A watch face that includes a device for sending messages, and a wristwatch that includes the watch face.

Abstract

To provide a watch with a dial including a message transmission device which is standalone and has an effectiveness that remains constant over time.SOLUTION: There is provided a dial 2a, 2b of a watch 1 including a standalone device for transmitting a message to an electronic device. The dial 2a, 2b includes a visible face 20a and a hidden face. The dial 2a, 2b is formed by a stack of thin layers of material extending between the visible face 20a and the hidden face. Each thin layer includes one or more of functional elements included in a stand-alone device 3: at least one message transmission activation sensor 23; at least one light source 4; a standalone power supply unit; and a control unit for managing operation of the at least one light source 4 and of the at least one activation sensor 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wristwatch provided with a dial including a device for sending messages, the device being completely stand-alone.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, an electromechanical wristwatch with hands driven by a train of a watch movement mechanism, which displays the current time, is known. In this context, the operation of the mechanism can be hindered by the presence of shocks, electromagnetic fields or other disturbances applied to the wristwatch. In order to limit and even avoid damage to this mechanism, it is often necessary to identify at an early stage the disturbances that can cause it and the malfunctioning caused to the mechanism by these disturbances.

[0003] It should be understood that in this context there is a need to find a solution that does not have the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by providing a wristwatch provided with a dial including a message sending device, which is stand-alone and has the effect of remaining constant over time.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch dial including a stand-alone device for sending messages to an electronic device, the dial being substantially flat and including visible and hidden faces on opposite sides of each other, the faces being connected to each other by a peripheral wall, the dial being formed by a laminate of thin layers of material extending between these two faces, each layer including one or more of a plurality of functional elements included in the device. The plurality of functional elements are · at least one message sending operation sensor, · at least one light source, · a stand-alone power supply unit, and A control unit (7) that manages the operation of the at least one light source (4) and the at least one operating sensor. That is the case.

[0006] In other embodiments, The at least one operating sensor is configured to generate at least one electrical signal toward the control unit that triggers the transmission of a message to the electronic device, The at least one of the light sources is a point light source, The control unit is configured to control the at least one light source by controlling its blinking according to the information contained in the message. The laminate of thin layers of material includes a first layer on which the visible surface of the dial is provided, and the first layer includes the at least one operating sensor and the at least one light source. The at least one operating sensor is located in a cavity formed in the hidden surface of the dial. The first layer is configured such that all or part of it is traversed by light radiation, particularly solar radiation. The aforementioned first layer is transparent or semi-transparent in whole or in part. • The laminate of thin layers of material includes a second layer containing a photovoltaic module that constitutes a standalone power supply unit. The second layer includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module is printed. The photovoltaic module is positioned in the effective area of ​​the second layer, and the area is configured to receive light radiation emitted from the first layer of the laminate of thin layers of material. The laminate includes a third layer containing an electrical energy storage unit that constitutes a standalone power supply unit. The third layer includes a substrate on which an electrical energy storage device is printed. The laminate includes a fourth layer that forms the hidden surface of the dial, which includes the control unit. The laminate includes a third layer which includes a hidden surface of the dial containing an electrical energy storage unit that constitutes the control unit and the standalone power supply unit. The first layer is rigid compared to the other flexible layers in a laminate of thin layers of material.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a wristwatch including such a dial.

[0008] Advantageously, a wristwatch may include a mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical movement. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The purpose, advantages, and features of the wristwatch according to the present invention will become apparent in the following description based on at least one non-limiting embodiment illustrated by the drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a wristwatch including a watch face equipped with a standalone message transmission device, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] The first exploded view shows a first modification of a dial formed by a laminate of four superimposed layers according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein each layer includes one or more components of a transmitting device. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a schematic representation of a first modified example of a dial equipped with a transmitting device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] The diagram shows an exploded view of a second modified example of a dial formed by stacking three superimposed layers according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where each layer includes one or more components of a transmitting device. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of a second modified example of a dial equipped with a transmitting device, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Figure 1 schematically shows a wristwatch 1 including a case 19 provided with a back cover and an intermediate part to which a crystal 22 is attached, a set of components forming a timepiece movement, and dials 2a, 2b disposed between the timepiece movement and the crystal 22.

