A system for adjusting the lighting function of a wristwatch.

Abstract

To provide a system for adjusting an illumination function of a watch including at least one external timepiece element with an autonomous lighting device.SOLUTION: A system provided herein comprises a portable electronic device 110 with a communication unit 25 and a set controller 24. A lighting device 3 is formed of an assembly of stacked layers connected together, each layer including one or more of the following functional elements: a light source 4 for emitting light on a visible face 20a of a body of an external timepiece element 2a, 2b; a self-contained power supply unit 21; a communication module 22; and a control unit 7 configured to control switching on and off of the light source and to control the communication module. The external timepiece element and the device are connected to each other to adjust illumination of the external timepiece element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for controlling / adjusting the lighting function of a wristwatch including at least one external timekeeping element with an autonomous lighting device.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, systems for controlling a light source intended to give a wristwatch a lighting function are known. Such systems typically include a push button associated with this light source. When the push button is pressed, the light source is switched on or off as required.

[0003] One of the major drawbacks of such systems is that this dedicated push button for this function is typically located at a predetermined position on the periphery of the wristwatch case, so access is often difficult and the wearer of the wristwatch needs to perform the complicated operation of groping for the position in the dark and operating it.

[0004] Furthermore, to incorporate such a push button into the watch, it is necessary to open a dedicated hole in the center of the wristwatch case, which can pose a risk to the waterproofness of this case.

[0005] Another drawback is that there are often only two operating modes for switching the light source on / off as required. In such modes, the light intensity of the light source cannot be adjusted according to the brightness of the environment where the wristwatch is placed.

[0006] Under such circumstances, it is understood that it is necessary to find a solution to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a system for controlling / adjusting the lighting function of a wristwatch, which is easy to use, robust and reliable.

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a system for regulating the illumination function of a wristwatch including at least one external clock element having an autonomous illumination device, the system including a portable electronic device comprising a communication unit and a controller configured to control the communication unit, the illumination device being formed by an assembly of multiple stacked layers (9a, 9b) connected together, each stack being, - At least one light source capable of generating light on the visible surface of the body of the at least one external clock element, - Self-contained power supply unit, - Communication module, - A control unit configured to control a communication module by controlling the on / off switching of at least one of the light sources. It includes one or more of the functional elements, The external clock element and the device are connected to each other and configured to adjust the illumination of at least one of the external clock elements.

[0009] In other embodiments, - The device is configured to generate and transmit at least one command to control illumination from at least one light source to the external clock element. - The device is configured to generate and transmit at least one command that sets the lighting rules for at least one light source to the external clock element. - The control unit is configured to control the illumination of the at least one external clock element as a function of the at least one command received by the external clock element to control the illumination from the at least one light source, - The control unit is configured to control the illumination of the at least one external clock element as a function of the at least one command received by the external clock element to set the illumination rules for the at least one light source, - The controller includes a plurality of modes for illuminating the at least one external clock element, and these modes may constitute commands for controlling the illumination of the external element from the at least one light source. - The controller includes a plurality of scenarios for illuminating the at least one external clock element, and these scenarios may constitute instructions for setting lighting rules for the at least one light source of this external clock element. - Communication units and communication modules are configured to be interconnected by establishing wireless communication, more specifically, short-range wireless communication. - The assembly is, • A first layer forming the visible surface (20a) of the external clock element, which includes at least one light source of the external clock element, • A second layer including a photovoltaic module for the self-contained power supply unit, • A third layer including an electrostatic storage unit for the self-contained power supply unit, • A fourth layer that forms a hidden surface for external clock elements, including the control unit and communication module. Includes, - The assembly is, • A first layer forming the visible surface of the external clock element, which includes at least one light source of this external clock element, • A second layer including a photovoltaic module for the self-contained power supply unit, • A third layer forming a concealed surface for external clock elements, including the self-contained power supply unit, control unit, and communication module's electrostatic storage. Includes, - The first layer of the assembly includes at least one event sensor connected to the control unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The purpose, advantages, and features of the wristwatch according to the present invention are clearly stated in the following description, which is given based on at least one non-limiting embodiment shown through the drawings.

