the primary
device 110 and are wirelessly transmitted to the board 147. In
these constructions, the processor 410 of the message board 147 can
parse the signal received from the primary device 110, extract the
message and the time at which the message is to be displayed from
the signal, and store the extracted information in the memory 415.
In further constructions, the message board 147 can also include an
analog clock movement unit (not shown) to display the time. The
time can also be shown on the display 421.
[0060] In addition to time displays 145 and 135 that display the
synchronized time signal, a secondary device 130 may include one or
more switching devices 140 as depicted in FIGS. 5a and 5b. Instead
of or in addition to displaying a time signal, a switching device
140 utilizes a time signal to execute an event at a particular
time, such as displaying a message on a message board, for example.
In this way, a system of switching devices 140 can be
synchronized.
[0061] Each slave switching device 140 (see, for example, FIG. 5a)
includes a second receiving unit 510 having an antenna 150 and a
second receiver 520, a second processor 525, a second internal
clock 530, a second memory 535, an operating switch 540, and a
device power source 550. The switching device 140 further includes
a power interrupt module 552 coupled to the processor 410 to retain
the internal time and/or the programmed instruction on a continuous
basis, similar to the power interrupt module 258 of the primary
device 110 and the power interrupt module 438 of the analog time
display 145. A switching device 140 includes one or more devices
555, which are to be synchronously controlled. Depending upon the
device 555 to be controlled, a first end 560 of the device 555 is
coupled to a normally open end ("NO") 565 or a normally closed end
("NC") 570 of the operating switch 540 of the switching device 140.
The first power lead 575 of the device power source 550 is also
coupled to a second end 580 of the device 555, and a second power
lead 585 of the device power source 550 is configured to be coupled
to the normally open end 565 or the normally closed end 570 of the
operating switch 540. The operating switch 540 may close and/or
open a connection between the second power lead 585 and the
normally open end 565 or normally closed end 570 of the operating
switch 540 to break or complete a circuit that provides operating
power or instructions to the device 555. It will be readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the device 555
and operating switch 540 may be constructed and operated in other
constructions and/or manners than those illustrated and described.
For example, the operating switch 540 may generate and transmit
operating power and/or instructions to the device 555 over a
wireless connection, such as over a radio frequency or infrared
signal. The device 555 receives the operating power and/or
instructions and begins and/or stops operating or modifies its
operation as instructed.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 5b, a switching device 140 can also include
one or more sensors 590. In some constructions, the sensor(s) 590
provides feedback regarding a performed event. For example, once an
event is executed, such as the closing and locking of a door at a
certain time, the sensor(s) 590 can verify whether the event was
performed.
[0063] In other constructions, the sensor(s) 590 can provide an
additional input factor for determining whether an event should
take place. For example, the sensor 590 can include one or more
motion detectors and an event can include turning off overhead
lights at a certain time. If the motion detector(s), however,
detects motion within a specified proximity, the processor 525 of
the switching device 140 can determine not to execute the event
(e.g., turn off the lights) at the scheduled time. Furthermore,
feedback from the sensor(s) 590 can provide additional
functionality, such as providing announcement of the execution of
an event or enabling a warning once an event has been executed. For
example, a buzzer or recording via a speaker can sound prior to an
event, such as closing and locking a door. Also, the buzzer or
recording can sound if someone attempts to open a door after a
certain time.
[0064] Still referring to FIG. 5b the secondary devices 130 can
also record information detected by the one or more sensor(s) 590
in the memory 535. In some constructions, the devices 130 may
include additional non-volatile memory. The secondary device 130
can also maintain a record of its operation in the memory 535.
[0065] In some constructions, the memory 535 of the secondary
devices 130 can also store time adjustment information, such as
daylight savings information, time zone information, etc. The time
adjustment information can serve as a back-up in the event the
secondary device 130 does not receive a signal from the primary
device 110 or receives a signal from the primary device 110 that
requires additional time adjusting than that performed by the
primary device 110. For example, a group of secondary devices 130
may receive identical signals from a primary device 110, but one of
the secondary devices 130 may process the received signal to
display the time in one time zone (i.e., the time in New York) and
another secondary device 130 may process the received signal to
display the time in another time zone (i.e., the time in
Paris).
