EP0439725A2 - Autonomous radio-controlled clock - Google Patents

Autonomous radio-controlled clock Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0439725A2
EP0439725A2 EP90123145A EP90123145A EP0439725A2 EP 0439725 A2 EP0439725 A2 EP 0439725A2 EP 90123145 A EP90123145 A EP 90123145A EP 90123145 A EP90123145 A EP 90123145A EP 0439725 A2 EP0439725 A2 EP 0439725A2
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European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
time
display
receiver
radio
time information
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EP90123145A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0439725A3 (en
EP0439725B2 (en
EP0439725B1 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Ganter
Wolfram Hodapp
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Junghans Uhren GmbH
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Junghans Uhren GmbH
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G19/00—Electric power supply circuits specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces
    • G04G19/12—Arrangements for reducing power consumption during storage
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04R—RADIO-CONTROLLED TIME-PIECES
    • G04R20/00—Setting the time according to the time information carried or implied by the radio signal
    • G04R20/08—Setting the time according to the time information carried or implied by the radio signal the radio signal being broadcast from a long-wave call sign, e.g. DCF77, JJY40, JJY60, MSF60 or WWVB

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a radio clock according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a radio clock is not to be understood as a receiver (for example, worn on the arm) for radio or television program broadcasts or for paging systems, which can also be equipped with a clock; instead it is a receiver that is permanently tuned to at least one transmitter (regularly in the long-wave range) for the periodic reception of coded absolute time information in order to derive a time display from the decoded information.
  • an internal time-keeping circuit is also provided in order to switch the time display on even if - for example when the battery-operated radio clock is switched off to save energy or because of radio transmission interference - no valid time information is received.
  • the radio clock there is equipped with manually operated pushbuttons; however, these do not affect the actual radio clock function in the sense of a display of the actual, absolute time information received via radio, and the internal progression based thereon until the next display verification based on new radio reception information; but the push buttons there serve only the specification of one Alarm time or switching off a wake-up signal when this alarm time is reached.
  • the invention has for its object to promote a generic type radio clock in its intended use that it can be designed as a functional small portable watch in the sense of a travel alarm clock or a wristwatch, which in principle problems on the one hand with regard to the operating time from a correspondingly small battery and on the other hand, with regard to the operation beyond the geographic time zone for which the time telegram transmitter just received is operated.
  • That solution opens up the possibility, via an unproblematically manageable multi-button switching device, of putting the clock into an extremely energy-saving operating state when the clock is not in use, for example a travel alarm clock outside of the holiday travel time; from which the operating state can be returned by simply pressing a button, whereupon the radio clock automatically adjusts itself to the current legal time in a known manner.
  • the same multifunction switching device can be used to switch to a time display with the same accuracy, but in neighboring time zones, and finally even to operate or start up well away from the transmitter-related time zone, without having to fear that the receiver may be accidentally or playfully triggered one there Time information that cannot actually be used falsifies the time display that was previously applicable.
  • the only figure in the drawing shows, symbolically simplified, a small, autonomous radio-controlled clock 11, configured as a wristwatch, with a receiver 12 that is fixed to a time telegram transmitter and can be tuned if necessary.
  • the receiver 12 is fed from an antenna 13, which is a magnetic one Antenna 13 with antenna coil on a flexible core, embedded in a watch band connected to the housing 20 (not shown), can act.
  • the absolute time information 14 output by the receiver 12 after demodulation of the radio reception signal is transferred to a register 15, which is then clocked further by an internally autonomous time-keeping circuit 16 in order to periodically supply control signals 17 for the time display device 18.
  • This can be designed as an electro-optical display or as an electromechanical display device for the presentation of analog or digital information.
  • this provides a feedback signal 19 about the current display position (for example, about the current angular position of pointers or the positioning of numerical flaps) in order to correct the display by the register 15 if the time information currently contained in the time memory 35 deviates trigger, as known as such in generic radio clocks.
  • the radio-controlled watch housing 20 is equipped with a manually accessible and actuatable multifunctional switching device 21, which preferably contains three individually actuated pushbuttons 22. Their current actuation combination is decrypted in a decoder 23 and is used to control the aforementioned functional elements of the radio clock 11.
  • a test cycle can thus be run through this switching device 21, for example in the course of the quality inspection at the end of production, which is of particular interest when an electro-optical display device 18 is used.
  • the decoder 23 delivers a test signal 24 when two pushbuttons 22 (for example the upper and the lower) are pressed simultaneously and also during this time the remaining third pushbutton 22.2 is only temporarily pressed - that is, an actuation of the switching device 21, which in no way occurs accidentally and because of the recessed Pushbutton 22 is best carried out by means of an appropriate multi-punch tool (not shown).
  • the test signal 24 results in a count signal 24 ', which counts all the display elements of the electro-optical display device.
  • a switch-on signal 27 is sent to the receiver 12 and a flashing indicator 28 indicating the reception operation is triggered.
  • This also starts the internal time-keeping circuit 16, so that internal time information on the display device 18 (in particular its seconds display) is counted up.
  • the display device 18 switches over to its presentation in a special area 29 (such as the calendar display) in order to thereby express that radio time information 14 is already present - but not yet absolute secured time information 14 - is presented.
  • a new switch-on signal 27 is triggered in register 15 at predetermined times, such as daily at 2 a.m., in order to correct the current time presentation on normal range 30 of display device 18 if necessary, if it should deviate from the absolute time determined by radio.
  • the reception range of the receiver-antenna combination 12-13 typically extends not only over the one time zone in which the time telegram transmitter (such as the transmitter DCF 77) to which the receiver 12 is tuned is installed, but also far into the neighboring geographic time zones.
  • each time information 14 received is switched back to the hourly time display according to the original time zone, which can then be corrected manually, as described, by actuating a push button 22.3 or 22.1. Beyond the time zones adjacent on both sides, however, the probability is then too low that the receiver 12 can still supply usable time information 14.
  • a blocking signal 33 is therefore used to rule out incorrect displays or incorrect display interpretations or unnecessary display interruptions during probably unsuccessful reception attempts delivered to the receiver 12, which deactivates it as long as the manually adjusted hour display deviates by more than one hour from that which would be applicable according to the time information 14 in the vicinity of the transmitter.
  • This blockage of the receiver 12 in the power-saving switch-off position can be removed by either reversing the manual adjustment of the hour display via the push buttons 22.1 or 22.3; or the time memory 35 containing this hour adjustment is reset to its zero initial state in register 15 by restarting in accordance with the above-described start-up (by inserting the battery or by exiting sleep mode).
  • This reset of the time memory 35 with deletion of the display 18 can also always be brought about by keeping one of the pushbuttons 22.2 pressed for a defined minimum length, which can be queried by a time switch 34 in the decoder 23. In this case, it supplies a reset signal 36 to the time memory 35, which means that the blocking signal 33 can also be released.
  • the performance in the normal display area 30, controlled by the internal time-keeping circuit 16 begins to count up.
  • the current hour display has to be set up by means of the manually triggerable addition or subtraction signals 31, 32.
  • the acoustic recording of an hourly time stamp transmitted via program broadcasting can start the minute and second display manually on the hour to the exact hour if there is no contact with the relevant station at the time the watch is started due to the currently unfavorable reception conditions.
  • the switched on receiver 12 tries to replace this manual start display as soon as possible with confirmed absolute time information 14.
  • this reset pushbutton 22.2 is actuated only briefly during normal operation of the radio clock 11, the time separator 34 instead supplies one acting on the receiver 12 Switch-on signal 27 '. Although this so-called “transmitter call” deletes the presentation in the normal area 30 of the display device 11, the time memory 35 is not reset, however, but is clocked further from the autonomous time-keeping circuit 16. If the receiver 12 which is now switched on provides plausible time information 14 in comparison with the updated time information in the memory 35 or in comparison with previously received time information 14, this is taken over into the time memory 35 and for display.
  • the internally advanced time information is again transferred from the memory 35 to the display device 18, namely if the receiver 12 is unable to provide plausible time information 14 over a certain predetermined reception time period due to, for example, disturbed radio transmission conditions.
  • the absolute correctness of the time information then displayed again has not been confirmed by radio, but is nevertheless given with a sufficiently high probability because it is the display of the internally continued earlier time display; without the time presentation being finally interrupted (until the periodically switching on receiver 12 once again provided correct time information 14).
  • This mere display reset function which can be triggered via the "transmitter call” button 22.2, is expediently prevented by a blocking signal 38 in the case of manual hour adjustment beyond the adjacent time zones, since, as said, a sufficiently reliable reception of radio time telegrams is no longer to be expected anyway .
  • the display device 18 expediently also has a control display 37, on which numerical figures can be displayed from the register 15, since when (for how many days, for example) the temporary switching on of the receiver 12 automatically at night by means of a switch-on signal 27 '' may not be used Decoding of a usable current time information 14 led.
  • this control display 17 is also incremented by one unit when the receiver 12 uses the so-called "transmitter call button", the pushbutton 22.2, via the manual switch-on signal 27 'was put into operation; however, the receiver 12 then switches off again after a certain operating period in order to save electricity without real time information 14 having been obtained.
  • the highest display remains. It is reset to zero when the automatic or manual switch-on of the receiver leads to the recovery of usable time information 14.
  • the control display 37 can be structurally combined with the reception display 28 by making the control number flash when and as long as the clock 11 is on reception. In order to avoid any irritation, the control display 37 is then expediently switched off completely if it would display "zero", since the current time display could be confirmed when reception was switched on in the past.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

