[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

EP3454140B1 - Astronomical clock device - Google Patents

Astronomical clock device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3454140B1
EP3454140B1 EP17190158.0A EP17190158A EP3454140B1 EP 3454140 B1 EP3454140 B1 EP 3454140B1 EP 17190158 A EP17190158 A EP 17190158A EP 3454140 B1 EP3454140 B1 EP 3454140B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
timepiece
star
hand
celestial body
display
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17190158.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3454140A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Bernard Peters
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Original Assignee
ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse filed Critical ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
Priority to EP17190158.0A priority Critical patent/EP3454140B1/en
Priority to US16/104,987 priority patent/US11119445B2/en
Priority to JP2018164236A priority patent/JP6743100B2/en
Priority to CN201811031224.3A priority patent/CN109471348B/en
Publication of EP3454140A1 publication Critical patent/EP3454140A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3454140B1 publication Critical patent/EP3454140B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G9/00—Visual time or date indication means
    • G04G9/0064—Visual time or date indication means in which functions not related to time can be displayed
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/26—Clocks or watches with indicators for tides, for the phases of the moon, or the like
    • G04B19/262—Clocks or watches with indicators for tides, for the phases of the moon, or the like with indicators for astrological informations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B47/00—Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G04G21/04—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces using radio waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G9/00—Visual time or date indication means
    • G04G9/0064—Visual time or date indication means in which functions not related to time can be displayed
    • G04G9/007—Visual time or date indication means in which functions not related to time can be displayed combined with a calculator or computing means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an astronomical horological device, for example a wristwatch, capable of indicating the position of a star in the solar system.
  • Such a watch is known for example from the document EP 0 949 549 , which describes a watch adapted to display the position of a star (planets or sun) in the Zodiac on the current date or on another date.
  • the watch comprises a dial in the shape of a crown which carries on its periphery a graduation in hours and minutes and inside thereof the symbols of the twelve signs of the Zodiac , as well as the representations of the four main phases of the Moon.
  • the watch also includes a rotating bezel on which the stars are represented by symbols, which it is possible to select by rotating the bezel until the symbol of the chosen star is positioned at 12 o'clock.
  • the position of the selected star in a Zodiac sign is then calculated and displayed by positioning the minute hand in a position where it simultaneously indicates the Zodiac sign in which the selected star is located and the approximate position of the latter. inside the sign of the Zodiac in question, using respectively the symbols 18 and the graduation in hours and minutes 17 of the dial 16.
  • Such a watch makes it possible to display the sign of the Zodiac in which there is a star and the position of said star in said sign of the Zodiac on a given date.
  • it does not allow a user to easily find the selected star in the sky if he does not know how to locate the sign of the Zodiac concerned.
  • reading this information is not always easy.
  • the invention proposes a new horological device making it possible to locate the position of a celestial body in the sky and thus to give an uninformed user simple means for locating said celestial body or planet in the sky.
  • the invention proposes a clockwork device del as defined in independent claim 1.
  • the watch device thus directly displays the position in the sky of the star sought.
  • the user can then view the star directly in the sky, following the directions given by the hands of the display system.
  • the position of the celestial body is defined in a horizontal coordinate system centered on the timepiece device by an azimuth ( ⁇ A ) and an elevation angle ( ⁇ A ), coordinate system defined by a horizontal plane (X 0 , Y 0 ) and a vertical axis (Z 0 ), horizontal plane comprising an axis cardinal (X 0 ), the needle control means being adapted to determine a cardinal axis in the horizontal plane and to orient a first needle relative to the cardinal axis according to the determined azimuth of the star.
  • the azimuth of the star in space is thus directly accessible to the user who can orient himself easily in the horizontal plane.
  • the means for controlling the hands can be adapted to position a second hand, in the horizontal plane and with respect to a reference axis (X M ) linked to the watch device, at an angle ⁇ equal to l elevation angle ⁇ A of the star.
  • the means for controlling the needles can be adapted to orient the second needle relative to the horizontal plane according to the determined elevation angle ⁇ A of the star.
