Navigation system for a watch

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a navigation system (1) configured to guide a user along a trip to a predetermined geographic location, the navigation system (1) comprising a watch (2) comprising an electronic timepiece movement (4) and a display interface (5), and a wireless electronic geolocation device (3) capable of generating guidance data relating to the trip, the display interface (5) alternately implements a timepiece information display mode and a guidance information display mode by utilizing at least a first pointer (7a) and a second pointer (7b) contained in the display interface (5), where the guidance information originates from the guidance data relating to an indication of a preset direction to be followed to reach the geographic position, and the estimated travel time before the next direction change.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202511825363.3 (22) Application Date 2025.12.05 (30) Priority Data 24219342.3 2024.12.12 EP (71) Applicant ETA Swiss Watch Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Address Switzerland (72) Inventor E. Fleury (74) Patent Agency Beijing Zhongzi Law Firm 11247 Patent Attorney Mi Fenghua Wu Peng (51) Int.Cl. G01C 21 / 36 (2006.01) G01C 21 / 28 (2006.01) G01C 21 / 16 (2006.01) G01C 17 / 32 (2006.01) G01S 19 / 14 (2010.01) G01S 19 / 34 (2010.01) G01S 19 / 45 (2010.01) G01S 19 / 47 (2010.01) G04G 17 / 00 (2013.01) (54) Title of Invention Navigation System for Watch (57) Abstract One aspect of the present invention relates to a navigation system (1) configured to guide a user along a journey to a predetermined geographical location, the navigation system (1) comprising a watch (2) The watch (2) includes an electronic clock movement (4) and a display interface (5) capable of generating guidance data related to the trip. The watch (2) includes a wireless electronic geolocation device (3) capable of generating guidance data related to the trip. The watch (2) includes an electronic clock movement (4) and a display interface (5). The display interface (5) alternately implements a clock information display mode and a guidance information display mode by utilizing at least a first hand (7a) and a second hand (7b) contained in the display interface (5). The guidance information is derived from the guidance data and relates to an indication of a preset direction to be followed to reach the geographic location and an estimated travel time before the next direction change. Claims 2 pages, Description 6 pages, Drawings 2 pages, CN 122192363 A 2026.06.12 CN 1 22 19 23 63 A 1. A navigation system (1) configured to guide a user along a journey to a predetermined geographical location, the navigation system (1) comprising a watch (2) and a wireless electronic geolocation device (3) capable of generating guidance data related to the journey, the watch (2) comprising an electronic watch movement (4) and a display interface (5), the display interface (5) alternately implementing a watch information display mode and a guidance information display mode by at least utilizing a first hand (7a) and a second hand (7b) included in the display interface (5), wherein the guidance information is derived from the guidance data, the guidance information relating toThe navigation system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic clock movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) connected to an electronic compass (12), a communication module (9), and at least one motor (10) for driving the first pointer (7a). In the guidance information display mode, based on guidance data received from the wireless electronic geolocation device (3) and orientation data from the electronic compass (12), the processing unit (8) executes a guidance algorithm so that the free end of the first pointer (7a) points to the preset direction to reach the geographical location. 3. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic clock movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) connected to an audio diffusion module (11) and at least one motor (10) for driving the first hand (7a) and the second hand (7b), wherein in the clock information display mode and the guidance information display mode, the processing unit (8) executes a guidance algorithm to generate visual and audio message notifications to prompt / warn of a change of direction. 4. The navigation system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the display interface (5) includes a time marker (14), and the processing unit (8) is connected to the at least one motor (10) for driving the second hand (7b), wherein in the guidance information display mode, the processing unit (8) executes the guidance algorithm to configure the positioning of the second hand (7b) relative to the time marker (14) contained in the display interface (5) by indicating the estimated travel time before the next change of direction. 5. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the guidance information display mode, the first pointer (7a) is capable of rotating clockwise and counterclockwise based on a motion control command for the first pointer (7a), wherein the motion control command is generated by the processing unit (8) based on the guidance data received from the wireless electronic geolocation device (3) and the orientation data from the electronic compass (12). 6. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the guidance information display mode, the second pointer (7b) is continuously driven to rotate at a constant speed only in the clockwise direction based on a motion control command for the second pointer (7b) until the position of the second pointer (7b) coincides with the first pointer (7a), at which point the movement of the second pointer (7b) stops, wherein the motion control command is generated by the processing unit (8) based on a calculation of the estimated travel time for the next direction change. 7. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display interface (5) includes uniformly arranged...The system includes a dial (6a) with hour markers (14), a case flange, and / or a bezel (6b). 8. The navigation system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the dial (6a) includes a portion with a screen configured to display guidance information related to the geographic location and the remaining time to reach the destination corresponding to the geographic location, wherein the geographic location is, for example, a topology of an intersection when the journey involves a change of direction. 9. The navigation system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic clock movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) and a motor (10) for driving the first hand (7a) and the second hand (7b), the processing unit (8) being capable of controlling the motor (10) to position the first hand (7a) and the second hand (7b) to display time or information related to the geographic location. Claims 1 / 2 Page 2 CN 122192363 A 10. A navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic watch movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) connected to a motion measurement sensor (13) for measuring motions that the watch (2) can perform, the processing unit (8) executing a display mode selection algorithm to select the guidance information display mode based on a first motion of the watch (2), or to select the watch information display mode based on a second motion of the watch (2). 11. A navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the watch information display mode, the first hand (7a) is an hour hand and the second hand (7b) is a minute hand. 12. A navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless electronic geolocation device (3) is configured to generate guidance data related to the journey, the guidance data being transmitted to the watch (2). Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 122192363 A Navigation System for Watches Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a navigation system for electronic watches, designed to indicate the direction of a specific geographical location to the user wearing the watch. Background Art

