EP1722285A1 - Portable waterproof device comprising a sound generator - Google Patents

Portable waterproof device comprising a sound generator Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1722285A1
EP1722285A1 EP05010121A EP05010121A EP1722285A1 EP 1722285 A1 EP1722285 A1 EP 1722285A1 EP 05010121 A EP05010121 A EP 05010121A EP 05010121 A EP05010121 A EP 05010121A EP 1722285 A1 EP1722285 A1 EP 1722285A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air
portable object
frequency
object according
water
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05010121A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean-Bernard Veuthey
Stéphane Claude
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
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ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse filed Critical ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority to EP05010121A priority Critical patent/EP1722285A1/en
Priority to EP06724622A priority patent/EP1882213B1/en
Priority to CN2006800159702A priority patent/CN101171554B/en
Priority to DE602006015942T priority patent/DE602006015942D1/en
Priority to AT06724622T priority patent/ATE476690T1/en
Priority to KR1020077026207A priority patent/KR101201154B1/en
Priority to JP2008510445A priority patent/JP4860694B2/en
Priority to PCT/EP2006/003948 priority patent/WO2006122641A1/en
Priority to US11/913,992 priority patent/US8059494B2/en
Publication of EP1722285A1 publication Critical patent/EP1722285A1/en
Priority to HK08111281.7A priority patent/HK1119467A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G13/00—Producing acoustic time signals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sealed portable object that can be in the air or in the water and comprising a sound generator.
  • the present invention relates to a diving watch comprising a sound generating device such as an electro-acoustic transducer.
  • the human being does not perceive the sounds in the same way according to whether he is in the air or under water.
  • the electronic watch described in the document JP 60-001588 is able to generate a time acoustic alarm and an acoustic depth alarm.
  • the audible signal frequency is the same for both alarms.
  • the characteristics of the alarm are different depending on whether it is the time alarm or the depth alarm.
  • the electronic watch described in the document JP 57-101786 includes a device that indicates the depth reached and generates an acoustic signal when this depth reaches a predetermined value.
  • the electronic watch described in the document JP 07-333359 comprises means which detect that the depth measurement has been established at a predetermined value. An acoustic alarm is then generated and a needle is actuated.
  • the sound perceived by the user is only very slightly attenuated by the perception filter in a wide frequency range between 1 and 10 kHz.
  • the sound transmission seems optimal at a frequency of the order of 800-1000Hz with an attenuation of the order of 40 dB.
  • the attenuation is greater than 60 dB.
  • the present invention therefore aims to provide a portable object such as a diving watch comprising a sound generating device that provides the user optimal perception of sound regardless of the environment in which the user is.
  • the present invention relates to a waterproof portable object comprising a sound generating device characterized in that it is capable of emitting acoustic signals according to two different frequencies depending on the medium, air or water, in which there is 'user,
  • the present invention provides a portable object such as a diving watch that is able to alert its user optimally regardless of the environment in which the user is.
  • the frequency of the sound emitted when the user performs a scuba dive is chosen in order to ensure the user hearing comfort as satisfactory as possible. It is the same when the user is in the air.
  • the portable object comprises a manual switch operated by the user to indicate to a microprocessor that the watch is in the air, respectively under water.
  • the portable object comprises means of detecting the medium in which it is located and which provides a signal to indicate to a microprocessor that said portable object is in the air, respectively under the water.
  • detection means may be a humidity sensor or a pressure sensor which, depending on the measured pressure, indicates microprocessor that the portable object, for example the watch, is in the air, respectively under water.
  • the present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of providing a portable object such as a diving watch capable of emitting an alarm signal according to two different frequencies depending on whether the user is in the air, respectively underwater, these two frequencies are chosen to ensure that whatever the environment in which the user is, it will be alerted optimally.
  • the watch according to the invention therefore makes it possible to considerably increase the security of its user.
  • Figure 1 is a graph that illustrates the differences in human acoustic perception in the air and underwater. This graph indicates, for a given frequency expressed in hertz and placed on the abscissa, the attenuation expressed in decibels and placed on the ordinate between the acoustic power emitted and the sound power perceived by its user.
  • Curve A illustrates the attenuation of sound as it propagates through the air. It is thus noted that in the air, the sound perceived by a human being is only very slightly attenuated in a wide frequency range of between 1 and 10 kHz. This is explained by the fact that the medium, in this case the air, in which the sound and the auditory apparatus of the human being spreads only weakly attenuate the sounds emitted.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the different electronic circuits of the watch involved by the present invention.
  • the watch essentially comprises a microprocessor 1 with an input from which is connected either a manual switch 2 or a medium detection means in which the watch is located, such as a pressure sensor 4.
  • a medium detection means in which the watch is located, such as a pressure sensor 4.
  • the wearer of the watch actuates the manual switch 2 between two stable states to indicate to the microprocessor 1 of the watch that it is in the air, respectively under water.
  • the detection of the medium (air or water) in which the user is located is provided by the pressure sensor 4 which detects pressure variations related to the change of medium.
  • the actuation of the manual switch 2 or the pressure change detected by the pressure sensor 4 generates an electrical signal which is applied to the input of a state controller circuit 6.
  • This electrical signal will have either a high level or a low level depending on whether the manual switch 2 or the pressure sensor 4 indicate that the watch is in the air, respectively under water.
  • the state controller circuit 6 will apply a control signal to the input of a frequency selector circuit 8. the effect of this control signal, the frequency selector circuit 8 will select that of the two frequencies f 1 or f 2 available at the output of a frequency generating circuit 10 which is adapted to the medium, air or water, in which is located the user.
  • the selected frequency signal f 1 or f 2 is applied to an acoustic transducer 12 such as a piezoelectric element.
  • the present invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described, and that various modifications and simple variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention such as defined by the appended claims.
  • the amphibious toy may emit a melody that will be as easily noticeable by its user in the air as underwater.
  • a waterproof camera it can emit two different sounds depending on whether it is in the air or under water, for example to indicate to the user that the focus is achieved.
  • the depth gauge will indicate to the diver that he has reached the maximum diving threshold and will be able to perform another function in the air.
  • the beeper will alert a person who is on call as effectively regardless of the environment, air or water, in which the person is.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract

