EP2458458B1 - Method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch - Google Patents

Method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2458458B1
EP2458458B1 EP10192725.9A EP10192725A EP2458458B1 EP 2458458 B1 EP2458458 B1 EP 2458458B1 EP 10192725 A EP10192725 A EP 10192725A EP 2458458 B1 EP2458458 B1 EP 2458458B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
display
image
time reference
time
instant
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.)
Active
Application number
EP10192725.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2458458A1 (en
Inventor
Michel Willemin
Cédric Decosterd
Thierry Hessler
Thierry Conus
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.)
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Original Assignee
Swatch Group Research and Development SA
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.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to EP10192725.9A priority Critical patent/EP2458458B1/en
Application filed by Swatch Group Research and Development SA filed Critical Swatch Group Research and Development SA
Priority to CN201180056946.4A priority patent/CN103229112B/en
Priority to PCT/EP2011/070625 priority patent/WO2012069444A1/en
Priority to RU2013128951/28A priority patent/RU2566397C2/en
Priority to JP2013540320A priority patent/JP5671152B2/en
Priority to US13/885,558 priority patent/US9348317B2/en
Publication of EP2458458A1 publication Critical patent/EP2458458A1/en
Priority to HK14100681.8A priority patent/HK1187695A1/en
Priority to US14/944,990 priority patent/US9383725B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2458458B1 publication Critical patent/EP2458458B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D7/00—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
    • G04D7/004—Optical measuring and testing apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D7/00—Measuring, counting, calibrating, testing or regulating apparatus
    • G04D7/12—Timing devices for clocks or watches for comparing the rate of the oscillating member with a standard

Definitions

  • the invention relates to several methods for the precision measurement of at least one timepiece, in particular a mechanical watch, comprising at least one visual display device, according to which one of the said experimental selection is selected as an experimental display. less a visual display device of said timepiece.
  • the invention further relates to the use of a particular device for carrying out these methods.
  • the invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and devices for verifying the walking performance of timepieces.
  • COSC Cosmetic Chronometer Testing
  • the invention proposes to overcome the limits of the interior art.
  • the invention relates to a method for accurately measuring at least one timepiece, in particular a mechanical watch, according to claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to another method for accurately measuring at least one timepiece, in particular a mechanical watch, according to claim 2.
  • the invention also relates to the use of a device for implementing one or other of these methods, according to claim 12.
  • the invention relates to the use of a mobile phone coupled to an internal or external time reference source constituting such a device.
  • the invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and devices for verifying the walking performance of timepieces.
  • the invention relates to a method for accurately measuring at least one timepiece, in particular a mechanical watch, comprising at least one visual display device.
  • the first display value correlated with said first instant is stored in the memory and the second display value correlates with the second instant on the other hand.
  • the memorization of the associated images is not necessary for the implementation of the invention, in its simplest execution described here, from the moment when an image corresponding to a particular display has been interpreted as a display value. stored in memory. Naturally, if the memory capacity allows it and if the user finds an interest in it, the corresponding images can be stored and used.
  • a mobile phone or the like is chosen and used as device 1 a mobile phone or the like, coupled to a time reference source 3 internal or external and equipped with 4 to store images and / or display values corresponding to these images, as well as temporal references of the moments to which these images are attached, which temporal references are provided by the temporal reference source.
  • COSC "Swiss Official Chronometer Testing"
  • a pressure on the screen makes it possible to accurately take the state of the watch and the time of the device, in particular a mobile phone or the like. In order to determine the deviation of operation it is necessary to repeat the maneuver a second time after a certain time.
  • the user takes an image with the camera of the mobile phone or the like. Then the user positions the virtual hands by superposition to match the real time shown in the photo. It is enough to repeat the maneuver a second time after a certain time in order to know the accuracy of the running of the watch. The time reference for the period between two measurements is taken at the same time as the photo.
  • the first moment is chosen so that, on In the experimental display, the display of each of the time unit quantities is differentiated from the display of the other quantities of time units, so as to allow a well-differentiated image analysis for each unit of time.
  • this determined time interval is preferably chosen in a ratio of at least one thousand to one with respect to the display pitch of the smallest visible time value on the experimental display.
  • a much higher factor greater than or equal to 10000 for example.
  • this determined time interval is chosen greater than or equal to half a day, or greater than or equal to one day, so as to obtain values comparable with those delivered by chronometric offices.
  • the choice of an exact multiple of twelve hours allows, in general, a return of the display, in the final position, to a position comparable to the initial position.
  • the method remains applicable, with very satisfactory results compared to the prior art, for much shorter durations, of the order of a minute or an hour, for example.
  • a mobile phone or the like is selected and used as camera to be coupled to an internal or external temporal reference source and provided with means for storing images resulting from shots and / or display values corresponding to these images, as well as the time references of the times at which shots, which time marks are provided by the time reference source.
  • a time reference source or a source internal to the analysis device, as a clock, or an external time source emitting a periodic signal or a GPS signal, or radio, or similar.
  • the determined time interval, after which the second image is captured at the second instant is a minimum time interval determined by the user, depending on the duration of experimentation. that he wishes, for example one day.
  • the first moment is determined on the fly, at random, or else semi-random way to ensure that the display indicators, including needles, are clearly visible, and the second time is determined by an image analyzer as soon as it captures a new image identical to that stored at the first moment.
  • an image analyzer is controlled by a control system, which passes several times identical images to that of the first moment, and counts the number of passages. It is thus possible to perform the analysis over a substantially longer period, for example on the entire power reserve of the timepiece. It is also possible, and interesting, to chain the analyzes, so as to determine the influence of the barrel disarmage on the time gap of the timepiece.
  • such a device 1 may also include image analysis means, hardware and / or software, to determine the position in the space of visible indicators on each shot made , or / and a time display value on each shot taken: such image analysis means must then include hardware modules and / or software specific to the interpretation of the display of each piece of watchmaking concerned. Indeed, if preferably these image analysis means are dedicated to a conventional configuration of a timepiece with three hands in the center of a dial, they must be able to handle the case of remote displays, retrograde or jumping type displays, digital displays, or other. Therefore, if the invention is designed preferentially for the verification of mechanical timepieces, it is applicable to any type of timepiece comprising a visual display. Such image analysis means also advantageously comprise means arranged to take into account the geometric position of the display means of the timepiece 10.
  • this device 1 comprises control means 8 arranged to coordinate, with reference to the time reference source 3, the processing and analysis of the recording means 2, the recording means 4, the means 6, for outputting to the display means 7 or / and another data processing unit 7A a deviation calculated by the calculation means 6.
  • a device 1 comprising image discrimination means, preferably integrated with the calculation means 6, for to process shots taken simultaneously of several timepieces independently of one another, and comprising control means 8 for image discrimination means and calculation means 6, these control means 8 being arranged for assigning the gapping difference results to each of the timepieces.
  • the time reference source 3 comprises reception and processing means arranged to receive and process signals transmitted by an external time source 3A in order to constantly update an internal relay clock with the device, the source of external time reference 3A being constituted by a GPS signal transmitting network, or by a telephone network delivering a periodic signal, or by a mother clock transmitting a radio or radio signal.
  • this device 1 is constituted by a mobile phone or the like coupled to such an internal or external time reference source 3.
  • the proposed system is equivalent to a COSC type measure. It consists, in its most common application, to measure the state of a mechanical watch by identifying the position of the second hand at two moments known or determinable temporally in a precise manner. It uses the camera of the phone to take a picture of the dial while recording the time the image is taken. The accuracy of the time is influenced by the exposure time and the number of alternations of the movement. By a visual recognition software, the position of the seconds hand, as well as that of the other hands if necessary, is determined with a good precision, typically of the order of 0.1 seconds, and therefore the state of the watch is known to better than ⁇ 0.5 seconds.
  • the accuracy of the time interval between two images is determined by that of the shooting. Assuming, for example, that the user photographs his watch at an interval of 1 day, he can measure the progress of his watch with an accuracy of less than 1 second per day.
  • the invention therefore makes it possible to provide the user with the possibility of measuring the precision of his mechanical watch by using his mobile phone or the like, this by taking two pictures of the dial of his watch at a time interval of the agenda .
  • the possible image discrimination means comprise an analysis software, which then visually recognizes the position of the second hand and deduces the average running of the watch, with, as a time reference, a precise clock, as for example. example that provided by the GPS signal.
  • the invention also enables the manufacturer, with means of resolution greater than that of a mobile phone, to quickly and very economically qualify his production.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
  • Image Analysis (AREA)
  • Time Recorders, Dirve Recorders, Access Control (AREA)

Description

Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention

L'invention concerne plusieurs procédés de mesure de précision d'au moins une pièce d'horlogerie, notamment d'une montre mécanique, comportant au moins un dispositif d'affichage visuel, selon lequel on sélectionne en tant qu'affichage expérimental un desdits au moins un dispositif d'affichage visuel de ladite pièce d'horlogerie.The invention relates to several methods for the precision measurement of at least one timepiece, in particular a mechanical watch, comprising at least one visual display device, according to which one of the said experimental selection is selected as an experimental display. less a visual display device of said timepiece.