[0002] Electronic watches are constantly developing and their functions are becoming increasingly rich. One of these functions is satellite positioning using a GPS module. Such a GPS module includes a chip connected to at least one antenna. The chip is capable of receiving signals from at least four satellites, which are equipped with multiple atomic clocks. By calculating the propagation time of these signals between the satellites and itself, it can determine its distance from the satellites and, using trilateration, accurately locate any point within the GPS satellite coverage area in three-dimensional space.

[0003] This GPS module can be used for two specific applications. The first application is navigation applications, meaning that the GPS module works with navigation software to guide the user from a starting point to a destination. The second application is to use the GPS module for tracking applications, especially motion tracking, so that the user can see their route. The first application uses GPS to indicate the route to follow, while the second application is used to track the route.

[0004] However, there are problems with integrating a GPS module into a watch. First, the GPS module consumes a lot of power, causing the watch battery to run out quickly. Therefore, a single battery with a larger capacity or a more expensive rechargeable battery must be used.

[0005] The second problem is that these applications require a certain amount of computing power to function properly. However, increasing computing power requires the use of a more powerful and energy-intensive processor.

[0006] In view of these circumstances, it is clear that an alternative needs to be found. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a navigation system in which a watch is able to alternately display clock information and guidance information through its hands while effectively managing its power consumption.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a navigation system configured to guide a user along a journey to a predetermined geographical location, the navigation system comprising a watch and a wireless electronic geolocation device capable of generating guidance data related to the journey, the watch comprising an electronic watch movement and a display interface, the display interface alternately implementing a watch information display mode and a guidance information display mode by utilizing at least a first and a second hand included in the display interface, wherein the guidance information is derived from the guidance data, the guidance information relating to an indication of a preset direction to be followed to reach the geographical location, and an estimated travel time before the next direction change.

[0009] In other embodiments:

[0010] - The electronic watch movement includes a processing unit connected to an electronic compass, a communication module, and at least one motor for driving the first hand, wherein in the guidance information display mode, based on guidance data received from the wireless electronic geolocation device and azimuth data from the electronic compass, the processing unit executes a guidance algorithm such that the free end of the first hand points to the preset direction to be followed to reach the geographical location.