[0012] In a manner well-known to those skilled in the art, the timepiece movement drives a set of hands including an hour hand, a minute hand, and optionally a second hand. For this purpose, the dials 2a, 2b include through-holes for receiving the axes of the hands. The dials 2a, 2b also include two surfaces 20a, 20b. The two surfaces 20a, 20b are · a so-called visible surface 20a that is visible from the outside of the wristwatch 1, also known as the "visible part" or "visible upper part" of the dials 2a, 2b, and · a so-called hidden surface 20b that is disposed opposite the timepiece movement in the enclosure of the case 19 of the wristwatch 1, and is the surface 20b that is the so-called "hidden part" or "hidden lower part" of the dials 2a, 2b and include.

[0013] Such a visible surface 20a contributes to the display of horological information / measurement values, or physical information / measurement values measured by sensors included in the movement, with or without hands, in a non-limiting and non-exhaustive manner, for example, marker (or display) elements such as numbers, indices, lines, or points, · and may include at least one graphic representation such as · inscriptions, patterns, texts, logos, etc. of.

[0014] These visible surfaces 20a and hidden surfaces 20b are substantially flat and / or parallel and / or opposite to each other. In other variations, the dials 2a, 2b may include a domed visible surface and a hidden surface that may be domed or flat. These surfaces 20a, 20b are also joined together by the peripheral walls of the dials 2a, 2b.

[0015] Furthermore, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, it should be noted that the dials 2a, 2b preferably have a circular shape. It should be understood that the present invention can also be implemented for dials 2a, 2b having other shapes such as, for example, triangular or square shapes.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the timepiece movement is a mechanical movement. Alternatively, this movement may be an electromechanical or electronic movement. Next, when the movement is mechanical, it is referred to as a mechanical wristwatch, when it includes an electromechanical movement, it is referred to as an electromechanical wristwatch, and when it includes an electronic movement, it is referred to as an electronic wristwatch.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, such dials 2a, 2b include a message transmitting device 3 that is stand-alone. This transmitting device 3 includes its own power means, as will be understood later. Such a message transmitting device 3 is said to be stand-alone, particularly with respect to the movement of the wristwatch 1 and particularly with respect to the energy source of this movement (for example, when this energy source is a power source as in an electromechanical or electronic movement). Under such conditions, it should be understood that the energy used by this transmitting device 3 is not used so as to impair the autonomy of the movement.

[0018] With such a transmitting device 3, the wristwatch 1 can transmit a message to an electronic device. The message may include information related to a function implemented by the wristwatch 1 such as the time function, or a function for monitoring an event related to the operation of the movement of the wristwatch, such as an event related to a leak in the case 19 of the wristwatch 1. Other example types of information that may be included in the message are · For example, during two services or maintenance operations, when the wristwatch 1 is equipped to allow, for example, determination of the actual operating time of the wristwatch 1, counting the number of passes of at least one hand, • If accelerometers are provided on dials 2a and 2b, the number and nature (weak, strong) of impacts received by case 19, If magnetic sensors are provided on the dials 2a and 2b, the number of times and the intensity of the magnetic field that the watch 1 is exposed to, If a pressure and / or humidity sensor is provided on the dial, the internal pressure and / or humidity of the case 19 which may indicate a leak in the watch 1, For example, if the dials 2a and 2b are equipped with gyroscopes, in order to improve the adjustment of the watch according to the wearer, or to adjust the frequency of maintenance services required for the proper operation of watch 1 (which may form part of predictive maintenance), the orientation of watch 1 and the duration of these orientations, If the dials 2a and 2b are equipped with acoustic sensors to allow for the detection of abnormal operating noise, they may be used to predict or signal malfunctions or failures. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

[0019] Therefore, in this context, the transmitting device 3, in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner, transmits the following event sensors, namely, • Watch hand position sensor, • Accelerometer sensor, • Pressure sensor, • Humidity sensor, • Angle position sensor, • Gyroscope and / or inertial sensors in the form of electromechanical microsystem circuit-type electronic components, • Acoustic sensor It should be understood that it is acceptable to include this.

[0020] In this context, such an electronic device is preferably a mobile device. The device is also referred to as a user terminal and can be carried and operated by a user. This could be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet. The electronic device preferably includes a microcontroller, an optical sensor such as a photographic sensor, a point light source, and an element for broadcasting received messages, such as a screen and / or a loudspeaker. In this configuration, the electronic device is used to receive, decode, and broadcast messages transmitted by the transmitting device of the watch 1.

