clock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a timepiece (100), in particular a wristwatch, including a timer arrangement (10) with an oscillating system (1). The oscillating system (1) includes an optical waveguide arrangement (2) with an optical waveguide (20), an electrical-to-optical converter (3) adapted to provide a clocked optical signal to the optical waveguide arrangement, and an optical-to-electrical converter (4) adapted to receive an optical signal from the optical waveguide and to generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal. The timer arrangement (10) further includes an electronic usage signal generator (116) configured to generate a usage signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal. The timepiece (100) further includes a clock display (102) adapted to display the time based on the usage signal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch. [Background technology]

[0002] Quartz watches and self-winding or hand-wound mechanical watches are known from the state of the art. Quartz watches are clocked by the frequency of an oscillating quartz. In contrast, self-winding mechanical watches, also known as automatic watches, and hand-wound mechanical watches are generally controlled by the oscillations of a balance wheel that controls a so-called escapement. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention aims to provide a timepiece that is as accurate as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In the following, a timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, is described which comprises a timer arrangement with an oscillating system, said timer arrangement comprising an electronic use signal generator arranged to generate a use signal, said timepiece further comprising a clock display adapted for displaying time, in particular for displaying the time, based on said use signal.

[0005] Preferably, the oscillation system includes an optical waveguide arrangement, an electrical-optical converter, and an optical-electrical converter. The optical waveguide arrangement includes an optical waveguide, in particular an optical fiber. The electrical-optical converter, sometimes called an electrical-optical converter, is adapted to provide a clocked optical signal (optical signal) to the optical waveguide arrangement. The optical-electrical converter, sometimes called an optical-electrical converter or photoelectrical converter, is adapted to receive the optical signal from the optical waveguide arrangement and to generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal.

[0006] The electronic use signal generator is configured to generate the use signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal. Thus, a timepiece is provided that generates a clock based on the propagation speed of light in the optical waveguide arrangement. The time difference between the light entering the optical waveguide arrangement and the light exiting the other side of the optical waveguide arrangement depends only on the distance the light travels in the optical waveguide arrangement and the propagation speed of light in the optical waveguide arrangement. If the length and physical properties of the optical waveguide arrangement are known, it is possible to generate a clock signal with a fixed frequency and a fixed period in this manner. This means that the optical waveguide arrangement is the frequency determining element of the oscillation system.

[0007] In particular the optical waveguide is the frequency determining element since it comprises the longest portion of the optical waveguide structure.

[0008] It should be understood that the oscillation frequency of the oscillation system to be achieved also depends on the delay of the signal caused by the electrical-optical converter and the optical-electrical converter, and possibly other electrical / electronic components of the oscillation system. In addition to the duration of the light signal traveling through the optical waveguide, the operating time of the electronics of the optical waveguide configuration must also be taken into account when calculating the frequency of the oscillation system. However, while the duration of the light traveling is directly proportional to the length of the optical waveguide, the operating time of the electronic components in the optical waveguide configuration is always the same regardless of how long or short the optical waveguide between the electrical-optical converter and the optical-electrical converter is. The operating time of the electronic components in the optical waveguide arrangement, i.e. the time delay between the arrival of the optical signal at the optical-electrical converter and the transmission of a new optical signal by the electrical-optical converter, can be measured very easily by measuring the frequency of the optical waveguide arrangement in its functioning state, finding from this the duration of the total amplitude of the oscillating system and subtracting from this duration the theoretical duration of the optical signal passing through the optical waveguide (from the electrical-optical converter to the optical-electrical converter) (determined by calculation).

[0009] A practical measurement of the duration of the optical signal while traveling through the optical waveguide can also be made in this manner:

[0010] Two oscillating systems containing the same electrical signal path with the same components, but differing in the length of their optical waveguide arrangement, in particular the length of the optical waveguide of their optical waveguide arrangement, are measured with respect to their oscillation frequency. For example, the optical waveguide in the first oscillating system may contain a length of 10 meters, and the optical waveguide in the second oscillating system may contain a length of 20 meters. From the resulting data, the duration of the optical path, in particular the optical waveguide arrangement, and the duration of the electrical path are then very easily determined, since in both cases the electrical path has the same duration, but the optical path must have twice the duration in one case than in the other.

[0011] A clear determination of the duration of the electrical signal passing through said path is also a prerequisite for creating appropriate tables which in this case compensate for frequency shifts during temperature changes.

[0012] It may therefore be advantageous to measure the oscillating system after assembly to determine its oscillation frequency, as will be described in more detail below.

[0013] The clock generation of the timepiece of the invention is independent of influences such as the movement or position (horizontal or vertical) of the timepiece, and therefore, in particular, the light-controlled watch is significantly more accurate than a watch with a mechanical oscillator, the latter being retarded or accelerated by any movement of the wrist of the wearer of the timepiece, the degree of tension of the drive spring of the clockwork having an influence on the escapement and thus on the frequency of the balance / escapement interaction, and its position influencing the way the balance oscillates.

[0014] Problems associated with oscillating crystals, such as the so-called ageing, i.e. oscillation frequency shifts over time due to the ingress of foreign atoms into the oscillating crystal or other time-related conditions, do not occur in optically controlled clocks. In addition, clock generation via a piezoelectric oscillating crystal as well as via a balance are also based on mechanical vibrations, i.e. the mechanical vibrations of a piezoelectrically stimulated oscillating crystal. Such mechanical vibrations are more susceptible to damping than the clocked optical signal in the proposed clock. Therefore, optically controlled clocks are more accurate than clocks that generate clock pulses by the oscillation of a piezoelectric oscillating crystal.

[0015] In addition, an optically controlled watch offers great flexibility in terms of the choice of the oscillation frequency of the oscillating system based on the clocked optical signal. This can be easily chosen according to the requirements of the respective watch and / or the design preferences of the owner or, in the case of a wristwatch, the wearer of the watch. For example, it is possible in a simple manner to form the optical waveguide arrangement, and in particular the optical waveguide, such that the oscillating system comprises a specific oscillation frequency according to customer requirements. It is also possible to modulate the amplitude of the electrical signal and thus of the optical signal, and thus to individualize the watch.

[0016] It should be appreciated that the electrical-to-optical converter is configured to convert an electrical input signal into an optical signal in order to provide the clocked optical signal to the optical waveguide arrangement.

[0017] It should further be appreciated that since the optical signal is clocked, the electrical signal is preferably also clocked.

[0018] According to an advantageous design of the invention, it is possible for the oscillatory system to be configured as an oscillatory circuit, which means in particular that the components of the oscillatory system are arranged in a circuit, i.e. in an infinite loop.

[0019] The clocked optical signal may preferably be an analog clocked optical signal, in particular a sinusoidal optical signal. However, it is also possible for the analog optical signal to have a form other than a sinusoid. Correspondingly, the electrical signal generated by the optical-to-electrical converter may preferably be an analog electrical signal, in particular a sinusoidal electrical signal. However, it is also possible for the analog electrical signal to have a form other than a sinusoidal form corresponding to the optical signal.

[0020] However, the clocked optical signal may in particular be a digital optical signal and correspondingly, the electrical signal generated by the optical-to-electrical converter may in particular be a digital electrical signal.

[0021] Preferably, the electrical-to-optical converter comprises a semiconductor laser or a light emitting diode.

[0022] In particular, it is possible to configure the electrical-to-optical converter to feed the clocked optical signal directly into the optical waveguide.

[0023] The optical waveguide may preferably comprise a single mode fiber, which, in contrast to multimode fiber, is not subject to transit time variations and mode variations. However, it is also possible for the optical waveguide to comprise a multimode fiber, which has the advantage that the light can be more easily coupled into and separated from the optical waveguide.

[0024] To provide the oscillation system, it is advantageously possible to first select a desired frequency for the clocked optical signal or the electrical signal, and then the oscillation system, in particular the optical waveguide arrangement and the optical waveguide, in terms of its length, can be adapted in such a way that the corresponding desired frequency is achieved. After the oscillation system is formed, it can be measured to determine the actual frequency of the clocked optical signal and the electrical signal. If the actual frequency deviates from the desired frequency, it is possible to modify the oscillation system accordingly until the desired frequency is reached. However, it is also possible to first form the oscillation system, in particular the optical waveguide arrangement and the optical waveguide, as necessary, in terms of its length. The adapted oscillation system can then be measured to determine the frequency of the clocked optical signal and the electrical signal. Taking into account the determined frequency, it is therefore possible to configure the use signal generator to generate the use signal based on the determined frequency. For example, in the case where the use signal generator includes a pulse counter, a predetermined count value used for comparison with the electrical signal counted by the pulse counter can be set based on the determined frequency of the electrical signal.

[0025] Preferably, the optical-to-electrical converter comprises a photodiode, the photodiode being arranged to convert the clocked optical signal into the electrical signal, advantageously the electrical signal being a current signal.

[0026] Preferably, the oscillation system further includes a driver configured to drive the electrical-optical converter based on the electrical signal. When the electrical-optical converter includes a semiconductor laser, the driver may be called a semiconductor laser driver. Correspondingly, when the electrical-optical converter includes a light-emitting diode, the driver may be called a light-emitting diode driver.

[0027] According to a first advantageous design of the invention, it is possible for the oscillation system to include in the optical waveguide arrangement, in particular the optical waveguide, an optical signal path from the electrical-optical converter to the optical-electrical converter and an electrical signal path from the electrical-electrical converter to the electrical-optical converter. The electrical-optical converter can be controlled in an advantageous manner based on the electrical signal of the optical-electrical converter. This means, in particular, that the electrical signal of the optical-electrical converter triggers the electrical-optical converter to supply the optical signal to the optical waveguide arrangement, in particular to the optical waveguide.