A compact autonomous radio clock (11), especially in the form of a small travelling alarm or a wrist watch, is to be designed for the purpose, on the one hand, of ensuring a long operating life in conjunction with a battery of correspondingly compact dimensions and, on the other hand, of supplying a reliable time display even in the event of travels outside the reliable receiving area of a transmitter for coded time telegrams that is set up for a specific geographical time zone. For this purpose, the clock casing (20) is fitted with a multifunction switching device (21) and a decoder (23) assigned thereto, which evaluates the combination of the actual operation of push buttons (22). Thus, this switching device (21) can likewise be used at night to switch over the clock (11) into a power-saving storage state, and once again to switch it back into normal operation. Furthermore, the hours display can be varied by hourly steps in order to take account in the time display of a stay in the time zone adjacent to the transmitter. Beyond the adjacent time zone, that is to say in the case of manual change of the hours display by more than one hour, however, switching on of the receiver (12) is blocked, since the reception of useful time information (14) becomes increasingly unlikely there. Depending on the duration of the operation of a "transmitter call" button (22.2), either the receiver (12) is switched on with the time display switched off in order to supply up-to-date time information temporarily, although the information in the time memory (35) which has been transferred from the internal time-keeping circuit (16) is adopted for display when the receiver (12) does not supply any up-to-date time information (14) within a prescribed time interval; or else the time memory (35) is also reset and restarted from the time-keeping circuit (16). In the latter case, the clock (11) can also be taken into operation outside the reception area of a time-telegram transmitter, whereupon only the hours display is to be set up manually. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Funkuhr gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1.The invention relates to a radio clock according to the preamble of claim 1.