[0021] The case 19 of the wristwatch 1 may have dials 2a and 2b that are detachably mounted, in which case the type of wristwatch 1 is irrelevant. The only condition is that the dials 2a and 2b include a transmitting device 3 that is therefore standalone with respect to the movement of the wristwatch 1. The dials 2a and 2b are also referred to as "standalone dials" because they are not connected to the movement of the wristwatch 1, particularly electrically. The dials 2a and 2b may be considered as components attached to the wristwatch 1.

[0022] The transmitting device 3 included in the character faces 2a and 2b includes at least one light source 4, also known as a light source, a standalone power supply unit 21, at least one message transmission operation sensor 23, and a control unit 7.

[0023] In the device 3, the at least one light source 4 is preferably a point light source implemented to contribute to message transmission. Thus, the light provided by the at least one point light source 4 illuminates a point area or sub-point area of ​​the dial 2a, 2b. To this end, the light emitted from each light source 4 can be collimated or focused toward the considered point area or sub-point area, for example, by any known collimation or focusing means. This “point area or sub-point area” includes any area located within the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, 2b and has dimensions such that it is perceived by the human eye as distinct from adjacent areas.

[0024] Each point light source 4 can correspond to any electroluminescent element selected from a non-exhaustive and non-limiting list. This list is: Light-Emitting Capacitors, known by the initials LEC, Light-emitting diodes such as LED (initials for "Light-Emitting Diode"), OLED (initials for "Organic Light-Emitting Diode"), AMOLED (initials for "Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode"), and QLED (initials for "Quantum Light-Emitting Diode"), • Any electroluminescent material activated by a local electric field, • Any electroluminescent material activated by electric current, • Any combination of these electroluminescent elements Includes.

[0025] Alternatively, although not shown in the diagram, the point light source 4 may be a quantum box or a quantum dot.

[0026] In the transmitting device 3, the standalone power supply unit 21 includes an electrical energy storage unit 6 and a photovoltaic module 5 which includes at least one photovoltaic cell, also known as a solar cell. The photovoltaic module 5 is connected to the electrical energy storage unit 6 via connecting elements referred to as 17b and 18 in Figures 3 and 5. The photovoltaic module 5 may include one or more heterojunction or multijunction basic cells connected in parallel or in series. Each photovoltaic cell in the module 5 may be made from a semiconductor material based on copper, indium, gallium, and selenium, a semiconductor material based on cadmium telluride, a semiconductor material based on single-crystal gallium arsenide, or a semiconductor material based on single-crystal or polycrystalline silicon, or it may be made from perovskite, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that these examples are not limiting, and those skilled in the art may find a type of photovoltaic cell suitable for the present invention.

[0027] In the transmitting device 3, a control unit 7, also known as a microcontroller, includes an electronic circuit 8, which includes memory elements and hardware resources, particularly at least one processor, that cooperate with an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. The control unit 7 is connected to at least one light source 4, at least one operating sensor 23, and a standalone power supply unit 21.

[0028] The control unit 7 includes a message transmission algorithm in its memory element. The algorithm can implement message transmission by defining a sequence of optical pulses that broadcast light emission from at least one light source 4, which in such cases is implemented by optical modulation or optical coding applied to the emission. This modulation or coding results in the control of the blinking of the light source 4 being alternately performed between two states, on and off. In this context, the sequence of optical pulses, also referred to as the "transmission sequence" or "transmission optical pulse sequence," depends on the content of the message, in other words, the information contained in the message. Therefore, by executing this algorithm, the control unit 7 can drive / control the blinking of the point light source 4 according to the defined transmission sequence.

[0029] In the said transmitting device 3, the message transmission operation sensor 23, also referred to as the operation sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3, • A sequence of light pulses, also called the "start sequence" or "start light pulse sequence," is received from at least one light sensor capable of receiving it from a point light source of an electronic device to trigger the operation of message transmission. For example, at least one acoustic sensor capable of detecting when a trim element (e.g., crystal) of the watch is tapped to trigger the sending of a message. • At least one accelerometer-type sensor that detects vibration, which is an impact applied to the watch to trigger the message sending function. • At least one gyroscope-type sensor that detects vibrations, which are shocks applied to the watch to trigger the message sending function. • At least one accelerometer-type sensor and at least one gyroscope-type sensor that together detect vibrations, which are shocks applied to the watch to trigger the message sending action. It may include.

