EP2562609A1 - Timepiece with display devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The watch (1) has a case in which a control system including a time base is arranged. The system performs several functions, where the watch is arranged, in a normal operating mode, to provide time indication to a user via analog display elements e.g. hour hand (51) and minute hand (52). The watch is arranged in a special operating mode to enable to user to select one of the functions via control unit, to display a value/parameter associated with the selected function on a digital display unit i.e. LCD indicator (41), and to move one of the display elements opposite the value/parameter. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a watch.

Description

The present invention relates to a watch comprising a housing in which is arranged a control system, which comprises a time base and is arranged to be able to perform several functions. The watch also includes at least two analog display elements and digital display means, which are independently controlled by said control system. The watch further comprises control means acting on said control system.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

It is known from the prior art watches comprising several display devices. This multiple display includes needles and at least one LCD screen arranged for example under the watch face. In this case, the LCD is visible through an opening in the dial. This allows such watches to display time information with the hands and other information with the LCD. A known variant is to have a watch comprising two LCD screens in order to display several pieces of information.

Nevertheless, these watches have the disadvantage of having a very complex reading of information. Indeed, the LCD or screens of these watches display a multitude of information simultaneously so that this or these screens do not allow the user to know, intuitively, the function used. This then confuses the user in the use of the watch and in the choice of the function desired among the various functions proposed, and confusion in the reading of the various information displayed.

It is also known from the prior art a watch comprising hands, an LCD screen and equipped with a touch watch crystal. This watch is arranged to be able to perform several functions. In a normal operating mode, the hands are used to indicate time information by indications on the dial. In a second mode of operation, the user can choose one of the functions of the watch. For this, the user chooses the function by action of one of his fingers on the touch screen, the indications concerning the different functions available being located on the dial, the flange dial or the bezel. A pressing on the ice at the indication of the desired function allows the selection of said function. This causes a movement of the hands to point the indication relative to said selected function. The LCD displays the result associated with the selected function.

Nevertheless, this watch or timepiece has the disadvantage of not allowing the simultaneous display of several different information. Indeed, it is not expected to be able to display information, such as temperature and at the same time pressure information. It is also not intended to simultaneously display different temperature information such as the average value, the instantaneous value or other information. Added to this is the fact of not allowing the display of hierarchical information that is to say, the function and the menu attached to said displayed information.

In addition, this timepiece also has the disadvantage of having only a limited number of functions. Indeed, the enumeration of the different functions is performed on the dial, the flange of the dial or the bezel of the timepiece. These elements have a limited surface and therefore the number of functions is therefore limited to this available surface on said elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above by providing a watch whose display allows the user to have readable and intuitive knowledge of several information simultaneously.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a watch, cited above, characterized in that said watch is arranged in a first so-called normal operating mode, to provide the user with a time indication by at least the two elements analog display driven by the control system provided with the time base, and in that the watch is arranged in a second so-called special operating mode, to allow the user to select at least one of the functions by the means command, to display on the digital display means at least one value or a parameter associated with the at least one of the functions selected by the control means, and to move at least one of the analog display elements opposite the value or parameter associated with the selected function.

Advantageous embodiments of this timepiece are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 16.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the watch is arranged in a second so-called special operating mode, to allow the user to select at least one of the functions by the control means, to display on the digital display means indications of the functions of the watch and at least one value or a parameter associated with the at least one of the functions selected by the control means, and for moving one of the analog display elements opposite the indication of the selected function and the other analog display element next to the value or parameter associated with the selected function.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the digital display means comprise several digital display sectors arranged on a dial or under a perforated or semi-transparent dial of said watch, each display sector being arranged in the second mode. of operation, to display an indication of one of the functions of said watch, or a value or a parameter associated with one of the selected functions.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the digital display means comprise at least twelve digital display sectors arranged on the periphery of the dial as hourly indexes.

In another advantageous embodiment, the digital display means further comprise at least one digital display sector arranged inside the circle formed by the at least twelve digital display sectors arranged on the periphery of the dial.

In another advantageous embodiment, said watch comprises three hands and in that in the second mode of operation of the watch, a first analog display element is provided to point towards the indication of one of the selected functions. in that a second analog display element is used to point towards a first value or a first parameter associated with a selected function, and in that a third analog display element is used to point to a second value or a second parameter associated with the selected function.

In another advantageous embodiment, the third analog display element is arranged to merge with the first or the second analog display element.

In another advantageous embodiment, the functions are grouped into different menus and in that said watch comprises three analog display elements so that, in the second mode of operation of the watch, a first analog display element points towards the indication of one of the selected menus, a second analog display element points towards the indication of one of the selected functions and a third element Analog display is used to point to a value or parameter associated with the selected function.

In another advantageous embodiment, each digital display sector is provided to display information in a first color on a background of a second color, which may be identical to the color of the watch face.

In another advantageous embodiment, the digital display sectors change their shape, number, size, first and second colors or position according to the selected menu or function.

In another advantageous embodiment, the analog display elements are needles.

In another advantageous embodiment, the analog display elements are disks.

In another advantageous embodiment, the digital display means is in the form of a single substrate on which several digital display sectors are defined.

In another advantageous embodiment, the digital display sectors are defined by the openwork dial.

In another advantageous embodiment, the digital display means are in the form of several substrates each forming a digital display sector.