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic representation of a system for controlling / adjusting the lighting function of a wristwatch, which includes at least one external clock element equipped with an autonomous lighting device, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]An exploded view of a first alternative embodiment of an assembly of four stacked layers forming the external clock element, such as a dial equipped with an autonomous lighting device, is shown. Each of the layers includes one or more component elements of the lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the multi-layer assembly forming a dial equipped with an autonomous lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4] An exploded view of a second alternative embodiment of the assembly is shown, which includes three stacked layers forming the dial equipped with an autonomous lighting device. Each of the layers includes one or more functional elements of the lighting device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a schematic representation of this second alternative embodiment of the multi-layer assembly forming a dial equipped with an autonomous lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Figure 1 shows a system 100 for controlling / adjusting the illumination function of a wristwatch, which includes at least one external clock element equipped with an autonomous lighting device. Such illumination function of the wristwatch can, in particular, be set from a mobile or portable electronic device 110 of the system 100. Specifically, such electronic device 110 allows the adjustment of this function by transmitting relevant commands to a control unit of the autonomous lighting device arranged on the at least one external clock element of the wristwatch, as will be seen later. It is understood that by adjusting this function in this way, the illumination characteristics of the external clock element of the wristwatch can be changed according to the user's desires / wishes to produce remarkable functional, aesthetic, and / or entertainment effects. This is in contrast to the non-illuminated portion of the external clock element of the wristwatch. It should be noted that such illumination of the external clock element can have varying degrees of scattering, understated, soft, and comfortable appearances, and these characteristics can be changed virtually infinitely according to the desired aesthetic result, thereby improving the final aesthetic quality of the wristwatch.

[0013] Such a system 100 thus includes a portable electronic device in addition to the wristwatch, and both can exchange data with each other, for example, by implementing short-range wireless communication technology.

[0014] In this context, the wristwatch is, for example, an electronic, electro-mechanical and / or mechanical wristwatch, and more specifically may be a sports watch or a so-called "luxury" wristwatch. In such a wristwatch 1, the external watch elements 2a, 2b correspond to all of the component parts of the wristwatch surrounding the movement, and more specifically contribute to its external appearance, protection, fixation and control. These external watch elements further give the aesthetic appearance and style of this watch and allow all of its functions to be shown. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, these component parts considered here include, in a non-exhaustive and non-limiting manner, the back part, the middle part 31, the dials 2a, 2b, the bezel 32, the push buttons, the hands, the winding buttons, and / or the winding button caps, etc.

[0015] In the following description, all parts of the wristwatch well-known to those skilled in the art are only described in a simple manner.

[0016] In FIG. 1, the wristwatch thus includes a middle part 31 that, together with the case back and the dials 2a, 2b, defines the internal volume of the case 30 of this wristwatch. The case 30 is closed at the top by a crystal. For the purposes of this description, it is assumed that the wristwatch is a mechanical wristwatch and that its movement is arranged in the middle part 31 of the wristwatch case 30. In this setting, at least one external watch element 2a, 2b of the wristwatch 1 includes a self-powered lighting device 3 having at least one light source 4. The light generated by the at least one light source 4 illuminates all or part of the external watch element 2a, 2b to be illuminated, that is, the dials 2a, 2b in the specific embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0017] It should be noted that in this exemplary embodiment of the described invention, the timepiece movement is a mechanical movement. In an alternative embodiment, this movement may be an electronic movement or an electromechanical movement. A wristwatch is herein referred to as mechanical when its movement is mechanical, and as electromechanical or electronic when it includes an electromechanical or electronic movement, respectively.

[0018] In this setting, the timepiece movement drives a display including an hour hand, a minute hand, and optionally a second hand, in a manner known to those skilled in the art. For this purpose, the dials 2a, 2b include through holes for receiving the spindles of the needles.

[0019] In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the external timepiece element, in this case the dial, includes a self-powered lighting device in this case. This lighting device 3 has its own power supply means, as will be seen later. Such a lighting device 3 is referred to as self-powered, particularly with respect to the movement of the wristwatch 1, and more particularly with respect to the energy source driving this movement. For example, this energy source is typically a power supply as in an electromechanical movement or an electronic movement. Under these conditions, it is understood that the power used by this lighting device 3 does not impair the autonomy of such a movement.

[0020] Such a lighting device 3 includes functional elements such as the at least one light source 4, a self-powered power supply unit 21, a communication module 22, and a control unit 7.

[0021] In this lighting device 3, the power supply unit 21 includes an electrostatic reservoir 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 electrostatic reservoir 6 via connecting elements given reference numerals 17b and 18 in Figures 3 and 5. The photovoltaic module 5 may include one or more unit cells of the heterojunction or multijunction type connected in parallel or in series. Each photovoltaic cell in the module may be made from a semiconductor material comprising copper, indium, gallium and selenium, a semiconductor material comprising cadmium telluride, a semiconductor material comprising single-crystal gallium arsenide, or a semiconductor material comprising single-crystal silicon or polycrystalline silicon, or a perovskite, in a manner 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 types of photovoltaic cells suitable for the present invention.

