Abstract: A communication apparatus having a main battery for performing main operations of the communication apparatus so as to connect or remove from the device freely. The communication apparatus includes a clock unit and a control unit. The clock unit configured to count a current time by using power supplied by the main battery, and configured to acquire the current time from a base station based on the main battery was connected after the main battery was removed the communication apparatus. And the control unit configured to control so as to set the current time acquired by the clock unit as the current time counted.

Abstract: A scalable system and method for redundant timing. A clock CT0 is set to count a time T0. One more time increments ei are defined for other clocks CTi, each to count a times Ti=Ti-1+ej. After the earliest time that a timer CTj completes counting its time, an event E is caused to occur and an event F is caused to occur with regard to at least one of the timers CTk, k being an integer from j+1 to N.

Abstract: This invention discloses a set of internal signaling (i.e., management primitives) to support a clock-synchronization protocol for wirelessly synchronizing clock registers of wired or wireless nodes via a wireless local area network (i.e., 802.11 network). The clock synchronization is performed between two higher-layer protocol entities residing within two different wireless stations (STAs).

Abstract: One or more embodiments provide Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) based time synchronization systems and methods. The CIP Sync solution can be part of Ethernet/IP and can be based on standard UDP (User Datagram Protocol) and/or IEEE 1588 (Time Synchronization) Ethernet technology. According to an embodiment is a system that compensates for step changes in a master clock.

Abstract: A time control apparatus, which is not equipped with an auxiliary batter for real time control, includes a time information memory for storing real time information updated for a user; and a real time controller, in response to powering on, if the real time information stored in the time information memory is earlier than time information of the real time controller, displaying the real time information of the real time controller to a user and simultaneously updating the real time information in the time information memory without performing a time setting operation. It is possible to discern between a powering-off case where the battery is not removed from the terminal and a powering-off case where the battery is removed from the terminal in order to avoid a time setting operation that is unnecessary to the user.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece with wireless information function that is small, has good reception performance, and has a construction that improves the freedom of design. Antennae 5A and 5B are disposed inside a short cylindrically-shaped metal case 1 of which both ends along its cylindrical axis L1 are open with the axes L5A and L5B of the antennae 5A and 5B substantially parallel to the cylindrical axis L1 of the case 1. A magnetic-field-passing part capable of passing the magnetic field of radio waves is disposed in an open side of the case 1 along an extension of the antenna axis. Radio waves entering from the open side of the case 1 can therefore be received by the antenna, and the material of the case 1 does not affect the reception performance of the antennae 5A and 5B. The case 1 can therefore be made from metal, increasing the freedom of design and making it possible to improve the appearance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for applying a correction that accounts for curvature in the space-time continuum in the context of clock synchronization are disclosed. A representative apparatus, among others, includes a memory having a curved space-time correction module and a processor. The processor is adapted to receive a reference message having a time-stamp from a master-clock and determine a correction to the time-stamp using the curved space-time correction module, wherein the correction accounts for curvature in space-time.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing an event system. The method includes receiving a first signal at a primary device, where the first signal includes a time component, and processing the first signal to produce a second signal, where the second signal includes the time component and an instruction. The method also includes wirelessly transmitting the second signal to a repeating device, wirelessly receiving the second signal at the repeating device, and wirelessly transmitting a third signal from the repeating device, where the third signal includes the time component and the instruction. The method further includes wirelessly receiving the third signal at a secondary device and executing an event with the third signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing a composite clock signal with optimized stability characteristics from individual clocks which have different stabilities or variances. The composite clock signal includes weighted individual clock signals. In a first (PPN) case, an optimum composite clock is a scale-factor-weighted linear combination of clock signals. In another (non-PPN) case, the optimum stable composite clock is the output of a linear filter of the input clocks signals. Both the phases and frequencies of the individual clocks over time are estimated.

