CH708942A2 - Device for measuring parameters of a watch, and watch comprising such a device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (10) for measuring parameters of a watch (30), comprising a power connector (18) configured to interface with a mobile device (20), for example a smartphone. The measuring device (10) is therefore devoid of power sources because it is powered by the mobile device (20). It is placed in a watch (30).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for measuring parameters of a watch (in particular a wristwatch), and a watch (in particular a wristwatch) comprising such a measuring device. The present invention also relates to a system and a method for measuring parameters of a watch (in particular of a wristwatch).

State of the art

There are several devices which make it possible to measure the parameters of a watch, for example the duration of each alternation of the regulating member of the watch, the precision, the rate, the amplitude or the mark of the watch, etc.

[0003] These devices generally include an acoustic sensor which captures the noise produced by the "ticking" of the watch, and calculation means which make it possible to deduce the desired parameters therefrom. These devices are for example marketed by the company "Witschi Electronic AG".

[0004] These devices, known to watchmaking professionals, can measure parameters of mechanical watches. There are also devices which make it possible to analyze quartz watches, and which make it possible to measure their rate, consumption, coil resistance, insulation and battery voltage using acoustic sensors. , capacitive and magnetic.

[0005] These devices for measuring parameters of mechanical or quartz watches are devices external to the watch, which are not always worn by a user, for example in the same way as a smartphone, so that the measurement of Watch settings cannot be easily performed at any time of the day or night because the user hardly has such a device near him.

[0006] These devices are generally supplied by the electrical network. Some can be battery powered, which means that the user must occasionally open the device, remove the dead battery, put in a new battery and close the device.

If these devices are powered by the current supplied by the electrical network, to which they can be connected by a conventional outlet, these devices have fixed positions, linked to the positions of the outlets, and therefore the user must go where the device is placed to perform the measurements.

[0008] There are also applications for smartphones, which make it possible to measure the accuracy of a mechanical watch by placing the watch against the microphone (acoustic sensor) of the smartphone. The accuracy of the watch is then displayed on the screen of the smartphone. However, the type of microphone in smartphones is not suitable for precisely picking up the noise produced by the watch, and therefore the displayed parameters are not precise and not very robust.

In all the cases described, the watch noise sensor belongs to the measuring device which is external to the watch, and therefore the quality of the measured parameters depends on the distance between the sensor and the watch, and on the quality of the sensor.

[0010] Document EP 2 458 458 relates to a method of optical measurement of the precision of a mechanical watch using the camera of a smartphone.

[0011] Watches comprising noise sensors, for example piezoelectric sensors are also known. The measurements of the sensor make it possible to adjust the frequency of the watch, for example by acting on the rotation of the balance. In some cases, this piezoelectric sensor (or any other piezoelectric element) is also used to generate electrical energy (and therefore as a generator).

The company Urwerk SA presented in 2013 a watch comprising an optical sensor composed of a transmitter and a receiver positioned on either side of the balance, the role of which is to record the oscillations of this organ, over a predetermined period of time, in order to determine the accuracy of the watch. The optical system control electronics are internal to the watch and are autonomous. The watch has four small dials and the precision of the watch, expressed in seconds per day, is displayed directly on one of these small dials: however, due to the limited space of the small dial, it is not easily readable. Additionally, the watch does not display other measurements. Finally, the user who notices a malfunction of the watch while reading its precision, must manually adjust the active length of the hairspring using a regulating screw accessible from the outside of the watch.

Brief summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for measuring parameters of a watch, free from the limitations of known devices.

[0014] An aim of the present invention is to provide a device for measuring parameters of a watch, which is simpler than the known devices.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide a device for measuring parameters of a watch, which constitutes an alternative to known solutions.

[0016] According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular by means of a device for measuring parameters of a watch, comprising a power connector configured to interface with a mobile device, for example a smartphone.

[0017] Advantageously, the measuring device has no power sources, since it is configured to be powered by the mobile device.

[0018] The measuring device of the invention is therefore very simple, light, and it does not require any battery change.

In the context of this invention, the word "connector" alternately indicates one or the other of the plug ("male") or socket ("female") elements, the plug being configured to pair with the taken.

[0020] In a preferred variant, the power connector is a substantially cylindrical connector comprising at least one contact area.

[0021] In one variant, the power connector is a jack, in particular a "mini-jack", that is to say a jack connector having a length of less than 1 cm, for example 5 mm. In a variant, this mini-jack comprises at least two poles or contact regions (a contact region for the MIC microphone and a contact region for the GND ground). In another variant it comprises three contact regions (a contact region for the microphone MIC, a first speaker contact region R, and a second speaker contact region L). In another variant, it comprises four poles or contact regions (MIC, R, L contact regions plus a contact region for the GND ground). Each contact region corresponds to a channel. The "mini-jack" connector provides good electrical and magnetic shielding.

[0022] In another variant, the power connector is a connector, for example a planar connector, comprising at least one contact, for example a substantially round contact. If a planar connector includes at least two contacts, these contacts are arranged in a single plane. In one variant, this planar connector comprises two aligned round contact zones, with a diameter of less than 1 mm. In one variant, this connector has a peripheral zone for fixing by friction or by magnetic attraction. In a variant, this connector has two fixing screws at its ends. In a variant, this connector has four contact zones aligned for a total length of less than 10 mm.

[0023] In a preferred variant, the power to the mobile device is carried out thanks to the contact region for the microphone (MIC). In other words, the power supply for the measurement device is "phantom" power because the power supply passes through the channel for the microphone corresponding to the contact region for the microphone.

[0024] In a preferred variant, the value of the supply voltage of the mobile device is in the range 50 mV – 5V (DC or RMS), preferably in the range 1 V – 3 V, preferably equal to 1, 4 Voua 2.8 V.

