HYBRID CLOCK SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid watch system configured to be worn on the wrist, comprising a support (4), a case (2) including a first main face (16) and a second main face (18), and a strap fixed to the support (4), said case (2) being hinged on said support (4) such that in a first configuration the first main face (16) of the case (2) is visible and in a second configuration the second main face (18) of the case (2) is visible, wherein the first main face (16) has a watch crystal revealing an analog watch dial and wherein the second main face (18) is a front face of an electronic device, said system also comprising a power supply system for said electronic device. [Fig. 3]

Description

Title of the invention: HYBRID CLOCK SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid watchmaking system comprising an analog watch and an electronic device.

[0002] Analog watches are watches that indicate the time by means of the movement of hands on a dial. They offer a remarkable and elegant aesthetic appearance. However, they generally have the disadvantage of not offering any other functions.

[0003] People want to be able to take photos very frequently. To do this, they increasingly use their smartphones. On the one hand, this means always having their phone in hand or easily accessible. On the other hand, having one's phone readily available represents a significant risk of theft. Indeed, when taking a photo, the user is focused on the screen of their phone and is not paying attention to the people around them, who could take advantage of this moment to snatch the phone from their hands.

[0004] There are also smartwatches that can acquire data on the user's body and / or physical activity. However, they have a relatively ordinary aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, smartwatches can be connected to external systems, such as a smartphone, and thus receive notifications. Consequently, some users wear an analog watch on one wrist and a smartwatch on the other. Description of the invention

[0005] It is therefore one of the aims of the present application to provide a system to overcome all or part of the disadvantages stated above.

[0006] The stated purpose above is achieved by a hybrid watch system comprising a case including a first face and a second face, the first face revealing an analog watch and a second face forming an electronic device and a support, the case being articulated on the support so that in a first position the first face is visible and in a second position the second face is visible, and a strap fixed to the support and allowing the whole to be worn on a wrist.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, the electronic device is a digital camera and the bracelet is equipped with at least one display screen for the image captured by the lens or lenses of the digital camera.

[0008] Advantageously, the bracelet is equipped with a lens allowing the user to take a picture of themselves to make a selfie in Anglo-Saxon terminology.

[0009] In another embodiment, the electronic device is a smart watch and the support and / or the bracelet are equipped with one or more sensors for the body activity of the person wearing the assembly.

[0010] The present invention then relates to a hybrid watch system configured to be worn on the wrist, comprising a support, a case including a first main face and a second main face, and a strap fixed to the support, said case being articulated mounted on said support so that in a first configuration the first main face of the case is visible and in a second configuration the second main face of the case is visible, the first main face including a watch crystal showing an analog watch dial and the second main face being a front face of an electronic device, said system also including a power supply system for said electronic device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the electronic device is a digital camera whose front face includes at least one first lens and the body includes electronic means for controlling the first lens, collecting the data collected by said first lens and a flash memory configured to store photo and / or video data.

[0012] Most advantageously, the bracelet includes a folding clasp and the system includes a digital sight mounted on the folding clasp so as to be visible to the user when wearing the system on the wrist.

[0013] Preferably, the system includes a second lens carried by the deployable loop so as to allow photos and / or videos to be taken of the user wearing the system on their wrist.

[0014] In a preferred example, the system comprises an electronic housing including the digital viewfinder and the second lens.

[0015] The system may also include a smart watch worn by the folding clasp.

[0016] For example, the digital viewfinder is connected to the digital camera via a wireless connection through networks such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0017] Advantageously the electronic case includes said smart watch.

[0018] In another embodiment, the electronic device is a smart watch, advantageously a connected watch.

