Method for testing the timing of a watch movement

Abstract

A method for timing a clock movement (100) or clock (200), particularly a method for calculating the timing state, comprising the steps of: obtaining data relating to the operation of the clock movement (100) or clock (200); and processing the data to determine the jump time of the time display member (1) of the clock movement (100) or clock (200), particularly the second hand (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for timing tests or timing verifications of a watch movement or a watch. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for timing tests or timing verifications of a watch movement or a watch. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing or adjusting a watch or a watch movement. The present invention further relates to a watch movement obtained by implementing the manufacturing or adjusting method. Finally, the present invention relates to a watch obtained by implementing the manufacturing or adjusting method.

Background Art

[0002] Measuring the rate of a wristwatch during wear is difficult to achieve with a high degree of accuracy. In order to obtain an instantaneous value of the rate, it is common practice to use a reference timing measurement device. For this purpose, a small watch is placed in a specific position on the measuring device, and the sound of the movement, more specifically the escapement, is recorded. Although relatively accurate, this measurement does not provide any information regarding the behavior of the small watch on the wearer's wrist. However, the most important factor to be determined is the rate of the small watch during wear, since the pressure on the small watch on the wrist can significantly affect the rate of the watch, and each wearer applies pressure to their small watch in a very individual way.

[0003] To determine the rate during wear, generally, a procedure based on at least two measurements is used, in which the time indicated by the small watch at two different instants is evaluated, and the elapsed time indicated by the small watch (i.e., representing the average rate over the period between the two measurement instants) is compared with the actual elapsed time provided by a reference clock. This technique is generally used by testing organizations such as the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres, COSC), which certifies in accordance with ISO 3159, and the typical interval between the two measurements is 24 hours.

[0004] However, as the level of accuracy required for watches tends to increase, there is a need to improve the accuracy of measurements, which in turn leads to a reduction in tolerance intervals. In addition, it is desirable to strictly minimize the time interval between two measurements in order to reduce downtime for small watches and / or to enable more frequent measurements.

[0005] The state is defined as the difference between the time displayed by the miniature clock, approximated by a "reference time" provided by a reference clock, and the "correct" time. The displayed time changes almost with time (with a gradient of approximately 84,000 seconds / day), but the state remains almost constant with respect to time. The derivative of the state with respect to time is commonly referred to as the "rate."

[0006] The state indicator is a determination of the displayed time associated with a reference time, and may include image acquisition (manual or automatic), particularly the determination of the position of the hands. To calculate the rate from the dial image, two state indicators taken at regular time intervals are required, and the difference between them is calculated. The associated quantity is the rate, or more precisely, the average rate between the two state indicators, so the difference in state between the two state indicators must be determined.

[0007] (In contrast to "instantaneous" rate) the so-called "diurnal" or daily rate is generally defined in [seconds] as the ratio of the difference between two state indicators, and the (correct) elapsed time is generally defined in [days]. Strictly speaking, the diurnal rate is the difference between two states separated by a 24-hour time interval (definition from Non-Patent Document 1), but this definition is generalized to "longer" time intervals of several hours or more.

[0008] The instantaneous rate is determined by measuring the oscillation frequency of the balance wheel-mainspring oscillator over very short periods of time, on the order of seconds or minutes, using an acoustic or optical chronocomparator. The daily rate corresponds, as a first approximation, to the instantaneous rate averaged over a certain period.

[0009] In summary, from a definitional standpoint, it is determined by two state indicators separated by the time interval corresponding to t2-t1. - tdis: The time displayed on a small clock; - tREF: Time given by the reference clock; - Status = tdis-tREF: Difference between display time and reference time; - Rate = (state[t2] - state[t1]) / (tREF[t2] - tREF[t1]), that is, - Rate = ((tdis[t2]-tdis[t1]) / (tREF[t2]-tREF [t1]))-1, Note that rate is the relative ratio between two durations and is therefore dimensionless. To aid understanding, rate is generally multiplied by 86,400 to be expressed in [seconds / day].

[0010] The rate of a small clock is usually determined by taking the reading in the following steps. - Images of the dial and hands of a miniature clock are acquired at a predetermined moment, and the time tREF given by the reference clock at the moment the image is acquired is recorded based on the reference clock (tREF); - The position of the hands is determined on the image with respect to at least one reference point indicating the orientation of the dial, for example, the center and "noon," and the displayed time (tdis) is calculated based on this; - The status is calculated as the difference between the displayed time and the reference time: State = tdis - tREF; - The rate is calculated using the above formula, with two state indicators taken at a predetermined interval (e.g., 24 hours).

[0011] Following this approach, the applicant, - Detection errors, needle overlap, distortion (e.g., if the needle is viewed under a magnifying glass or loupe), etc., can cause outliers, requiring manual correction or repeated measurements. - For example, when not all hands are available, such as when measurement is taken using only the second hand, or when a small clock is not set to the correct time and is in any state, the time cannot always be determined completely or uniquely, which can lead to possible confusions between AM and PM, for example. - Any phase shift between the second hand and the minute hand could result in a one-minute error in that state. We identified various problems, including the above.

[0012] Patent Document 1 describes the principle of measuring state indicators using two images taken at two clearly defined moments. The position of the needle is determined by superimposing the images. The document also mentions the possibility of taking consecutive measurements to calculate average accuracy by averaging the values, as well as the possibility of measuring state differences over short periods of time, on the order of minutes or hours.