[0066] In some constructions, the system 100 also allows for
two-way communication between secondary devices 130 and primary
device 110. In these constructions, the secondary device 130 can
include a transceiving unit 592 (see FIG. 5b) in place of the
second receiving unit 402 or can include both the second receiving
unit 402 and a second transmitting unit (not shown). In these
constructions, signals are transmitted at a frequency of
approximately 154 MHz between the primary device 110 and the
secondary device 130. The transceiving unit 592 may be operable to
receive a second signal from the primary device 10 and transmit a
third signal to the primary device 110.
[0067] In some constructions, like the receiver 406 of the analog
time display 145, the second receiver 520 of the switching device
140 automatically searches a transmission frequency or a channel
that contains a first internal time and a programmed instruction
transmitted from the primary device 110. When the receiving unit
510 wirelessly receives and identifies the first internal time, the
second processor 525 stores the received first internal time in a
second internal clock 530. The second internal clock 530
immediately starts to increment to produce a second internal time
until another first internal time signal is received from the
primary device 110.
[0068] Additionally, in some constructions, the programmed
instruction can be stored in the memory 535 of a secondary device
130, such as a switching device 140. When there is a match between
the second internal time and the preprogrammed time element of the
programmed instruction, the secondary device 130 executes the
preprogrammed function element of the programmed instruction. For
example, if the preprogrammed time element contains a time of day
and the preprogrammed functional element contains an instruction to
switch on a light, the light will be switched on when the second
internal clock 530 reaches that time specified in the preprogrammed
time element of the programmed instruction.
[0069] In other constructions, the switching device 140 does not
store programmed instructions in the memory 535. Rather, the
switching device 140 may receive instructions from the primary
device 11O.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart 600 illustrates a wireless
synchronous time system according to embodiments of the invention.
The flow chart 600 illustrates the steps performed by a wireless
synchronous time system according to embodiments of the invention
for any number of systems of secondary or slave devices. The
process starts in a receiving step 610 where a primary or master
device receives a GPS time signal. As indicated in the flow chart
at step 610, the master device continuously looks for and receives
new GPS time signals. Next, at step 615, a first internal clock is
set to the received GPS time. Next, the first internal clock starts
to increment a first internal time in step 620. In a parallel path,
at step 625, the master device receives programmed instructions
input by a user of the system. Again, the flow chart indicates that
the master device is able to continuously receive programmed
instructions so that a user may add additional programmed
instructions to the system at any time. As discussed above, the
programmed instructions include a preprogrammed time element and a
preprogrammed function element. An entered programmed instruction
is stored in a first memory of the master device at step 627. Next,
when preset periodic times are reached at step 629, the master
device retrieves the programmed instruction from the first memory
at step 630 and transmits the programmed instruction to the slave
device at step 632. The master device also transmits the first
internal time to the slave device at step 635. In other words, when
the first internal clock reaches particular preset times (e.g.,
every five minutes) the programmed instruction and the first
internal time are wirelessly transmitted to the slave devices. The
intermittent transmissions may conserve power consumption of the
master device and the slave devices, since the frequency of
wireless transmission can be regulated such that the devices
operate with low power consumption.
[0071] The programmed instruction and/or the first internal time
are received at the slave device in step 640. If the slave device
is to merely synchronously display a time, such as a clock, but
does not perform any functionality, there is no need to receive a
programmed instruction. If the slave device, however, includes
devices, such as bells, lights, locks, etc., that are to be
synchronized, the processor of the slave device will also select,
in addition to the first internal time, those programmed
instructions where the packet identity byte matches an identity of
the slave device from the programmed instruction transmitted by the
master device at step 642. Matching programmed instruction(s) are
then stored or registered in a memory of the slave device at step
645. The slave device also sets a second internal clock to the
first internal time at step 650 to produce a second internal time.
In step 655, like the first internal clock, the second internal
clock will start to increment the second internal time. The second
internal time is displayed at step 665. Meanwhile, a function is
identified from the preprogrammed function element at step 670.
When the second internal time has incremented to match the
preprogrammed time element at step 675, the function identified
from the preprogrammed function element is executed at step 680.
Otherwise, the secondary slave device will continue to compare the
second internal time with the preprogrammed time element until a
match is identified.