In another advantageous embodiment, the watch is arranged for, in the second so-called special operating mode, continue to provide the user with a time indication by at least the two analog display elements.

An advantage of the present invention is to allow the user to view several information hierarchically, quickly and intuitively. Indeed, the combination of an analog display and a digital display makes it possible to use the flexibility of a digital display with the simplicity of information display thanks to the needles or the disks. Indeed, a watch with an analog display, such as for example with hands, has the disadvantage of not allowing the display of a large number of different information because it would require too many needles and thus make the watch illegible. On the contrary, a digital display makes it possible to display, sequentially, a lot of information, because the digital screens are completely flexible and therefore different scales can be used according to the desired function.

Another advantage is to allow to hierarchize the different information so that all the functions of the portable object are easy to access, readable and easily retrievable. Indeed, by prioritizing the different functions in different menus, it becomes easy for the user to find the desired function.

Another advantage of the watch according to the present invention is to improve its aesthetics. Indeed, it is possible to have LCD screens displaying information in a first color chosen on a background of a second color, for example identical to the color of the dial of said watch. For example, if the dial of the watch is black, the LCD or screens are arranged to have information visible in light color on a black background. This also makes it possible to hide as much as possible the presence of these LCD screens, the number of which can be high.

1. a) passer d'un premier mode de fonctionnement dit normal, dans lequel les deux aiguilles sont entraînées par le système de contrôle muni de la base de temps pour fournir une indication horaire, à un second mode de fonctionnement dit spécial, par l'action des moyens de commande ;
2. b) afficher automatiquement par les moyens d'affichage numérique, dans le second mode de fonctionnement, des indications relatives aux fonctions susceptibles d'être exécutées par ladite montre;
3. c) sélectionner en actionnant les moyens de commande, la fonction désirée, avec un premier élément d'affichage analogique déplacée automatiquement en direction de l'indication de la fonction sélectionnée; et
4. d) afficher automatiquement, par les moyens d'affichage numérique, au moins une valeur ou paramètre associé à ladite fonction sélectionnée, avec un second élément d'affichage analogique déplacée automatiquement en direction de la valeur ou du paramètre affiché.

The present invention also relates to a method of operating the watch above, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

1. a) to pass from a first mode of operation said normal, in which the two needles are driven by the control system provided with the time base for providing a time indication, in a second so-called special operating mode, by the action of the control means;
2. b) displaying automatically by the digital display means, in the second operating mode, indications relating to the functions that may be performed by said watch;
3. c) selecting by actuating the control means, the desired function, with a first analog display element automatically moved towards the indication of the selected function; and
4. d) automatically displaying, by the digital display means, at least one value or parameter associated with said selected function, with a second analog display element automatically moved towards the displayed value or parameter.

An advantage of this method is to allow the user to have a watch of simple appearance, but allowing the display of several information quickly and easily readable. Indeed, the two modes of operation allow on the one hand said watch to indicate the time in normal time as a conventional watch, but also on the other hand, in a second mode of operation, to use various functions . This makes it possible not to overload the dial and not to reduce the legibility of the information.

Advantageous embodiments of this method are the subject of dependent claims 18 to 23.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the digital display means comprise several digital display sectors, which are distributed around the periphery of the dial of the watch, characterized in that in the second mode of operation, each sector of digital display shows an indication of one of the functions or a value or parameter associated with the selected function.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the method comprises, between step c) and step d), a step of erasing the the contents of all digital display areas except the one indicating the selected function, and that in step d), it is expected to display a range of values by some digital display sectors previously erased or extinguished, and move the second hand towards the value associated with the selected function.

1. a) passer d'un premier mode de fonctionnement dit normal, dans lequel les deux éléments d'affichage analogique sont entraînées par le système de contrôle muni de la base de temps pour fournir une indication horaire, à un second mode de fonctionnement dit spécial, par l'action des moyens de commande;
2. b) afficher automatiquement par les moyens d'affichage numérique, dans le second mode de fonctionnement, des indications relatives aux menus susceptibles d'être exécutés par ladite montre;
3. c) sélectionner en actionnant les moyens de commande, le menu désiré, avec un premier élément d'affichage analogique déplace simultanément en direction de l'indication du menu sélectionné;
4. d) afficher automatiquement par les moyens d'affichage numérique, des indications relatives aux fonctions regroupées dans ledit menu susceptibles d'être exécutées par ladite montre;
5. e) sélectionner en actionnant les moyens de commande, la fonction désirée, avec un second élément d'affichage analogique automatiquement déplacé en direction de l'indication de la fonction sélectionnée; et
6. f) afficher automatiquement, par les moyens d'affichage numérique, au moins une valeur ou paramètre associé à ladite fonction sélectionnée, avec un troisième élément d'affichage analogique déplacé automatiquement en direction de la valeur ou du paramètre affiché.

