EP0715233B1 - Time piece with analogue display having means for selecting numerical information - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a timepiece with analog display comprising position sensors provided on the room for the selection of information predetermined numerical means of input of each selected digital information and means of processing of said digital information. The invention can be used in a watch fitted with a calculator, a system for dialing numbers phone or other device that requires the selection and entry of digital information. The invention will therefore be disclosed in the context of one of these specific applications. However, it is quite clear that the invention is not limited to this application.

The arrangement of a watch with analog display comprising position sensors arranged around its periphery is already known (GB-A-2 207 262). Such an arrangement is used in the case of a watch which, in addition to a display hourly, includes a non-hourly device, such as calculator. In this case we use the position for selection and entry of information numeric which are the digits 0 to 9 and the functions ×, ÷, +, - and =. Each position sensor is associated with different digital information. Activation of a position sensor, for example by applying a pressure on its surface, allows the user to select the number or function associated with it sensor. Then we enter this information digital and we process it through a processing circuit being part of the calculator. The result of the treatment is displayed via a crystal display liquids incorporated into the watch.

The invention aims to provide a part timepieces with analog display comprising position sensors which allows you to select digital information in a clear, legible and intelligible to guarantee the user a easy and risk-free handling of this part error.

The invention also aims to provide a part timepieces with analog display comprising position sensors of a construction and a simple operation. Another object of the invention is to provide a timepiece that is both reliable and inexpensive expensive and able to process one or more digital information that is selected by through these position sensors.

To this end, the invention relates to a part timepieces with analog display, comprising at least a stepper motor driving display hands hourly information, means of controlling the stepper motor, position sensors provided in angular sectors defined on the part, activation of each of said position sensors allowing the selection of predetermined digital information, means for entering said digital information selected and means for processing said digital information, characterized in that said control means are arranged so that at least one said needles is driven so that it indicates the angular sector corresponding to said sensor position activated to confirm the selection of said digital information.

Thanks to these characteristics, the invention allows the production of a timepiece comprising position sensors which gives the user a visual confirmation of the digital information it has selected which is clear and simple and which facilitates the manipulation of the timepiece.

According to a particular embodiment, the position sensors coincide on the workpiece with the indications of a classic time display.

According to another particular embodiment, the position sensors combined with the indications of 1h at 9 o'clock respectively allow the selection of the digits 1 at 9.

• la figure 1 représente, à titre d'exemple et de manière schématique, une pièce d'horlogerie à affichage analogique selon la présente invention;
• la figure 2 représente, à titre d'exemple et de manière schématique, le schéma de fonctionnement d'un compteur de position incorporé dans le schéma de la figure 1;
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus montrant une pièce d'horlogerie selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention; et,
• les figures 4a et 4b représentent un tableau ou organigramme des différentes fonctions remplies par une pièce d'horlogerie selon la présente invention, cette pièce incorporant le schéma bloc de la figure 1.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 shows, by way of example and schematically, a timepiece with analog display according to the present invention;
• Figure 2 shows, by way of example and schematically, the operating diagram of a position counter incorporated in the diagram of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a top view showing a timepiece according to a particular embodiment of the invention; and,
• FIGS. 4a and 4b represent a table or flowchart of the various functions fulfilled by a timepiece according to the present invention, this part incorporating the block diagram of FIG. 1.

We have therefore represented in FIG. 1, in the form of a block diagram, a timepiece, for example a watch, constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

As seen in Figure 1, the coin timepieces according to the invention comprises, in series, a crystal oscillator 2, a division 4 chain delivering a signal at 1 Hz, a second counter, referenced 6, and a minute hand position counter, referenced 8.

It also includes a divider by twelve referenced 10, receiving the signal from the position counter of the second hand 6, and a position counter an hour hand referenced 12, the entry of which is connected to the output of the divider 10. The counters 6, 8 and 12 are counters by sixty whose mode of functioning is represented schematically by the figure 2.

As seen in Figure 2, pulses to count are provided to the counters (left arrow on the drawing). These successive pulses are counted by a binary register of at least six bits, whether increment. The status of this register can be read at any time moment (down arrow on the drawing). Every increment, the register is tested by a circuit for see if the number it contains is equal to sixty. Yes this is the case, a pulse is emitted by the circuit of test and this pulse causes the reset from the registry. The test circuit therefore constitutes a divider by sixty whose signal can be sent to another counter (right arrow on the drawing), which can be the counter 6, 8 or 12.

The counters 8 and 12 (Figure 1) characterize, in normal operating mode, i.e. in the time, position, defined according to sixty paces, minute and hour hands per report on the dial of the timepiece. The second counter only used to provide a signal whose frequency allows to increment appropriately the other counters 8 and 12.