[0011] - The electronic clock movement includes a processing unit connected to an audio diffusion module, and at least one motor for driving the first and second hands. In the clock information display mode and the guidance information display mode, the processing unit executes a guidance algorithm to generate visual and audio message notifications to indicate / warn of a change in direction.

[0012] - The display interface includes hour markers, and the processing unit is connected to the motor for driving the second hand.At least one motor is mentioned. In the guidance information display mode, the processing unit executes the guidance algorithm to configure the positioning of the second pointer relative to the time marker included in the display interface by indicating the estimated travel time before the next direction change.

[0013] - In the guidance information display mode, the first pointer can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise based on motion control commands for the first pointer, wherein the motion control commands are generated by the processing unit based on the guidance data received from the wireless electronic geolocation device and the orientation data from the electronic compass.

[0014] - In the guidance information display mode, the second pointer is continuously driven to rotate at a constant speed only in the clockwise direction based on motion control commands for the second pointer until the position of the second pointer coincides with the first pointer, at which point the movement of the second pointer stops, wherein the motion control commands are generated by the processing unit based on the calculation of the estimated travel time for the next direction change.

[0015] - The display interface includes a dial, a case flange, and / or a bezel, all equipped with hour markers;

[0016] - The dial includes a portion with a screen configured to display guidance information related to the geographic location and the remaining time to reach the destination corresponding to the geographic location, wherein, for example, when the journey involves a change of direction, the geographic location is the topology of an intersection.

[0017] - The electronic watch movement includes a processing unit and a motor for driving the first and second hands, the processing unit being able to control the motor to position the first and second hands, thereby displaying time or information related to the geographic location.

[0018] - The electronic watch movement includes a processing unit connected to a motion measurement sensor for measuring the movements that the watch can perform, the processing unit executing a display mode selection algorithm to select the guidance information display mode based on a first type of movement of the watch, or to select the watch information display mode based on a second type of movement of the watch.

[0019] - In the watch information display mode, the first hand is the hour hand, and the second hand is the minute hand.

[0020] - The wireless electronic geolocation device is configured to generate guidance data related to the trip, the guidance data being transmitted to the watch. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, provided only as illustrative and not limiting examples, and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] - FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the invention, configured to guide a user along a trip to a geographic location;

[0023] - Figure 2 shows a watch in a navigation system configured in a clock information display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024] - Figures 3 and 4 show watches in different clock information display modes according to different embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0025] Figure 1 shows a navigation system 1 configured to guide a user along a journey to a specific geographic location. The navigation system 1 includes a watch 2 (specifically, an electronic watch) and a wireless electronic geolocation device 3. Specification 2 / 6 pages 5 CN 122192363 A

[0026] In the navigation system 1, the wireless electronic geolocation device 3 is configured to generate routes, journeys, or trips to guide the user to a geographic location that is the destination or end of a journey. The wireless electronic geolocation device 3 can transmit guidance data related to the journey to the watch 2. The watch 2 will use this data to display or transmit guidance information to the user en route to the geographic location, based on the journey generated by the wireless electronic geolocation device 3.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the watch 2 can display guidance information related to the journey, especially when the watch 2 is oriented such that the displayed guidance information is within the user's field of vision (the user being the wearer of the watch 2). It should be noted that the watch 2 can switch between two display modes: one is a clock information display mode, such as displaying the time or date, and the other is a guidance information display mode related to a predetermined journey to the geographical location.

[0028] In this navigation system 1, the watch 2 includes a case 15 and a strap. The case 15 houses an electronic watch movement 4 and a display interface 5.

[0029] Under these conditions, the electronic watch movement 4 includes:

[0030] - a processing unit 8 with a microcontroller;

[0031] - a communication module 9;

[0032] - an electronic compass 12;

[0033] - a measurement sensor 13 for measuring at least one movement that the watch 2 can perform, such as an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope, or even an inertial measurement unit with 3 to 6 axes;

[0034] - an energy storage device, such as a single battery or a accelerometer;

[0035] - at least one motor 10, such as an electric micro-motor or nano-motor, and / or

[0036] - an audio diffusion module 11, which includes at least one speaker.