[0028] In particular, the oscillating system can be designed as an oscillating circuit with optical feedback. The optical feedback results from the fact that the optical signal (optical output signal) of the electrical-optical converter can be coupled to the input of the optical-electrical converter via the optical waveguide arrangement, in particular the optical waveguide. The optical-electrical converter, the electrical signal path from the optical-electrical converter to the electrical-optical converter and the electrical-optical converter can be called a transceiver, in particular in this design of the timepiece of the invention. The optical signal of the electrical-optical converter can be fed back to the input of the transceiver via the optical waveguide arrangement, in particular the optical waveguide.

[0029] Preferably, the timepiece, in particular the oscillating system, comprises an electrical amplifier between the optical-to-electrical converter and the electrical-to-optical converter for amplifying the electrical signal.

[0030] The electrical amplifiers can preferably be configured to convert the electrical signal, in other words a voltage signal present at the input of the electrical amplifier is converted into a current signal output at the output of the electrical amplifier, or a current signal entering the input of the electrical amplifier is converted into a voltage signal appearing at the output of the electrical amplifier, whereby the respective output signal of the electrical amplifier is amplified compared to the respective input signal of the electrical amplifier.

[0031] The amplifier is advantageously arranged downstream (with respect to the direction of the signal) of the optical-to-electrical converter, which means in particular that the input signal of the electrical amplifier corresponds to or is based on the output signal of the optical-to-electrical converter.

[0032] In particular, the electrical amplifier can be adapted to convert an input current into an output voltage. Particularly preferably, the amplifier is formed as a transimpedance amplifier. The transimpedance amplifier is able to convert an input current into a proportional output voltage in an advantageous manner. With regard to the design of the electrical amplifier, the optical-to-electrical converter is advantageously adapted to convert a received optical signal into a current signal. In particular, the electrical amplifier is part of the electrical signal path from the optical-to-electrical converter to the electrical-to-optical converter.

[0033] Preferably, the clock, in particular the oscillation system, comprises a trigger and a monoflop. The trigger is configured to control the monoflop via the electrical signal from the optical-electrical converter. The monoflop is preferably configured to generate an output pulse that drives the electrical-optical converter. In particular, the output pulse is generated in response to the control of the monoflop by the trigger. Preferably, the monoflop is a digital circuit having only one stable state. The monoflop, when triggered by a trigger signal coming from the trigger, changes its switching state for a predefined time (approximately 1 nanosecond or less). The monoflop then returns to its rest state. In particular, the trigger and the monoflop are part of the electrical signal path from the optical-electrical converter to the electrical-optical converter. By providing the monoflop, a clocked electrical signal is generated in a simple manner, which is converted into the clocked optical signal by the electrical-optical converter.

[0034] The electrical signal path from the optical-to-electrical converter to the electrical-to-optical converter is preferably configured to invert the electrical signal.

[0035] Preferably, the electrical signal path is configured to alternately switch the electrical-to-optical converter on and off via an inverted electrical signal.

[0036] For this purpose, according to an advantageous embodiment, the electrical signal path can include a (separate) inverter (inverter circuit). The inverter is preferably adapted to alternately switch the electrical-optical converter on and off. According to an alternative advantageous embodiment, the output of the electrical amplifier, in particular of the transimpedance amplifier, can be an inverting output. The electrical signal is inverted by the inverting output. According to a further alternative advantageous embodiment, the input of the driver can be an inverting input. In this case, the electrical signal is inverted by the inverting input of the driver. In the case of an inverting output of the electrical amplifier or an inverting input of the driver, preferably no separate inverter is provided in the electrical signal path.

[0037] The oscillation system preferably further comprises a frequency filter for filtering the electrical signal, the frequency filter being arranged between the optical-electrical converter and the electrical-optical converter. In particular, it is possible to use the frequency filter to force the system to oscillate at its oscillation frequency by removing undesired higher harmonics from the electrical signal. However, it is also possible to specifically select higher harmonics with the frequency filter.

[0038] In an advantageous design of the invention, the frequency filter is arranged between the electrical amplifier and the driver.

[0039] The clock, in particular the timer arrangement, preferably further comprises a Schmitt trigger configured to convert the electrical signal into a square wave signal (the output signal of the Schmitt trigger). The Schmitt trigger is an analog-to-digital converter. In terms of the design of the clock, this means that the electrical signal serving as the input signal of the Schmitt trigger is an analog electrical signal and the square wave signal is a digital electrical signal. In particular, during operation of the clock, an analog voltage (analog voltage signal) appears at the input of the Schmitt trigger and a digital voltage (digital voltage signal) appears at its output.

[0040] Furthermore, the Schmitt trigger is advantageously connected to the use signal generator, which means that the output signal of the Schmitt trigger, i.e. the square wave signal, serves as an input signal of the use signal generator.

[0041] Alternatively, it is possible to use another analog-to-digital converter instead of the Schmitt trigger, however, it is also possible not to have an analog-to-digital converter.

[0042] It should be noted that the electrical signal in the electrical signal path can be a current signal or a voltage signal, and the electrical signal can be converted from one type (current signal / voltage signal) to the other type (voltage signal / current signal) in the electrical signal path.

[0043] According to a second advantageous design of the invention, the optical waveguide arrangement is formed as an infinite loop. The timer arrangement thereby comprises an optical splitter for splitting off the optical signal from the infinite loop to the optical-electrical converter, and an optical coupler for coupling the optical signal from the electrical-optical converter to the infinite loop. The term "infinite loop" means in particular that the optical waveguide arrangement is formed as a closed optical loop, in which an optical signal once generated and guided in the optical waveguide arrangement is guided in the loop for an unlimited period of time. In the infinite loop, the output of the optical waveguide is preferably fed back to its input. The optical signal fed in through the optical coupler to start the operation of the clock generation can therefore propagate infinitely in the infinite loop, the extraction of the clocked optical signal being performed through the optical splitter.

[0044] It should be noted that an optical splitter in the context of the present invention is a device that is specifically configured to split an incoming optical signal into two or more optical signals, whereas an optical coupler in the context of the present invention is a device that is specifically configured to couple one or more optical signals into an optical waveguide.

[0045] Preferably, the timepiece can include an optical amplifier in the optical waveguide arrangement formed as an infinite loop, in other words the optical waveguide arrangement includes the optical waveguide and an optical amplifier, the optical amplifier being advantageously configured to amplify an incoming optical signal as it passes through it, without converting it into an electrical signal during its passage.

[0046] In particular, the way in which the optical waveguide, the optical amplifier, the electrical-optical converter and the optical-electrical converter are connected to one another can be as follows: the output of the optical waveguide is connected to a first input of the optical coupler; the output of the optical coupler is connected to an input of the optical amplifier; the output of the optical amplifier is connected to an input of the optical splitter, the first output of which is connected to an input of the optical waveguide; the output of the electrical-optical converter (optical output) is connected to a second input of the optical coupler; the second output of the optical splitter is connected to an input of the optical-electrical converter (optical input); an electrical signal (output signal of the optical-electrical converter) is then available at the output of the optical-electrical converter; from this electrical signal the use signal can preferably be generated via the use signal generator.

[0047] Preferably, the electrical-to-optical converter may be controllable by an electrical signal from the optical-to-electrical converter, creating an electrical signal path from the optical-to-electrical converter to the electrical-to-optical converter.

[0048] Particularly preferably, the timepiece can include an electric amplifier, which is configured to amplify the electric signal between the optical-electrical converter and the electrical-optical converter, which in particular means that the electric amplifier is arranged in the electric signal path between the optical-electrical converter and the electrical-optical converter.

[0049] Preferably, the optical waveguide arrangement is subdivided into a first portion between the optical coupler and the optical splitter and a second portion between the optical splitter and the optical coupler, whereby a delay of the optical signal in the second portion corresponds to a delay of a parallel signal from the optical splitter to the optical coupler.

[0050] According to a first advantageous embodiment, the second part can include a delay line or a further optical waveguide. The further optical waveguide can also be called a second optical waveguide, in which case the optical waveguide in the first part between the optical coupler and the optical splitter can be called a first optical waveguide. In this case, the optical-electrical converter and the electrical-optical converter are arranged between the optical splitter and the optical coupler and are connected to each other. The delay of the optical signal in the delay line or the further optical waveguide thus corresponds to the delay of the parallel signal from the optical splitter to the optical coupler via the optical-electrical converter and the electrical-optical converter. An electrical amplifier can preferably be arranged between the optical-electrical converter and the electrical-optical converter. A single electrical signal can preferably be provided between the optical-electrical converter and the electrical amplifier EV. An electrical signal can preferably be picked up between the electrical amplifier and the electrical-optical converter. From this electrical signal, the use signal can preferably be generated via the use signal generator.

[0051] In particular, the manner in which the components of the optical waveguide arrangement in the above-mentioned first advantageous embodiment are connected to each other and to the electrical-optical converter and the optical-electrical converter can be as follows: a first output of the optical splitter is connected to a first input of the optical coupler via the delay line or the second optical waveguide; an output of the optical coupler is connected to an input of the optical waveguide; a second output of the optical splitter is connected to an input of the optical-electrical converter; an input of the electrical-optical converter is connected to an output of the optical-electrical converter; a first input of the optical coupler is connected to an output of the delay line or the second optical waveguide; a second input of the optical coupler is connected to an output of the electrical-optical converter. When an electrical amplifier is arranged between the optical-electrical converter and the electrical-optical converter, an output of the optical-electrical converter is connected to an input of the electrical amplifier and an output of the electrical amplifier is connected to an input of the electrical-optical converter.

