Watch Chronograph Light Activation and Lap Time Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional athletic watches do not effectively accommodate users in measuring and displaying performance information, particularly due to difficulties in simultaneous button activation and potential recording of unrealistic lap or split times, with inadequate illumination for viewing data.
Innovation Solution
The watch automatically activates the light for a prolonged period when the 'start/lap' button is pressed in performance mode and implements a minimum lap time threshold to prevent false recordings, ensuring accurate measurement and display of performance data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the light button is used to illuminate the watch display, then the display becomes visible, but the user cannot simultaneously view performance measurements and activate chronographic functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light button and start/lap button functions into a single button. When pressed during chronographic operation, the button simultaneously activates the light and records lap times. This merging eliminates the need for simultaneous button depression and allows users to view performance data in low-light conditions without compromising chronographic functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the watch automatically activates light when start/lap button is pressed, then performance data can be viewed, but the light may not remain on long enough to view all displayed information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a prolonged light duration that extends beyond the immediate button press event. The light remains activated for a sufficient period to allow users to view all displayed performance information, including total elapsed time and individual lap times. This preliminary extension of light duration ensures complete data visibility without requiring additional user interaction.
3Productivity
If the watch records lap times without threshold validation, then all button presses are captured, but unrealistic or impossible lap times may be recorded due to accidental button activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a minimum lap time threshold that validates recorded times before storage. When a lap time is recorded, the system checks whether it meets the predetermined minimum threshold. If the threshold is not met, the lap time is rejected and not stored. This feedback mechanism prevents accidental recordings while maintaining accurate performance data collection.
Data Source
AI summary
A watch provides a chronographic function while the watch is in a “sport” mode. If a user activates a button relating to the chronographic function, such as a “start/lap” button, then the light for the watch will automatically activate. The light may remain active for a significantly long time, such as a period of six seconds or more. Alternately or additionally, if a user activates a button while the watch is in a “performance” or “sport” mode, then the light will automatically activate regardless of the button being activated. Still further, the chronographic function of the watch may be configured to not measure a lap time that is lower than a preset threshold value, such as, for example, three seconds.