[0072] It will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in
the art that both the first internal clock and the second internal
clock increment and, thus, independently keep a relatively current
time. Therefore, if, for some reason, the master device does not
receive an updated GPS time signal, it will still be able to
transmit the first internal time. Similarly, if, for some reason,
the slave device does not receive a signal from the master device,
the second internal clock will still maintain a relatively current
time. In this way, the slave device will still display a relatively
current time and/or execute a particular function at a relatively
accurate time even if the wireless communication with the master
device is interrupted. Additionally, the master device will
broadcast a relatively current time and a relatively current
programmed instruction even if the wireless communication with a
satellite broadcasting the GPS signal is interrupted. Furthermore,
the power interrupt modules of the master and slave devices help
keep the system relatively synchronized in the event of power
interruption to the slave and/or master devices.
[0073] In some constructions and in some aspects, the wireless
synchronous time system 100 can include a primary device, one or
more secondary devices, and one or more repeating devices. In some
constructions, the primary device refers to the device that
receives an initial reference time signal from a source, such as,
for example, a source external to the system 100 (e.g., a GPS time
signal from a GPS satellite). In these constructions, the repeating
devices can be used to extend the coverage area of the system
100.
[0074] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the
system 100 can be used to synchronize certain devices within a
desired area 710. In some constructions, for example, the area 710
can include a building, such as an office building, a school, a
department store, a hospital, a hotel, or the like. In other
constructions, for example, the area 710 can include multiple
buildings, such as a campus.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 7, the system 100 includes a primary device
110. In the illustrated embodiment, the primary device 110 is
coupled to a receiving unit 115. In some constructions, the
receiving unit 115 can receive a GPS time signal or another signal
with a time component. In other constructions, the receiving unit
115 can receive a terrestrial signal. In further constructions, the
receiving unit 115 can receive another satellite signal.
[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the primary device 110
further includes a transmitting unit 120. The transmitting unit 120
can wirelessly transmit a signal across a first coverage area 715
to one or more secondary devices 130. As shown in FIG. 7, the
primary device 110 can transmit signals to a first secondary device
720 and a second secondary device 725, both of which are included
in the first coverage area 715. In other constructions, the system
100 can include more or fewer secondary devices 130 within the
first coverage area 715 of the primary device 110.
[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the area 710 in which the
system 100 operates is larger than the first coverage area 715 of
the primary device 110. Furthermore, the system 100 also includes
additional secondary devices 130 that are not positioned within the
first coverage area 715 of the primary device 110, such as, for
example, a third secondary device 730, a fourth secondary device
740, a fifth secondary device 745, a sixth secondary device 750,
and a seventh secondary device 755. In some constructions, such as
the illustrated embodiment, these additional secondary devices 130
receive signals from the primary device 110 via one or more
repeating devices 800.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the third secondary device
730 and the fourth secondary device 740 receive signals from the
primary device 110 via a first repeating device 810. In this
embodiment, the first repeating device 810 is positioned within the
first coverage area 715 of the primary device 110 and is equipped
to receive signals transmitted from the primary device 110.
Furthermore, in some constructions, the first repeating device 810
can be equipped to retransmit the signals to secondary devices 130
within a second coverage area 812. As shown in FIG. 7, the third
secondary device 730 and the fourth secondary device 740 are
positioned within the second coverage area 812 of the first
repeating device 810 and outside the first coverage area 715 of the
primary device 110.
[0079] Also shown in FIG. 7, the fifth secondary device 745, the
sixth secondary device 750, and the seventh secondary device 755
are each positioned outside both the first coverage area 715 of the
primary device 110 and the second coverage area 812 of the first
repeating device 810. In the illustrated embodiment, these
secondary devices 130 receive signals from the primary device 110
via a second repeating device 815 transmitting within a third
coverage area 816. As shown in FIG. 7, the second repeating device
815 is positioned within the second coverage area 812 of the first
repeating device 810 and outside the first coverage area 715 of the
primary device 110.
[0080] Another example of the location of devices within the system
100 is shown in FIG. 8. In this construction, for example, each
repeating device 800 can be located within the first coverage area
715 of the primary device 110.
[0081] In some constructions, the overlapping regions of the
coverage area of the primary device 110 (such as, for example, the
first coverage area 715) and the coverage area of a repeating
device 800 (such as, for example, the second coverage area 812) can
vary for different applications. For example, the system 100 can be
used to synchronize various devices 130 within a multi-story
building. Even though the primary device 110 may be able to
transmit throughout the entire building, repeating devices 800 can
be included in order to strengthen the signals from the primary
device 110.