[0030] The operating sensor 23 is configured to generate at least one electrical signal to the control unit 7 in order to trigger or cause the message transmission.

[0031] Furthermore, it should be noted that such a control unit 7 may also include in its memory elements algorithms for managing the electrical energy storage unit 6 (in particular, its recharging, managed by the photovoltaic module 5), as well as for managing the electrical consumption of the light source 4 and the electrical consumption of the operating sensor 23.

[0032] In other words, as already stated, the standalone transmitting device 3 is therefore included in the dials 2a and 2b. In this configuration, the components of the transmitting device 3, namely the light source 4, the electrical energy storage unit 6, the photovoltaic module 5, the operating sensor 23, and the control unit 7, are included in one or more layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 that form the dials 2a and 2b.

[0033] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the dials 2a and 2b are formed by or consist of laminates 9a and 9b of multiple thin / fine layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. These layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are joined together by bonding elements such as adhesives to obtain a monolithic laminate of thin layers 9a and 9b, thereby forming a single integrated dial 2a and 2b. The bonding elements may be clips or screws. These layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are superimposed within the laminates 9a and 9b of multiple layers. That is, within the dials 2a and 2b, they are arranged on top of each other in a predetermined order. These laminates 9a and 9b of multiple layers may also be referred to as aggregates of multiple layers. In the laminates 9a and 9b, the multiple layers are substantially similar and have upper and lower surfaces with substantially the same area / surface, thereby contributing to the formation of the peripheral walls of the dials 2a and 2b without relief.

[0034] It should be noted that these thin or fine layers are layers having a thickness of micrometers. In fact, each layer may have a thickness between 1 and 100 μm, preferably 2 μm, more preferably 3 μm. With respect to the thickness of the dials 2a and 2b, this thickness may be between 8 and 400 μm, preferably 6 μm, or preferably 12 μm, or preferably 100 μm, or preferably 200 μm, or preferably 300 μm.

[0035] In other words, such integrated dials 2a and 2b have the additional advantage of being easily incorporated into the case 19 of the wristwatch 1, as they can be detachably mounted to the case 19.

[0036] In the first modified example of the laminate 9a shown in Figure 3, the laminate 9a consists of the following four consecutive thin / fine layers 10, 11, 12, and 13, i.e., A first layer 10 forming / constituting the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, including the at least one light source 4 and the at least one operating sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3, • A second layer 11 including a photovoltaic module 5, • A third layer 12 including an electrical energy storage device 6, also known as a rechargeable battery, • The fourth layer 13 forms the hidden surface 20b of the dial 2a, including the control unit 7. It consists of.

[0037] The first layer 10 of the laminate 9a is preferably rigid or semi-rigid compared to the second, third, and fourth thin / fine layers 11, 12, and 13, which are preferably soft or flexible. It should be understood herein that such a first layer 10 contributes to making the thin-layer laminate 9a, and consequently the dial 2a, structurally rigid.

[0038] In the laminate 9a, the first, second, third, and fourth layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 each include an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0039] The first layer 10 is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid substrate that is transparent or translucent, or at least partially transparent or translucent. Such a substrate is made of a material having a transmittance (also known as UVT, "ultraviolet transmittance") between 65 and 95 percent for solar radiation, particularly ultraviolet radiation. The transmittance is preferably 85 percent. Such a material may be transparent or translucent. Such a material may be, but is not limited to, a polymer, glass, or ceramic.

[0040] In this context, the substrate is The light generated by at least one of the light sources can escape to the outside of the dials 2a and 2b, and consequently to the outside of the wristwatch 1. Light emitted from the environment of watch 1 (including sunlight if naturally occurring) can be transmitted through the dials 2a and 2b towards the photovoltaic module 5 of transmitting device 3. Please understand that it is structured in this way.

[0041] In other words, the transparent or translucent substrate is configured so that the light that can be supplied to the photovoltaic module 5 can pass through it, and the photovoltaic module 5 can convert the solar energy derived from the radiation into electrical energy.