[0052] According to a second advantageous embodiment, the optical splitter is a first optical splitter and the optical coupler is a first optical coupler, whereby the second part comprises a delay line, a second optical coupler and a second optical splitter. Furthermore, an optical amplifier for amplifying the optical signal between the first optical splitter and the second optical splitter is preferably arranged between the first optical splitter and the first optical coupler. Thus, the delay of the optical signal from the first optical splitter through the second optical coupler, the delay line and the second optical splitter to the first optical coupler corresponds to the delay of the parallel signal from the first optical splitter to the first optical coupler through the optical amplifier.

[0053] In particular, the manner in which the components of the optical waveguide arrangement in the alternative advantageous embodiment described above are connected to each other and to the electrical-optical converter and the optical-electrical converter can be as follows: A first output of the first optical splitter is connected to an input of the optical amplifier. An output of the optical amplifier is connected to a first input of the first optical coupler. An output of the first optical coupler is connected to an input of the optical waveguide. A second output of the first optical splitter is connected to a first input of the second optical coupler, whose output is connected to an input of the delay line. The output of the delay line is connected to an input of the second optical splitter. A first output of the second optical splitter is connected to a second input of the first optical coupler. An output of the electrical-optical converter (optical output) is connected to a second input of the second optical coupler. A second output of the second optical splitter is connected to an input of the optical-electrical converter. An electrical signal (output signal of the optical-electrical converter) is made available at the output of the optical-electrical converter. The use signal can be preferably generated from this electrical signal via the use signal generator. Due to the two parallel optical signal paths (first signal path: first optical splitter - second optical coupler - delay line - second optical splitter - first optical coupler; second signal path: first optical splitter - optical amplifier - first optical coupler), it is possible to maintain a continuous signal flow in the optical waveguide configuration formed as an infinite loop through the optical waveguide, even when the optical amplifier is deactivated for a short time. This makes it possible to activate the optical amplifier only when the optical signal strength drops below a definable minimum value due to attenuation in the infinite loop. By periodically switching the optical amplifier on and off, the power consumption of the clock generation can be optimized as required.

[0054] Preferably, said clock comprises a data unit. Preferably, said data unit comprises a modulator for modulating said input signal of said electrical-to-optical converter based on a data set.

[0055] The data set can advantageously contain personal resolutions, such as a resolution to quit smoking, or names of loved ones, personal goals or ideals, but also religious messages, such as mantras. The data set can be encoded on light and travel at the speed of light in the oscillating system. Coding is possible, for example, by modulating the amplitude of the electrical signal. If the amplifier is set appropriately, there is no influence on the set oscillation frequency of the oscillating system and on the frequency of the electrical signal. This does not affect the accuracy of the time base. The different amplitudes can be indicated, for example, by light-emitting diodes, which then glow with different brightness. For example, the Morse code alphabet, with signal pulses of different lengths, can be used as coding.

[0056] Particularly preferably, the clock may comprise a memory unit for storing said data set and / or an input unit for inputting said data set and / or a read-out unit for reading out said data set from the modulated output signal of the optical-electrical converter. More preferably, the clock may comprise an output unit for outputting information based on the read-out data set. The information may comprise, for example, light and / or sound and / or electrical data signals, which may preferably be output via WLAN or Bluetooth.

[0057] Preferably, the timepiece comprises a quartz oscillator with a predefined quartz oscillator oscillation frequency. The use signal generator is adapted to compare the frequency of the electrical signal with the oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillator to generate an actual comparison value. Furthermore, the use signal generator is adapted to generate the use signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal and the actual comparison value. It is therefore possible to generate the use signal acting as a reference frequency, taking into account the difference between the frequency of the electrical signal and the oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillator. The difference between the frequency of the electrical signal and the oscillation frequency of the quartz oscillator is represented by the actual comparison value. This makes it possible to take into account deviations of the frequency of the electrical signal from the expected frequency of the electrical signal when generating the use signal. Such deviations can for example be set by temperature deviations from a predefined temperature set for the oscillation system. Such temperature deviations can have an effect on the optical waveguide configuration, and in particular on the optical waveguide, since the latter expand in particular as a function of temperature.

[0058] Particularly preferably, a plurality of temperature-dependent stored comparison values ​​and associated correction values ​​are stored in the usage signal generator, which is further adapted to assign the actual comparison values ​​to the stored comparison values ​​and to generate the usage signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal and on the correction values.

[0059] To generate the above mentioned use signal, the electronic use signal generator can advantageously comprise (only) a pulse counter (binary counter). In this case, the pulse counter is arranged to count the clock signal of the oscillator system, i.e. the electrical signal. The pulse counter is programmed at the frequency of the electrical signal.

[0060] Furthermore, in order to generate the above-mentioned use signal, the electronic use signal generator can advantageously include (only) a frequency divider. The frequency divider is configured to divide, in particular divide by two, the frequency of the clock signal, i.e. the electrical signal. In particular, the frequency of the electrical signal can correspond to a multiple of two, in particular a power of two, such as 524288 Hz or 1048576 Hz. The frequency of the electrical signal can advantageously be lowered via the frequency divider to 1 Hz or to another frequency, such as 8 Hz. The lowered frequency corresponds to the use signal, and the clock display is configured to display the time on its basis. It is worth noting that, for example, with a use signal with a frequency of 8 Hz, the jump of the seconds hand of a mechanical clock display occurs 8 times per second, but the viewer does not perceive this as a "jump".

[0061] The term "only", when used together with the terms pulse counter or frequency divider, means, particularly in the context of the present invention, that only one of the two types of electronic components, i.e. either a pulse counter or a frequency divider, is provided for generating the usage signal to form the usage signal generating device.

[0062] However, it is also possible for a combination of a frequency divider and a pulse counter to generate the use signal. In other words, this means that the timer arrangement for generating the use signal can include both a frequency divider and a pulse counter. In this case, the frequency divider is advantageously arranged upstream (with respect to the direction of the signal) of the pulse counter. In an advantageous manner, the frequency of the electrical signal can be divided by two by the frequency divider in a first stage, in particular by dividing by two several times to achieve an intermediate frequency. In a second stage, the intermediate frequency can be brought to a desired frequency, in particular to a use frequency, via the pulse counter. The procedure of dividing a given oscillation frequency by two, in particular by dividing by two several times to achieve an intermediate frequency in a first stage, and counting down the intermediate frequency to the desired frequency in a second stage is particularly advantageous for clocks in which the electrical signal includes high frequencies such as 8.88 MHz or 10 MHz. It is therefore possible to save current compared to simply counting down the frequency of the electrical signal.

[0063] In the case of an electronic use signal generator including only a pulse counter, said use signal generator is advantageously configured to generate said use signal when the count value of said current signal is equal to a predefined count value, said predefined count value being advantageously set based on said frequency of said electrical signal.

[0064] In the case of an electronic use signal generating device including only a frequency divider, said use signal advantageously corresponds to the output signal of said frequency divider.

[0065] In the case of an electronic use signal generator including a pulse counter and a frequency divider, the electronic use signal generator is advantageously configured to generate the use signal when the count value of the output signal of the frequency divider is equal to a predetermined count value, in which case the predetermined count value is advantageously set on the basis of the intermediate frequency achieved by the frequency divider.

[0066] Furthermore, the timer arrangement may preferably include an output device, the electronic output device being configured to output the use signal generated by the use signal generator.

[0067] It should be noted that the pulse counter and the output device or the frequency divider and the output device may each be formed as a single unit.

[0068] It is advantageously possible to configure the electronic usage signal generating device in such a way that, during deviations of the temperature of the oscillating system and / or of the timepiece, in particular of the temperature in the environment of the oscillating system, from a predetermined temperature, a corresponding predetermined correction factor or a predetermined correction formula is taken into account for generating the usage signal, a corresponding predetermined correction factor being advantageously assigned to each temperature deviation.

[0069] In particular, when the electronic usage signal generator includes a pulse counter as described above, it is advantageously possible to configure the electronic usage signal generator to correct the predetermined count value of the pulse counter via the predetermined correction factor or the predetermined correction formula in the presence of such temperature deviations.

[0070] It is also possible for the usage signal generator to be configured to correct the predetermined count value in dependence on the temperature of the oscillating system and / or the temperature of the watch, in particular in the surroundings of the oscillating system. For this purpose, a table with temperature-dependent predetermined count values ​​(predetermined count values ​​assigned to temperatures) and / or a function of the temperature-dependent predetermined count values ​​can be preferably stored in a memory unit, in particular in that of the usage signal generator.

[0071] In order to detect the temperature of the oscillating system and / or the watch around it, and therefore to detect temperature deviations, the watch may preferably include a temperature sensor.

[0072] Irrespective of the structure of the oscillator system and / or the timer arrangement with regard to the presence of a pulse counter and / or a frequency divider, the clock can include the following advantageous designs:

[0073] According to an advantageous design of the timepiece, the timer arrangement comprises an electromechanical device. The timepiece further comprises a gear train, a drive for driving the gear train, and a time display. The time display is connected to the gear train and can be driven by the gear train. The electromechanical device can be driven via the use signal generated by the electronic use signal generator, whereby the electromechanical device engages the gear train directly or indirectly in a clocked manner. In particular, the electromechanical device engages the gear train directly or indirectly in a restrained manner, bringing the gear train to a stop and releasing it again alternately. The timepiece is therefore not clocked at a rate by an oscillating balance, but rather via a frequency-controlled device (the electromechanical device), and the drive energy for the gear train is provided by a mechanical drive. In other words, an imprecise mechanical balance is replaced by the timer arrangement described above.