[0025] In a variant, the measuring device according to the invention comprises a vibration sensor, to pick up vibrations and / or noises from the watch. This vibration sensor can include an electric microphone and / or a piezoelectric blade.

[0026] In a preferred variant, the acoustic sensor can be of the bimorph piezoelectric type and it can be made in the form of a beam or a disk or any other optimized form. This type of bimorph piezoelectric sensor captures mechanical vibrations, caused by shocks from the escapement, transmitted by conduction into the components of the watch.

In a preferred variant, the sensor is positioned as close as possible to the exhaust, for example at a distance of less than 25 mm from the exhaust, which makes it possible to obtain a good quality of acoustic measurement of the sound phenomena caused by will operate from the exhaust.

In a variant which uses a bimorph piezoelectric beam, the resonance frequency fo of the beam must be greater than the maximum frequency of the acoustic phenomenon measured. This frequency depends on the geometry of the beam (in particular on its length I, its height h, its width b and its section S) and on its mechanical properties (Young's modulus E, density and moment of inertia J, geometric coefficient vibratory modes, for example k1 = 1.875, k2 = 4.694, k3 = 7.855).

The following formulas give an example of calculating the moment of inertia J of the beam, and its resonant frequency f0:

[0030] In a preferred variant, the choice of the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric beam makes it possible to filter the low frequencies caused by environmental noise harmful to the measurement.

Advantageously, the measuring device according to the invention can comprise an amplifier, which makes it possible to amplify the signal produced by the vibration sensor, and to send it to the mobile device. Advantageously, the signal thus amplified is transmitted to the mobile device via the MIC contact region of the jack.

[0032] In a preferred variant, the amplifier can also frequency filter the signal received. In another variant, the measuring device comprises an additional filter, for example a bandpass filter, which can be placed before or after the amplifier.

In a preferred variant, the amplifier is produced with discrete components on a PCB ("Printed Circuit Board"), or in the form of an integrated circuit which can be encapsulated in a standard SMD type ("Surface Mounted Device" ”) Or CMS (Surface Mounted Compound), or directly crowded onto a PCB. In another variant without PCB, the amplifier is wired by micro insulated wires.

[0034] In a preferred variant, the amplifier and the vibration sensor are integrated in one and the same MEMS component ("Microelectromechanical Systems"). This variant makes it possible to advantageously reduce the dimensions of the measuring device, and particularly of the piezoelectric sensor in the form of a beam. The measuring device can thus be easily put in a watch.

[0035] In another variant, other possible components can be integrated into this MEMS component.

In another variant, the measuring device according to the invention comprises a magnetic sensor, for example a Hall sensor, a magnetometer, or a gaussmeter. This sensor is used to determine the state of magnetization of a watch, or to measure the parameters of a watch comprising a magnetic regulating member or any other magnetic component.

A demagnetizer can also be present in the measuring device and / or in an intermediate device for demagnetizing the watch in the event that it is magnetized.

In a preferred variant, the demagnetizer comprises two switches, a resistor, a capacitor suitable for being charged by a DC / DC converter and an inductor suitable for discharging the charge accumulated in the capacitor.

[0039] In a preferred variant, the measuring device according to the invention comprises a temperature sensor. In the event that the measuring device is placed in a watch, this sensor is suitable for measuring the temperature of the watch. In this way it is possible to measure the thermal sensitivity of the watch when temperature variations can be recorded. On the basis of these measurements, it is possible to carry out statistical studies.

[0040] In a preferential variant, the measuring device according to the invention comprises a pressure and / or humidity sensor. In a preferred variant, these sensor (s) make it possible to test the water resistance of the watch in which the measuring device can be placed. For example, the humidity sensor makes it possible to check whether there is water in the watch, because in the presence of water, the humidity increases. In addition, the pressure sensor can be used to check whether the initial pressure (eg 1 atm) at which the watch was closed has changed, which may indicate the presence of a leak.

[0041] In a preferred variant, the measuring device according to the invention comprises a device for measuring the power reserve. This device includes an angular position sensor connected to the barrel drum and the barrel shaft through a differential gear. In a preferred variant, the angular position sensor comprises an electric potentiometer fixed to the last gear of the differential.

[0042] In a preferred variant, the angular position sensor can be produced on the basis of an optical principle varying the intensity of a light beam in a manner proportional to the angular position of the last gear of the differential. Modulation of the light intensity can be achieved with a cog having a geometry capable of obstructing the light beam.

[0043] In a preferred variant, the angular position sensor can be produced on the basis of an optical principle of counting binary optical alternations of the absolute encoder type. The sensor may include an encoder wheel and an optical detector.

[0044] In a preferred variant, the angular position sensor can be produced on the basis of a magnetic principle. The final gear of the differential can be fitted in this case with a magnetic zone or a magnet and a Hall effect probe or any other suitable sensor.

[0045] In another variant, the device according to the invention comprises a microprocessor which can be connected to at least one of the following components: - the vibration sensor - the amplifier; - the magnetic sensor; - the demagnetizer; - a speaker; - the temperature, pressure and / or humidity sensor.

[0046] The measuring device according to the invention can advantageously be configured to transmit data to the mobile device and / or to receive data from the mobile device.

[0047] Indeed the contact region for the MIC microphone of the mini-jack can be used not only to power the amplifier and / or the vibration sensor of the mobile device, but also to send data to the mobile device.

The second speaker contact region L of the mini-jack socket can be used to receive data from the mobile device: in particular the microprocessor of the measuring device can be configured to produce these data transmitted by the device. mobile.

In a variant, the measuring device comprises a loudspeaker which can be controlled by a signal originating from the mobile device, and / or by the microprocessor of the mobile device.