  • the horological device can also include a means for selecting a star from a plurality of stars.
  • the timepiece device is of the wristwatch type, facilitating mobile use.
  • the invention relates to a clock device adapted to indicate the position of a star.
  • the horological device is a wristwatch, but other horological devices can be envisaged, such as a pocket watch, a chronometer, etc.
  • a Cartesian coordinate system linked to the horological device is defined by two axes X M , Y M perpendicular to each other and both perpendicular to an axis Z M of rotation of the hands, the three axes intersecting at a point O.
  • the axis Y M points towards a graduation of the dial corresponding to 12H and the axis X M points towards a graduation of the dial corresponding to 3H.
  • X M and Y M define the main plane of the watch system.
  • Circuit 1 is produced according to a conventional scheme in the watchmaking industry; it essentially comprises a time base for producing a standard frequency signal and a circuit adapted to determine the current time from said standard frequency signal.
  • the positioning circuit 2 is also known elsewhere; it is for example a GPS chip (for Global Positioning System) or equivalent, capable of determining a geographical position on Earth from signals it receives from a satellite positioning system.
  • GPS chip for Global Positioning System
  • the positioning circuit 2 is also known elsewhere; it is for example a GPS chip (for Global Positioning System) or equivalent, capable of determining a geographical position on Earth from signals it receives from a satellite positioning system.
  • the means 4 essentially comprise a data memory 4a, a program memory 4b, and a processing unit 4c.
  • the data memory 4a can in particular comprise a sky map stored in the form of a database comprising a list of the stars (at least one star) capable of being pointed and, for each star identified, data representative of its position in the solar system relative to the earth. From a practical implementation point of view, the data memory can be positioned in the immediate vicinity of the processing unit 4c, in a housing of the timepiece device. Alternatively, all or part of the data memory can be transferred to a remote data server.
  • the means 4 also include in this case transmission and reception means suitable for accessing the data from the data server.
  • the data memory 4a and the program memory 4b are two parts of the same memory.
  • the program memory 4b stores a program executable by the processing unit; the said program comprises in particular a plurality of lines of codes suitable for the implementation of the functions of the processing unit 4c and in particular, within the framework of the invention, the function consisting in determining the position of a celestial body selected in as a function of the current time and of the geographical position of the timepiece device, and to display the position determined by said display system 8.
  • the processing unit also implements a function consisting in displaying the current time by the display system 8.
  • the processing unit 4c is connected to circuit 1 to receive information relating to the current time.
  • the processing unit is also connected to circuit 2 to receive information relating to the geographical position of the watch system.
  • the processing unit can also be connected to a selection means 10 to receive information relating to the star whose position is to be displayed.
  • the processing unit can be connected to a remote server by any suitable wireless link (WiFi, etc.) to receive data or instructions from a remote server.
  • the position of a star assimilated to a point A can be defined by three coordinates (X A , Y A , Z A ) corresponding to the projection of point A respectively on the axes X 0 , Y 0 and Z 0 .
  • the stars are located in a horizontal coordinate system centered on an observer on the ground on Earth. A system of horizontal coordinates separates the sky into two hemispheres: one located above an observation point O and the other located below.
  • the large circle separating the two hemispheres defines a horizontal plane, from which an azimuth ⁇ A and an elevation angle ⁇ A are established , which constitute the two main coordinates of a star in this system.
  • the horizontal plane passing through O is in practice a plane parallel to a plane tangent to the Earth and passing through the projected point O on the ground
  • the horizontal plane is considered to be the plane (X 0 , Y 0 ) and the cardinal north corresponds to the axis Y 0 .
  • the azimuth ⁇ A is the angle between a cardinal (north cardinal corresponding to the axis Y 0 on the figure 1 ) and the projection (right (OA p )) of the selected star on the horizontal plane (X 0 , Y 0 ).
  • the azimuth ⁇ A is generally expressed in degrees, from 0 ° to 360 ° clockwise from cardinal north.
  • the angle of elevation ⁇ A is the vertical angle between the horizontal plane and the target star, expressed in degrees, counterclockwise from the vertical plane.
  • the position of a star A depends on the position of the center O and on the horizontal plane in space, which themselves depend on the geographic position of the observer on Earth, and of the position of the Earth relative to the star in the solar system.
  • the position of the Earth relative to the star depends on the current time, and on the current date.
