HK1237452B - Portable touch-sensitive object having simplified deactivation of the touch keys - Google Patents

Description

Portable touch-sensitive object with simplified touch key deactivation

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a portable object comprising a housing enclosed by glass to form a receiving portion, wherein an electronic module is arranged in the housing and cooperates with a control device comprising at least a plurality of touch keys.

Background Art

A portable object such as an electronic watch 1 is known. Such an electronic watch, which can be seen in Figure 1, comprises a housing 3 formed by a housing middle 5, which is closed by a back cover and a glass 7. A display device 9 is arranged below the glass.

These electronic watches include an electronic module that cooperates with a control device. The control module includes at least a plurality of touch keys 11.

Often, in watches with these touch keys, it is desirable to be able to switch off the touch system in order to save energy or to prevent a simple contact with one of these keys from causing damage to the watch, such as modification of the display or even modification of the program. In fact, the touch keys, for example of the capacitive type, are permanently scanned at a frequency between 2 Hz and 100 Hz to detect any contact. This permanent scanning therefore consumes energy.

The touch key is thus activated by push-button 13 which may be a crown.

In order to switch off the touch keys, a specific power-off sequence may be set, eg a time-out period as seen in FIG. 2 , ie if no key is actuated for a predetermined time period, switching off occurs or the button is powered off.

However, one disadvantage of a specific power-off operation is that the user must remember it.

Furthermore, a disadvantage of timeouts is that they are very time consuming, allowing systems that are not being used to remain switched on for several seconds and thus to be activated unintentionally.

One drawback of the button solution is that a specific button must be provided so that the action performed is the same at any point in the program. However, a dedicated button requires a complex design of the housing of the portable object.

Summary of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a portable object, the touch interface of which can be switched off quite simply.

To this end, the invention consists in a portable object comprising a housing formed by a housing intermediate part enclosed by a back cover and a glass, forming a housing in which an electronic module is placed, said electronic module cooperating with a control device comprising at least a plurality of contact pads (touch pads, touch-sensitive panels) for interacting (interacting) with the electronic module, each contact pad being situated on one surface of said housing, said electronic module being programmed to operate in a first operating mode in which at least said contact pad is adapted to be activated (activated, functioning) and in a second operating mode in which at least said contact pad is not adapted to be activated,

Characterized in that the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs after the simultaneous activation of at least a predetermined number of touch pads is detected by the electronic module, the activated touch pads being selected randomly.

One advantage of the present invention is that it does not require an additional special button or timeout period to produce a change from a first operating mode to a second operating mode.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the determined number of activated contact plates required for the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode is equal to at least 50% of the number of contact plates present.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the determined number of activated contact plates required for the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode is equal to the total number of contact plates present.

In a third advantageous embodiment, activation of the touchpad is caused by contact with the body, said contact causing a disturbance (disturbance) of the electric field that can be sensed by the touchpad.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the body causing the electric field disturbance is a volume of water.

In a sixth advantageous embodiment, activation of the touch panel is caused by pressure of a body which causes the appearance of a voltage on the touch panel by a resistive effect.

In a seventh advantageous embodiment, activation of the touch panel is caused by pressure exerted by the body which causes the appearance of a voltage on the touch panel by the piezoelectric effect.

In another advantageous embodiment, activation of the touchpad is caused by pressure exerted by a body, said pressure exerted by the body causing an optical perturbation of the touchpad.

The invention also relates to a portable object comprising a housing formed by a frame enclosed by a screen forming a housing in which an electronic module is placed, said screen comprising a glass or contacts associated with an electrical detection grid forming control means, said screen cooperating with the electronic module in order to interact with it, said electronic module being programmed to operate in a first operating mode in which at least the screen is active and in a second operating mode in which at least the screen is deactivated (deactivated, non-functional),

It is characterized in that a change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs after at least a certain number of random activation areas have been detected by the electronic module.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the determined number of activation areas is at least equal to three.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the determined number of activation areas is at least equal to the number of fingers of a hand.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the screen is of the capacitive type, the activation being performed by means of a body causing a disturbance of the electric field.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, the screen is of the resistive type.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the screen is of optical type.

In another advantageous embodiment, the screen is of the piezoelectric type.

In another advantageous embodiment, the body causing the electric field disturbance is a volume of water.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the electronic module is activated, and the second operating mode is a standby (backup) operating mode in which the electronic module is deactivated.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the portable object is activated and the second operating mode is an operating mode in which the portable object is switched off (powered off, de-energized).