L'invention concerne encore l'utilisation d'un dispositif particulier pour la mise en oeuvre de ces procédés.The invention further relates to the use of a particular device for carrying out these methods.

L'invention concerne le domaine de l'horlogerie, et des dispositifs de vérification des performances de marche des pièces d'horlogerie.The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and devices for verifying the walking performance of timepieces.

Arrière-plan de l'inventionBackground of the invention

Il est souvent difficile, pour un utilisateur, d'évaluer la bonne marche d'une pièce d'horlogerie, et en particulier sa dérive dans le temps, qualifiée d'écart de marche. Il doit faire confiance au fabricant, pour connaître les caractéristiques de sa montre ou de sa pièce d'horlogerie.It is often difficult for a user to evaluate the proper functioning of a timepiece, and in particular its drift over time, described as a gap. He must trust the manufacturer, to know the characteristics of his watch or his timepiece.

Les performances d'une pièce d'horlogerie pouvant se dégrader dans le temps, notamment pour des questions de lubrification, ou encore en raison d'usages dans des conditions extrêmes.The performance of a timepiece that can degrade over time, especially for lubrication issues, or because of use in extreme conditions.

On connaît l'apparition sur le marché de logiciels de mesure de la marche instantanée d'une montre mécanique, dont le principe consiste à mesurer les tic-tacs avec le micro du téléphone portable et d'en déduire la fréquence d'oscillation et donc la marche de la montre, ce qui fournit une estimation de son écart de marche. Toutefois la précision d'un tel système n'est pas encore très bonne, soit environ 5 secondes par jour, et il est délicat de l'utiliser, car il s'avère impossible de déceler le signal s'il y a du bruit de fond ambiant.We know the appearance on the market of software for measuring the instantaneous running of a mechanical watch, the principle of which consists in measuring ticks with the microphone of the mobile phone and deducing the frequency of oscillation and therefore the watch, which provides an estimate of its gap. However the accuracy of such a system is not yet very good, about 5 seconds per day, and it is difficult to use it because it proves impossible to detect the signal if there is noise of ambient background.

Tout en fournissant une alternative aux moyens de laboratoire professionnels utilisés jusqu'à présent, ces logiciels s'avèrent donc trop limités.While providing an alternative to the professional laboratory means used so far, this software is therefore too limited.

Pour effectuer avec une bonne précision une mesure, on se réfère souvent à une mesure de type « Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres » ci-après dénommé « COSC ». Le procédé, dans le cas le plus général, consiste à mesurer l'état d'une montre mécanique en repérant la position des aiguilles à deux moments connus temporellement de manière précise.To make a measurement with good accuracy, one often refers to a measurement of the type "Swiss Official Chronometer Testing" hereinafter referred to as "COSC". The method, in the most general case, consists of measuring the state of a mechanical watch by identifying the position of the needles at two precisely known times in time.

Plus particulièrement, on peut se référer au document : Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres COSC (CH), 20 juin 2006, XP002631514, extrait de l'internet URL :http://www.cosc.ch/methode2.php ?lang=fr , (extrait le 6 avril 2011),
ainsi qu'au document : Alan Downing : « Inside COSC », extrait de l'internet : URL :http://www.tomezone.com/library/wbore/wbore631733384647656250 (extrait le 6 avril 2011 ).In particular, we can refer to the document: Official Control Switzerland Chronographs COSC (CH), June 20, 2006, XP002631514, from the internet URL: http: //www.cosc.ch/methode2.php? Lang = en , (excerpted on April 6, 2011),
as well as to the document: Alan Downing: "Inside COSC", from the internet: URL: http: //www.tomezone.com/library/wbore/wbore631733384647656250 (excerpted on April 6, 2011 ).

Le document US 2005/151849 A1 au nom de FITZHUGH divulgue, encore, un procédé et un système de synchronisation d'une horloge comportant des moyens de capture d'image, pour la détermination de l'heure actuelle en utilisant des opérations d'analyse sur l'image du temps.The document US 2005/151849 A1 in the name of FITZHUGH further discloses a method and system for synchronizing a clock having image capturing means for the determination of the current time using analysis operations on the time image.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention se propose de pallier les limites de l'art intérieur.The invention proposes to overcome the limits of the interior art.

A cet effet, l'invention concerne un procédé de mesure de précision d'au moins une pièce d'horlogerie, notamment d'une montre mécanique, selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, the invention relates to a method for accurately measuring at least one timepiece, in particular a mechanical watch, according to claim 1.

L'invention concerne encore un autre procédé de mesure de précision d'au moins une pièce d'horlogerie, notamment d'une montre mécanique, selon la revendication 2.The invention also relates to another method for accurately measuring at least one timepiece, in particular a mechanical watch, according to claim 2.

L'invention concerne encore l'utilisation d'un dispositif de mise en oeuvre de l'un ou l'autre de ces procédés, selon la revendication 12.The invention also relates to the use of a device for implementing one or other of these methods, according to claim 12.

Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne l'utilisation d'un téléphone portable couplé à une source de référence temporelle interne ou externe, constituant un tel dispositif.More particularly, the invention relates to the use of a mobile phone coupled to an internal or external time reference source constituting such a device.

Description sommaire des dessinsBrief description of the drawings

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, en référence aux dessins annexés où :

  • la figure 1 représente, de façon schématisée, un dispositif de mise en oeuvre de l'invention en regard d'une pièce d'horlogerie à un premier instant ;
  • la figure 2 représente, de façon schématisée, un dispositif de mise en oeuvre de l'invention en regard d'une pièce d'horlogerie à un deuxième instant ;
  • les figures 3 et 4 représentent, de façon schématisée et partielle, un appareil de prise de vue, qui fait partie d'un dispositif de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, en regard d'une pièce d'horlogerie, respectivement à un premier instant et à un deuxième instant décalés d'un multiple de douze heures.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 schematically represents a device for implementing the invention with regard to a timepiece at a first moment;
  • the figure 2 schematically represents a device for implementing the invention with regard to a timepiece at a second instant;
  • the Figures 3 and 4 represent, schematically and partially, a camera, which is part of a device for implementing the invention, with regard to a timepiece, respectively at a first moment and at a second time. moment shifted by a multiple of twelve hours.

Description détaillée des modes de réalisation préférésDetailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

L'invention concerne le domaine de l'horlogerie, et des dispositifs de vérification des performances de marche des pièces d'horlogerie.The invention relates to the field of watchmaking, and devices for verifying the walking performance of timepieces.

L'invention concerne un procédé de mesure de précision d'au moins une pièce d'horlogerie, notamment d'une montre mécanique, comportant au moins un dispositif d'affichage visuel.The invention relates to a method for accurately measuring at least one timepiece, in particular a mechanical watch, comprising at least one visual display device.

Ce procédé comporte les étapes suivantes :

  • on sélectionne en tant qu'affichage expérimental un desdits au moins un dispositif d'affichage visuel de ladite pièce d'horlogerie, par exemple une aiguille des secondes, ou encore un ensemble de trois aiguilles d'heures, minutes et secondes, tel que visible sur les figures;
  • on mémorise, en correspondance avec une source de référence temporelle interne ou externe, un premier instant mesuré auquel ledit affichage est dans une première position d'affichage correspondant à une première image, et on détermine une première valeur d'affichage correspondant à ladite première image, laquelle première valeur d'affichage est stockée dans une mémoire en corrélation avec ledit premier instant ;
  • après un intervalle de temps déterminé après ledit premier instant, on mémorise, en correspondance avec ladite source de référence temporelle, un deuxième instant mesuré auquel ledit affichage est dans une deuxième position d'affichage correspondant à une deuxième image, on détermine une deuxième valeur d'affichage correspondant à ladite deuxième image, laquelle deuxième valeur d'affichage est stockée dans ladite mémoire en corrélation avec ledit deuxième instant ;
  • on calcule la différence temporelle affichée entre ladite deuxième valeur d'affichage et ladite première valeur d'affichage ;
  • on calcule l'écart de marche dudit affichage expérimental, et on affiche ledit écart de marche sur des moyens de visualisation.
This process comprises the following steps:
  • one of said at least one visual display device of said timepiece, for example a second hand, or a set of three hour, minute and second hands, as visible, is selected as an experimental display. in the figures;
  • storing, in correspondence with an internal or external time reference source, a first measured instant at which said display is in a first display position corresponding to a first image, and determining a first display value corresponding to said first image which first display value is stored in a memory correlating with said first instant;
  • after a determined time interval after said first instant, a second measured instant at which said display is in a second display position corresponding to a second image is stored, in correspondence with said time reference source, is determined a second value d display corresponding to said second image, which second display value is stored in said memory in correlation with said second time;
  • the displayed time difference between said second display value and said first display value is calculated;
  • the operating deviation of said experimental display is calculated, and said operating deviation is displayed on display means.

