Navigation system for portable watches

Abstract

This invention provides a navigation system that efficiently manages the power consumption of a portable watch while allowing the watch to switch between displaying timekeeping information and guide information via its hands. [Solution] The system includes a portable watch (2) and a wireless electronic geolocation device capable of generating guide data related to the journey. The portable watch includes an electronic movement and a display interface (5). The display interface has a timing information display mode that displays timing information using at least a first hand (7a) and a second hand (7b) included in the display interface, and a guide information display mode that displays guide information obtained from guide data. The guide information is information regarding directions set to be followed to reach a geographical location and estimated travel time until the next change of direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a guidance system for an electronic portable watch (e.g., a wristwatch, a pocket watch) designed to indicate the direction of a specific geographical location to a user wearing the electronic portable watch.

Background Art

[0002] Electronic portable watches are evolving to incorporate more and more functions. One such evolved function is satellite positioning using a GPS module. Such a GPS module is composed of a chip connected to at least one antenna. This chip can receive signals from at least four satellites equipped with several atomic clocks. By calculating the propagation time of the signals between the satellites and the GPS module, the distance to the satellites can be determined, and using triangulation, the position of any point within the visible range of the GPS satellites can be accurately specified three-dimensionally.

[0003] This GPS module can be used for two specific applications. The first application is a guidance application. This means using the GPS module in combination with navigation software to guide the user from a starting point to a destination. The second application is an option to use the GPS module in a tracking application, especially for sports, which allows the user to check the route they have taken. The first application shows the route to proceed using GPS, and the second application is used to track and record the route traveled.

[0004] However, incorporating a GPS module into a portable watch has the following problems. First, the GPS module consumes a large amount of electrical energy, and for this reason, the battery used in the portable watch is quickly depleted. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the battery cell or use a more expensive rechargeable battery.

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

[0006] Given these circumstances, it is clear that we need to find alternative methods. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a navigation system that efficiently manages the power consumption of a portable watch while enabling the watch to switch between displaying timekeeping information and guide information via its hands. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a navigation system configured to guide a user along a journey to a predetermined geographical location, the system comprising a portable watch and a wireless electronic geolocation device capable of generating guide data related to the journey, the portable watch comprising an electronic movement and a display interface, the display interface comprising a timekeeping information display mode that displays timekeeping information using at least a first hand and a second hand included in the display interface, and a guide information display mode that displays guide information obtained from the guide data, the guide information being information regarding directions set to be followed to reach the geographical location and estimated travel time until the next turn of direction.

[0009] Other embodiments have the following characteristics: - The movement includes a processing unit connected to an electronic compass, a communication module, and at least one motor for driving the first hand of the movement, wherein the processing unit, in guide information display mode, executes a guide algorithm based on the guide data received from the electronic device and the bearing data from the electronic compass, such that the free end of the first hand points in a direction set to follow in order to reach a geographical location. - The movement includes a processing unit connected to an acoustic diffusion module and at least one motor for driving the needle, the processing unit executing a guide algorithm that generates visual and acoustic message notifications for indicating / warning a change of direction in a timing information display mode and a guide display mode. - The display interface includes a time scale, and the movement includes a processing unit connected to the at least one motor for driving the second hand, the processing unit executing a guide algorithm for positioning the second hand relative to the time scale included in the display interface by indicating the estimated travel time until the next change of direction in a guide information display mode. - In the guide information display mode, the first needle can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise in response to motion control commands for the first needle generated by the processing unit based on the guide data received from the electronic device and the direction data from the electronic compass. - In the guide information display mode, the second needle is continuously driven to perform a constant rotational motion only clockwise, according to motion control commands for the second needle generated by the processing unit based on the calculation of the estimated travel time until the next change of direction, and stops overlapping with the first needle. - The display interface includes a front panel, a flange, and / or a bezel, and the display interface is provided with a time scale. - The display panel includes a portion that includes a screen configured to display guide information relating to the geographic location, such as the topology of branching points when the journey includes a change of direction, and the remaining time to reach the destination on the journey corresponding to the geographic location. - The movement includes a processing unit and a motor for driving the hands, the processing unit being able to control the motor to position the hands to display information about time or geographical location. - The movement includes a processing unit connected to a sensor for measuring movements that may be made by the portable watch, the processing unit executing an algorithm for selecting a display mode in response to a first movement of the portable watch specific to the selection of a guide information display mode, or a second movement of the portable watch specific to the selection of a timing information display mode. - In the aforementioned timekeeping information display mode, the first hand is the hour hand, and the second hand is the minute hand. - The electronic geolocation device is configured to generate guide data relating to the route, and the guide data is transmitted to the portable watch.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer by reading the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. These are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a graphic diagram of a navigation system configured to guide a user along a route to a geographic location, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This shows a portable clock in a system configured in the timekeeping information display mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This document illustrates a portable watch in a mode that displays various timing information, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is a portable watch in a mode that displays various timekeeping information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Figure 1 shows a navigation system 1 configured to guide the user along a route to a specific geographical location. This system 1 includes a portable watch 2, specifically an electronic portable watch, and a wireless electronic geolocation device 3.