The first speaker contact region R of the mini-jack socket can be used to receive a power signal from the mobile device, this power signal being sent to the rectifier and / or to the microprocessor of the control device. measured.

In another variant, the mobile device comprises a micro-transformer which precedes the rectifier. In this case the DC / DC converter will be replaced by another converter, for example an AC / AC converter.

Indeed, the mobile device according to the invention can include a sinusoidal frequency generator, which makes it possible to generate a sinusoidal signal having a frequency included in the range 5 kHz – 25 kHz, and a power included in the range 5 mW– 10 mW. In a preferred variant, the frequency is 22 kHz, which ensures the best power efficiency. In another preferred variant, the power is 7 mW. This signal can be modulated, for example in frequency, in order to transmit data to the measuring device.

In another variant, the mobile device according to the invention comprises a second vibration sensor for picking up the vibrations and / or the ambient noise: a subtraction module (digital or analog) of the signals picked up by the sensor of vibrations of the measuring device and by the vibration sensor of the mobile device may be present either in the measuring device or in the mobile device, so as to subtract the noise and / or the vibrations of the ambient from the noise respectively of the vibrations of the watch. This variant is particularly useful if the environment in which the measuring device is located is noisy.

In a preferred variant, the measuring device also includes an accelerometer. In the case where the measuring device is placed in a watch, this accelerometer makes it possible to detect the angular position in which the watch is measured, for example 6H, 3H, 9H, 12H, FH, CH.

In a preferred variant, this accelerometer can be integrated into the MEMS component mentioned above. In another variant, the watch includes an accelerometer and the measuring device is arranged to receive the acceleration data captured by this accelerometer.

The present invention also relates to a watch, in particular a wristwatch, comprising a measuring device as described above.

In a preferred variant, the measuring device comprises a piezoelectric acoustic sensor arranged to be positioned on or in a component of the watch, for example and without limitation a plate and / or a bridge of the watch.

[0058] In a preferred variant, the connector of the measuring device is placed in the middle part of the watch. In another preferred variant, the connector of the measuring device is placed in the bezel of the watch. In a preferred variant, the measuring device is placed in the back of the watch. In a preferred variant, the measuring device is placed in the bracelet of the watch.

[0059] The present invention also relates to a system for measuring parameters of a watch, comprising: - the measuring device according to the invention, - the mobile device, and - a connection between the measuring device and the mobile device.

[0060] In a preferred variant, the connection is made using a connection wire. In another variant, the connection can be made without wires.

[0061] In a preferred variant, the measuring device is placed in a watch.

[0062] In a variant, the system according to the invention also includes an intermediate device arranged to be placed between the measuring device and the mobile device. In particular, the intermediate device is arranged to connect to the measuring device through a first connection, and to the mobile device through a second connection.

In a preferred variant, the first connection is a wired connection, and the second connection is a wired or wireless connection. In another variant, the first connection is a wireless connection.

The intermediate device makes it possible to simplify the electronics of the measuring device and to perform measurements that are more complex or that it is not possible to perform with the measuring device and / or the mobile device.

In a preferred variant, the intermediate device is autonomous, and it comprises for example one or more cells and / or rechargeable batteries.

In another variant, the measuring device is arranged to be supplied by the intermediate device only (for example through a USB type connector). In another variant, the measuring device is arranged to be powered by the mobile device only. In another variant, the measuring device is arranged to be powered both by the intermediate device and by the mobile device.

[0067] In a preferred variant, the intermediate device comprises a microprocessor and at least one of the following components: - a GPS sensor; - a temperature and / or pressure and / or humidity sensor to measure the temperature, pressure and humidity of the external environment; - a magnetic sensor.

Advantageously, the connection wire between the measuring device and the mobile device (absence of intermediate device), or between the measuring device and the intermediate device (if the latter is present) comprises in correspondence of the end intended for the measuring device a micro-jack plug or a planar plug. This wire may include, in correspondence of the end intended for the mobile device respectively to the intermediate device, a jack, micro-jack or any other connector.

This wire can also include the channel for the microphone (MIC), the first speaker channel (R), and the second speaker channel (L). It can also include the channel for ground (GND).

Advantageously, the mobile device comprises a power source suitable for powering the measuring device via the channel for the microphone.

In a preferred variant, the mobile device comprises a sinusoidal frequency generator, making it possible to generate a sinusoidal power signal, which is sent to the measuring device via the first speaker channel.

[0072] The mobile device can also include a modulator to modulate this sinusoidal power signal, in order to send data to the measurement device via the second speaker channel. The modulation can be for example and without limitation a frequency modulation, but other types of modulation are also possible. The modulation can be analog or digital.

In a preferred variant, the mobile device and / or the intermediate device are programmable devices comprising at least one microprocessor, and a memory storing software that can be executed by this microprocessor in order to calculate at least one of the following parameters: - running of the watch; - amplitude and frequency of the oscillations of the regulating organ of the watch; - benchmarking; - graph; - bar graph; - sound scope - the noise of the rebate and / or other defects and / or other anomalies of the watch.

[0074] By measuring the power reserve, it is possible to compare the above parameters according to the state of the watch's power reserve.

In one variant, the software comprises portions of code for exporting these parameters to an external computer, with which the mobile device can communicate without or with son.

Advantageously, these parameters can be calculated using at least one of the following calculation methods: - detection by thresholding; - FFT (“Fast Fourier Transform”); - derivatives; - statistical analysis.

In a preferred variant, the mobile device and / or the intermediate device comprise a display, and the software comprises portions of code for displaying the parameters on this display.

In one variant, the mobile device / or the intermediate device comprises a memory, and the software comprises portions of code for storing the parameters of the watch in this memory.

In another variant, the software includes portions of code for diagnosing the watch on the basis of the parameters of the watch.