[0013] Patent Document 2 describes a device for winding and setting the time of a small clock, which includes means for correcting the state, and refers to means for measuring the state, which includes a visual system, but does not provide any details about the arrangement of the means or the measurement procedure. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2458458 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 3719589 [Non-patent literature]

[0015] [Non-Patent Document 1] Miller Dictionary [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a timing test method with optimized efficiency and to improve the timing test methods known in the prior art. In particular, the present invention proposes a timing test method with improved accuracy and / or reduced implementation time.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0017] According to a first aspect, the present invention is defined by the following proposal.

[0018] 1. A method for timing test or timing verification of a timepiece movement (100) or a timepiece (200), particularly a method for calculating a timing state, comprising: acquiring data related to the operation of the timepiece movement (100) or the timepiece (200); processing the data to determine the jump time of the time display member (1) of the timepiece movement (100) or the timepiece (200), particularly the second hand (1); including a method. For example, the jump of the time display member (1) is in an unstable transition phase between two consecutive stable positions of the time display member.

[0019] 2. The data acquisition step includes acquiring acoustic and / or magnetic and / or optical data, and the data processing step includes determining a first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member. The method according to Proposal 1.

[0020] 3. The data acquisition step includes acquiring a first consecutive image of the time display member, and the acquisition is particularly performed at a frequency (f1) that is at least 10 times higher, or at least 20 times higher, than the jump frequency (fs) of the time display member, and / or performed during a duration such that the time display member is in several consecutive stable positions, particularly two consecutive stable positions. The method according to Proposal 1 or 2.

[0021] 4. The data processing step is: From the jump time of the time display member or from the first sequence of images taken closest in time to the jump, at least one image is determined and selected, and The first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member is determined as the time point of the jump time of the time display member or as the time point of the capture of at least one image of the first sequence of images that is captured closest in time to the jump, and Optionally, determine the position of the time display member associated with the first point in time. Including, The method described in Proposal 3.

[0022] 5. The data processing step is: From the jump time of the time display member or from the first sequence of images taken closest in time to the jump, at least two images are determined and selected, and By calculating using the time points of the capture of at least two images, the first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member is determined, in particular by determining the moment when the time display member started moving, the moment when the time display member stopped moving, or the moment when the speed of the display device was at its maximum, and Optionally, determine the position of the time display member associated with the first point in time. Including, The method described in Proposal 3.

[0023] 6. The data acquisition step includes acquiring an image of the time display member during the period in which the time display member occupies two consecutive stable positions, and the data processing step includes, Based on an analysis of the apparent brightness of the display device on the image at the two consecutive stable positions, a first time point (Ttic) associated with the moment of the jump of the time display member between the two consecutive stable positions is determined by calculation, and Optionally, determine the position of the time display member associated with the first point in time. Including, The method described in Proposal 3.

[0024] 7. The data acquisition step includes, in particular, acquiring a second sequence of images of the time display member, which is separate from the first sequence of images. The method described in any one of Proposals 1 to 6.

[0025] 8. The acquisition of the second continuous image of the time display member is as follows: The sum of the jump times of the time display member and the n-period of the motion of the time display member is greater than the n-period of the motion of the time display member, and Less than the n+1 period of motion of the time display member, obtained by subtracting the jump time of the time display member. The image includes at least one image captured separately from the jump time of the time display member (1) by time, for example, by the time of n+0.5 periods of the motion of the time display member, where n is an integer. The method described in Proposal 7.

[0026] 9. The acquisition of the second continuous image of the time display member is as follows: The sum of the jump times of the time display member and the n-period of the motion of the time display member is greater than the n-period of the motion of the time display member, and Less than the n+1 period of motion of the time display member, obtained by subtracting the jump time of the time display member. The system includes at least two separate image captures separated by time, for example, by the time of n+0.5 periods of the motion of the time display member, where n is an integer. The method described in Proposal 7.

[0027] 10. The acquisition of the second continuous image of the time display member is carried out over a period of time during which the time display member is in several consecutive stable positions. The method described in Proposal 7 or 9.

[0028] 11. The data processing step includes identifying from the second sequence of images images taken while the time display member was moving and / or where the position of the time display member cannot be accurately identified, and removing these images from the second sequence of images. The method described in Proposal 10.

[0029] 12. The data processing step includes determining a second position or a plurality of second positions of the time display member associated with the image in the second sequence of images. The method described in any one of proposals 7 through 11.

[0030] 13. The data processing step includes using a second time point (Ts) associated with the capture of the second sequence of images, The method described in any one of proposals 7 through 12.

[0031] 14. The data processing step includes calculating a third time point or a plurality of third time points (Tref) associated with a jump of the display device that precedes or follows the second time point or a plurality of second time points (Ts). The method described in Proposal 13.

[0032] 15. The data processing step includes rate calculation and / or state calculation using the third jump time or a plurality of third jump times (Tref), or at least one jump moment estimated from the third time or a plurality of third time times (Tref), The method described in Proposal 14.

[0033] 16. Hardware elements (11, 12, 13, 14, 15), and / or software that implements the method described in any one of Proposals 1 to 15, A device (10) for the timing test or timing verification of a clock (200) or clock movement (100).

[0034] 17. A method for manufacturing or adjusting a clock (200) or a clock movement (100), the method comprising the step of performing the timing test method described in any one of Proposals 1 to 15, method.

[0035] 18. The method includes at least one adjustment step, in particular an adjustment step that relies on rate variation between a target value and a measured value. The manufacturing or adjustment method described in Proposal 17.