[0082] In some constructions, as mentioned previously, repeating
devices 800 can be equipped to retransmit signals received from the
primary device 110 to secondary devices 130 within a particular
coverage area. In other constructions, the repeating devices 800
can be equipped to process the signals transmitted by the primary
device 110 and transmit processed signals or different signals to
the secondary devices 130 within the particular coverage area. For
example, a signal sent by the primary device 110 (e.g., the primary
signal) may include a time and an instruction. In some
constructions, a repeating device 800, such as the first repeating
device 810, can process the signal and extract the time information
and the instruction. Furthermore, the repeating device 800 can be
equipped to modify the instruction, remove the instruction, and/or
replace the instruction with a second instruction. Also, in some
constructions, the repeating device 800 can modify the time
information included in the signal transmitted by the primary
device 110 and can transmit updated time information to one or more
secondary devices 130. In these constructions, the repeating device
800 can modify the time to reflect instances of daylight savings or
time zone changes, for example.
[0083] In further constructions, the repeating device 800 can
receive a second signal from the primary device 110 on a first
frequency. For example, the second signal can include a time and an
instruction. A repeating device 800 can receive the second signal,
process the second signal and transmit a third signal at a second
frequency to another device such as another repeating device 800 or
a secondary device 130. The third signal can include the time and
the instruction from the second signal or can include one of a
modified time and a modified instruction. In some constructions,
the first frequency and the second frequency may be the same
frequency. The first frequency and the second frequency may also be
different frequencies.
[0084] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate examples of repeating devices 800
for use in the wireless system 100. In some constructions, such as
the constructions illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the repeating
device 800 can include components similar to the primary device
110. As shown in the illustrated constructions, the repeating
device 800, such as the first repeating device 810, can include an
input connector 906 coupling it to an external receiving unit 905.
In other constructions, such as the construction shown in FIG. 10,
the repeating device 800, such as the second repeating device 815
(shown in FIGS. 7 and 8), can include an internal receiving unit
908.
[0085] Similar to the primary device 110, the repeating device 800
can include processor 910, memory 915, a transmission unit 920, a
display 925, a programmer input connector 930, a power input socket
935, a channel switch 945, a time zone switch 950, a daylight
savings bypass switch 955, a power failure module 958, and an
internal clock 960. In some constructions, the repeating device 800
includes fewer modules than those shown and described in FIGS. 9
and 10. In other constructions, the repeating device 800 includes
additional modules. In further constructions, the repeating device
800 includes fewer modules than the primary device 110. For
example, in one construction, the repeating device 800 may only
include an internal receiving unit 906, a processor 910, a memory
915, a transmission unit 920, and an internal clock 960. In still
further constructions, the repeating device 800 includes more
modules than the primary device 110.
[0086] In other constructions, the repeating device 800 may receive
an initial reference time signal from an external source, such as a
GPS satellite, and may transmit the received time signal to the
primary device. For example, the repeating device 800 may be placed
outdoors or in another environment that provides a clear and
generally unobstructed path for the reception of an initial
reference or first signal with a first time component. Upon
receiving the first signal, the repeating device 800 may process
the first signal, as described above, to produce a second time
component. For example, the repeating device 800 may modify the
first time component to account for daylight savings or time zones.
The repeating device 800 may also transmit the time component of
the first signal without processing it. The repeating device 800
transmits a second signal to the primary device 110 that includes
the second time component. In some constructions, the repeating
device 800 may receive the first signal on a first frequency and
may transmit the second signal to the primary device 110 on a
second frequency. The second frequency may be a lower frequency
that has better material penetration than the first frequency.
[0087] Upon receiving the second signal, the primary device 110 may
operate as previously described for systems without a repeating
device 800. In some constructions, the primary device 110 processes
the second signal to produce a third time component and transmits
the third time component and a programmed instruction and/or event
in a third signal to a secondary device 130. The primary device 110
may also transmit the third signal to a repeating device 800.