[0022] In this lighting device 3, the control unit 7, also referred to as a microcontroller, includes an electronic circuit 8. The electronic circuit 8 includes hardware resources, specifically memory elements and at least one processor that cooperates with an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. The control unit 7 includes an algorithm in its memory elements that manages the emission of light from the at least one light source 4. This algorithm is executed by the processor of the control unit 7, taking into account lighting commands received from a portable electronic device and / or data from event sensors included in the lighting device 3 and / or electronic device 110, in order to manage the operation of the at least one light source 4.

[0023] It should be noted that such data may provide information relating to events detected by these sensors, for example. Such events are likely to contribute to the on / off switching of at least one light source 4. These events may, in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner, include the detection of a specific brightness level in the watch environment, the detection of a specific sound element or sound level, the detection of a specific object of focus, the detection of movement made by a part of the body of the user wearing the watch and / or electronic device, the detection of the geographical location of the user of the watch, and by extension, the watch, the detection of notifications relating to the function of the electronic device, the detection of notifications relating to applications run by the electronic device, and the detection of message reception by the electronic device.

[0024] In this context, the event sensor of this autonomous lighting device 3 is particularly in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner, - A brightness sensor that detects the ambient brightness level. - Motion sensors such as gyroscopes and / or inertial sensors in the form of electronic components of a gyroscope and / or inertial electromechanical microsystem circuit type, - Microphone-type sound sensor, and / or - Includes photo sensor type light sensors.

[0025] It should be further noted that this control unit 7 can manage / control the operation of multiple light sources 4 simultaneously and / or sequentially. Furthermore, each light source 4 is managed / controlled separately by this control unit. In this context, the management of the operation of each light source 4 may consist of switching the light source 4 on and off in a non-limiting and non-exclusive manner.

[0026] The control unit 7 may further include in its memory elements an algorithm for managing the electrostatic storage unit 6, more specifically, an algorithm for managing its charging by the photovoltaic module 5, and an algorithm for managing the electrical consumption of the light source 4.

[0027] In this lighting device 3, the communication module 22 is preferably wireless and may be, for example, a near-field communication (NFC) module that implements short-range, high-frequency wireless communication technology. This communication module 22 may operate, for example, in the high-frequency HF band, for example, at 13.56 MHz. Alternatively, such a wireless communication module 22 may be a Bluetooth® type communication module.

[0028] In the case of an NFC type, such a communication module 22 allows short-range data exchange between the wristwatch 1 and the electronic device 10, more specifically between the at least one external clock element 2a, 2b and the electronic device 110. This distance is approximately between 0 and 10 cm, preferably between 0 and 5 cm. The communication module 22 may be a passive type, powered by the radio frequency transmitted by the communication device of the electronic device 110. Alternatively, the communication module 7 of the wristwatch 1 may be an active type, powered by the power supply unit 21 of the lighting device.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3 for details, the communication module 22 includes an electronic chip, at least one antenna, and a connector 23 for connecting the module 22 to the control unit 7. The chip is connected to the at least one antenna and includes hardware and software elements. In this context, the hardware and / or software elements of the chip include at least one microprocessor that works in cooperation with a memory element.

[0030] In this system 100, the portable electronic device 110, also referred to as a user terminal, is a device that a user can wear and carry. This includes, for example, a smartphone, phablet, or tablet. Needless to say, devices that require a primary power source, such as a desktop computer, are excluded from this definition. Devices 110 such as a laptop computer with wirelessly or wired sensor connections are also excluded from this definition. The electronic device 110 includes a case 27. An electronic circuit 26 is arranged within the case 27. This electronic circuit 26 includes a controller 24 and a communication unit 25, more specifically a near-field communication (NFC) unit 25. Both are powered by batteries. The controller 24 can execute instructions to implement a computer program configured to process requests / commands / data, for example, with a wristwatch 1, and particularly with its control unit 7. The electronic device 110 may further include a camera and an input interface such as a touchscreen or buttons.