[0036] 19. A clock (200), particularly a wristwatch, or a clock movement (100), obtained by carrying out the method described in either Proposal 17 or 18.

[0037] 20. A computer program product, which is downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer-readable data carrier and / or executable by a computer, which, when the program is executed by the computer, includes instructions that cause the computer to perform the method described in any one of Proposals 1 to 15. Computer program products.

[0038] 21. A computer-readable recording medium (15) that, when performed by a computer, includes an instruction causing the computer to perform the method described in any one of Proposals 1 to 15.

[0039] 22. A data carrier signal that carries the computer program product described in Proposal 20.

[0040] According to a second aspect, the present invention is defined by the following proposals.

[0041] 23. A method for timing testing or timing verification of a clock movement (100) or clock (200), in particular a method for calculating the timing state, comprising the step of obtaining data relating to the operation of the clock movement (100) or clock (200), wherein the step is The sum of the jump times of the time display member and the n-period of the motion of the time display member is greater than the n-period of the motion of the time display member, and Less than the n+1 period of motion of the time display member, obtained by subtracting the jump time of the time display member. For example, for the n+0.5 period of the motion of the time display member, It includes two image captures separated by time, where n is an integer. method.

[0042] 24. The method includes a data processing step for determining the jump time of the time display member (1) of the clock movement (100) or the clock (200), particularly the jump time of the second hand (1), and / or The data acquisition step includes acquiring acoustic and / or magnetic and / or optical data, and the data processing step includes determining the first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member. The method described in Proposal 23.

[0043] 25. The data acquisition step includes acquiring a first sequence of images of the time display member, and such acquisition is particularly, This is performed at a frequency (f1) that is at least 10 times higher, or at least 20 times higher, than the jump frequency (fs) of the time display member, and / or The time display member is in several consecutive stable positions, particularly two consecutive stable positions, during the duration of the operation. The method described in Proposal 23 or 24.

[0044] 26. The data processing step is: From the jump time of the time display member or from the first sequence of images taken closest in time to the jump, at least one image is determined and selected, and The first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member is determined as the time point of the jump time of the time display member or as the time point of the capture of at least one image of the first sequence of images that is captured closest in time to the jump, and Optionally, determine the position of the time display member associated with the first point in time. Including, The method described in Proposal 25.

[0045] 27. The data processing step is: From the jump time of the time display member or from the first sequence of images taken closest in time to the jump, at least two images are determined and selected, and By calculation using the time points at which the at least two images were taken, the first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member is determined, in particular by determining the moment when the time display member started moving, the moment when the time display member stopped moving, or the moment when the speed of the display device was at its maximum, and Optionally, determine the position of the time display member associated with the first point in time. Including, The method described in Proposal 25.

[0046] 28. The data acquisition step includes acquiring images during the period in which the time display member occupies two consecutive stable positions, and the data processing step includes, Based on an analysis of the apparent brightness of the display device on the image at the two consecutive stable positions, a first time point (Ttic) associated with the moment of the jump of the time display member between the two consecutive stable positions is determined by calculation, and Optionally, determine the position of the time display member associated with the first point in time. Including, The method described in Proposal 25.

[0047] 29. The data acquisition step includes, in particular, acquiring a second sequence of images of the time display member, separate from the first sequence of images, wherein the second sequence of images includes two images taken separately from each other, and the step of acquiring data relating to the operation of the clock movement (100) or the clock (200). The method described in any one of proposals 23 to 28.

[0048] 30. The acquisition of the second continuous image of the time display member is carried out over a period of time during which the time display member is in several consecutive stable positions. The method described in Proposal 29.

[0049] 31. The data processing step includes identifying from the second sequence of images images taken while the time display member was moving and / or where the position of the time display member cannot be accurately identified, and removing these images from the second sequence of images. The method described in Proposal 30.

[0050] 32. The data processing step includes determining a second position or a plurality of second positions of the time display member associated with the image in the second sequence of images. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31.

[0051] 33. The data processing step includes using a second time point (Ts) associated with the capture of the second sequence of images, The method described in any one of proposals 29 to 32.

[0052] 34. The data processing step includes calculating a third time point or a plurality of third time points (Tref) associated with a jump of the display device that precedes or follows the second time point or a plurality of second time points (Ts). The method described in Proposal 33.

[0053] 35. The data processing step includes rate calculation and / or state calculation using the third jump time or a plurality of third jump times (Tref), or at least one jump moment estimated from the third time or a plurality of third time times (Tref), The method described in Proposal 34.

[0054] 36. Including hardware elements (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) and / or software that implements the method described in any one of Proposals 23 to 35, A device (10) for the timing test or timing verification of a clock (200) or clock movement (100).

[0055] 37. A method for manufacturing or adjusting a clock (200) or a clock movement (100), the method comprising the step of performing the timing test method described in any one of proposals 23 to 35, method.

[0056] 38. The method includes at least one adjustment step, in particular an adjustment step that relies on rate variation between a target value and a measured value. The manufacturing or adjustment method described in Proposal 37.

[0057] 39. A clock (200), particularly a wristwatch, or a clock movement (100), obtained by carrying out the method described in either Proposal 37 or 38.

[0058] 40. A computer program product, which is downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer-readable data carrier and / or executable by a computer, wherein, when the program is executed by the computer, the computer includes instructions to cause the computer to perform the method described in any one of Proposals 23 to 35.

[0059] 41. A computer-readable recording medium (15) that, when performed by a computer, includes an instruction causing the computer to perform the method described in any one of proposals 23 to 35.