[0013] In this system 1, device 3 is configured to generate a route, itinerary, or journey to guide the user to a geographical location that is a destination or the end point of a journey. Device 3 can transmit guide data related to this journey to a portable watch 2. This data is used by the portable watch 2 to display or transmit guide information to the user when the user travels to the geographical location according to the journey generated by device 3.

[0014] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the portable watch 2 is capable of displaying itinerary guide information, especially when the portable watch 2 is oriented so that the guide information displayed by the portable watch 2 is within the user's field of vision. The portable watch 2 can switch between two display modes: a timekeeping information display mode that displays the time and date, and a guide information display mode that displays guide information about a predetermined itinerary to a geographical location.

[0015] In this system 1, the portable watch 2 includes a case 15 to which a wristlet is attached. This case 15 includes an electronic movement 4 and a display interface 5.

[0016] Under these conditions, Movement 4 includes the following: - Processing unit 8 including microcontroller - Communication module 9 - Electronic compass 12 - Measurement sensor 13 for measuring at least one movement that the portable clock 2 can execute, for example, an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope, and further a 3- to 6-axis inertial measurement unit - Energy storage devices such as cells or batteries - At least one motor 10 such as an electric micromotor or a nanomotor, and / or - Acoustic diffusion module 11 including at least one speaker

[0017] In this system 1, the display interface 5 includes elements that contribute to the display / transmission of timing information and guidance information. This interface includes a dial 6a, a flange, a bezel 6b, and a needle, among others. It is not limited to these. Such a dial 6a has a part including a screen configured to display guidance information. This guidance information relates to, for example, geographical locations such as the topology of a branch point when the set direction changes during a journey, and the remaining time until reaching the destination in the journey corresponding to the geographical location. This screen can use LCD or OLED display technology.

[0018] In this configuration, the needle includes a first needle 7a, a second needle 7b, and a third needle 7c. When the portable clock 2 is in the timing information display mode, the first needle 7a, the second needle 7b, and the third needle 7c become the hour hand, the minute hand, and the second hand, respectively. When the portable clock 2 is in the timing information display mode, the first needle 7a is a needle indicating the traveling direction, and the second needle 7b is a needle indicating the predicted movement time until the next direction change. [[ID=ID=19]]

[0019] These needles 7a, 7b are each in a traditional form, with one end thereof attached to a corresponding rotating shaft located at the center of the dial 6a, and move on this dial 6a. This arbor or shaft passes through the center of the dial 6a and connects the corresponding needles 7a, 7b to the motor 10. The processing unit 8 controls at least one motor 10 to align the positions of the needles 7a, 7b, enabling the display of timing information such as time, alarm, date, and guide information.

[0020] In this interface, the dial 6a, flange, and bezel 6b can each include a visible portion / surface including a time scale 14 with time graduations. This time scale 14 is configured to engage with one of the two needles 7b, particularly with a needle that is continuously driven to perform a certain rotational movement, and display a value related to the duration, as will be described below. In particular, this dial 6a includes time graduations such as ornaments and / or time indices representing hours and minutes in a traditional form at its outer edge.