  • the geographical position of the timepiece device determined by circuit 2 and the current time and date determined by circuit 1, combined with the information stored in the data memory 4a thus allow the processing unit 4c to determine the position of the star in a horizontal coordinate system centered on the watchmaking device, according to admittedly complex calculation methods but widely known in the field of astronomy.
  • the control means 8c of the display needles 8a, 8b is suitable for determining the cardinal axis Y 0 (for example the cardinal north) and for orienting a first hand relative to the cardinal axis Y 0 according to the azimuth ⁇ A determined from the star A; said hand is for example the hand usually used for displaying the minutes of the current time.
  • the needle control means may for example comprise a 2D magnetometer capable of determining the cardinal north Y 0 and a means for positioning and holding in position, in the horizontal plane, the first hand relative to the cardinal north along the azimuth ⁇ A of the star, the first hand also being left in free rotation in the main plane of the watch device.
  • the orientation of the first hand is independent of the reference linked to the watch device so that this orientation ⁇ A is maintained whatever the movements of the watch device as long as the main plane of the watch device remains in the horizontal plane.
  • the observer always looks in the direction of the azimuth ⁇ A of the selected star, even if the watch device is moved.
  • the first needle thus behaves like the needle of a compass which would be drawn in a direction forming an angle ⁇ A with the cardinal north.
  • the elevation angle ⁇ A of the star can be displayed on the watch device using the second hand (for example the hand usually used for displaying the hours of the current time) in several ways.
  • the means for controlling the hands is adapted to position the second hand, in the main plane (X M , Y M ) and with respect to a reference axis Y M linked to the watch device, at an angle ⁇ equal to the elevation angle ⁇ A of the star in the horizontal coordinate system centered on the timepiece device from a practical point of view, to position the second hand, the control means 8c rotates the second hand in the main plane in a conventional manner and then immobilizes the needle.
  • the angle ⁇ is defined relative to the reference axis Y M linked to the timepiece device so that, if the timepiece device is moved, the angle ⁇ remains constant.
  • the observer can use the clock device as follows.
  • the watch device is oriented in the horizontal plane so that the first hand (oriented along the azimuth of the star), free in rotation, is aligned along the reference axis Y M of the watch device (corresponding to the reference 12H in The example). Then, the timepiece device is rotated along the reference axis Y M while keeping the reference axis Y M fixed in the horizontal plane so that the plane formed by the axis Y M and the second hand is vertical. The observer can then view the selected star by looking in the direction pointed by the end of the second needle.
  • the means for controlling the hands is adapted to orient the second hand with respect to the horizontal plane according to the elevation angle ⁇ A of the star in the horizontal coordinate system centered on the watch device.
  • the first hand and the second hand are also left to rotate freely in the main plane of the watch device.
  • the orientation of the second hand is here independent of the reference linked to the timepiece device so that this orientation ⁇ A is maintained whatever the movements of the timepiece device in a vertical plane.
  • the needles thus behave like the needle of a compass which would be attracted in the direction of the star.
  • the observer can use the clock device as follows.
  • the watch device is oriented in the horizontal plane so that the first hand (oriented along the azimuth of the star), free in rotation, is aligned along the reference axis Y M of the watch device (corresponding to the reference 12H in The example).
  • the timepiece device is rotated along the reference axis Y M while keeping the reference axis Y M fixed in the horizontal plane so that the plane formed by the axis Y M and the second hand is vertical.
  • the watch device is oriented in the vertical plane so that the second hand (oriented according to the angle of elevation of the star), free in rotation, is also aligned along the reference axis Y M of the watch device .
  • the observer can visualize the selected star by looking in the direction pointed by the end of the two hands.
  • the watch device according to the invention can also comprise a means for selecting 10 an operating mode of the watch device.
  • the means 10 is in an example certainly not limiting a rod of rotary control and with several axial positions, each axial position corresponding to a mode of operation of the timepiece device.
  • the incrementing means can be a command button, successive presses on the button making it possible to scroll through the stars in the list.
  • the incrementing means may be the rotary control rod in an axial position associated with the second operating mode of the watch device (display of the position of a star), a rotation of the rod causing the list to scroll. of the stars.
  • the watch comprises an antenna and / or a socket as well as an appropriate receiving circuit.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