[0060] 42. Signals from a data medium that carry the computer program product described in Proposal 40.

[0061] The attached drawings illustrate, as an example, a clock according to the present invention and a phenomenon based on the method according to the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0062] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram of a clock according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a graph showing the standard error of the timing test method as a function of the time interval between two state indicators. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the principle of the method for carrying out the timing test method according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the method for conducting a timing test. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0063] Embodiments of the clock 200 will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 1. The clock 200 is, for example, a miniature clock, in particular a wristwatch. The clock 200 includes a clock movement 100, to which a dial 50 is advantageously attached. The clock movement is intended to be housed in a miniature clock case or box to protect itself from the external environment. The clock movement 100 may be a mechanical clock movement, in particular an automatic clock movement, or a hybrid movement.

[0064] The watch movement 100 includes a frame and a regulating system. The regulating system includes an oscillator and an escapement system such as a Swiss lever escapement.

[0065] An oscillator includes inertial elements such as a balance wheel and return springs such as a hairspring.

[0066] The clock also includes time-displaying elements 1, 2, and 3, such as a second hand 1, a minute hand 2, and an hour hand 3. These display elements cooperate with markers and / or markings on the dial 50, such as a ring, preferably a graduated ring, and / or one or more divisions, and / or a track, to display the time.

[0067] An embodiment of the timing test method is described below. The method involves implementing a timing test apparatus that is particularly suitable for use in manufacturing.

[0068] The timing test device is - A camera capable of taking a photograph or a series of photographs, - A processing means that implements a computer program capable of determining various needle angular positions using various available reference points (center position, specific marking or scale position if possible), Includes.

[0069] Assuming that uncertainty regarding the reference time is negligible, the measurement error σ of a rate measurement taken between two indices separated by time ΔT (expressed in hours) is: σ(ΔT)=√2×24×σPE / ΔT Formula (1) The following equation is given, where σPE is the measurement uncertainty of the state (uncertainty regarding the position of the second hand). The jerky movement of the second hand is, for example, in a small clock with an oscillator of frequency 4 Hz, a jerky movement of 0.125 seconds and a standard deviation variance σPE = 0.125 / 12 1 / 2 This results in a time of 0.036 seconds. Figure 2 illustrates the effect of the time between state indices ΔT on the accuracy of the rate measurement σ(ΔT), using the example of σPE = 0.036 seconds, as shown below.

[0070] Therefore, in measuring a 24-hour duration, as in the COSC diurnal rate, by considering only the source of uncertainty arising from the jerky movement of the second hand, we obtain σ(24 hours) = 0.045 seconds / day. However, applying the same calculation to a 4-hour rate measurement yields σ(4 hours) = 0.27 seconds / day, which significantly increases the problem. This is because, depending on the measurement protocol used (e.g., duration between state indicators), it may result in insufficient measurement capability for certain criteria.

[0071] Therefore, it appears necessary to reduce measurement errors. It is proposed to reduce errors by accurately determining the second hand jump time at the displayed time. The angle the hand passes in one second is 6°, and the angle the same hand moves during one oscillation of the balance wheel-spring oscillator depends on the oscillator's frequency. This angle is, for example, 0.75° for a balance wheel-spring frequency of 4Hz. Therefore, it appears beneficial to determine the exact hand jump time and associate it with a specific position of the hand in the image, rather than taking the moment the image is captured as the time corresponding to the hand's position. More generally, the second hand may be referred to, for example, as a time display member, i.e., a device that displays the time or schedule. This time display member is integrated with, or mounted in parallel with, a moving part regulated by the movement or clock's regulating system, and in particular, an oscillator.

[0072] A jump in the time display element is an unstable transition phase between two consecutive stable positions of the time display element. Between the two consecutive jumps, the time display element is maintained in each stable position for approximately half the duration of the oscillation of the clock movement's oscillator. In other words, a jump is an abrupt movement of the display element, particularly an abrupt movement of the display element from one position to the next. - Jumping phase, - The time display mechanism is maintained in a stable position immediately before or immediately after the jump phase. The total duration of this is referred to as the motion period of the time display component.

[0073] An advantageous embodiment of the test method includes, on the one hand, determining the position of the second hand on one or more images selected from a series of images of the dial, and on the other hand, accurately detecting the hand jump time in order to calculate the precise hand jump time. In other words, an embodiment of the test method includes, in addition to the step of acquiring data relating to the operation of the clock movement 100 or clock 200, the step of processing the data in order to determine the jump time of the clock display member 1 of the clock movement 100 or clock 200, in particular the second hand 1.

[0074] Therefore, the method allows for the separation of measuring the needle's position from determining the jump time at which the needle reaches that position (or, according to other conventions, at which the needle leaves that position). The method also allows for capturing or selecting images taken when the needle is stationary, i.e., between two jumps of the needle. Combined with a good time base (standard clock or reference clock), this approach enables remarkably accurate state measurements.

[0075] In implementing the method, there are several ways to overcome the uncertainty associated with the jerky movement of the second hand, as shown below. Preferably, the moment of the needle jump Ttic can be determined optically, for example, by acquiring a first sequence of images. Thus, the first sequence of images is captured over a duration of at least one period of the needle motion at an acquisition frequency considerably higher than the needle jump frequency, for example, at 80 or 160 Hz for a needle jump frequency of 8 Hz. The jump time is discovered by comparing the consecutive images. The acquisition frequency of the first sequence of images is critical to the temporal measurement resolution. In this case, the data acquisition phase may include acquiring a first sequence of images of the time display member, which is performed at a frequency f1 that is, for example, at least 10 times higher or at least 20 times higher than the frequency fs of the time display member jumps.