[0031] As mentioned above, this device 110 further, - A brightness sensor that detects the ambient brightness level. - Microphone-type sound sensor, - Photographic sensor type light sensor, - Position determination sensor, - Includes an event sensor such as a module that generates an alert or alarm linked to an event, where the event is, for example, • Receiving messages such as instant messages, SMS (Short Message Service) messages, iMessage (registered trademark), electronic messages, or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messages on device 110. This includes notifications related to applications, also known as "apps," run by device 110, clock functions (such as alarm functions, countdown functions, and chronograph functions), or activity and / or health functions (such as pedometer functions, heart rate monitor functions, and body temperature functions).

[0032] Furthermore, such a controller 24 can, in particular, execute instructions that implement a computer program configured to process requests / commands / data received / transmitted to and from the control unit 7 of the lighting device 3.

[0033] Furthermore, this controller 24 can also execute a computer program, also referred to as an “application” or “app.” Specifically in this context, this application is a “watch lighting management application.” When executed by the controller 24, this application can therefore generate at least one instruction aimed at ensuring the immediate or automatic management of the lighting of the watch 1, in particular the lighting of the at least one external watch element 2a, 2b. To do this, the memory elements of this controller 24 are: - A plurality of modes for illuminating the at least one external clock element, which can constitute commands for controlling the illumination of the external clock elements 2a, 2b from the at least one light source 4, and / or - A plurality of scenarios for illuminating the at least one external clock element, which may constitute instructions for setting lighting rules for the at least one light source 4 of the external clock elements 2a, 2b.

[0034] It should be noted that when this application is executed by the electronic device 110, the interface generated by the execution of this application is displayed on the screen of the device 110. This allows the user to set the lighting mode and / or scenario by interacting with this interface.

[0035] In this configuration, the user can select a lighting mode for external clock elements 2a, 2b to immediately control at least one light source 4 according to the management settings for this lighting defined in this mode. Specifically, each mode includes lighting management settings that differ from the other modes. In a non-exclusive and non-exclusive embodiment, one or more differences are: - Setting the operating parameters of each light source 4, i.e., its brightness, color, etc. - Selection of all light sources 4 that are in operation or used, - Selection of one light source 4 to operate or be used, and / or - Defining the operating range of one or more light sources 4, that is, sequentially switching them on or off, simultaneously switching two or more light sources 4 on or off, flashing one or more light sources 4, or defining the flashing frequency of each light source 4, the flashing duration of each light source 4, or the on / off switching duration of each light source 4. - It is located in places like these.

[0036] Furthermore, the user can select a lighting scenario for the external clock elements 2a and 2b and automatically control the lighting from the at least one light source 4 according to the lighting management settings defined in this scenario. This scenario defines the automatic management of lighting from the at least one light source 4 based on event data from one or more event sensors included in the external clock elements 2a and 2b. Alternatively or additionally, this data can also be obtained from the electronic device 110. The electronic device 110 transmits this data to the control unit 7 as soon as an event is detected by at least one event sensor within the device 110. It should be noted that each scenario includes lighting management settings that differ from other scenarios. In a non-exclusive and non-exclusive embodiment, one or more differences are: - Selection of one or more event sensors to be used in lighting device 3 and / or device 110, - Setting the operating parameters of each light source 4, i.e., its brightness, color, etc. - Selection of all light sources 4 that are in operation or used, - Selection of one light source 4 to operate or be used, and / or - The operating range of one or more light sources 4, i.e., sequentially switching them on or off, simultaneously switching two or more light sources 4 on or off, flashing one or more light sources 4, or the flashing frequency of each light source 4, the flashing duration of each light source 4, or the on or off switching duration of each light source 4, - It is located in places like these.

[0037] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, as already mentioned, the autonomous lighting device 3 is therefore included in the external clock elements 2a and 2b. In this configuration, the functional elements of the lighting device 3, namely the light source 4, the electrostatic storage 6, the photovoltaic module 5, the communication module 22, and the control unit 7, are included in one or more layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 that form the external clock elements 2a and 2b. In other words, the bodies of these external clock elements 2a and 2b are formed by assemblies 9a and 9b, which are connected together, each containing one or more functional elements of the lighting device 3, in a plurality of stacked layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

[0038] In these assemblies 9a and 9b, layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are joined together by bonding elements such as adhesives to form a monolithic assembly 9a and 9b, and consequently, an integrated external clock element 2a and 2b. These bonding elements may be clips or screws. Such layers 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are stacked on assemblies 9a and 9b, with one on top of the other in a defined order.