The watch has a switch board (2) actuated between two stable states for generating an electrical signal. A state controlling circuit (6) applies a control signal to an input of a frequency selector circuit (8) based on the electrical signal. The selector circuit, in response to the control signal, selects one of a set of frequencies available at an output of a frequency generator circuit. An acoustic transducer (12) emits acoustic signals according to the frequencies based on the medium such as water or air, in which the watch is found.

Description

La présente invention concerne un objet portable étanche pouvant se trouver dans l'air ou dans l'eau et comprenant un générateur de son. En particulier, la présente invention concerne une montre de plongée comprenant un dispositif générateur de son tel qu'un transducteur électro-acoustique.The present invention relates to a sealed portable object that can be in the air or in the water and comprising a sound generator. In particular, the present invention relates to a diving watch comprising a sound generating device such as an electro-acoustic transducer.

L'être humain ne perçoit pas les sons de la même manière selon qu'il se trouve dans l'air ou sous l'eau. Pourtant, pour d'évidentes raisons de sécurité, il est nécessaire que le porteur de la montre puisse être averti de manière optimale quel que soit le milieu (air ou eau) dans lequel il se trouve. Ceci est tout particulièrement vrai lorsque le porteur de la montre effectue une plongée sous-marine. Il est en effet vital que le plongeur soit averti en temps utile que son temps de plongée arrive à expiration ou bien qu'il a atteint sa profondeur de plongée maximale.The human being does not perceive the sounds in the same way according to whether he is in the air or under water. However, for obvious reasons of safety, it is necessary that the wearer of the watch can be warned optimally regardless of the medium (air or water) in which it is located. This is especially true when the wearer of the watch is diving. It is vital that the diver is warned in good time that his dive time has expired or that he has reached his maximum dive depth.