In another embodiment of the invention, the functions of the watch are grouped into different menus and in that said method comprises the following steps:

1. a) switch from a first so-called normal operating mode, in which the two analog display elements are driven by the control system equipped with the time base to provide a time indication, to a second so-called special operating mode, by the action of the control means;
2. b) displaying automatically by the digital display means, in the second operating mode, indications relating to the menus that may be executed by said watch;
3. c) selecting by operating the control means, the desired menu, with a first analog display element moves simultaneously towards the indication of the selected menu;
4. d) automatically display by the digital display means, indications relating to the functions grouped in said menu may be executed by said watch;
5. e) selecting by actuating the control means, the desired function, with a second analog display element automatically moved towards the indication of the selected function; and
6. f) automatically displaying, by the digital display means, at least one value or parameter associated with said selected function, with a third analog display element automatically moved towards the displayed value or parameter.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises, between step c) and step d), a step of erasing the contents of all the digital display sectors except for the one that indicates the selected menu, and that in step d), it is planned to display the functions grouped in the selected menu by some digital display sectors previously erased or extinguished, and to move the second display element analogous to the selected function, and in that the method comprises, between step e) and step f), a step of erasing the contents of all the digital display sectors except those which indicate the selected menu and the function selected, and in that in step f), it is expected to display a range of values by some digital display sectors previously erased or extinguished, and to move the third element analog display in the direction of the value associated with the selected function.

In another embodiment of the invention, the analog display elements are needles.

In another embodiment of the invention, the analog display elements are disks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• la figure 1 représente de manière schématique des éléments de la montre selon la présente invention;
• la figure 2 représente de manière schématique le système de contrôle de la montre selon la présente invention;
• la figure 3 représente une vue simplifiée de dessus de la montre selon la présente invention;
• les figures 4a, 4b et 4c représentent un premier mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention;
• les figures 5a et 5b représentent une première variante du premier mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention ;
• les figures 6a et 6b représentent une première alternative du premier mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention ;
• les figures 7a, 7b et 7c représentent une seconde alternative du premier mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention ;
• les figures 8 et 9 représentent respectivement un second mode de réalisation et une première alternative de ce second mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention ;
• les figures 10a, 10b et 10c représentent une seconde alternative du second mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention ;
• les figures 11 a à 11 d représentent une première variante à cette seconde alternative du second mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention ;
• les figures 12a à 12d représentent une seconde variante à cette seconde alternative du second mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention ;
• la figure 13 représente une troisième variante à cette seconde alternative du second mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention ;
  la figure 14 représente un troisième mode de réalisation de la montre selon la présente invention.

The aims, advantages and characteristics of the watch according to the present invention will appear more clearly in the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention given solely by way of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 schematically represents elements of the watch according to the present invention;
• the figure 2 schematically shows the control system of the watch according to the present invention;
• the figure 3 represents a simplified view from above of the watch according to the present invention;
• the Figures 4a, 4b and 4c represent a first embodiment of the watch according to the present invention;
• the Figures 5a and 5b represent a first variant of the first embodiment of the watch according to the present invention;
• the Figures 6a and 6b represent a first alternative of the first embodiment of the watch according to the present invention;
• the Figures 7a, 7b and 7c represent a second alternative of the first embodiment of the watch according to the present invention;
• the Figures 8 and 9 respectively represent a second embodiment and a first alternative of this second embodiment of the watch according to the present invention;
• the Figures 10a, 10b and 10c represent a second alternative of the second embodiment of the watch according to the present invention;
• the figures 11 a to 11 d represent a first variant to this second alternative of the second embodiment of the watch according to the present invention;
• the Figures 12a to 12d represent a second variant to this second alternative of the second embodiment of the watch according to the present invention;
• the figure 13 represents a third variant to this second alternative of the second embodiment of the watch according to the present invention;
  the figure 14 represents a third embodiment of the watch according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figure 1 schematically shows the watch according to the present invention. This watch 1 comprises a watch case 2 in which a control system 3 is arranged. This control system 3 manages analog display means 5 and digital display means 4. The control system 3 can be controlled by of the control means 6, generally arranged outside the watch case 2. It will be understood that the present invention can be implemented in a watch acting as GPS or measuring instruments.

The control system 3, represented at figure 2 , comprises a processor or CPU 31 managing the functionality of the watch 1. This processor 31 is associated with a time base or oscillator circuit 32, to provide a time indication as the time and date. The processor 31 is also associated with a storage means, such as a memory of the RAM or ROM type. A time indication provided by the time base 32 is transmitted to the analog display means 5 or the digital display means 4 via, respectively, the management means of the analog display 34 or the display management means 33. These management means 33, 34 are arranged to convert the information delivered by the processor 31 and transfer them to the analog and / or digital display means.

However, the hourly information, ie the time or the date, is not the only information that can be displayed. Indeed, the control system 3 may comprise several sensors, for example, three sensors 35, 36, 37 arranged in the watch and responsible for measuring at least one physical parameter. For example, it is conceivable that a sensor is arranged to measure the temperature, a sensor arranged to measure the pressure and a sensor arranged to measure the Earth's magnetic field. These sensors 35, 36, 37 are managed by the processor 31.

These sensors 35, 36, 37 are designed to be controlled by the user via the control means 6. These control means 6, represented in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , These include for example three buttons 61, 62 and 63. These control means 6 act on the processor 31 so that the user can act on the control system 3 to adjust said watch 1 or activate its functions. It can also be considered that the three buttons 61, 62 and 63 are replaced or supplemented by a touch interface. This touch interface may for example be in the form of capacitive or resistive pads placed opposite the digital display means so that the user presses on the capacitive or resistive pad placed next to a digital display means for select it. In addition, it is conceivable that the control means 6 comprise a rotating bezel serving as a selection means for selecting the various information such as menus or functions.