Dabei ist unter einer Funkuhr nicht etwa ein (z.B. am Arm getragenes) Empfangsgerät für Runkfunk- oder Fernseh-Programmsendungen bzw. für Personenrufsysteme zu verstehen, das zusätzlich auch mit einer Uhr ausgestattet sein kann; sondern es handelt sich um einen Empfänger, der zum periodischen Empfang kodierter absoluter Zeitinformationen auf wenigstens einen Sender (regelmäßig im Langwellenbereich) fest abgestimmt ist, um aus der dekodierten Information eine Zeitanzeige abzuleiten. Bei einer autnomen Funkuhr ist zusätzlich eine interne zeithaltende Schaltung vorgesehen, um die Zeitanzeige auch dann fortzuschalten, wenn - etwa bei zur Energieeinsparung abgeschalteter batteriebetriebener Funkuhr oder aufgrund von Funk-Übermittlungsstörungen - keine gültige Zeitinformation empfangen wird. Im übrigen wird bezüglich einer Funkuhr gattungsgemäßer Art auf die DE-OS 37 31 956 Bezug genommen. Die dortige Funkuhr ist zwar mit manuell betätigbaren Tastschaltern ausgestattet; diese betreffen aber nicht die eigentliche Funkuhrenfunktion im Sinne einer Anzeige der über Funk empfangenen tatsächlichen, absoluten Zeitinformation, und die darauf basierende interne Fortschaltung bis zur nächsten Anzeige-Verifizierung aufgrund einer neuen Funkempfangsinformation; sondern die dortigen Tastschalter dienen lediglich der Vorgabe eines Alarmzeitpunktes bzw. dem Abschalten eines Wecksignales bei Erreichen dieses Alarmzeitpunktes.A radio clock is not to be understood as a receiver (for example, worn on the arm) for radio or television program broadcasts or for paging systems, which can also be equipped with a clock; instead it is a receiver that is permanently tuned to at least one transmitter (regularly in the long-wave range) for the periodic reception of coded absolute time information in order to derive a time display from the decoded information. In the case of an autonomous radio clock, an internal time-keeping circuit is also provided in order to switch the time display on even if - for example when the battery-operated radio clock is switched off to save energy or because of radio transmission interference - no valid time information is received. For the rest, reference is made to DE-OS 37 31 956 with respect to a radio clock of the generic type. The radio clock there is equipped with manually operated pushbuttons; however, these do not affect the actual radio clock function in the sense of a display of the actual, absolute time information received via radio, and the internal progression based thereon until the next display verification based on new radio reception information; but the push buttons there serve only the specification of one Alarm time or switching off a wake-up signal when this alarm time is reached.

Dagegen liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Funkuhr gattungsgemäßer Art in ihrem Gebrauchszweck dadurch zu fördern, daß sie als funktionstüchtige kleine tragbare Uhr im Sinne eines Reiseweckers oder einer Armbanduhr ausgebildet werden kann, was grundsätzlich Probleme einerseits hinsichtlich der Betriebsdauer aus einer entsprechend kleinen Batterie und andererseits hinsichtlich des Betriebs abseits derjenigen geographischen Zeitzone aufwirft, für die der gerade empfangene Zeittelegramm-Sender betrieben wird.In contrast, the invention has for its object to promote a generic type radio clock in its intended use that it can be designed as a functional small portable watch in the sense of a travel alarm clock or a wristwatch, which in principle problems on the one hand with regard to the operating time from a correspondingly small battery and on the other hand, with regard to the operation beyond the geographic time zone for which the time telegram transmitter just received is operated.

Diese Aufgabe ist erfindungsgemäß im wesentlichen dadurch gelöst, daß die gattungsgemäße Funkuhr gemäß dem Kennzeichnungsteil des Anspruches 1 ausgestattet ist.This object is essentially achieved in that the generic radio clock is equipped according to the characterizing part of claim 1.

Jene Lösung eröffnet über eine unproblematisch handhabbare Mehrfachtaster-Schalteinrichtung die Möglichkeit, während Nichtgebrauchs der Uhr, beispielsweise eines Reiseweckers außerhalb der Urlaubsreisezeit, diese in einen äußerst stromsparenden Betriebszustand zu versetzen; aus dem durch einfachen Tastendruck in den Betriebszustand zurückgekehrt werden kann, woraufhin die Funkuhr sich in bekannter Weise automatisch auf die aktuelle gesetzliche Zeit einstellt. Andererseits ist mit derselben Multifunktions-Schalteinrichtung eine Umschaltung auf eine Zeitanzeige gleicher Genauigkeit, aber in benachbarten Zeitzonen möglich ist und schließlich sogar der Betrieb oder die Inbetriebnahme auch weit abseits der senderbezogenen Zeitzone, ohne befürchten zu müssen, daß durch zufällige oder spielerisch ausgelöste Einschaltung des Empfängers eine dort tatsächlich nicht verwertbare Zeitinformation die bisher noch zutreffende Zeitanzeige verfälscht.That solution opens up the possibility, via an unproblematically manageable multi-button switching device, of putting the clock into an extremely energy-saving operating state when the clock is not in use, for example a travel alarm clock outside of the holiday travel time; from which the operating state can be returned by simply pressing a button, whereupon the radio clock automatically adjusts itself to the current legal time in a known manner. On the other hand, the same multifunction switching device can be used to switch to a time display with the same accuracy, but in neighboring time zones, and finally even to operate or start up well away from the transmitter-related time zone, without having to fear that the receiver may be accidentally or playfully triggered one there Time information that cannot actually be used falsifies the time display that was previously applicable.

Zusätzliche Alternativen und Weiterbildungen sowie weitere Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich, auch unter Berücksichtigung der Darlegungen in der Zusammenfassung, aus nachstehender Beschreibung eines in der Zeichnung, unter Beschränkung auf das Wesentliche reduziert, dargestellten bevorzugten Realisierungsbeispiels zur erfindungsgemäßen Lösung; wobei zur Förderung des Verständnisses in der Zeichnungsbeschreibung nicht die Baugruppen-Anschlüsse selbst angesprochen werden, sondern jeweils die dort einlaufenden oder herausgehenden Signale.Additional alternatives and further developments, as well as further features of the invention, also taking into account the explanations in the summary, result from the following description of a preferred implementation example for the solution according to the invention shown in the drawing, limited to the essentials; in order to promote understanding in the description of the drawing, the module connections themselves are not addressed, but rather the incoming or outgoing signals there.