[0037] In the navigation system 1, the display interface 5 includes elements that help display / transmit watch information or guidance information. The interface includes, but is not limited to, a dial 6a, a case flange, a bezel 6b, and hands. A portion of this dial 6a includes a screen configured to display guidance information, such as information relating to the geographic location (e.g., the topology of intersections when the trip involves a change of direction), and the remaining time to reach the trip destination corresponding to that geographic location.The remaining time is relevant. The screen can use LCD or OLED display technology.

[0038] In this configuration, the pointers include a first pointer 7a, a second pointer 7b, and a third pointer 7c. When the watch 2 is configured in the clock information display mode, the first pointer 7a, the second pointer 7b, and the third pointer 7c are the hour hand, the minute hand, and the second hand, respectively. When the watch 2 is configured in the guidance information display mode, the first pointer 7a and the second pointer 7b are respectively pointers indicating the direction of travel and pointers indicating the estimated travel time before the next change of direction.

[0039] One end of the first pointer 7a and the second pointer 7b are usually mounted on a corresponding rotating spindle arranged at the center of the dial 6a so as to move above the dial 6a. The spindle or shaft passes through the center of the dial 6a, thereby connecting the corresponding first pointer 7a and the second pointer 7b to the motor 10. It should be noted that the processing unit 8 can control the at least one motor 10 to position the first pointer 7a and the second pointer 7b to display clock information such as time, alarm, date, or guidance information.

[0040] In this interface, the dial 6a, the case flange, and the bezel 6b may each include a visible portion / surface containing hour markers 14 with time scales configured to cooperate with a second hand 7b of two hands (particularly a hand continuously driven to rotate at a constant speed) to display a value related to time duration, as described below. Specifically, the outer edge of such dial 6a has time scales, such as three-dimensional scales and / or time scale markings, which represent hours and minutes in a conventional manner.

[0041] In this interface, the bezel 6b is a rotatable bezel. The time scales on the bezel 6b define time intervals that are strictly equal to or even greater than one hour. These time scales on the bezel 6b may include markings for positioning the bezel 6b relative to the position of the second hand 7b, which constitute the start and end points of the hour markers 14, the end point of which is also indicated by the position of the first hand 7a. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 4, the time interval is one hour, and the time marker 14 is scaled in five-minute increments. It is understood that in other variations, as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive approach, the time interval could be two hours, four hours, five hours, or even six hours. In the guidance information display mode, the second pointer 7b can cooperate with the time marker 14 to provide the user with an estimated travel time before the next change of direction.

[0042] As an alternative, the bezel 6b can be a digital display using LCD or OLED display technology. In this configuration, the bezel 6b is connected to the processing unit 8. In this case, the bezel 6b can display different time scales that form time intervals strictly equal to or even greater than one hour. In the guidance information display mode, the time marker can be dynamic.The time scale is based on the estimated travel time before the next direction change. In other words, the scale display can change according to the estimated time, and the processing unit 8 will select a time interval that exactly corresponds to the estimated time. For example, if the estimated time is 60 minutes, then the time interval will be exactly equal to 60 minutes, with the time scale incremented in 5-minute increments. Moreover, the displayed scale will change as the distance to the next direction change point decreases. This time scale can also be displayed in ascending or descending order according to the previous configuration, in which the user wants to know how much time is left until the next direction change, or how much time has passed since the last direction change while traveling to the next direction change.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be noted that in the guidance information display mode, the second pointer 7b (also known as the "time indicator pointer before direction change" or "direction change notification pointer"):

[0044] - is continuously driven to perform uniform and / or continuous rotational motion until its position coincides with the first pointer 7a, or

[0045] - is continuously driven to perform uniform and / or continuous circular motion until its position coincides with the first pointer 7a, or

[0046] - is driven to perform permanent uniform and / or continuous rotational motion until its position coincides with the first pointer 7a, or

[0047] - is driven to perform permanent uniform and / or continuous circular motion until its position coincides with the first pointer 7a.

