WO2000038338A1 - Procede et systeme d'horloge en temps reel - Google Patents

Procede et systeme d'horloge en temps reel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000038338A1
WO2000038338A1 PCT/US1999/029035 US9929035W WO0038338A1 WO 2000038338 A1 WO2000038338 A1 WO 2000038338A1 US 9929035 W US9929035 W US 9929035W WO 0038338 A1 WO0038338 A1 WO 0038338A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
time
alarm
computer program
processor
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/029035
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
William Y. Son
Jong T. Chung
Original Assignee
Neopoint, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Neopoint, Inc. filed Critical Neopoint, Inc.
Priority to AU20453/00A priority Critical patent/AU2045300A/en
Publication of WO2000038338A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000038338A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G04R20/14—Setting the time according to the time information carried or implied by the radio signal the radio signal being a telecommunication standard signal, e.g. GSM
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72448—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions
    • H04M1/72451—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for adapting the functionality of the device according to specific conditions according to schedules, e.g. using calendar applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02—Terminal devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to clock circuitry, and more specifically to a system and method for providing a real-time clock.
  • microprocessors Since the advent of microprocessors, computers and processor-based systems have become an increasingly integral part of our contemporary society. In fact, the microprocessor has enabled a plethora of new consumer-related products that play an important role in the day-to-day lives of millions of people throughout the world. For example, the realization of low-cost, relatively fast, mass-producible processors has led to the introduction of affordable consumer items such as, for example, calculators, personal computers, and electronic organizers, just to name a few. Additionally, the microprocessor has enabled other more conventional consumer products to experience an evolution in features and capabilities, beyond those originally anticipated. In fact, numerous consumer products developed or in existence prior to the proliferation of microprocessors have been enhanced or improved by the addition of one or more processors. Such products include, for example, automobiles, telephones, appliances, televisions, stereo components, and other consumer products. This evolution has not been limited to consumer products, but has also enabled the enhancement of commercial and military products as well.
  • processors Many of today's contemporary processor-based products run applications that rely on time information, such as time of day and date information. For example, electronic organizers often have a time-planner feature, allowing the user to set and accept appointments at a given date and time. These organizers can also be programmed to alarm the user, reminding him or her of the scheduled meeting. Such organizers can be found in numerous different types of processor based systems, from office computing environments, to personal computers (including desktops, laptops and palmtops), to portable hand-held devices.
  • time information such as time of day and date information.
  • electronic organizers often have a time-planner feature, allowing the user to set and accept appointments at a given date and time. These organizers can also be programmed to alarm the user, reminding him or her of the scheduled meeting.
  • Such organizers can be found in numerous different types of processor based systems, from office computing environments, to personal computers (including desktops, laptops and palmtops), to portable hand-held devices.
  • the present invention is directed toward a system and method for updating or maintaining a real-time clock in an electronic device.
  • a realtime clock is provided in an electronic device and can be updated and maintained such that time information is available to one or more time-sensitive applications that may use such information.
  • the time is preferably maintained automatically such that a time-sensitive application using the time information can have access to an accurate time reference.
  • the real-time clock can be updated automatically via an electronic signal that includes the time information.
  • the electronic device includes at least one communication interface that is capable of receiving an electronic signal from another device or apparatus, wherein this electronic signal includes current time information.
  • This time information can include information such as time of day, date, or other information in one or more formats.
  • the time information can include the time information itself, a signal indicative of one or more time epochs or other data indicating a current time or time reference.
  • the time information received from this external source can be used to set, reset or otherwise update the internal clock in the electronic device.
  • the internal clock then continues to track time from this newly updated time epoch.
  • the electronic device includes a system and method capable of updating the current time to a current reference time and maintaining that time.
  • the internal time can be automatically updated based on time information received from an external source.
  • the communications interface between the electronic device and the external source can be wireless or hardwired depending on the application.
  • Example applications can include portable, transportable, or stationary devices having a receiver or transceiver capable of communicating with an external source of time information. Virtually any electronic device can be outfitted with such a communications interface, and therefore take advantage of the present invention in this application.