[0021] In this interface, the bezel 6b is a rotatable bezel. In this bezel 6b, time intervals that are exactly one hour or greater than one hour are defined by the time graduations. In this bezel 6b, these time graduations can include an index for the arrangement of the bezel 6b with respect to the second needle 7b. This index forms the start and end of the time scale 14, and this end is also indicated by the position of the first needle 7a. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the time interval is one hour, and this time scale 14 is marked in 5-minute increments. It can be seen that in other variants, this time interval can be 2 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, or even 6 hours. It should be noted that these are not limited to these, and they do not cover all of them. In the guide information display mode, the second needle 7b is associated with the time scale 14 to inform the user of the estimated travel time until the next direction change.

[0022] Alternatively, 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 that are exactly equal to or longer than one hour. In the guide information display mode, this time scale can be dynamically formed according to the estimated travel time until the next turn. That is, the display of the scale can be made to change according to this estimated time, in which case the processing unit 8 selects a time interval that corresponds only to this estimated time. For example, if this estimated time is 60 minutes, the time interval will be exactly 60 minutes, and the time scale will be marked to increase in 5-minute increments. The displayed scale can also change as the distance to the next turn decreases. This time scale can also be displayed in ascending or descending order, depending on the settings. In this setting, the user can set the content they want to know, such as the remaining time until the next turn or the time elapsed since the previous turn when heading towards the next turn.

[0023] In the guide information display mode, the second needle 7b, also called the "indicator needle for time until change of direction" or the "indicator needle for change of direction," is driven as follows. - It is continuously driven to perform a constant and / or continuous rotational motion until it is positioned to overlap with the first needle 7a, or - It is continuously driven to perform a constant and / or continuous circular motion until it is positioned to overlap with the first needle 7a, or - Driven to perform a permanent, constant and / or continuous rotational motion until positioned to overlap with the first needle 7a, - Driven to perform a permanent, constant, and / or continuous circular motion until positioned to overlap with the first needle 7a.

[0024] In this guide information display mode, this rotational movement is performed clockwise. Specifically, the hand 7a is intended to provide guide information regarding the estimated travel time until the next change of direction, and is used solely for that purpose. Therefore, in this display mode, the hand 7a has no other function in the portable watch 2.

[0025] In this movement 4, the processing unit 8 includes a microprocessor and is connected to a communication module 9, at least one motor 10, an electronic compass 12, an acoustic diffusion module 11, a measuring sensor 13 that measures at least one motion that can be performed by the portable watch 2, and an energy storage device.

[0026] This electronic compass 12 includes a magnetic field sensor that provides a detection signal. The sensor detection signal is first converted into a digital signal by a conventional AC / DC converter and then transmitted to a microcontroller in the processing unit 8 to calculate the direction of magnetic north. In the case of an electronic compass 12 that includes two magnetically inductive sensors, an AC / DC converter is not necessary because the values ​​measured by these two sensors can be directly interpreted by a simple controller.

[0027] In this movement 4, the communication module 9 enables wireless communication with the electronic geolocation device 3 using a communication protocol such as Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi.

[0028] Wireless electronic geolocation device 3 includes, but is not limited to, a portable GPS tracker, smartphone, laptop, tablet computer, or phablet.

[0029] The device 3 includes a case 20 in which a haptic input element or voice input element 16 and an electronic module 17 are arranged. The electronic module 17 is powered by an energy source, performs many functions, and can display information on a display means. The electronic module 17 includes a microprocessor 21 and a memory element, in particular containing map data. The electronic module 17 further includes a locator unit 19. The locator unit 19 is a unit to which an antenna is attached, which can receive positioning signals, which are satellite signals or GSM signals, and use them to supply geolocation information. The locator unit 19 can use GPS, GLONASS, or the Galileo system 1, as well as an inertial navigation unit or a system 1 based on triangulation using radio waves (BLE, LTE).

[0030] The microprocessor 21 within the electronic module 17 is configured to execute a guide algorithm that can generate guide data from geolocation information and a route created from map data and terrain data, thereby guiding the user of the portable watch 2 to a specified location entered by the input element 16 of the device 3.