[0080] In another variant, the software comprises portions of code for communicating bidirectionally with an external computer or another mobile device.

In another variant, the software comprises code portions for determining whether the watch is magnetized, and / or for carrying out measurements of parameters of the watch in the case where the watch comprises a magnetic regulating member or any other magnetic component .

In another variant, the measuring device comprises an accumulator or rechargeable battery, arranged to be recharged by the measuring device and / or by the intermediate device.

[0083] The invention also relates to a method for measuring parameters of a watch, comprising the following steps Supplying a measuring device with a mobile device, this measuring device being placed in a watch; - measure parameters of the watch by this measuring device; - display these parameters on a screen of the mobile device and / or on a screen of an intermediate device arranged to be at the measuring device and at the mobile device.

The invention also relates to a means for non-transitory storage of computer-readable data, comprising instructions executed by a computerized control unit to measure parameters of a watch, these instructions causing the control unit to execute a method comprising the following steps: Supplying a measuring device with a mobile device, this measuring device being placed in a watch; - measure parameters of the watch; - display these parameters on a screen.

Brief description of the figures

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a watch comprising a measuring device according to an embodiment of the invention, and of a mobile device connected to the measuring device. Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of a watch comprising a measuring device according to another embodiment of the invention, and of a mobile device connected to the measuring device. Fig. 3 illustrates a front view of a watch comprising a measuring device according to another embodiment of the invention, and of a mobile device connected to the measuring device. Figs. 4A and 4B show two examples of a micro-jack plug. Fig. 5 illustrates an example of another connector of the measuring device according to the invention. Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a watch comprising a measuring device according to an embodiment of the invention, and a mobile device connected to the measuring device. Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a watch comprising a measuring device according to another embodiment of the invention, and a mobile device connected to the measuring device.

Example (s) of embodiment (s) of the invention

[0086] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the measuring system according to the invention, comprising: - the measuring device 10 according to the invention, which is placed in a watch 30, for example a wristwatch; - the mobile device 20, and - a connection 40 between the measuring device 10 and the mobile device 20.

In the illustrated variant, the connection is made using a connection wire 40. In another variant, the connection can be made without wires.

The measuring device 10 is placed in a watch 30 to be measured. In the illustrated variant, this watch 30 is shown schematically with the aid of a circle. Watch 30 can be a mechanical, quartz, electromechanical or magnetic watch. In this context, the expression "magnetic watch" denotes a watch comprising a magnetic regulating member as described, for example, in document WO 2011 051 497.

However, it should be considered that this watch also includes an analog display (hands, discs, etc.) or digital, a dial, a back, a bezel, a caseband, a crown stem and / or buttons - push buttons. In a variant it does not have a bracelet. In another variant, it can also include a bracelet.

The measuring device is shown for reasons of clarity with a continuous line in FIG. 1. It is however placed in the watch, for example in its movement or near its movement, of which it is not generally visible from the outside of the watch, unless the watch case or its dial include transparent parts. allowing to see inside.

Advantageously, the connection wire 40 comprises, in correspondence of the end intended for the measuring device 10, a mini-jack41 plug. This mini-jack41 is inserted into a mini-jack socket 18 of the measuring device 10, which is shown with a dotted line in FIG. 1.

In the context of this invention, the expression "mini-jack" indicates a miniaturized jack connector, that is to say having a length I (visible for example in FIGS. 4A and 4B) less than 1 cm, for example equal to 5 mm.

In another variant, the connector 41 is a planar connector, visible in FIG. 5, comprising round contacts 43 on the bezel or the caseband of the watch. A socket of this type can be attached to the corresponding plug by screwing.

The measuring device 10 according to the invention therefore comprises a power connector 18 configured to interface with the mobile device 20. In the example illustrated, the mobile device is a smartphone, but it can also be a tablet, a laptop, a laptop, a PDA, a "smart-watch", etc., or in general any device which includes a microprocessor and which can be arranged to power the measuring device 10. In a preferred variant the device mobile 20 can be worn by a user.

Advantageously, the measuring device 10 is devoid of power sources, because it is configured to be powered by the mobile device 20.

Advantageously, the power connector is the socket 18. The plug 41 is therefore configured to match with the socket 18.

In a preferred variant, the mini-jack socket 18 comprises at least two contact regions, for example three contact regions, each contact region being corresponding to a channel of the connection wire 40. The mini-jack plug 41 comprises also these three contact regions.

[0098] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of a mini-jack plug 41 comprising: a contact region for the microphone MIC, a first speaker contact region R, and a second speaker contact region L.

[0099] FIG. 4B illustrates another example of a mini-jack plug 41 comprising: a contact region for the microphone MIC, a first speaker contact region R, a second speaker contact region L and a contact region for the microphone. GND ground.

[0100] The connection wire 40 may therefore include a channel for the microphone (MIC), a first speaker channel (R), a second speaker channel (L), and possibly a channel for the ground (GND) .

[0101] The measuring device 10 is powered through the contact region for the MIC microphone. In other words, the mobile device 20 includes a power source (not shown) adapted to power the measuring device 10 via the MIC microphone channel of the lead wire 40.

[0102] In a preferred variant, the value of the supply voltage of the mobile device is 1.4 V.

[0103] The connection wire 40 may include, in correspondence of the end intended for the mobile device 20, another jack plug 42, or mini-jack or any other connector. In the example illustrated in fig. 1 the mobile device 20 comprises a female connector 28, shown with a dotted line, which mates with the plug 42.

[0104] In the variant of FIG. 1, the device according to the invention comprises a piezoelectric sensor 11, and an amplifier 13. As discussed, the supply of the sensor 11 and / or of the amplifier 13 is affected by the DC voltage of the MIC input of the connector 18 .