  • communications interfaces such as, for example, cordless phones and wireless handsets; portable, hand-held, or lap- top computers or computing devices; personal organizers; electronic-equipment remote controls; and numerous other electronic devices.
  • Such devices can take advantage of the existing communication capabilities or include augmented communication capabilities to take advantage of the automatic time updating feature of the invention.
  • the communication with an external time source can be via a wireless or hard-wired communications interface.
  • Wireless interfaces can be implemented via a wireless electronic communication signal at various frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • Hard-wired interfaces can include, for example, a telephonic or modem interface, a network interface, and internet interface, or other hard-wired communications interface.
  • Yet another feature that can be provided in accordance with the present invention is the ability to set, store, and generate alerts or alarms for the device user. Such alerts or alarms can include independent alarms, or alarms set in conjunction with one or more time-sensitive applications operating on the electronic device.
  • an alarms data base can be included that provides storage locations for the alarm information.
  • Such alarm information can include a time to generate the alarm as well as additional information that may be desirable to be stored in conjunction with the alarm time.
  • additional information can include, for example, an event time associated with the alarm (e.g., a meeting time or other time different from the time at which the alarm is generated), event information (e.g., event location, duration, related parties, and other information) or any other information that may be useful to provide to the user at the time the alert is generated.
  • an alert may be generated and provided to the user and can include information such as the reason for the alert (e.g., an upcoming meeting), the location of the event or other information that may be useful to the user.
  • this data does not need to be stored in the same data base as the alarms. For example, it can be stored in alternative locations and a pointer or other mechanism used to allow a processor in the electronic device to retrieve additional information associated with the alarm.
  • a real-time clock generator circuit can be provided with the electronic device to keep track of the current time for one or more device processors.
  • time updates can be provided to update time information in this real-time clock circuitry.
  • the real-time clock circuitry continues to keep track of the current time based on this updated time and provides current time information to the one or more processors of the device.
  • the realtime clock circuitry can also include a time base or time reference generator, which is the time base used to allow the clock circuitry to keep track of time.
  • the real-time clock generator circuitry can also include an alarm memory in which one or more alarm times can be stored. Preferably, in one implementation the alarm memory stores a single alarm time.
  • the real-time clock generator CPU compares the time stored in the alarm memory with the current time to determine when an alarm should be generated. When the current time reaches the alarm time in alarm memory, the CPU alerts the processor that the alarm is to be generated. The processor then provides the alert to the user in the form of an audible or visible alert.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating such an example application of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of the invention according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is an operational flow diagram illustrating the manner in which the invention can be used in a portable device.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example architecture for a real-time clock generator according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process for manually entering time information according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example architecture for storing and generating alarms according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process for checking and generating alarms according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process for generating an alarm from the power-down state according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 9 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process for checking alarms when the time is updated in the device according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the present invention is directed toward a system and method for maintaining one or more timing functions of a processor-based system.
  • a real-time clock generator is provided to complement the system clock.
  • the real-time clock generator can be used to maintain and update the system clock.
  • a communication interface by which to receive time updates. This communication interface allows time updates to be provided to the system in the event of an epochal occurrence such as, for example, a time-zone change, or a loss of system time due to power failure or other event.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating such an example application of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 1, the example application is directed toward a wireless handset 100 having one or more time- sensitive applications 110.
  • Wireless handset 100 such as, for example, a cellular, PCS, GSM, or other wireless handset.
  • Wireless handset 100 includes a transceiver 104 for facilitating communications between the wireless handset 100 and a communications relay such as, for example, a base station 112 via an antenna 114.
  • Transceiver 104 can be used to transmit and receive voice and data communications between handset 100 and base station 112.
  • control, housekeeping, and other data or information can also be exchanged between wireless handset 100 and base station 112.
  • wireless handset 100 is a processor-based handset and thus includes a processor 106.
  • Processor 106 controls many of the functions of wireless handset 100.