[0019] The system may include sensors chosen for example from temperature sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, light sensors, proximity sensors or physiological parameter sensors such as heart rate monitors, the physiological parameter sensors advantageously being carried by the support and / or a deployant loop of the bracelet. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] This application will be better understood with the aid of the following description and the attached drawings, in which: - [Fig. 1] is a view of the front face of an example of a hybrid watchmaking system according to the invention in a first configuration, - [Fig.2] is a view of the front face of the system in [Fig.1] in a second configuration, - [[Fig.3]] is a side view of the system of [Fig.1] represented schematically in an intermediate configuration, - [Fig.4] is a side view of the system of [Fig.1] shown schematically in another intermediate configuration, - [[Fig.5]] is a top view of a deployable loop that can be implemented in the system of [Fig.1] in a deployed state, - [[Fig.6]] is a top view of the loop of [Fig.5] which can be implemented in the system of [Fig.1] in a folded state, - [Fig.7] is a top view of a loop variant of [Fig.5] in a folded state, - [[Fig.8]] is a front view of another example of a system according to the invention in a second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0021] Figures 1 and 2 show a front view of an example of a hybrid clockwork system according to the invention in a first position and in a second position.

[0022] The SI system according to the invention comprises a case 2, a support 4 and a bracelet 6.

[0023] In this example, the bracelet 6 is a bracelet equipped with a folding clasp 7 connected to support 4 by each of its ends.

[0024] The housing 2 is mounted articulated on the support 4 so that it can pivot and slide relative to the support 4.

[0025] The support 4 has a general U-shape, the base 8 of which is intended to be in contact with the user's wrist. The support has two arms 10 perpendicular to the base. The housing 2 is located between the two arms 10.

[0026] The housing 2 has a shape substantially resembling a rectangular parallelepiped comprising four lateral faces, the first two lateral faces 13 being parallel to each other and the second two lateral faces 14 being parallel to each other. The housing 2 also comprises a first main face 16 and a second main face 18 which are intended to be alternately visible.

[0027] Each second lateral face 14 is intended to be positioned opposite a branch 10.

[0028] The two branches 10 each have a slide 12 extending parallel to the bottom 8 along a direction X. Each second lateral face 14 has a protruding pin 16, each pin 16 being received in a slide 12.

[0029] Preferably, for aesthetic reasons, the slides 12 do not pass through the arms 10 and are therefore not visible from the outside.

[0030] The pins 16 slide and pivot in the slides 12 so that the case can slide along the X direction and can pivot around an axis Y orthogonal to the X axis and parallel to the bottom 8 of the support.

[0031] The Y axis is parallel to the first lateral faces 13. In the configuration of [Fig.1], the Y axis is located near one of the first lateral faces 13. In the configuration of [Fig.2], the Y axis is located near the other first lateral face 13. In the example shown, the crown 15 of the watch is carried by the first lateral face 13 far from the Y axis.

[0032] Preferably, the second lateral faces 14 of the housing 2 and the arms 10 of the support 4 are configured so that the pivoting of the housing 2 relative to the support 4 only occurs in a given position of the housing relative to the support along the X axis. For example, each arm 10 has on its inner face a groove (not shown) extending along the X axis and close to the bottom 8, and each second lateral face 14 has a groove at one end located on the side of the bottom 8 and extending along the X direction. The grooves open into a single lateral end of the arms 10, for example on the right in [Fig. 4].

[0033] The width of the grooves allows the ribs to be accommodated.

[0034] Thanks to the cooperation of each of the grooves with a rib (not shown), the housing can only pivot and then slide so that one of the main faces 16, 18 is parallel to the support when the pivots are positioned at the right end of the slides.

[0035] Means are also implemented to lock the housing in a position in which the first face is visible and in another position in which the second face is visible. The means are carried by the support 4 and the housing 2 and cooperate together. For example, the housing has a spring-loaded ball through each of its second lateral faces 14, the balls each being received in a slide 12 and locking the housing 2 in the support 4. By pulling on the housing, the balls come out of the slides and the housing can pivot.

[0036] According to the invention, the case comprises an analog watch MA whose dial is visible through the first main face 16. The first main face 16 comprises a watch crystal. The analog watch comprises a watch crystal 19, a dial 20, and hands 22. The hands can be moved by means of a mechanical movement or a quartz movement housed in the Case. A battery is provided to power the quartz movement. The mechanical movement can be either manual or automatic winding.