Abstract: Upon connecting to a trusted device, an untrusted device: (a) acquires a trusted current time; (b) stores an elapsed time; (c) determines an estimated current time; and, (d) stores a time difference between the estimated current time and an untrusted current time. The untrusted device (e) repeats (b)-(d) until turned off. Upon being turned on and able to connect to the trusted device, the untrusted device (f) repeats (a)-(e). Otherwise, it: (g) determines a temporary current time; and, (h) compares the estimated current time of (c) with the temporary current time. The untrusted device, (i) where the estimated current time of (c) is less than the temporary current time, sets an offline current time as the temporary current time, or, (j) where the estimated current time of (c) is greater than the temporary current time, sets the offline current time as the estimated current time of (c).

Abstract: A time keeping system having a first time module operable to keep a first time, a second time module operable to keep a second time, and a control module operatively coupled to the first time module and to the second time module. The control module adjusts the first time in response to information stored in the control module and adjusts the second time to reduce a time difference between the first time and the second time.

Abstract: A local time adjusting method of a mobile communication terminal includes extending 6-bit local time offset contained in a sync channel message transmitted from a base station to a 7-bit local time offset to calculate an actual local time offset in a corresponding area; and substituting the calculated local time offset (extend_LTM_OFF) and time information to equation (SYS_TIME+(LP_SEC*12.5)+(extend_LTM_OFF*11250) to calculate local time of a current location. By doing that, local time can be adjusted by units of 15 minutes even in an area where 30-minute adjustment of local time offset is not available, and thus, local time can be precisely calculated anywhere in the world.

Abstract: A plurality of methods, computer program product, and apparatus that use a lower 32 bit field of a 64-bit 802.11 TSF timer, so as to encode the reference time instant without the ambiguity as to whether there the reference time is referring to a future time or a past time. According to an aspect of the present invention, the fact that the low order 32 bits of the TSF timer wraps over in about 71 minutes is exploited to remove any ambiguity in the reference times contained in the Schedule Element frame. One method employs an algorithm base on distance between two reference points to determine whether the timer has wrapped around a time period, and another method uses a delay interval or a timeout to determine whether or not the TSF timer is wrapped or unwrapped. Another method includes determining whether an absolute value of X?O is less than, or greater than or equal to maximum value M/2.

Abstract: A primary device for a synchronous event system. In one construction, the primary device includes a solar panel operable to convert light into electricity; a receiver operable to receive a global positioning system time signal; a processor coupled to the receiver and operable to process the global positioning system time signal to produce a processed time component; a internal clock coupled to the processor and operable to store the processed time component and to increment relative to the processed time component thereafter to produce an internal time; and a transmitter coupled to the processor and operable to transmit the internal time to a secondary device for wireless reception by the secondary device and synchronization of the secondary device relative to the primary device.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for steering a time-of-day (TOD) clock for a computer system having a physical clock providing a time base for executing operations that is stepped to a common oscillator. The method includes computing a TOD-clock offset value (d) to be added to a physical-clock value (Tr) value to obtain a logical TOD-clock value (Tb), where the logical TOD-clock value is adjustable without adjusting a stepping rate of the oscillator.

Abstract: A signaling system may include two subsystems that share a common wiring backbone and provide public awareness functions. The two subsystems may be a public address system and a master/slave clock system. Remote rooms at the tail end of the wiring backbone include a speaker and a slave clock. The speakers are in communication with a control device through the wiring backbone. The slave clocks are in communication with another control device at the head end of the wiring backbone. The master/slave clock system superimposes its DC power signal and a time correction signal on the wiring backbone. Each slave clock interfaces the wiring infrastructure through a center tap of a speaker transformer which allows the slave clock to be powered and corrected via the speaker wiring infrastructure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for synchronizing one or more remote clocks (2) to a central clock (1) via a bi-directional satellite radio link (9.1, 9.2). Time and data signals are exchanged via suitable transmitting (8, 12) and receiving devices (5, 11) at both ends of the radio link. From time difference measurements (6, 14) at both ends a control signal (17) is derived in such a manner that the clock (2) installed directly in the remote ground station devices (11) synchronizes in state and rate to the central clock (1) with the aid of the two-way method (TWSTFT, Two-Way Satellite Time and Frequency Transfer). The user has access to time signals (18) which directly represent the state of the central clock (1). The signals used for the time measurement are also used for data transmission, resulting in a system operating in real time in which the control deviations (15, 16) of the remote clock are accessible at both ends of the system.