When one of the sensors 35, 36 and 37 is activated, the latter makes the desired measurement and transmits the result of the measurement to the processor 31. The latter decodes and then processes the said information for transmission to the analog or digital display means 5 4. It is then understood that the analog display means 5 or digital 4 are modified, act automatically.

In order to be able to manage all the functions and to have a readable and intuitive display, the analog display means 5 and the digital display means 4 are arranged to cooperate together. For this, the dial 7 of the watch 1 is arranged for example as shown in FIG. figure 3 . The analog display means 5 of the present invention are analog display elements which are in the form of needles but may be in the form of disks. In the remainder of the description, the analog display elements will be needles. Preferably, three hands 51, 52 and 53 are provided to respectively display the hours, minutes and seconds. These needles 51, 52 and 53 are each driven by electric motors controlled by the management means of the analog display 34. This makes the needles 51, 52 and 53 independent of each other. Nevertheless, it is possible to use only one motor to move the three needles 51, 52 and 53. A clutch system is used to control the needles independently of each other.

The digital display means 4 are in the form of at least one digital display 41 or digital display sector. In this embodiment, the dial 7 comprises twelve digital displays 41, for example of the LCD type, arranged on the periphery of said dial 7 so as to represent an hour circle. These LCD displays 41 are managed by the management means of the digital display 33 so that each display 41 can be managed independently. Of course, the number of displays 41 and their technology are not limited to this embodiment. In addition, it is conceivable that the displays 41 are made individually, that is to say that each display 41 is made from its own substrate. It can also be expected that the displays 41 are made from the same substrate, but with an independent addressing for each area where information will be displayed. This substrate may be of a surface equivalent to that of the dial 7 of the watch 1 which supports it.

Furthermore, it can be provided that these displays or digital display sectors 41 are arranged so that the user as little as possible notice the presence of these displays 41. For this, they are arranged to display information in a first color on a background of a second color. The camouflage is realized in that the second color of the background is identical to the color of the dial of the watch. The first color contrasts with the second color. For example, if the dial is black, the second color will be black and the first color will be a light color such as yellow, beige or white. This then makes it possible not to notice the presence of these displays or digital display sectors 41.

In a first so-called normal operating mode, the control system 3 acts on the watch so that it functions as a normal watch, as shown in FIG. figure 4a . The watch thus indicates the time to the user. For this, each digital display 41 displays a number between 1 and 12 so as to mimic the time of a watch dial 7 1. The hands 51, 52 and 53 point the displays 41 according to the time data provided by the processor 31. An improvement of this display is to provide a 12h-24h display which is characterized by displays 41 displaying the time of 1 hour to 12h in the first part of the day and later showing the time from midday to midnight in the second half of the day. This display 12h-24h is characterized in that the displays 41 display a time lapse from 1h to 12h when the time is in this range of 1h to 12h. Then the displays 41 display a time lapse from 13h to 24h when the time is in this range.

In a second so-called special operating mode, the watch 1 is arranged so that the user can use integrated functions. In a first step, the user acts on the control means 6 to activate this second mode of operation. In particular, the control means 6 will be arranged, such as the button 62 is used for setting the time and buttons 61 and 63 are arranged to activate the second operating mode and select / activate the various functions.

In a first embodiment, this activation via the control means 6 which constitutes a first step, causes a modification of the display. This modification consists in all the displays 41 turning off. This change is visible at figure 4b , where in a second step, LCD displays 41 whose position corresponds, for example, to the time indications 5h, 6h and 7h automatically display the various functions available between [fonc 3], [fonc 2] and [fonc 1] . The user then selects the desired function by action on the control means 6. In the example of the figure 4b when the user selects a function, the hour hand 51 moves automatically to point to the selected function, in this case it points to the function [func 3].

In a third step represented in figure 4c , the other displays 41, that is to say, LCD displays 41 whose position corresponds, for example, to the time indications 8h to 4h, automatically display an interval of continuous values [val 1] to [val 9]. This range of values [val] is defined by the function used. For example, in the case of a temperature function and a measured temperature of 23.5 ° C, it can be provided that the LCD displays have an interval of 21 ° C displayed by the display 41 indicating the value [val. 1] at 29 ° C displayed by the display 41 indicating the value [val 9]. The minute hand 52 then moves automatically to point the measured value. In the present case, said needle 52 points between the values [val 3] and [val 4]. This allows the user to immediately see the function he has selected and the measured value. It may be envisaged that the displays 41 displaying the functions [dark] are provided with a background having a certain color and that the displays 41 displaying the values [val] are provided with a background having a color different from that of the background of the displays 41 displaying the functions [dark]. This thus makes it possible to improve the distinction between the displays 41. This configuration can be repeated in all the variants described or imaginable by those skilled in the art and can be extended to the distinction between the values [val] between them.

As the seconds hand 53 is not used, it is conceivable that the latter is moved automatically to merge with the minute hand 52 so as not to cause discomfort when reading the information.