This timepiece is furthermore provided with two motors 18 and 20 can be controlled so independent respectively by power circuits 14 and 16 to respectively drive the needle of minutes MN and the hour hand H (Figure 3).

Circuits 14 and 16 receive, in time mode normal, the pulses applied respectively to the inputs of the hand position counters 8 and 12 minutes and hours.

The arrangement of the engines and cogs of the this timepiece will not be described here. In indeed, we already know clock movements comprising several motors for actuating individually the needles. Patent EP 0 393 606 in particular describes a watch movement including two motors capable of driving independently the minute hand and the hour hand.

The elements which have just been described explain the functioning of this timepiece essentially analog in terms of display normal time. However, in accordance with this invention, the analog watch described here can also be used to select, enter and process digital information and to then order the operation of a non-hourly device incorporated in the watch.

The elements of Figure 1 which will now be described, allow these specific functions to be fulfilled.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the timepiece according to the invention comprises electronic control means 22 comprising means for controlling the stepping motors 24 to enable it to fulfill various display functions of the time and means for processing digital information 26 to enable it to perform a function called "processing" of one or more digital information. The control means 24 comprise inputs MN and H to receive the contents of the counters 8 and 12 for position of the minute and hour hands, two activation inputs AN, EN and two input D ⁺ , D ^- for the data of displacement of the needles respectively forwards and backwards.

The signals applied to the inputs AN, EN, D ⁺ and D ^- are supplied by a circuit 28 for interpreting the position and displacement of a control rod, referenced T and shown in FIG. 3. The operation of the control rod T and the interpretation circuit 28 will not be described in detail here since the person skilled in the art already knows devices of this type. Patent EP 0 175 961 in particular describes a control rod associated with an interpretation circuit which can easily be adapted to be used with the timepiece presently described.

The control means 24 also include two outputs Mmn and Mh for delivering pulses to the motors 18 and 20, and a control output C for managing the state of two switches 30, 32 arranged at the input of the power circuits 14, 16 and arranged to transmit to them, either the pulses applied to the inputs of the position counters of the minute hand and the hour hand when the switches are in a first position 8 and 12 referenced a in FIG. 1, or the pulses delivered by the control means 22, when the switches are in a second position referenced b .

The electronic control means 22 can be advantageously produced in the form of a circuit integrated with a programmed microcontroller. The man of the trade will know, from the indications provided here, programming the microcontroller, so that make him perform the functions described.

In normal time display mode, the means of command are inactive and motors 18 and 20 receive the pulses applied to the inputs of the counters of position 8 and 12 of the minute hands respectively and hours.

Referring now to Figure 3, we will describe below an embodiment of the timepiece according to the invention, and more particularly its means allowing selection and entry of information digital for processing by electronic means of control 22 in non-hourly tasks.

Timepiece 1 conventionally comprises a box B, as well as a control rod T which we see here only the crown.

The timepiece 1 also includes a dial C on which a classic display of the time (not referenced) with indications 0 (on the classic position 12h) to 9, written in the direction hourly on dial C. In addition timepiece 1 has a first hand, here the hour hand H, and a second hand, here the minute hand MN.

In addition, timepiece 1 includes position sensors 51 to 62. Positioning a finger of a user of timepiece 1 on one of position sensors 51 to 62 cause emission by this sensor of a signal to the processing means digital information 26. Construction details and the position sensors 51 to 62 do not operate will not be described in detail here because the skilled person already knows sensors of this type. Patent CH 623 195 in particular, describes a capacitive sensor associated with a watch can easily be adapted for use with the timepiece presently described.

As seen in Figure 3, the positions 51 to 62 are respectively arranged in angular sectors S1 to S12 defined on the part watchmaking 1. Note that the position sensors 51 to 62, in the example shown in Figure 3, are confused with the indications of a classic display of time.

Dial C has indications 0 to 9 which are respectively confused with the 12h indications (mark 0) at 9 a.m. of the classic time display. By elsewhere, the dial C has indications + and -, which are confused with the indication 10h of the display classic time, and indications x and ÷ which are confused with the 11h indication of the classic display Of time.

The timepiece 1 further comprises two PS1 and PS2 pushbuttons, conventionally arranged with both sides of rod T.

In addition, timepiece 1 includes a AF display device for displaying information digital. The AF display device can be produced, for example, in the form of a display liquid crystals.

In the example shown, the position sensors 51 to 62 are advantageously arranged on the box B around of dial C, and in a nonlimiting manner, on a bezel, preferably fixed. Position sensors 51 to 62 can also be arranged on ice, not shown, or elsewhere on timepiece 1.

The table or flowchart of Figures 4a and 4b includes ten drawings or steps (referenced from A to J) representing different functions that can be fulfilled by the watch according to the invention.