[0105] In a preferred variant, the sensor 11 is of the bimorph piezoelectric type and it can be made in the form of a beam or a disc or any other optimized shape.

The amplifier 13 makes it possible to amplify the signal produced by the vibration sensor 11, and to send it to the mobile device 20. Advantageously, the signal thus amplified is transmitted to the mobile device via the MIC contact region of the socket. mini-jack.

[0107] In a preferred variant, the amplifier can also frequency filter the signal received. In another variant, the measuring device comprises an additional filter, for example a bandpass filter, which can be placed before or after the amplifier.

[0108] In a preferred variant, the amplifier 13 is produced with discrete components on a PCB (“Printed Circuit Board”), or in the form of an integrated circuit which can be encapsulated in a standard SMD (“Surface Mounted Device ”) or CMS (Surface Mounted Compound), or directly crowded onto a PCB. In another variant devoid of PCB, amplifier 13 is wired by micro insulated wires.

[0109] In a preferred variant, the amplifier 13 and the vibration sensor 11 are integrated in one and the same MEMS component ("Microelectromechanical Systems"). This variant makes it possible to advantageously reduce the dimensions of the measuring device 10, and particularly of the piezoelectric sensor 11 in the form of a beam. The measuring device 10 can thus be easily placed in the watch 30.

[0110] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a watch 30 comprising a measuring device 10 according to another embodiment of the invention, and a mobile device 20 connected to the measuring device 10. In this variant, the measuring device 10 also comprises a microprocessor 14 and an accelerometer 12.

[0111] The accelerometer 12 makes it possible to detect the position in which the watch is measured. In a variant, the accelerometer 12 belongs to the MEMS component mentioned above.

[0112] In a variant, the accelerometer 12 does not belong to the measuring device 10, but to the watch 30. In this case, the measuring device 10 is arranged to receive the acceleration data picked up by this accelerometer 12.

[0113] In the variant illustrated in FIG. 3, the system according to the invention also comprises an intermediate device 50 arranged to be placed between the measuring device 10 and the mobile device 20. In particular, the intermediate device 50 is arranged to connect to the measuring device 10 through a first connection 40, and to the mobile device 20 through a second connection 60.

[0114] In a preferred variant, the first connection 40 is a wired connection, and the second connection 60 is a wired or wireless connection (for example Bluetooth, Wifi, etc.). In another variant, the first connection 40 is a wireless connection.

[0115] In a preferred variant, the intermediate device 50 comprises a microprocessor 14 and at least one of the following components: - a GPS sensor (not illustrated), which in a variant is used to calibrate the time base of the mobile device 20; - a temperature and / or pressure and / or humidity sensor 19; - a magnetic sensor (not illustrated).

[0116] In another variant, the measuring device also comprises a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor, for example a Hall effect sensor in the measuring device 10 and / or in the intermediate device 50 makes it possible to measure the state of magnetization of the watch or the presence of a magnetic field of the environment during the measured.

[0117] Advantageously, the connection wire 40 between the measuring device 10 and the intermediate device 50 comprises, in correspondence of the end intended for the measuring device, a micro-jack plug or a planar plug. This wire 40 may include, in correspondence of the end intended for the intermediate device 50, a jack, micro-jack or any other connector.

[0118] In the variant of FIG. 3, the measuring device 10 according to the invention also comprises one or more actuators 17, arranged to be driven by the mobile device 20 and / or the intermediate device 50 according to the measurements obtained. This may include the adjustment of the racket 170, the time reset, the date, the chime, the setting to the mark, a possible demagnetization, etc.

[0119] The presence of one or more actuators 17, even if shown in FIG. 3, is not necessarily linked to the presence of the intermediate device 50.

[0120] In a variant, the measuring device comprises one or more inductive sensors for detecting the passage of the seconds or minutes hand, or of the arms of the balance, in order to carry out the long-term state measurement, by example after 24 hours. In another variant, the measuring device comprises one or more optical sensors for detecting the passage of the seconds or minutes hand.

[0121] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the components of an embodiment of the measuring device 10 in a watch 30, and of a mobile device 20.

[0122] In the variant illustrated in FIG. 6, the measuring device 10 comprises a vibration sensor 11. In a preferred variant, the mobile device 20 is arranged to assess whether a noise or a vibration produced by the watch 30 and as picked up by the sensor 11 is not "compliant. », Eg scrap, wear or breakage of components, condition of oiling, etc.

This vibration sensor 11 is connected to the amplifier 13, which makes it possible to amplify the signal produced by the vibration sensor 11, and to send it to the mobile device 20. The signal thus amplified is advantageously transmitted to the device. mobile via the MIC channel of connection wire 40.

[0124] The PCM channel therefore allows the sending of a supply signal from the mobile device 20 to the measuring device 10, and it also allows the sending of the signal produced by the amplifier 13 of the monitoring device. measure 10 towards the mobile device 20, as indicated by the double arrow in fig. 3. This PCM channel can also be used to transmit to the mobile device 20 other data signals, as will be seen later.

[0125] In the illustrated variant, the amplifier 13 can also frequency filter the signal received by the sensor 11. In another variant, the measuring device comprises an additional filter (not illustrated), which can be placed before or after the amplifier 13.

[0126] In the variant of FIG. 6, the measuring device 10 comprises a magnetic sensor 15, for example a Hall sensor. This sensor 15 can be used to determine the state of magnetization of a watch 30, or to measure the parameters of a magnetic watch 30 or one comprising magnetic components.

[0127] In the variant of FIG. 6, the measuring device 10 and / or the intermediate device 50 also comprise a demagnetizer 16 for demagnetizing the watch in the event that it is magnetized.