[0042] The first layer 10 also includes at least one light source 4 arranged on the main body of the substrate. Such arrangement of the light source 4 on the substrate is configured to ensure illumination of point areas on the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a.

[0043] The illumination may be direct illumination if the light source 4 is located in a cavity defined in the substrate. The cavity may be a blind opening made in the underside of the substrate, the bottom of which forms or comprises a point area. In this configuration, the light emission or light provided by the light source 4 can escape outwards from the dial 2a through the point area of ​​the cavity, and thus escape through the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a.

[0044] The illumination may also be direct illumination if the light source 4 is positioned in a through-opening that extends across the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, with each end of the opening opening to the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. In this configuration, all or part of the light source 4 may protrude from the top surface of the substrate, and consequently from the first layer 10, or from the viewing surface 20a of the dial 2a, to form a point area.

[0045] Such illumination may also be remote illumination if at least one light source 4 is coupled to at least one waveguide. The waveguide, also known as an optical guide, allows light to be transported from the point in which it enters the guide to a point area of ​​the substrate defined on the upper surface of the substrate. Such an optical guide may be, for example, an optical fiber that can avoid obstacles that may be erected on the substrate between the electroluminescent element and the point area from which the light escapes. In this modification, the light is therefore transported from the electroluminescent element through the waveguide to the point area to be illuminated.

[0046] In this configuration, the first end of the waveguide is coupled to the light source 4, and the second end of the waveguide is connected to the light source 4. · A cavity that can become a blind opening formed on the lower surface of the substrate of the first layer 10, wherein the bottom of the cavity constitutes a point area, or • A through-opening extending to the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, with each end of the through-opening opening to the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate, and consequently the first layer 10. It may be positioned as follows: That is, the second end may protrude from the upper surface of the substrate or from the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a in order to form a point area.

[0047] In the first layer 10, the light source 4 and the operating sensor are coated / fixed by printing or vapor deposition to the lower or upper surface of the substrate of the first layer 10, which is located in the cavity or on the inner wall of the through-opening.

[0048] In the first layer 10, the actuation sensor 23 is positioned in / on the substrate so as to be able to receive light radiation from an electronic device modulated according to a start sequence. The actuation sensor 23 may be positioned on or below the upper surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10. If positioned in the substrate, the actuation sensor 23 is positioned in a blind cavity formed in the upper surface. In one modification, it may be positioned in a blind cavity made in the lower surface of the substrate (which has this upper surface as its bottom). In another modification, the actuation sensor 23 may be positioned in a through-opening formed in the substrate that connects the upper and lower surfaces together.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be noted that the lower surface of this first layer 10 may be self-adhesive in order to contribute to its assembly with the second layer 11.

[0050] In the laminate 9a, the second layer 11 includes a substrate equipped with a photovoltaic module 5. Such a substrate is preferably flexible or pliable. The substrate of the second layer 11 may be a film on which the photovoltaic module 5 is arranged. Finally, the substrate may be made from a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0051] In the second layer 11, the photovoltaic module 5 preferably extends over the entire so-called effective area on the upper surface of the substrate. This effective area is a part of the upper surface of the substrate that can receive light emitted from the lower surface of the first layer 10 of the dial 2a. The light that has passed through all or part of the first layer 10 is emitted from the external environment of the dial 2a and, consequently, the wristwatch 1, and in this case, mainly from sunlight in naturally occurring light.

[0052] It should be noted that the photovoltaic module 5 is coated onto the upper surface of this substrate using an inkjet printing or screen printing process, or a thermal deposition printing process. Here, a second layer 11 containing the printed photovoltaic module 5 is referred to. More specifically, the photovoltaic module 5 printed on the substrate of the second layer 11.

[0053] It should be noted that once the photovoltaic module 5 is attached to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive material may be deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surface of the substrate. Under these conditions, the second layer 11 may be a self-adhesive layer that contributes to facilitating assembly with other layers, particularly with the first layer 10 and / or third layer 12 of the laminate 9a.

[0054] In the laminate 9a, the third layer 12 also preferably includes a flexible or pliable substrate. The substrate includes an electrical energy storage unit 6 for the standalone transmitting device 3. The substrate of the third layer 12 may be a film containing the storage unit 6. Such a substrate may be made from a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0055] The storage device 6 may be a lithium battery or a semiconductor battery. Such storage device 6 may be manufactured using processes well known in the most advanced technology, for example, For example, a printing process on a flexible polymer substrate for lithium batteries. • For example, a 3D printing process for semiconductor batteries such as lithium metal semiconductor batteries. It is applied to the upper surface of the substrate using a process such as the one described above.

