WO2017054893A1

WO2017054893A1 - Segmented smartwatch for wearing on the arm

Info

Publication number: WO2017054893A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/000923
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Wall
Original assignee: Audi Ag
Priority date: 2015-10-02
Filing date: 2016-06-04
Publication date: 2017-04-06
Also published as: DE102015012699A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a smartwatch (1) to be worn on the arm of a user, comprising a main module (2) with a casing (5) containing a touch screen (6) and a central computing device (7), and a strap (3) which is connected to the casing (5) and used to hold the main module (2) on the arm. The strap (3) comprises segments (10, 12) which are mounted in such a way that they can be respectively rotated in relation to each other. The smartwatch (1) should provide sufficient display surfaces for applications. According to the invention, at least one or each of the segments (12) respectively comprises an electronic strap module (12) which comprises a display device (13) and a communication device (17) for exchanging communication data with the central computing device (7).

Description

Segmented wristop computer for carrying on one arm

DESCRIPTION: The invention relates to a smartwatch, referred to herein as a wristop computer. The wristop computer has a central computing device, the housing of which can be held over a wristband on a user's arm. The bracelet has against each other rotatably mounted segments.

With a wristop computer not only the current time can be displayed, but it can additionally or alternatively also so-called applications, d. H. Utilities are performed by the arithmetic unit of the wristop computer to thereby provide additional functionalities, such as a diary or an e-mail program or music playback. For operation, a wristop computer may have a touch screen. The display area is heavily limited due to the size of the case of the wristop computer.

For this purpose, from US 2014/0062892 A1 a wristop computer is known, which has a flexible display film which extends along a partial circumference or along the entire circumference of the bracelet. A disadvantage of this solution is that in the manufacture of the bracelet must be known, which size must have the display area. Therefore, when purchasing the wristop computer, a user must decide which model to choose with which display size the user wants.

From DE 10 2014 116 544 A1, a wristop computer is known, in which the wristband is made touch-sensitive. This allows the wristop computer to operate via the bracelet by swiping gestures.

From US 2015/0124566 A1 a pulse measuring device is known, which is designed as a wristwatch with segmented bracelet. In the segments of the Bracelet may be integrated sensors for detecting a pulse of the user and touch-sensitive sensors for operating the heart rate monitor. Due to the limited display area, it is usually only possible for a wristop computer to operate a single application at a time. Another problem is that several of the applications provided require a relatively complex, multi-layered selection menu to allow the user to select and activate one of these applications.

The invention has for its object to coordinate several applications in relation to the display surface in a wristop computer. The object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are given by the features of the dependent claims.

The invention provides a wristop computer for wearing on an arm of a user. Another name for wristop computers is smartwatch. In a manner known per se, the wristop computer has a main module with a housing into which a touch screen and a central computing device are integrated. For example, the central computing device may be a microprocessor. The main module thus represents the actual operating unit, which is provided for executing applications and displaying application data and for operating the applications. The housing of the main module is connected to a bracelet, by means of which the main module can be held on an arm of a user. The bracelet can be configured in one piece or in several parts. Several bracelet parts can be e.g. connect via a buckle or other closure element in a known manner to a loop or a ring. The bracelet together with the main module forms a ring which can surround the arm, whereby the wristop computer can be held on the arm. The bracelet has a plurality of mutually movably mounted segments.

In order to coordinate applications with respect to the display surface, it is provided that the bracelet in total one or more or each of the segments each having an electronic bracelet module, which has a display device and a communication device for exchanging communication data with the central computing device. By the display device so an additional display area for the wristop computer is provided with each bracelet module. The display device may be, for example, a TFT screen (TFT thin film transistor) or an OLED screen (OLED - Organic Light Emitting Diode). The invention has the advantage that in the wristop computer, the size of the display area can be set or adjusted by providing one or more of the segments of the bracelet with an electronic wristband module in addition to the touchscreen of the main module. In this case, the central computing device can then use the communication data to determine which application uses the display area of the touch screen and which the respective display area of each bracelet module. It can thus be provided that a plurality of applications at the same time display application data and in this case, for example, each application is assigned the display device of a respective bracelet module.

The invention also includes optional developments, by the characteristics of which additional benefits. According to a development, at least one of the segments has a respective connection device which is set up to connect a bracelet module to the rest of the bracelet computer in a reversibly and non-destructively releasable manner. In other words, each bracelet module can be retrofitted in this development. A user can therefore set the number of bracelet modules on the wristop computer as needed. Likewise, he can exchange one bracelet module for another.