[0074] Thus, the advantages of a hand-wound or self-winding mechanical watch and a quartz watch are realized in a watch by controlling an automatic or hand-wound mechanical movement with the oscillation frequency of the light-driven oscillation system. Since the proposed watch does not have a balance, all mechanical influences that affect the accuracy of the balance clock and therefore the time flow of the watch are eliminated. The reference frequency used for the clock of the watch is based on the frequency of the electrical signal and is not affected by any movement of the wearer of the watch. Thus, a much more accurate mechanical watch is possible than a conventional mechanical watch with a balance for driving the gear train.

[0075] It should be understood that the electromechanical device can be operated via the use signal generated by the electronic use signal generator, and that since the use signal is generated based on the frequency of the electrical signal, the electromechanical device can be and is frequency controlled.

[0076] According to an advantageous embodiment, the electromechanical device is indirectly engaged with the gear train. In the context of the present invention, "indirectly" means in particular that at least one further component is arranged between the electromechanical device and the gear train. In other words, in this design of the timepiece, it is possible to activate the electromechanical device via the aforementioned use signal, so that the electromechanical device is indirectly engaged with the gear train for the escapement.

[0077] Preferably, the timepiece includes an escapement for this purpose. The escapement is engaged with the gear train. The electromechanical device drives the escapement. This means that, in this design of the timepiece, the electromechanical device can be set in motion via the use signal generated by the electronic use signal generator, whereby the electromechanical device engages with the gear train via the escapement. In other words, the escapement corresponds to at least one further component as mentioned above, which is arranged between the electromechanical device and the gear train.

[0078] Preferably, the escapement includes an escape wheel and an escapement part configured to restrain the escape wheel, whereby the electromechanical device is configured to drive the escape wheel, the escape wheel being engaged with the gear train.

[0079] In particular, the escapement is formed as an anchor escapement and the escape wheel is formed as an anchor, in which case the escape wheel can also be called an escape wheel.

[0080] According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is possible for the electromechanical device to be directly engaged with the gear train. "Direct" in the context of the invention means in particular that no other components are arranged between the electromechanical device and the gear train. This means that in this design of the timepiece, it is possible to drive the electromechanical device via the above-mentioned use signal, whereby the electromechanical device is clocked and directly engaged with the gear train.

[0081] Independently of whether the electromechanical device engages the gear train directly or indirectly, it is possible according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention to form the electromechanical device as an actuator, in the context of the present invention an actuator is in particular a drive or structural unit which converts an electrical signal into a mechanical movement.

[0082] Particularly preferably, the actuator may include a magnetic anchor and a magnetic coil, in which case the magnetic coil may be configured to move the magnetic anchor via the use signal.

[0083] Alternatively, the electromechanical device can preferably be formed as a stepper motor. With regard to this design of the electromechanical device, it is particularly advantageous when the electromechanical device is clocked and directly engaged with the gear train.

[0084] According to an alternative advantageous design of the timepiece, the timepiece further comprises a gear train, a drive for driving the gear train, and a timepiece display. The timepiece display is connected to the gear train and can be moved by the gear train. The drive can be controlled via the use signal. The drive is preferably formed as a stepper motor. This timepiece corresponds in particular to a conventional quartz timepiece with a stepper motor for driving a mechanical timepiece display, but the timer arrangement with a timer formed as a quartz oscillating crystal is replaced by a timer arrangement with the previously mentioned light-driven oscillation system.

[0085] In the two advantageous designs of the invention described above, it should be understood that the clock display described above is a mechanical clock display, preferably comprising an hour hand and / or a minute hand and / or a second hand.

[0086] The gear train preferably includes at least a first wheel and / or a minute wheel or a second wheel and / or a third wheel.

[0087] According to an alternative advantageous design of the watch, the watch further comprises an electronic time display device, which in particular corresponds to a conventional electronic quartz watch, but in which the timer arrangement with a timer formed as a quartz oscillating crystal is replaced by a timer arrangement with the previously described light-driven oscillating system.

[0088] Further details, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0089] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a timepiece according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a timepiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a timepiece according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a timepiece according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a timepiece according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a watch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a timepiece according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a timing diagram showing exemplary time characteristics of input signals, output signals, and clock signals to explain the operating principle of a watch according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic diagram of a portion of a timepiece according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic diagram of parts of a watch according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 16 is a simplified schematic diagram of a portion of a watch according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of a portion of a watch according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] In the following, a watch 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0091] 1, the watch 100 is configured as a wristwatch and thus includes two ports 14 for wristbands 16. However, the watch 100 could also be a wall clock, table clock, desk clock, or any other type of clock.

[0092] The timepiece 100 includes a watch case 11 and a watch crystal 15 (windshield) disposed thereon. The timepiece 100 further includes a dial 12 and three hands 13 for displaying hours, minutes, and seconds. The hands 13 are part of a mechanical timepiece display 102 for displaying time.

[0093] Furthermore, the timepiece 100 includes the timer arrangement 10, a gear train 104, and a drive 101 for driving the gear train 104. The gear train 104 is connected to the clock display 102 and is thus capable of moving the hands 13 of the clock display 102. In particular, the gear train 104 includes at least a day wheel, a minute wheel, and a seconds wheel, each of which is connected to one of the hands 13.

[0094] FIG. 2 shows that the timer arrangement 10 includes an oscillator system 1 and an electronic use signal generating device 116 .

[0095] The usage signal generator 116 is configured to generate a usage signal that can be used by the clock display 102 to display the time based thereon.

[0096] The oscillation system 1 includes an optical waveguide arrangement 2 having an optical waveguide 20, an electrical-to-optical converter 3, and an optical-to-electrical converter 4. The oscillation system 1 further includes an electrical amplifier 60, a frequency filter 63, and a driver 65. The frequency filter 63 is disposed between the electrical amplifier 60 and the driver 65.

[0097] The electrical-to-optical converter 3 comprises a semiconductor laser or a light-emitting diode and is adapted to supply a clocked optical signal to the optical waveguide arrangement 1, in particular directly to the optical waveguide 20. The clocked optical signal is advantageously an analogue clocked optical signal, in particular a sinusoidal optical signal.

[0098] The optical waveguide 20 may preferably comprise a single mode fiber. In contrast to multimode fiber, single mode fiber is not subject to transit time and mode variations. However, the optical waveguide may also comprise a multimode fiber. Multimode fiber has the advantage that light may be more easily coupled into and separated from the optical waveguide 20.

[0099] The optical waveguide 20 may for example be 20 meters long. The transit time of an optical signal with such a length is therefore approximately 100 nanoseconds. This corresponds to an oscillation frequency of 10 MHz for the oscillation system 1. However, it is also possible to select other frequencies for the oscillation system 1, such as 8.88 MHz. In that case, for an oscillation frequency of 8.88 MHz, a correspondingly longer optical waveguide 20 must be selected.

[0100] The optical-to-electrical converter 4 is adapted to receive the optical signal from the optical waveguide arrangement 2 and the optical waveguide 20 and generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal. In particular, the optical-to-electrical converter 4 includes a photodiode. The photodiode is configured to convert the clocked optical signal into a current signal. Similar to the optical signal, this current signal is an analog current signal, in particular a sinusoidal current signal.

[0101] The electrical amplifier 60 is formed as a transimpedance amplifier and is configured to amplify the current signal generated by the optical-to-electrical converter 4 and convert it into a proportional voltage signal.

[0102] A frequency filter 63 is configured to filter the voltage signal, by means of which it is possible, in particular, to force the oscillating system to oscillate at its oscillation frequency, in particular by removing undesired harmonics from the voltage signal.

[0103] The driver 65 is configured to control the electrical-to-optical converter 3 based on the filtered voltage signal. Thus, the electrical-to-optical converter 3 is controllable based on the converted and filtered electrical signal of the optical-to-electrical converter 4.

[0104] In particular, the modulation input of the driver 65 is non-inverting. This means that an increase in the input voltage results in an increase in the optical output. However, it is also possible that the modulation input of the driver 65 is inverting. In this case, an oscillation frequency of 10 MHz can be achieved already with a length of 10 m for the optical waveguide 20.

[0105] The electrical signal path 6 from the optical-to-electrical converter 4 to the electrical-to-optical converter 3 is formed by the arrangement of the described electrical amplifier 60, the frequency filter 63 and the driver 65. In other words, the electrical amplifier 60, the frequency filter 63 and the driver 65 are arranged in the electrical signal path 6.

[0106] Furthermore, an optical signal path 5 is formed in the optical waveguide arrangement 2 , in particular in the optical waveguide 20 , from the electrical-to-optical converter 3 to the optical-to-electrical converter 4 .

[0107] 2, it can be seen that the oscillator system 1 is designed as an oscillator circuit with optical feedback. The optical feedback is achieved by the fact that it is possible to couple an optical signal (optical output signal) of the electrical-optical converter 3 to the input of the optical-electrical converter 4 via an optical waveguide arrangement 2, in particular the optical waveguide 20.

[0108] The timer arrangement 10 further includes a Schmitt trigger 64, which is an analog-to-digital converter. The Schmitt trigger 64 is configured to convert the analog voltage signal between the frequency filter 63 and the driver 65 into a square wave signal (the output signal of the Schmitt trigger 64). The square wave signal is a digital voltage signal. Alternatively, another analog-to-digital converter can be used in place of the Schmitt trigger 64.

[0109] The Schmitt trigger 64 is connected to the use signal generator 116. This means that the output signal of the Schmitt trigger 64, i.e. the square wave signal, serves as an input signal for the use signal generator 116. However, it is also possible not to have an analog-to-digital converter, so that the electrical signal between the frequency filter 63 and the driver 65 serves as an input signal for the electronic use signal generator 116.