[0076] In the first approach, the data processing step is: - Determine and select at least one image from a first sequence of images taken at the jump time of the time display member, or at the time closest to the jump, and - For example, determine a first time point Ttic associated with the jump time of the time display member, such as the time when at least one image of the first sequence of images was taken at the jump time of the time display member, or at the time closest to the jump, and - Optionally, determine the position of the time indicator member associated with the first point in time. Includes steps.

[0077] In other words, in this initial approach, the data processing phase is: - Determine and select at least two images from the first sequence of images taken at the jump time of the time display member, or at the time closest to the jump, and - Using the timings at which at least two images were taken, the first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member is determined by calculation, in particular by determining the moment when the time display member started moving, the moment when the time display member stopped moving, or the moment when the speed of the display device was at its maximum, and - Optionally, determine the position of the time indicator member associated with the first point in time. It may include that.

[0078] The data processing step includes, for example, subtracting pixel by pixel from each set of images in the first sequence of images, then calculating the standard deviation of the difference, and searching for the maximum value of that standard deviation across the entire first sequence of images to determine the second hand jump time. The moment Ttic can be defined as the time of the first image in the set of images leading to the maximum value of that standard deviation, or as the time of the second image, or as the average of these times, or as any other time determined by interpolation and / or weighting from various images in the first sequence of images.

[0079] In practice, it is possible to estimate the needle's velocity (by comparing consecutive images) and perform interpolation to determine the moment when the needle's velocity is maximum. Therefore, - Calculate the difference between a pair of consecutive images, and - Assuming that the greater the difference between two consecutive images, the faster the needle's speed, the more the speed determines the moment of maximum speed, and therefore interpolate around the maximum difference. It is possible.

[0080] Determining the jump time Ttic can be advantageously achieved by considering two or more images, as the duration of the jump may be greater than the time between two consecutive images, depending on the chosen acquisition frequency.

[0081] The needle's position may be blurred within the image corresponding to the Ttic. In other scenarios, the jump time may occur between two images rather than during image acquisition. In such cases, it is advantageous to use interpolation and / or weighting techniques based on various images of the first sequence. With this in mind, the data processing steps are: - Before the jump time of the time display member, preferably from a series of first images taken at the time closest to the jump, determine and select at least one first image, and - After the jump of the time display member, preferably determine and select at least one second image from the first sequence of images taken at the time closest to the jump, and - Using the time when the first image was taken and the time when the second image was taken, the time Ttic associated with the jump time of the time display member is determined by interpolating the time Ttic associated with the jump time of the time when the first image was taken and the time when the second image was taken, and specifically by averaging the time when the first image was taken and the time when the second image was taken. It may include steps.

[0082] Alternatively, the jump time Ttic is, - For example, the "intermediate" point of a jump, which corresponds to the moment when the needle's speed is at its maximum. - The start of the jump (for example, the moment the needle starts to move), - The end of the jump (for example, the moment the needle comes to a complete stop), or - Other definitions This may also be used, provided that the definition is used consistently throughout the entire method.

[0083] In addition, the position of the hands in the time tick may be determined by a different image than the one used to determine the jump time, in particular by another image in which the second hand is clearly distinguishable.

[0084] - Images from the first sequence of images used to determine the jump time Ttic (which is difficult to determine precisely), and - Other images that allow for the precise determination of the needle's position associated with the jump (but do not provide any information that would allow for the precise timing of the jump), It might be useful to consider these separately.

[0085] Assuming that image capture is not synchronized with the needle jump, the needle jump time can also be determined using a sequence of images captured by a standard camera, particularly the first sequence of images, by capturing 10, 20, or 50 images taken over one minute, for example, on a periodic or cyclical basis, or alternatively, at randomly distributed acquisition times. This approach has the advantage of being applicable with a standard camera without high-frequency acquisition. In this modification, the data acquisition step may include acquiring a first sequence of images of the time display member, which is performed, for example, over a period of time such that the time display member is in several consecutive stable positions, particularly two or more consecutive stable positions.

[0086] Furthermore, because the needle moved during image acquisition, a single image can be used with a shutter speed (exposure time) corresponding to the duration of one alternation (or one period of needle movement), resulting in a blurred image of the needle. By analyzing the grayscale or luminosity of the needle segments, it is possible to estimate the time spent at each position before and after the jump, thereby estimating the jump time. For this reason, the data acquisition step may include acquiring an image of the time display member during the period in which the time display member occupies two consecutive stable positions, and the data processing step may include, - By calculating and analyzing the apparent brightness of the display element on the image at two consecutive stable positions, the first time point Ttic associated with the jump time of the time display element between the two consecutive stable positions is determined. It may include that.

[0087] Alternatively, a stroboscope can be used with a frequency set close to the frequency of the needle's movement. The position of the second hand is detected at intervals (the duration of which corresponds to one oscillation of the oscillator) until the jump and illumination synchronize, which is characterized by the hand appearing "blurred" because it is moving during the stroboscope's flash. A single long video sequence (lasting several seconds) may also be used to detect the needle jump time.

[0088] Based on the first consecutive images acquired at high frequency, the residual uncertainty is approximately half the time between the two images and improves when interpolation is performed between images. In certain tests, particularly when interpolation is used to determine the moment the needle reaches maximum speed, a residual standard deviation (repeatability) of less than 1 millisecond was obtained in the needle jump time (modulo of the average time interval between the two jumps).