[0048] In this guidance information display mode, the rotational motion is performed in a clockwise direction. The first pointer 7a is uniquely and specifically intended to provide guidance information related to the estimated travel time before the next change of direction; therefore, in this display mode, the pointer does not perform any other function on the watch 2.

[0049] In the electronic watch movement 4, the processing unit 8 includes a microprocessor and is connected to the communication module 9, the at least one motor 10, the electronic compass 12, the audio diffusion module 11, the measurement sensor 13 for measuring at least one movement that can be performed by the watch 2, and an energy storage unit.

[0050] The electronic compass 12 includes a magnetic field sensor that provides a detection signal. The sensor detection signal is first converted into a digital signal in a conventional AC / DC converter and then sent to the microcontroller in the processing unit 8 to calculate the magnetic north direction. For an electronic compass 12 containing two magnetic induction sensors, an AC / DC converter is no longer needed because a simple controller can directly interpret the values ​​measured by the two sensors.

[0051] In the electronic watch movement 4, the communication module 9 can wirelessly communicate with the wireless electronic geolocation device 3 using the same communication protocol (which may be Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi).

[0052] The wireless electronic geolocation device 3 includes, but is not limited to: portable GPS trackers, smartphones, laptops, tablets, or phablets.

[0053] The wireless electronic geolocation device 3 includes a device housing 20 in which a tactile or voice input element 16 and an electronic module 17 are arranged. The electronic module 17 is powered by a power source and can perform various functions and display information on a display device. The electronic module 17 includes a microprocessor 21 and a storage element, which in particular contains map data. The electronic module 17 also includes a positioning unit 19, which is equipped with an antenna and is capable of receiving positioning signals (which may be satellite signals or GSM signals) and using these signals to provide geographic location information. The positioning unit 19 can use GPS, GLONASS or Galileo systems, as well as inertial navigation units or systems based on radio wave triangulation (BLE, LTE).

[0054] The microprocessor 21 in the electronic module 17 is configured to execute a guidance algorithm that can generate guidance data based on geographic location information and a route generated from map and terrain data, thereby enabling the user of the watch 2 to be guided to a designated location that has been saved from the tactile or voice input element 16 of the wireless electronic geolocation device 3.

[0055] This guidance data contains navigation information. Such information includes, but is not limited to, the following components:

[0056] - at least one indication of the estimated time before the next direction change;

[0057] - at least one indication of a direction change;

[0058] - at least one indication of the topology of each intersection (crossroads, multi-exit roundabouts, road intersections, etc.) included in the trip.

[0059] It should be noted that the microprocessor 21 in the electronic module 17 calculates the estimated time before the next direction change, taking into account the following factors:

[0060] - the individual's required / necessary reaction time from the issuance of the direction change notification;

[0061] - the reaction distance relative to the direction change location in the trip, which is, for example, defined by the user.

[0062] The above reaction time and reaction distance can be configured using the tactile or voice input element 16 on the wireless electronic geolocation device 3, or can be automatically determined by the electronic module 17 based on the terrain of the trip and the user's physical activity. This physical activity can be recorded in the wireless electronic geolocation device 3 using tactile or voice input element 16, or it can be automatically recognized by electronic module 17.

[0063] The wireless electronic geolocation device 3 also includes a communication module 18 configured to communicate with the watch 2 using communication protocols such as Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi. Therefore, the wireless electronic geolocation device 3 is able to exchange data with the watch 2.

[0064] It should be noted that once electronic module 17 updates one of the information components, the wireless electronic geolocation device 3 will transmit the data to the watch 2. This update depends on the individual traveling during the journey (and therefore also the watch).2) The evolution of at least one progress / progression status criterion, for example, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner:

[0065] - The direction taken by the user changes relative to a preset direction to take into account errors in personal journey tracking and to suggest alternative routes to reach that geographical location;

[0066] - The speed of travel changes during the journey to take into account accelerations and stops made by the individual.