[0110] The electronic usage signal generator 116 is configured to generate a usage signal based on the frequency of a square wave signal that corresponds to the frequency of the electrical signal between the frequency filter 63 and the driver 65 .

[0111] According to FIG. 2, the use signal generator 116 includes a frequency divider 117, a pulse counter 119, and a comparator 124 to generate a use signal.

[0112] The frequency divider 117 is connected to a pulse counter 119, which is here arranged downstream in signal terms of the frequency divider 117. This means that the output signal of the frequency divider 117 serves as an input signal for the pulse counter 119. In a first stage, the frequency of the square wave signal can be divided by two by the frequency divider 117, in particular by dividing by two several times, to arrive at an intermediate frequency. In a second stage, the intermediate frequency can be brought to the desired and utilization frequency via the pulse counter 119. The utilization frequency can be, for example, 1 Hz or 8 Hz.

[0113] At an oscillation frequency of the oscillation system 1 of 10 MHz, the above-mentioned square wave signal can be divided by two seven times by the frequency divider 117 until an intermediate frequency of 78125 Hz is reached. Then, the intermediate frequency can be counted down to the working frequency of 1 Hz or 8 Hz using the pulse counter 119. First dividing the oscillation frequency by two seven times from 10 MHz to 78125 Hz and then pulse counting saves current compared to directly pulse counting from 10 MHz to 1 Hz or 8 Hz.

[0114] In particular, the use signal generator 116 is configured to generate a use signal when the count value of the output signal of the frequency divider 117 is equal to a predefined count value, which is advantageously stored in a comparator 124 and is set on the basis of the intermediate frequency achieved by the frequency divider 117. A comparison between the count value of the output signal of the frequency divider 117 and the predefined count value is performed via the comparator 124.

[0115] The watch 100 further comprises a temperature sensor 126. Via the temperature sensor 126 it is possible to detect the temperature of the oscillation system 1 and / or the watch 100, in particular the environment of the oscillation system 1.

[0116] The electronic usage signal generator 116 is preferably configured to generate a usage signal taking into account a corresponding predetermined correction factor while the deviation of the detected temperature from the predetermined temperature is greater than the predetermined deviation. Preferably, a corresponding predetermined correction factor is assigned to each temperature deviation. Alternatively, a predetermined correction formula can be used instead of the correction factor. The correction factor or correction formula is stored in the memory 125.

[0117] In particular, the electronic usage signal generator 116 is configured to correct the predetermined count value via a corresponding predetermined correction factor or a predetermined correction formula.

[0118] It should be noted that preferably the pulse counter 119 , the comparator 124 and the memory 125 are parts of a programmable microcontroller 130 .

[0119] The timer arrangement 10 further includes an output device 118 coupled to the use signal generator 116 and configured to output the use signal generated by the use signal generator 116 .

[0120] As mentioned above, the usage signal is used to display the time by the clock display 102. Thus, it can be seen that the clock generation of the clock 100 is based on the propagation speed of light (speed of light) in the optical waveguide 20. Therefore, the clock 100 is as accurate as possible.

[0121] To drive the gear train 104, the drive 101 preferably includes a drive spring.

[0122] FIG. 3 shows that a winding device 121 is provided in the watch 100 for winding and tensioning the drive spring. In particular, the watch 100 is formed as an automatic watch. The winding device is in particular an automatic winding device formed as an oscillating weight, by which the drive spring is automatically wound due to the movements of the hand of the wearer of the watch 100. When tensioned, the drive spring provides the energy required to drive the gear train 104. However, it is also possible to form the watch 100 as a hand-wound watch. In that case, it is possible to operate the winding device 121 manually by hand.

[0123] Furthermore, the timer arrangement 10 includes an electromechanical device 106. The electromechanical device 106 is in particular formed as an actuator and includes, according to Fig. 4, a magnetic core (magnetic anchor) 107 and a magnetic coil 108. The magnetic coil 108 interacts with the magnetic core 107. In particular, the magnetic coil 108 is configured to move the magnetic core 107 when a current is supplied to it.

[0124] The electromechanical device 106 can be actuated via an electronic use signal generated by an electronic use signal generator 116 and output by an output device 118. As a result, the electromechanical device 106, and in particular the magnetic core 107, is clocked into engagement with the gear train 104.

[0125] 3, the timepiece 100 also includes an escapement 105 arranged between the timer arrangement 10, in particular the electromechanical device 106, and the gear train 104. The electromechanical device 106, in particular the magnetic core 107, is thus indirectly engaged with the gear train 104 via the escapement 105. The escapement 105 is drivable via the electromechanical device 106.

[0126] In particular, the electromechanical device 106 indirectly engages the gear train 104 with a retarding control, alternately causing the gear train 104 to stop and then disengage it again.

[0127] 3 and 4 show that the escapement 105 includes an escape wheel 109 and an escapement part 110 and is in particular formed as an anchor escapement. The escape wheel 109 is engaged with the gear train 104 and is capable of bringing the magnetic core 107 into engagement with the escapement part 110 by its movement. In particular, the escapement part 110 is drivable via the magnetic core 107.

[0128] In particular, the magnetic coil 108 increases and decreases the magnetic field with the rhythm of the use signal, which causes the magnetic core 107 to also move back and forth with the rhythm of the use signal. The movable magnetic core 107 is thus engaged with the escapement 110.

[0129] The timer arrangement 10 thus replaces the conventional balance of a mechanical watch.

[0130] For powering the oscillation system 1, the electronic use signal generating device 116 and the electromechanical device 106, the watch 100 is equipped with a power supply device 103 formed as a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery can be charged by an energy harvesting device 120.

[0131] The energy harvesting device 120 may preferably include at least one thermal generator and / or at least one solar cell. In particular, the thermal generator may include a Peltier element.

[0132] For example, the dial 12 of the watch 100 can be formed as a photovoltaic cell. It is also possible for the photovoltaic cell to be arranged under the dial 12. In that case, the dial 12 must be made translucent or must include a recess where the photovoltaic cell is to be arranged. When the watch 100 is equipped with a thermal generator, it can preferably be arranged on the back of the case of the watch 100. In this way, it is possible to generate electricity from the difference between the skin temperature of the wearer of the watch 100 and the temperature of the surroundings of the watch (and therefore of the rest of the watch). It is also possible to incorporate at least one photovoltaic cell and / or at least one thermal generator into the wristband 16 of the watch 100.

[0133] In normal operation of the timepiece 100, in which the drive spring provides the energy required to drive the gear train 104, oscillation of the oscillating system 1 occurs first.

[0134] Based on the frequency of the electrical signal between the optical-electrical converter 4 and the electrical-optical converter 3, a usage signal generator 116 generates a usage signal of a usage frequency via a frequency divider 117 and a pulse counter.

[0135] A use signal in the desired rhythm is then output to the electromechanical device 106. This allows the electromechanical device 106 to control the escapement 105, since it moves the escapement parts 110 at the timing of the output of the use signal. Through control of the frequency of the frequency-controlled escapement (based on the frequency of the electrical signal), it is possible to clock the gear train 104.

[0136] The watch 100 further comprises a state-of-charge measuring device 122 arranged to measure the state of charge of the rechargeable battery. Furthermore, the watch 100 further comprises a control unit 123 preferably arranged to control the electronic timer arrangement 10.

[0137] When the drive spring (drive 101) loses its driving force, it is possible to configure the electromechanical device 106 in such a way that the magnetic core 107 in particular drives the gear train 104. This makes it possible to ensure that the timepiece 100 continues to run even when it is no longer possible to provide the required mechanical energy from the drive spring. This may be the case, for example, when the timepiece 100 has not been used for some time, for example during the night, and as a result the drive spring cannot be tensioned by the automatic winding device 121. For this purpose, the timepiece 100 can preferably comprise a device for decoupling the drive 101, i.e. the drive spring, from the gear train 104 and the escapement 109. By decoupling the drive spring, it is therefore also possible to prevent the electromechanical device 106 from moving the drive spring when the escapement 109 is actuated by it.

[0138] When the state of charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the state of charge measuring device 122 is below a predefined state of charge value, the control device 123 is arranged to interrupt the power supply to the electromechanical device 106. In this way, it is possible to avoid a complete discharge of the rechargeable battery. In other words, the power supply to the electromechanical device 106 is interrupted from a given minimum energy level in the rechargeable battery until the drive spring is tensioned again by the movement of the watch 100. If this were not to happen, the rechargeable battery would be completely discharged and therefore the electromechanical device 106 would not be able to operate immediately when the watch 100 is restarted and would not be able to start the oscillation process of the oscillation system 1.

[0139] The present invention provides a timepiece 100 that operates similarly to an automatic timepiece, but is more accurate than a mechanical timepiece. In other words, the timepiece 100 is a hybrid timepiece in which the clocking is controlled via an optically driven oscillator system and the gear train is driven by a drive spring. Furthermore, the timepiece 100 includes a high power reserve due to a rechargeable battery that powers the functioning components of the timepiece 100 accordingly and is recharged by the energy harvesting device 120.

[0140] 5 and 6 refer to a watch 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0141] The timepiece 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the timepiece 100 according to the first embodiment in that the electromechanical device 106 of the timepiece 100 according to the second embodiment is clocked and directly engaged with the gear train 104. In other words, the timepiece 100 according to the second embodiment is not equipped with an escapement. This means that the timer arrangement 10 here replaces the combination of a conventional balance and a conventional escapement of a conventional mechanical timepiece.

[0142] In particular, the electromechanical device 106 directly engages the gear train 104 under inhibiting control, alternately causing the gear train 104 to stop and then disengage it again.