  • processor 106 typically has associated therewith memory such as RAM and ROM memory to facilitate storage of program instructions and other data.
  • the wireless handset 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 also includes an operating system 108 providing a software platform on which one or more applications programs 110 can run. Operating system 108 can also enable interfaces between a user or wireless service subscriber and the functions of the wireless handset 100. Although not illustrated, a typical wireless handset often includes a display, a keypad, and other user interface devices. Such devices can be interfaced to the handset via operating system 108. Also not illustrated in FIG. 1 are the audio interfaces with the user which include, for example, a speaker and microphone. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 and described herein, wireless handset 100 performs functions in addition to common voice communications found in many typical wireless handsets. For example, wireless handset 100 can include one or more application programs 110 that provide additional functionality to the handset user.
  • these application programs can include applications found in many common pocket organizers, or other portable computing devices.
  • the application programs 110 can include an address book application, an electronic mail application, a calendar or meeting planner application, a calculator or numeric computing application, as well as other additional or alternative applications that may be of interest to one or more users.
  • time information can include date and time information.
  • a meeting planner or a calendar application that includes an alarm capability to alert the user of an upcoming meeting or other event scheduled in the planning application, would typically rely on a clock to know when to provide the alert or alarm to the user.
  • a clock it is important for this and other time-sensitive applications 110 that a fairly accurate real time clock be present and maintained, and be accessible to a processor 106.
  • difficulties may arise in maintaining a real time clock to the correct time.
  • a user may transport his or her device throughout various regions of the country, or even the world, and into different time zones. If the on-board clock is programmed to the user's home time zone, that clock will not reflect the actual time when the user travels to a different time zone.
  • cost and power consumption are key factors in providing a commercially viable and competitive product.
  • cost and power-consumption factors associated with providing a constant and reliable time source are a significant hurdle to the product developer. Therefore, with such portable devices, it is foreseeable that a loss of battery power or other events may cause the portable device to lose its time base. As such, the device would need to be reprogrammed with the correct time in order to enable time- sensitive applications 110 to operate correctly.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example implementation of the invention according to one embodiment. As stated above, the invention is described in terms of the example application of a wireless handset. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how to implement the invention in other devices and application, including hardwired and non-portable devices.
  • the example illustrated in FIG. 2 is a wireless portable device 130 executing one or more time-sensitive applications that rely, to some extent, on a time base.
  • the wireless portable device 130 is a wireless handset 100.
  • device 130 includes a processor 118, a communications interface 120, and associated antennae 122, a power source 124, and a real-time clock generator 126. As discussed above with reference to the example application, device 130 can use a communications interface 120 and the antennae 122 to communicate voice and/or data information across a wireless communication channel to a relay point. In the example application illustrated in FIG. 1, this relay point is referred to as a base station 112.
  • this relay station can provide timing information to the wireless device 130
  • this relay station is labeled as a time source 116.
  • time source 116 can also function as a base station 112 in wireless handset embodiments as well as alternative implementations of a communication device or station, depending on the application.
  • time information is to be received from an external source, it is important that a time source 116 be able to provide this time information.
  • the communication interface between time source 116 and device 130 is illustrated as a wireless link, the interface can also be provided by a hardwired interface.
  • Processor 118 can be a general purpose or a specific-purpose processor implemented to carry out the functionality intended for device 130.
  • Processor 118 can be a single- or multi-chip processor, and can actually include one or more discreet processors.
  • processor 118 can have associated therewith an operating system and one or more applications 110 to be executed by the processor.
  • Real time clock generator 126 can be included to provide and maintain timing information for one or more of the applications 110 that may be time-sensitive applications.
  • Power source 124 can be included to provide power to the one or more components of device 130. Additional features and capabilities of these components of device 130 can be included as described in more detail below.
  • FIG. 3 is an operational flow diagram illustrating the manner in which the invention can be used in a portable device. More specifically, the process illustrated in FIG. 3 describes the operation of the invention according to one embodiment in the example application of a wireless communication handset 100. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how to implement the invention in alternative applications or devices.