Des montres de plongée sont connues des documents de brevet japonais JP 60-001588 et JP 07-333359 au nom de Seiko et JP 57-101786 au nom de Casio.Diving watches are known from patent documents Japanese JP 60-001588 and JP 07-333359 on behalf of Seiko and JP 57-101786 in the name of Casio.

La montre électronique décrite dans le document JP 60-001588 est capable de générer une alarme acoustique horaire et une alarme acoustique de profondeur. La fréquence du signal audible est la même pour les deux alarmes. Par contre, les caractéristiques de l'alarme (fréquence de répétition, durée du son) sont différentes selon qu'il s'agit de l'alarme horaire ou de l'alarme de profondeur.The electronic watch described in the document JP 60-001588 is able to generate a time acoustic alarm and an acoustic depth alarm. The audible signal frequency is the same for both alarms. On the other hand, the characteristics of the alarm (repetition frequency, sound duration) are different depending on whether it is the time alarm or the depth alarm.

La montre électronique décrite dans le document JP 57-101786 comprend un dispositif qui indique la profondeur atteinte et génère un signal acoustique lorsque cette profondeur atteint une valeur prédéterminée.The electronic watch described in the document JP 57-101786 includes a device that indicates the depth reached and generates an acoustic signal when this depth reaches a predetermined value.

La montre électronique décrite dans le document JP 07-333359 comprend des moyens qui détectent que la mesure de la profondeur s'est établie à une valeur prédéterminée. Une alarme acoustique est alors produite et une aiguille est actionnée.The electronic watch described in the document JP 07-333359 comprises means which detect that the depth measurement has been established at a predetermined value. An acoustic alarm is then generated and a needle is actuated.

Les trois documents cités ci-dessus prévoient tous la possibilité de produire une alarme acoustique alors que le porteur effectue une plongée sous-marine. Toutefois, aucun de ces trois documents ne décrit ni même ne suggère d'adapter la fréquence de l'alarme en fonction du milieu (air ou eau) dans lequel se trouve l'utilisateur. Or, on a constaté que le milieu (air ou eau) dans lequel se propage le signal acoustique et l'appareil auditif de l'utilisateur (oreille externe/interne voire les os de la boîte crânienne dans le cas de la perception sous-marine) agissent comme autant de filtres vis-à-vis de ce signal. Ils constituent ce que l'on appelle communément un filtre de perception. On a pu établir de manière empirique une courbe qui, en fonction du milieu dans lequel on se trouve, indique, pour une fréquence donnée, l'écart entre la puissance acoustique émise et la puissance acoustique telle qu'elle est perçue par l'utilisateur. On note ainsi que dans l'air, le son perçu par l'utilisateur n'est que très faiblement atténué par le filtre de perception dans une large gamme de fréquences comprise entre 1 et 10kHz. Dans l'eau, la transmission du son semble optimale à une fréquence de l'ordre de 800-1000Hz avec une atténuation de l'ordre de 40 dB. Par contre, à une fréquence deux fois supérieure, l'atténuation est supérieure à 60 dB.The three documents cited above all provide the possibility of producing an acoustic alarm while the wearer is diving. However, none of these three documents describes or even suggests adapting the frequency of the alarm according to the medium (air or water) in which the user is located. However, it has been found that the medium (air or water) in which the acoustic signal and the user's hearing device (external / internal ear, or even the bones of the cranial box are propagated in the case of underwater perception) ) act as filters against this signal. They constitute what is commonly called a filter of perception. It has been possible to establish empirically a curve which, depending on the environment in which one finds oneself, indicates, for a given given frequency, the difference between the transmitted sound power and the sound power as perceived by the user. It is thus noted that in the air, the sound perceived by the user is only very slightly attenuated by the perception filter in a wide frequency range between 1 and 10 kHz. In water, the sound transmission seems optimal at a frequency of the order of 800-1000Hz with an attenuation of the order of 40 dB. On the other hand, at twice the frequency, the attenuation is greater than 60 dB.