Selon l'invention :According to the invention:

  • on mémorise un premier instant auquel cet affichage est dans une première position d'affichage synchronisée en comparaison optique de la position d'affichage temporel de la pièce d'horlogerie avec une première image fournie à la demande de l'utilisateur, qui peut en modifier la position à volonté pour la synchroniser avec l'affichage réel de la pièce d'horlogerie, cette première image étant générée par un générateur d'image couplé à une source de référence temporelle interne ou externe,storing a first instant at which this display is in a first synchronized display position in optical comparison of the time display position of the timepiece with a first image provided at the request of the user, which may modify the position at will to synchronize with the actual display of the timepiece, this first image being generated by an image generator coupled to an internal or external time reference source,
  • on mémorise un deuxième instant auquel cet affichage est dans une deuxième position d'affichage synchronisée en comparaison optique de la position d'affichage temporel de la pièce d'horlogerie avec une deuxième image fournie à la demande de l'utilisateur, qui peut en modifier la position à volonté pour la synchroniser avec l'affichage réel de la pièce d'horlogerie, cette deuxième image étant générée par ce même générateur d'image.storing a second instant at which this display is in a second synchronized display position in optical comparison of the time display position of the timepiece with a second image supplied at the request of the user, which may modify the position at will to synchronize with the actual display of the timepiece, this second image being generated by the same image generator.

Dans une variante dans laquelle l'utilisateur est exempté de toute attention particulière lors des prises de vue :

  • on effectue une première prise de vue photographique à un premier instant avec un appareil de prise de vue couplé à une source de référence temporelle interne ou externe et doté de moyens d'enregistrement pour mémoriser une première image résultant de la première prise de vue ainsi que le repère temporel du premier instant fourni par la source de référence temporelle ;
  • l'utilisateur superpose à l'image de ladite première prise de vue photographique une première image générée par un générateur d'image, ladite première image étant fournie à la demande de l'utilisateur, qui peut en modifier la position à volonté pour la rendre similaire à ladite image de ladite première prise de vue, et on détermine ladite première valeur d'affichage correspondant à ladite première image, première valeur d'affichage que l'on stocke dans ladite mémoire en corrélation avec ledit premier instant ;
  • on effectue sur le même dit affichage expérimental, après un intervalle de temps déterminé après ladite première prise de vue, une deuxième prise de vue photographique à un deuxième instant avec le même appareil de prise de vue couplé à la même source de référence temporelle et doté des mêmes moyens d'enregistrement pour mémoriser une deuxième image résultant de ladite deuxième prise de vue ainsi que le repère temporel dudit deuxième instant fourni par ladite source de référence temporelle ;
  • l'utilisateur superpose à l'image de ladite deuxième prise de vue photographique une deuxième image générée par un générateur d'image, ladite deuxième image étant fournie à la demande de l'utilisateur, qui peut en modifier la position à volonté pour la rendre similaire à ladite image de ladite deuxième prise de vue, et on détermine ladite deuxième valeur d'affichage correspondant à ladite deuxième image, deuxième valeur d'affichage que l'on stocke dans ladite mémoire en corrélation avec ledit deuxième instant ;
  • on calcule la différence temporelle affichée entre la deuxième valeur d'affichage et la première valeur d'affichage ;
  • on calcule l'écart de marche de cet affichage expérimental, et on affiche cet écart de marche sur des moyens de visualisation.
In a variant in which the user is exempted from any particular attention when shooting:
  • a first photographic taking is carried out at a first instant with a camera coupled to an internal or external time reference source and provided with recording means for storing a first image resulting from the first shot as well as the time reference of the first instant provided by the time reference source;
  • the user superimposes on the image of said first photographic taking a first image generated by an image generator, said first image being provided at the request of the user, who can change the position at will to make it similar to said image of said first shot, and determining said first display value corresponding to said first image, first display value stored in said memory in correlation with said first time;
  • performing a second photographic shooting at a second time with the same camera coupled to the same time reference source and equipped with the same experimental display, after a determined time interval after said first shooting; the same recording means for storing a second image resulting from said second shot as well as the time stamp of said second instant provided by said time reference source;
  • the user superimposes on the image of said second photographic shot a second image generated by an image generator, said second image being provided at the request of the user, who can modify the position at will to make it similar to said image of said second shot, and said second display value corresponding to said second image, second display value which is stored in said memory in correlation with said second instant;
  • calculating the displayed time difference between the second display value and the first display value;
  • the difference in operation of this experimental display is calculated, and this operating error is displayed on display means.

De préférence, on ne stocke dans la mémoire que la première valeur d'affichage en corrélation avec ledit premier instant d'une part, et la deuxième valeur d'affichage en corrélation avec le deuxième instant d'autre part. La mémorisation des images associées n'est pas nécessaire à la mise en oeuvre de l'invention, dans son exécution la plus simple décrite ici, à partir du moment où une image correspondant à un affichage particulier a été interprétée en une valeur d'affichage mise en mémoire. Naturellement, si la capacité mémoire le permet et si l'utilisateur y trouve un intérêt, les images correspondantes peuvent être stockées et utilisées.Preferably, only the first display value correlated with said first instant is stored in the memory and the second display value correlates with the second instant on the other hand. The memorization of the associated images is not necessary for the implementation of the invention, in its simplest execution described here, from the moment when an image corresponding to a particular display has been interpreted as a display value. stored in memory. Naturally, if the memory capacity allows it and if the user finds an interest in it, the corresponding images can be stored and used.

Dans cette version de base du procédé selon l'invention, sa mise en oeuvre se fait en utilisant un dispositif 1, de préférence intégré, qui comporte :

  • une source de référence temporelle 3, constituée par une source de référence temporelle interne, ou bien par des moyens de réception et de traitement agencés pour recevoir et traiter des signaux émis par une source temporelle externe 3A pour mettre à jour en permanence une horloge-relais 3 interne au dispositif 1;
  • des moyens de calcul 6 agencés pour calculer des différences temporelles entre des valeurs d'affichage, ou/et entre des repères temporels étant fournis par cette source de référence temporelle 3, ainsi que pour calculer un écart de marche ;
  • une autre unité de traitement de données 7A agencée pour mémoriser et traiter au moins un écart de marche calculé par ces moyens de calcul 6, ou/et des moyens de visualisation 7 agencés pour afficher au moins un écart de marche calculé par ces moyens de calcul 6.
In this basic version of the method according to the invention, its implementation is done using a device 1, preferably integrated, which comprises:
  • a time reference source 3 constituted by an internal time reference source, or by reception and processing means arranged to receive and process signals transmitted by an external time source 3A in order to constantly update a relay clock 3 internal to the device 1;
  • calculating means 6 arranged for calculating temporal differences between display values, or / and between time references being provided by this time reference source 3, as well as for calculating a running difference;
  • another data processing unit 7A arranged for storing and processing at least one gait deviation calculated by these calculation means 6, and / or visualization means 7 arranged to display at least one gait difference calculated by these calculation means 6.

Dans une mise en oeuvre préférée, car particulièrement économique, du procédé de mesure selon l'invention, on choisit et on utilise comme dispositif 1 un téléphone portable ou similaire, couplé à une source de référence temporelle 3 interne ou externe et doté de moyens d'enregistrement 4 pour mémoriser des images ou/et des valeurs d'affichage correspondant à ces images, ainsi que les repères temporels des instants auxquels sont attachées ces images, lesquels repères temporels sont fournis par la source de référence temporelle.In a preferred implementation, because particularly economical, measurement method according to the invention, is chosen and used as device 1 a mobile phone or the like, coupled to a time reference source 3 internal or external and equipped with 4 to store images and / or display values corresponding to these images, as well as temporal references of the moments to which these images are attached, which temporal references are provided by the temporal reference source.

Il est ainsi possible, avec un équipement simple, courant, et de coût abordable, d'effectuer avec une bonne précision une mesure de type « Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres » ci-après dénommé « COSC ». Le procédé, dans le cas le plus général, consiste à mesurer l'état d'une montre mécanique en repérant la position des aiguilles à deux moments connus temporellement de manière précise.It is thus possible, with simple, current and affordable equipment, to carry out with good accuracy a measurement of the "Swiss Official Chronometer Testing", hereinafter referred to as "COSC". The method, in the most general case, consists of measuring the state of a mechanical watch by identifying the position of the needles at two precisely known times in time.