A development for this purpose provides that the connecting device comprises a shell element or a frame element, in which in each case the bracelet module is held reversibly and non-destructively detachable. In other words, the bracelet may also be completely provided without a bracelet module and still allow its old function for the main module solely via the shell elements or frame members. It can be added later an electronic bracelet module in the bracelet by inserting it into one of the shell elements or frame elements. For example, a snap connection can be provided for the attachment. In the shell element or frame element and electrical contact elements may be provided, via which the communication device of the bracelet module can be electrically connected to the main module. For example, a ribbon cable may be provided. The communication device can also be designed wirelessly by the bracelet module communicates with the main module and / or at least one other bracelet module via a radio signal that can be configured, for example, according to the Bluetooth standard.

As an alternative to shell elements and frame elements, it can be provided that the bracelet module itself represents the respective segment and the connection device comprises joint elements of the rotatable mounting of the segments. In other words, the bracelet can be formed from a series of bracelet modules. Instead of a single bracelet module can be provided as a segment, for example, a plastic element, which is then replaced if necessary by a bracelet module. This development has the advantage that the rotatable mounting of the segments relative to one another and the mounting of the bracelet module in the bracelet is provided by one and the same joint elements, so that no additional connecting elements are necessary.

A development provides that the central computing device is set up to operate the display device of at least one bracelet module as an extension of the touch screen. For this purpose, the computing device is set up to generate graphic data for controlling the display device as at least part of the named communication data and to send it out to the communication device of the bracelet module. In other words, the display area of the touch screen is expanded in segments by each bracelet module, wherein the computing device further centrally controls the display content of the respective display module. Thereby, for example, an operator interface can be provided, in which the user can move or draw over individual graphic elements, for example an icon for starting an application, by swiping or rubbing motion from the main module touch screen to a wristband module to keep it there regardless of the display content of the touch screen to have available. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if, in at least one bracelet module, the display device also has a touch-sensitive display surface for detecting and signaling a user-side approach and / or contact with the display surface. In other words, a touch screen is also provided in the bracelet module. This has the advantage that the user can also operate the wristop computer via this wristband module. The touch-sensitive surface may, for example, be provided on the basis of a matrix of capacitive sensors.

In this context, a development provides that the central computing device is configured to display a start symbol for an application in at least one wristband module with touch-sensitive display surface on its display device, ie, for example, the described icon, and via its display surface a user-side operator input to receive the application. In other words, the user has direct access to this application via the bracelet module regardless of a current display content of the touch module of the main module. Thus, the user can advantageously start predetermined or selected applications via a respective bracelet module.

A development provides that at least one bracelet module has a fixed data memory with program data of an application. In other words, the bracelet module represents or provides a predefined application. The program data can then be executed, for example, by the central computing device of the main module. This development advantageously results in a copying contactor for the program data, since the program data can only be procured together with the wristband module. The fixed data storage may be, for example, a read only memory (ROM) or a read-only flash memory. For example, a navigation module may be provided in the wristop computer as a bracelet module whose card data are provided or stored as program data in the fixed data memory of the bracelet module.

A development provides that at least one bracelet module an energy storage device for storing electrical energy for an electrical Self-supply of the bracelet module has. This results in the advantage that an energy storage of the main module is not charged or additionally discharged by the operation of the bracelet module. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the energy storage of the arm band module is provided for an electrical supply of the main module. In other words, an electrical transmission device for transmitting electrical energy from the bracelet module is provided in the main module. This development has the advantage that the operating time of the main module can also be extended by means of a bracelet module. -

A further development provides that at least one bracelet module has its own processor device, which is set up to execute an application autonomously. In other words, the bracelet module constitutes a secondary module which can operate an application independently of the main module. This has the advantage that two applications can be operated simultaneously in parallel operation by the wristop computer. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the central computing device is supported via the communication device of the arm band module when executing an application by the processor device of the bracelet module. In other words, the processor device in this context is a coprocessor. For example, the processor device may be specialized in that it calculates graphics data (GPU - Graphics Processing Unit). This has the advantage that the computing power of the central computing device can be increased by means of the bracelet module.

As already stated, a bracelet module is preferably a retrofit component for the wristop computer according to the invention. Accordingly, the invention also includes a bracelet module for the wristop computer according to the invention. The bracelet module has a housing into which the display device and the communication device for exchanging the communication data are integrated with a module-external computing device. Furthermore, a mechanical holding device is provided, which is set up to hold the housing of the bracelet module as a segment or segment part in a wristband of the wristop computer. In particular, the holding device is designed to provide a reversible and non-destructive detachable connection between the bracelet module and the rest of the wristop computer. The invention also includes further developments of the bracelet module according to the invention, which have features as have already been described in connection with the developments of the bracelet computer according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the bracelet module according to the invention are not described here again.