La présente invention a donc pour but de procurer un objet portable tel qu'une montre de plongée comprenant un dispositif générateur de son qui assure à son utilisateur une perception optimale du son quel que soit le milieu dans lequel l'utilisateur se trouve.The present invention therefore aims to provide a portable object such as a diving watch comprising a sound generating device that provides the user optimal perception of sound regardless of the environment in which the user is.

A cet effet, la présente invention concerne un objet portable étanche comprenant un dispositif générateur de son caractérisé en ce qu'il est capable d'émettre des signaux acoustiques selon deux fréquences différentes en fonction du milieu, air ou eau, dans lequel se trouve l'utilisateur,For this purpose, the present invention relates to a waterproof portable object comprising a sound generating device characterized in that it is capable of emitting acoustic signals according to two different frequencies depending on the medium, air or water, in which there is 'user,

Grâce à ces caractéristiques, la présente invention procure un objet portable tel qu'une montre de plongée qui est en mesure d'alerter son utilisateur de manière optimale quel que soit le milieu dans lequel l'utilisateur se trouve. En particulier, la fréquence du son émis lorsque l'utilisateur effectue une plongée sous-marine est choisie afin d'assurer audit utilisateur un confort d'audition aussi satisfaisant que possible. Il en est de même lorsque l'utilisateur se trouve dans l'air.With these features, the present invention provides a portable object such as a diving watch that is able to alert its user optimally regardless of the environment in which the user is. In particular, the frequency of the sound emitted when the user performs a scuba dive is chosen in order to ensure the user hearing comfort as satisfactory as possible. It is the same when the user is in the air.

On notera que les fréquences qui assurent une perception optimale du son selon que l'utilisateur se trouve dans l'air ou sous l'eau sont sensiblement différentes dans la mesure où les propriétés de propagation d'un son de ces deux milieux ne sont bien évidemment pas les mêmes, mais également parce que les organes de l'utilisateur mis en jeu dans le processus d'audition ne sont pas les mêmes selon que l'utilisateur se trouve dans l'air ou sous l'eau. Dans l'air, une personne perçoit les sons essentiellement au moyen de son oreille externe, tandis que dans l'eau les sons sont perçus plutôt au moyen de l'oreille interne et des os de la boîte crânienne.It should be noted that the frequencies which ensure optimal perception of the sound according to whether the user is in the air or under water are substantially different insofar as the propagation properties of a sound of these two media are not good. obviously not the same, but also because the organs of the user involved in the hearing process are not the same depending on whether the user is in the air or under water. In the air, a person perceives the sounds essentially by means of his external ear, while in the water the sounds are perceived rather by means of the inner ear and the bones of the cranial box.

Selon une première variante de réalisation de l'invention, l'objet portable comprend un commutateur manuel actionné par l'utilisateur pour indiquer à un microprocesseur que la montre se trouve dans l'air, respectivement sous l'eau.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the portable object comprises a manual switch operated by the user to indicate to a microprocessor that the watch is in the air, respectively under water.

Selon une seconde variante de réalisation de l'invention, l'objet portable comprend un moyen de détection du milieu dans lequel il se trouve et qui fournit un signal pour indiquer à un microprocesseur que ledit objet portable se trouve dans l'air, respectivement sous l'eau. Un tel moyen de détection peut être un capteur d'humidité ou encore un capteur de pression qui, en fonction de la pression mesurée, indique au microprocesseur que l'objet portable, par exemple la montre, se trouve dans l'air, respectivement sous l'eau.According to a second variant embodiment of the invention, the portable object comprises means of detecting the medium in which it is located and which provides a signal to indicate to a microprocessor that said portable object is in the air, respectively under the water. Such detection means may be a humidity sensor or a pressure sensor which, depending on the measured pressure, indicates microprocessor that the portable object, for example the watch, is in the air, respectively under water.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront plus clairement de la description détaillée qui suit d'un exemple de réalisation d'une montre de plongée conforme à la présente invention, cet exemple étant donné à titre purement illustratif et non limitatif seulement, en liaison avec le dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 est un graphique qui illustre la perception acoustique humaine dans l'air et sous l'eau, et
  • la figure 2 est un schéma bloc du circuit électronique de la montre.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of an embodiment of a diving watch according to the present invention, this example being given for purely illustrative and not limiting only, in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which:
  • Fig. 1 is a graph illustrating human acoustic perception in the air and underwater, and
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram of the electronic circuit of the watch.