[0056] Here, a third layer 12 containing a printed electrical energy storage unit 6 is mentioned. In particular, the electrical energy storage unit 6 printed on the substrate of the third layer 12.

[0057] In other words, this process makes it possible to obtain a third layer 12 containing this flexible and ultrafine accumulator 6.

[0058] Furthermore, it can be noted that once the accumulator 6 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive material may be deposited over all or part of the upper and / or lower surface of the substrate. Under these conditions, the third layer 12 may be a self-adhesive layer that contributes to facilitating assembly with the other layers, particularly with the second layer 11 and / or fourth layer 13 of the laminate 9a.

[0059] The storage unit 6 is used to store electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 5 and to release it as needed to supply power to the transmitting device 3, the at least one light source 4, and the at least one operating sensor 23.

[0060] In the laminate 9a, the fourth and final layer 13 forms the hidden surface of the dial 2a. This fourth layer 13 is formed of a substrate that is preferably flexible or soft, and includes a control unit 7. Such a substrate for the fourth layer 13 may be a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), for example, the control unit 7 is placed on the PCB, particularly on the upper surface of the PCB, and by extension, the substrate. In this context, the construction of the control unit 7 on this upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process.

[0061] In the second modification, the laminate 9b forming the dial 2b includes three thin / fine layers 10, 11, and 14 that are bonded together. It is worth noting that the second modification differs from the first modification in that it includes three layers 10, 11, and 14 instead of the four layers 10, 11, 12, and 13 found in the first modification. In the second modification, the electrical energy storage unit 6 of the transmitting device 3 is included here, together with the control unit 7, in the third and final layer 14 of the laminate 9b.

[0062] Such a third and final layer 14 of the laminate 9b forms the hidden surface of the dial 2b and is preferably made of a flexible or pliable substrate. On this substrate, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate, the accumulator 6 and the electronic circuits 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed. Such construction of the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 on the upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0063] In summary, in this second modified example, the laminate 9b is, A first layer 10 forming the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a, including the at least one light source 4 and the at least one operating sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3, • A second layer 11 including a photovoltaic module 5, • A third layer 14 that forms the hidden surface 20b of the dial 2b, including the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7. Includes.

[0064] In this second modified example, the first and second layers 10 and 11 are the same as those in the first modified example of the laminate 9a.

[0065] Furthermore, referring to Figures 3 and 5, the electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 includes a first connection element 15a, which is, • At least one of the light sources 4 for managing the operation of the light source 4, particularly message transmission, and • At least one of the actuation sensors 23 that contributes to triggering message transmission It is connected to connection element 16.

[0066] The electronic circuit 8 also includes a second connection element 15b connected to the first connection element 17a of the storage unit 6.

[0067] In a third variant (not shown), the laminate of thin / fine layers forming the dial includes two interconnected layers. It should be noted that this third variant differs from the second variant in that it consists of two layers instead of the three layers 10, 11, and 14 as in the second variant. In this third variant, the photovoltaic module 5 of the standalone transmitting device 3 is here included in the first layer, in particular on the underside of the substrate forming the first layer. The photovoltaic module 5 may be coated on this underside of the substrate of the first layer using an inkjet printing or screen printing process, or using a thermal evaporation printing process. Thus, this first layer is in this case similar to the first layer 11 in the first and second variants, but it should be noted that in this third variant, the first layer additionally includes the photovoltaic module.

[0068] Furthermore, in the third modification, similar to the second modification, the electrical energy storer 6 of the standalone transmitting device 3, together with the control unit 7, is included in the second and final layer of the laminate. Such a second layer, which forms the hidden surface of the dial, preferably includes a flexible or pliable substrate. On this substrate, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate, the storer 6 and the electronic circuits 8 constituting the control unit 7 are constructed. The construction of the battery 6 and the control unit 7 on the upper surface of the substrate can be carried out using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process. It should be noted that such a substrate may be, for example, a flexible PCB.