Dans un premier mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, il suffit que l'utilisateur synchronise sa montre avec une application représentant un cadran de montre sur lequel il peut positionner très précisément les aiguilles virtuelles. A cet effet, le logiciel et l'affichage propre à cette application sont agencés de façon à ce que la résolution soit au moins aussi bonne que celle des montres à évaluer. Le but est de pouvoir corriger l'affichage sur l'écran jusqu'à obtenir une parfaite corrélation avec la montre mécanique dont on souhaite mesurer la marche. Lorsque c'est le cas, une pression sur l'écran permet de prendre précisément l'état de la montre et l'heure du dispositif, notamment un téléphone portable ou similaire. Afin de déterminer l'écart de marche il faut réitérer la manoeuvre une seconde fois après un certain temps. Comme la mesure du temps est très précise sur un tel appareil on connaît précisément la différence temporelle entre les deux mesures ainsi que les deux états de la montre. Il est donc facile de donner précisément le retard ou l'avance que prend la montre par comparaison. Afin d'avoir une mesure fiable, il est possible de répéter la mesure aussi souvent que l'utilisateur le désire. De plus, afin qu'elle soit cohérente, il faut définir un intervalle de temps minimum entre deux mesures consécutives.In a first mode of implementation of the invention, it is sufficient for the user to synchronize his watch with an application representing a watch face on which he can very precisely position the virtual hands. For this purpose, the software and the display specific to this application are arranged in such a way that the resolution is at least as good as that of the watches to be evaluated. The goal is to be able to correct the display on the screen until a perfect correlation with the mechanical watch which one wants to measure the march. When this is the case, a pressure on the screen makes it possible to accurately take the state of the watch and the time of the device, in particular a mobile phone or the like. In order to determine the deviation of operation it is necessary to repeat the maneuver a second time after a certain time. As the measurement of time is very accurate on such a device we know precisely the time difference between the two measurements and the two states of the watch. It is therefore easy to give precisely the delay or advance that the watch takes by comparison. In order to have a reliable measurement, it is possible to repeat the measurement as often as the user desires. In addition, to be consistent, a minimum time interval must be defined between two consecutive measurements.

Dans un second mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, l'utilisateur prend une image avec l'appareil photo du téléphone portable ou similaire. Ensuite l'utilisateur positionne les aiguilles virtuelles par superposition afin de correspondre au temps réel représenté sur la photo. Il suffit de réitérer la manoeuvre une seconde fois après un certain temps afin de connaître la précision de la marche de la montre. La référence de temps pour la période entre deux mesures est prise en même temps que la photo.In a second embodiment of the invention, the user takes an image with the camera of the mobile phone or the like. Then the user positions the virtual hands by superposition to match the real time shown in the photo. It is enough to repeat the maneuver a second time after a certain time in order to know the accuracy of the running of the watch. The time reference for the period between two measurements is taken at the same time as the photo.

Dans ces deux modes de mise en oeuvre, il est aussi possible de suivre l'évolution de la marche de chaque montre au fil du temps, ce qui permet de comparer différentes montres à différents moments de l'année ou d'observer une éventuelle détérioration d'une montre en fonction du temps.In these two modes of implementation, it is also possible to follow the evolution of the gait of each watch over time, which makes it possible to compare different watches at different times of the year or to observe possible deterioration of a watch as a function of time.

Dans un mode particulier, et particulièrement précis, de mise en oeuvre du procédé :

  • on sélectionne en tant qu'affichage expérimental un affichage visuel parmi ceux que comporte cette pièce d'horlogerie ;
  • on effectue une première prise de vue photographique à un premier instant avec des moyens de prise de vue, de préférence un appareil de prise de vue couplé à une source de référence temporelle interne ou externe et doté de moyens d'enregistrement pour mémoriser une première image résultant de la première prise de vue qu'on traite, avec un analyseur d'image, pour déterminer une première valeur d'affichage stockée dans une mémoire en corrélation avec le repère temporel dudit premier instant fourni par ladite source de référence temporelle ;
  • on effectue sur le même dit affichage expérimental, après un intervalle de temps déterminé après ladite première prise de vue, une deuxième prise de vue photographique à un deuxième instant avec le même appareil de prise de vue couplé à la même source de référence temporelle et doté des mêmes moyens d'enregistrement pour mémoriser une deuxième image résultant de ladite deuxième prise de vue qu'on traite, avec ledit analyseur d'image, pour déterminer une deuxième valeur d'affichage stockée dans une mémoire en corrélation avec le repère temporel dudit deuxième instant fourni par ladite source de référence temporelle ;
  • on calcule, de préférence avec des moyens de calcul, la différence temporelle affichée entre la deuxième valeur d'affichage et la première valeur d'affichage ;
  • on calcule l'écart de marche de cet affichage expérimental, et on affiche l'écart de marche sur des moyens de visualisation.
In a particular and particularly precise mode of implementation of the method:
  • an experimental display is selected as a visual display among those included in this timepiece;
  • a first photographic taking is carried out at a first moment with means of shooting, preferably a camera coupled to an internal or external temporal reference source and provided with recording means for storing a first image resulting from the first image being processed, with an image analyzer, to determine a first display value stored in a memory correlating with the time stamp of said first time provided by said time reference source;
  • performing a second photographic shooting at a second time with the same camera coupled to the same time reference source and equipped with the same experimental display, after a determined time interval after said first shooting; the same recording means for storing a second image resulting from said second image being processed, with said image analyzer, for determining a second display value stored in a memory correlating with the temporal marker of said second image instant provided by said time reference source;
  • the time difference displayed between the second display value and the first display value is calculated, preferably with calculation means;
  • the difference in operation of this experimental display is calculated, and the operating deviation is displayed on display means.

Pour la détermination de cet écart de marche, de préférence :

  • on calcule la différence temporelle réelle entre le repère temporel du deuxième instant et le repère temporel du premier instant ;
  • on calcule l'écart de marche entre la différence temporelle affichée et la différence temporelle réelle ;
  • on calcule la précision comme le rapport, exprimé par exemple en secondes par jour, entre l'écart de marche au numérateur et la différence réelle au dénominateur.
For the determination of this deviation, preferably:
  • the real time difference between the time reference point of the second instant and the time coordinate of the first instant is calculated;
  • the difference between the displayed time difference and the actual time difference is calculated;
  • the precision is calculated as the ratio, expressed for example in seconds per day, between the difference in the numerator and the actual difference in the denominator.

De façon préférée, pour obtenir une bonne résolution quant à la précision de détermination de la première valeur d'affichage et de la deuxième valeur d'affichage par l'analyseur d'image, on choisit le premier instant de façon à ce que, sur l'affichage expérimental, l'affichage de chacune des grandeurs d'unités temporelles soit différencié de l'affichage des autres grandeurs d'unités temporelles, de façon à permettre une analyse d'image bien différenciée pour chaque unité de temps.Preferably, to obtain a good resolution as to the accuracy of determination of the first display value and the second display value by the image analyzer, the first moment is chosen so that, on In the experimental display, the display of each of the time unit quantities is differentiated from the display of the other quantities of time units, so as to allow a well-differentiated image analysis for each unit of time.

De la même façon, il est avantageux de choisir un intervalle de temps déterminé de façon à ce qu'au deuxième instant, il en soit de même. En particulier, quand l'affichage expérimental est un affichage par aiguilles, il est préférable de choisir des positions angulaires bien distinctes de ces aiguilles pour bien les différencier, lors du premier instant comme du deuxième instant, tel que visible sur les figures 1 et 2.In the same way, it is advantageous to choose a time interval determined so that at the second moment, it is the same. In particular, when the experimental display is a display by needles, it is preferable to choose angular positions very distinct from these needles to differentiate them, at the first moment as the second moment, as visible on the Figures 1 and 2 .

Pour obtenir une valeur de précision de marche significative, de préférence on choisit cet intervalle de temps déterminé dans un rapport d'au moins mille à un par rapport au pas d'affichage de la plus petite valeur temporelle visible sur le affichage expérimental. Naturellement on peut aussi, surtout pour le cas d'une observation de longue durée, de l'ordre d'un jour, choisir un facteur bien supérieur, supérieur ou égal à 10000 par exemple.In order to obtain a significant accuracy of operation value, this determined time interval is preferably chosen in a ratio of at least one thousand to one with respect to the display pitch of the smallest visible time value on the experimental display. Naturally one can also, especially for the case of a long observation, of the order of a day, choose a much higher factor, greater than or equal to 10000 for example.

Dans une application préférée, on choisit cet intervalle de temps déterminé supérieur ou égal à un demi-jour, ou supérieur ou égal à un jour, de façon à obtenir des valeurs comparables avec celles délivrées par les bureaux de chronométrie. Le choix d'un multiple exact de douze heures permet, en général, un retour de l'affichage, en position finale, à une position comparable à la position initiale.In a preferred application, this determined time interval is chosen greater than or equal to half a day, or greater than or equal to one day, so as to obtain values comparable with those delivered by chronometric offices. The choice of an exact multiple of twelve hours allows, in general, a return of the display, in the final position, to a position comparable to the initial position.

Toutefois, le procédé reste applicable, avec des résultats très satisfaisants par rapport à l'art antérieur, pour des durées beaucoup plus courtes, de l'ordre de la minute ou de l'heure par exemple.However, the method remains applicable, with very satisfactory results compared to the prior art, for much shorter durations, of the order of a minute or an hour, for example.