In the following an embodiment of the invention is described. This shows:

1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the wristop computer according to the invention in an initial configuration,

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of bracelet modules, in the

Wristop computer of Fig. 1 can be integrated.

FIG. 3 shows a first pop-up configuration that can be provided by means of the wristband computer of FIG. 1 and the wristband modules of FIG. 2, and FIG

FIG. 4 shows a second pop-up configuration of the wristop computer of FIG. 1. FIG.

The exemplary embodiment explained below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the described components of the embodiment each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another, which also each independently further develop the invention and thus also individually or in a different combination than the one shown as part of the invention. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are each provided with the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 shows a wristop computer 1, ie a smartwatch. The wristop computer 1 has an operating unit or a main module 2. The main module 2 is connected to a wristband 3. The bracelet 3 is in the example shown in two parts and can be closed in a known manner by means of a closure device 4 into a ring so that the wristop computer 1 can be closed by a wrist of an arm, whereby the wristop computer is held on the arm.

The main module 2 has a housing 5, in which a touchscreen 6 and a central computing device 7 are integrated. The computing device 7 can be realized on the basis of a microprocessor. The touch screen 6 is based on a touch screen technology in a known manner. The computing device 7 can perform applications whose application data can be displayed on the touch screen 6. FIG. 1 shows a situation in which an application is represented by graphical objects 8. By touching one of the graphical objects 8, the associated application is started, i. H. executed by the computing device 7. In the housing 5, a communication interface 9 can be integrated, via which the computing device 7 can exchange communication data with bracelet modules. However, the initial configuration of the wristop computer 1 shown in FIG. 1 does not have wristband modules. Instead, segments 10 of the bracelet 3 are formed by elements known per se from the prior art, for example by metal parts or plastic parts. The segments 10 are rotatably interconnected by respective hinge elements 11. There may be provided further hinge elements 11 for connecting the bracelet 3 to the housing 5.

In Fig. 2, four of said bracelet modules 12 are exemplified. Each bracelet module 12 has a display device 13, which may be configured as a pixel-based screen or as a touch screen. As a touch screen, the display device 13 additionally has a touch-sensitive display surface 14. A bracelet module 12 may further comprise a fixed data memory 15 for providing program data of an application. In particular, each bracelet module 12 also has a communication device 17, via which the said communication data are transmitted to the communication interface 9 of the wristband. module 12 can be replaced. The bracelet modules can optionally also exchange further communication data with one another via the communication device 17. In the connected state, when a bracelet module 12 is integrated in the bracelet 3, by exchanging communication data by the computing device 7, for example, a display symbol 13 can be used to display a start symbol 18 which visually signals a user (not shown) Application is started in the wristop computer 1 when he touches the symbol 18 or activated by another operation. A bracelet module 12 may further comprise an energy store 19, by means of which the respective bracelet module 12 and optionally also the main module 2 can be supplied with electrical energy. A bracelet module 12 may further comprise a processor device 20, by means of which program data of an application can be executed and / or the computing device 7 can be supported when executing program data. The said elements of the bracelet module 12 are arranged in a housing 21 of the bracelet module 12.

FIG. 3 illustrates how a bracelet module 12 may be integrated into the wristop computer 1. The bracelet module 12 may, for example, have the shape factor of one of the segments 10. Then the segment 10 can be replaced by the bracelet module 12. For this purpose, for example, the corresponding joint elements 11 can be temporarily opened or disassembled. The joint elements 11 may for example each have a pin that can be pulled out of the wristop computer 1, which then opens the rotatable mounting or dissolves. The pin forms a hinge of the hinge elements 11. The hinge elements 11 of the bracelet module 12 in this case thus constitute a holding device for holding the bracelet module in the bracelet 3. Alternatively, it can be provided that a segment 10 comprises a frame element or shell element, in which Bracelet module 12 can be inserted. It may be provided in this case that a dovetail connection is provided, by which the bracelet module is prevented from falling out of the shell or the frame. For this purpose, the bracelet module 12 can have a correspondingly configured holding device, the shape of which corresponds to an undercut of the frame element or shell element. The fastening of the bracelet module 12 in the shell element or the frame element may additionally or alternatively be effected, for example, by means of a snap connection or another fastening device. Closing mechanism be realized. The snap connection can be made possible by a holding device of the bracelet module 12, for example by a latching hook. Fig. 4 illustrates how the user can optionally equip the wristop computer 1 with a plurality of wristband modules 12. Each bracelet module 12 can in this case exchange communication data with the main module 2 via the respective communication device 17. The communication data can be exchanged between the communication interface 9 of the main module 2 and the communication devices 17 of the bracelet modules 12, for example by wire, via a cable integrated in the bracelet 3. It can also be provided that the communication data is wirelessly exchanged over a radio link, which may be based for example on the Bluetooth standard.