La présente invention procède de l'idée générale inventive qui consiste à procurer un objet portable tel qu'une montre de plongée capable d'émettre un signal d'alarme selon deux fréquences différentes suivant que l'utilisateur se trouve dans l'air, respectivement sous l'eau, ces deux fréquences étant choisies pour assurer que quel que soit le milieu dans lequel se trouve l'utilisateur, celui-ci sera alerté de manière optimale. La montre selon l'invention permet donc d'accroître considérablement la sécurité de son utilisateur.The present invention proceeds from the general inventive idea of providing a portable object such as a diving watch capable of emitting an alarm signal according to two different frequencies depending on whether the user is in the air, respectively underwater, these two frequencies are chosen to ensure that whatever the environment in which the user is, it will be alerted optimally. The watch according to the invention therefore makes it possible to considerably increase the security of its user.

La figure 1 est un graphique qui illustre les différences de perception acoustique humaine dans l'air et sous l'eau. Ce graphique indique, pour une fréquence donnée exprimée en hertz et placée en abscisse, l'atténuation exprimée en décibels et placée en ordonnée entre la puissance acoustique émise et la puissance acoustique perçue par son utilisateur. La courbe A illustre l'atténuation du son lorsqu'il se propage dans l'air. On note ainsi que dans l'air, le son perçu par un être humain n'est que très faiblement atténué dans une large gamme de fréquences comprise entre 1 et 10 kHz. Ceci s'explique par le fait que le milieu, en l'occurrence l'air, dans lequel se propage le son et l'appareil auditif de l'être humain n'atténuent que faiblement les sons émis. Dans l'eau (voir courbe B), la transmission du son est optimale à une fréquence de l'ordre de 800-1000 Hz, avec une atténuation de l'ordre de 40 dB. L'offset entre les deux courbes A et B s'explique en partie par le fait que la pression acoustique de référence P0 utilisée pour établir ces deux courbes n'est pas la même pour l'air que pour l'eau. Dans l'air, P0 = 20 µPa, tandis que dans l'eau P0 = 1 µPa. Cet offset s'explique également par le fait que les phénomènes de transmission du son sont différents selon que l'on se trouve dans l'air ou sous l'eau. Enfin, les organes d'un être humain mis en jeu dans le processus d'audition ne sont pas les mêmes selon que celui-ci se trouve dans l'air ou sous l'eau. Dans l'air une personne perçoit essentiellement les sons au moyen de son oreille externe, tandis que dans l'eau les sons sont plutôt perçus par l'oreille interne et les os de la boîte crânienne.Figure 1 is a graph that illustrates the differences in human acoustic perception in the air and underwater. This graph indicates, for a given frequency expressed in hertz and placed on the abscissa, the attenuation expressed in decibels and placed on the ordinate between the acoustic power emitted and the sound power perceived by its user. Curve A illustrates the attenuation of sound as it propagates through the air. It is thus noted that in the air, the sound perceived by a human being is only very slightly attenuated in a wide frequency range of between 1 and 10 kHz. This is explained by the fact that the medium, in this case the air, in which the sound and the auditory apparatus of the human being spreads only weakly attenuate the sounds emitted. In water (see curve B ), the transmission of sound is optimal at a frequency of the order of 800-1000 Hz, with an attenuation of the order of 40 dB. The offset between the two curves A and B is partly explained by the fact that the reference sound pressure P 0 used to establish these two curves is not the same for air as for water. In air, P 0 = 20 μPa, while in water P 0 = 1 μPa. This offset is also explained by the fact that the phenomena of sound transmission are different depending on whether one is in the air or under water. Finally, the organs of a human being involved in the hearing process are not the same depending on whether it is in the air or under water. In the air a person essentially perceives sounds through his outer ear, while that in the water the sounds are rather perceived by the inner ear and the bones of the cranial box.