  • a step 132 the wireless handset 100 is turned on. Because a user may carry or transport his or her wireless handset from area to area, in a step 134 it is first determined whether the handset 100 is in an active service area. In the example application, wireless handset 100 determines whether it receives a signal from base station 112. If so, handset 100 is within a service area.
  • wireless handset 100 If wireless handset 100 is in a service area, it receives a time update from base station 112. This is illustrated by a step 136. As stated above, this time signal can include either or both time and date information, and can be provided to varying degrees of precision. The time information is received via communication interface 120 and provided to a processor 118.
  • processor 118 provides all or part of this time information to update real-time clock generator 126.
  • a clock function included with real-time clock generator 126 is reset with the current time as received from time source 116 (e.g., base station 112) and commences counting time from its newly reset time epoch.
  • the processor CPU can be updated and kept current by the real-time clock generator. That is, periodic updates of current time as kept track of by the real-time clock generator 126 can be provided to a clock associated with the processor 118. Again, this time can be displayed on the device display. Where time is provided to the user on a display (not illustrated), in a step 142, this current time can be provided by the processor 118 to the device display.
  • the internal time information of device 130 can be maintained and updated to ensure a desired degree of accuracy. For example, if the user travels from one time zone to another, powering up the handset in a new time zone results in a new time signal being received from time source 116. The new time allows the real-time clock generator to be reset to the current time zone, thereby updating the device 130 to the current time. Real-time clock generator 126 can continue to count time from the reset time to maintain the correct current time and to provide this time to processor 118. If the user returns the device to the original time zone, or moves to yet another time zone, a similar process can occur, again updating the onboard clock to the current time zone.
  • device 130 e.g. wireless handset 100
  • this feature of updating the time can be performed automatically, without user intervention.
  • the user can be informed of a time change before such change is implemented. This can be by an audible alert or visual message.
  • the user can also be provided with the option to accept or reject a proposed time change by prompting the user before a change is made. This may be useful, for example, if the user wishes for his or her device to remain set to his or her 'home' time zone while on travel.
  • the real-time clock generator loses its time information, upon power-up, the device 130 receives the time information from time source 116. The device 130 can use this time information to reset real-time clock generator 126 to the current time.
  • An example of how the device 130 may lose its time is, for example, due to a complete power failure of the device. Such a failure may arise, for example, due to loss of battery power.
  • processor 118 obtains the current time from real-time clock generator 126. The processor can use this time in executing its applications that are time-sensitive. Processor 118 can also display this time to the user via a display as illustrated by step 148. Additionally, device 130 may provide an audible or visible indicator alerting the user to the fact that the time of the device is based on internal time only. As such, the user can determine whether the time is accurate or inaccurate in the user's current time zone.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example architecture for a real-time clock generator 126 according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • real-time clock generator 126 includes a CPU 206, an alarm memory 204, and a clock generator 208.
  • Clock generator 208 provides a stable time base to CPU 206.
  • clock generator 208 can be a crystal-oscillator-based circuit or other precision time circuit that can provide a stable and relatively accurate timing signal to CPU 206.
  • the precision and accuracy of the chosen clock generator 208 can be determined based on the desired degree of accuracy and precision desired for one or more of the time-sensitive applications 110. Other factors associated with choosing a clock generator 208 include cost, size, and power consumption. For most applications, a crystal oscillator-based time generator may be appropriate as a time base for clock generator 208.
  • CPU 206 can be used to keep track of time using the time signal provided by clock generator 208.
  • CPU 206 can be set and reset with time information provided by processor 118 as relayed from time source 116 or other source of time information.
  • CPU 206 uses the time information as a starting point, and uses the timing reference signal from clock generator 208 to keep track of time from that point on.
  • An alarm memory 204 can also be provided to store one or more specific alarm times to trigger alerts to the user.
  • CPU 206 compares a time value stored in alarm memory 204 with the current time and determines whether to generate an alert signal. If the current time is equal to or past the alarm time, an alert is triggered by CPU 206 to processor 118.