Pour lisser l'influence des paramètres externes, on peut encore effectuer une succession de cycles :

  • dans le cas général, on effectue une succession de cycles de mémorisation d'une première valeur d'affichage stockée dans une mémoire en corrélation avec ledit premier instant, et d'une deuxième valeur d'affichage stockée dans ladite mémoire en corrélation avec ledit deuxième instant, et on mémorise les résultats des calculs de différence affichée, de différence réelle, d'écart de marche, de précision, et on calcule une précision moyenne;
  • dans le cas où on effectue des prises de vue, on effectue une succession de cycles de premières prises de vue et deuxièmes prises de vue, et on mémorise les résultats des calculs de différence affichée, de différence réelle, d'écart de marche, de précision, pour calculer une précision moyenne, soit par moyennage des valeurs de précision, soit par quotient de l'écart de marche cumulé au cumul de différence de temps.
To smooth the influence of the external parameters, one can still carry out a succession of cycles:
  • in the general case, a succession of storage cycles of a first display value stored in a memory in correlation with said first instant, and a second display value stored in said memory in correlation with said second instant, are carried out; moment, and we memorize results of calculations of displayed difference, actual difference, deviation, accuracy, and average accuracy is calculated;
  • in the case where shooting is carried out, a succession of cycles of first and second shots are taken, and the results of the calculations of the displayed difference, actual difference, deviation of accuracy, to calculate an average accuracy, either by averaging precision values, or by quotient of the accumulated difference in the cumulative time difference.

Dans le cadre d'une production, il est avantageux d'appliquer le procédé à une pluralité de pièces d'horlogerie, sur lesquelles on effectue chaque cycle de mémorisation d'une première valeur d'affichage stockée dans une mémoire en corrélation avec ledit premier instant, et d'une deuxième valeur d'affichage stockée dans ladite mémoire en corrélation avec ledit deuxième instant, dans les mêmes conditions, et pour lesquelles on calcule pour chacune sa précision, et, dans le cas où on effectue des prises de vue, on effectue ces prises de vue dans les mêmes conditions, et pour lesquelles on calcule pour chacune sa précision, ce qui permet ensuite de comparer les précisions des différentes pièces d'horlogerie, pour classer ces pièces d'horlogerie dans différentes catégories de précision.In the context of a production, it is advantageous to apply the method to a plurality of timepieces, on which each storage cycle of a first display value stored in a memory in correlation with said first memory is performed. instant, and a second display value stored in said memory in correlation with said second instant, under the same conditions, and for which one calculates for each its accuracy, and, in the case where one takes pictures, these shots are taken under the same conditions, and for which one calculates for each its precision, which then makes it possible to compare the precisions of the various timepieces, to classify these timepieces in different categories of precision.

Dans une variante intéressante de mise en oeuvre d'un procédé voisin de ceux de l'invention, on l'applique à une pluralité de pièces d'horlogerie sur lesquelles on effectue en même temps des prises de vue dans les mêmes conditions, et pour lesquelles on calcule pour chacune sa précision, en utilisant des moyens de discrimination d'image pour traiter les prises de vue de chaque pièce d'horlogerie indépendamment l'une de l'autre, et en utilisant des moyens de pilotage de ces moyens de discrimination d'image et de ces moyens de calcul, ces moyens de pilotage étant agencés pour affecter les résultats de calcul d'écart de marche à chacune de ces pièces d'horlogerie.In an advantageous variant of implementation of a method similar to those of the invention, it is applied to a plurality of timepieces on which at the same time shots are taken under the same conditions, and for which are calculated for each its accuracy, using image discrimination means for processing the shots of each timepiece independently of one another, and using control means of these means of discrimination image and these calculating means, these control means being arranged to affect the results of gapping calculation to each of these timepieces.

Dans ce cas, il est utile de choisir une des pièces d'horlogerie sous forme d'une montre-étalon ou d'une pendule-étalon.In this case, it is useful to choose one of the timepieces in the form of a standard watch or a standard pendulum.

Dans une mise en oeuvre préférée, car particulièrement économique, du procédé de mesure selon l'invention, on choisit et on utilise comme appareil de prise de vue un téléphone portable ou similaire couplé à une source de référence temporelle interne ou externe et doté de moyens d'enregistrement pour mémoriser des images résultant de prises de vue ou/et des valeurs d'affichage correspondant à ces images, ainsi que les repères temporels des instants auxquels sont effectuées les prises de vue, lesquels repères temporels sont fournis par la source de référence temporelle.In a preferred embodiment, because particularly economical, of the measuring method according to the invention, a mobile phone or the like is selected and used as camera to be coupled to an internal or external temporal reference source and provided with means for storing images resulting from shots and / or display values corresponding to these images, as well as the time references of the times at which shots, which time marks are provided by the time reference source.

Selon ce procédé de mesure, on choisit et on utilise comme source de référence temporelle, ou bien une source interne au dispositif d'analyse, comme une horloge, ou bien une source temporelle externe émettant un signal périodique ou un signal GPS, ou radio, ou similaire.According to this measurement method, one chooses and uses as a time reference source, or a source internal to the analysis device, as a clock, or an external time source emitting a periodic signal or a GPS signal, or radio, or similar.

Dans un procédé de mesure voisin de ceux de l'invention, mais sans opérateur, on peut en oeuvre des moyens d'analyse d'image, et on prolonge la deuxième prise de vue par une prise de vue cinématographique par le même appareil de prise de vue couplé à la même source de référence temporelle, qu'on couple à l'analyseur d'image pour cesser la prise de vue quand l'analyseur perçoit une image, tel que visible sur la figure 4, identique à celle qu'il a perçue au premier instant représentée sur la figure 3. On mémorise un troisième instant correspondant à celui auquel l'analyseur d'image commande l'arrêt de la prise de vue, ainsi que le repère temporel du troisième instant fourni par la source de référence temporelle, et on calcule une différence périodique entre le repère temporel du troisième instant et le repère temporel du premier instant. Puis on calcule un écart de période entre la différence périodique et une période théorique à laquelle l'affichage est supposé revenir dans la même position, et on calcule la précision comme le rapport entre l'écart de période et la période théorique. On comprend que, dans un tel procédé, l'intervalle de temps déterminé, après lequel on effectue la saisie de la deuxième image au deuxième instant, est un intervalle de temps minimum déterminé par l'utilisateur, en fonction de la durée d'expérimentation qu'il souhaite, par exemple un jour.In a measurement method similar to those of the invention, but without an operator, it is possible to use image analysis means, and the second shot is prolonged by cinematographic shooting by the same recording apparatus. coupled to the same time reference source, that the image analyzer is coupled to stop shooting when the analyzer perceives an image, as visible on the figure 4 identical to the one he perceived at the first moment figure 3 . Storing a third instant corresponding to that at which the image analyzer controls the stopping of the shooting, as well as the time reference of the third instant provided by the temporal reference source, and calculating a periodic difference between the reference mark; time of the third instant and the temporal marker of the first instant. Then a period deviation between the periodic difference and a theoretical period at which the display is assumed to return to the same position is calculated, and the accuracy is calculated as the ratio between the period deviation and the theoretical period. It will be understood that, in such a method, the determined time interval, after which the second image is captured at the second instant, is a minimum time interval determined by the user, depending on the duration of experimentation. that he wishes, for example one day.

Dans un autre procédé de mesure voisin de ceux de l'invention, mais sans opérateur, l'ensemble des prises de vue est effectuée sous forme de prise de vue cinématographique, le premier instant est déterminé au vol, de façon aléatoire, ou bien de façon semi-aléatoire pour veiller à ces que les indicateurs d'affichage, notamment aiguilles, soient bien visibles, et le deuxième instant est déterminé par un analyseur d'image dès qu'il capte une nouvelle image identique à celle mémorisée au premier instant. Dans une autre variante encore de la version de prise de vue cinématographique, un analyseur d'image est piloté par un système de pilotage, qui laisse passer plusieurs fois des images identiques à celle du premier instant, et décompte le nombre des passages. Il est ainsi possible d'effectuer l'analyse sur une durée sensiblement plus longue, par exemple sur toute la réserve de marche de la pièce d'horlogerie. Il est également possible, et intéressant, d'enchaîner les analyses, de façon à déterminer l'influence du désarmage du barillet sur l'écart de marche de la pièce d'horlogerie.In another measuring method similar to those of the invention, but without an operator, all the images are taken in the form of cinematographic shooting, the first moment is determined on the fly, at random, or else semi-random way to ensure that the display indicators, including needles, are clearly visible, and the second time is determined by an image analyzer as soon as it captures a new image identical to that stored at the first moment. In yet another variant of the cinematic shooting version, an image analyzer is controlled by a control system, which passes several times identical images to that of the first moment, and counts the number of passages. It is thus possible to perform the analysis over a substantially longer period, for example on the entire power reserve of the timepiece. It is also possible, and interesting, to chain the analyzes, so as to determine the influence of the barrel disarmage on the time gap of the timepiece.