[0128] In a variant, this demagnetizer 16 comprises two switches T1 and T2, a resistor Rc, a capacitor C adapted to be charged by a DC / DC converter »162 and an inductor adapted to discharge the charge accumulated in the capacitor C. The DC / DC converter62 can convert either the output signal of the rectifier 161 or an external voltage signal 164 into the DC voltage signal of higher value. The rectifier 161 communicates via the contact region R of the socket 18 with the first one. speaker channel R, on which a power signal is sent by the mobile device 20. A micro-transformer (not illustrated) can precede the rectifier 161 to achieve an impedance and voltage adaptation of the signal.

The mobile device 20 can comprise a sinusoidal frequency generator 26, which makes it possible to generate a sinusoidal signal having for example a frequency of 22 kHz and a power of 7.4 mW. This signal can be modulated, for example in frequency, in order to transmit data to the measuring device 10.

[0130] In a preferred variant, the supply voltage which is sent to the measuring device 10 via the PCM channel is used to supply the vibration sensor 11, and possibly the amplifier 13, the power signal which passes is sent to the measuring device 10 via the first speaker channel R is used to supply power to other electronic components of the measuring device 10, for example the microprocessor 14, etc.

Advantageously, these data are transmitted to the measuring device 10 via the second loudspeaker channel L. The measuring device 10 then comprises a microprocessor 14 for processing these data transmitted by the mobile device. It can also include a memory (not shown) for storing this data.

[0132] In another variant, the first speaker channel R is used to send data to the measuring device 10, and the second loudspeaker channel L to send the power signal to the measuring device 10.

[0133] The microprocessor 14 can be linked to at least one of the following components: - the vibration sensor 11; - amplifier 13; - the magnetic sensor 15; - the demagnetizer 16; - the rectifier 161; - the DC / DC converter 162; - the temperature sensor 19; - a micro-transformer (not illustrated).

[0134] In a variant of FIG. 6 the measuring device 10 in fact comprises a temperature sensor 19, suitable for measuring the temperature of the watch 30 and / or the ambient temperature.

[0135] In another variant, the intermediate device 50 and / or the mobile device 20 comprise a second vibration sensor (not shown) for picking up the vibrations and / or the ambient noise: a subtraction module (digital or analog) ) signals picked up by the two vibration sensors can be present either in the measuring device 10 or in the mobile device 20 or in the intermediate device, so as to subtract the noise and / or the vibrations of the ambient, from the noise respectively vibrations of the watch 30.

The mobile device 20 and / or the intermediate device are programmable devices comprising at least one microprocessor 21, and a memory storing software that can be executed by this microprocessor 21 in order to calculate at least one of the following parameters:

[0137] One method of displaying the sound scope consists in selecting each noise being measured by a thresholding method for displaying the values of the sound scope (trigger of an oscilloscope function).

[0138] The mobile device 20 can export these parameters to an external computer, with which the mobile device 20 can communicate with or without wires.

[0139] Advantageously, these parameters can be calculated using at least one of the following calculation methods: - detection by thresholding; - FFT (“Fast Fourier Transform”); - derivatives; - statistical analysis.

[0140] These calculations are carried out in the mobile device 20 and / or in the intermediate device 50. The measurement results are displayed on the mobile device 20, and / or on the intermediate device 50. In another variant l The display of the measurement results is achieved by indicators of the watch 30, for example needles and / or special discs which can be actuated by actuators, or by any other type of display, including a digital display.

[0141] In a variant, the measuring system according to the invention recognizes the oscillation frequency 1 / Tm of the regulating organ of the watch, for example on the basis of the automatic recognition of the watch, as will be seen more far, either because it is arranged to compare the measured frequency with possible frequencies, or because this frequency is entered by the user with the aid of haptic means of the mobile device 20 and / or of the intermediate device 50 .

[0142] The system according to the invention therefore measures the amplitude of the signals representing "tics" and "tacs", which are peaks. It is possible that peaks are discarded if their amplitude is less than a threshold.

[0143] Then the system according to the invention measures the temporal distance between two consecutive peaks Tb, and therefore calculates the rate of the watch using the following formula:

[0144] In another variant, instead of measuring the temporal distance between two consecutive peaks Tb, the system according to the invention measures the temporal distance T between two non-consecutive peaks, and divides this value by the number of peaks N present in this range T. In this case the value T / N is used in the previous formula instead of Tb.

Another calculation method based on derivatives is used to increase the robustness and reliability of the calculation algorithms. The detection of a noise peak can be validated by a sufficient consecutive number of instantaneous derivatives greater than a limit value.

[0146] In another variant, only certain measured peaks are considered to calculate the parameters of the watch (statistical method): in this case the calculation algorithm will be more robust, but less precise in the short term.

[0147] The mobile device 20 can include a display which in a preferred variant is a touch screen. The measured parameters and / or the results of the calculations carried out on the basis of these parameters can therefore be displayed on this screen 22. In another variant, they can be displayed on the display 12 of the measuring device 10.

These parameters and the calculation results can be stored in the memory of the mobile device 20, or else also in a memory (not shown) of the intermediate device 50.

[0149] Advantageously, the software executed by the mobile device can include portions of code for diagnosing the watch 30 on the basis of the measured or calculated parameters.

[0150] For example if the measured frequency does not correspond to that expected, or if the noises produced by the watch 30 are not those expected, the mobile device 20 displays a message on its screen 22, which will indicate to the user the type of problem. In another variation this message will be communicated to the user with an audio signal only.

[0151] Advantageously, if the measurement conditions of watch 30 do not correspond to those expected, for example because it is very hot, or else because the user is in a mountain town at a high altitude, or else because the user is near a magnetic field, the mobile device 20 and / or the intermediate device 50 according to the invention are able to understand that the malfunction detected can be linked to these external conditions. In this case they can communicate that to the user, for example by means of the display 22. To do this, he uses the various sensors present in the mobile device 20 and / or in the measuring device 10 and / or in the device. intermediate 50, that is to say the temperature, pressure, magnetic sensors, a GPS 24 module, etc.