[0037] The second main face 18 includes a screen for an electronic device DE.

[0038] In a first particularly advantageous embodiment, the electronic device DE is a digital camera. In [Fig. 2], the second main face of the camera body, equipped with several lenses 24 and a flash 25, can be seen. The digital camera also includes electronic means for collecting the data gathered by the lens sensors and controlling the flash. The electronic means, carried in particular by an electronic circuit, are housed in the body 2. The electronic means also advantageously include a flash memory configured to store data locally, and in particular the data of the photos and / or videos, and means for transferring the photos and / or videos to an external device.

[0039] In one embodiment, the housing 2 includes a rechargeable power supply system comprising an electric battery to power the digital camera.

[0040] For example, the digital camera can be controlled by means of a button 27 protruding from the housing next to the crown 15. Any other location not obstructing the movement of the housing relative to the support is conceivable.

[0041] Consider that the housing 2 is positioned on the support 4 so as to expose the first main face 16. To use the camera, the user pulls on the housing 4 by the first lateral face 13 bearing the crown 15; the housing 2 tilts around the Y-axis ([Fig. 3]). The user rotates the housing 2 around the Y-axis through an angle of 180° ([Fig. 4]). The first main face 16 is then aligned with the bottom of the support, and the second main face 18 is visible. The user then slides the housing in the guides along the X-axis until the balls engage in the guides and lock the housing in the support, with the second main face 18 now visible.

[0042] Thanks to the invention, the user then has a digital camera on their wrist, avoiding the need to use their smartphone or a separate digital camera.

[0043] In a particularly advantageous way, the system includes a digital viewfinder 26 allowing the user to see the image to be photographed.

[0044] In the example shown in [Fig. 5], and advantageously, the digital viewfinder 26 is carried by the folding loop 7. The digital viewfinder comprises an electronic housing 28 equipped on one side with a digital screen 30 which displays the scene captured by the lens(es). The digital viewfinder 26 is connected to the device digital photo either wired by means of wires housed in the bracelet and connecting the viewfinder to the digital camera, or via a wireless connection type grouping various components allowing communication with other devices or systems via networks such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc. the electronic housing 28 of the viewfinder and that of the camera are respectively equipped with electronic devices allowing this communication.

[0045] The folding clasp 7 comprises a main body 32 and at least one deployable segment 34 articulated in rotation by one longitudinal end to one longitudinal end of the main body 32. The other longitudinal end of the main body 32 is connected to a part of the bracelet and the other longitudinal end of the deployable segment is connected to another part of the bracelet.

[0046] In the closed position, the deployable segment 34 and the main body 32 are superimposed.

[0047] In the example shown, the electronic housing 28 of the viewfinder is mounted in the main body 32 and is visible through the deployable segment 34.

[0048] For example, the main body 32 has peripheral edges defining a central recess whose dimensions allow the electronic housing to be accommodated. For example, the recess is bordered by two longitudinal fins, and the electronic housing has two longitudinal grooves, each in a lateral face of the electronic housing. The housing is slid relative to the main body so that the grooves slide within the fins.

[0049] The deployable segment 34 has a window 36 whose dimensions allow the viewfinder screen 30 to be seen through the window 36.

[0050] In the folded position, the deployable segment 34 is folded over the main body 32 and covers the screen 30 which is visible through the window.

[0051] Advantageously, the folding clasp further comprises a clasp 37 having a central recess 39 conforming to said modular electronic housing 28, said clasp extending longitudinally and being movably mounted on at least one deployable segment between an open position, according to which said clasp 37 forms a longitudinal extension of the deployable segment on which it is mounted, and a closed position, according to which said clasp is superimposed on said deployable segment.

[0052] Alternatively, the deployable loop comprises several deployable segments, each segment comprising a window through which the viewfinder screen is visible.