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which a timekeeping function of the electronic module is deactivated, and the second operating mode is an operating mode in which said timekeeping function is activated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of at least one embodiment thereof, which is given by way of non-limiting example only and is illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figures 1 and 2 show a portable object according to the prior art;

- Figures 3 to 6 show a first embodiment of a portable object according to the invention and of operations performed thereon;

- Figures 7 to 10 show a second embodiment of a portable object and operations performed thereon according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention proceeds from the overall inventive idea of providing a simple operation of at least a touch key for switching off/deactivating a portable object, such as a watch.

In a first embodiment, visible in Figures 3 and 4, a portable object 100 according to the present invention is shown. This portable object 100, in this case a watch, comprises a housing 103. This housing 103 is formed by a frame 105 enclosed by a glass 107. The frame can be made of two parts, such as a housing middle piece and a back cover fastened to the housing middle piece in the example of a watch. The glass-enclosed frame 105 forms a housing 104 in which an electronic module 106 is arranged. This electronic module comprises, for example, a microcontroller powered by a battery and communicating with a display device 109 or even a sensor.

The electronic module also cooperates with a control device 111 , which is a touch-sensitive control device.

Of course, the control device may further include at least one button 113 .

According to the invention, the electronic module is programmed to operate in a first operating mode, in which the touch control device 111 is activated, and in a second operating mode, in which the touch control device 111 is deactivated.

The control device 111 includes a plurality of touch keys for interacting with the electronic module 106. These touch keys are arranged in the housing, that is, in the frame or glass, for example, on the inner surface. If the touch keys are arranged in the frame 105, the frame must be made of a suitable material depending on the technology used. For example, in the case of capacitive touch keys, the material carrying the electrodes must be electrically insulating. In the case of a watch, the touch keys must be located in a part that serves as the case middle, the bezel, or the watch glass.

Touch keys using capacitive technology are arranged in the form of conductive electrodes, which can be transparent or opaque, for example, on the watch glass, bezel, or case middle. These touch keys take the form of a conductive contact plate or touchpad 115, so that when a user places their finger on the area where the plate is arranged, a change in the electric field occurs. This change in the electric field causes a change in capacitance. The electronic module 106 detects and interprets this change in capacitance as indicating the presence of a finger.

Advantageously according to the invention, the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode is caused by the simultaneous activation of a determined number of panels 115. Activation of these panels 115 can be a light touch, a press or any action by the user that allows panels 115 to be activated.

The predetermined number of panels 115 that are simultaneously activated to change the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation is selected to be significantly different from any existing operations performed on the portable object.

In this respect, it is conceivable that the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs when at least half of the contact plates 115 are activated simultaneously.

For example, in a Tissot watch comprising seven touch keys, six contact pads around the periphery of the watch glass, and a central contact pad, the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs when at least three pads are activated simultaneously. This operation differs significantly from the basic operation, as the watch's programming provides a pad for each function and thus does not require simultaneous pressure on several pads. These three simultaneously activated keys can be activated using the thumb or two fingers D, as shown in FIG5 , which shows at least four pads T1, T2, T3, and T4 activated.

Preferably, the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs when all plates 115 are activated simultaneously by the user. Typically, for a Tissot watch comprising seven contact plates, the activation of all plates 115 occurs when hand M is placed on the glass as shown in FIG6 .

The advantage of this operation for initiating the change from the first to the second operating mode, i.e., placing hand M on watch glass 107, is its simplicity, since it does not require a specific targeted action on the part of the user. In fact, the user places his hand M on the glass and the activation of all the plates is detected, causing the change from the first to the second operating mode.

Of course, it is also conceivable to use resistive, piezoelectric or optical technology for the touch keys.

Thus, for resistive technology, one surface of a portable object can partially include a conductive layer and a plastic film, the underside of which is conductive (resistive ITO). The surface of the portable object and the plastic film can be kept separate from each other by tiny (microscopic) spacers. During operation, an electric current is induced on one of the two conductive surfaces. When a user touches the screen with the tip of a stylus (or finger), the applied pressure initiates contact between the two power-supplying surfaces.

In the case of piezoelectric technology, the detection grid is designed to convert the pressure applied by the user - that is, stress - into an electrical signal. Pressure on the touch key generates stress that is converted into an electrical signal, which, once detected, allows position determination.

In the case of optical technology, the detection grid uses light technology, namely a light array. The pressure applied by the user to the touch key causes a local deformation of the key. This deformation causes a change in the light array. This change is detected and localized to obtain position information.

