Digital, waterproof sports timer with countdown and stopwatch function as well as acoustic and optical signaling via buzzer and display

Abstract

Digital sports timepiece, characterized by: o a waterproof housing (IP65) to accommodate the components; o a microcontroller to control the functions and process user inputs; o an autonomous power supply using an integrated Li-Ion battery, a charging board with USB-C port and a DC-DC step-up converter; o an OLED display for visual display of time information and status messages; o an active buzzer for acoustic signalling; o a waterproof on / off switch; and o a waterproof mushroom head push button for central operation (start, stop, reset).

Description

[0001] 1. Description of the invention: Digital, waterproof sports timer “AquaSpeed” with countdown and stopwatch functions as well as acoustic and optical signaling via buzzer and OLED display.

[0002] 2. Technical field: The invention relates to the technical field of electronic time-measuring devices and is particularly intended for use in damp or wet environments such as swimming, where precise time measurement in combination with visual and acoustic feedback is required.

[0003] 3. State of the art: Current timekeeping devices for sporting activities often offer only basic stopwatch functions. Devices for water sports, while waterproof, lack an integrated countdown function with an acoustic and visual pre-warning and start signal, and a robust, durable, easy-to-read, energy-efficient display for timekeeping.

[0004] 4. Object of the invention: The object of the present invention is to provide a compact, robust, and waterproof timepiece that enables intuitive operation for countdown and stopwatch functions, while offering a clear visual display and distinct acoustic signaling to enable users to monitor their time precisely and reliably, particularly during training. The countdown function enables accurate time measurement without the assistance of another person. The user is thus able to record times independently. Acoustic and visual signals ensure that the device functions reliably even in environments with limited visibility or high ambient noise.

[0005] 5. Solution to the problem: The problem is solved by an electronic device that integrates the components described below in a waterproof housing and controls them using specific software logic. 5.1 Structure and components: The “AquaSpeed” device consists of the following main components, which are housed in a waterproof ABS plastic housing (IP65, 158x90x60 mm): o Microcontroller: An Arduino Uno R3 DIP serves as the central control unit. It processes user input, controls the display, manages timing, and generates audible signals. ◯ Energy supply: ▪ A Li-Ion battery (SOLDERED 333278, 500 mAh, 3.7 V) supplies the system with independent energy. ▪ A charging board for Li-ion batteries (1A, USB-C) enables efficient and safe charging of the battery. • A DC-DC step-up converter (LAOMAO, DC 3V-35V to 5V-40V, adjustable output voltage) converts the 3.7V of the Li-Ion battery to the 5V required for the Arduino, the display, and the active buzzer. This ensures a stable voltage supply throughout the battery's discharge curve. ▪ A waterproof USB-C socket with nut, locking plate and dust cover ensures a secure and moisture-proof connection to the charging board. ◯ User interface: ▪ A 0.96" OLED display (SSD1306, 128×64 pixels, I2C) serves as the primary visual output unit. The display is connected to the microcontroller via the I2C bus and provides a clear, high-contrast display of time information and status messages. On the home screen and during the stopwatch display, the device name "AquaSpeed" is prominently displayed. ▪ A DAOKAI active low-level trigger buzzer (DC 3.3-5 V) emits audible signals for the completion of the countdown and the start of the stopwatch. Because it is a low-level trigger buzzer, it is activated by a LOW signal from the microcontroller. ▪ A waterproof IP65 mini toggle switch serves as the main on / off switch for the entire device. ▪ A MKBKLUY 22mm mushroom-head push button (IP65) serves as the central control button for controlling the functions (start, stop, reset). Its design and IP65 certification ensure reliable operation even under wet conditions. 5.2 Functionality (software logic) The software of the AquaSpeed ​​microcontroller, implemented in C++ on the Arduino platform, controls the device functions in different operating states. ◯ Initial Splash Screen (INITIAL_SPLASH): Upon power-on or after a reset, the OLED display shows the device name "AquaSpeed." This serves as visual brand identification and system initialization. ◯ IDLE state: After the splash screen, the device enters the IDLE state. The display shows the message "Ready to start." In this state, the device waits for the mushroom-head push button to be pressed. ◯ Countdown mode (COUNTDOWN): Pressing the button from idle mode starts a countdown of 10 seconds by default. The OLED display shows the remaining time in large digits and visually indicates the countdown progress. ▪ Visual and audible signaling: After the 9th second of the countdown, a short beep sounds from the active buzzer. At the same time, the display is inverted to provide an additional, clear visual warning. ▪ After the 10th second of the countdown (i.e., the complete end of the countdown), a longer beep sounds, signaling the start of the stopwatch. The display also inverts to indicate the start of the stopwatch. ▪ After each beep, the display automatically returns from inverted to normal state. ◯ Stopwatch mode (STOPWATCH_RUNNING): Immediately after the countdown ends, the stopwatch automatically starts running. The OLED display shows the elapsed time in the format "MM:SS.h" (minutes:seconds.tenths of a second). The label "Time:" and the device name "AquaSpeed" are also visible. Pressing the button again in this state stops the stopwatch. o Stopwatch pause (STOPWATCH_PAUSED): When the stopwatch is paused, the device enters the STOPWATCH_PAUSED state. The paused time remains visible on the display. Pressing the button again from this state resets the stopwatch and returns the device to the IDLE state. The software includes a debounce function for the push button to prevent unwanted multiple triggering due to button bounce (debounceDelay = 200ms). The acoustic signals are controlled by digitalWrite(buzzerPin, LOW) for switching on and digitalWrite(buzzerPin, HIGH) for switching off the low-level trigger buzzer, with variable time delays for generating short and long signals. The visual inversion of the display is directly linked to the buzzer activation and serves as additional, clearly visible feedback at critical times during the countdown. 5.3 Usage process: The AquaSpeed ​​usage process is designed for intuitive and independent operation, especially to support sporting activities such as swimming training: ◯ After switching on, the device is in standby mode (IDLE). ◯ The user starts the countdown by pressing the mushroom head push button once. ◯ During the countdown (10 seconds by default), the remaining time is displayed on the OLED display, accompanied by audible and visual warning signals (beeps and display inversion) shortly before the countdown. Both the 10-second countdown and the signals enable the user to prepare for the imminent start of their exercise. ◯ After the countdown has been completed, the stopwatch starts automatically, which is signaled by a longer beep and renewed display inversion. ◯ The running time is displayed precisely on the OLED display. ◯ The user stops the stopwatch manually by pressing the mushroom-head push button again. The stopped time remains visible on the display. ◯ Pressing the button again resets the stopwatch and returns the device to standby mode.