[0053] Thus the user can aim at the scene to be photographed by looking at the digital viewfinder on the deployable loop.

[0054] It should be noted that the digital camera allows one to take photos and advantageously to record videos.

[0055] In an advantageous example, the system comprises means mounted on the bracelet, preferably on the folding clasp, enabling the user to take photos of themselves alone or in a group. This type of photo is referred to as a "selfie" in Anglo-Saxon terminology.

[0056] Preferably, these means comprise one or more second digital lenses 38 mounted in the deployable loop and connected to the digital camera via a wired or wireless connection in a manner equivalent to the connection between the viewfinder and the camera.

[0057] Advantageously, the electronic viewfinder 26 and the second lens(es) 38 are mounted in the same housing. The viewfinder and the second lens(es) are advantageously mounted on the same electronic board, and the signals from the second lens(es) are transmitted to the viewfinder, in particular via connectors on the electronic board.

[0058] The construction is thus simplified and the size is reduced.

[0059] In one embodiment, the electronic housing includes a rechargeable electric battery to power the viewfinder 26 and optionally the selfie lens 38.

[0060] The electronic housing may include connection means for charging the battery. Alternatively, the electronic housing is configured to allow charging by induction.

[0061] Alternatively, a single rechargeable battery is provided for the camera and the viewfinder, this being in the watch case or in the electronic housing.

[0062] An example of the operation of the system according to the invention will now be described.

[0063] Let us consider that the system is in its configuration with the analog clock visible.

[0064] In this configuration, the user can read the time and wears an elegant watch on the wrist.

[0065] He wants to take a picture of his surroundings. To do this, he rotates and then slides the housing 2 according to the steps described above in order to position the second main face equipped with the camera towards the outside.

[0066] The user then positions their wrist towards the scene they wish to photograph. To do this, they use the viewfinder screen attached to the folding clasp, which displays the image acquired by the lens(es). Once they have selected the scene, they trigger the camera, for example, by pressing the designated button on the camera body.

[0067] When the user wants to take a selfie, they look at the selfie lens on their wrist, their face appears on the screen 30 of the viewfinder 28 located nearby, and then they press the control button. It should be noted that to take For a selfie, it is not required that the camera be visible; the case can be in the visible analog watch configuration.

[0068] Advantageously, the system is configured so that, in the configuration in which the camera is oriented towards the support, it is deactivated and it is not possible to take pictures, thus avoiding taking pictures of the bottom of the support during an unintentional manipulation of the control button.

[0069] It will be understood that taking the photograph can be controlled by means located on the wrist. Alternatively, a voice command is provided to trigger the camera.

[0070] In another embodiment shown in [Fig. 7], the system also includes a smartwatch 40 worn by the folding clasp. Advantageously, the electronic housing 26' comprising the digital viewfinder 28 and the lens 38 also forms the housing of the smartwatch.

[0071] A smartwatch is typically configured to implement intelligent functions in addition to the basic functions of a conventional watch, which are most often limited to displaying the time and possibly the date, or even timing. More specifically, the smartwatch includes a printed circuit board implementing intelligent functions such as activity tracking based on sensor data or image display on a digital dial.

[0072] The smart watch 40 has a digital display 42 and a power supply and energy storage system which is advantageously common to the viewfinder 26 and the second lens.

[0073] The smart watch 40 also includes one or more sensors (not visible) chosen for example from temperature sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, light sensors, proximity sensors or sensors of physiological parameters such as heart rate monitors for example.

[0074] Depending on the sensors, these can be arranged in the electronic case of the watch such as accelerometers outside the case in contact with the wrist for certain physiological parameter sensors.

[0075] The smartwatch can allow its user to acquire information on some of their physiological data.

[0076] The modular electronic housing may further include a flash memory configured to store data locally,

[0077] The smartwatch can also be a connected watch with wireless connectivity using technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing, for example, a connection with a mobile phone, such as a smartphone, enabling, for example, the user to receive notifications on the watch. Smartwatches may include a global positioning system, better known by the English acronym GPS, "Global Positioning System".