L'invention concerne un dispositif horloger astronomique, par exemple une montre bracelet, capable d'indiquer la position d'un astre du système solaire.The invention relates to an astronomical horological device, for example a wristwatch, capable of indicating the position of a star in the solar system.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnological background

Une telle montre est connue par exemple du document EP 0 949 549 , qui décrit une montre adaptée pour afficher la position d'un astre (planètes ou soleil) dans le Zodiaque à la date courante ou à une autre date. Selon un des modes de réalisation décrit, à affichage purement analogique, la montre comprend un cadran en forme de couronne qui porte à sa périphérie une graduation en heures et en minutes et à l'intérieur de celle-ci les symboles des douze signes du Zodiaque, ainsi que les représentations des quatre phases principales de la Lune. La montre comprend également une lunette tournante sur laquelle sont représentés par des symboles les astres qu'il est possible de sélectionner par rotation de la lunette jusqu'à positionner le symbole de l'astre choisi à 12H. La position de l'astre sélectionné dans un signe du Zodiaque est ensuite calculée puis affichée en positionnant l'aiguille des minutes dans une position où elle indique simultanément le signe du Zodiaque dans lequel se trouve l'astre sélectionné et la position approximative de ce dernier à l'intérieur du signe du Zodiaque en question, en utilisant respectivement les symboles 18 et la graduation en heures et en minutes 17 du cadran 16.Such a watch is known for example from the document EP 0 949 549 , which describes a watch adapted to display the position of a star (planets or sun) in the Zodiac on the current date or on another date. According to one of the embodiments described, with a purely analog display, the watch comprises a dial in the shape of a crown which carries on its periphery a graduation in hours and minutes and inside thereof the symbols of the twelve signs of the Zodiac , as well as the representations of the four main phases of the Moon. The watch also includes a rotating bezel on which the stars are represented by symbols, which it is possible to select by rotating the bezel until the symbol of the chosen star is positioned at 12 o'clock. The position of the selected star in a Zodiac sign is then calculated and displayed by positioning the minute hand in a position where it simultaneously indicates the Zodiac sign in which the selected star is located and the approximate position of the latter. inside the sign of the Zodiac in question, using respectively the symbols 18 and the graduation in hours and minutes 17 of the dial 16.

Une telle montre permet d'afficher le signe du Zodiaque dans lequel se trouve un astre et la position dudit astre dans ledit signe du Zodiaque à une date donnée. Toutefois, elle ne permet pas à un utilisateur de retrouver facilement l'astre sélectionné dans le ciel s'il ne sait pas localiser le signe du Zodiaque concerné. De plus, compte tenu du nombre de symboles affichés sur le cadran et la lunette de la montre, la lecture de ces informations n'est pas toujours facile.Such a watch makes it possible to display the sign of the Zodiac in which there is a star and the position of said star in said sign of the Zodiac on a given date. However, it does not allow a user to easily find the selected star in the sky if he does not know how to locate the sign of the Zodiac concerned. In addition, given the number of symbols displayed on the dial and the watch bezel, reading this information is not always easy.