[0089] As an alternative to optical methods, the needle jump time may also be determined acoustically. An acoustic "tick-tock" signal can be captured, the duration of which corresponds to the duration of the escapement's alternation (0.125 seconds for an oscillator with a frequency of 4 Hz). In this case, the data acquisition phase includes acquiring acoustic data, and the data processing phase includes determining the first time point Ttic associated with the jump time of the time display mechanism. This first time point Ttic can thus be determined by processing the acoustic data. Other approaches are also possible, such as detecting the needle jump time magnetically, by laser vibration measurement, or by any other suitable measuring means.

[0090] Advantageously, the data acquisition step includes acquiring a second sequence of images of the time display member, separate from the first sequence of images. Preferably, the acquisition of the second sequence of images of the time display member is performed over a period of time in which the time display member is in several consecutive stable positions.

[0091] As described above, the reference time Ttic is the start of the detected jump (when the hands leave their stable position), the middle of the jump (maximum hand speed), or the end of the jump. Since hand jumps are generally very periodic, the hand jump may be extrapolated over several seconds (based on the nominal frequency and / or average jump angle, as determined by the movement design) if signal acquisition for precise determination of the hand position is not performed simultaneously with the determination of the hand jump time, and / or by different means (e.g., by two different cameras, or by the same camera with two different settings in terms of acquisition frequency, area of ​​the dial acquired, etc.).

[0092] Knowing the needle jump time (and the nominal frequency of needle jumps) is desirable to trigger an image capture of the dial to accurately determine the position of the second hand during the period when the hands are stationary, i.e., during the jump. Alternatively, it is possible to take several (two or more) consecutive images during the duration of one (or several) periods of needle movement, and then select the image in which the hands are stationary based on the detected jump time. For this reason, the data processing step may include identifying from the second consecutive image any images taken while the time display member was moving, and / or images in which the position of the time display member cannot be accurately determined, and removing those images from the second consecutive image.

[0093] The calculation of the reference time Tref (third time point) is defined below, with reference to Figure 3. - Ttic (first time point) is the second hand jump time determined based on the first sequence of images S1 Tr_0...Tr_x-2, Tr_x-1, Tr_x, Tr_x+1...Tr_i, acquired at acquisition frequency f_hf. - The second time point Ts is the time (in the case of Figure 3, before the first continuous image S1) when the image of the second hand was taken (measured). Subsequently, the number of jumps (or "ticks") NbT (a real number, not necessarily an integer) between the image acquired at time Ts and the time Ttic of the detected jumps is calculated as follows: NbT = fs × (Ttic - Ts) It is calculated by the formula, where fs is the jump frequency of the second hand.

[0094] Tref is the jump time preceding the first image of the second hand, and is obtained as follows:

[0095]

number

number

[0096] The second needle jump time Tref preceding the image corresponding to Ts was estimated from the number of jumps that occurred during the second consecutive S2 image corresponding to Ts, which is used to accurately determine the needle position, and the jump time Ttic detected in the first consecutive image based on the nominal frequency of the oscillator. This reference time Tref is then associated with at least the needle position on the image corresponding to Ts and used to calculate the rate and / or state.

[0097] The data processing step may thus include the use of a time point Ts associated with the capture of the second sequence of images, which was acquired before, during, or after the first sequence of images.

[0098] The data processing step advantageously includes determining one or more second positions of time-displaying members associated with images in a second sequence of images.

[0099] The data processing step preferably includes calculating one or more reference time points Tref associated with a jump of the display member that precedes or follows a time point or a second time point Ts.

[0100] If the image selected to determine the precise position of the needle is taken during or immediately after a needle jump (as determined from the jump time in the first sequence of images), and the needle is therefore blurred, the image is ignored and the process is repeated. Alternatively, two images are captured, one of which must necessarily show the stationary needle, separated by, for example, half the duration of the needle motion (0.0625 seconds for an oscillator frequency of 4 Hz), or 1.5 times the duration of the needle motion (0.1875 seconds), or slightly longer than the duration of the jump. For this reason, more generally, the second sequence of images of the time display member is - The sum of the jump time of the time display member and the n-period of the motion of the time display member is greater than the n-period of the motion of the time display member, - Less than the n+1 period of motion of the time display member, after subtracting the jump time of the time display member. The system may include at least two images taken at time-separated intervals, where n is an integer, for example, n=0, n=1, n=2, or n=3. Another alternative is to retrospectively select a specific image containing a stationary needle to determine its position, based on the determination of the jump time, by acquiring the image over a period of (n+0.5) of the needle's motion after the detected jump time Ttic. Since the jump time is precisely known, it is simpler to acquire images between two jumps. For this reason, more generally, the second consecutive image of the time display member is either (i) a single image capture, or (ii) - The sum of the jump time of the time display member and the n-period of the motion of the time display member is greater than the n-period of the motion of the time display member, - Less than the n+1 period of motion of the time display member, after subtracting the jump time of the time display member. This may include at least one image capture separated from the jump time of the time display member (1) by time, where n is an integer. For example, n=0, n=1, n=2, or n=3.

[0101] The jump time is the duration during which the display element abruptly moves between two consecutive stable positions.

[0102] Alternatively, the reference clock may be directly and permanently connected to a widely recognized metrological reference clock, particularly by implementing PTP (Precision Time Protocol). This makes it possible to always know the uncertainty of the image capture time, which is not possible with reference clocks using GPS signals where the uncertainty is unknown.