Die einzige Figur der Zeichnung zeigt symbolisch vereinfacht eine kleine, etwa als Armbanduhr ausgestaltete, autonome Funkuhr 11 mit auf einen Zeittelegramm-Sender fest - und gegebenenfalls nachstimmbar - abgestimmtem Empfänger 12. Der wird aus einer Antenne 13 gespeist, bei der es sich um eine magnetische Antenne 13 mit Antennenspule auf einem flexiblen Kern, eingelagert in ein ans Gehäuse 20 angeschlossenes Uhren-Armband (nicht gezeichnet), handeln kann. Die vom Empfänger 12 nach Demodulation des Funkempfangssignales ausgegebene absolute Zeitinformation 14 wird in ein Register 15 übergeben, das dann aus einer intern-autonomen zeithaltenden Schaltung 16 weitergetaktet wird, um periodisch Steuersignale 17 für die Uhrzeit-Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 zu liefern. Die kann als elektrooptisches Display oder als elektromechanische Anzeigeeinrichtung zur Darbietung von analogen oder digitalen Informationen ausgelegt sein. Im Falle einer elektromechanischen Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 liefert diese ein Rückmeldesignal 19 über die momentane Anzeigeposition (also etwa über die momentane Winkelstellung von Zeigern oder die Positionierung von Ziffernklappen), um bei Abweichung von der im Zeitspeicher 35 aktuell enthaltenen Zeitinformation durch das Register 15 eine Anzeige-Korrektur auszulösen, wie als solches bei gattungsgemäßen Funkuhren bekannt.The only figure in the drawing shows, symbolically simplified, a small, autonomous radio-controlled clock 11, configured as a wristwatch, with a receiver 12 that is fixed to a time telegram transmitter and can be tuned if necessary. The receiver 12 is fed from an antenna 13, which is a magnetic one Antenna 13 with antenna coil on a flexible core, embedded in a watch band connected to the housing 20 (not shown), can act. The absolute time information 14 output by the receiver 12 after demodulation of the radio reception signal is transferred to a register 15, which is then clocked further by an internally autonomous time-keeping circuit 16 in order to periodically supply control signals 17 for the time display device 18. This can be designed as an electro-optical display or as an electromechanical display device for the presentation of analog or digital information. In the case of an electromechanical display device 18, this provides a feedback signal 19 about the current display position (for example, about the current angular position of pointers or the positioning of numerical flaps) in order to correct the display by the register 15 if the time information currently contained in the time memory 35 deviates trigger, as known as such in generic radio clocks.

Außerdem ist das Funkuhren-Gehäuse 20 mit einer manuell zugänglichen und betätigbaren Multifunktionsschalteinrichtung 21 ausgestattet, die vorzugsweise drei individuell betätigbare Drucktaster 22 enthält. Deren aktuelle Betätigungs-Kombination wird in einem Dekoder 23 entschlüsselt und dient zur Ansteuerung der zuvor erwähnten Funktionselemente der Funkuhr 11.In addition, the radio-controlled watch housing 20 is equipped with a manually accessible and actuatable multifunctional switching device 21, which preferably contains three individually actuated pushbuttons 22. Their current actuation combination is decrypted in a decoder 23 and is used to control the aforementioned functional elements of the radio clock 11.

So kann über diese Schalteinrichtung 21, etwa im Zuge der Qualitätsprüfung zum Abschluß der Fertigung, ein Test-Zyklus durchlaufen werden, der insbesondere beim Einsatz einer elektrooptischen Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 von Interesse ist. Hierfür liefert der Dekoder 23 ein Testsignal 24, wenn zwei Drucktaster 22 (etwa der obere und der untere) gleichzeitig und außerdem währenddessen der verbleibende dritte Drucktaster 22.2 nur vorübergehend gedrückt werden - also eine Betätigung der Schalteinrichtung 21, die keinesfalls zufällig erfolgt und wegen der versenkten Drucktaster 22 am besten mittels eines entsprechenden Mehrstempel-Werkzeuges (nicht dargestellt) ausgeführt wird. Das Testsignal 24 hat ein Zählsignal 24' zur Folge, das alle Anzeigeelemente der elektrooptischen Anzeigeeinrichtung durchzählt.A test cycle can thus be run through this switching device 21, for example in the course of the quality inspection at the end of production, which is of particular interest when an electro-optical display device 18 is used. For this purpose, the decoder 23 delivers a test signal 24 when two pushbuttons 22 (for example the upper and the lower) are pressed simultaneously and also during this time the remaining third pushbutton 22.2 is only temporarily pressed - that is, an actuation of the switching device 21, which in no way occurs accidentally and because of the recessed Pushbutton 22 is best carried out by means of an appropriate multi-punch tool (not shown). The test signal 24 results in a count signal 24 ', which counts all the display elements of the electro-optical display device.

Um nach erfolgreichem Produktions-Abschlußtest den Energieverbrauch einer solchen batteriegespeisten Funkuhr 11 zu minimieren, wird die Gesamtheit aller ihrer Schaltungsanordnungen dadurch in einen "Schlaf"-Modus gesetzt, daß durch gleichzeitige Betätigung zweier Drucktaster, etwa 22.2 und 22.3, vom Dekoder 23 ein Sparsignal 25 ausgegeben wird. Dieses bewirkt, daß die Funktion der Funkuhr 11 abgeschaltet wird. Auf der Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 erscheint aber eine entsprechende Information, um klarzustellen, daß die Uhr 11 oder ihre Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 nicht etwa defekt sind. Eine Rückkehr in den Betriebszustand ist einfach dadurch auslösbar, daß ein beliebiger der Drucktaster 22 kurz betätigt wird.In order to minimize the energy consumption of such a battery-powered radio-controlled clock 11 after a successful final production test, the entirety of all its circuit arrangements is put into a "sleep" mode in that a saving signal 25 is output by the decoder 23 by simultaneous actuation of two pushbuttons, for example 22.2 and 22.3 is issued. This causes the function of the radio clock 11 to be switched off. However, appropriate information appears on the display device 18 in order to make it clear that the clock 11 or its display device 18 are not defective. A return to the operating state can be triggered simply by briefly pressing any one of the pushbuttons 22.