On connait également du document US2013/116967 un dispositif horloger apte à indiquer la position d'un astre à l'aide d'un circuit GPS et d'un dispositif d'affichage tel qu'une tablette ou un smartphone.We also know of the document US2013 / 116967 a watch device capable of indicating the position of a star using a GPS circuit and a display device such as a tablet or a smartphone.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention propose un nouveau dispositif horloger permettant de repérer la position d'un astre dans le ciel et donner ainsi à un utilisateur non averti des moyens simples pour repérer ledit astre ou planète dans le ciel. A cet effet, l'invention propose un dispositif horloger del que défini dans la revendication indépendante 1.The invention proposes a new horological device making it possible to locate the position of a celestial body in the sky and thus to give an uninformed user simple means for locating said celestial body or planet in the sky. To this end, the invention proposes a clockwork device del as defined in independent claim 1.

Le dispositif horloger selon l'invention affiche ainsi directement la position dans le ciel de l'astre cherché. L'utilisateur peut alors visualiser l'astre directement dans le ciel, en suivant les directions données par les aiguilles du système d'affichage.The watch device according to the invention thus directly displays the position in the sky of the star sought. The user can then view the star directly in the sky, following the directions given by the hands of the display system.

Selon un mode de réalisation, la position de l'astre est définie dans un repère de coordonnées horizontales centré sur le dispositif horloger par un azimut (αA) et un angle d'élévation (βA), repère défini par un plan horizontal (X0, Y0) et un axe vertical (Z0), plan horizontal comprenant un axe cardinal (X0), le moyen de pilotage des aiguilles étant adapté pour déterminer un axe cardinal dans le plan horizontal et pour orienter une première aiguille par rapport à l'axe cardinal selon l'azimut déterminé de l'astre. L'azimut de l'astre dans l'espace est ainsi directement accessible pour l'utilisateur qui peut s'orienter aisément dans le plan horizontal.According to one embodiment, the position of the celestial body is defined in a horizontal coordinate system centered on the timepiece device by an azimuth (α A ) and an elevation angle (β A ), coordinate system defined by a horizontal plane (X 0 , Y 0 ) and a vertical axis (Z 0 ), horizontal plane comprising an axis cardinal (X 0 ), the needle control means being adapted to determine a cardinal axis in the horizontal plane and to orient a first needle relative to the cardinal axis according to the determined azimuth of the star. The azimuth of the star in space is thus directly accessible to the user who can orient himself easily in the horizontal plane.

Selon un mode de réalisation également, le moyen de pilotage des aiguilles peut être adapté pour positionner une deuxième aiguille, dans le plan horizontal et par rapport à un axe de référence (XM) lié au dispositif horloger, selon un angle β égal à l'angle d'élévation βA de l'astre. En variante, le moyen de pilotage des aiguilles peut être adapté pour orienter la deuxième aiguille par rapport au plan horizontal selon l'angle d'élévation βA déterminé de l'astre.According to one embodiment also, the means for controlling the hands can be adapted to position a second hand, in the horizontal plane and with respect to a reference axis (X M ) linked to the watch device, at an angle β equal to l elevation angle β A of the star. As a variant, the means for controlling the needles can be adapted to orient the second needle relative to the horizontal plane according to the determined elevation angle β A of the star.

Selon un mode de réalisation, le dispositif horloger peut également comprendre un moyen de sélection d'un astre parmi une pluralité d'astres.According to one embodiment, the horological device can also include a means for selecting a star from a plurality of stars.

Enfin, selon un mode de mise en œuvre, le dispositif horloger est du type montre-bracelet, facilitant une utilisation nomade.Finally, according to one embodiment, the timepiece device is of the wristwatch type, facilitating mobile use.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures

L'invention sera décrite ci-après de manière plus détaillée à l'aide des dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est un schéma montrant les coordonnées d'un astre dans un système de coordonnées horizontales,
  • la figure 2 est un dispositif horloger selon l'invention, dans une position quelconque
  • La figure 3 est un dispositif horloger selon l'invention, dans une position corrélée à la position d'un astre qu'il pointe
  • la figure 4 est un schéma bloc présentant les composants essentiels d'un dispositif horloger selon l'invention.
The invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a diagram showing the coordinates of a star in a horizontal coordinate system,
  • the figure 2 is a timepiece device according to the invention, in any position
  • The figure 3 is a horological device according to the invention, in a position correlated to the position of a celestial body which it points
  • the figure 4 is a block diagram showing the essential components of a timepiece device according to the invention.