Abstract: A street clock comprising a master movement, at least one slave movement controlled by said master movement and communicating with said master movement via a controller conduit or via said controller conduit in conjunction with adjacent said slave movement(s). The street clock may have a plurality of clock faces, each face having hands operated by and mechanically engaged with either said master movement or one of said slave movement(s); a backlight mounted behind each of said faces for illuminating each of said faces; a battery cradle engaging a plurality of batteries for powering said master movement, said slave movement(s) and said backlights via a common electrical conduit. The street clock employs a housing enclosing said master movement, said slave movement(s), said backlight, at least a portion of said electrical conduit, at least a portion of said controller conduit and said clock faces.

Abstract: A digital time clock that may be used in conjunction with a mechanical time clock. The digital time clock is placed on or adjacent to an existing mechanical time clock. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is associated with each time card that is distributed to employees. As an employee inserts a time card into the mechanical time clock, the digital time clock detects the proximity of the time card and reads the RFID tag. An RFID identifier is stored along with an indication of the time that the identifier was read. The digital time clock may be kept in a low-power standby state until the time card is detected, at which time the digital time clock enters an operational state. The digital time clock may be transported to a location where payroll is to be performed, and data downloaded to a processing device.

Abstract: Provided is a time correction system which includes a means for performing time correction of time in an operational system device by obtaining standard time information from outside with the operational system device among the devices in the cluster to be a representative device and a means for performing time correction of time in a standby system device having the operational system device as a master and the standby system device as a slave, in which the standby system device obtains time information of the operational system device. The operating state of each device is synchronously controlled so as to set the operational system device as a representative device and also the operational system as a master and the standby system as a slave when there is a change recognized in the operating state, which enables to switch the processing corresponding to the setting.

Abstract: A distributed system with a timing signal path for increased precision in time synchronization among distributed system clocks. A distributed system according to the present teachings includes a master clock coupled to a timing signal path and a set of slave clocks coupled to the timing signal path. The master clock includes means for generating a timing signal on the timing signal path in response to time events associated with the master clock. The slave clocks include means for adjusting their local time in response to the timing signal received via the timing signal path.

Abstract: In a multiprocessor system that includes a plurality of processor modules, each one of which includes its own internal clock, one of the plurality of processor modules is designated as a master processor module having a master internal clock. Each other processor module is designated as a slave processor module having a slave processor module internal clock. Each slave processor module synchronizes its internal clock with the master internal clock.

Abstract: A single dynamic source controlled two hands group in clockwise/anticlockwise rotating structure, which sets two groups of numbered face in reverse direction on face of wristwatch, each numbered face has hour, minute and second hand, wherein active shaft of one hands group is driven by active gear, and passive shaft of another hands group is driven by passive gear, diameter, number of teeth and clearance of tooth of passive gear are as same as active gear; one driving gear drives active gear to rotate, and this active gear meshes with two steering gears to drive another hands group to rotate in reverse direction, thus, one hands group rotates clockwise and another hands group rotates anticlockwise. So that, it is interesting to watch time on your wristwatch, moreover, owing to the anticlockwise arrangement of hands group and numbered face, user can directly confirm the left time as required and the wristwatch can display kinds of time according.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clock for use in a master/slave clock system, including a system and method for semi-automatically performing diagnostic self-tests on the status and operability of a plurality of components of one or more secondary clocks. The invention addresses a multitude of diagnostic and problem detection issues, including “no fault found.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for automatically detecting and selecting a time correction protocol and a time base, from among many possible protocols, in a master/slave clock system. A “self-teaching” feature is also disclosed, which includes a table stored at the slave clock containing data representative of characteristics, such as the relative frequency and spacing, of each one of numerous different time correction pulses that can be received by the slave clock from the master clock. Then, at a time of time correction, the slave clock selects the protocol most likely being used by the master clock, based on historical data. The time displayed by the slave clock is the then updated to match the time displayed by the master clock.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for synchronizing time of day information between and among communication adapters. Time of day information, which is desired for proper message packet ordering and delivery, is recovered in a process in which a master adapter, connected to a master node, periodically broadcasts current time of day information to slave adapters which operate to determine whether or not drift correction is to be applied.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to implement a “virtual” real-time clock at a terminal based on time information from multiple communication systems. At least one system (e.g., GPS) provides “absolute” time information for the virtual real-time clock, and at least one other system (e.g., a cellular system) provides “relative” time information. The virtual real-time clock is “time-stamped” with absolute time as it becomes available from the first system. Relative time (which may be received from multiple asynchronous transmitters) is mapped to the timeline of the virtual real-time clock as it is received from the second system. Absolute time at any arbitrary time instant on the timeline may then be estimated based on the absolute time from the first system and the relative time from the second system. Absolute times from the first system for two or more time instants may also be used to calibrate the relative time from the second system.