Zweckmäßigerweise wird dann, um einen definierten Funktions-Anlauf sicherzustellen, zunächst die gesamte Auswerteschaltung in einen definierten Anfangszustand gesetzt; was ebenfalls nicht irrtümlich erfolgen soll, weshalb erst eine Mehrknopf-Bedienung beispielsweise der Drucktaster 22.1 und 22.2 den sogenannten Systemreset 26 auslöst. Dadurch werden nicht nur alle Speicher gelöscht, sondern insbesondere wird ein Prozessor, mittels dessen das Register 15 und der Dekoder 23 gesteuert werden, in einen definierten Programm-Anfangszustand für fehlerfreien Start in den Programmablauf gesetzt.In order to ensure a defined function start-up, it is then expedient first of all to integrate the entire evaluation circuit into one defined initial state; which is also not to be done erroneously, which is why a multi-button operation, for example push buttons 22.1 and 22.2, triggers the so-called system reset 26. As a result, not only are all memories erased, but in particular a processor, by means of which the register 15 and the decoder 23 are controlled, is set to a defined initial program state for an error-free start in the program sequence.

Mit der Inbetriebnahme (aus dem Spar-Schlafmodus heraus oder beispielsweise als Folge eines Austausches der Batterie für den Betrieb der Funkuhr 11) wird ein Einschalt-Signal 27 an den Empfänger 12 gegeben und eine den Empfangs-Betrieb angebende Blinkanzeige 28 angesteuert. Ferner startet dadurch die interne zeithaltende Schaltung 16, so daß eine interne Zeitinformation auf der Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 (insbesondere deren Sekunden-Anzeige) hochgezählt wird. Sobald jedoch der Empfänger 12 eine verwertbare Zeitinformation 14 liefert, wird auf deren Darbietung in einem Sonderbereich 29 (wie etwa dem Kalenderdisplay) der Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 umgeschaltet, um dadurch zum Ausdruck zu bringen, daß zwar schon eine Funk-Zeitinformation 14 - aber noch keine absolute gesicherte Zeitinformation 14 - dargeboten wird. Erst wenn eine durch Vergleich aufeinanderfolgender Zeitinformationen gesicherte aktuelle absolute Zeitinformation 14 erschien, wird künftig diese komplette Information im Zeitanzeige-Normalbereich 30 der Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 dargeboten, im Falle eines elektrooptischen Digital-Displays also durch Stunden-, Minuten- und Sekunden-Zifferndarstellungen. Damit verschwindet das Empfänger-Einschaltsignal 27 wieder, aber die einmal gestartete interne zeithaltende Schaltung 16 läuft weiter. Mit Abschalten des Empfängers 12 verschwindet auch die EmpfangsAnzeige 28, und die Informationsdarbietung auf dem Anzeige-Normalbereich 30 wird nun aus der internen zeithaltenden Schaltung 16 fortgetaktet. Zu im Register 15 vorgegebenen Zeitpunkten, wie etwa täglich um 2 Uhr nachts, wird jedoch ein neues Einschalt-Signal 27 ausgelöst, um erforderlichenfalls die aktuelle Zeitdarbietung auf dem Normalbereich 30 der Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 zu korrigieren, wenn sie von der über Funk ermittelten absoluten Zeit abweichen sollte.When starting up (from the sleep mode or, for example, as a result of replacing the battery for the operation of the radio clock 11), a switch-on signal 27 is sent to the receiver 12 and a flashing indicator 28 indicating the reception operation is triggered. This also starts the internal time-keeping circuit 16, so that internal time information on the display device 18 (in particular its seconds display) is counted up. However, as soon as the receiver 12 provides usable time information 14, the display device 18 switches over to its presentation in a special area 29 (such as the calendar display) in order to thereby express that radio time information 14 is already present - but not yet absolute secured time information 14 - is presented. Only when current absolute time information 14 secured by comparison of successive time information has appeared, will this complete information in future be presented in the time display normal area 30 of the display device 18, in the case of an electro-optical digital display, that is, by hour, minute and second numerical representations. The receiver switch-on signal 27 thus disappears again, but the internal time-keeping circuit 16, once started, continues to run. When the receiver 12 is switched off, the reception display 28 also disappears and the information presentation on the display normal area 30 is now clocked out of the internal time-keeping circuit 16. To im However, a new switch-on signal 27 is triggered in register 15 at predetermined times, such as daily at 2 a.m., in order to correct the current time presentation on normal range 30 of display device 18 if necessary, if it should deviate from the absolute time determined by radio.

Der Empfangsbereich der Empfänger-Antennen-Kombination 12-13 erstreckt sich typischerweise nicht nur über die eine Zeitzone, in welcher der Zeittelegramm-Sender (wie etwa der Sender DCF 77) installiert ist, auf den der Empfänger 12 abgestimmt ist, sondern auch noch weit in die beiderseits benachbarten geographischen Zeitzonen hinein.The reception range of the receiver-antenna combination 12-13 typically extends not only over the one time zone in which the time telegram transmitter (such as the transmitter DCF 77) to which the receiver 12 is tuned is installed, but also far into the neighboring geographic time zones.

Um mit der Zeitanzeige die geographischen Zeitzone zu verlassen, auf deren Zeittelegramm-Sender der Empfänger 12 abgestimmt ist, brauchen nur die aktuell angezeigten Stunden - bei unbeeinflußter Fortschaltung der Minuten- und Sekundendarbietungen - in Stundenschritten herauf- oder heruntergezählt zu werden. Das kann durch entsprechend häufige Betätigung der Drucktaster 12.3 bzw. 12.1 erfolgen, die entsprechende Stunden-Additions- bzw. Substraktions-Signale 31, 32 über das Register 15 an den Zeitspeicher 35 für die Anzeige-Einrichtung 18 schalten.In order to leave the geographical time zone with the time display, on whose time telegram transmitter the receiver 12 is tuned, only the currently displayed hours need to be counted up or down in hourly steps, with the minute and second presentations not being influenced. This can be done by correspondingly frequent actuation of the push buttons 12.3 or 12.1, which switch the corresponding hour addition or subtraction signals 31, 32 via the register 15 to the time memory 35 for the display device 18.