[0143] In the watch 100 according to the third embodiment, the electromechanical device 106 is also formed as an actuator comprising a magnetic core 107 and a magnetic coil 108 .

[0144] Thus, the magnetic core 107 is in direct clocked engagement with the gear train 104 .

[0145] However, the electromechanical device 106 may also be formed as a stepper motor that is clocked and directly engaged with the gear train 104 .

[0146] Apart from the special features described for the timepiece 100 according to this embodiment, its mode of operation corresponds in principle to that of the timepiece 100 according to the first embodiment. However, the electromechanical device 106 does not control the escapement, but rather the gear train 104 directly, and thus it is clocked.

[0147] FIG. 7 refers to a watch 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0148] The timepiece 100 according to the third embodiment differs from that according to the first or second embodiment in the structure of the oscillation system 1.

[0149] In contrast to the oscillating system 1 of the clock 100 according to the previous embodiment, the oscillating system 1 in this case does not have a frequency filter and a Schmitt trigger, but comprises a trigger 61 and a monoflop 62. The trigger 61 is arranged after the electrical amplifier 60 in the direction of the electrical signal of the electrical signal path 6.

[0150] The trigger 61 is configured to control a monoflop 62 via an electrical signal from the optical-to-electrical converter 4, in particular via the amplified electrical signal downstream of the electrical amplifier 60. The monoflop 62 is configured to generate an output pulse thereby for controlling the electrical-to-optical converter 3.

[0151] The electrical-to-optical converter 3 is adapted to supply optical pulses directly to the optical waveguide arrangement 2, in particular to the optical waveguide 20. The optical-to-electrical converter 4 is adapted to receive the optical pulses and convert them into electrical current pulses.

[0152] To operate the clock 100, first an optical pulse is sent from the electrical-optical converter 3 through the optical waveguide 20. Due to the length of the optical waveguide 20, the optical pulse traveling from the electrical-optical converter 3 towards the optical-electrical converter 4 takes a given time to reach the optical-electrical converter 4. In other words, this time is predetermined by the length of the optical waveguide 20. The optical-electrical converter 4 converts the optical pulse into a current pulse and sends it to the electrical amplifier 60, which amplifies the current pulse and converts it into a voltage pulse. Via a trigger 61, this voltage pulse controls a monoflop 62, which generates a short pulse with a precisely defined duration (approximately less than 1 nanosecond). This pulse is used to control the driver 65 of the electrical-optical converter 3, so that the electrical-optical converter 3 again emits an optical pulse. The circuit is therefore closed.

[0153] The electrical-to-optical converter 3 has a duty cycle of less than 1% and therefore requires very little energy.

[0154] This process is repeated a certain number of times per second. The number of repetitions per second is determined by the length of the optical waveguide 20. With a length of about 20 meters, the process is repeated 10 million times per second. This results in an oscillation frequency of 10 MHz of the oscillator system 1, captured as the frequency of the electrical signal (pulse sequence) between the monoflop 62 and the driver 65.

[0155] Based on the frequency of the electrical signal between the monoflop 62 and the driver 65, the usage signal generator 116 generates a usage signal, which clocks the clock 100 in the same manner as the clock 100 according to the first or second embodiment.

[0156] FIG. 8 refers to a watch 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0157] The structure of the oscillation system 1 of the timepiece 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the invention corresponds to the structure of the oscillation system 1 of the timepiece 100 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2).

[0158] However, the watch 100 according to the fourth embodiment uses a different method for temperature compensation of the generation of the signal of use.

[0159] A crystal oscillator 127 with a predetermined crystal oscillator oscillation frequency is placed in parallel with the oscillation system 1 in the timer arrangement 10. Preferably, the crystal oscillator may include a quartz crystal or a tourmaline crystal.

[0160] To achieve a desired crystal oscillator frequency, a crystal of corresponding cut shape and dimensions is selected such that the desired crystal oscillator frequency, for example 10 MHz, is obtained.

[0161] Furthermore, a mixer 128 is provided in the timer arrangement 10. The mixer 128 is connected to the crystal oscillator 127 and to the electrical signal path 6 and is configured to superimpose the electrical signal of the crystal oscillator 127 with an electrical signal captured from the oscillation system 1 between the optical-electrical converter 4 and the electrical-optical converter 3, in particular between the frequency filter 63 and the driver 65.

[0162] The superposition of these two electrical signals produces a sinusoidal electrical signal with a frequency corresponding to the difference between the frequency of the electrical signal captured from the oscillator system 1 and the frequency of the electrical signal of the crystal oscillator 127 .

[0163] If the two frequencies are exactly identical, a beat signal, or DC voltage signal, of frequency 0 is produced. If their frequencies are unequal, an AC voltage signal of the difference frequency is produced.

[0164] If the length of the optical waveguide 20 and the speed of light change with temperature, and if necessary the crystal frequency of the crystal oscillator also changes, and is temperature sensitive, the result will be a beat frequency that is temperature dependent.

[0165] By appropriate selection of the two output frequencies, it can be ensured that this beat frequency is never exactly zero over the expected operating temperature range of the clock, and that it depends on temperature in a well-defined way.

[0166] This beat frequency can be measured. In particular, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation system 1 and the temperature dependence of the beat frequency are measured once. Thus, how a given count value, to which the count value of the pulse counter 119 of the comparator 124 is compared, has to be corrected can be calculated and stored in a correction table or correction function, so that the use signal generator 116 provides a use signal with the correct duration independently of the temperature of the oscillation system 1 and / or the clock 100 around the oscillation system 1.

[0167] In other words, the usage signal generator 116 is adapted to compare the frequency of the electrical signal captured from the oscillation system with the oscillation frequency of the crystal oscillator and generate an actual comparison value. Based on the frequency of the electrical signal and the actual comparison value, the usage signal generator 116 is capable of generating a usage signal.

[0168] In particular, a plurality of temperature dependent stored comparison values ​​and associated correction values ​​may be stored in the memory 125. The usage signal generator 116 may be adapted to assign actual comparison values ​​to the stored comparison values ​​and to generate a usage signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal and the correction value.

[0169] FIG. 9 refers to a watch 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0170] The watch 100 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the one according to the third embodiment in that, according to the fifth embodiment, an inverter (inverter circuit) 66 is arranged between the electric amplifier and the driver 65, instead of the trigger 61 and the monoflop 62 in the watch. The electrical signal path 6 is therefore adapted to invert the electrical signal between the optical-electrical converter 4 and the electrical-optical converter 3.

[0171] An inverter 66 is preferably adapted to alternately switch on and off the electrical-to-optical converter 3 via the driver 65 .

[0172] To achieve the same effect, the output of the electrical amplifier 60, in particular configured as a transimpedance amplifier as already mentioned, can be an inverting output. The inverting output is used to invert the electrical signal between the optical-electrical converter 4 and the electrical-optical converter 3, and therefore also to switch the electrical-optical converter 3 alternately on and off. Alternatively, the input of the driver 65 can be configured as an inverting input. It is possible to omit the inverter 66 both at the inverting output of the electrical amplifier 60 and at the inverting input of the driver 65.

[0173] During operation of the clock 100 according to this embodiment, the electrical-to-optical converter 3 provides an optical signal to the optical waveguide 20. The optical signal travels through the optical waveguide 20, which takes a certain amount of time. For example, for a distance of about 10 meters, the light takes about 20 millionths of a second. When the optical signal reaches the end of the optical waveguide, it strikes the optical-to-electrical converter 4, which senses the arrival of the optical signal and converts it into a current signal. The electrical amplifier 60 amplifies the current signal and converts it into a voltage signal that is sent to the inverter 66.

[0174] When the voltage signal arrives, the inverter 66 sets its output signal to zero, thus switching off the electrical-to-optical converter 3 via the driver 65. After a normal transit time for the optical waveguide 20 (for example, for 10 m, as already mentioned, about 20 millionths of a second), the optical signal still in the optical waveguide 20 reaches the optical-to-electrical converter 4 completely. After that, no further optical signal is received, at which point the input signal of the electrical amplifier, and therefore also its output signal, drops to zero.

[0175] As a result, the inverter 66 again increases its output signal and thus switches on the electrical-to-optical converter 3 via the driver 65. This sends another optical signal to the optical waveguide 20. The optical signal reaches the optical-to-electrical converter 4 after the normal transit time for the optical waveguide 20 and an output signal formed as a voltage signal is generated in the electrical amplifier 60. When this voltage signal starts, the inverter 66 again sets its output signal to zero and switches off the electrical-to-optical converter 3.

[0176] This cycle is repeated regularly and a square wave signal appears at the output of the electrical amplifier 60, whose periodic time corresponds to twice the normal transit time for the optical waveguide 20. With an optical waveguide 20 of about 10 m length, this results in a square wave signal with a frequency of 10 MHz. This rectangular signal is the time base for the clock 100.

[0177] This square wave signal is input to a usage signal generator 116 to generate a usage signal.

[0178] The clock 100 according to the fifth embodiment has the advantage that the oscillator system 1 is a digital oscillator generating a square wave signal. The signal processing is digital and the resulting square wave signal can be directly processed without further conditioning.

[0179] Due to the fact that instead of just one signal is sent from the optical-electrical converter 4 to the electrical-optical converter 3 per oscillation cycle, two signals (one signal for switching the electrical-optical converter 3 on and one signal for switching it off), it is possible to halve the length of the optical waveguide 20 for the same frequency of the oscillation system 1. This is particularly advantageous when the watch 100 is made as a wristwatch, since it is possible to save space in the watch case 11 or since the watch case, and therefore also the watch 100, can be made smaller.