By the bracelet modules 12, for example, a radio device can be used, which may be provided in the main module and via which data with a computer-external device, such as a router or a personal computer or an infotainment system of a motor vehicle, can be replaced. The radio connection can be based, for example, on a Bluetooth standard or a WLAN standard. Thus, by means of the wristop computer 1, it is possible to extend the display area for the main module 2 by means of optional wristband modules 12 which can be provided in the wristband 3.

These bracelet modules 12 are used in exchange for the Serienarmbandglie-, ie the segments 10, and thereby connected to the main module 2. Each bracelet module 12 contains as a display device 13 a display unit that can communicate with the main module 2 after insertion via the communication device 17. It is possible to place a custom application on the bracelet module 12, so as to relieve the main module 2 and / or to allow operation by means of a directly accessible icon 18. This results in a hard-key effect that allows you to start the application assigned to the bracelet module 12 without selection from a menu. Furthermore, it is possible for a wristband module 12 with an associated application to be produced directly, so that the program data application is only available in combination with the wristband module 12. As a result, for example, data-intensive or otherwise expensive applications, such as a navigation application, can be provided. All application data 16 can be created or stored on the bracelet module 12 in the fixed data memory 15. This also relieves the main module 2 and / or protects against piracy. Thus, the wristop computer 1 has an enlargement of the display area compared to the initial configuration of FIG. 1 when the wristband modules 12 are provided. As a comparison of Fig. 3 with Fig. 4 shows, a subsequent expansion of the wristop computer 1 is possible. By assigning an application to a bracelet module 12, a simple direct operation of this application is possible. The main module 2 can be advantageously relieved by an additional fixed data memory and / or a volatile data memory and / or the display area provided by the display device 13. Here, the reaction speed of the computing device 7 of the main module 2 increases and / or a power requirement of the main module 2 decreases.

Overall, the example shows how the invention can provide a smartwatch with smart bracelet modules.

Claims

CLAIMS:

Wristop computer (1) for carrying on an arm of a user, comprising:

- A main module (2) with a housing (5), in which a touch screen (6) and a central computing device (7) are integrated, and

a wristband (3) connected to the housing (5) for holding the main module (2) on the arm, the wristband (3) having respective segments (10, 12) rotatably mounted relative to each other,

characterized in that

one or more or each of the segments (12) each having an electronic bracelet module (12) having a display device (13) and a communication device (17) for exchanging communication data with the central computing device (7).

Wristop computer (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the segments (12) has a respective connecting device (11), which is adapted to the bracelet module (12) reversibly and non-destructively releasably mechanically connected to the rest of the wristop computer (1).

Wristop computer (1) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting device comprises a shell element or a frame element in which each of the bracelet module (12) is reversibly and non-destructively releasably held, or wherein the bracelet module (12) represents the respective segment (12) and the connecting device (11) comprises articulated elements (11) of the rotatable mounting.

Wristop computer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central computing device (7) is adapted to operate the display device (13) of at least one bracelet module (12) as an extension of the touch screen (6) and to this as at least a part of the communication data graphics data for generating the display device (13) and sending it to the communication device (17) of the bracelet module (12).

Bracelet computer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one bracelet module (12) the display device (13) a touch-sensitive display surface (14) for detecting and signaling a user-side approach and / or touch of the display surface (14). 6. Wristop computer (1) according to claim 5, wherein the central computing device (7) is adapted to display at the at least one bracelet module (12) with touch-sensitive display surface (14) on the display device (13) a start symbol (18) for an application and via the display surface (14) to receive a user-side user input for starting the application.

7. Wristop computer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bracelet module (12) has a fixed data memory (15) with program data (16) of an application.

8. bracelet computer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bracelet module (3) has an energy store (19) for storing electrical energy for an electrical self-supply of the bracelet module (12) and / or for an electrical supply of the main module (2) having.

9. Wristop computer (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bracelet module (12) has a processor device (20) which is configured to autonomously execute an application and / or the central computing device (7) via the communication device (17). the bracelet module (12) when running an application to support.

10. wristband module (12) for a wristop computer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

- A housing (21), in which a display device (13) and a communication device (17) for exchanging communication data with a module-external computing means (7) are integrated, and

- A mechanical holding device (11) which is adapted to hold the housing (21) as a segment (12) or segment part in a bracelet (3) of the wristop computer (1).