Bei Aufenthalt einer bezüglich des Senders benachbarten Zeitzone wird mit jeder neu empfangenen Zeitinformation 14 auf die Stunden-Zeitanzeige gemäß der ursprünglichen Zeitzone zurückgeschaltet, was dann gegebenenfalls wie beschrieben manuell durch eine Drucktaster-Betätigung 22.3 oder 22.1 zu korrigieren ist. Jenseits der beiderseits benachbarten Zeitzonen ist dann die Wahrscheinlichkeit aber zu gering, daß der Empfänger 12 noch verwertbare Zeitinformationen 14 liefern kann. Um Fehl-Anzeigen bzw Anzeige-Fehlinterpretationen oder auch unnötige Anzeige-Unterbrechungen während wahrscheinlich vergeblicher Empfangsversuche auszuschließen, wird deshalb ein Bockiersignal 33 an den Empfänger 12 geliefert, das diesen außer Betrieb setzt, solange die manuell verstellte Stundenanzeige um mehr als eine Stunde von derjenigen abweicht, die gemäß der Zeitinformation 14 in der Umgebung des Senders zutreffend wäre.When a time zone adjacent to the transmitter is located, each time information 14 received is switched back to the hourly time display according to the original time zone, which can then be corrected manually, as described, by actuating a push button 22.3 or 22.1. Beyond the time zones adjacent on both sides, however, the probability is then too low that the receiver 12 can still supply usable time information 14. A blocking signal 33 is therefore used to rule out incorrect displays or incorrect display interpretations or unnecessary display interruptions during probably unsuccessful reception attempts delivered to the receiver 12, which deactivates it as long as the manually adjusted hour display deviates by more than one hour from that which would be applicable according to the time information 14 in the vicinity of the transmitter.

Diese Blockade des Empfängers 12 in der stromsparenden Abschalt-Stellung kann dadurch aufgehoben werden, daß entweder die manuelle Verstellung der Stundenanzeige über die Drucktaster 22.1 bzw. 22.3 wieder rückgängig gemacht wird; oder es wird der diese Stunden-Verstellung enthaltende Zeitspeicher 35 im Register 15 dadurch in seinen Null-Ausgangszustand zurückgesetzt, daß ein Neustart entsprechend der oben erläuterten Inbetriebnahme (durch Einsetzen der Batterie oder durch Beendigung des Schlaf-Modus) erfolgt. Dieses Rücksetzen des Zeitspeichers 35 mit Löschen der Anzeige 18 kann aber auch stets dadurch hervorgerufen werden, daß einer der Drucktaster 22.2 über eine definierte Mindestlänge hinweg gedrückt gehalten wird, was durch eine Zeitweiche 34 im Dekoder 23 abfragbar ist. Die liefert in diesem Falle ein Rücksetzsignal 36 an den Zeitspeicher 35, wodurch zugleich das Blockiersignal 33 aufgehoben werden kann. Bei Loslassen des über die maßgebliche Mindestzeitspanne betätigten Drucktasters 22.2 beginnt die Darbietung im Anzeige-Normalbereich 30, gesteuert aus der internen zeithaltenden Schaltung 16, hochzuzählen. Danach ist nur noch die aktuelle Stundenanzeige mittels der manuell auslösbaren Additions- oder Subtraktions-Signale 31, 32 einzurichten. So kann auf akustische Aufnahme einer beispielsweise über Programm-Rundfunk übertragenen Stunden-Zeitmarke manuell der Start der Minuten- und Sekundenanzeige zur vollen Stunde sekundengenau gestartet werden, wenn zum Zeitpunkt der Inbetriebnahme der Uhr aufgrund momentan ungünstiger Empfangsgegebenheiten kein Kontakt zum zutreffenden Sender besteht. Der eingeschaltete Empfänger 12 versucht aber, diese Handstart-Anzeige möglichst bald zu ersetzen durch eine bestätigte absolute Zeitinformation 14.This blockage of the receiver 12 in the power-saving switch-off position can be removed by either reversing the manual adjustment of the hour display via the push buttons 22.1 or 22.3; or the time memory 35 containing this hour adjustment is reset to its zero initial state in register 15 by restarting in accordance with the above-described start-up (by inserting the battery or by exiting sleep mode). This reset of the time memory 35 with deletion of the display 18 can also always be brought about by keeping one of the pushbuttons 22.2 pressed for a defined minimum length, which can be queried by a time switch 34 in the decoder 23. In this case, it supplies a reset signal 36 to the time memory 35, which means that the blocking signal 33 can also be released. When the push button 22.2 actuated over the relevant minimum period of time is released, the performance in the normal display area 30, controlled by the internal time-keeping circuit 16, begins to count up. After that, only the current hour display has to be set up by means of the manually triggerable addition or subtraction signals 31, 32. For example, the acoustic recording of an hourly time stamp transmitted via program broadcasting, for example, can start the minute and second display manually on the hour to the exact hour if there is no contact with the relevant station at the time the watch is started due to the currently unfavorable reception conditions. However, the switched on receiver 12 tries to replace this manual start display as soon as possible with confirmed absolute time information 14.