  • Processor 118 can then provide an alert to the user via a display, speaker, or other user interface. The alert can be audible, visual, or both.
  • Power saver circuit 210 can be included to provide power to real-time clock generator 126 after primary power has been lost or otherwise terminated.
  • power saver 210 can be implemented in using a simple capacitance circuit to maintain power for a short period of time until primary power can be restored. This can be used, for example, to bridge gaps during battery changes or other brief periods of power loss.
  • power saver 210 can be implemented to provide more of a long-term power saving feature to maintain the time for the device for a longer duration.
  • power saver 210 can be implemented using batteries or other longer-life components or devices.
  • FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process for manually entering time information according to one embodiment of the invention. As described above, when the system is powered up, if a signal is acquired, and that signal includes timing information, this timing information is utilized to update the internal clock of the device. This is illustrated by steps 232, 242, and 243 (which refers to FIG. 1).
  • step 244 if the signal is not acquired but a valid current time does exist within the real-time clock generator, then that current time can be used as illustrated by steps 244 and 245. If, however, on the other hand, no signal is acquired and there is not a valid time present in the device, then the user can be given the opportunity to manually set the time. This is illustrated by steps 232, 242, and 244. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 provides this capability. In this embodiment, if there is no acquired signal and no current valid time in the device, the system allows the user the opportunity to enter the time manually. In one embodiment, the user is prompted to allow the system to wait for signal acquisition. By so doing, the user can choose to skip the manual entry step and allow the system to wait until such a time as timing information is received in an acquired signal. This is illustrated by step 246.
  • the device 130 may prompt the user with an audible prompt or a screen display prompt asking the user whether he or she wishes to manually set the time or not. If the user chooses not to manually enter the time at this point, the system returns to the wait state until a signal is acquired. The user can continue to operate any local functions on the device absent a valid real-time time. However, any functions of a time-sensitive nature that involve real-time alerts, for example, may be inoperable until a valid current time is present. In one embodiment, the system waits for a predetermined time period before prompting the user again. In an alternative embodiment, the system waits for signal acquisition without further prompts.
  • a step 246 the user decides not to wait but to manually enter the time
  • a step 248 the user is provided the opportunity to manually enter the time.
  • Such manual entry can be performed via a user interface (not illustrated) included with device 130.
  • a user interface (not illustrated) included with device 130.
  • a display and a keypad can be used to facilitate manual entry of the time by the user.
  • Other user interface devices can be provided as well.
  • a step 249 the time entered by the user is then used to update or set the real-time clock generator.
  • the real-time clock generator begins keeping track of time based on this initial time setting.
  • realtime clock generator time information can be used to update the processor such that the real time is available to one or more of the applications that utilize this time information.
  • the current time can be displayed to the user on a display on the device 130.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example architecture for storing and generating alarms according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • an alarms database 274 is provided.
  • Alarms database 274 is preferably accessible by processor 118. It is this alarms database in which the alarm times are stored. That is, when a user operating one or more applications of the device 103 sets an alarm event, the time at which the alarm should be generated is stored in alarms database 274.
  • Alarms database 274 can be a database that stores one or more alarm times from one or more time-sensitive applications.
  • Alarms can be programmed and set manually, for example, by the user entering one or more specific alarm times.
  • alarms can be generated automatically or semi-automatically by an application that automatically or semi-automatically generates an alarm based on the occurrence of another event. For example, scheduling of a meeting in a daily planner application may automatically result in the setting of an alarm for that meeting in alarms database 274.
  • real-time clock CPU 206 keeps track of current time by performing a relatively straightforward clock function.
  • an alarm memory 204 is provided and is capable of storing an alarm event.
  • the time for the alarm is stored in alarm memory 204 and this time is compared with the real time as kept by real-time clock CPU 206.
  • real-time clock CPU sends a signal to processor 118 indicating that the alarm should be generated. In one embodiment, this signal is in the form of an interrupt.
  • Processor 118 accordingly generates the alarm, alerting the user that the event has occurred or is about to occur.