[0039] In other words, such integrated external watch elements 2a, 2b (e.g., dial, bezel) have the additional advantage of being removablely attached to the case of watch 1, in addition to the advantage of being easy to integrate into or on the case.

[0040] Specifically, in the first and second alternative embodiments, the assemblies 9a, 9b include a first layer 10 that forms / constitutes the visible surfaces 20a of the external clock elements 2a, 2b. Such a first layer 10 is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid substrate that is transparent, translucent, at least partially transparent, or at least partially translucent. Such a substrate is made of a material having a transmittance of 65 to 95 percent to solar radiation, in particular ultraviolet radiation also known as UVT (Ultra-Violet Transmission ("ultraviolet transmission")). This transmittance is preferably 85 percent. Such a material may be transparent or translucent. The material may be a polymer, glass, or ceramic in a non-exclusive and non-limiting manner.

[0041] In this context, this substrate is - The light generated by at least one of the light sources can escape to the outside of the external clock elements 2a and 2b, and consequently to the outside of the wristwatch 1. - Light from the environment of the watch 1 can be transmitted through the external watch elements 2a and 2b in the direction of the photovoltaic module 5 of the lighting device 3, and it is understood that this light is set to include solar radiation if it is of natural origin.

[0042] In other words, the transparent or translucent substrate is configured to allow light radiation, such as solar radiation, to pass through and power the photovoltaic module 5, which can convert solar energy from this radiation into electrical energy.

[0043] The first layer 10, therefore, includes the light source 4 of the light-emitting device 3 of the external clock elements 2a, 2b.

[0044] In this device 3, any type of light source 4, such as a light-emitting element, for example, - Light-emitting capacitors, known by the acronym LEC, - Light-emitting diodes of the LED, OLED (organic light-emitting diode), AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode), or QLED (quantum light-emitting diode) type, - Any light-emitting material that is activated by a local electric field, - Any light-emitting material that is activated by electric current, - Any combination of these light-emitting elements can be used.

[0045] The at least one light source 4 is arranged in a specific manner on or within the substrate forming the first layer 10. Such arrangement of the light sources 4 is configured to illuminate all or part of the visible surfaces 20a of the external clock elements 2a, 2b. For example, if the external clock elements 2a, 2b are clock faces, then all or part of the visible surfaces 20a of the clock faces 2a, 2b can be illuminated, or at least one graphic representation present on or under the visible surface 20a, for example, - For example, a reference (or display) element that may be a number, index, line, or even a dot, which contributes to the display of clock information / parameters, or physical information / parameters measured by sensors included in the movement, whether or not there are hands. - It can illuminate inscriptions, patterns, text, logos, etc.

[0046] This illumination may be backlighting or semi-direct illumination when the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate. Specifically, this cavity may be a blind opening made on the bottom surface of the substrate. In this setting, if the bottom surface of the cavity includes a graphic representation, the light emission or light generated by the light source 4 can escape to the outside of the external clock elements 2a, 2b through the visible surfaces 20a of these elements, so that at least one graphic representation can be seen in the dark. In particular, the light emission escaping from the visible surface 20a outlines the graphic representation. In this context, it is preferable that this graphic representation, which is included on or in the top or bottom surface of the substrate forming the first layer 10, is opaque, non-transparent, or opaque.

[0047] This illumination may be direct illumination if the light source 4 is arranged in a cavity defined in the substrate. This cavity may be a blind opening made in the underside of the substrate, and there is no graphic representation on its bottom surface. In this setup, the light emission or light generated by the light source 4 can escape through the bottom surface of this cavity toward the outside of the dial 2a, and thus escape through the visible surface 20a of the dial 2a.

[0048] This illumination may also be direct illumination if the light sources 4 are arranged in a cavity made in the substrate. In this context, the opening penetrates the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, with each end opening to the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. In this setup, all or part of the light sources 4 may protrude from the top surface of the substrate and, consequently, from the visible surfaces 20a of the external clock elements 2a, 2a.

[0049] Such illumination may also be indirect illumination if at least one light source 4 is coupled to at least one waveguide. This waveguide is also called an optical guide and can transmit light from the point where light enters the guide to the substrate or to an area of ​​the substrate near the top surface of the substrate (e.g., a cavity, a through-aperture). Such an optical guide may be an optical fiber through which light escapes, allowing the optical fiber to bypass any obstacles that may appear in the substrate, for example, between the light-emitting element and the area of ​​the substrate near the top surface of the substrate. In this alternative embodiment, light is therefore transmitted from the light-emitting element through the waveguide to the area of ​​the substrate to be illuminated.

