Wristwatch comprising a guiding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a wristwatch comprising a guiding device which is arranged to be integrated into the wristwatch (1) worn by a wearer and comprises a path tracking means (19) for recording a route or pathway for the wearer; a guiding means (21) for directing the wearer along the recorded path; optionally a means (22) for detecting extreme climate conditions; a vibration generating means (23) integrated into the watch; a control means (24) for triggering vibrations in the event that the wearer deviates from the path, the vibrations being proportional to the deviation distance, ranging from a few centimetres to 15 meters.

Description

[0001] WRISTWATCH COMPRISING A GUIDING DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of watchmaking. It relates in particular to a wristwatch comprising a guidance device.

[0003] Portable guidance devices are known to help users navigate. In particular, existing technologies include mobile navigation applications. These mobile applications use GPS (Global Positioning System) to track the user's location and provide voice or visual instructions to guide them along a predefined route. However, these applications may be limited in cases of poor visibility or inability to hear instructions due to extreme weather conditions.

[0004] There are also navigation devices for outdoor sports, such as some wearable devices designed for outdoor activities, such as hiking or skiing, which incorporate navigation and guidance features. They can use GPS beacons to track the user's movement and provide information on their location and trajectory. However, these devices are not suitable for extreme weather conditions.

[0005] There is safety technology for visually impaired people such as some technologies for visually impaired people that use audio guidance systems to help them navigate their surroundings safely.

[0006] Statement of the invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a wristwatch comprising a guidance device designed in particular to be used to guide wearers in extreme climatic conditions, where visibility and hearing may be limited. According to the invention, a wristwatch comprising a guidance device, integrated into the wristwatch worn by a wearer, the device comprises:

[0008] - a means of trajectory tracking, allowing a route or path to be recorded for the wearer;

[0009] - a guidance means, allowing the wearer to be directed along the recorded trajectory;

[0010] - optionally a means of detecting extreme climatic conditions;

[0011] - a means of generating vibrations integrated into the watch;

[0012] - a means of control allowing vibrations to be triggered in the event of a deviation from the trajectory by the wearer, the vibrations being proportional to the distance of the deviation, ranging from a few centimetres to 15 metres.

[0013] In one embodiment, the trajectory tracking means comprises a GPS or similar positioning system.

[0014] Since the device is used in particular for all outdoor activities, the device and thus the means of detecting extreme weather conditions includes, for example, a temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor and / or a humidity sensor.

[0015] Preferably, the vibrations emitted by the vibration generating means are adjustable in intensity and frequency by means of adjustment means.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control means allows the wearer to adjust the vibration parameters according to his or her preferences.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the guidance means is arranged to be manually activated by the wearer using a push button on the wristwatch.

[0018] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for indicating a route to be followed by the wearer of a wristwatch comprising a guidance device, which method comprises the steps of: - activating the recording of a route to determine a georeferenced starting position of the guidance device;

[0019] - continuously record the geolocated position of the guidance device;

[0020] - activate a return function to allow the wearer of the guidance device to follow the recorded route, each departure from the recorded trajectory causing a vibration of said device.

[0021] According to this other aspect of the invention, the watch comprising the guidance device is worn by a wearer, the guidance device comprising:

[0022] - a sensor capable of measuring a physiological parameter of the wearer;

[0023] - means for comparing, with a determined threshold, the level of said physiological parameter;

[0024] - means for transmitting a signal to an external person when the determined threshold is crossed.

[0025] Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of several embodiments given solely by way of example, in no way limiting, with reference to the schematic figures, in which:

[0027] - Figure 1 shows a front view of a wristwatch comprising the device of the present invention;

[0028] - figure 2 represents a semi-transparent back view of the wristwatch of figure 1 with a strand of bracelet,

[0029] - figure 3 represents a back view of a bracelet strand;

[0030] - figure 4 represents a side view of a bracelet strand;

[0031] - Figure 5 shows a front view of a wristwatch with a screw sealing system; and Figure 6 shows a schematic view of a wearer of the device following a recorded route. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

[0032] This patent application relates to a wristwatch comprising an innovative guidance device designed to be integrated into the watch, providing valuable assistance to wearers in environments where extreme weather conditions may limit visibility and hearing. The guidance device is capable of recording a path or route for the wearer and then guiding them along this trajectory when needed, particularly in extreme conditions where the wearer can no longer see or hear ahead, such as in mountaineering in the event of a snowstorm for a mountaineer.