[0088] In some embodiments, as noted above, the primary device 110
includes a solar panel. FIG. 11 illustrates a wireless synchronous
time system 1000 according to one embodiment of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 11, the system 1000 includes a primary device or
transceiver 1010 that includes a solar panel 1015. In some
constructions, such as the constructions illustrated in FIGS. 11,
12, and 13, the transceiver 1010 can include components similar to
those of the primary device 110 or the repeating device 800. As
shown in the illustrated constructions, the transceiver 1010
includes a receiving unit 1025, a processor 1020, and a
transmission unit 1030. In some constructions, the transceiver 1010
includes fewer modules than those shown and described in FIGS. 11,
12, and 13. In other constructions, the transceiver 1010 includes
additional modules. For example, in some constructions, the
transceiver 1010 can include a display, a programmer input
connector, a power input socket, a channel switch, a time zone
switch, a daylight savings bypass switch, a power failure module,
and/or an internal clock. In further constructions, the transceiver
1010 includes fewer modules than those of the primary device 110 or
the repeating device 800. For example, in one construction, the
transceiver 1010 only includes a receiving unit 1025, a processor
1020, a memory, a transmission unit 1030, and an internal clock. In
still further constructions, the transceiver 1010 includes more
modules than those of the primary device 110 or the repeating
device 800.
[0089] The solar panel 1015 of the transceiver 1010 includes
photoelectric cells that convert light into electricity. As shown
in FIGS. 11 and 12, the solar panel 1015 is coupled to the
processor 1020 and provides electricity to the processor 1020. The
processor 1020 is also coupled to the receiving unit 1025 and the
transmission unit 1030 and provides electricity to both units. In
some constructions, the solar panel 1015 can be coupled to the
receiving unit 1025 and/or the transmission unit 1030 and can
provide electricity directly to the units rather than indirectly
through the processor 1020.
[0090] In some embodiments, the transceiver 1010 also includes a
backup power source. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the
transceiver 1010 can include one or more power storage devices 1032
(shown in FIG. 12), such as capacitors or rechargeable batteries,
in order to provide power to the processor 1020 and other
components of the transceiver 1010 during periods when the solar
panel 1015 cannot generate sufficient power. The transceiver 1010
can also include a backup power source that includes an alternating
current power source. If desired, the transceiver 1010 can be
operated without a backup power source, such as the power storage
devices 1032, but the operation of the transceiver 1010 will be
intermittent and/or dependent on the availability of adequate
light. Power can be conserved by regulating the operation of the
transceiver 1010 in order to minimize power consumption by the
transceiver 1010.
[0091] The power storage devices 1032 can provide power to the
processor 1020, the receiving unit 1025, and/or the transmission
unit 1030 when the solar panel 1015 cannot provide adequate power
(e.g., during periods of low light). The power storage devices 1032
can be rechargeable, and the solar panel 1015 can charge the power
storage devices 1032 during periods of sufficient light. In some
embodiments, the power storage devices 1032 enable the transceiver
1010 to maintain an internal clock during periods of low light, as
described below, to ensure time-synchronized operation of the
transceiver 1010 and one or more secondary devices or receivers
1040 (shown in FIG. 11) even during periods of low light.
[0092] In some embodiments, when light shines on the solar panel
1015, the solar panel 1015 charges the power storage devices 1032.
When a sufficient charge has built up on the power storage devices
1032, power generated by the solar panel 1015 is applied to the
processor 1020. As described above, the processor 1020 provides
electricity to the receiving unit 1025 and the transmission unit
1030. The receiving unit 1025 uses the electricity provided by the
processor 1020 to obtain a signal, such as a GPS signal, and to
send signal information to the processor 1020. In some embodiments,
the receiving unit 1025 sends a one pulse per second synchronizing
pulse and other decoded GPS information to the processor 1020. As
shown in FIG. 12, the transceiver 1010 can include an on/off
selector or button 1034 that turns on and off the receiving unit
1025.
[0093] The processor 1020 transmits a time signal and/or additional
information to the receivers 1040 using the transmission unit 1030.
In some embodiments, the processor 1020 also uses the information
provided from the receiving unit 1025 to synchronize an internal
clock as described above with respect to the primary device 110. In
other embodiments, the processor 1020 transmits a time signal
and/or additional information to the receivers 1040 without
synchronizing an internal clock of the transceiver 1010. For
example, the processor 1020 can transmit a time signal to a
receiver 1040 that includes a primary device 110. The primary
device 110 can set an internal clock and can transmit a first
internal time to one or more secondary devices 130 as described
above.