[0031] This guide data includes navigation information. This navigation information includes, but is not limited to, the following information, and does not cover all possible aspects. - At least one indication of the estimated time until the next change of direction. - At least one instruction for changing direction - At least one indication of the topology of each branching point included in the route (e.g., fork, roundabout with multiple exits, junction)

[0032] Furthermore, the microprocessor 21 within the electronic module 17 calculates an estimated time until the next change of direction, taking the following points into consideration. - The reaction time required for an individual from the transmission of a change of direction notification. - For example, the reaction distance to a point of direction change in the journey, as defined by the user.

[0033] The reaction time and reaction distance can be set using the input element 16 on the electronic device 3, or they can be automatically determined by the electronic module 17 based on the terrain of the route and the user's physical activity. This physical activity can be recorded in the device 3 using the input element 16 and can also be automatically identified by the electronic module 17.

[0034] The device 3 further includes a communication module 18 configured to communicate with the portable watch 2 using communication protocols such as Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi. Thus, the device 3 can exchange data with the portable watch 2.

[0035] Furthermore, as soon as one of the information components is updated by the electronic module 17, the guide data is transmitted to the portable watch 2 by the electronic device 3 in accordance with the progress of at least one progress / advancement criterion of the individual, and therefore the portable watch 2, as it moves along this route. This progress includes, but is not limited to, the following. - Variation between the user's chosen direction and the set direction. This is to take into account errors in individual travel tracking and to propose alternative routes to reach the geographical location. - Variation in progress speed along the route This is to take into account acceleration and deceleration performed by the individual driver.

[0036] As described above, the portable watch 2 can switch between a timing information display mode and a guide information display mode related to the route. In particular, the switching between these two display modes is controlled by the processing unit 8. In fact, by executing a display mode selection algorithm, the processing unit 8 can determine the display mode that constitutes the portable watch 2 based on motion data received from the sensor 13 that measures the motion that the portable watch 2 can perform. Specifically, by identifying a first specific motion of the portable watch 2, the portable watch 2 enters the guide information display mode, and by identifying a second specific motion of the portable watch 2, the portable watch 2 enters the time display mode.

[0037] When the portable watch 2 is in guide information display mode, as soon as the processing unit 8 receives guide information from device 3, it generates a control command to cause the corresponding at least one motor 10 to rotate the first hand 7a clockwise or counterclockwise so that the free end of the first hand 7a points to the direction set to follow in order to reach a geographical location. This command is generated by executing a guide algorithm that processes the guide data received from the direction data of the electronic compass 12.

[0038] In this guide information display mode, when the processing unit 8 receives this guide data from device 3, it also generates a control command to rotate the second hand 7b clockwise or counterclockwise to the corresponding at least one motor 10, positioning the free end of the second hand 7b relative to the time scale 14 on the display 6a, flange, or bezel 6b according to the estimated travel time until the next change of direction in the set direction. Such instructions are generated by the execution of a guide algorithm by the processing unit 8, which processes the guide data including this estimated time calculated by device 3. In fact, the microcontroller of device 3 determines the estimated time by executing a guide data generation algorithm using geolocation coordinates read from device 3, and therefore the portable watch 2, and the distance between the last read coordinates and the next change of direction location in the journey.

[0039] In the guide information display mode, when the second hand 7b is positioned relative to the time scale 14 according to the estimated time, this second hand 7b continuously performs a constant rotational motion only in a clockwise direction and stops when it overlaps with the first hand 7a. Then, anticipating the next change of direction, this second hand 7b is positioned again relative to the time scale 14.