Wenn dagegen während des normalen Betriebes der Funkuhr 11 dieser Rücksetz-Drucktaster 22.2 nur kurzzeitig betätigt wird, liefert die Zeitweiche 34 statt dessen ein auf den Empfänger 12 wirkendes Einschalt-Signal 27'. Dieser sogenannte "Senderruf" löscht zwar die Darbietung im Normalbereich 30 der Anzeigeeinrichtung 11, der Zeitspeicher 35 wird jedoch nicht zurückgesetzt, sondern aus der autonomen zeithaltenden Schaltung 16 weitergetaktet. Wenn der nun eingeschaltete Empfänger 12 eine, im Vergleich zur fortgeschriebenen Zeitinformation im Speicher 35 oder im Vergleich zu einer vorab empfangenen Zeitinformation 14, plausible Zeitinformation 14 liefert, wird diese in den Zeitspeicher 35 und zur Anzeige übernommen. Anderenfalls wird die intern fortgeschaltete Zeitinformation aus dem Speicher 35 wieder zur Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 übergeben, wenn nämlich über eine gewisse vorgegebene Empfangs-Zeitspanne der Empfänger 12 aufgrund beispielsweise gestörter Funkübermittlungsgegebenheiten nicht in der Lage ist, eine plausible Zeitinformation 14 zu liefern. Dadurch ist zwar die absolute Richtigkeit der dann wieder angezeigten Zeitinformation nicht über Funk bestätigt worden, aber doch mit hinreichend großer Wahrscheinlichkeit gegeben, weil es sich um die Anzeige der intern weitergeführten früheren Zeitanzeige handelt; ohne daß die Zeitdarbietung endgültig unterbrochen wird (bis der periodisch einschaltende Empfänger 12 doch einmal wieder eine korrekte Zeitinformation 14 lieferte). Zweckmäßigerweise wird diese über die "Senderruf"-Taste 22.2 auslösbare bloße Anzeige-Resetfunktion aber bei manueller Stunden-Verstellung jenseits der benachbarten Zeitzonen durch ein Blockiersignal 38 unterbunden, da dort wie gesagt ein ausreichend zuverlässiger Empfang von Funk-Zeittelegrammen ohnehin nicht mehr zu erwarten ist.If, on the other hand, this reset pushbutton 22.2 is actuated only briefly during normal operation of the radio clock 11, the time separator 34 instead supplies one acting on the receiver 12 Switch-on signal 27 '. Although this so-called "transmitter call" deletes the presentation in the normal area 30 of the display device 11, the time memory 35 is not reset, however, but is clocked further from the autonomous time-keeping circuit 16. If the receiver 12 which is now switched on provides plausible time information 14 in comparison with the updated time information in the memory 35 or in comparison with previously received time information 14, this is taken over into the time memory 35 and for display. Otherwise, the internally advanced time information is again transferred from the memory 35 to the display device 18, namely if the receiver 12 is unable to provide plausible time information 14 over a certain predetermined reception time period due to, for example, disturbed radio transmission conditions. As a result, the absolute correctness of the time information then displayed again has not been confirmed by radio, but is nevertheless given with a sufficiently high probability because it is the display of the internally continued earlier time display; without the time presentation being finally interrupted (until the periodically switching on receiver 12 once again provided correct time information 14). This mere display reset function, which can be triggered via the "transmitter call" button 22.2, is expediently prevented by a blocking signal 38 in the case of manual hour adjustment beyond the adjacent time zones, since, as said, a sufficiently reliable reception of radio time telegrams is no longer to be expected anyway .

Die Anzeigeeinrichtung 18 verfügt zweckmäßigerweise zusätzlich über eine Kontrollanzeige 37, auf der aus dem Register 15 heraus ziffernmäßig darstellbar ist, seit wann (z.B. seit wie vielen Tagen) gegebenenfalls die automatisch nachts mittels eines Einschaltsignales 27'' periodisch erfolgende vorübergehende Einschaltung des Empfängers 12 nicht zur Dekodierung einer verwertbaren aktuellen Zeitinformation 14 führte. Diese Kontrollanzeige 17 wird aber auch jeweils um eine Einheit hochgezählt, wenn der Empfänger 12 mit der sogenannten "Senderruftaste", dem Drucktaster 22.2, über das manuelle Einschaltsignal 27' in Betrieb genommen wurde; der Empfänger 12 dann jedoch ohne Erzielen einer echten Zeitinformation 14 nach einer gewissen Betriebszeitspanne zur Stromersparnis wieder abschaltet. Wenn das Anzeigevolumen der Kontrollanzeige 37 vollgezählt ist, bei einstelliger Digitalanzeige also nach neunmaliger vergeblicher Empfängereinschaltung, bleibt die höchste Anzeige bestehen. Sie wird auf Null zurückgesetzt, wenn die automatische oder manuelle Empfänger-Einschaltung wieder zur Gewinnung einer verwertbaren Zeitinformation 14 führt.The display device 18 expediently also has a control display 37, on which numerical figures can be displayed from the register 15, since when (for how many days, for example) the temporary switching on of the receiver 12 automatically at night by means of a switch-on signal 27 '' may not be used Decoding of a usable current time information 14 led. However, this control display 17 is also incremented by one unit when the receiver 12 uses the so-called "transmitter call button", the pushbutton 22.2, via the manual switch-on signal 27 'was put into operation; however, the receiver 12 then switches off again after a certain operating period in order to save electricity without real time information 14 having been obtained. If the display volume of the control display 37 is fully counted, that is to say in the case of a single-digit digital display after nine unsuccessful activation of the receiver, the highest display remains. It is reset to zero when the automatic or manual switch-on of the receiver leads to the recovery of usable time information 14.

Die Kontrollanzeige 37 kann baulich mit der Empfangsanzeige 28 vereinigt werden, indem man die Kontroll-Ziffer blinken läßt, wenn und solange die Uhr 11 auf Empfang ist. Um etwaige Irritationen zu vermeiden, wird zweckmäßigerweise danach auch die Kontrollanzeige 37 ganz abgeschaltet, wenn sie "Null" anzeigen würde, da die aktuelle Zeitanzeige bei zurückliegender Empfangs-Einschaltung bestätigt werden konnte.The control display 37 can be structurally combined with the reception display 28 by making the control number flash when and as long as the clock 11 is on reception. In order to avoid any irritation, the control display 37 is then expediently switched off completely if it would display "zero", since the current time display could be confirmed when reception was switched on in the past.

Claims (8)