[0094] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the transceiver 1010 can also
include one or more sensors 1035. In some embodiments, the sensors
1035 can detect environmental conditions, such as temperature, wind
speed and/or direction, humidity, ultraviolet light conditions,
pollution conditions, and atmospheric pressure. In some
constructions, the transceiver 1010 can process the detected
signals and produce condition signals that provide information,
such as weather information at the location of the sensors (i.e.,
the location of the transceiver 1010). The transceiver 1010 can
also transmit the condition signals to the receivers 1040 for
further processing, as described below. If time information
maintained by the transceiver 1010 is combined with condition
signals, then, in some embodiments, past detected environmental
conditions can be combined and analyzed with present detected
environmental conditions in order to predict or forecast future
environmental or weather conditions. If location information
maintained by the transceiver 1010 (e.g., preprogrammed in a memory
of the transceiver 1010 or obtained from a GPS signal) is also
combined with the environmental conditions and time information,
then, in some embodiments, the environmental conditions from one
location can be combined with environmental conditions for other
locations and can create an environmental or weather picture, which
indicates current environmental or weather conditions throughout a
particular region. The weather picture can enable the tracking of
environment and weather events, and, in some embodiments, can
improve weather forecasting.
[0095] In some embodiments, the processor 1020 of the transceiver
1010 can execute one or more self-diagnostic tests. Such a test can
be automatically initiated by the transceiver 1010 or can be
initiated by a signal received by the receiving unit 1025 of the
transceiver 1010. For example, a receiver 1040 can trigger the
execution of a self-diagnostic test by transmitting a request to
the transceiver 1010 that is received by the receiving unit 1025.
The transceiver 1010 can also include a test selector or button
1038 (FIG. 12) that an individual can press in order to initiate
the execution of the self-diagnostic test.
[0096] The processor 1020 of the transceiver 1010 can execute the
self-diagnostic test and can generate one or more test results. The
test results can include a current status of the transceiver 1010.
In some embodiments, the transceiver 1010 includes a display or
other output (e.g., a printing device) that provides the test
results or a portion thereof. The transceiver 1010 can also
transmit the test results or a portion thereof to one or more of
the receivers 1040. The receivers 1040 can record or log the test
results, provide the test results on a display or other output,
and/or perform further processing of the test results. In some
embodiments, each receiver 1040 can perform a similar
self-diagnostic test and can forward test results to the
transceiver 1010 or other receivers 1040.
[0097] The receiving unit 1025 of the transceiver 1010 can include
a receiver having an antenna 1042 that receives signals, such as
low power, high frequency signal information transmitted from GPS
satellites. In some embodiments, the transceiver 1010 can be placed
in an area where low power, high frequency signals can be received,
such as outdoors. The transceiver 1010 then wirelessly transmits
the signals, or a variation thereof to the receivers 1040. By
selecting an appropriate Federal Communications Commission ("FCC")
frequency and power for the retransmission of the signal
information, the retransmitted information can penetrate buildings
and other solid structures, thus making the original signal
information (i.e., the satellite signal information) available in
areas where the original signals could otherwise not penetrate
(e.g., inside buildings) and effectively extending the range of the
low power, high frequency signal.
[0098] Furthermore, as described above, the transceiver 1010 can
use the received signals to add Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
and GPS location information to sensor readings (e.g., detected
environmental conditions) before transmitting data to the receivers
1040. In some embodiments, the addition of time and location
information to environmental conditions can be used for weather
tracking and/or forecasting.
[0099] In some embodiments where greater timing precision is
beneficial, the processor 1020 of the transceiver 1010 can
compensate for processing and transmission delays between the
transceiver 1010 and a receiver 1040 by adding processing delay
information to the data transmitted by the transceiver 1010. For
example, the processor 1020 of the transceiver 1010 can determine a
transmission delay (e.g., the time needed to receive the signal
from the receiving unit 1025) by starting a transmission delay
count upon receiving the start of a one pulse per second output
from the receiving unit 1025 and continuing counting until the
complete reception of time information from the receiving unit
1025. The processor 1020 can then transmit the transmission delay
count (e.g., 0.5 seconds) and the time information (e.g.,
4:00:00.0) to the receivers 1040. The receivers 1040 can set an
internal clock to the value of the time information plus one second
(e.g., 4:00:01.0). Without accounting for the transmission delay
count, the receivers 1040 would start incrementing the internal
time one second after obtaining the time information (e.g.,
4:00:01.0). To account for the transmission delay count, however,
the receivers 1040 start incrementing the internal clock one second
minus the transmission count after receiving the time information
(e.g., 4:00:00.5). In another embodiment, the processor 1020 of the
transceiver 1010 can increment the time information in the data
stream by one second and synchronize the transmission of the
incremented data with the next one pulse per second time
synchronization pulse from the receiving unit 1025.