[0069] In summary, in the third modified example, the multi-layered laminate in this case is A first layer forming the visible surface 20a of the dial, including the at least one light source 4 and photovoltaic module 5, and the at least one operating sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3, • A second layer forming the hidden surface 20b of the dial, including the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7. Includes.

[0070] Therefore, in an example of message transmission, an electronic device, particularly its point light source, is positioned to face a light sensor forming an actuation sensor 23 of the transmitting device 3 on the character faces 2a and 2b. The point light source then emits light emission that flashes according to a sequence of start light pulses defined to trigger the transmission of the message by the character faces 2a and 2b to and from the electronic device. Specifically, upon receiving the start sequence, the control unit 7 generates a sequence of transmit light pulses related to the message to be sent to the device. The control unit 7 then triggers the emission of a light beam from at least one of the light sources 4 of the device 3 by controlling / driving the flashing according to the transmit sequence. Once the sequence of light pulses is received by the light sensor in the electronic device, the light pulses are decoded by the microcontroller of the electronic device, the transmitted message is reconstructed, and the message is then broadcast.

[0071] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned event sensors of the transmitting device 3 are preferably located in the first layer 10 and / or last layers 13, 14 of the multi-layer laminate 9a, 9b and connected to the control unit 7 of the device 3.

[0072] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various simple modifications and variations can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dial (2a, 2b) for a wristwatch (1) including a standalone device (3) that transmits messages to an electronic device, wherein the dial (2a, 2b) includes a visible surface (20a) and a hidden surface (20b), and the dial (2a, 2b) is formed by a laminate (9a, 9b) of layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) extending between the visible surface (20a) and the hidden surface (20b), each of which is a functional element included in the standalone device (3). - At least one message transmission activation sensor (23), - At least one light source (4), - Standalone power supply unit (21), and - A control unit (7) that manages the operation of the at least one light source (4) and the at least one message transmission operation sensor (23). Including one or more of the following, The laminate (9a, 9b) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) includes a first layer (10) on which the visible surface (20a) of the dial (2a, 2b) is provided, and the first layer (10) includes the at least one message transmission operation sensor (23) and the at least one light source (4), the dial (2a, 2b).

2. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one message transmission activation sensor (23) is configured to generate at least one electrical signal directed to the control unit (7) that triggers the transmission of a message to the electronic device.

3. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein at least one light source (4) is a point light source.

4. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to control the blinking of at least one light source (4) according to the information contained in the message.

5. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one message transmission operation sensor (23) is located in a cavity formed in the hidden surface (2b).

6. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (10) is configured so that all or part of it is traversed by light radiation.

7. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (10) is entirely or partially transparent or translucent.

8. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (9a, 9b) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) includes a second layer (11) equipped with a photovoltaic module (5) that constitutes the standalone power supply unit (21).

9. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 8, wherein the second layer (11) includes a substrate on which the photovoltaic module (5) is printed.

10. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 8, wherein the first layer (10) is configured to be traversed in whole or in part by light radiation, the photovoltaic module (5) is positioned in an effective area of ​​the second layer (11), and the effective area is configured to receive light radiation emitted from the first layer (10) of the laminate (9a, 9b) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

11. The dial (2a) according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (9a) includes a third layer (12) having an electrical energy storage device (6) that constitutes the standalone power supply unit (21).

12. The dial (2a) according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (9a) includes a third layer (12) having an electrical energy storage device (6) that constitutes the standalone power supply unit (21), and the third layer (12) includes a substrate on which the electrical energy storage device (6) is printed.

13. The dial (2a) according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (9a) includes a fourth layer (13) that forms a hidden surface (20b) of the dial (2a) including the control unit (7).

14. The dial (2b) according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (9b) includes a hidden surface (20b) of the dial (2a) including the control unit (7) and a third layer (14) comprising an electrical energy storage unit (6) constituting the standalone power supply unit (21).

15. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (10) is more rigid than the other flexible layers (11, 12, 13, 14) included in the laminate (9a, 9b) of the layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

16. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 1, wherein the visible surface (20a) and the hidden surface (20b) are flat or dome-shaped.

17. A wristwatch (1) including the dial (2a, 2b) described in claim 1.

18. A wristwatch (1) according to claim 17, characterized by including a mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical watch movement.

19. The dial (2a, 2b) according to claim 6 or 10, wherein the light radiation includes solar radiation.

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