[0040] When the portable watch 2 is in guide information display mode or timing information display mode, the processing unit 8 can generate visual and audible notifications to notify / warn about a change of direction based on the latest estimated time calculated for the next change of direction by executing a guide algorithm. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 System 2. Portable watch 3. Electronic geolocation devices 4. Electronic movement 5 Display Interface 6a front panel 6b bezel 6c screen 7a direct 7b Second needle 7c Third Needle 8 Motion Processing Unit 9. Communication Module 10. At least one motor 11 Acoustic Diffusion Module 12 Electronic compass 13. A sensor that measures at least one type of motion. 14-hour time scale 15 Portable watch case 16. Tactile or voice input elements 17 Electronic Modules 18 Communication Module 19 Locator Units 20 Device Cases 21 Microprocessors in Electronic Modules

Claims

1. A navigation system (1) configured to guide the user along a route to a predetermined geographical location, The system (1) includes a portable watch (2) and a wireless electronic geolocation device (3) capable of generating guide data related to the journey. The aforementioned portable watch (2) includes an electronic movement (4) and a display interface (5), The display interface (5) has a timing information display mode that displays timing information using at least a first needle (7a) and a second needle (7b) included in the display interface (5), and a guide information display mode that displays guide information obtained from the guide data. The aforementioned guide information includes directions to follow to reach a geographical location, and information regarding the estimated travel time until the next change of direction. System (1).

2. The 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 hand (7a) of the movement (4). In the guide information display mode, the processing unit (8) executes a guide algorithm based on the guide data received from the electronic device (3) and the azimuth data from the electronic compass (12) to cause the free end of the first needle (7a) to point in the direction set to follow in order to reach the geographical location. The system (1) according to claim 1.

3. The movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) connected to an acoustic diffusion module (11) and at least one motor (10) that drives the needles (7a, 7b). The processing unit (8) executes a guide algorithm that generates visual and audible message notifications to inform / warn about a change of direction in the timing information display mode and the guide display mode. The system (1) according to claim 1.

4. The movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) connected to an electronic compass (12), a communication module (9), and at least one motor (10) that drives the first hand (7a) of the movement (4). The processing unit (8), in the guide information display mode, executes a guide algorithm based on the guide data received from the electronic device (3) and the bearing data from the electronic compass (12) to cause the free end of the first needle (7a) to point in the direction set to follow in order to reach the geographical location. The display interface (5) includes a time scale (14), The movement includes a processing unit (8) connected to the at least one motor (10) for driving the second hand (7b), The processing unit (8) executes a guide algorithm in which, in the guide information display mode, the second needle (7b) is positioned relative to the time scale (14) included in the display interface (5) by indicating the estimated travel time until the next change of direction. The system (1) according to claim 1.

5. In the guide information display mode, the first needle (7a) can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise in response to motion control commands for the first needle (7a) generated by the processing unit (8) based on the guide data received from the electronic device (3) and the direction data from the electronic compass (12). The system (1) according to claim 1.

6. In the guide information display mode, the second needle (7b) is continuously driven to perform a constant rotational motion only clockwise, according to motion control commands for the second needle (7b) generated by the processing unit (8) based on the calculation of the estimated travel time until the next change of direction, and stops when it overlaps with the first needle (7a). The system (1) according to claim 1.

7. The display interface (5) includes a front panel (6a), a flange, and / or a bezel (6b), and the display interface (5) is provided with a time scale (14). The system (1) according to claim 1.

8. The display interface (5) includes a front panel (6a), a flange, and / or a bezel (6b), and the display interface (5) is provided with a time scale (14). The display panel (6a) includes a portion that includes a screen configured to display guide information relating to the geographic location, such as the topology of branching points when the journey includes a change of direction, and the remaining time to reach the destination on the journey corresponding to the geographic location. The system (1) according to claim 1.

9. The movement (4) includes a processing unit (8) and a motor (10) for driving the hands (7a, 7b). The processing unit can control the motor (10) to position the needles (7a, 7b) to display information about time or geographical location. The system (1) according to claim 1.

10. The movement includes a processing unit (8) connected to a sensor (13) for measuring motion that may be performed by the portable watch (2), The processing unit (8) executes an algorithm for selecting a display mode in response to a first movement of the portable watch (2) specific to the selection of a guide information display mode, or a second movement of the portable watch (2) specific to the selection of a timing information display mode. The system (1) according to claim 1.

11. In the aforementioned timekeeping information display mode, the first hand (7a) is the hour hand, and the second hand (7b) is the minute hand. The system (1) according to claim 1.

12. The electronic geolocation device (3) is configured to generate guide data relating to the journey, The aforementioned guide data is transmitted to the portable watch (2). The system (1) according to claim 1.

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