  • the alert can be provided audibly, visibly or both.
  • information relating to the alarm can also be stored in alarms database 274.
  • additional information can be displayed or otherwise provided to the user, indicating to the user the reason for the alarm.
  • This information can be visual information provided on the display or audio information via a speaker.
  • the audio information is provided by a synthesized voice over a speaker in device 130.
  • the additional information can include a variety of different types of information that can be stored in conjunction with an alarm or alert. For example, if the alarm is to indicate that a meeting is about to occur, information relating to this meeting can be provided to the user. Thus, for example, the device 103 can provide not only an alert to the user but also information pertaining to why the alert is generated.
  • This information can be stored in alarms database, or other data storage location, and retrieved when the alarm is generated.
  • processor 118 when processor 118 is interrupted, it retrieves this information and provides it to the user via a user interface.
  • the additional information can be stored along with the time in alarm memory 204.
  • this embodiment requires additional data transfer between processor 118 and real-time clock generator 126.
  • FIG. 7 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process for checking and generating alarms according to one embodiment of the invention. The process illustrated with regard to FIG. 7 is now described in reference to the example architecture illustrated in FIG. 6. After reading this description, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand how to implement an alarm generation feature in alternative embodiments or with alternative architectures.
  • processor 118 retrieves alarm information and sends this information to the real-time clock CPU 206.
  • this information is limited to the time information for an upcoming event.
  • alarm memory 204 only stores a single alarm time for an event. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferred that processor 118 retrieve and send only the time information for the next occurring event.
  • Alternative embodiments contemplate alarm memory 204 having capability of storing more than one alarm.
  • real-time clock CPU 206 stores this time information for the upcoming event in alarm memory 204. To keep track of the alarm, real-time clock CPU
  • step 308 compares the time information in alarm memory 204 to the present time as illustrated by step 308. When the comparison is positive, real-time clock CPU 206 interrupts processor 118 as illustrated in steps 310 and 311.
  • processor 118 In a step 312, processor 118 generates the user alarm. In one embodiment, it is preferable to provide information relating to the event associated with the alarm to the user. This information can include, for example, a brief description of the event for which the alarm is being generated, the actual time scheduled for the event, the event location, or other alternative or additional useful information. In one embodiment, this brief description can be stored in alarm database 274 along with the time information for that alarm.
  • processor 118 can quickly retrieve the information for the current event from alarm database 274 and provide this information to the user.
  • a pointer or other indicator to the application for which the event is occurring or to a record regarding the event itself can be stored in alarms database 274, or stored with the alarm. This pointer or indicator can be used by processor 118 to retrieve information about the event.
  • the process continues at step 304 where processor
  • FIG. 8 A process for generating an alarm from the power-down state is illustrated in FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • a power-up command is sent to power-up circuit 276.
  • Power-up circuit 276 powers-up device 130 including processor 118, as illustrated by step 324.
  • Processor 118 retrieves the current time from real-time clock CPU 206 and generates the appropriate alarm to the user as illustrated in steps 326 and 328.
  • an event can occur and an alarm generated while the device 130 is in a powered-down state.
  • a device 130 may be operated in a scenario where the actual time is different from the internal time.
  • One example scenario where this may occur is where the device is brought to a different time zone in which the time is different from the internal time that was set according to the previous time zone.
  • the system can use the communications interface to retrieve the current time and update real-time clock generator 126 to synchronize device 130 with the actual time, or the time can be manually updated.
  • one embodiment of the invention checks for past alarms when the time is updated.
  • FIG. 9 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process for checking alarms when the time is updated in the device according to one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the process illustrated with reference to FIG. 8 describes a process where the current time is updated as a result of time information received from time source 116. However, after reading this description, it will be become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other processes can be implemented and that these process can be used whenever the current time is updated, regardless of the cause of such update. Referring now to FIG. 8, in a step 332, time information is received from time source 116. If this time information is the same as the device time, the process described above with reference to FIGs. 7 and 8 can be followed for generating alarms. This is illustrated by steps 334 and 336.