The advantage of having an interval of values [val] rather than a single display 41 displaying the measured value is to allow a simplified reading in the case of successive measurements. Indeed, for a succession of measurements whose associated values [val] vary only slightly, a range of values [val] large enough to modify only the position of the needle 52 pointing said measured values. The display is therefore more intuitive and the user immediately sees the variation. In the example of measuring the temperature with a measured value of 23.5 ° C and a value range of 21 ° C to 29 ° C, it is it is possible not to vary the information displayed by the displays 41 if the second measurement indicates a value of 24 ° C. and the third indicates 24.5 ° C.

In a first variant to this first embodiment shown in FIG. figure 5a , the displays 41 are configured according to the same arrangement as that described above. The principle remains the same and the second step is to allow the user to select a function [dark], the hour hand 51 moves automatically to point the function [dark] selected, in this case it points for example function [func 3].

But, between the second and the third step, the displays 41 displaying the functions [fonc] not selected, are automatically erased or extinguished, that is to say, in the example shown in FIG. figure 5b , the displays 41 displaying the functions [func 1] and [fonc 2]. This makes it possible to have a greater number of displays 41 for displaying the range of values [val] associated with said function [fonc]. This interval consequently comprises a larger number of displays 41 and therefore values [val] allowing to have, at choice, a wider or more precise interval.

This allows, in the third step, the displays 41 previously erased or extinguished, automatically display the range of values [val 1] to [val 11]. The minute hand 52 moves, without any manipulation of the user, to point the value [val] measured. In this case, said needle 52 points between the values [val 6] and [val 7]. It may be provided that the displays 41 do not have the same background color according to the function [fonc] with which they are associated. This makes it easy to link each display 41 with a function [fonc], each display 41 displaying a function [fonc] having a specific background color. It can also be generally provided that each category of information is displayed on a background of a defined color representative of said category.

In a first alternative to this first embodiment where two hands 51 hours and minutes 52 are used, it is possible to display two pieces of information. For this, the dial 7 further comprises a central display 41a as visible at the figure 6a . This central display 41a is used to display the chosen function and allows two advantages. Indeed, once the function [dark] chosen, it allows, first, to better distinguish it because it is displayed on the central display 41 has as visible on the figure 6b . Secondly, this arrangement allows all the displays 41 to be used for displaying values [val]. The two hands 51 hours and minutes 52 are then moved and used to display different information such as a set value and the measured value. The second hand 53 can then merge with the minute hand 52.

In a second alternative visible to the figure 7a , it is possible to display at least two value information of two different functions [fonc]. For this, the dial 7 comprises two central displays 41a and 41b for displaying there a first function [func_1] and a second function [func_2]. Indeed, the functions [fonc] are firstly displayed on the displays 41. The user selects a first function [fonc] which will then be displayed on the display 41a as visible in FIG. figure 7b . Then he selects a second function [fonc] which will then be displayed on the display 41 b as visible in FIG. Figure 7c . The displays 41 are then separated into two groups, each forming a value interval [val] each linked to a function [fonc] with respectively the values [val 1] to [val 6] for the function [func_3] and the values [val A] to [val F] for function [func_1]. Each of the hands of the hours 51 and minutes 52 is then linked to an interval of value [val] to display the calculated result and / or measured linked to the function [fonc]. The needle 51 is linked to the function [func1] and the needle 52 is linked to the function [fonc3]. It can thus be imagined that the displays 41 associated with each function [fonc] are distinguishable from each other. One solution is to differentiate them with different background colors. The seconds hand 53 can then move to merge with the minute hand 52 as shown in Fig. 7c.

In a second embodiment, the three needles 51, 52 and 53 are used.

First, this second hand 53 is used to point to another value [val] related to the function [dark] selected as visible to the figure 8 . For example, it can be provided that this second hand 53 is used to point the previous value [val] measured or a threshold value or a set value. The scale of the interval displayed by the displays 41 is then modified, without user action, to take into account this new value [val] associated with the function [fonc] selected. In a variant, the displays 41, displaying the functions [fonc] not used, are erased. This makes it possible to have an interval of value [val] more important and thus to have, with the choice, a wider interval or more precise.

In a first visible alternative to the figure 9 it is possible to display three information of value [val] in the same way as for the first alternative of the first embodiment. For this, the dial 7 further comprises a central display 41a. This central display 41a is used to display the selected function [fonc]. The displays 41 serve to display the values [val] while the three needles 51, 52 and 53 are used to display different information such as a setpoint value, the measured value and an average value, respectively [val 3], [val 5] and a value [val] between [val 8] and [val 9].

In a second alternative to this second embodiment, this third second hand 53 makes it possible to display additional information. Indeed, the various functions [func] integrated in the watch are divided into different menus [menu]. It will be understood by menu a grouping of different functions [fonc] according to at least one criterion common. O can for example group the functions according to the sensor 35, 36, 37 used.

The second stage, represented at figure 10a , consists in selecting the desired menu [menu]. For this purpose, the LCD displays 41 whose position corresponds, for example, to the time indications 7h, 8h, 9h and 10h, automatically display the various menus [menu]. The hour hand 51 moves, automatically, to point to the menu [menu] selected by the user via the control means 6, here the menu [menu 1].

In a third step represented in figure 10b , the other displays 41, that is to say the LCD displays 41 whose position corresponds to the time indications 11h to 6h, are used to display the functions [fonc] associated with the menu [menu] selected. The user then selects the function [fonc] he desires and the minute hand 52 then moves to point this function [fonc].

