Watch Storage Case with Acoustic Sensor for Precision Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing the performance of mechanical watches are either costly and complex, limiting accessibility to specialists, or offer reduced precision when adapted for general use, and often require specific identification members or low-detail signal analysis.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising watch storage cases with measuring means and a remote central analysis unit that captures performance data, assigns unique identifications, and performs deep learning-based analysis using neural networks, allowing for high-quality, efficient, and affordable verification without specific identification on each watch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated analysis systems are used for mechanical watch verification, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a storage box as an intermediary device that captures sound signals from the watch and transmits them to a remote electronic device for analysis. This mediator separates the measurement function (simple microphone in box) from the analysis function (complex processing in electronic device), resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for complex dedicated mechanical analysis systems with a simplified setup using a smartphone or electronic device with software applications. The mechanical watch verification system is substituted with an electronic-based system that achieves comparable precision through digital signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If mobile phone-based analysis systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidverification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The storage box acts as an intermediary that improves the mobile phone-based system by providing a dedicated sound capture environment and transmitting the signal directly to the electronic device, thereby enhancing measurement precision while maintaining low complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage box performs preliminary sound signal capture and transmission before analysis, preparing the data in an optimized format for the electronic device. This preliminary action enhances the precision of the subsequent analysis performed by the mobile phone or electronic device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If conventional analysis systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but analysis capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidanalysis capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal system where a single storage box can work with multiple types of electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) and support various analysis capabilities. The system is adaptable to different watch types and analysis needs while remaining easy to operate through familiar electronic device interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of analysis parameters and capabilities through software, enabling the same physical device to adapt to different analysis requirements. The electronic device can switch between different analysis modes and parameters based on the specific watch being verified.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 advanced, reliable analysis and identification of mechanical watches with deep learning, providing detailed performance insights and predictive maintenance, while being user-friendly and cost-effective, without the need for specific identification members on each watch.

Implementation Method 1

The measuring means comprises an acoustic wave detector capable of capturing the sound emitted by the mechanical movement of the watch housed in the storage case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP3511781B1Device and method of collecting, docketing, analysing as well as providing the results of the analysis of data relating to watch pieces
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP3511781B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3511781B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3511781B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Device for collecting, saving, analyzing and making available the results of the analysis (10) of data from mechanical watch parts. The device is distinguished by the fact that it comprises: - a plurality of watch storage cases (1), each of which is capable of housing a watch (2) when not being worn, - a remote central analysis unit (3) capable of assigning a unique initial identification to each case (1) and/or to the watch (2) housed in each case (1), and - a plurality of access and display devices (4), each case (1) comprising at least one measuring means capable of capturing data relating to the operation of the watch (2) housed in the case and a transfer unit capable of communicating the data to said remote central analysis unit (3).The remote central analysis unit (3) includes an analysis means for analyzing the data received from each case (1) and a storage means hosting a database comprising information, data, and corresponding analysis results, each access and display device (4) allowing access to the information contained in the database. The present invention also relates to a corresponding remote central analysis unit and a method for collecting, saving, analyzing, and making available the results of the analysis of data from mechanical watch parts.