La figure 2 est un schéma bloc représentant les différents circuits électroniques de la montre mis en jeu par la présente invention. La montre comprend essentiellement un microprocesseur 1 à une entrée duquel est raccordé soit un commutateur manuel 2, soit un moyen de détection du milieu dans lequel se trouve la montre tel qu'un capteur de pression 4. Ainsi, selon la variante d'exécution simplifiée de l'invention, le porteur de la montre actionne le commutateur manuel 2 entre deux états stables pour indiquer au microprocesseur 1 de la montre qu'il se trouve dans l'air, respectivement sous l'eau. Selon la variante d'exécution préférée de l'invention, la détection du milieu (air ou eau) dans lequel se trouve l'utilisateur est assurée par le capteur de pression 4 qui détecte les variations de pression liées au changement de milieu.Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the different electronic circuits of the watch involved by the present invention. The watch essentially comprises a microprocessor 1 with an input from which is connected either a manual switch 2 or a medium detection means in which the watch is located, such as a pressure sensor 4. Thus, according to the simplified embodiment variant of the invention, the wearer of the watch actuates the manual switch 2 between two stable states to indicate to the microprocessor 1 of the watch that it is in the air, respectively under water. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the detection of the medium (air or water) in which the user is located is provided by the pressure sensor 4 which detects pressure variations related to the change of medium.

L'actionnement du commutateur manuel 2 ou le changement de pression détecté par le capteur de pression 4 génère un signal électrique qui est appliqué à l'entrée d'un circuit contrôleur d'états 6. Ce signal électrique présentera soit un niveau haut, soit un niveau bas selon que le commutateur manuel 2 ou le capteur de pression 4 indiquera que la montre se trouve dans l'air, respectivement sous l'eau. En fonction du niveau haut ou bas du signal électrique produit par le commutateur manuel 2 ou par le capteur de pression 4, le circuit contrôleur d'états 6 appliquera un signal de commande à l'entrée d'un circuit sélecteur de fréquence 8. Sous l'effet de ce signal de commande, le circuit sélecteur de fréquence 8 sélectionnera celle des deux fréquences f1 ou f2 disponibles en sortie d'un circuit générateur de fréquences 10 qui est adaptée au milieu, air ou eau, dans lequel se trouve l'utilisateur. Finalement, le signal de fréquence f1 ou f2 sélectionné est appliqué à un transducteur acoustique 12 tel qu'un élément piézoélectrique.The actuation of the manual switch 2 or the pressure change detected by the pressure sensor 4 generates an electrical signal which is applied to the input of a state controller circuit 6. This electrical signal will have either a high level or a low level depending on whether the manual switch 2 or the pressure sensor 4 indicate that the watch is in the air, respectively under water. Depending on the high or low level of the electrical signal produced by the manual switch 2 or by the pressure sensor 4, the state controller circuit 6 will apply a control signal to the input of a frequency selector circuit 8. the effect of this control signal, the frequency selector circuit 8 will select that of the two frequencies f 1 or f 2 available at the output of a frequency generating circuit 10 which is adapted to the medium, air or water, in which is located the user. Finally, the selected frequency signal f 1 or f 2 is applied to an acoustic transducer 12 such as a piezoelectric element.

