NFC Watch Calendar Setting for Error-Free Perpetual Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Setting a perpetual calendar mechanism in electronic watches, such as quartz watches, is tedious and error-prone using traditional methods involving manual adjustments via crowns, push buttons, or touchscreens, and existing optical adjustment methods are complex.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing near-field communication between a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, and the watch to automatically adjust the perpetual calendar mechanism without requiring complex user interactions, using a microcontroller to control stepper motors and exchange signals via a shielded near-field communication module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment via crowns, push buttons, or touchscreens is used, then the perpetual calendar mechanism can be adjusted, but the process is tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system (crowns, push buttons, touchscreens) with an automated optical adjustment system using a camera to capture dial images and process coordinates to automatically position calendar elements, eliminating manual intervention and its associated errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to create an optical copy (image) of the watch dial, then processes this copied visual information to determine the positions of display elements and automatically adjusts them, replacing direct manual manipulation with indirect optical measurement and automated control
2Extent of automation
If optical adjustment method is used, then adjustment can be automated, but the implementation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standard smartphone camera and processing capabilities to perform multiple functions (capturing dial images, extracting coordinates, calculating positions, controlling adjustment) that would otherwise require dedicated specialized equipment, thereby automating adjustment while keeping the system simple and accessible
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes the captured dial image to identify element positions and calculates the required adjustment coordinates without requiring external specialized equipment or complex intervention, making the automated process self-sufficient and simple to implement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple, robust, and reliable adjustment of the perpetual calendar mechanism, reducing errors and equipment complexity, allowing anyone with a smartphone to perform the setup.
Implementation Method 1
A method utilizing near-field communication between a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, and the watch to automatically adjust the perpetual calendar mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for setting an electronic watch, the watch comprising a near-field communication module and a microcontroller configured to exchange electrical signals with this module, the method being carried out by means of a portable electronic device comprising a near-field communication device and a microcontroller configured to control said device, the method comprising a step of establishing a near-field connection (10) between the electronic device and the watch, a step of verifying (13) by the microcontroller of the electronic device the accuracy of a watch state data, a step of sending (21) to the watch's near-field communication module by the near-field communication device and on command from the microcontroller of the electronic device at least one instruction to set the watch when the watch state data is inaccurate,a processing step (22) of said at least one instruction received by means of the watch's microcontroller, in order to generate watch setting parameters, and a watch configuration step according to the watch's microcontroller, based on the generated setting parameters.