Abstract: A clock synchronization method and apparatus is disclosed for use in a communication system including a plurality of wireless nodes communicatively coupled via a wireless network, each of the plurality of wireless nodes having a local time base, and one of the plurality of wireless nodes being designated as a master node having a master time base which serves as a master clock against which the local time bases are synchronized. The clock synchronization method includes the steps of periodically transmitting synchronization frames to the plurality of non-master nodes so as to adjust the slave clocks associated with the respective non-master nodes. The synchronization frames are distributed from the master node at near-periodic intervals and includes a cycle time value that corresponds to the end of the previously transmitted synchronization frame. The slave clocks (i.e.

Abstract: A system for determining a timing offset between a first clock and a second clock at respective first and second points in a communications network. A series of request signals is transmitted from the first point in the network to the second point in the network. A series of reply signals is transmitted from the second point in the network to the first point in the network. Each reply signal and a corresponding reply signal having a minimum round trip delay time are identified and a minimum single leg delay time is determined from the minimum round trip delay time. A timing offset between the clock values of the first clock and the second clock at a first instance is estimated, the estimation being based upon the minimum single leg delay time, and a transmission time and a reception time of one of the identified request signal and the corresponding reply signal, as given by the respective clocks at the transmission and reception points of the signal.

Abstract: Circuitry for controlling the oscillation frequency of an oscillator by using a digitally tunable on-chip capacitor bank. The capacitor bank includes a plurality of on-chip capacitors, each of which is independently selectable by a control signal for providing a selectable amount of capacitance to the oscillator to control the oscillator's oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a plurality of processors in a multiprocessor computer platform are disclosed. In one system embodiment, a first processor and a second processor may access a global time value associated with a globally accessible clock counter. Each processor may access its respective local time value and adjust its respective synchronization parametrics, thereby synchronizing the plurality of processors.

Abstract: A radio-controlled clock (RCC) for receiving and decoding a transmitted time signal to display a precise time in accordance with a time standard. A light emitting diode (LED) display emits sufficient light for easy readability under all lighting conditions, including the time numerals. A signal reception indicator remains lit if the RCC has successfully decoded a time signal. If the time signal is currently being received and decoded, the signal reception indicator flashes. If the decoding is unsuccessful, the signal reception indicator will be unlit until the next decoding attempt. A power transformer to supply current to electronic circuitry contained within in the housing of the RCC is located in the power line cord, as at the plug end, to minimize electromagnetic interference with the decoding of the time signals. A signal strength indicator may have multiple segments to indicate if the received signal is strong, medium, weak or too weak for decoding.