[0180] Conversely, it is possible to halve the oscillation frequency of the oscillation system 1 in a watch 100 according to the fifth embodiment, if the desired length of the optical waveguide 20 is maintained. For example, when the length of the optical waveguide 20 is 20 meters, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation system 1 corresponds to half the oscillation frequency of an optical waveguide 20 of the same length in a watch 100 according to one of the previous embodiments. As the power consumption for some electronic functions does not increase linearly with increasing frequency, but increases by its square, it is possible to consequently achieve a much lower power consumption for the electronics of the watch 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0181] FIG. 10 refers to a watch 100 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0182] The oscillating system 1 of the watch 100 according to the sixth embodiment corresponds in principle to the oscillating system 1 of the watch 100 according to the fifth embodiment. The only difference is that between the inverter 66 and the driver 65 a data unit 67 is arranged which includes a modulator 67 for modulating the input signal of the electrical-optical converter 3 on the basis of a data set.

[0183] Preferably, the watch 100 comprises a memory unit 133 for storing a data set, an input unit 134 for inputting the data set, a read-out unit 131 for reading out the data set from the modulated output signal of the optical-to-electrical converter 4, and an output unit 132 for outputting information based on the read-out data set. In particular, the memory unit 133 and the input unit 134 are parts of the microcontroller 130.

[0184] The information may for example consist of light and / or sound and / or electrical data signals, preferably outputted via WLAN or Bluetooth, in which case the output unit 132 is correspondingly configured and formed to output such information. In Fig. 10 the output unit 132 is depicted as a light emitting diode.

[0185] Preferably, the data set may include personal resolutions, such as a resolution to quit smoking, or names of inspirational people, personal goals or ideals, but also religious messages, such as mantras.

[0186] Advantageously, the data set can be optically encoded and circulated within the oscillator system 1 at the speed of light.

[0187] Coding is possible by modulating the amplitude (voltage) of the square wave oscillation. The modulation can be done via a modulator 68 and via a driver 65 of the electrical-to-optical converter 3. The driver 65 can put the electrical-to-optical converter 3 at, for example, maximum intensity or half intensity.

[0188] In this way, the amplitude of the optical signal traveling through the optical waveguide is modulated, which has no effect on the set oscillation frequency of the oscillation system 1 if the electrical amplifier 60 is appropriately set. The accuracy of the time base is not affected by this. This different amplitude can be indicated, for example, by a light-emitting diode connected to the driver 65, which then lights up with a different brightness.

[0189] In other words, a clock 100 with a square wave signal is provided by alternately switching on and off the electrical-to-optical converter 3. In a square wave signal, each oscillation period encompasses the same duration, but the amplitude of the oscillation itself, i.e. the intensity of the optical signal, varies.

[0190] For example, the Morse alphabet with signal pulses of different lengths can be used as coding, where the code for "S" is three repetitions of a short signal and the code for "O" is three repetitions of a long signal. Thus, "SOS" is "short-short-short-long-long-long-short-short-short". To incorporate this code with an oscillator system 1 with a time base of, for example, 10 MHz, corresponding to a period of 100 nanoseconds, it is possible to design the intensity of the individual light pulses so that 2 million light pulses with maximum intensity (corresponding to a time duration of 200 milliseconds) correspond to dots and 2 million light pulses with half intensity (corresponding to a time duration of 200 milliseconds) correspond to pauses (Morse time base). This corresponds to Morse code with 6 words per minute according to the PARIS standard. Morse light pulses at this rate are easy to recognize and identify, even for an inexperienced user.

[0191] With the dots representing "1" and the pauses representing "0", the following Morse pulse sequence corresponds to the word "SOS". 1010100011101110111000101010000000

[0192] The length of this word (including pauses) is 34 dits, with a total duration of 34 dits x 0.2 seconds = 6.8 seconds.

[0193] The Morse time base can be derived from the appropriate binary digit of the pulse counter 119 or divider 117, or can be specified by the microcontroller 130. The message (data set) to be transmitted is stored as a Morse pulse sequence in the memory unit 133 of the microcontroller 130. Alternatively, it can be stored in a binary shift register of the microcontroller 130.

[0194] The Morse code is stored in a memory unit 133 and applied with an appropriate readout rate to the digital output of the microcontroller 130. A pause corresponds to a zero and a dit corresponds to the maximum output voltage of the microcontroller 130. This output signal is superimposed at the modulation input of the driver 65 with the signal coming from the inverter 66.

[0195] This superposition works in such a way that in the absence of the microcontroller signal (pause), the electrical-to-optical converter 3 is set to half intensity with the voltage signal coming from the inverter 66. If the microcontroller signal (dot) is present, the signal at the modulation input of the driver 65 increases with the voltage signal from the inverter 66 so that the electrical-to-optical converter 3 is set to maximum intensity. It is possible to ensure using a corresponding logic circuit that the signal at the modulation input of the driver 65 is zero when there is a voltage signal coming from the microcontroller 130 but not from the inverter 66.

[0196] The modulation of the light wave can be read out at the output of the electrical amplifier 60 by means of a read-out unit 131, in particular formed as a peak detector. A threshold value of the peak detector is set so that it provides an output signal only during the train of light dot pulses, whereby the output unit 132 is then controlled.

[0197] FIG. 11 refers to a watch 100 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

[0198] 11 shows the oscillation system 1 and the use signal generator 116 of the timer arrangement 10. The use signal generator 116 can advantageously be formed in the same way as one of the use signal generators 116 of the above-mentioned embodiments. The oscillation system 1 can be directly or indirectly connected to the use signal generator.

[0199] Similar to the oscillating system 1 of the clock 100 according to the previous embodiment, this oscillating system 1 includes an optical waveguide arrangement 2 including an optical waveguide 20, an electrical-to-optical converter 3 adapted to supply a clocked optical signal to the optical waveguide arrangement 2, and an optical-to-electrical converter 4 adapted to receive the optical signal from the optical waveguide 20 and generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal.

[0200] In particular, the electrical-to-optical converter 3 is adapted to provide at its electrical input an input signal 300 which is applied once or repetitively at given time intervals.

[0201] Here, the optical waveguide arrangement 2 is formed as an infinite loop (closed optical loop). The timer arrangement 10 further includes an optical splitter 51 for splitting the optical signal from the infinite loop into the optical-electrical converter 4, and an optical coupler 53 for coupling the optical signal from the electrical-optical converter into the infinite loop.

[0202] Furthermore, an optical amplifier 55 is disposed in the optical waveguide arrangement 2 formed as an infinite loop. In particular, the optical amplifier 55 is disposed between the optical coupler 53 and the optical splitter 51.

[0203] The output of the optical waveguide 20 is connected to a first input of an optical coupler 51. The output of the optical coupler 53 is connected to an input of an amplifier 55. The output of the optical amplifier 55 is connected to an input of an optical splitter 51, the first output of which is connected to the input of the optical waveguide 20. The optical output of the electrical-to-optical converter 3 is connected to a second input of the optical coupler 53. The second output of the optical splitter 51 is connected to an input of the optical-to-electrical converter. An electrical signal is available at the output of the optical-to-electrical converter 4 as an output signal 400. A usage signal can be generated from this electrical signal via a usage signal generator 116 in the manner already described with reference to the clock 100 according to the previous embodiment.

[0204] After the transit time of the optical signal through the optical waveguide 20, the optical signal reaches its output and therefore again the input of the optical waveguide 20. The transit time t d,LWL is expressed by the following formula: LWL and the speed of light in the optical waveguide 20, c LWL Depends on: t d,LWL =l LWL / c LWL

[0205] The length of the optical waveguide 20 is l LWL = 20m, and the speed of light in the optical waveguide is approximately 200,000,000 m / s. The transit time is approximately t d,LWL 100 nanoseconds. Thus, an optical signal appears at the output every 100 nanoseconds and can be captured using optical splitter 51 and used to generate the usage signal.

[0206] 12 is a functional demonstration of the clock signal generation using a signal-time diagram 600. The diagram 600 shows the progression of the input signal 300, the output signal 400 and the utilization signal 500 with respect to time 700.

[0207] An input signal 300 is provided at time t=0. The input signal in FIG. 12 is a bit sequence. Any information can be stored in the bit sequence, making it possible to personalize each clock signal generation according to customer requirements. The format and the method used to encode and / or modulate the signal are independent of the clock generation function.

[0208] After passing through the optical waveguide 20, i.e., at time t=t d,LWL appears again at the output of the optical waveguide 20 and therefore at its input after TIFF0007657983000001.tif13166, any time t=n×t d,LWL The bit sequence reappears at the output of the optical waveguide 20. The clock signal 500 shown can be generated from the output signal 400 in a straightforward manner.

[0209] FIG. 13 refers to a watch 100 according to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

[0210] The oscillating system 1 in the timepiece 100 according to the eighth embodiment differs from that of the timepiece 100 according to the seventh embodiment by the following structures.

[0211] The optical waveguide configuration 2 in this case is subdivided into a first portion 21 between the optical coupler 53 and the optical splitter 51 and a second portion 22 between the optical splitter 51 and the optical coupler 53, and the delay of the optical signal in the second portion 22 corresponds to the delay of the parallel signal from the optical splitter 51 to the optical coupler 53.

[0212] In this case, the output signal of the optical waveguide 20 is split via a splitter 51, hereafter referred to as the first splitter 51. A first output of the first splitter 51 is connected to an input of an optical amplifier 55. An output of the optical amplifier 55 is connected to a first input of a coupler 53, hereafter referred to as the first optical coupler 53. An output of the first optical coupler 53 is connected to an input of the optical waveguide 20. A second output of the first splitter 51 is connected to a first input of a second optical coupler 54, the output of which is connected to an input of a delay line 56. The signal reaches the input of the second optical splitter 52 via the output of the delay line 56. A first output of the second optical splitter 52 is connected to a second input of the first optical coupler 53.