In a fourth step represented at figure 10c , the seconds hand 53 is used, in order to display the value [val] measured during the activation of the function [fonc] chosen. For this purpose, this needle 53 moves automatically along a scale of value which can be a scale printed on the dial 7 or the telescope. In the case shown in figure 10c , the user has chosen the [function 6] function of the [menu 1] menu.

According to a first variant to the second alternative, the second step represented at figure 11a is identical to that of the second alternative, that is to say that the user selects the menu [menu] he desires, this menu [menu] being automatically pointed by the hour hand 51.

In the third step represented at figure 11b , the displays 41 not used for the display [menu] menus are used to display the [func] functions associated with the selected menu [menu]. The user selects the function [fonc] it desires, and accordingly the minute hand 52 moves to point to this function [fonc].

Between the third and the fourth step, all the displays 41, except the display 41 indicating the menu [menu] selected and the display 41 indicating the function [dark] selected, are automatically erased or extinguished as visible in FIG. figure 11 vs. Then, the display 41 indicating the function [dark] selected is automatically erased, its content is then transferred to a display 41 adjacent to that indicating the menu [menu] selected. The minute hand 52 moves automatically to point this display 41. The display 41 indicating the menu [menu] selected and the one indicating the function [dark] selected are thus adjacent to each other.

In the fourth step represented in figure 11 d the displays 41 previously erased are used so as to allow the display of a range of values [val] associated with the selected function. The displacement of the second hand 53 is then controlled by the control system 3 according to the sensor associated with the function [fonc] so as to indicate to the user the value [val] measured during the activation of the chosen function.

According to a second variant to the second alternative, the second step represented at figure 12a is identical to that of the first variant, that is to say that the user selects the menu [menu] he wants which is automatically pointed by the hour hand 51.

Between the second and the third step, all the displays 41, except the display 41 indicating the menu [menu] selected, are automatically erased or extinguished as visible at the figure 12b .

In the third step visible to the figure 12c , the displays 41, having previously been erased or extinguished, are used to display the functions [fonc] associated with the menu [menu] selected, there are thus 11 functions [dark] selectable. The user then selects the function [dark] it desires and accordingly the minute hand 52 moves to point this function [dark]. The intermediate step between the second and the third step makes it possible to display more function [fonc].

Between the third and fourth steps, all the displays 41, except the display 41 indicating the menu [menu] selected and the display 41 indicating the selected function, are erased or extinguished by the control system 3. display 41 indicating the function [dark] selected is erased and its contents are transferred to a display 41 adjacent to that indicating the menu [menu] selected. The minute hand 52 then moves automatically to point this display 41. The display 41 indicating the menu [menu] selected and the one indicating the function [dark] selected are thus adjacent to each other.

In the fourth step represented in figure 12d the displays 41 previously erased are used so as to allow the display of a range of values [val] associated with the selected function. The second hand 53 moves automatically so as to indicate to the user the value [val] measured during the activation of the function [fonc] chosen.

This second variant makes it possible to display only the useful information and consequently, a greater readability is offered.

In a third variant visible at figure 13 it is possible to display at least two valuable information. For this, the principle of the first alternative of the first embodiment is used and the dial 7 further comprises at least one central display 41a. This central display 41a is used to display the [menu] menu once it is selected. The displays 41 are then used to select the desired function [fonc], the pointer 51 automatically pointing to this display 41. All the other displays 41 then serve to display the values [val]. The other two needles 52, 53 are used to display different information such as a set value and the measured value. It is also possible to imagine that the dial 7 includes two central displays 41a and 41b for displaying the menu [menu] selected and the [dark] function selected. The three needles 51, 52 and 53 are, therefore, used to display various information.

In a fourth variant, it is possible to display at least one value information related to a function while displaying the time. For this, the dial 7 comprises two central displays 41a and 41b for displaying the menu [menu] selected and function [fonc] selected. The displays 41 are then used to display a value interval [val] related to this function [fonc]. The second hand 53 is then used to automatically point the resulting value of the execution of this function [fonc]. The two hands 51, 52 are then used to display the hours and minutes, respectively.

According to a third embodiment visible to the figure 14 , it is expected that the timepiece 1 comprises a fourth needle 54. This needle 54 can be used, in the so-called normal operating mode, as an indicator of a second time zone as visible in FIG. figure 14 . However, in the second mode of operation, this second hand can have several roles.

In the first place, this needle 54 can be used to indicate a value [val] associated with the function. Referring to the first embodiment, the user has a needle 51 indicating the function used and three needles 52, 53 and 54 to indicate values associated with this function.

By taking again the second alternative of the second mode, where the functions are distributed in menu, the user would thus have two needles 51, 52 to indicate him the menu [menu] and the function [fonc] chosen and of two needles 53, 54 indicating values associated with the selected [func] function. The needle 54 can indicate a value [val] representing a maximum, a minimum, an average value, a setpoint or others. One can also imagine that the two needles 53 and 54 are capable of displaying a decimal value. One needle points accordingly to the units digit while the other needle points to the decimal value.