Setting the time

The elements which have just been described allow correct the time displayed by the hands (which corresponds to step B on the table in Figure 4a).

When the watch is in the normal time display mode (illustrated by step A), the time correction function is activated by pulling the rod (step B). The displacement towards the outside of the rod causes the transmission by the interpretation circuit 28 (FIG. 1) of a signal towards the input EN of the motor control means 24. The reception of this signal by the means of motor control 24 causes switches 30 and 32 to pass to state b . Simultaneously, the motor control means 24 emit a high signal on the reset line of the second counter referenced 6 to keep it at zero so that it no longer provides the signal for incrementing the position counters 8 and 12 respectively minute and hour hands.

The interpretation circuit 28 then sends pulses corresponding to the different rotational movements printed on the rod, by the user, to the inputs D ⁺ , D ^- motor control means 24 which, in turn, emit pulses control to increment or decrement the counters 8 and 12 of position of the minute and hour hands and to simultaneously control the motors 18, 20 in order to move the hands. When at the end of the time setting operation, the rod is pushed back (step A), the interpretation circuit 28 provides a deactivation signal to the motor control means 24 which in turn will provide a signal at their output C to put the switches 30, 32 in state a . Simultaneously, the signal on the reset line returns to zero and the second counter 6 starts again.

Method of processing digital information

As previously mentioned, the coin timepiece described here is intended to achieve a additional so-called processing function.

To this end, the means for processing digital information 26 includes a CP input for receive output signals from position sensors 51 to 62 and two inputs P1 and P2. Signals applied to inputs P1 and P2 are provided by a second circuit of interpretation 34 of the displacement respectively of PS1 and PS2 pushbuttons.

When a user places his finger on one of the position sensors 51 to 62, a high signal is sent to the information processing means digital 22. The signals present at the outputs of others position sensors are low. So the whole position sensor output signals 51 to 62 correspond, at the CP input, to a binary value representing the position sensor that is activated. The digital information processing means 26 are able to convert this binary value to a value of 1 to 60 corresponding to the characteristic positions of hour and minute hands on dial C to that they overlap and indicate one of the sectors angular S1 to S12.

The electronic control means 22 include besides a timing circuit 36 which is intended for send a confirmation signal to the processing means digital information 26 at the end of a period determined after an activation signal is received from this latest.

In addition, timepiece 1 includes a circuit 38 to control the display device AF. The control circuit 38 receives signals corresponding to the digital information to be displayed, which come from the means of information processing digital 26.

This digital information to be displayed is then sent to the AF display device for display.

In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 3, the timepiece according to the invention further comprises a acoustic signal synthesizer circuit referenced 40, which is connected to the electronic control means 22. This circuit is activated at selected times during the stages input of digital information by the user.

Entering "processing" mode

When the watch is in the normal time display mode, and the interpretation circuit 24 (FIG. 1) transmits, in the direction of the input AN of the electronic control means 22, an activation signal corresponding to a pressure exerted on the rod, the electronic control means 22 emit a signal on their output C to place the switches 30 and 32 in state b (FIG. 1), that is to say to block the pulses coming from the counters 8 and 12. Simultaneously, the electronic control means 22 read the contents of the counters 8 and 12 to know the position of the minute and hour hands. The selection of digital information is made by the user of the timepiece 1 by activating the position sensor corresponding to this digital information (step C). For example, if the user wishes to select, initially, the digital information “5”, he positions his finger on the position sensor 56 in the angular sector S6. The binary value present at the input CP is read by the digital information processing means 26 and it is then converted into a value corresponding to the positions of the hour and minute hands on the dial C so that they indicate the number " 5 "in the angular sector S6.

Means for processing digital information 26 send this latter value to the control means 24 motors so that they emit the number of pulses required on the outputs Mmn and Mh for cause the needles to overlap in the sector angular 56 to allow the display of information digital "5" on the dial, as shown in step D in Figure 4. This display then corresponds to a confirmation of the selection of the digit "5" and allows user select digital information desired in a simple and effective way.

Confirmation of the selection of information digital in the processing mode by both hands superimposed on the dial is therefore immediately very clearly noticeable by the user. In In addition, it will be specified that this configuration of overlapping needles is unusual in this dial region and cannot in any case be confused with an indication of time.

It will be specified here that in the case of the mode of embodiment shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the needles indicate particular digital information in a overlay state for confirmation that they provide be clear. However, it is possible to confirm the selection of digital information by using only one of the needles in the room watchmaking 1.

After the selection of digital information by activation of one of the position sensors 51 to 62 by the user, the means of processing information digital 26 send a signal corresponding to this information to control circuit 38 for displaying information by the AF display device. In the case represented in step D of FIG. 4a, the information numeric "5" is displayed to confirm additional selection of the digit "5" by the user.