[0067] As mentioned above, watch 2 can switch between a clock information display mode and a journey guidance information display mode. More specifically, the switching between these two display modes is controlled by processing unit 8. In fact, processing unit 8 determines the display mode that watch 2 should be configured with by executing a display mode selection algorithm based on motion data received from measuring sensor 13 (which is used to measure the motion that watch 2 can perform). In fact, if a first specific motion of watch 2 is identified, watch 2 is configured with guidance information display mode; and if a second specific motion of watch 2 is identified, watch 2 is configured with clock information display mode.

[0068] When the watch 2 is configured in the guidance information display mode, once the processing unit 8 receives guidance information from the wireless electronic geolocation device 3, it generates control commands to cause the corresponding at least one motor 10 to rotate the first pointer 7a clockwise or counterclockwise, so that the free end of the first pointer 7a points to the preset direction required to reach the geographical location. These control commands are generated by executing a guidance algorithm that processes guidance data received based on the orientation data of the electronic compass 12.

[0069] In this same display mode, when the guidance data is received from the wireless electronic geolocation device 3, control commands are also generated to instruct the corresponding at least one motor 10 to rotate the second pointer 7b clockwise or counterclockwise, so that the free end of the second pointer 7b is positioned relative to the hour markers 14 on the dial 6a, case flange, or bezel 6b according to the estimated travel time before the next change of the preset direction. These control commands are generated by a unit that processes guidance data (including the estimated time calculated by the wireless electronic geolocation device 3) by executing a guidance algorithm. In practice, the microcontroller in the wireless electronic geolocation device 3 determines the estimated time by executing a guidance data generation algorithm that uses geographic coordinate readings from the wireless electronic geolocation device 3 (and therefore from the watch 2), and the distance between the last read coordinates and the next directional change position during the journey.

[0070] It should be noted that in the guidance information display mode, once the second pointer 7b has been positioned relative to the time marker 14 according to the estimated time, the second pointer 7b is continuously driven to rotate at a constant speed only in a clockwise direction until the second pointer...The position of pointer 7b coincides with that of the first pointer 7a, at which point the second pointer 7b stops moving. Subsequently, the second pointer 7b is repositioned relative to the hour marker 14 in preparation for the next direction change.

[0071] When the watch 2 is configured in the guidance information display mode or the watch information display mode, when the processing unit 8 executes the guidance algorithm, it can generate visual and audio message notifications to prompt / warn of the direction change based on the latest estimated time calculated for the next direction change.

[0072] Terminology

[0073] 1. Navigation system

[0074] 2. Watch

[0075] 3. Wireless electronic geolocation device

[0076] 4. Electronic watch movement

[0077] 5. Display interface

[0078] 6a. Dial

[0079] 6b. Bezel

[0080] 6c. Screen

[0081] 7a. First hand

[0082] 7b. Second hand

[0083] 7c. Third hand

[0084] 8. Processing unit

[0085] 9. Communication module

[0086] 10. At least one motor

[0087] 11. Audio diffusion module

[0088] 12. Electronic compass

[0089] 13. Measurement sensor

[0090] 14. Hour marker

[0091] 15. 16. Watch case

[0092] 17. Tactile or voice input element

[0093] 18. Electronic module

[0094] 19. Communication module

[0095] 20. Positioning unit

[0096] 21. Device housing

[0097] 22. Microprocessor instruction manual 6 / 6 pages 9 CN 122192363 A Figure 1 Figure 2 Instruction manual drawings 1 / 2 pages 10 CN 122192363 A Figure 3 Figure 4 Instruction manual drawings 2 / 2 pages 11 CN 122192363 A Abstract One aspect of the invention relates to a navigation system (1), the navigation system (1) being configured to guide a user along a journey to a predetermined geographic location, the navigation system (1) comprising a watch (2) and a wireless electronic geolocation device (3) capable of generating guidancedata related to the journey, the watch (2) comprising an electronic watch movement (4) and a display interface (5), the display interface (5) alternately implementing a watch information display mode and a guidance information display mode by utilizing at least a first hand (7a) and a second hand (7b) included in the display interface (5), wherein the guidance information is derived from the guidance data, the guidance information relating to an indication of a preset direction to be followed to reach the geographic location, and an estimated travel time before the next direction change.