Secondly, this needle 54 can be used to allow the indication of a submenu [s-menu] or a function [fonc]. It will be understood by sub-menu, the distribution of the functions [fonc] of the same group in smaller group, each group having its own criteria. It is possible that the functions of the timepiece are classified into menus [menu] and sub-menus [s-menu] in order to allow a more complete hierarchy. There is therefore need three needles 51, 52, 53 to indicate the menu [menu], the submenu [s-menu] and function [dark] and a hand 54 to indicate the value [val] associated to the function. In this configuration, the principle of erasing or turning off unnecessary displays 41 can be used and can display new information while improving readability.

Thus, the timepiece is arranged to display, first, the various menus [menu]. The user selects a menu [menu] causing the display of submenus [s-menu] associated with said menu [menu] selected. Once the [s-menu] submenu is selected, the displays 41 displaying information that is not the selected menu [menu] or submenu [s-menu] are cleared. The display is changed so that this information about the selected menu [menu] and submenu [s-menu] is displayed on neighboring displays 41. On the rest of the displays 41, the [func] functions associated with the selected submenu [s-menu] are automatically displayed. The user selects the desired [func] function causing the display to change. This automatic modification consists in erasing the useless displays 41, that is to say the displays 41 displaying the functions [fonc] which are not chosen. The display of the selected [func] function is transferred to a display 41 adjacent to that displaying the selected menu [menu] or that displaying the selected submenu [s-menu]. This modification of the display makes it possible to have free displays 41 for displaying the interval of values [val]. The last available needle 54 makes it possible to indicate to the user the value associated with the selected function.

It will thus be understood that this fourth hand 54 makes it possible to display additional information and thus makes it possible to increase the number of possible functions. Likewise, this fourth hand 54 makes it possible to display two functions [fonc] each having a value. For example, the watch 1 can display the instantaneous temperature of one color and the average temperature of another color so as to read the information distinctly.

In an alternative to this third embodiment, the timepiece can be arranged to display at least two information of value [val] of two different functions [fonc]. For this purpose the dial 7 comprises two displays 41 used to display a first function [func1] and a second function [fonc2]. The other displays 41 are then separated into two groups each forming an interval of value [val] each linked to a function [fonc]. Each of the needles 51, 52 is pointed at one of the displays 41 displaying a function [fonc]. The needles 53 and 54 are then each automatically pointed to a value of a value interval [val] to display the result related to the function [fonc]. In general, it may be envisaged that, in the second mode of operation, the display of the indication of the hour and minutes is preserved. The hands of hours 51 and minutes 52 are therefore used to indicate the hours and minutes. The user can then select a function and the second hand 53 then moves automatically to indicate the measured value [val]. This value [val] is included in an interval of value [val] displayed by the displays 41. In the simplest case, the displays 41 which display the time circle in the first operating mode are deleted when the activation of the second operating mode to display the various functions [fonc]. Once a function is selected, the displays 41 then display the value interval [val]. In another case, the digital display means 4 comprises two sets of displays 41: a first series to display the hour turn and a second to display the value interval [val].

It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements and / or combinations obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention set forth above without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

It will then be understood that the timepiece can comprise more than 12 digital displays 41. It can therefore be expected that the timepiece comprises for example 16 displays 41, 12 of which serve as a time lapse and 4 others distributed over an inner circle at the turn of the hour. Preferably, the radius of the circle is equal to the radius of said hour hand 51. It will be understood that it is possible to have different displays 41 arranged in different circles. Each display circle has a radius equal to one of the rays of the hands. Of course, it will be understood that the displays 41 may be arranged differently than in one hour. It is indeed possible that the displays 41 are arranged in the form of a circle but eccentric to the center of the dial. It is also possible that the displays 41 are arranged in the form of an eccentric circle with respect to the center of the dial but that the hands 51, 52 and 53 are not arranged in the center of the dial but elsewhere. Preferably, the needles 51, 52 and 53 are arranged at the center of the circle formed by the displays 41, the radius of the display circle 41 being equal to the length of one of the needles 51, 52 and 53.

It can also be understood that during the transition from normal operation to special operation, the time indication is stored in the memory. When the special operating mode is no longer executed and the operating mode returns to normal, the time indication is displayed again. This time indication is preferably updated automatically by the processor 31.

It is also possible that the background color of the displays may vary from one display to another and the various information may be represented by symbols and / or colors. In addition, the activation of the control means 6 to switch from the first operating mode in the second mode of operation can change the language of the information on the displays 41. One can then imagine seeing information displayed in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Roman numeral or in any other imaginable language.

Claims (23)