Abstract: A transmitter simultaneously notifies a start of providing identification codes to controlled devices using a first identification code provision start signal. A delay unit transmits a second identification code provision start signal to only the controlled device adjacent to a controller. After a level detector detects the first and the second identification code provision start signals, an ID provider provides identification codes to the controlled device. A delay unit sequentially transmits the second identification code provision start signal and an identification code provision end signal to the controlled device adjacently connected at a farther side from the controller than from the self device.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for automatically determining a time for a device connected to a network, the method comprising: obtaining time samples from a plurality of different electronic devices on the network; normalizing the time samples; selecting a time for the device in accordance with an algorithm that utilizes the time samples; and resetting a clock in accordance with the selected time.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for synchronizing and updating the memory of an external digital device, such as a personal digital assistant, and the memory of a watch via a two way communication link providing for the synchronous transfer of data between the devices. The data transfer is accomplished by placing the external digital device and watch into an alignment device which secures and positions each device in an appropriate spatial relationship allowing data to be transferred between devices. A separate integrated display controller provides for operation of the watch display thereby conserving power required to operate the device.

Abstract: This invention provides a network system and a information communicating device has a time correction ability, wherein a built-in clock of each of the plural devices connected with a communication network is capable of being corrected using a GPS time data without raising a processing load of a receiving device of the GPS data. In this system a car navigation device 12 receives a data from a GPS satellite, extracts a time data from the received data and transmits the time data attached with a time required within the device itself to a portable telephone in a form of an E-mail. The portable telephone that received the time data from the car navigation device corrects its own time generating means, and transmits the time data with attaching a required time for processing within the portable telephone. In this way, the time data attached with the required time for processing within each corresponding device is transmitted to a following device one by one.

Abstract: In an ensemble oscillator system including multiple free-running oscillators, a voltage controlled oscillator having a frequency responsive to a control signal, and a differencer unit that measures time differences between the oscillators, an adaptive Kalman Filter Processor (AKFP) generates the control signal responsive to the time differences. The AKFP uses oscillator noise models to model noise/errors of the ensemble system oscillators, including random noise parameters, and adaptively estimates the errors and the random noise parameters to derive the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for synchronizing timekeeping devices in a system of clocks using a master/slave system and expandable data packet transmission protocol, and an apparatus for implementing such synchronizing system. The method includes embedding a circuit and data packet for transmission into each timekeeping device in the system. Time is synchronized by transmitting time information contained in the data packet protocol from the master timekeeping device to other slave timekeeping devices. Further, slave devices may transmit time information also contained within the data packet protocol to other slave timekeeping devices that are not within range of the master device. A hop count register in the data packet is also relied upon for synchronizing the time as close to the master device. Slave devices requesting time information accept the time from the transmitting device with the lowest hop count.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating precision time signals includes a source of power line timing information, a source of precision time signals, and a timing circuit. The timing circuit is coupled to the source of precision time signals to receive a precision time signal there from, and is operable to generate clock information based on the precision time signal. The timing circuit is further operable to generate clock information based on the power line timing information.

Abstract: A process data capture and reporting system captures process data values at sensors. A client computer appends absolute-value time stamps to the values to complete records, which are uploaded to a server. The server writes the records to a persistent database. At a later stage, the server retrieves selected records, and performs a very fast conversion of the time stamps to a calendar format with “granular” values for units such as day, month, or minute. The conversion is performed in an optimised manner with use of look-up tables in memory. This minimises processor overhead, and is thus very advantageous where data volumes are high and/or near real time reporting is required.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for synchronizing time of day information between and among communication adapters. Time of day information, which is desired for proper message packet ordering and delivery, is recovered in a process in which a master adapter, connected to a master node, periodically broadcasts current time of day information to slave adapters which operate to determine whether or not drift correction is to be applied.