[0006] 6. Advantages of the invention: The invention offers the following advantages over the prior art: ◯ Robustness and waterproofness: The IP65-certified housing and waterproof components (toggle switch, charging socket, buttons) enable reliable use of the AquaSpeed ​​in harsh, wet environments. ◯ Intuitive operation: A single, large mushroom-head push button controls all main functions (start countdown / stopwatch, stop stopwatch, reset), which makes operation under time pressure or with wet hands much easier. ◯ Clear feedback: The high-contrast OLED display ensures easy time readability even in varying lighting conditions. The audible signals complement the visual feedback and are particularly useful when the display is not directly visible (e.g., under the starting block in a swimming pool). ◯ Self-sufficient power supply: The integrated Li-Ion battery and the USB-C charging function with step-up converter offer a portable and long-lasting power supply. ◯ Versatility: The combination of countdown and stopwatch functions effectively covers basic timing requirements in sports and opens up the possibility of measuring times without the help of a third party. ◯ Compact design: Despite its extensive functions and robust construction, the device remains compact.

[0007] 7. Exemplary embodiment: One exemplary embodiment of the invention is a timing device specifically designed for swimming training. It can be placed at the edge of the pool (or operated by a coach) to precisely announce start times and accurately measure athletes' swimming times. The AquaSpeed's waterproof design ensures that splashes or accidental immersion cannot harm the device. The acoustic and visual signals are useful in various situations for giving start commands or timing signals.

Claims

[1] Digital sports timepiece, characterized by : o a waterproof housing (IP65) to accommodate the components; o a microcontroller to control the functions and process user inputs; o an autonomous power supply using an integrated Li-Ion battery, a charging board with USB-C port and a DC-DC step-up converter; o an OLED display for visual display of time information and status messages; o an active buzzer for acoustic signalling; o a waterproof on / off switch; and o a waterproof mushroom head push button for central operation (start, stop, reset). [2] Digital sports timepiece according to claim 1, characterized bythat the microcontroller implements a countdown function after actuation of the mushroom-head push button, which indicates a lapse of time and is characterized by an acoustic and visual signaling when predefined times are reached, in particular before the end of the countdown and at the start of the stopwatch, wherein the visual signaling comprises an inversion of the OLED display. [3] Digital sports timepiece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the microcontroller automatically implements a stopwatch function after the countdown has ended, which displays the elapsed time and can be stopped and reset using the mushroom head push button. [4] Digital sports timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the OLED display prominently displays the device name “AquaSpeed”, especially on the home screen and during the stopwatch display. [5] Digital sports timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the microcontroller software includes a debounce function for the mushroom head push button to prevent unwanted multiple triggering. [6] Digital sports timepiece according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the acoustic signaling by the active buzzer is activated by a LOW signal from the microcontroller and the visual inversion of the display is directly linked to the activation of the buzzer.

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