L'invention concerne encore l'utilisation, pour la mise en oeuvre de l'un de ces procédés, d'un dispositif 1 de mise en oeuvre, qui comporte :

  • des moyens de prise de vue 2 photographique d'une pièce d'horlogerie 10;
  • une source de référence temporelle 3, constituée par une source de référence temporelle interne, tel que visible sur la figure 1, ou bien par des moyens de réception et de traitement agencés pour recevoir et traiter des signaux émis par une source temporelle externe 3A, tel que visible sur la figure 2, pour mettre à jour en permanence une horloge-relais interne 3 au dispositif ;
  • les moyens de prise de vue 2 photographique étant couplés à la source de référence temporelle 3;
  • des moyens d'enregistrement 4 pour mémoriser des images résultant de prises de vue ou/et des valeurs d'affichage correspondant à ces images, ainsi que les repères temporels des instants auxquels sont effectuées les prises de vue, les repères temporels étant fournis par la source de référence temporelle 3;
  • des moyens de calcul 6 agencés pour calculer des différences temporelles entre des valeurs d'affichage, ou/et entre des repères temporels étant fournis par la source de référence temporelle 3, ainsi que pour calculer un écart de marche ;
  • et, pour l'exploitation des résultats, une autre unité de traitement de données 7A telle que visible sur la figure 1 agencée pour mémoriser et traiter au moins un écart de marche calculé par les moyens de calcul, en général externe au dispositif 1, ou/et des moyens de visualisation 7 de préférence incorporés au dispositif 1 comme sur la figure 2 agencés pour afficher au moins un écart de marche calculé par les moyens de calcul.
The invention also relates to the use, for the implementation of one of these methods, of a device 1 for implementation, which comprises:
  • photographic means 2 for photographing a timepiece 10;
  • a time reference source 3 constituted by an internal time reference source, as visible on the figure 1 or by receiving and processing means arranged to receive and process signals transmitted by an external time source 3A, as visible on the figure 2 to continuously update an internal relay clock 3 to the device;
  • the photographic means 2 being coupled to the temporal reference source 3;
  • recording means 4 for storing images resulting from shots and / or display values corresponding to these images, as well as the time references of the instants at which the shots are taken, the time marks being provided by the time reference source 3;
  • calculation means 6 arranged to calculate temporal differences between display values, or / and between time references being provided by the time reference source 3, as well as to calculate a shift;
  • and, for the exploitation of the results, another data processing unit 7A as visible on the figure 1 arranged to store and process at least one running gap calculated by the calculation means, generally external to the device 1, and / or visualization means 7 preferably incorporated in the device 1 as on the figure 2 arranged to display at least one running gap calculated by the computing means.

Dans une variante pour un autre procédé sans opérateur, un tel dispositif 1 peut encore comporter des moyens d'analyse d'image, matériels ou/et logiciels, pour déterminer la position dans l'espace d'indicateurs visibles sur chaque prise de vue effectuée, ou/et une valeur d'affichage du temps sur chaque prise de vue effectuée : de tels moyens d'analyse d'image doivent alors comporter des modules matériels ou/et logiciels propres à l'interprétation de l'affichage de chaque pièce d'horlogerie concernée. En effet, si de préférence ces moyens d'analyse d'image sont dédiés à une configuration classique d'une pièce d'horlogerie 10 avec trois aiguilles au centre d'un cadran, ils doivent pouvoir traiter le cas des affichages déportés, des affichages de type rétrograde ou sautant, des affichages numériques, ou autres. De ce fait, si l'invention est conçue préférentiellement pour la vérification de pièces d'horlogerie mécaniques, elle est applicable à tout type de pièce d'horlogerie comportant un affichage visuel. De tels moyens d'analyse d'image comportent encore, avantageusement, des moyens agencés pour prendre en compte la position géométrique des moyens d'affichage de la pièce d'horlogerie 10.In a variant for another method without an operator, such a device 1 may also include image analysis means, hardware and / or software, to determine the position in the space of visible indicators on each shot made , or / and a time display value on each shot taken: such image analysis means must then include hardware modules and / or software specific to the interpretation of the display of each piece of watchmaking concerned. Indeed, if preferably these image analysis means are dedicated to a conventional configuration of a timepiece with three hands in the center of a dial, they must be able to handle the case of remote displays, retrograde or jumping type displays, digital displays, or other. Therefore, if the invention is designed preferentially for the verification of mechanical timepieces, it is applicable to any type of timepiece comprising a visual display. Such image analysis means also advantageously comprise means arranged to take into account the geometric position of the display means of the timepiece 10.

De façon préférée, ce dispositif 1 comporte des moyens de pilotage 8 agencés pour coordonner, en référence à la source de référence temporelle 3, le traitement et l'analyse des moyens de prise de vue 2, des moyens d'enregistrement 4, des moyens de calcul 6, pour délivrer aux moyens de visualisation 7 ou/et à une autre unité de traitement de données 7A un écart de marche calculé par les moyens de calcul 6.Preferably, this device 1 comprises control means 8 arranged to coordinate, with reference to the time reference source 3, the processing and analysis of the recording means 2, the recording means 4, the means 6, for outputting to the display means 7 or / and another data processing unit 7A a deviation calculated by the calculation means 6.

Pour un procédé voisin de ceux de l'invention et relatif à l'observation simultanée de plusieurs pièces d'horlogerie, on peut utiliser un tel dispositif 1 comportant des moyens de discrimination d'image, de préférence intégrés aux moyens de calcul 6, pour traiter les prises de vue effectuées simultanément de plusieurs pièces d'horlogerie indépendamment l'une de l'autre, et comportant des moyens de pilotage 8 des moyens de discrimination d'image et des moyens de calcul 6, ces moyens de pilotage 8 étant agencés pour affecter les résultats de calcul d'écart de marche à chacune des pièces d'horlogerie.For a method similar to those of the invention and relating to the simultaneous observation of several timepieces, it is possible to use such a device 1 comprising image discrimination means, preferably integrated with the calculation means 6, for to process shots taken simultaneously of several timepieces independently of one another, and comprising control means 8 for image discrimination means and calculation means 6, these control means 8 being arranged for assigning the gapping difference results to each of the timepieces.

Dans une application préférée, la source de référence temporelle 3 comporte des moyens de réception et de traitement agencés pour recevoir et traiter des signaux émis par une source temporelle externe 3A pour mettre à jour en permanence une horloge-relais interne au dispositif, la source de référence temporelle externe 3A étant constituée par un réseau émetteur de signal GPS, ou par un réseau téléphonique délivrant un signal périodique, ou par une horloge-mère émettrice d'un signal hertzien ou radio.In a preferred application, the time reference source 3 comprises reception and processing means arranged to receive and process signals transmitted by an external time source 3A in order to constantly update an internal relay clock with the device, the source of external time reference 3A being constituted by a GPS signal transmitting network, or by a telephone network delivering a periodic signal, or by a mother clock transmitting a radio or radio signal.

De préférence, ce dispositif 1 est constitué par un téléphone portable ou similaire couplé à une telle source de référence temporelle 3 interne ou externe.Preferably, this device 1 is constituted by a mobile phone or the like coupled to such an internal or external time reference source 3.

En somme, le système proposé équivaut à une mesure de type COSC. Il consiste, dans son application la plus courante, à mesurer l'état d'une montre mécanique en repérant la position de l'aiguille des secondes à deux moments connus ou déterminables temporellement de manière précise. Il utilise l'appareil photographique du téléphone pour prendre une image du cadran tout en enregistrant l'heure à laquelle l'image est prise. La précision sur le temps est influencée par le temps de pose et le nombre d'alternances du mouvement. Par un logiciel de reconnaissance visuelle, la position de l'aiguille des secondes, ainsi que celle des autres aiguilles si nécessaire, est déterminée avec une bonne précision, typiquement de l'ordre de 0.1 seconde, et donc l'état de la montre est connu à mieux que ± 0.5 seconde près. Sachant qu'un téléphone portable ou similaire a accès à des références de temps très précises comme celle fournie par le GPS, la précision sur l'intervalle de temps entre deux prises d'image est déterminée par celle de la prise de vue. En supposant par exemple que l'utilisateur photographie sa montre à un intervalle de 1 jour, il peut donc mesurer la marche de sa montre avec une précision inférieure à 1 seconde par jour.In sum, the proposed system is equivalent to a COSC type measure. It consists, in its most common application, to measure the state of a mechanical watch by identifying the position of the second hand at two moments known or determinable temporally in a precise manner. It uses the camera of the phone to take a picture of the dial while recording the time the image is taken. The accuracy of the time is influenced by the exposure time and the number of alternations of the movement. By a visual recognition software, the position of the seconds hand, as well as that of the other hands if necessary, is determined with a good precision, typically of the order of 0.1 seconds, and therefore the state of the watch is known to better than ± 0.5 seconds. Knowing that a mobile phone or the like has access to very precise time references such as that provided by the GPS, the accuracy of the time interval between two images is determined by that of the shooting. Assuming, for example, that the user photographs his watch at an interval of 1 day, he can measure the progress of his watch with an accuracy of less than 1 second per day.