Il va de soi que la présente invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit, et que diverses modifications et variantes simples peuvent être envisagées par l'homme du métier sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention tel que défini par les revendications annexées. En particulier, on notera que bien que la présente invention ait été décrite en liaison avec une montre de plongée, elle peut s'appliquer à d'autres types d'objets portables tels qu'un jouet amphibie, un appareil photographique étanche, un profondimètre ou encore un beeper. A titre d'exemple, le jouet amphibie pourra émettre une mélodie qui sera aussi facilement perceptible par son utilisateur dans l'air que sous l'eau. Dans le cas d'un appareil photographique étanche, celui-ci pourra émettre deux sons différents selon qu'il est dans l'air ou sous l'eau, par exemple pour indiquer à son utilisateur que la mise au point est effectuée. Le profondimètre indiquera au plongeur qu'il a atteint le seuil maximum de plongée et pourra assurer une autre fonction dans l'air. Enfin, le beeper alertera une personne qui est d'astreinte aussi efficacement quel que soit le milieu, air ou eau, dans lequel la personne se trouve.It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment which has just been described, and that various modifications and simple variants can be envisaged by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention such as defined by the appended claims. In particular, it should be noted that although the present invention has been described in connection with a diving watch, it can be applied to other types of portable objects such as an amphibious toy, a waterproof camera, a depth gauge or a beeper. For example, the amphibious toy may emit a melody that will be as easily noticeable by its user in the air as underwater. In the case of a waterproof camera, it can emit two different sounds depending on whether it is in the air or under water, for example to indicate to the user that the focus is achieved. The depth gauge will indicate to the diver that he has reached the maximum diving threshold and will be able to perform another function in the air. Finally, the beeper will alert a person who is on call as effectively regardless of the environment, air or water, in which the person is.

Claims (9)

Objet portable étanche comprenant un dispositif générateur de sons (12) ainsi qu'un microprocesseur (1), caractérisé en ce qu'il émet des signaux acoustiques selon deux fréquences différentes (f1, f2) en fonction du milieu, air ou eau, dans lequel se trouve son utilisateur.Portable waterproof object comprising a sound generating device (12) and a microprocessor (1), characterized in that it emits acoustic signals at two different frequencies (f 1 , f 2 ) depending on the medium, air or water , in which is his user. Objet portable selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la fréquence (f1) est comprise entre 1 kHz et 10 kHz, et en ce que la fréquence (f2) est comprise entre 800 Hz et 1000 Hz.Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the frequency (f 1 ) is between 1 kHz and 10 kHz, and in that the frequency (f 2 ) is between 800 Hz and 1000 Hz. Objet portable selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un commutateur manuel (2) actionné par le porteur pour indiquer au microprocesseur (1) que l'objet se trouve dans l'air, respectivement sous l'eau.Portable object according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a manual switch (2) actuated by the carrier to indicate to the microprocessor (1) that the object is in the air, respectively under the water. Objet portable selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens de détection du milieu, air ou eau, dans lequel se trouve l'objet portable.Portable object according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting the medium, air or water, in which the portable object is located. Objet portable selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de détection comprennent un détecteur d'humidité.Portable object according to claim 4, characterized in that the detection means comprise a humidity detector. Objet portable selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de détection comprennent un capteur de pression (4) qui, en fonction de la pression mesurée, fournit un signal pour indiquer au microprocesseur (1) que l'objet se trouve dans l'air, respectivement sous l'eau.Portable object according to claim 4, characterized in that the detection means comprise a pressure sensor (4) which, as a function of the measured pressure, provides a signal to indicate to the microprocessor (1) that the object is in the air, respectively under water. Objet portable selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 6, caractérisé en ce que l'actionnement du commutateur manuel (2) ou le changement de milieu détecté par les moyens de détection génère un signal électrique qui est appliqué à une entrée d'un circuit contrôleur d'états (6), le circuit contrôleur d'états (6) appliquant, en réponse à ce signal électrique, un signal de commande à l'entrée d'un circuit sélecteur de fréquences (8), signal de commande sous l'effet duquel le circuit sélecteur de fréquences (8) sélectionne l'une ou l'autre de deux fréquences (f1) et (f2) disponibles en sortie d'un circuit générateur de fréquences (10), le signal de fréquence (f1) ou (f2) sélectionné étant finalement appliqué au dispositif générateur de sons (12).Portable object according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the actuation of the manual switch (2) or the change of medium detected by the detection means generates an electrical signal which is applied to an input of a a state controller circuit (6), the state controller circuit (6) applying, in response to this electrical signal, a control signal at the input of a frequency selector circuit (8), a control signal under the effect of which the frequency selector circuit (8) selects one or the other of two frequencies (f 1 ) and (f 2 ) available at the output of a frequency generating circuit (10), the frequency signal (f 1 ) or (f 2 ) selected finally being applied to the sound generating device (12). Objet portable selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif générateur de sons (12) comprend un transducteur piézoélectrique.Portable object according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sound generating device (12) comprises a piezoelectric transducer. Objet portable selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que l'objet portable est une montre de plongée.Portable object according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the portable object is a diving watch.
EP05010121A 2005-05-10 2005-05-10 Portable waterproof device comprising a sound generator Withdrawn EP1722285A1 (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05010121A EP1722285A1 (en) 2005-05-10 2005-05-10 Portable waterproof device comprising a sound generator
KR1020077026207A KR101201154B1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 Waterproof object that can be worn comprising a sound generator
CN2006800159702A CN101171554B (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 Waterproof object that can be worn comprising a sound generator
DE602006015942T DE602006015942D1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 WATERPROOF PORTABLE DEVICE CONTAINING A TONE GENERATOR
AT06724622T ATE476690T1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 WATERPROOF PORTABLE DEVICE INCLUDING A SOUND GENERATOR
EP06724622A EP1882213B1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 Waterproof portable object comprising a sound generator
JP2008510445A JP4860694B2 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 Water-resistant portable device with sound generator
PCT/EP2006/003948 WO2006122641A1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 Waterproof object that can be worn comprising a sound generator
US11/913,992 US8059494B2 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 Water resistant portable object including a sound generator
HK08111281.7A HK1119467A1 (en) 2005-05-10 2008-10-13 Waterproof object that can be worn comprising a sound generator