Kleinbauende autonome Funkuhr (11), insbesondere in Ausgestaltung als kleiner Reisewecker oder als Armbanduhr, mit einem Empfänger (12) für kodierte Zeitinformation (14) zum Ansteuern einer Anzeigeeinrichtung (18), die bei abgeschaltetem Empfänger (12) aus einer internen zeithaltenden Schaltung (16) weitergeschaltet wird,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß sie mit einer Multifunktions-Schalteinrichtung (21) mit mehreren Drucktastern (22) ausgestattet ist, über die die Uhr (11) in einen stromsparenden Lager-Zustand und aus diesem wieder in den Betriebszustand schaltbar ist und über die unter vorübergehender Einschaltung des Empfängers (12) wahlweise ein Zeitregister (35) gelöscht und dann aus der internen zeithaltenden Schaltung (16) wieder hochgezählt wird oder aber nur die dem Zeitspeicher (35) nachgeschaltete Anzeigeeinrichtung (18) vorübergehend abgeschaltet wird, um danach den fortgeschriebenen Inhalt des Zeitspeichers (35) auch dann wieder zu übernehmen, wenn er nicht durch eine über Funk empfangene absolute Zeitinformation (14) verifiziert und gegebenenfalls korrigiert werden konnte.Small, autonomous radio-controlled clock (11), in particular in the form of a small travel alarm clock or a wristwatch, with a receiver (12) for coded time information (14) for controlling a display device (18) which, when the receiver (12) is switched off, consists of an internal time-keeping circuit ( 16) is switched on,
characterized,
that it is equipped with a multifunction switching device (21) with a plurality of push buttons (22), via which the clock (11) can be switched into an energy-saving storage state and from this back into the operating state and via which the receiver () is temporarily switched on ( 12) either a time register (35) is deleted and then counted up again from the internal time-keeping circuit (16) or only the display device (18) connected downstream of the time memory (35) is temporarily switched off in order to subsequently update the content of the time memory (35) also to be adopted again if it could not be verified and, if necessary, corrected by absolute time information (14) received by radio. Funkuhr nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß einem Reset-Drucktaster (22.2) eine Zeitweiche (34) zur Diskrimination des Über- oder Unterschreitens einer bestimmten Betätigungs-Zeitspanne zugeordnet ist, die bei kurzer Drucktaster-Betätigung nur vorübergehend die Anzeigeeinrichtung (18) ohne ihren Zeitspeicher (35) löscht, dagegen bei langer Betätigung einen vollständigen System-Reset (26) in die Funktions-Ausgangsstellung des ganzen Schaltungssystems einschließlich seines Prozessor-Programmes für die Zeitauswertung hervorruft.Radio clock according to claim 1,
characterized,
that a reset pushbutton (22.2) is assigned a time switch (34) for discriminating whether a certain actuation period has been exceeded or fallen short of, but only briefly erases the display device (18) without its time memory (35) when the pushbutton is actuated briefly with a long press causes a complete system reset (26) to the starting position of the entire circuit system including its processor program for time evaluation. Funkuhr nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß bei manueller Stundenanzeige-Verstellung, um mehr als eine Stunde Abweichung von der über Funk empfangenen Zeitinformation (14), die Einschaltung des Empfängers (12) blockiert ist.Radio clock according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that with manual hour display adjustment, by more than an hour deviation from the time information received by radio (14), the activation of the receiver (12) is blocked. Funkuhr nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß bei manueller Verstellung der Stundenanzeige, um mehr als eine Stunde Abweichung von der über Funk empfangenen Zeitinformation (14), ein Blockiersignal (26) für die Zeitweiche (34) ausgelöst wird, das nur noch den System-Reset ermöglicht.Radio clock according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that with manual adjustment of the hour display by more than an hour deviation from the time information (14) received by radio, a blocking signal (26) for the time switch (34) is triggered, which only enables the system reset. Funkuhr nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß nach ihrer Inbetriebnahme in der Anzeigeeinrichtung (18) zunächst die aus der internen zeithaltenden Schaltung (16) fortgeschalteten Zeitinformationen angezeigt werden, woraufhin die Anzeige (18) auf einen Sonderbereich (29) zur Darbietung der ersten über Funk ermittelten Zeitinformation (14) umschaltet und bei deren Bestätigung die Zeitanzeige in den dafür vorgesehenen Bereich der Anzeigeeinrichtung (18) übergeben wird.Radio clock according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that after its commissioning in the display device (18) the time information from the internal time-keeping circuit (16) is first displayed, whereupon the display (18) switches to a special area (29) for the presentation of the first time information (14) determined by radio and upon confirmation, the time display is transferred to the area of the display device (18) provided for this purpose. Funkuhr nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß eine digitale Kontrollanzeige (37) vorgesehen ist, die mit jedem Tagesbeginn und mit jeder manuell ausgelösten Empfänger-Einschaltung (Anzeige-Reset) bei erfolglosem Versuch der Gewinnung einer Echtzeitinformation (14) um eine Einheit hochgezählt, aber in ihre Zählanfangsstellung zurückgesetzt und dann abgeschaltet wird, wenn eine gültige Zeitinformation (14) empfangen wurde.Radio clock according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that a digital control display (37) is provided, which increments by one unit at the beginning of each day and with each manually triggered receiver activation (display reset) if an attempt to obtain real-time information (14) is unsuccessful, but is reset to its initial count position and then switched off when valid time information (14) has been received. Funkuhr nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß die Kontrollanzeige (37) auch als blinkende Empfangs-Anzeige (28) dient, solange der Empfänger (12) eingeschaltet ist.Radio clock according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the control display (37) also serves as a flashing reception display (28) as long as the receiver (12) is switched on. Funkuhr nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß über die Schalteinrichtung (21) auch ein Verstellen des Inhalts der Anzeigeeinrichtung (18) um vorgegebene Zeitanzeige-Schritte durchführbar ist.Radio clock according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the switching device (21) can also be used to adjust the content of the display device (18) by predetermined time display steps.
EP90123145A 1990-01-31 1990-12-04 Autonomous radio-controlled clock Expired - Lifetime EP0439725B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4002723A DE4002723C2 (en) 1990-01-31 1990-01-31 Autonomous radio clock
DE4002723 1990-01-31

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EP0439725A2 true EP0439725A2 (en) 1991-08-07
EP0439725A3 EP0439725A3 (en) 1992-01-15
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EP0439725B2 EP0439725B2 (en) 1997-07-02

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US (1) US5177714A (en)
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DE (2) DE4002723C2 (en)
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Also Published As

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EP0439725A3 (en) 1992-01-15
DE59004925D1 (en) 1994-04-14
DE4002723C2 (en) 2003-06-26
EP0439725B2 (en) 1997-07-02
DE4002723A1 (en) 1991-08-01
EP0439725B1 (en) 1994-03-09
US5177714A (en) 1993-01-05
HK118094A (en) 1994-11-04
ES2051442T3 (en) 1994-06-16

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