[0213] An optical output of the electrical-to-optical converter 3 is connected to a second input of a second optical coupler 54. A second output of the second optical splitter 54 is connected to an input of the optical-to-electrical converter 4. An electrical signal is available at the output of the optical-to-electrical converter 4 as output signal 400.

[0214] From this output signal, it is possible to generate any clock signal in a known manner via electronic circuits. The delay of the optical signal through the second optical coupler K2, the delay line VL and the second optical splitter S2 must correspond to the signal delay of the optical amplifier OV.

[0215] Due to the two parallel optical signal paths 51-54-56-52-53 and 51-55-53, it is possible to maintain a continuous signal flow in the infinite loop through the optical waveguide 20, even when the optical amplifier 55 is deactivated for a short time. This makes it possible to activate the optical amplifier 55 only when the optical signal strength drops below a definable minimum value due to attenuation in the infinite loop. By periodically switching the optical amplifier 55 on and off, it is possible to optimize the power consumption of the clock generation as required.

[0216] FIG. 14 refers to a watch 100 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0217] In this embodiment of the clock 100, an electrical amplifier 60 is used instead of the optical amplifier 55. The optical output signal of the optical waveguide 20 is split via an optical splitter 51 into two optical signal components.

[0218] The first optical signal component is sent via a first output of the optical splitter 51 and via a delay line 56 to a first input of the optical coupler 53. The output of the optical coupler 53 is connected to the input of the optical waveguide 20. The second optical signal component is converted to an electrical signal via a second output of the optical splitter 51 and via an optical-to-electrical converter 4. This signal is amplified using an electrical amplifier 60 and, after conversion to an optical signal, is sent to a second input of the optical coupler 53 via an electrical-to-optical converter 3. The electrical-to-optical converter 3 is controllable by the amplified and converted electrical signal of the optical-to-electrical converter 4.

[0219] In this signal generation, an input signal 300 is provided between the optical-to-electrical converter 4 and the electrical amplifier 60. An output signal 400 is captured between the electrical amplifier 60 and the electrical-to-optical converter 3. The sum of the delays of the electrical and optical signals through the optical-to-electrical converter 4, the electrical amplifier 60 and the electrical-to-optical converter 3 corresponds to the delay of the optical signal through the optical delay line 56.

[0220] FIG. 15 refers to a watch 100 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0221] Instead of the optical delay line 56 of the clock 100 of Fig. 14, a second optical waveguide 57 is used here. The delay of the optical signal in the second optical waveguide 57 corresponds to the sum of the delays of the electrical and optical signals through the optical-to-electrical converter 4, the electrical amplifier 60 and the electrical-to-optical converter 3.

[0222] FIG. 16 refers to a watch 100 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0223] In contrast to the oscillator system 1 shown in Fig. 15, here a circuit 58 for data and clock recovery is used between the output of the electrical amplifier 60 and the input of the electrical-to-optical converter 3. Such circuits, also called retimers, are used to regenerate the shape of electrical and optical signals that have been altered by fluctuations and attenuation.

[0224] In addition to the description of the invention set forth above, explicit reference is made herein to the diagrammatic representations of the invention in FIGS. 1 to 16 for purposes of supplementary disclosure thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0225] 1. Oscillation System 2 Optical waveguide configuration 3. Electrical-optical converter 4. Optical-to-electrical converter 5 Optical signal path 6 Electrical signal path 10 Timer Configuration 11 Watch Case 12 Dial 13 needles 14 Ports 15 Watch Glass 16 Wristbands 20 Optical waveguide 21 First Part 22 Second Part 51 Optical splitter (first optical splitter) 52 Optical splitter (second optical splitter) 53 Optical coupler (first optical coupler) 54 Optical coupler (second optical coupler) 55 Optical Amplifier 56 Delay Line 57 Second Optical Waveguide 58 Circuit 60 Electrical Amplifier 61 Trigger 62 Monoflop 63 Frequency Filter 64 Schmitt Trigger 65 Drivers 66 Inverter 67 Data Units 68 Modulator 100 Watches 101 Drive unit 102 Clock display device 103 Power supply equipment 104 Gear train 105 Escapement 106 Electrical and mechanical equipment 107 Magnetic Core 108 Magnetic Coil 109 Escape wheel 110 Escapement parts 115 Oscillator Circuit 116 Electronic Signal Generator 117 Frequency divider 118 Output Device 119 Pulse Counter 120 Energy Harvesting Device 121 Winding device 122 State of charge measuring device 123 Control Unit 124 Comparator 125 Memory 126 Temperature Sensor 127 Crystal Oscillator 128 Mixer 130 Microcontrollers 131 Readout unit 132 output units 133 Memory Unit 134 Input Unit 300 Input Signal 400 Output Signal 500 used signal 600 Signal-Time Diagrams 700 hours

Claims

1. The watch (100) is A timer arrangement (10) comprising an oscillator system (1), Inclusive of The oscillation system (1) comprises: An optical waveguide structure (2) including an optical waveguide (20); an electrical-optical converter (3) adapted to supply a clocked optical signal to said optical waveguide arrangement; an optical-to-electrical converter (4) adapted to receive the optical signal from the optical waveguide and generate an electrical signal based on the received optical signal; Inclusive of The timer arrangement (10) includes an electronic usage signal generator (116) configured to generate a usage signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal, and a clock display (102) adapted to display a time based on the usage signal.

2. The clock (100) of claim 1, wherein the oscillating system (1) includes an optical signal path (5) from the electrical-optical converter (3) to the optical-electrical converter (4) within the optical waveguide arrangement (2) and an electrical signal path (6) from the optical-electrical converter (4) to the electrical-optical converter (3), the electrical-optical converter (3) being controllable based on the electrical signal of the optical-electrical converter (4).

3. A watch (100) according to claim 2, comprising an electrical amplifier (60) between said optical-to-electrical converter (4) and said electrical-to-optical converter (3) for amplifying said electrical signal.

4. A watch (100) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a trigger (61) and a monoflop (62), the trigger (61) being configured to drive the monoflop (62) using the electrical signal from the optical-to-electrical converter (4), the monoflop (62) being configured to generate an output pulse for controlling the electrical-to-optical converter (3).

5. 4. The watch (100) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the electrical signal path (6) is configured to invert the electrical signal.

6. A watch (100) according to any of claims 2 or 3, comprising a frequency filter (63) for filtering the electrical signal, arranged between the optical-to-electrical converter (4) and the electrical-to-optical converter (3).

7. 4. A watch (100) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a Schmitt trigger (64) configured to convert said electrical signal into a square wave signal.

8. The optical waveguide arrangement (2) is formed as an infinite loop, and the timer arrangement (10) is an optical splitter (51) for splitting said optical signal from said infinite loop to said optical-to-electrical converter (4); an optical coupler (53) for coupling said optical signal from said electrical-to-optical converter (3) into said infinite loop; The watch (100) of claim 1, comprising:

9. 9. A watch (100) according to claim 8, including an optical amplifier (55) in the optical waveguide arrangement (2) configured as an infinite loop.

10. A watch (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the electrical-optical converter (3) is controllable by an electrical signal of the optical-electrical converter (4).

11. A watch (100) according to claim 10, comprising an electrical amplifier (60) between said optical-to-electrical converter (4) and said electrical-to-optical converter (3) adapted to amplify said electrical signal.

12. The optical waveguide configuration (2) is divided into a first portion (21) between the optical coupler (53) and the optical splitter (51) and a second portion (22) between the optical splitter (51) and the optical coupler (53); a delay of the optical signal in the second portion (22) corresponds to a delay of a parallel signal from the optical splitter (51) to the optical coupler (53); A watch (100) according to claim 8 or 9.

13. A watch (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a data unit (67) including a modulator (68) for modulating an input signal of said electrical-to-optical converter (3) on the basis of a data set.

14. a memory unit (133) for storing the data set, and / or an input unit (134) for inputting a data set, and / or a read-out unit (131) for reading out said data set from said modulated output signal of said optical-to-electrical converter (4), 14. The watch (100) of claim 13, comprising:

15. The watch (100) of claim 14, comprising an output unit (132) for outputting information based on the data set read by the read unit (131).

16. a crystal oscillator (127) with a predetermined crystal oscillator oscillation frequency; the electronic usage signal generator (116) is adapted to compare the frequency of the electrical signal with an oscillation frequency of the crystal oscillator to generate an actual comparison value, and to generate the usage signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal and the actual comparison value. A watch (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

17. 17. The watch (100) of claim 16, wherein a plurality of temperature-dependent stored comparison values ​​and associated correction values ​​are stored in the electronic usage signal generator (116), the electronic usage signal generator (116) being adapted to associate the actual comparison values ​​with the stored comparison values ​​and to generate the usage signal based on the frequency of the electrical signal and the correction values.

18. The timer arrangement (10) further includes an electromechanical device (106); The timepiece (100) further comprises a gear train (104), a drive (101) for driving the gear train (104), and a clock display (102) connected to the gear train (104) and operable by the gear train (104), the electromechanical device (106) can be actuated using the use signal generated by the electronic use signal generator (116), whereby the electromechanical device (106) is clocked to directly or indirectly engage the gear train (104); A watch (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

19. a gear train (104), a drive (101) for driving said gear train (104); a clock display (102) connected to said gear train (104) and movable through said gear train (104); and wherein the driving device (101) is controllable using the usage signal.

3. A watch as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

20. The watch of claim 1, wherein the watch (100) is a wristwatch.

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