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05010121A EP1722285A1 (en) 2005-05-10 2005-05-10 Portable waterproof device comprising a sound generator

Publications (1)

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EP1722285A1 true EP1722285A1 (en) 2006-11-15

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EP05010121A Withdrawn EP1722285A1 (en) 2005-05-10 2005-05-10 Portable waterproof device comprising a sound generator
EP06724622A Not-in-force EP1882213B1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 Waterproof portable object comprising a sound generator

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06724622A Not-in-force EP1882213B1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-04-28 Waterproof portable object comprising a sound generator

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US (1) US8059494B2 (en)
EP (2) EP1722285A1 (en)
JP (1) JP4860694B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101201154B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101171554B (en)
AT (1) ATE476690T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602006015942D1 (en)
HK (1) HK1119467A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006122641A1 (en)

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US20150177865A1 (en) * 2013-12-19 2015-06-25 Sony Corporation Alternative input device for press/release simulations

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US5189646A (en) * 1988-07-20 1993-02-23 Seiko Epson Corporation Small-sized electronic device with depth gauge
FR2754088A1 (en) * 1993-12-17 1998-04-03 Poultier Bruno Underwater sound distress alerter for divers
EP1134547A1 (en) * 1999-09-08 2001-09-19 Seiko Epson Corporation Information processing device for diver
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Also Published As

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US20090126621A1 (en) 2009-05-21
US8059494B2 (en) 2011-11-15
HK1119467A1 (en) 2009-03-06
JP2008541068A (en) 2008-11-20
EP1882213A1 (en) 2008-01-30
WO2006122641A1 (en) 2006-11-23
JP4860694B2 (en) 2012-01-25
CN101171554A (en) 2008-04-30
DE602006015942D1 (en) 2010-09-16
EP1882213B1 (en) 2010-08-04
KR101201154B1 (en) 2012-11-16
CN101171554B (en) 2011-05-04
KR20080005955A (en) 2008-01-15
ATE476690T1 (en) 2010-08-15

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