[0103] In a modified version of the test method, the needle jump time is detected by taking high-frequency images (first consecutive images). The step of acquiring data on the operation of the clock movement 100 or clock 200 may then include the following two steps. - An image of the entire dial (second sequence of images) is taken, which allows for the determination of at least the angular position of the second hand relative to the clock's reference axis (noon). Then, - After a few seconds, a first sequence of images is captured at a selected frequency, for example, 10 or 20 times the frequency of the hand jumps, over a limited area around the axis of rotation of the second hand, for a period encompassing at least one hand jump. The duration of the first sequence of images is preferably selected to be slightly longer (e.g., 20% longer) than the duration of the second hand's motion.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and variations described above. In addition, or alternatively, the following are also possible. - Before taking the first image used to determine the needle's position, measure or calculate the jump time. - To reduce measurement variance, the position of the second hand is determined based on various consecutive images associated with detecting the same needle jump time. - To reduce measurement variance, the position of the second hand is determined by capturing various consecutive and independent states. - If the needle jump is detected optically, combine the detection of the jump and the position of the second hand on the same sequence of images and select the image in which the needle is stationary. - To obtain clear images of the various hands and dial elements, take a series of photographs from various distances from the dial before taking any measurements. Differences in height between these various elements can lead to blurring, which can negatively affect the processing.

[0105] The solution allows for the separation of needle position measurement from jump time measurement. - On the one hand, the position of the needle and, - On the other hand, the exact jump time associated with that position, This allows for precise determination. These determinations are based on independent measurements, which provides greater accuracy than simply taking the moment of the captured image as a reference time to measure the needle's position.

[0106] This approach makes it possible to achieve greater accuracy in daily rate, or conversely, shorten the duration of certain measurements to achieve equivalent accuracy, for example, by conducting tests equivalent to ISO 3159 at shorter intervals between condition measurements, or by taking several measurements per day on a small watch worn on the wearer's wrist in real-life situations.

[0107] The described solution allows for the precise determination of the second hand jump time, and this is applicable regardless of the oscillation frequency, particularly for frequencies of 3Hz, 3.5Hz, 4Hz, 5Hz, 6Hz, 8Hz, or 10Hz. The increased accuracy opens up new measurement approaches, such as shorter measurement times and / or measurement times that enable higher accuracy.

[0108] Generally, an increase in accuracy is, - When the time between state indicators decreases (reduction in measurement time, or need for measurement efficiency), and / or - When accuracy requirements increase (the acceptable tolerance interval for rate decreases), It is necessary for.

[0109] This specification describes approaches and solutions developed to reduce uncertainty in rate measurement. The solutions are provided to reduce various uncertainties, particularly by accurately determining the second hand jump time. The solutions significantly improve condition accuracy.

[0110] Previously, it was customary for the reference time to correspond to the moment the image was captured. However, the solution described demonstrates that it is possible to employ an alternative approach that increases measurement accuracy (particularly by determining jump times and optionally acquiring several images).

[0111] The timing test method can be used on various instruments and on various miniature clock configurations (small-diameter miniature clocks, chronographs, etc., without any restrictions on dial design).

[0112] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing or adjusting a clock 200 or a clock movement 100. The method includes the step of carrying out the timing test method described above.

[0113] The manufacturing or adjustment method preferably includes at least one adjustment step, in particular an adjustment step that relies on rate variation between a target value and a value measured or determined by performing the timing test method described above.

[0114] The present invention also relates to a watch movement 100 or a watch 200 obtained by carrying out the adjustment method which is the subject of the present invention.

[0115] The present invention also relates to a timing test or timing verification device 10 for a clock 200 or a clock movement 100. The device 10 includes hardware elements 11, 12, 13, 14 and / or software to carry out the methods described above.

[0116] In one embodiment of the apparatus schematically shown in Figure 4, the hardware elements are, in particular, - Camera 11, or more generally, data acquisition element, - Reference clock 12, - Processing logic unit 13, - Memory 15, and - Optionally, a microphone or other measuring instrument 14, It may include the following. Hardware elements may be portable. In particular, all or part of the hardware elements may be portable.

[0117] The device is - Telephone, and / or - Smartphones, and / or - Tablets, and / or - Computers such as notebooks, Even so, they may be included.

[0118] Regardless of the embodiment or modification, in order to improve measurement accuracy and / or reduce measurement errors, it is possible to perform several consecutive decisions, for example, using several images from a first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member and / or from a second consecutive image of the time display member, where these images show the same position of the time display member and / or several consecutive stable positions of the time display member.

[0119] Regardless of the embodiment or modification, the step of acquiring data relating to the operation of the clock movement 100 or clock 200 may include acquiring a video signal or video stream (produced by a camera) associated with reference clock data that enables time to be assigned to all or some of the images in the video signal or video stream.

[0120] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the adjectives "first," "second," and "third" indicating order have no temporal meaning and only distinguishive meaning.

[0121] Preferably, regardless of the embodiment or modification, according to the present invention, based on the above, the jump time of the clock display member 1 is understood to be determined using acoustic and / or magnetic and / or optical data from physical phenomena caused by the motion of the display device.

[0122] According to the present invention, the timing test or verification method is: - To determine the displayed time tdis, determine the position of the hands. - Using a solution for determining the jump moment of the clock display member 1, the moment tREF is determined when the time tdis is displayed, where the time of that moment is given by the reference clock. It may include that.