[0100] The transceiver 1010 can also compensate for location
differences between the location of the transceiver 1010 and the
location of the receivers 1040. For example, the transceiver 1010
can add a transmission delay (e.g., the time it will take for a
signal transmitted by the transceiver 1010 to be received by a
receiver 1040) to the time information in order to provide a more
accurate time signal to a receiver 1040. The transceiver 1010 can
also adjust the time information based on a time zone associated
with a receiver 1040 or the occurrence of a daylight savings event.
By receiving the adjusted time information from the transceiver
1010, a receiver 1040 can generally more accurately synchronize an
internal clock or perform other synchronized events or
processing.
[0101] As described above, the transmission unit 1030 wirelessly
transmits a signal to the receivers 1040. In one embodiment, the
signal sent to the receivers 1040 includes the processed GPS time
signal component. The signal sent to the receivers 1040 can also
include other information, such as condition signals generated by
the sensors 1035, test results generated by the processor 1020
executing a self-diagnostic test, location information stored by
the transceiver 1010 or obtained from the GPS signal, and/or a
programmed instruction including a preprogrammed time element and a
preprogrammed function element as described above with respect to
the primary device 110. Communication between the receivers 1040
and the transceiver 1010 can use one-way or two-way radio frequency
("RF") systems. In some embodiments, the receivers 1040 and the
transceiver 1010 use amplitude modulation RF systems to
communicate. In other embodiments, the receivers 1040 and the
transceiver 1010 use frequency modulation RF systems to
communicate. In some embodiments, the processed GPS time signal
component and any additional information is wirelessly transmitted
to the receivers 1040 at approximately a frequency between 72 and
76 MHz. In another construction, the processed GPS time signal
component and any additional information is wirelessly transmitted
to the receivers 1040 at a frequency of approximately 154 MHz.
[0102] The transceiver 1010 can transmit information (e.g., the
processed time component, location information, weather
information, test results, etc.) as separate transmissions. The
transceiver 1010 can also transmit the information in one or more
data packets that combines different data. For example, the
transceiver 1010 can transmit the processed time component and the
weather information in a single data packet. In some embodiments,
the processor 1020 of the transceiver 1010 can also accumulate,
summarize, and/or analyze the data before the data is transmitted
to a receiver 1040.
[0103] Once the processor 1020 of the transceiver 1010 has
obtained, processed, packaged, etc. data obtained by the receiving
unit 1025, the sensors 1035, the self-diagnostic test, etc., the
transmission unit 1030 transmits the information to the receivers
1040.
[0104] FIG. 11 illustrates a number of examples of receivers 1040.
In some constructions, such as the construction illustrated in FIG.
13, the receivers 1040 can include components similar to those of
the primary device 110, the secondary devices 130, or the repeating
device 800 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-10. In some
constructions, a receiver 1040 can include fewer modules than those
of the primary device 110, the secondary devices 130, or the
repeating device 800. For example, in the construction illustrated
in FIG. 13, a receiver 1040 only includes a receiving unit 1045, a
processor 1050, a memory, and an internal clock. In still further
constructions, a receiver 1040 can include more modules than those
of the primary device 110, the secondary device 130, or the
repeating device.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 11, examples of receivers 1040 include a
receiver with an event switch 1055, a receiver with an analog time
display 1060, a receiver with a digital display 1065, a receiver
coupled to a synchronous system transmitter 1070, and a receiver
with a port 1075. As also shown in FIG. 11, a receiver 1040 can
transmit information received from the transceiver 1010 to a
secondary receiver. For example, the receiver coupled to a
synchronous system transmitter 1070 can include a synchronous
system transmitter 1080, which can transmit information received by
the receiver 1070 to one or more system receivers 1090. For
example, as shown in FIG. 11, the synchronous system transmitter
1080 can transmit information to a system receiver with an analog
time display 1095, a system receiver with a digital display 1100,
and a system receiver with an event switch 1105.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 13, a receiver 1040 can also include a
communication port or connector 1052 that allows the receiver 1040
to be connected to an external device or network. For example, the
receiver with a port 1075 can include a port 1052 usable to connect
the receiver 1075 with a computer network 1110, such as a local
area network ("LAN"). The receiver 1075 can also be connected to
other external devices, such as a monitor, a printing device, a
personal computer, a database, a keyboard, etc. In some
embodiments, the transceiver 1010 can include a communication port
or connector that allows the transceiver 1010 to be connected to an
external device or network.