L'invention permet donc de fournir à l'utilisateur la possibilité de mesurer la précision de sa montre mécanique en utilisant son téléphone portable ou similaire, ceci en prenant deux photos du cadran de sa montre à un intervalle de temps de l'ordre du jour. Les moyens de discrimination d'image éventuels comportent un logiciel d'analyse, qui reconnaît alors visuellement la position de l'aiguille des secondes et en déduit la marche moyenne de la montre, avec, comme référence de temps, une horloge précise, comme par exemple celle fournie par le signal GPS.The invention therefore makes it possible to provide the user with the possibility of measuring the precision of his mechanical watch by using his mobile phone or the like, this by taking two pictures of the dial of his watch at a time interval of the agenda . The possible image discrimination means comprise an analysis software, which then visually recognizes the position of the second hand and deduces the average running of the watch, with, as a time reference, a precise clock, as for example. example that provided by the GPS signal.

L'invention permet aussi au fabricant, avec des moyens de résolution supérieure à celle d'un téléphone portable, de qualifier rapidement et très économiquement sa production.The invention also enables the manufacturer, with means of resolution greater than that of a mobile phone, to quickly and very economically qualify his production.

Claims (16)

  1. Method of measuring the accuracy of at least one timepiece, particularly a mechanical watch, comprising at least one visual display device, and where one of said at least one visual display devices of said timepiece is selected as the experimental display, characterized in that:
    - at the request of the user, a first theoretical image of the display position is generated by an image generator coupled to an internal or external time reference source;
    - at the request of the user, said first theoretical image of the display position is modified in order to synchronise said display position of said first modified image with the real display of said experimental display of said timepiece.
    - a first instant with which said experimental display is in a first display position corresponding to said first modified image, measured in correspondence with said time reference source, is stored, said first display position being synchronised in optical comparison to the time display position of said timepiece with said first modified image, with the user altering the position of said first image as desired to synchronise said first image with said real timepiece display, and a first display value is determined corresponding to said first modified image, said first display value is stored in a storage means in correlation with said first instant;
    - after a determined time interval following said first instant,
    - at the request of the user, a second theoretical display position image is generated by said image generator;
    - at the request of the user, said second theoretical display position image is modified to synchronise said display position of said modified second image with the real display of said experimental display of said timepiece;
    - a second instant with which said experimental display is in a second display position corresponding to said second modified image, measured in correspondence with said time reference source, is stored, said second display position being synchronised in optical comparison to the time display position of said timepiece with said second modified image, with the user altering the position of said second image as desired to synchronise said second image with said real timepiece display, and a second display value is determined corresponding to said second modified image, said second display value is stored in a storage means in correlation with said second instant;
    - the time difference displayed between said second display value and said first display value is calculated;
    - the variation in rate of said experimental display is calculated, and said variation in rate is displayed on a viewing means.
  2. Method of measuring the accuracy of at least one timepiece, particularly a mechanical watch, comprising at least one visual display device, where one of said at least one visual display devices of said timepiece is selected as the experimental display, characterized in that:
    - a first photographed image of said experimental display is shot at a first instant measured in correspondence with an internal or external time reference source, with a camera coupled to said time reference source and provided with a storage means for storing a first photographed image resulting from said first shot, and said first instant measured at which said experimental display is in a first display position corresponding to said first photographed image as well as the time reference point of said first instant provided by said time reference source,
    - the user superposes a first built image generated by an image generator and built by the user, who changes the position thereof as desired to make said first built image similar to said first photographed image, and a first display value corresponding to said first built image is determined, and the first display value is stored in said storage means in correlation with said first instant;
    - at a second instant after a determined time interval following said first shot and measured in correspondence with said reference source, a second photographed image is shot of said experimental display, with the same camera coupled to the same time reference source and provided with the same storage means for storing a second photographed image resulting from said second shot, and said second instant measured at which said experimental display is in a second display position corresponding to said second photographed image as well as the time reference point of said second instant provided by said time reference source is stored,
    - the user superposes on second photographed image a second built image generated by said image generator and built by the user, who changes the position thereof as desired to make said second built image similar to said second photographed image, and a second display value corresponding to said second built image is determined, and said second display value is stored in said storage means in correlation with said second instant;
    - the time difference displayed between said second display value and said first display value is calculated;
    - the variation in rate of said experimental display is calculated, and said variation in rate is displayed on a viewing means.
  3. Measuring method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:
    - the real time difference between said time reference of said second instant and said time reference of said first instant is calculated;
    - said variation in rate between said displayed time difference and said real time difference is calculated;
    - the accuracy is calculated as the ratio between said variation in rate and said real difference.
  4. Method of measuring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first instant is chosen in such a way that, on said experimental display, the display of each one of the magnitudes of time units is differentiated from the display of the other magnitudes of time units, in such a way as to allow for an image analysis that is well differentiated for each time unit.
  5. Method of measuring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said determined time interval is chosen in a ratio of at least thousand to one with respect to the display pitch of the smallest time value visible on said experimental display.
  6. Method of measuring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said determined time interval is chosen greater than or equal to one day.
  7. Method of measuring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a succession of storage cycles is carried out of a first display value stored in a storage means in correlation with said first instant, and a second display value stored in said storage means in correlation with said second instant, and the results are stored of the calculations of displayed difference, real difference, variation in rate, accuracy and an average accuracy is calculated.
  8. Method of measuring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that:
    - the method is applied to a plurality of timepieces, wherein each cycle of storing a display value stored in a storage means in correlation with said first instant, and a second display value stored in said storage means in correlation with said second instant, is performed on each timepiece in the same conditions, and wherein the accuracy of each timepiece is calculated,
    - the accuracy of said timepieces is compared in order to classify said timepieces into different accuracy categories.
  9. Method of measuring according to claim 8, characterized in that one of said timepieces is chosen in the form of a standard-watch of a standard-pendulum.
  10. Method of measuring according to claim 2, characterized in that a mobile telephone is chosen and is used as said camera coupled to an internal or external time reference source and provided with a storage means for storing images resulting from shots and/or display values corresponding to said images, and the time reference points of the instants at which said shots are taken, said time reference points being provided by said time reference source.
  11. Method of measuring according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an external time source delivering a periodic signal or a GPS signal is chosen and is used as said time reference source.
  12. Use, for the implementation of the method according to one of the preceding claims, of a device (1) that comprises:
    - a time reference source (3), formed by an internal time reference source, or by a receiving and processing means arranged to receive and process signals transmitted by an external time source (3A) to permanently update a repeater clock (3) internal to said device (1);
    - a calculating means (6) arranged to calculate time differences between display values, and between time reference points provided by said time reference source (3) and for calculating a variation in rate;
    - another data processing unit (7A) arranged to store and process at least one variation in rate calculated by said calculating means (6), and/or a viewing means (7) arranged to display at least one variation in rate calculated by said calculating means (6);
    - a camera or means of shooting photographs (2), coupled to said time reference source (3);
    - storage means (4) comprising at least one memory for storing images resulting from shots and/or display values corresponding to said images, and the time reference points of the instants at which said shots are taken, said time reference points being provided by said time reference source (3), said storage means (4) coupled to said means of shooting (2);
    - an image generator coupled to said time reference source;
    - means for superposing and optical synchronizing of images,
    characterized in that said calculating means (6) are arranged to calculate time differences between time reference points provided by said time reference source (3), as well as for calculating a variation in rate.
  13. Use of a device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said device (1) comprises control means (8) for coordinating, with reference to said time reference source (3), the processing and analysis of said shooting means (2), of said storage means (4), of said calculating means (6), to deliver to said viewing means (7) and/or to another data processing unit (7A) a variation in rate calculated by said calculating means (6).
  14. Use of a device (1) according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that that said time reference source (3) includes a receiving and processing means arranged to receive and process signals transmitted by an external time reference source (3A) to permanently update a repeater clock (3) internal to said device, said external time reference source (3A) being formed by a GPS signal transmitter network or by a telephone network delivering a periodic signal or by a mother clock transmitting a hertz or radio signal.
  15. Use of a device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that said time reference source (3) is internal and formed by a clock comprised in said device (1).
  16. Use of a device (1) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that said device (1) is formed by a mobile telephone coupled to an internal (3) or external (3A) time reference source.
EP10192725.9A 2010-11-26 2010-11-26 Method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch Active EP2458458B1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10192725.9A EP2458458B1 (en) 2010-11-26 2010-11-26 Method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch
PCT/EP2011/070625 WO2012069444A1 (en) 2010-11-26 2011-11-22 Method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch
RU2013128951/28A RU2566397C2 (en) 2010-11-26 2011-11-22 Method for measuring accuracy of mechanical clock rate
JP2013540320A JP5671152B2 (en) 2010-11-26 2011-11-22 How to measure the accuracy of mechanical watches
CN201180056946.4A CN103229112B (en) 2010-11-26 2011-11-22 The method of the precision of measurement mechanical table
US13/885,558 US9348317B2 (en) 2010-11-26 2011-11-22 Method of measuring the accuracy of a mechanical watch
HK14100681.8A HK1187695A1 (en) 2010-11-26 2014-01-22 Method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch
US14/944,990 US9383725B2 (en) 2010-11-26 2015-11-18 Device for measuring the accuracy of a mechanical watch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10192725.9A EP2458458B1 (en) 2010-11-26 2010-11-26 Method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2458458A1 EP2458458A1 (en) 2012-05-30
EP2458458B1 true EP2458458B1 (en) 2017-11-15