  • the current time is updated. This is illustrated by steps 334 and 338. Because the time has been updated, a simple comparison of whether the current time matches an alarm time may not be sufficient to generate an alarm. This is because the current time may actually be later than the time for one or more alarms to be generated by device 130. Therefore, in steps 342 and 344, the alarm time is compared with the current time to determine whether the current time is earlier the alarm time. If the current time is earlier than the alarm time, the event associated with the alarm has not passed, and the generation of the alarm can continue in a normal manner. This is illustrated by steps 344 and 346.
  • step 348 an alarm is generated for the user and the next alarm is retrieved and compared as illustrated by step 350 and flow line 352.

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  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
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  • Telephone Function (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système et un procédé visant à conserver la date en vigueur dans un dispositif (130) électronique. Ce système utilise les informations de date provenant d'une source de temps (116) extérieure. Les informations de date reçues via une interface de communication sont utilisées pour mettre à jour ou à zéro une horloge interne. L'horloge interne conserve les traces de la date courante à partir de cet instant en utilisant la date mise à jour. L'horloge interne peut mettre la date courante à la disposition d'une ou plusieurs applications chronosensibles fonctionnant dans le dispositif électronique, et la date courante peut être présentée à l'utilisateur. Des alarmes peuvent être définies et mises en mémoire, et des avertissements générés lorsque la date d'alarme est atteinte. Ce système et ce procédé peuvent vérifier les alarmes passées et en avertissent l'utilisateur lors d'une remise à jour.
PCT/US1999/029035 1998-12-18 1999-12-08 Procede et systeme d'horloge en temps reel WO2000038338A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU20453/00A AU2045300A (en) 1998-12-18 1999-12-08 Real time clock system and method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US21668498A 1998-12-18 1998-12-18
US09/216,684 1998-12-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000038338A1 true WO2000038338A1 (fr) 2000-06-29

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/029035 WO2000038338A1 (fr) 1998-12-18 1999-12-08 Procede et systeme d'horloge en temps reel

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2045300A (fr)
TW (1) TW448634B (fr)
WO (1) WO2000038338A1 (fr)

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EP1376275A1 (fr) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-02 WeDid Inc. Dispositif et méthode pour la mise à jour du temps locale dans différentes zones de temps
KR20040018044A (ko) * 2002-08-24 2004-03-02 엘지전자 주식회사 이동 통신 단말기의 표준시간 표시 방법
KR100548349B1 (ko) * 2003-05-24 2006-02-02 엘지전자 주식회사 이중 모드 단말기를 이용한 시간정보 수신 방법
WO2006102453A2 (fr) * 2005-03-24 2006-09-28 Silicon Laboratories Inc. Sources d'alimentation electrique a commutation automatique pour un circuit d'horloge
KR100651458B1 (ko) 2004-11-09 2006-11-29 삼성전자주식회사 비동기식 이동통신 시스템에서 시간정보 제공 방법
EP1763210A1 (fr) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-14 Research In Motion Limited Dispositif de communications mobiles avec mise en marche automatique avancée
KR100744300B1 (ko) 2006-02-10 2007-07-30 삼성전자주식회사 시각 정보 관리 장치 및 방법
US7263035B2 (en) 2005-09-12 2007-08-28 Research In Motion Limited Early auto-on mobile communications device
US7400206B2 (en) 2005-03-24 2008-07-15 Silicon Laboratories Inc. Clock circuit with programmable load capacitors
KR100923781B1 (ko) 2007-04-19 2009-10-27 삼성전자주식회사 단말기의 시간 제어 장치 및 방법
WO2010063127A1 (fr) * 2008-12-03 2010-06-10 Nortel Networks Limited Système de synchronisation gnss redondante multiple
EP2120109A3 (fr) * 2008-05-11 2010-09-08 Research In Motion Limited Dispositif électronique et procédé fournissant une gestion améliorée des plusieurs temps de plusieurs fuseaux horaires.