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

Comme dit précédemment, l'invention concerne un dispositif horloger adapté pour indiquer la position d'un astre. Dans l'exemple représenté sur les figures 2 et 3, le dispositif horloger est une montre bracelet, mais d'autres dispositifs horlogers peuvent être envisagés, tels qu'une montre gousset, un chronomètre, etc.As said previously, the invention relates to a clock device adapted to indicate the position of a star. In the example shown on the figures 2 and 3 , the horological device is a wristwatch, but other horological devices can be envisaged, such as a pocket watch, a chronometer, etc.

Les éléments du dispositif horloger essentiels à la mise en œuvre de l'invention sont représentés schématiquement sur la figure 4 :

  • un circuit 1 pour déterminer une heure courante,
  • un circuit 2 pour déterminer une position géographique du dispositif horloger,
  • un moyen 4 adapté pour déterminer la position de l'astre en fonction de l'heure courante et de la position géographique du dispositif horloger,
  • un système d'affichage comprenant une première aiguille 8a, une deuxième aiguille 8b, et un moyen 8c adapté pour piloter les dites aiguilles en rotation dans un plan principal du dispositif horloger et afficher la position déterminée de l'astre.
The elements of the watchmaking device essential to the implementation of the invention are shown diagrammatically on the figure 4 :
  • a circuit 1 to determine a current time,
  • a circuit 2 for determining a geographical position of the timepiece device,
  • a means 4 adapted to determine the position of the star as a function of the current time and the geographical position of the watch device,
  • a display system comprising a first hand 8a, a second hand 8b, and a means 8c adapted to drive said needles in rotation in a main plane of the watch device and display the determined position of the star.

D'un point de vue pratique, dans l'exemple choisi d'une montre, tous les composants sont regroupés de manière classique dans une carrure à laquelle sont attachées les extrémités de deux brins d'un bracelet. La carrure est munie d'un fond et est fermée sur le dessus par une glace. Les deux aiguilles 8a, 8b se déplacent ici devant un cadran en forme de couronne qui porte à sa périphérie une graduation en heures et en minutes et/ou en degrés. Un repère cartésien lié au dispositif horloger est défini par deux axes XM, YM perpendiculaires entre eux et tous deux perpendiculaires à un axe ZM de rotation des aiguilles, les trois axes se coupant en un point O. Dans l'exemple représenté sur les figures, l'axe YM pointe en direction d'une graduation du cadran correspondant à 12H et l'axe XM pointe en direction d'une graduation du cadran correspondant à 3H. XM et YM définissent le plan principal du dispositif horloger.From a practical point of view, in the chosen example of a watch, all the components are grouped in a conventional manner in a middle part to which the ends of two strands of a bracelet are attached. The middle part has a back and is closed on top by a crystal. The two hands 8a, 8b move here in front of a crown-shaped dial which carries on its periphery a graduation in hours and minutes and / or in degrees. A Cartesian coordinate system linked to the horological device is defined by two axes X M , Y M perpendicular to each other and both perpendicular to an axis Z M of rotation of the hands, the three axes intersecting at a point O. In the example shown on the figures, the axis Y M points towards a graduation of the dial corresponding to 12H and the axis X M points towards a graduation of the dial corresponding to 3H. X M and Y M define the main plane of the watch system.