[0050] In this configuration, the first end of the waveguide is coupled to the light source 4, and the second end of this waveguide is connected to the light source 4. - A cavity that can become a blind opening is formed on the underside of the substrate of this first layer 10, or - The waveguide may be arranged in through-apers that penetrate the thickness of the substrate of the first layer 10, and in openings into which each of the two ends of the waveguide enters the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate, and consequently into the upper and lower surfaces of the first layer 10. The second end may therefore protrude from the upper surface of the substrate, and consequently from the visible surfaces 20a of the external clock elements 2a and 2b.

[0051] In the example setup, indirect lighting can be achieved by a single light source 4 contained on the underside of the substrate of this first layer 10, and the light source 4 is coupled to several waveguides including second ends, these second ends are - When arranged in a plurality of cavities, each emitting light radiation from this light source 4, and this radiation escapes to the outside of the external clock elements 2a, 2b through their visible surfaces 20a, for example, when at least one graphic representation is present on the bottom surface of this cavity so that it is visible, especially in the dark, and / or - This is the case where a plurality of through-openings, which protrude or do not protrude from the upper surface of this layer, are arranged as through-openings that emit light from this light source 4, in order to form a graphic representation such as an index-type reference element.

[0052] On this first layer 10 substrate, the light source 4 is applied / attached to the lower surface of the substrate by printing or vapor deposition in the cavity or on the inner wall of the aforementioned through-opening.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be noted that the lower surface of this first layer 10 may have self-adhesive properties so as to contribute to bonding with the second layer 11.

[0054] In assemblies 9a and 9b forming the external clock elements 2a and 2b, the second layer 11 includes a substrate containing a photovoltaic module 5. This substrate is preferably flexible or pliable. Such a substrate may be a film on which the photovoltaic module 5 is arranged; for example, the substrate may be made from a material belonging to the polymer family. Such photovoltaic module 5 preferably extends across the entire so-called active area on the upper surface of this substrate in the second layer 11. This active area is a portion of the upper surface of the substrate that can receive light entering from the lower surface of the first layer 10 of the external clock elements 2a and 2b. This light, having passed through all or part of the first layer 10, originates from the external environment of the external clock elements 2a and 2b, and consequently from the external environment of the wristwatch 1, in this case, primarily from solar radiation when it is of natural origin. It should be noted that the first layer 10 may be set to appear opaque visually, particularly to the human eye, while still allowing the passage of solar radiation.

[0055] It should be noted that the photovoltaic module 5 is coated onto the upper surface of the substrate using an inkjet or screen printing process, or a thermal deposition printing process. Here, the second layer 11 containing the printed photovoltaic module is referred to more specifically as the photovoltaic module printed on the substrate of the second layer 11.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that once the photovoltaic module 5 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive material is deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surfaces of the substrate. Under these conditions, the second layer 11 may be a self-adhesive layer that helps facilitate assembly / mounting / bonding with the other layers 10, 12, and more specifically with the first layer 10 and / or third layer 12 of the assemblies 9a, 9b.

[0057] In this first alternative embodiment, assembly 9a includes the third layer 12, which further preferably includes a flexible or pliable substrate. This substrate includes the electroaccumulator 6 of the autonomous lighting device 3. This substrate may be a film on which the accumulator 6 is placed. Such a substrate may be made from a material belonging to the polymer family.

[0058] It should be noted that this storage device 6 may be a lithium battery or a semiconductor battery. Such storage device 6 is located on the upper surface of this substrate. - Printing process onto a flexible polymer substrate, such as a lithium battery, or - For example, it is coated using a process known in the prior art, such as a 3D printing process for semiconductor batteries, such as lithium metal semiconductor batteries.

[0059] Here, we refer to the third layer 12 containing the printed electroaccumulator 6, or more specifically, the electroaccumulator 6 printed on the substrate of the third layer 12.

[0060] Such a process is used to obtain a third layer 12 containing this flexible and ultrathin storage container 6.

[0061] Furthermore, it should be noted that once the accumulator 5 is applied to the substrate, a layer of self-adhesive material is deposited on all or part of the upper and / or lower surfaces of the substrate. Under these conditions, the third layer 12 may be a self-adhesive layer that helps facilitate assembly / mounting / bonding with the other layers 11, 13, and more specifically with the second layer 11 and / or fourth layer 13 of the assembly 9a.