[0152] In another variant, the mobile device 20 and / or the intermediate device 50 can communicate to the user that the measurement is in progress, or else that the measurement cannot be carried out because, for example, there is too much noise. in the environment where the system according to the invention is placed.

[0153] In another variant, the mobile device 20 and / or the intermediate device 50 are arranged to communicate the malfunctions of the watch 30 to an external computer, which can be from the manufacturer of the watch 30, or which can be connected. to a computer of the manufacturer of the watch 30: the supplier can therefore understand the type of problem and, if necessary, communicate a message to the user inviting him to bring the watch 30 for checking and / or repair. This message can be displayed on screen 22.

[0154] If the sensor 11 picks up a noise that does not conform to the watch 30, for example a rebate, the mobile device 20 and / or the measuring device 10 and / or the intermediate device 50 are arranged to record this noise and to send the sound file to an external computer for further analysis of the detected problem.

[0155] In another variant, the manufacturer of the watch 30 can send messages to the user via the measuring system according to the invention, independently of the detection of operating problems with the watch. For example these messages can communicate the release of a new watch model from the manufacturer, etc.

[0156] Thanks to the system according to the invention, by exploiting the presence of the GPS module 24 of the mobile device 20, or of the GPS module of the intermediate device 50, the manufacturers of the watch 30 can build a database by locating the watches, and especially those that do not work.

[0157] In another variant, the user can enter his personal data into the mobile device 20 and / or into the intermediate device 50, which may also be communicated to the manufacturer of the watch. In this variant, the manufacturers of watch 30 can build another database in which each watch 30 corresponds to a geographical position, to a person, and may have malfunctions. Statistics can therefore be easily compiled, for example to find out how many people between 30 and 40 years old in Europe wear a watch of a certain type.

[0158] In another variant, the mobile device 20 and / or the intermediate device 50 comprise a database of different types of watches with the respective oscillation frequency, or else it can have access to such an external database of different types of watches. The mobile device 20 can therefore be configured to recognize the type of watch on the basis of the measurements carried out and / or on the basis of these databases.

[0159] The databases mentioned above can be shared on a social network.

[0160] In another variant, the mobile device 20 and / or the intermediate device 50 have access to a database comprising the photos of different types of watch 30. The user can therefore display these photos on the screen 22 and choose the one corresponding to the watch he wishes to measure. The measuring device, based on the type of watch selected, may also have access to other data relating to that watch, for example its oscillation frequency, its weight, etc.

[0161] In a preferred variant, in this database are also stored the types of problems that this watch may very likely have: in fact this database is scalable, that is to say it takes into account the problems. problems that other watches have already had and may have.

[0162] In another variant, the vibration sensor 11 is replaced by an acoustic sensor, for example an acoustic microphone. In this case this microphone can be placed directly on a PCB. The use of an acoustic sensor, however, does not enable the noise of the watch 30 to be captured with an efficiency comparable to that of a vibration sensor, and therefore the measured parameters will not be precise.

[0163] In a first variant, the mobile device 20 according to the invention can determine whether the watch 30 is magnetized using the magnetic sensor 15 of the measuring device 10.

[0164] In a second variant, the mobile device 20 can determine whether the watch 30 is magnetized using the magnetic sensor 25 of the same mobile device 20.

[0165] In a third variant, the intermediate device 50 can determine whether the watch 30 is magnetized by using a magnetic sensor of the same intermediate device 50.

In the three variants, the watch 30 can be demagnetized using the demagnetizer16 of the measuring device 10. In another variant, the mobile device 20 and / or the intermediate device 50 can also include a demagnetizer (not shown) for demagnetizing watch 30.

[0167] The magnetic sensor 15 of the measuring device 10 and / or the magnetic sensor 25 of the mobile device 20 and / or the magnetic sensor of the intermediate device 50 can also be used to carry out measurements of parameters of the regulating organ of the watch 30 in the case where watch 30 comprises a magnetic regulating member.

[0168] The mobile device 20 and / or the intermediate device may include a time base 29, visible in FIG. 7, used to calculate the parameters of the watch 30, for example its frequency, its amplitude, its setting, etc.

[0169] In another variant, the GPS module 24 of the mobile device 20 and / or a GPS module of the intermediate device can be used to calibrate / validate the time base of the input of the PCM channel. By generating noise at a time interval defined by the 1pps signal from the GPS module 24 having an accuracy better than 1 <E> -6s, it suffices to count the number of samples picked up by the vibration sensor 11 between each noise generated. The number of samples multiplied by the theoretical sampling period gives the time measured in two reference pulses. The difference between the two measured durations then serves as a correction factor for the frequency of the time base. This calibration can be carried out either during the manufacture of the system, and then periodically, or by integrating a GPS receiver in the intermediate module 50 and / or in the mobile device 20. It is also possible to carry out a calibration with a base. of precision time 29: an atomic clock, or any other time base, for example a time base which can be located on the Internet.