[0123] According to the present invention, the timing test or verification method is the difference between the displayed time and the reference time: State = tdis - tREF This may include calculating the time-sensitive state.

[0124] According to the present invention, a timing test or verification method may include calculating the rate of time based on the difference between two timing states taken at two moments separated by a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours).

Claims

1. A method for timing testing or timing verification of a clock movement (100) or clock (200), in particular a method for calculating the timing state, A step of acquiring data relating to the operation of the clock movement (100) or the clock (200), A step of processing the data in order to determine the jump time of the second hand (1) of the time display member (1) of the clock movement (100) or the clock (200), including, method.

2. The data acquisition step includes acquiring acoustic and / or magnetic and / or optical data, and the data processing step includes determining a first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member. The method according to claim 1.

3. The data acquisition step includes acquiring a first sequence of images of the time display member, and this acquisition is particularly, The time display member is executed at a frequency (f1) that is at least 10 times higher, or at least 20 times higher, than the frequency (fs) at which it jumps, and / or The time display member is in several consecutive stable positions, particularly for a duration of time in which it is in two consecutive stable positions. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned data processing step is: From the jump time of the time display member or from the first sequence of images taken closest in time to the jump, at least one image is determined and selected, and The first time point (Ttic) associated with the jump time of the time display member is determined as the time point of the jump time of the time display member or as the time point of the capture of at least one image of the first sequence of images that is captured closest in time to the jump, and Optionally, determine the position of the time display member associated with the first point in time. Including, The method according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned data processing step is: From the jump time of the time display member or from the first sequence of images taken closest in time to the jump, at least two images are determined and selected, and By calculations using the time points at which the at least two images were taken, the first time point (Ttic) associated with the moment of change of the time display member is determined, in particular by determining the moment when the time display member starts moving, the moment when the time display member stops moving, or the moment when the speed of the display device is at its maximum, and Optionally, determine the position of the time display member associated with the first point in time. Including, The method according to claim 3.

6. The data acquisition step includes acquiring an image of the time display member during the period in which the time display member occupies two consecutive stable positions, and the data processing step includes, Based on an analysis of the apparent brightness of the display device on the image at the two consecutive stable positions, a first time point (Ttic) associated with the moment of the jump of the time display member between the two consecutive stable positions is determined by calculation, and Optionally, determine the position of the time display member associated with the first point in time. Including, The method according to claim 3.

7. The data acquisition step includes, in particular, acquiring a second sequence of images of the time display member, which is separate from the first sequence of images. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The acquisition of the second continuous image of the time display member is as follows: The sum of the jump times of the time display member and the n-period of the motion of the time display member is greater than the n-period of the motion of the time display member, and Less than the n+1 period of motion of the time display member, obtained by subtracting the jump time of the time display member. Includes at least one image capture separated from the jump time of the time display member (1) by time, for example, by the time of n+0.5 periods of the motion of the time display member, where n is an integer. The method according to claim 7.

9. The acquisition of the second continuous image of the time display member is as follows: The sum of the jump times of the time display member and the n-period of the motion of the time display member is greater than the n-period of the motion of the time display member, and Less than the n+1 period of motion of the time display member, obtained by subtracting the jump time of the time display member. The system includes at least two separated image captures based on time, for example, the time of n+0.5 periods of the motion of the time display member, where n is an integer. The method according to claim 7.

10. The acquisition of the second continuous image of the time display member is performed over a period of time during which the time display member is in several consecutive stable positions. The method according to claim 7 or 9.

11. The data processing step includes identifying from the second sequence of images images taken while the time display member was moving and / or where the position of the time display member cannot be accurately identified, and removing these images from the second sequence of images. The method according to claim 10.

12. The data processing step includes determining a second position or a plurality of second positions of the time display member associated with the image in the second sequence of images. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. The data processing step includes using a second time point (Ts) associated with the capture of the second sequence of images, The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

14. The data processing step includes calculating a third time point or a plurality of third time points (Tref) associated with a jump of the display device that precedes or follows the second time point or a plurality of second time points (Ts). The method according to claim 13.

15. The data processing step includes a rate calculation and / or state calculation using the third jump time or a plurality of third jump times (Tref), or at least one jump moment estimated from the third time or a plurality of third time times (Tref), The method according to claim 14.

16. Hardware elements (11, 12, 13, 14, 15), particularly data acquisition elements (11, 14) and data processing logic unit (13), and / or software that implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, A device (10) for the timing test or timing verification of a clock (200) or clock movement (100).

17. A method for manufacturing or adjusting a clock (200) or a clock movement (100), the method comprising the step of performing the timing test method described in any one of claims 1 to 15, method.

18. The method includes at least one adjustment step, in particular an adjustment step that relies on rate variation between a target value and a measured value. The manufacturing or preparation method according to claim 17.

19. A clock (200), particularly a wristwatch, or a clock movement (100) obtained by carrying out the method described in any one of claims 17 and 18.

20. A computer program product, which is downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a data carrier readable by a computer and / or executable by a computer, wherein when the program is executed by the computer, the computer has the following capabilities: To have the method described in any one of claims 1 to 15 implemented, Control the timing test or verification device (10) described in claim 16 to carry out the method described in any one of claims 1 to 15. Including orders, Computer program products.

21. A computer-readable recording medium (15) that, when performed by a computer, includes an instruction causing the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

22. A data carrier signal for carrying the computer program product described in claim 20.

Images