[0062] It should be noted that the storage unit 6 is used to store the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 5 and to release that electrical energy to supply power to the at least one light source 4 as needed.

[0063] In the first alternative embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the assembly 9a includes this fourth layer 13 which forms a concealed surface for the external clock element 2a. This fourth layer 13 is formed of a preferably flexible or pliable substrate which includes the control unit 7 and the communication module 22. Such a substrate may be, for example, a pliable PCB on which the control unit 7 and the communication module 22 are arranged, and the control unit 7 and the communication module 22 are arranged more specifically on the upper surface of the PCB, and by extension, the substrate. In this context, the communication module 22 and the control unit 7 can be constructed on this upper surface of the substrate using a three-dimensional printing process or a polymer printing process.

[0064] In the second alternative embodiment, the assembly 9b forming the external clock element 2b includes three interconnection layers 10, 11, and 14. It should be noted that this second alternative embodiment differs from the first alternative embodiment in that it includes three layers 10, 11, and 14 instead of four as in the first alternative embodiment. In this second alternative embodiment, the electrostatic storage 6 of the autonomous lighting device 3 is here included in the third and final layer 14 of this assembly 9b, which also has the control unit 7 and the communication module 22.

[0065] Such a third layer 14, which forms the hidden surface of the external clock element 2b, is preferably made of a flexible or pliable substrate, on which the electronic circuits 8 constituting the accumulator 6, communication module 22, and control unit 7 are constructed, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate. In this way, the accumulator 6, communication module 22, and control unit 7 can be constructed on this upper surface of the substrate 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.

[0066] In summary, in this second alternative embodiment, assembly 9b is therefore - A first layer 10 forming the visible surface 20a of the external clock element 2b including at least one light source 4 of the lighting device 3, - A second layer 11 including the photovoltaic module 5, - A third layer 14 that forms the hidden surface 20b of the external clock element 2b, which includes the storage unit 6, the communication module 22, and the control unit 7. Includes.

[0067] It should be noted that in this second alternative embodiment, the first and second layers 10 and 11 are the same as those in the first alternative embodiment of assembly 9a.

[0068] Furthermore, referring to Figures 3 and 5, the electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 includes a first connection element 15a. The first connection element 15a is connected to a connection element 16 of at least one light source 4 to manage the operation of the light source 4. The electronic circuit 8 also includes a second connection element 15b connected to a first connection element 17a of the accumulator 6. The accumulator 6 also includes a second connection element 17b connected to a connection element 18 of the photovoltaic module 5. The electronic circuit 8 of the control unit 7 also includes a third connection element 15c connected to a connection element 23 of the communication module 22.

[0069] Furthermore, it should be noted that the event sensors of the lighting device 3 described above are preferably arranged in the first layer 10 and / or the final layers 13 and 14 of the assemblies 9a and 9b and connected to the control unit 7 of the device 3.

[0070] In a third alternative embodiment (not shown), the assembly forming the external clock element includes two interconnected layers. It should be noted that this third alternative embodiment differs from the second alternative embodiment in that it includes two layers instead of the three layers 10, 11, and 14 as in the second alternative embodiment. In this third alternative embodiment, the photovoltaic module 5 of the autonomous lighting device 3 is here included in the first layer, in particular on the underside of the substrate forming this first layer. This photovoltaic module 5 may be coated on the underside of the substrate of this first layer using an inkjet or screen printing process, or using a thermal deposition printing process. It should be noted that this first layer is therefore similar to the first layer 11 of the first and second alternative embodiments, except that in this third alternative embodiment the first layer additionally includes a photovoltaic module.

[0071] Furthermore, in the third alternative embodiment, as in the second alternative embodiment, the electrostatic accumulator 6 of the autonomous lighting device 3 is included in the second and final layer of the assembly together with the control unit 7. Such a second layer 14, which forms the hidden surface of the external clock element 2b, is preferably made of a flexible or pliable substrate, on which the electronic circuits 8 constituting the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 are constructed, preferably on the upper surface of the substrate. In this way, the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7 can be constructed on the upper surface of the substrate 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.

[0072] In summary, in this third alternative embodiment, the assembly is therefore: - A first layer forming the visible surface 20a of an external clock element including at least one light source 4 and a photovoltaic module 5 of the lighting device 3, - A second layer forming the hidden surface 20b of the external clock element, including the accumulator 6 and the control unit 7. Includes.