[0107] Receivers 1040 with analog displays (e.g., the receiver with
an analog time display 1060) can receive time information from the
transceiver 1010, synchronize an internal time with the time
information, and display the time information. Receivers 1040 with
a digital display (e.g., the receiver with a digital display 1065)
can also synchronize an internal time with the transmitted time
information and display the time. In addition, receivers 1040 with
a digital display can display other information, such as
environmental condition signals or test results, received from the
transceiver 1010. Other receivers 1040 with transmitters, event
switches, or other devices can receive, send, process, analyze,
record, and/or retransmit part or all of the data received from the
transceiver 1010.
[0108] Each receiver 1040 includes a receiving unit 1045 including
an antenna to wirelessly receive signals from the transceiver 1010,
such as, for example, the processed GPS time signal component,
location information, and environmental condition signals. In some
embodiments, as described above, the transceiver 1010 can also
transmit a programmed instruction with a preprogrammed time element
and a preprogrammed function element. As shown in FIG. 13, a
receiver 1040 can include a processor 1050 to process the processed
time signal, the location information, the condition signals, the
diagnostic test results, and/or the programmed instruction received
from the transceiver 1010. In some embodiments, the processor 1050
can execute the preprogrammed function element of a programmed
instruction when the preprogrammed time element of the programmed
instruction matches a second time generated by the receiver 1040.
Executing the programmed function element performs a particular
event, such as sounding a bell, displaying a time, displaying a
date, displaying environmental conditions (e.g., weather
information), displaying a status of the transceiver 1010,
displaying a status of a receiver 1040, displaying a message,
locking a door, etc.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 14, to mount the transceiver 1010 in a
location, the transceiver 1010 can be attached to a mounting
bracket 1200. The bracket 1200 can have a portion angled at
approximately 40.degree. in order to mount the transceiver 1010 at
generally a 320.degree. angle with respect to a horizontal
reference line (e.g., the horizon). Mounting the transceiver 1010
at such an angle can help prevent or eliminate snow or debris that
may accumulate on the surface of the transceiver 1010. Mounting the
transceiver 1010 at such an angle can also place the solar panel
1015 at a position for receiving light when the sun is lower on the
horizon. In some embodiments, the transceiver 1010 is mounted such
that the solar panel 1015 faces south. The mounting bracket 1200
can be mounted to a pole or other substantially stationary fixture
1202.
[0110] As also shown in FIG. 14, the transceiver 1010 includes a
case bottom 1205, which can be mounted to the bracket 1200 using
hardware 1207, such as nails, screws, or other fasteners. In some
embodiments, the bracket 1200 and the case bottom 1205 are one
component. The transceiver 1010 also includes a top 1210, which is
generally transparent to allow the solar panel 1015 to receive
light.
[0111] The transceiver 1010 and the receivers 1040 as shown and
described in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 can be used in many ways in many
types of systems. For example, the transceiver 1010 can be used as
a transmitter in a synchronous clock system, or the transceiver
1010 can serve as a wireless data collection center supplying
precision time and other data (e.g., environmental conditions) from
a first location (e.g., an outdoor GPS unit location) to a second
location (e.g., an indoor transmitter) for retransmission.
Furthermore, although GPS information has been discussed above, any
precision time signal broadcast, such as a WWVB signal, may be used
for obtaining time information. Other global positioning systems
can also be used for obtaining location information.
[0112] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain embodiments, variations and modifications
exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and
defined in the following claims.
* * * * *