When the user activates one of the position 51 to 62, the means for processing digital information 26 send a signal to the state up to timing circuit 36. As long as the sensor activated is the same, this signal remains in the state high, and timer circuit 26 begins to count time units. However, if the user activates another position sensor, a low pulse is sent by the information processing means digital 26 to timing circuit 36 and this last is reset to zero before restarting operation.

After actuation of one of the position sensors 51 at 62, the means for processing digital information 26 remain in a standby mode until they have determined, thanks to the timing circuit 36, that a predetermined period of time, for example one second, has elapsed since this actuation.

Means for processing digital information 26 consider, in this case, that the user has selected desired digital information and they therefore record a value corresponding to this digital information in a memory (not shown) for treatment. At the time of registration, digital information processing means 26 engage the control circuit 40 so that a signal acoustic be emitted. The entry of digital information selected is indicated to the user, who can then proceed to the selection and entry of the next digital information.

In the example shown in Figure 4a, this next step is selecting and entering information numeric "-". The actuation of the push button PS1 sends a boost to information processing means digital 26 so they can tell the difference between the indications of the four digital information associated with the two angular sectors 61 and 62 ("+" and "-" in the angular sector 61 and "x" and "÷" in the angular sector 62).

The actuation of the push button PS1 followed by the placement of the user's finger on the position sensor 61 indicates to the means of information processing digital 26 digital information selection "-". If the PS1 pushbutton is not actuated before finger placement on the position sensor 61, this placement is interpreted by the processing means of digital information 26 as being the selection of digital information "+".

In the same way, the actuation of the push button PS1 followed by placing the user finger on the position sensor 62 is interpreted as being the selection of binary information "x" while the placing the finger on the position sensor 62 without actuating the PSI button is interpreted as being the selection of digital information "÷".

Thus, in step E of FIG. 4a, the user press the PS1 button, and then place his finger on the position sensor 61 to select digital information "-".

The binary value present at the CP input is read by the means for processing digital information 26 and it is then converted to a corresponding value at the positions of the hour and minute hands on dial C so that they indicate the operator "-" in the angular sector 11. The means of processing digital information 26 send this last value to the motor control means 24 so that they emit then the number of pulses required on the outputs Mmn and ML to cause the needles to overlap in the angular sector S11 to confirm the selection of digital information "-" (step F). At the same time, digital information "-" is displayed by the device AF display to give additional confirmation the correct selection of the operator "-" by the user.

After one second has elapsed, measured by the timer circuit 36, during which the sensor position 61 has been activated, the processing means digital information records a value corresponding to this digital information in a memory (not shown) for processing. At time this record, the means of processing digital information 26 activate the circuit command 40 so that a second acoustic signal is issued to indicate to the user the entry of this digital information.

In steps G and H of Figure 4b, the information binary "4" is selected and then entered, from the as described above for steps C and D.

Then, the result of operation "5-4" done to steps C and H, is calculated by the processing means digital information 26 when the push-button PS2 is operated. The result is displayed thanks to the device AF display. Finally, as soon as pressure has been exerted on the rod marking the deactivation of the treatment (step J), the watch returns to its mode time display (step A).

Finally, it should be noted that several modifications can be made to the timepiece according to the invention without departing from the scope thereof. For example, the present invention can be used in a device that includes a phone or other means of communication requiring selection and entry of telephone numbers.

Claims (6)

1. Analog display horological piece comprising :

   at least one step by step motor (18, 20) driving hands (MN, H) for displaying time keeping information;

   means for controlling the step by step motor;

   position detectors (51-62) provided in the angular sector defined on the piece, the activation of each one of said position detectors enabling the selection of a predetermined digital piece of information (0-9, x, ÷, +, - =);

   input means (36, 40) of said predetermined digital piece of information; and

   processing means (22) of said digital information,

      characterized in that

   said control means are adapted so that at least one of said hands (MN, H) is driven so that it indicates the angular sector corresponding to the activated position detector (51-62) to confirm the selection of said digital piece of information (0-9, x, ÷, +, -, =).
2. Horological piece according to claim 1, characterized in that one or several of said position detectors (51-62) are confused on the piece with the classical hour display indication.
3. Horological piece according to claim 2, characterized in that the position detectors are arranged at positions corresponding to the indications lh to 9h enabling respectively the selection of the figures 1 to 9.
4. Horological piece according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises :

   supplementary display means (AF) of said selected digital piece of information.
5. Horological piece according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control means are adapted so that at least two of said hands (MN, H) are driven so that they are superposed whilst the display of the angular sector corresponding to said activated position detector (51-62).
6. Horological piece according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said position detectors (51-62) are of a capacity of type.

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