[0073] In this system 100, the electronic device 110 and the wristwatch 1, more specifically the light-emitting device 3, are configured to establish a wireless connection, preferably a short-range wireless connection, between them. This connection may be established automatically as soon as the position of the wristwatch relative to the electronic device 110 is determined to be at a distance that allows such connection to be established. Once this connection is established, the device 110 and the light-emitting device 3 communicate as follows: - By transmitting at least one command to be received by the lighting device 3 via device 110 to control the illumination from at least one light source 4, and / or - By transmitting at least one command to be received by the lighting device 3 via device 110 to set lighting rules for at least one light source 4, and / or - Data can be exchanged by sending a request via the wristwatch to the control unit 7 to confirm the detection status of at least one event by at least one event sensor of device 110, for the purpose of implementing the at least one command that sets the lighting rules.

[0074] It should be noted that this data exchange is implemented as soon as a connection is established between the device 110 and the wristwatch 1, especially when the application is executed by the controller 24 of the electronic device 110.

[0075] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various simple modifications and alternative embodiments can be considered by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system (100) for adjusting the lighting function of a wristwatch (1) which includes at least one external clock element (2a, 2b) equipped with an autonomous lighting device (3), The at least one external clock element (2a, 2b) is configured as a separate, integrated element from the case of the wristwatch (1), The system (100) includes a portable electronic device (110) comprising a communication unit (25) and a controller (24) configured to control the communication unit (25), The autonomous lighting device (3) is formed from an assembly (9a, 9b) of multiple stacked layers (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) connected together, and each layer is At least one light source (4) capable of generating light on the visible surface (20a) of the main body of at least one external clock element (2a, 2b), Self-contained power supply unit (21), Communication module (22) and A control unit (7) configured to control the on / off switching of at least one light source (4) and the communication module (22) without the user having to press any buttons on the wristwatch (1), and It includes one or more of the functional elements, A system (100) in which the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b) and the electronic device (110) are connected to each other and configured to adjust the illumination of the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device (110) is configured to generate and transmit at least one command to control illumination from at least one light source (4) to at least one external clock element (2a, 2b).

3. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device (110) is configured to generate and transmit to the at least one instruction that sets lighting rules for the at least one light source (4) to the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b).

4. The system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to control the illumination of the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b) as a function of the at least one command received by the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b) to control illumination from the at least one light source (4).

5. The system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to control the illumination of the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b) as a function of the at least one command received by the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b) to set an illumination rule for the at least one light source (4).

6. The controller (24) is A plurality of modes for illuminating the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b), which can constitute commands for controlling the illumination of the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b) from the at least one light source (4), and / or Multiple scenarios for illuminating the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b), which can constitute commands for setting lighting rules for the at least one light source 4 of the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b). The system (100) according to claim 1, including the above.

7. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit (25) and the communication module (22) are configured to be connected to each other by establishing short-range wireless communication.

8. The assembly (9a) is A first layer (10) forming the visible surface (20a) of the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b), including the at least one light source (4) of the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b), The second layer (11) includes the photovoltaic module (5) of the self-contained power supply unit (21), The third layer (12) of the self-contained power supply unit (21) includes an electrostatic storage device (6), A fourth layer (13) forming a hidden surface (20b) of the at least one external clock element (2a) including the control unit (7) and the communication module (22) The system (100) according to claim 1, including the above.

9. The assembly (9b) is A first layer (10) forming the visible surface (20a) of the at least one external clock element (2b), including the at least one light source (4) of the at least one external clock element (2a, 2b), The second layer (11) includes the photovoltaic module (5) of the self-contained power supply unit (21), A third layer (14) that forms a hidden surface (20b) of the at least one external clock element (2b), including the self-contained power supply unit (21)'s electrostatic storage unit (6), the control unit (7), and the communication module (22), and The system (100) according to claim 1, including the above.

10. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (10) of the assembly (9a, 9b) includes at least one event sensor connected to the control unit (7).

11. The system (100) according to claim 10, wherein the switching of the at least one light source (4) on or off is based on an event detected by the at least one event sensor.

12. The system (100) according to claim 11, wherein the detection by the at least one event sensor includes at least one of the following: detection of a specific brightness level, a specific sound element or specific sound level, or a specific object of view in the environment of the wristwatch (1) by the at least one event sensor; detection of movement made by a part of the user's body; detection of the user's geographical location; detection of a notification related to the function of the electronic device (110); detection of a notification related to an application performed by the electronic device (110); and detection of the reception of a message by the electronic device (110).

Images