Le circuit 1 est réalisé selon un schéma classique dans le milieu horloger ; il comprend pour l'essentiel une base de temps pour produire un signal de fréquence standard et un circuit adapté pour déterminer l'heure courante à partir dudit signal de fréquence standard.Circuit 1 is produced according to a conventional scheme in the watchmaking industry; it essentially comprises a time base for producing a standard frequency signal and a circuit adapted to determine the current time from said standard frequency signal.

Le circuit 2 de positionnement est également connu par ailleurs ; il s'agit par exemple d'une puce GPS (pour Global Positioning System) ou équivalent, apte à déterminer une position géographique sur la Terre à partir de signaux qu'elle reçoit d'un système de positionnement par satellites.The positioning circuit 2 is also known elsewhere; it is for example a GPS chip (for Global Positioning System) or equivalent, capable of determining a geographical position on Earth from signals it receives from a satellite positioning system.

Le système d'affichage 8 est dans le cadre de l'invention un système analogique comprenant au moins deux aiguilles 8a, 8b et un moyen de pilotage 8c de la position des aiguilles. Bien sûr, le système d'affichage peut également comprendre d'autres éléments tels que d'autres aiguilles, des cellules d'affichage électro-optique pour un affichage digital du type pseudo analogique par exemple du type pseudo analogique, etc. qui peuvent être utiles par ailleurs pour d'autres fonctions du dispositif horloger. Dans le cadre de l'invention, le système d'affichage est adapté pour :

  • dans un premier mode de fonctionnement du dispositif horloger, afficher l'heure courante et
  • dans un deuxième mode de fonctionnement du dispositif horloger, afficher la position déterminée de l'astre.
The display system 8 is in the context of the invention an analog system comprising at least two hands 8a, 8b and a means 8c for controlling the position of the hands. Of course, the display system can also include other elements such as other hands, electro-optical display cells for a digital display of the pseudo analog type, for example of the pseudo analog type, etc. which may also be useful for other functions of the watch device. In the context of the invention, the display system is suitable for:
  • in a first mode of operation of the timepiece device, display the current time and
  • in a second mode of operation of the watch device, display the determined position of the star.

Les moyens 4 comprennent essentiellement une mémoire de données 4a, une mémoire de programme 4b, et une unité de traitement 4c.The means 4 essentially comprise a data memory 4a, a program memory 4b, and a processing unit 4c.

La mémoire de données 4a peut comprendre notamment une carte du ciel mémorisée sous la forme d'une base de données comprenant une liste des astres (au moins un astre) susceptibles d'être pointés et, pour chaque astre identifié, des données représentatives de sa position dans le système solaire par rapport à la terre. D'un point de vue réalisation pratique, la mémoire de données peut être positionnée à proximité immédiate de l'unité de traitement 4c, dans un boîtier du dispositif horloger. En variante, tout ou partie de la mémoire de données peut être déportée sur un serveur de données distant. Les moyens 4 comprennent dans ce cas également des moyens d'émission et de réception appropriés pour accéder aux données du serveur de données. En variante encore, la mémoire de données 4a et la mémoire de programme 4b sont deux parties d'une même mémoire.The data memory 4a can in particular comprise a sky map stored in the form of a database comprising a list of the stars (at least one star) capable of being pointed and, for each star identified, data representative of its position in the solar system relative to the earth. From a practical implementation point of view, the data memory can be positioned in the immediate vicinity of the processing unit 4c, in a housing of the timepiece device. Alternatively, all or part of the data memory can be transferred to a remote data server. The means 4 also include in this case transmission and reception means suitable for accessing the data from the data server. In another variant, the data memory 4a and the program memory 4b are two parts of the same memory.