Claims

1. A navigation system (1) configured to guide a user along a journey to a predetermined geographic location, the navigation system (1) comprising a watch (2) and a wireless electronic geolocation device (3) capable of generating guidance data related to the journey, the watch (2) comprising an electronic watch movement (4) and a display interface (5), the display interface (5) alternately implementing a watch information display mode and a guidance information display mode by utilizing at least a first hand (7a) and a second hand (7b) included in the display interface (5), wherein the guidance information is derived from the guidance data, the guidance information relating to an indication of a preset direction to be followed to reach the geographic location, and an estimated travel time before the next change of direction.

2. The navigation system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic clock movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) connected to an electronic compass (12), a communication module (9), and at least one motor (10) for driving the first pointer (7a). In the guidance information display mode, based on guidance data received from the wireless electronic geolocation device (3) and orientation data from the electronic compass (12), the processing unit (8) executes a guidance algorithm so that the free end of the first pointer (7a) points to a preset direction that must be followed to reach the geographical location.

3. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electronic clock movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) connected to an audio diffusion module (11) and at least one motor (10) for driving the first hand (7a) and the second hand (7b). In the clock information display mode and the guidance information display mode, the processing unit (8) executes a guidance algorithm to generate visual and audio message notifications to prompt / warn of a change in direction.

4. The navigation system (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The display interface (5) includes a time marker (14), and the processing unit (8) is connected to the at least one motor (10) for driving the second pointer (7b). In the guidance information display mode, the processing unit (8) executes the guidance algorithm to configure the positioning of the second pointer (7b) relative to the time marker (14) included in the display interface (5) by indicating the estimated travel time before the next direction change.

5. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the guidance information display mode, the first pointer (7a) can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise based on motion control commands for the first pointer (7a), wherein the motion control commands are generated by the processing unit (8) based on the guidance data received from the wireless electronic geolocation device (3) and the orientation data from the electronic compass (12).

6. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the guidance information display mode, the second pointer (7b) is continuously driven to rotate at a constant speed only in the clockwise direction based on the motion control command for the second pointer (7b) until the position of the second pointer (7b) coincides with the first pointer (7a), at which point the movement of the second pointer (7b) stops. The motion control command is generated by the processing unit (8) based on the calculation of the estimated travel time for the next direction change.

7. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The display interface (5) includes a dial (6a) with hour markers (14), a case flange and / or a bezel (6b).

8. The navigation system (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The dial (6a) includes a portion with a screen configured to display guidance information related to the geographic location and the remaining time to reach the destination corresponding to the geographic location, wherein, for example, when the trip involves a change of direction, the geographic location is the topology of an intersection.

9. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electronic clock movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) and a motor (10) for driving the first hand (7a) and the second hand (7b). The processing unit (8) is able to control the motor (10) to position the first hand (7a) and the second hand (7b) so as to display the time or information related to the geographical location.

10. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The electronic watch movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) connected to a motion measurement sensor (13) for measuring the motion that the watch (2) can perform. The processing unit (8) executes a display mode selection algorithm to select the guidance information display mode based on a first type of motion of the watch (2) or the watch information display mode based on a second type of motion of the watch (2).

11. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the clock information display mode, the first pointer (7a) is the hour hand, and the second pointer (7b) is the minute hand.

12. The navigation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The wireless electronic geolocation device (3) is configured to generate guidance data related to the trip, and the guidance data is transmitted to the watch (2).

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