[0033] As illustrated in Figure 1, a wristwatch comprising a guidance device integrated into the watch 1 worn by a wearer, comprises:

[0034] - a trajectory tracking means 19 (see figure 5) making it possible to record a route or path for the wearer;

[0035] - a guidance means 21 (see figure 5) making it possible to direct the wearer along the recorded trajectory;

[0036] - a means of detecting 22 (see figure 5) extreme climatic conditions;

[0037] - a vibration generating means 23 (see figure 5) integrated into the wristwatch;

[0038] - a control means 24 (see figure 5) allowing vibrations to be triggered in the event of a deviation from the trajectory by the wearer, the vibrations being proportional to the distance of the deviation, and this from 1.5 meters.

[0039] The trajectory tracking means 19 comprises a GPS.

[0040] The means 22 for detecting extreme climatic conditions comprises, for example, a temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor and a humidity sensor.

[0041] Furthermore, the wristwatch comprises means 25 for adjusting the intensity and frequency of the vibrations emitted by the vibration generating means 23. The control means 24 allows the wearer to adjust the vibration parameters according to his preferences.

[0042] In the example illustrated, the guidance means 21 is activated manually by the wearer, in particular by a push button 20 (figure 1) of the wristwatch.

[0043] Furthermore, it is important for the wearer of the device to have a wristwatch that is always functional, while certain climatic conditions such as cold can affect the energy consumption of the watch, it is important to provide an additional energy source.

[0044] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the wristwatch comprises a watch case 1 in which is arranged a movement comprising electronic components 2 and a main power supply 3 (Figure 2) arranged to power electronic components. The movement is arranged to provide an indication of the time 5 and information 4 other than the time, such as geolocation or altimetry, or a heart rate monitor.

[0045] The watch case 1 comprises horns 6 for receiving a bracelet 7 comprising at one end a bar 8 (figures 2 and 3) arranged to electrically and physically connect the watch bracelet 7 to the horns 6 of the watch case 1.

[0046] One strand of the bracelet 7 comprises a secondary power supply 9 electrically connected to the bar 8. The main power supply 3 in the watch case 1 (figure 2) is arranged to power electronic components 2 (figure 1) to provide a time indication 5. The secondary power supply 9 in one of the strands of the watch bracelet 7 is arranged to power electronic components 2 (figure 1) in the watch case 1 to ensure operation and the indication of information 4 other than the time indication, in particular geolocation.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 1, one strand of the bracelet 7 comprises a charge state indicator 11 of the secondary power supply which is an LED indicator. It is also possible for the charge state indicator 11 of the secondary power supply to be arranged on the watch case 1, for example on the dial using one of the pictograms visible on the watch dial. The bracelet comprises two bracelet strands 14, 15, a first strand 14 comprising the secondary power supply 9 and a second strand 15 comprising an additional power supply 17 arranged to supplement the secondary power supply 9 when the latter is discharged.

[0048] As illustrated in Figure 3, the bar 8 is made up of two parts separated by an insulating material 12, each part arranged on either side of the insulating part 12 being arranged to conduct an electric current from the secondary power supply to the watch movement. The bar 8 is made of a conductive material such as copper, silver, gold, or aluminum. The bar 8 is associated with springs 16 thus allowing the extraction of the bracelet 7 from the watch case 1.

[0049] These springs 16 also make it possible to electrically connect the secondary power supply 9 to the watch case 1, via an electric wire 10, thus enabling operation and indication of information 4 other than the time indication.