US8218403B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2012-07-10 Research In Motion Limited Electronic device and method providing improved indication that an alarm clock is in an ON condition
US8284633B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2012-10-09 Research In Motion Limited Electronic device and method providing activation of an improved bedtime mode of operation
US8817579B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2014-08-26 Blackberry Limited Electronic device and method providing improved world clock feature
US8963894B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2015-02-24 Blackberry Limited Electronic device and method providing improved alarm clock feature and facilitated alarm editing mode

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Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1376275A1 (fr) * 2002-06-27 2004-01-02 WeDid Inc. Dispositif et méthode pour la mise à jour du temps locale dans différentes zones de temps
KR20040018044A (ko) * 2002-08-24 2004-03-02 엘지전자 주식회사 이동 통신 단말기의 표준시간 표시 방법
KR100548349B1 (ko) * 2003-05-24 2006-02-02 엘지전자 주식회사 이중 모드 단말기를 이용한 시간정보 수신 방법
KR100651458B1 (ko) 2004-11-09 2006-11-29 삼성전자주식회사 비동기식 이동통신 시스템에서 시간정보 제공 방법
WO2006102453A3 (fr) * 2005-03-24 2007-03-15 Silicon Lab Inc Sources d'alimentation electrique a commutation automatique pour un circuit d'horloge
US7370214B2 (en) 2005-03-24 2008-05-06 Silicon Laboratories Inc. Automatically switching power supply sources for a clock circuit
US7400206B2 (en) 2005-03-24 2008-07-15 Silicon Laboratories Inc. Clock circuit with programmable load capacitors
US8671286B2 (en) 2005-03-24 2014-03-11 Silicon Laboratories Inc. Automatically switching power supply sources for a clock circuit
WO2006102453A2 (fr) * 2005-03-24 2006-09-28 Silicon Laboratories Inc. Sources d'alimentation electrique a commutation automatique pour un circuit d'horloge
EP1763210A1 (fr) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-14 Research In Motion Limited Dispositif de communications mobiles avec mise en marche automatique avancée
US7263035B2 (en) 2005-09-12 2007-08-28 Research In Motion Limited Early auto-on mobile communications device
KR100744300B1 (ko) 2006-02-10 2007-07-30 삼성전자주식회사 시각 정보 관리 장치 및 방법
US8000172B2 (en) 2007-04-19 2011-08-16 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Time control apparatus and method of managing time within said time control apparatus
KR100923781B1 (ko) 2007-04-19 2009-10-27 삼성전자주식회사 단말기의 시간 제어 장치 및 방법
US8477566B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2013-07-02 Research In Motion Limited Electronic device and method providing activation of an improved bedtime mode of operation
US8111586B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2012-02-07 Research In Motion Limited Electronic device and method providing improved management of multiple times from multiple time zones
US8218403B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2012-07-10 Research In Motion Limited Electronic device and method providing improved indication that an alarm clock is in an ON condition
US8284633B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2012-10-09 Research In Motion Limited Electronic device and method providing activation of an improved bedtime mode of operation
EP2120109A3 (fr) * 2008-05-11 2010-09-08 Research In Motion Limited Dispositif électronique et procédé fournissant une gestion améliorée des plusieurs temps de plusieurs fuseaux horaires.
US8531920B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2013-09-10 Black Berry Limited Electronic device and method providing improved management of multiple times from multiple time zones
US8817579B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2014-08-26 Blackberry Limited Electronic device and method providing improved world clock feature
US8963894B2 (en) 2008-05-11 2015-02-24 Blackberry Limited Electronic device and method providing improved alarm clock feature and facilitated alarm editing mode
WO2010063127A1 (fr) * 2008-12-03 2010-06-10 Nortel Networks Limited Système de synchronisation gnss redondante multiple
RU2529181C2 (ru) * 2008-12-03 2014-09-27 РОКСТАР КОНСОРЦИУМ ЮЭс ЛП Система синхронизации времени с множественным резервированием

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW448634B (en) 2001-08-01
AU2045300A (en) 2000-07-12

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