Watch (1) comprising a housing (2) in which is arranged a control system (3), which comprises a time base (32) and is arranged to perform several functions, said watch (1) also comprising at least two analog display elements (51, 52) and digital display means (4), which are independently controlled by said control system, said watch further comprising control means (6) acting on said control system; control,
characterized in that said watch is arranged in a first so-called normal operating mode, to provide the user with a time indication by at least the two analog display elements (51, 52) driven by the control system (3) equipped with the time base, and in that the watch (1) is arranged in a second so-called special operating mode, to allow the user to select at least one of the functions ([func]) by the control means , to display on the digital display means (4) at least one value or a parameter ([val]) associated with the at least one of the functions selected by the control means, and to move at least one of the elements of analog display next to the value or parameter associated with the selected function. Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that the watch (1) is arranged in a second so-called special operating mode, to allow the user to select at least one of the functions by the control means, to display on the means digital display (4) indications of the functions of the watch and at least one value or a parameter associated with the at least one of the functions selected by the control means, and to move one of the analog display elements opposite the indication of the function selected and the other analog display element next to the value or parameter associated with the selected function. Watch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the digital display means comprise several digital display sectors arranged on a dial or under a perforated or semi-transparent dial of said watch, each display sector being arranged, in the second operating mode, for displaying an indication of one of the functions of said watch, or a value or a parameter associated with one of the selected functions. Watch according to claim 3, characterized in that the digital display means comprise at least twelve digital display sectors arranged on the periphery of the dial as hourly indexes. Watch according to claim 4, characterized in that the digital display means further comprises at least one digital display sector arranged inside the circle formed by the at least twelve digital display sectors arranged on the periphery of the dial. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said watch comprises three needles (51, 52, 53), in that in the second mode of operation of the watch, a first analog display element (51) is arranged to point to the indication of one of the selected functions, in that a second analog display element (52) is used to point to a first value or a first parameter associated with an selected function, and in that a third analog display element (53) is used to point towards a second value or a second parameter associated with the selected function. Watch according to claim 6, characterized in that the third analog display element (53) is arranged to to be confused with the first (51) or the second (52) analog display element Watch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the functions are grouped into different menus and in that said watch comprises three analog display elements (51, 52, 53) so that in the second mode of operation of the watch, a first analog display element (51) points towards the indication of one of the selected menus, a second analog display element (52) points towards the indication of a selected functions and a third analog display element (53) is used to point to a value or parameter associated with the selected function. Watch according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that each digital display sector (41) is provided for displaying information in a first color on a background of a second color, which may be identical to the color of the watch face. Watch according to claim 9, characterized in that the digital display sectors change their shape, number, size, their first and second colors or position according to the selected menu or function. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the analog display elements are needles. Watch according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the analog display elements are disks. Watch according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the digital display means are in the form of a single substrate on which are defined a plurality of digital display sectors. Watch according to claim 13, characterized in that the digital display sectors are defined by the openwork dial. Watch according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the digital display means are in the form of several substrates each forming a digital display sector. Watch according to claim 1, characterized in that it is arranged for, in the second so-called special operating mode, to continue to provide the user with a time indication by at least the two analog display elements (51, 52). . A method of operating a watch (1), said timepiece comprising a housing (2) in which a control system (3) is arranged, said control system comprising a time base (32) and being arranged for be able to perform several functions ([fonc]), said timepiece also comprising at least two analog display elements (51, 52) and digital display means arranged to be managed independently by said system control, said timepiece further comprising control means (6) acting on said control system, characterized in that said method comprises the following steps: a) to pass from a first mode of operation said normal, in which the two needles are driven by the control system equipped with the time base to provide a time indication, to a second mode said special operation, by the action control means; b) displaying automatically by the digital display means, in the second operating mode, indications relating ([val]) to the functions that may be performed by said watch; c) selecting by actuating the control means, the desired function, with a first analog display element (51) automatically moved towards the indication of the selected function; and d) automatically displaying, by the digital display means, at least one value or parameter associated with said selected function, with a second analog display element (52) automatically moved towards the displayed value or parameter. Method according to Claim 17, characterized in that the digital display means (41) comprise a plurality of digital display sectors, which are distributed around the periphery of the dial of the watch, characterized in that in the second mode of operation each Digital display area displays an indication of one of the functions or a value or parameter associated with the selected function. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that the method comprises, between step c) and step d), a step of erasing the contents of all the digital display sectors except that which indicates the function selected, and in that in step d), it is expected to display a range of values by some digital display sectors previously erased or extinguished, and to move the second hand (52) towards the value associated with the selected function. Method according to Claim 17, characterized in that the functions of the watch (1) are grouped into different menus and in that said method comprises the following steps: a) switching from a first so-called normal operating mode, in which the two analog display elements (51, 52) are driven by the control system (3) equipped with the time base (32) to provide an indication time, to a second so-called special operating mode, by the action of the control means (6); b) displaying automatically by the digital display means, in the second operating mode, indications relating to the menus that may be executed by said watch; c) selecting by operating the control means, the desired menu, with a first analog display element (51) moves simultaneously towards the indication of the selected menu; d) automatically display by the digital display means, indications relating to the functions grouped in said menu may be executed by said watch; e) selecting by actuating the control means, the desired function, with a second analog display element (52) automatically moved towards the indication of the selected function; and f) automatically displaying, by the digital display means, at least one value or parameter associated with said selected function, with a third analog display element (53) automatically moved towards the displayed value or parameter. A method according to claim 20 characterized in that the method comprises, between step c) and step d), a step of erasing the contents of all the digital display sectors except that which indicates the selected menu, and in that in step d), it is planned to display the functions grouped in the selected menu by some digital display sectors previously erased or off, and to move the second analog display element ( 52) in the direction of the selected function, and in that the method comprises, between step e) and step f), a step of deleting the contents of all the digital display sectors with the exception of those indicating the selected menu and the selected function, and in that in step f) is provided to display a range of values by certain digital display sectors previously erased or extinguished, and move the third element me analog display (53) towards the value associated with the selected function. Method according to one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the analog display elements are needles. Method according to one of Claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the analog display elements are discs.

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