In a second embodiment, visible in Figures 7 and 8, a portable object 200 according to the present invention is shown. This portable object 200 is a mobile phone or tablet computer, comprising a housing 203. This housing 203 comprises a frame 205 enclosed by glass 207. The glass-enclosed frame 205 forms a housing 204, in which an electronic module 206 is housed. The electronic module 206 comprises, for example, a microprocessor powered by a battery and communicating with a display device 209 and possible sensors.

The electronic module also cooperates with a control device 211 , which is a touch-sensitive control device.

Of course, the control device may further include at least one button 213 .

The control device 211 is a touch screen 215 for interacting with the electronic module. The touch screen 215 is typically formed by a glass or polymer plate 217 associated with an electrical detection grid 219. This type of touch screen can use capacitive or resistive technology. Depending on the application, other technologies such as optical or piezoelectric can also be used.

The resistive screen is formed by a glass plate, the surface of which is conductive (resistive ITO). This surface is covered with a plastic film, the underside of which is conductive (resistive ITO). The two layers are kept separated from each other by tiny spacers. Additional surface layers can be added to prevent scratches (for example by the end of a stylus). During operation, an electric current is induced in one of the two conductive surfaces. When the user touches the screen with the end of the stylus (or a finger), the applied pressure causes contact between the two electrically powered surfaces. Measurement of the voltage at the electrode terminals of the other conductive surface allows the position of the finger or stylus to be determined. Once the coordinates have been determined, the software processed by the system starts running and determines which areas have been activated.

In a capacitive screen, a conductive layer, for example indium-based, is placed on a plate made of glass or any other electrically insulating material, which is then constructed into an array of touchpads. The presence of a user's finger modifies the spatial distribution of the electric field lines, which corresponds to a change in the capacitance of each touchpad. The capacitance changes of the touchpads are measured at regular intervals and interpreted by an electronic module, which deduces the position of the user's finger from them.

In the case of piezoelectric technology, the detection grid is designed to convert the pressure, i.e. stress, applied by the user into an electrical signal. Pressure on the flexible surface of the screen generates stress that is converted into an electrical signal.

In the case of optical technology, the detection grid uses optical technology, namely, a light array. Pressure applied by the user on the screen causes local deformation of the screen. This deformation causes a change in the light array. This change is detected and located to capture positional information.

Advantageously according to the invention, the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs by detecting a predetermined number of activation areas Zi on the touch screen 215. The activation of these areas Zi on the screen 215 may be a light touch, a tap or any operation by the user that allows the touch screen 215 to be activated.

The predetermined number of zones Zi that are simultaneously activated to change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode is selected to be clearly different from any existing operations performed on the portable object 200 .

In this regard, it is conceivable that a change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs when at least three zones Z1, Z2, and Z3 are detected simultaneously, as shown in FIG9 . In fact, the most common multi-touch functionality for current smartphones is to manipulate an image or object using two fingers simultaneously, for example, to enlarge or rotate it. Preferably, it is conceivable that a change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs when five zones (Zi) are detected simultaneously (not shown). This means that the user places a finger of one hand on the screen to change from one mode to the other.

Still more preferably, it is envisaged that the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs when more than five areas Zi are activated simultaneously, ie when the user's entire hand M is placed on the screen as can be seen in FIG. 10 .

This operation, i.e., placing a hand on the screen to initiate the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, has the advantage of being simple, since it does not require a specific action on the part of the user. In the case of the latest generation of mobile phones with a screen diagonal size of approximately 4 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm), half of the touch keys can be activated by placing a hand on the screen, i.e., a very simple operation.

In a first embodiment, the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the touch keys allow the user to use functions or set the watch. The second operating mode is thus an economic operating mode in which the touch keys are deactivated, thus saving energy and preventing unwanted operations.

In the second embodiment, the first operating mode is an operating mode in which a specific function is deactivated, and the second operating mode is an operating mode in which the specific function is activated. In fact, for some simple functions such as countdown or timing functions, quick start is required to avoid wasting time during function activation.

In variations of the first and second embodiments, it is conceivable that the change from the first to the second operating mode can occur automatically under certain circumstances. Indeed, in certain situations, activation of a touch key or significant pressure can be detected without the user actually moving the glass or screen. For example, the capacitive technology of a touch screen with capacitive keys or a capacitive touch screen is sensitive to water. This means that if a portable object equipped with a touch glass with capacitive keys or a capacitive touch screen is immersed in water, the touch keys of the glass or touch screen will be activated to a greater or lesser extent. The electronic module can then infer that the user has placed their hand on the glass or screen and will therefore initiate the change from the first to the second operating mode.