Abstract: Under the present invention a real time clock circuit, within a set-top box, is provided with an internal clock generator for generating multiple clock signals. Once generated, a first clock signal is divided into an initial set of values representing time and optionally day/date intervals, and then communicated to a set of clock registers. The initial set of values can then be communicated (directly or via a set of DCR registers) to a display component within the set-top box. Updated clock signals are received by the set of DCR registers from an external source such as a satellite or the like thus making the clock very accurate, and are communicated to the display component. Similar to the initial set of values, the updated set of values could be communicated to the display component directly from the set of DCR registers, or via the set of clock registers.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for aligning stored data in a matter that may facilitate budgeting and/or forecasting. A definable calendar period is provided which has a starting day. The starting day is applied to the stored data to locate and align each of a plurality of time periods associated with the stored data so that each time period has a starting day that matches the starting day of the calendar period.

Abstract: A self regulating clock system operable to display a synchronized time throughout a facility where the desired time is kept by a master time keeper, which can correct secondary or slave clocks of the system. The secondary clocks of the system have the ability to automatically adapt to the existing correction scheme used by other secondary clocks and alter their display to show the desired time of day based on information received from the master time keeper. In another embodiment, the secondary clock correction schemes may be enabled through a transmission from the master time keeper or other attached device. In yet another embodiment, the secondary clock may be taught a new correction scheme through encoded signals transmitted throughout the system making it compatible with existing clocks of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for automatically detecting and selecting a time correction protocol and a time base, from among many possible protocols, in a master/slave clock system. A “self-teaching” feature is also disclosed, which includes a table stored at the slave clock containing data representative of characteristics, such as the relative frequency and spacing, of each one of numerous different time correction pulses that can be received by the slave clock from the master clock. Then, at a time of time correction, the slave clock selects the protocol most likely being used by the master clock, based on historical data. The time displayed by the slave clock is the then updated to match the time displayed by the master clock.

Abstract: A clock adjusting method and an electronic equipment using the method are disclosed in which a clock portion of an electronic equipment is correctly and simply adjusted by use of time information in broadcasting waves. In the case where a time indicated by the clock portion of the electronic equipment is “0:00” a.m. or after “0:00” and before “23:00”, the time of the clock portion is set at a reference time based on the time information. In the other case, the judgement is made of whether the time of the clock portion indicates a time of the next day as compared with the reference time or a time of the preceding day as compared with the reference time. When the time of the clock portion indicates a time of the next day as compared with the reference time, the time of the clock portion is set at the reference time while a day of the week indicated by the clock portion is put back one day.

Abstract: A radio system for use in a building within a range of an over-the-air radio broadcast timing signal that indicates a reference time includes a central radio device located at the building and having a radio receiver configured to receive the timing signal. The central radio device produces an output signal based on the timing signal. Each appliance has a clock, and receives the output signal. Each appliance sets the clock based on the central radio device output signal.

Abstract: SYNC parsing for Cable Modem Clock Synchronization is implemented using software processing with hardware assist in a manner that achieves the cost benefits of software SYNC parsing with the time accuracy of hardware SYNC parsing. Hardware scans for the arrival of new MPEG frames. Whenever any MPEG frame arrives, the MPEG frame is processed to extract MAC packets. If a SYNC packet is discovered during this processing, the software determines the SYNC arrival time, a comparison is made between the time the SYNC arrival time and the SYNC time value, and the software uses the difference to adjust the Cable Modem clock. Implementation variations include different approaches to when timestamps are recorded, the calculation of the SYNC arrival time, the use of software to process the MPEG frame and MAC packets, and the use of software to perform the time comparison.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for synchronizing and updating the memory of an external digital device, such as a personal digital assistant, and the memory of a watch via a two way communication link providing for the synchronous transfer of data between the devices. The data transfer is accomplished by placing the external digital device and watch into an alignment device which secures and positions each device in an appropriate spatial relationship allowing data to be transferred between devices. A separate integrated display controller provides for operation of the watch display thereby conserving power required to operate the device.

Abstract: A distributed system with a timing signal path for increased precision in time synchronization among distributed system clocks. A distributed system according to the present teachings includes a master clock coupled to a timing signal path and a set of slave clocks coupled to the timing signal path. The master clock includes means for generating a timing signal on the timing signal path in response to time events associated with the master clock. The slave clocks include means for adjusting their local time in response to the timing signal received via the timing signal path.