[0078] For example, the smartwatch can serve as a virtual assistant for sports practice.

[0079] In a second embodiment shown in [Fig.8], the electronic device is a smart watch 44.

[0080] The electronic device 44 includes a digital display 46 such as a digital screen forming the second main face of the watch case, as well as a power supply and energy storage system, such as a rechargeable battery. Electrical connection means for recharging the power supply system may be provided in the watch case. Alternatively, the power supply system is configured to allow inductive charging.

[0081] In this embodiment, the system may include one or more sensors chosen for example from temperature sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, light sensors, proximity sensors or sensors of physiological parameters such as heart rate monitors for example.

[0082] Depending on the sensors, these can be arranged in the watch case such as accelerometers in the support or the strap, for example in the folding clasp for physiological parameter sensors.

[0083] The smartwatch can allow its user to acquire information on some of their physiological data.

[0084] The electronic device may further include a flash memory configured to store data locally.

[0085] The smartwatch according to the second embodiment can also be a connected watch with wireless connectivity using technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, enabling, for example, a connection with a mobile phone, such as a smartphone, allowing, for example, the user to receive notifications on the watch. The smartwatch may include a global positioning system, more commonly known by its English acronym, GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0086] For example, the smartwatch can serve as a virtual assistant for sports practice.

[0087] An example of using the system according to the second embodiment will now be described.

[0088] Let us consider that the hybrid watch system S2 is in its analog watch configuration.

[0089] In this configuration, the user can read the time and wears an elegant watch on the wrist.

[0090] When the user wishes to exercise and track their physiological data and / or performance, they rotate and tilt the watch case to display the second main face. They then have access to a screen that can display their speed if they are running, their heart rate...

[0091] In the case of a smartwatch, it can access its notifications or even communicate with a third party.

[0092] It is conceivable that the electronic device emits a signal to alert the user to the receipt of a message regardless of the system configuration. Thus, when the hybrid watch system is in the configuration where the watch face is visible, and a signal is emitted to inform the user of the receipt of a message, the user can manipulate the watch case to access the connected watch.

[0093] The invention makes it possible to combine the elegance of an analog watch and the modernity of electronic devices such as digital cameras and smartwatches in a simple and compact way.

Claims

Demands

1. Hybrid watch system configured to be worn on the wrist, comprising a support (4), a case (2) comprising a first main face (16) and a second main face (18), and a strap fixed to the support (4), said case (2) being articulated mounted on said support (4) such that in a first configuration the first main face (16) of the case (2) is visible and in a second configuration the second main face (18) of the case (2) is visible, in which the first main face (16) has a watch crystal revealing an analog watch dial and in which the second main face (18) is a front face of an electronic device (AN), said system also comprising a power supply system for said electronic device.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a digital camera having a front face comprising at least one first lens and wherein the body (2) comprises electronic means for controlling the first lens, collecting the data collected by said first lens and a flash memory configured to store photo and / or video data.

3. System according to claim 2, wherein the bracelet has a folding clasp and wherein the system has a digital sight (26) mounted on the folding clasp so as to be visible to the user when wearing the system on the wrist.

4. System according to claim 3, comprising a second lens carried by the deploying loop so as to allow photos and / or videos to be taken of the user wearing the system on the wrist.

5. System according to claim 4, comprising an electronic housing (28) including the digital viewfinder (26) and the second lens.

6. System according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the digital viewfinder (28) is connected to the digital camera by a wireless connection via networks such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

7. System according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising a smart watch worn by the deployant clasp.

8. System according to claim 7 in combination with claim 5, wherein the electronic housing comprises said smart watch.

9. System according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a smart watch, advantageously a connected watch.

10. System according to claim 9, comprising sensors selected for example from temperature sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, light sensors, proximity sensors or physiological parameter sensors such as heart rate monitors, the physiological parameter sensors advantageously being carried by the support and / or a deployant loop of the bracelet.

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