Method and apparatus for automatically displaying a correct time and date when initially activating a clock

@) Holder (s):

@ Representative (s): CABINET CHRISTIAN LEJET.

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Clock

The present invention relates to a clock, in particular a clock displaying the time and date. The clock according to the invention can also take the form of a clock equipped with an alarm function or an alarm clock with radio function.

The clocks, but also those displaying the time and date, are known in the most diverse versions. In particular also known those called radio-function clocks, which, after commissioning by the purchaser, are automatically set to the current time and possibly also to the current date, but only when the time signal (for example). example the signal of the time signal DCF77) transmitted by radio can be received instead of the actual clock mounting with sufficient quality, which is not always guaranteed.

The aim of the invention is to provide a clock which, while maintaining the same comfort for the user, is not required to receive a signal from the hourly signal transmitted by radio waves. To achieve this objective, the clock 20 comprises an electronic control circuit comprising a display for representing at least the time, and a time base or a cadence generator assigned to the control circuit.

The clock according to the invention is preferably in a form allowing the display of the time and the date. In the clock according to the invention, the calendar data necessary for the correct display of the time and possibly also for the display of the date, in particular a perpetual calendar with the 30 leap years, the day and the date of change from summer time to winter time and vice versa are stored in the memory of the microcontroller. In addition, a unique setting of the clock is made via the interface during the manufacture or delivery of the clock to a buyer so that the user has at his disposal, from the first commissioning of the the clock, correct display of the time and possibly also the date without the user having to set the clock.

It is possible, in particular for countries with several time zones, that the user chooses the desired time zone by an entry assigned to the microcontroller to then display on the display the current valid time and possibly the current date valid for this zone. hourly.

Variants of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The invention will now be explained in more detail on the basis of the figure which illustrates a simplified flowchart of a radio with alarm function according to the invention connected to the network.

The central element of the clock radio generally designated by the notation 1 in the figure is a microcontroller 2, to which are assigned inter alia the following functional elements in the illustrated embodiment: display 3, control elements. input 4, interface 5, program and data memory 6, and time base or cadence generator 7.

The display 3 is, for example, a digital display, but could also take the form of a needle display at least for the representation of the time. The input elements 4 are for example keys. The input elements 4 are used to set functions of the clock radio or the alarm clock with radio function 1, for example the wake-up time and the alarm time.

The time base 7 is a high precision quartz time base, which is synchronized for example on the network frequency in the case of a clock function radio connected to the network.

The notation 8 designates a voltage source which is buffered by a battery for the microcontroller 2 and the functional elements assigned to it so that in the event of a network failure or a power failure, it is guaranteed the operation of the microcontroller 2 and, in particular, the maintenance of the data stored in the memory 6.

The notation 9 designates a radio switching circuit which has all the elements necessary for a radio, including loudspeakers, and which is controlled by the microcontroller 2, for example to connect the radio to the alarm time or the wake-up time, etc. To power the switching circuit 9, the voltage source or the power supply part 8 is also used, without having to use a buffer battery to power the radio switching circuit.

The peculiarity of the clock radio 1 is that all calendar data, including a perpetual calendar * with leap years, the date of change between summer time and winter time and vice versa, are stored as a basic data set in memory 6, for example in read only memory or in ROM type memory, and in the fact that at the latest when selling the radio function d 'clock 1, but preferably at the manufacturer or the distributor, even the wholesaler, one sets the radio with clock function 1 is done, via the interface 5, on the current time valid for the respective sales region as well as on the date current. These data are entered into the memory 6 digitally via an adjustment device and are stored there. Starting from the data set via interface 5, the data displayed on the display (time, date, day of the week, etc.) is updated by means of the time base signal 7.

In geographical regions or countries with several time zones, this setting is made for example for a predetermined time zone (base time zone), the user choosing his time zone by a corresponding entry in the input elements 4 so that the microcontroller 2 determines from the data of the base time zone the data for the time zone chosen by the user and which is stored e.g. in memory 6 as a basis for the subsequent representation of the time and date in display 3. But basically it is also possible that the current data (time, date, etc.) of all time zones is entered through interface 5 when setting the clock.

Regardless of the special version, this is to display on display 3, from the first commissioning of the clock radio, the current time, the current date and the current day of the week, without have to set the clock. The essential elements of the clock radio 1 described above, in particular the microcontroller 2, the memory 6 assigned to it and the elements of the time base 7 can be grouped together on a semiconductor chip.

The invention has been described above on the basis of an example of a clock function radio. It is understood that a clock or an alarm clock could be produced in the same way, the radio switching circuit being eliminated in this case.

Reference list: Clock-based radio: Microcontroller

3 : Display: Input or input elements: Interface: Program and data memory: Time base or cadence generator i

8 : Power supply unit provided with an output buffered by a battery for the microcontroller: Radio switching circuit