This variant advantageously allows a solution in which the chronograph function starts when the swimmer enters the water, said water activating the capacitive key touching the glass. This facilitates the release of the chronograph function.

This variant provides another solution in which the power-off function of the portable object is activated if said portable object is in water. This makes it possible to try to save the portable object if it falls into water.

It is clear that various modifications and/or improvements and/or combinations obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the various embodiments of the present invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Thus, it is also conceivable to provide the portable object with a specific button to deactivate the touch control device or to program it to have a deactivation operation. Additionally, a countdown or timeout function is possible.

Claims (20)

1. A portable object (100) comprising a housing formed by a frame (105) enclosed by glass (107) to form a receptacle for housing an electronic module (106), the electronic module cooperating with a control device (111) comprising at least a plurality of touchpads (115) for interacting with the electronic module, each touchpad being located on a surface of the housing, the electronic module being programmed to operate in a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein at least the touchpads are electrically activated in the first operating mode and at least the touchpads are not electrically activated in the second operating mode, characterized in that a change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs after simultaneous activation of at least a determined number of touchpads is detected by the electronic module, wherein the activated touchpads are randomly selected, and wherein the simultaneous and random activation of at least a determined number of touchpads occurs by contact of the at least determined number of touchpads by a hand or a stylus. 2. The portable object according to claim 1, wherein the determined number of activated touchpads (115) for allowing a change from a first operating mode to a second operating mode is equal to at least 50% of the number of existing touchpads. 3. The portable object according to claim 1, wherein the determined number of activated touchpads (115) for allowing a change from a first operating mode to a second operating mode is equal to the total number of existing touchpads. 4. The portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation of the touchpad (115) occurs through contact with a hand, said contact with the hand causing a disturbance of an electric field that can be sensed by the touchpad. 5. The portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation of the touchpad (115) is caused by pressure applied by a hand, the pressure applied by the hand causing a voltage to appear on the touchpad through a resistive effect. 6. The portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation of the touchpad (115) is caused by pressure applied by a hand, the pressure applied by the hand causing a voltage to appear on the touchpad through a piezoelectric effect. 7. The portable object according to claim 1, wherein activation of the touchpad (115) is caused by pressure applied by a hand, the pressure causing an optical disturbance of the touchpad. 8. The portable object according to claim 1, wherein the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the electronic module (206) is activated, and the second operating mode is a standby operating mode in which the electronic module (206) is deactivated. 9. The portable object according to claim 1, wherein the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the portable object is activated, and the second operating mode is an operating mode in which the portable object is deactivated. 10. The portable object according to claim 1, wherein the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the timing function of the electronic module is deactivated, and the second operating mode is an operating mode in which the timing function is activated. 11. A portable object (200) comprising a housing (203) formed by a frame (205) enclosed by a screen (215) to form a receptacle (204) therein for placing an electronic module (206), the screen comprising glass (217) associated with an electrical detection grid (219) to form a control device (211) cooperating with the electronic module to interact with the electronic module, the electronic module being programmed to operate in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode, in which at least the screen is activated and in which at least the screen is deactivated, characterized in that a change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs after at least a determined number of randomly selected activated areas (Zi, Zi’) are detected by the electronic module, wherein the at least determined number of randomly selected activated areas (Zi, Zi’) are activated by contact of the area (Zi, Zi’) with a hand or a stylus. 12. The portable object according to claim 11, wherein the determined number of activated regions (Zi) is at least equal to 3. 13. The portable object according to claim 11, wherein the determined number of activated regions (Zi) is at least equal to the number of fingers of a hand. 14. The portable object according to claim 11, wherein the screen is capacitive and activation is achieved by means of a hand, the hand causing a disturbance in the electric field. 15. The portable object according to claim 11, wherein the screen (215) is resistive. 16. The portable object according to claim 11, wherein the screen (215) is optical. 17. The portable object according to claim 11, wherein the screen (215) is piezoelectric. 18. The portable object according to claim 11, wherein the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the electronic module (206) is activated, and the second operating mode is a standby operating mode in which the electronic module (206) is deactivated. 19. The portable object according to claim 11, wherein the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the portable object is activated, and the second operating mode is an operating mode in which the portable object is deactivated. 20. The portable object according to claim 11, wherein the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the timing function of the electronic module is deactivated, and the second operating mode is an operating mode in which the timing function is activated.