[0050] As illustrated in Figure 4, the watch strap with its bar 8 is arranged to be inserted into the lugs of the watch case in an orientation to power the movement from the secondary power supply 9. A mechanical key 13 is arranged on the strap 7 to allow the assembly of the strap 7 to the watch case only in this orientation. In this example, the secondary power supply 9 is flexible and bendable to adapt to different wrist sizes without damaging the physical integrity or the operation of said secondary power supply.

[0051] As illustrated in Figure 5, the wristwatch has a sealing system at the screw level. This system is composed of quarter-turn expansion screws 18 allowing the sealing of the anode-cathode connection by expansion of the silicone. These expansion screws 18 allow the silicone to be compressed and thus prevent any penetration of water into the watch case. In this example, the secondary power supply is arranged to power an integrated circuit 19 managing the GPS functions, heart rates and other secondary functions other than the management of the current time.

[0052] Figure 6 schematically illustrates an example of application of a device according to the invention for following a route in difficult climatic conditions. In this example, a wearer wearing the watch 1 according to the invention on his wrist uses the GPS of the device to transmit a GPS signal to follow the recorded trajectory 26 (“recorded track”) to an initial departure destination 27. This recorded trajectory to be followed 26 is well defined and relatively narrow, the safe distance zone 28 being configured not to deviate by more than one meter on either side of the recorded trajectory 26.

[0053] In the extreme weather conditions, represented by cloud 29, provided that the wearer follows the recorded trajectory to be followed 26 and remains in the safe distance zone by not deviating more than one meter on either side of the recorded trajectory 26, the watch does not generate vibrations. As soon as the wearer deviates from the safe distance zone, the watch, controlling the geolocation, generates vibrations proportional to the distance of the deviation, which allows the wearer to correct his trajectory.

[0054] In conclusion, the wristwatch and the wristwatch guidance device described in the present patent application constitute an innovative solution for guiding wearers in extreme weather conditions, providing reliable navigation and valuable assistance in various situations. Of course, the present invention relates to a device for all types of extreme weather conditions, such as in the maritime field for a sailor in the event of fog making visibility zero, or a hiker in the desert in the event of a sandstorm.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated. Numerous modifications may be made, without departing from the scope defined by the scope of the set of claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Wristwatch comprising a guidance device, integrated into the watch (1) worn by a wearer, comprising: a trajectory tracking means (19), making it possible to record a route or path for the wearer; a guidance means (21), making it possible to direct the wearer along the recorded trajectory; optionally a means (22) for detecting extreme climatic conditions; a vibration generation means (23) integrated into the watch; a control means (24) making it possible to trigger vibrations in the event of a deviation from the trajectory by the wearer, the vibrations being proportional to the distance of the deviation, ranging from a few centimeters to 15 meters.

2. Watch according to claim 1, wherein the trajectory tracking means (19) comprises a GPS or similar positioning system.

3. Watch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means (22) for detecting extreme climatic conditions comprises a temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor and / or a humidity sensor.

4. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means (25) for adjusting the intensity and frequency of the vibrations emitted by the vibration generating means (23).

5. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the control means (24) allows the wearer to adjust the vibration parameters according to his preferences.

6. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the guide means (21) can be manually activated by the wearer.

7. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, in which the guide means (21) is arranged to be activated by a push button (20) of the watch.

8. Watch according to one of the preceding claims, in which one strand of the bracelet 7 comprises a secondary power supply 9.

9. Method for indicating a route to be followed by the wearer of a wristwatch comprising a guidance device according to one of claims 1 to 8, which method comprises the steps of: activating the recording of a route to determine a georeferenced starting position of the guidance device; continuously recording the geolocated position of the guidance device; and activating a return function to allow the wearer of the guidance device to follow the recorded route, each departure from the recorded trajectory causing a vibration of said device.

10. Method according to claim 9, in which the guidance device comprises: a sensor capable of measuring a physiological parameter of the wearer; means for comparing, with a determined threshold, the level of said physiological parameter; and means for transmitting a signal to an external person when the determined threshold is crossed.

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