Reference numbers used in figures

[0170] 10 Measuring device 11 Vibration sensor 12 Accelerometer 13 Amplifier 14 Microprocessor 15 Magnetic sensor 16 Demagnetizer 17 Actuator 18 Mini-jack socket 19 Temperature sensor 20 Mobile device 21 Microprocessor 22 Display 23 Memory 24 GPS module 26 Sine wave generator 27 Digital to analog converter 28 Socket 29 Time base module 30 Watch 40 Connection wire 41 Mini-jack plug 42 Plug 43 Round contacts 50 Intermediate device 60 Connection wire 161 Rectifier 162 DC / DC converter MIC Microphone channel R First high channel speaker L Second speaker channel GND Channel for ground

Claims (35)

A watch parameter measuring device (10) comprising a power connector (18) configured to interface with a mobile device (20), for example a smartphone. 2. The device of claim 1, said power connector (18) being a substantially cylindrical connector comprising at least one contact zone. 3. The device of claim 2, said power connector (18) being a jack having a length less than 1 cm, for example 5 mm. 4. The device of claim 1, said power connector (18) being a planar connector comprising at least one round contact (43). 5. The device according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a vibration sensor (11), for sensing a noise and / or vibrations of the watch (30). 6. The device of claim 5, the vibration sensor (11) comprising a piezoelectric sensor. 7. The device according to one of claims 5 to 6, comprising an amplifier (13) connected to said vibration sensor (11). 8. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the vibration sensor (11) and / or the amplifier (13) are made in micro integrated manufacturing (MEMS). 9. The device according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a magnetic sensor (15) and / or inductive. The device of claim 9, comprising a microprocessor (14) arranged to be connected to at least one of the following components: Said vibration sensor (11); Said amplifier (13); Said magnetic (15) and / or inductive sensor; A temperature (19) and / or pressure and / or humidity sensor. The device according to one of claims 1 to 10, configured to transmit data to the mobile device (20) and / or to receive data from the mobile device (20). 12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an accelerometer (12) for sensing the accelerations of said watch (30) and / or the angular position of said watch (30). 13. Watch (30) comprising the measuring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. 14. Watch according to the preceding claim, wherein the vibration sensor (11) of the measuring device (10) comprises a piezoelectric sensor arranged to be positioned on or in a component of the watch (30), for example a platinum and / or a bridge of the watch. 15. Watch according to one of claims 13 or 14, comprising a middle part, a telescope, a bottom and / or a bracelet, said connector (18) of said measuring device (10) being placed in said middle and / or in said bezel and / or in said bottom, and / or in said bracelet. 16. System for measuring parameters of a watch comprising - the measuring device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12; Said mobile device (20); - a connection (40) between said measuring device (10) and said mobile device (20). 17. The system according to the preceding claim, comprising a watch (30), said watch (30) comprising said measuring device (10). The system according to one of claims 16 or 17, comprising an intermediate device (50) arranged to connect to the measuring device (10) through a first connection (40), and to the mobile device (20) through a second connection (60). 19. The system according to the preceding claim, the power connector (18) of said measuring device (10) being configured to interface with said intermediate device (50). 20. The system according to the preceding claim, the power connector (18) being a USB connector. 21. The system according to one of claims 16 to 20, said intermediate device (50) comprising a microprocessor (14) and at least one of the following components: - a GPS sensor A temperature and / or pressure and / or humidity sensor; - a magnetic sensor. The system of claim 16, said connection comprising a lead wire (40), said lead wire including a jade plug (41) for pairing with the jack (18) of the measuring device (10). and having a length less than 1 cm, for example 5 mm. 23. The system according to one of claims 16 to 22, said mobile device (20) and / or the intermediate device (50) comprising a power source adapted to supply said measuring device (10). 24. The system according to one of claims 16 to 23, said mobile device (20) comprising a sinusoidal frequency generator (26) for generating a sinusoidal power signal, said power signal being sent to the measuring device via the first speaker channel of the meter's jack. 25. The system according to claim 24, said sinusoidal power signal having a frequency in the range 5 kHz-5 kHz, for example 22 kHz and / or a power in the range 5 mW-10 mW, for example 7.4 mW. The system according to one of claims 16 to 25, said mobile device comprising a modulator for modulating said sinusoidal power signal, in order to send data to the measuring device (10) via the first speaker contact region ( R) of the jack (18) of the measuring device (10). 27. The system according to one of claims 18 to 26, said mobile device (20) and / or said intermediate device (50) being a programmable device comprising at least one microprocessor (21, 14), and a memory (23) storing software executable by said microprocessor to calculate at least one of the following parameters: - watch running; - amplitude and frequency of oscillations of the watch; - setting at the benchmark; - graph; - graph bar; - sound scope; - the sound of rebate and / or other defects and / or other abnormalities of the watch (30). 28. The system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a device for measuring the power reserve of the watch (30). 29. The system according to one of claims 27 or 28, wherein said software comprises portions of code for comparing at least one of said parameters with said power reserve of the watch (30). The system according to one of claims 27 to 29, said mobile device (20) and / or said intermediate device (50) comprising a display (22), and wherein said software comprises portions of code for displaying said parameters. on said display. The system of one of claims 27 to 30, wherein said software comprises portions of code for storing said parameters in said memory (23). 32. The system according to one of claims 27 to 31, said software comprising portions of code for diagnosing the watch (30) on the basis of said parameters. 33. The system according to one of claims 27 to 32, said software comprising portions of code for determining whether the watch (30) is magnetized, and / or for measuring the parameters of the regulating organ of the watch in the case where said watch comprises magnetic components. 34. Method for measuring parameters of a watch (30), comprising the following steps - feeding a measuring device (10) with a mobile device (20), this measuring device (10) being placed in a watch (30); Measuring parameters of the watch (30) by this measuring device (10); Displaying these parameters on a screen (22) of the mobile device (20) and / or on a screen of an intermediate device (50) arranged to be connected to the measuring device (10) and the mobile device (20). 35. Non-transient computer-readable data storage means comprising instructions executed by a computerized control unit for measuring parameters of a watch, said instructions causing said control unit to execute a method comprising the following steps - feeding a measuring device (10) with a mobile device (20), said measuring device being placed in a watch (30); - measuring parameters of the watch (30); - display these parameters on a screen (22).