Family

ID=43770621

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10192725.9A Active EP2458458B1 (en) 2010-11-26 2010-11-26 Method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US9348317B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2458458B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5671152B2 (en)
CN (1) CN103229112B (en)
HK (1) HK1187695A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2566397C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2012069444A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020182381A1 (en) 2019-03-08 2020-09-17 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Machine for winding a watch and/or clock movement

Families Citing this family (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH706642B1 (en) * 2012-06-22 2017-05-31 Icoflex Sàrl Optoelectronic instrument for measuring the movement of moving parts of a mechanical watch caliber as well as the measuring method.
CH707013B1 (en) * 2012-09-28 2018-08-15 Lvmh Swiss Mft Sa Qualification process for mechanical time counter with analogue display.
CN104503221A (en) * 2014-11-18 2015-04-08 深圳市金立通信设备有限公司 Clock calibration method
CN104503220A (en) * 2014-11-18 2015-04-08 深圳市金立通信设备有限公司 Terminal, clock and clock calibration system
EP3121663B1 (en) * 2015-07-22 2021-03-03 Rolex Sa Method for checking the tightness of a timepiece
EP3136189A1 (en) 2015-08-24 2017-03-01 Rolex Sa Method for timer control of a timepiece
EP3211491A1 (en) 2016-02-26 2017-08-30 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Method for automatically setting the time of a watch
EP3481286B1 (en) 2016-07-07 2023-12-13 Guenat SA Montres Valgine Method and system for measuring and displaying data linked to a person's physical activity
CH712657A1 (en) * 2016-07-07 2018-01-15 Guenat Sa Montres Valgine Method and system for measuring and displaying data related to the physical activity of a person.
EP3486734B1 (en) * 2017-11-15 2020-09-02 Montres Breguet S.A. Chronometric monitoring
EP3492998B1 (en) * 2017-12-01 2020-08-12 Montres Breguet S.A. Dynamic chronometric monitoring
CN108153140B (en) * 2017-12-29 2024-01-09 珠海罗西尼表业有限公司 Precision tester for mechanical watch
CN108519734B (en) * 2018-03-26 2019-09-10 广东乐芯智能科技有限公司 A kind of system of determining surface pointer position
JP6891913B2 (en) * 2019-03-25 2021-06-18 カシオ計算機株式会社 Electronic display device and display control method
CH716548A1 (en) 2019-08-29 2021-03-15 Patek Philippe Sa Geneve Method, computer device and computer application for assisting in the adjustment of a mechanical timepiece.
CN111240184B (en) * 2020-02-21 2021-12-31 华为技术有限公司 Method for determining clock error, terminal and computer storage medium
CN112052745B (en) * 2020-08-13 2021-11-26 飞亚达精密科技股份有限公司 Visual test method and system for judging whether watch time-travelling precision is qualified or not
CN112101112A (en) * 2020-08-13 2020-12-18 飞亚达精密科技股份有限公司 Visual identification method and system for watch time
EP3985446B1 (en) * 2020-10-14 2023-05-24 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Device for determining the position of a clock display
CN112947032B (en) * 2021-05-11 2021-07-16 深圳市越芯电子有限责任公司 Clock calibration device and method
CN114676957A (en) * 2022-01-27 2022-06-28 福建瑞达精工股份有限公司 Clock and watch product assembly quality data analysis system

Family Cites Families (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5015A (en) * 1847-03-13 Mode of producing reciprocating and latkral motions
SU146705A1 (en) * 1961-02-24 1961-11-30 И.И. Барановский Device for checking daily clock travel
GB1209706A (en) * 1968-05-31 1970-10-21 Smiths Industries Ltd Improvements in or relating to the generation of oscillations
US3579976A (en) * 1969-11-21 1971-05-25 Thomas F D Muhala Electronic timepiece
GB1352082A (en) * 1971-02-10 1974-05-15 Suwa Seikosha Kk Methods and apparatus for measuring the accuracy of electric timepieces
US3805585A (en) * 1972-02-16 1974-04-23 S Palinkas Timepiece testing device
JPS5935195B2 (en) * 1975-03-12 1984-08-27 セイコーエプソン株式会社 digital watch
CA1056166A (en) * 1975-03-27 1979-06-12 Jauch, Heinz Method and aparatus for synchronising a mechanical oscillating system to the accuracy of a quartz standard
JPS5210767A (en) * 1975-06-12 1977-01-27 Citizen Watch Co Ltd Clock tester
JPS53118171A (en) * 1977-03-25 1978-10-16 Sharp Corp World watch
US4211066A (en) * 1978-09-29 1980-07-08 Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha Stop watch
JPS6331024Y2 (en) * 1980-11-06 1988-08-18
EP0150046A3 (en) * 1984-01-20 1985-09-11 Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches Bracelet for watch
SU1597856A1 (en) * 1987-11-09 1990-10-07 Специальное Конструкторское Бюро Часового И Камневого Станкостроения Method of measuring clock run
CN1038887A (en) * 1988-06-21 1990-01-17 天津市第二手表厂 Measurement of actural daily error of pointer watch and clock
JP4200835B2 (en) * 2002-07-08 2008-12-24 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Time correction system, time correction instruction device, pointer-type clock, and time correction method
CN1701283A (en) * 2003-07-04 2005-11-23 精工爱普生株式会社 Time correction system, time correction designating unit, pointer type clock, and method for correcting time
US20050151849A1 (en) * 2004-01-13 2005-07-14 Andrew Fitzhugh Method and system for image driven clock synchronization
ES2360734T3 (en) * 2007-12-27 2011-06-08 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INTENDED TO INDICATE THE VALUE OF VARIABLES FROM MEASUREMENTS MADE WITH A RECEIVER AND THAT PRESENTS A HISTORICAL FUNCTION.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020182381A1 (en) 2019-03-08 2020-09-17 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Machine for winding a watch and/or clock movement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2458458A1 (en) 2012-05-30
JP5671152B2 (en) 2015-02-18
HK1187695A1 (en) 2014-04-11
RU2013128951A (en) 2015-01-10
US9348317B2 (en) 2016-05-24
US9383725B2 (en) 2016-07-05
US20160070236A1 (en) 2016-03-10
US20130329040A1 (en) 2013-12-12
WO2012069444A1 (en) 2012-05-31
RU2566397C2 (en) 2015-10-27
CN103229112A (en) 2013-07-31
CN103229112B (en) 2016-04-06
JP2014503801A (en) 2014-02-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2458458B1 (en) Method for measuring the precision of a mechanical watch
EP3486734B1 (en) Chronometric monitoring
EP2208355B1 (en) Method for synchronising video streams
CN105611144B (en) Photographic device, camera shooting control method and recording medium
EP2636221A1 (en) Method and device for monitoring phase shifting between stereoscopic cameras
WO2004098176A1 (en) Method of transmitting data representing the spatial position of a video camera and system implementing said method
EP3136189A1 (en) Method for timer control of a timepiece
EP3379347A1 (en) Method for adjusting the operation frequency of an electronic watch
EP1094359B1 (en) System for sequentially releasing a plurality of cameras
EP2881810B1 (en) Method for displaying a timing trend and related timepiece
CH704132A2 (en) Method for measuring accuracy of mechanical watch by portable telephone, involves calculating temporal difference displayed between display values and variation rate of experimental display, and displaying rate on visualization unit
EP4022400A1 (en) Method and system for assisting in the adjustment of a mechanical timepiece
EP2926201B1 (en) Device for optical time-stamping, and related image-sensing system and optical time-stamping method
EP2881809B1 (en) Method and apparatus for measuring the frequency and amplitude of the oscillations of a mechanical oscillator of a clock movement
CH704688A2 (en) Chronograph watch certifying method, involves measuring precision of chronograph of watch to be certified to control precision with respect to less reference time for determined time period corresponding to maximum power reserve of watch
CH707013B1 (en) Qualification process for mechanical time counter with analogue display.
CH714329A2 (en) Chronometric control of a movement or a watch.
EP3259624B1 (en) Measurement by means of atomic interferometry with multiple species of atoms
Halavati et al. Practical Studies for Different Methods of Lunar Occultation Timing with DSLR Cameras
EP4118818A1 (en) Method and device for dating camera images
CA3219449A1 (en) System and method for measuring reactions of a subject, a computer program and a computer-readable medium
CH708964B1 (en) Control and display method for portable timepiece.
CH713643A2 (en) Method for adjusting the running frequency of an electronic watch
FR3016763A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE ZOOM OF A VIEWING APPARATUS
CH283252A (en) Apparatus for sports timing.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20121130

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20130109

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20170623

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA, CH

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 946873

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20171115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602010046678

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20171115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 946873

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20171115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180215

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180215

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180216

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602010046678

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171126

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20171130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20180817

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20180215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20171130

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180215

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20101126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20171115

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180315

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230615

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231019

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231019

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20231201

Year of fee payment: 14