La mémoire de programme 4b mémorise un programme exécutable par l'unité de traitement ; le dit programme comprend notamment une pluralité de lignes de codes appropriées pour la mise en œuvre des fonctions de l'unité de traitement 4c et notamment, dans le cadre de l'invention, la fonction consistant à déterminer la position d'un astre sélectionné en fonction de l'heure courante et de la position géographique du dispositif horloger, et à faire afficher la position déterminée par ledit système d'affichage 8. De manière classique, l'unité de traitement met également en œuvre une fonction consistant à faire afficher l'heure courante par le système d'affichage 8.The program memory 4b stores a program executable by the processing unit; the said program comprises in particular a plurality of lines of codes suitable for the implementation of the functions of the processing unit 4c and in particular, within the framework of the invention, the function consisting in determining the position of a celestial body selected in as a function of the current time and of the geographical position of the timepiece device, and to display the position determined by said display system 8. Conventionally, the processing unit also implements a function consisting in displaying the current time by the display system 8.

L'unité de traitement 4c est reliée au circuit 1 pour recevoir des informations relatives à l'heure courante. Dans le cadre de l'invention, l'unité de traitement est également reliée au circuit 2 pour recevoir des informations relatives à la position géographique du dispositif horloger. L'unité de traitement peut encore être reliée à un moyen de sélection 10 pour recevoir une information relative à l'astre dont la position doit être affichée. En complément, l'unité de traitement peut être reliée à un serveur distant par toute liaison appropriée sans fil (WiFi, etc.) pour recevoir des données ou des instructions d'un serveur distant.The processing unit 4c is connected to circuit 1 to receive information relating to the current time. In the context of the invention, the processing unit is also connected to circuit 2 to receive information relating to the geographical position of the watch system. The processing unit can also be connected to a selection means 10 to receive information relating to the star whose position is to be displayed. In addition, the processing unit can be connected to a remote server by any suitable wireless link (WiFi, etc.) to receive data or instructions from a remote server.

Le deuxième mode de fonctionnement du dispositif horloger, spécifique à l'invention et permettant d'afficher la position déterminée de l'astre va maintenant être détaillé.The second mode of operation of the watch device, specific to the invention and making it possible to display the determined position of the star will now be detailed.

De manière connue, dans un système de coordonnées cartésiennes (figure 1) défini par un centre O et trois axes X0, Y0, Z0 perpendiculaires entre eux, la position d'un astre assimilé à un point A peut être définie par trois coordonnées (XA, YA, ZA) correspondant à la projection du point A respectivement sur les axes X0, Y0 et Z0. Plus communément dans le domaine de l'astronomie, les astres sont repérés dans un système de coordonnées horizontales centré sur un observateur au sol sur la Terre. Un système de coordonnées horizontales sépare le ciel en deux hémisphères : l'un situé au-dessus d'un point d'observation O et l'autre situé au-dessous. Le grand cercle séparant les deux hémisphères définit un plan horizontal, à partir duquel est établi un azimut αA et un angle d'élévation βA, qui constituent les deux principales coordonnées d'un astre dans ce système. Le plan horizontal passant par O est en pratique un plan parallèle à un plan tangent à la Terre et passant par le projeté du point O sur le sol Par souci de simplification, sur la figure 1, le dispositif horloger est positionné au point O, le plan horizontal est considéré comme étant le plan (X0, Y0) et le nord cardinal correspond à l'axe Y0. L'azimut αA est l'angle entre un cardinal (nord cardinal correspondant à l'axe Y0 sur la figure 1) et la projection (droite (OAp)) de l'astre sélectionné sur le plan horizontal (X0, Y0). L'azimut αA est généralement exprimé en degrés, de 0° à 360° dans le sens horaire à partir du nord cardinal. L'angle d'élévation βA est l'angle vertical entre le plan horizontal et l'astre visé, exprimé en degré, dans le sens antihoraire à partir du plan vertical.As is known, in a Cartesian coordinate system ( figure 1 ) defined by a center O and three axes X 0 , Y 0 , Z 0 perpendicular to each other, the position of a star assimilated to a point A can be defined by three coordinates (X A , Y A , Z A ) corresponding to the projection of point A respectively on the axes X 0 , Y 0 and Z 0 . More commonly in the field of astronomy, the stars are located in a horizontal coordinate system centered on an observer on the ground on Earth. A system of horizontal coordinates separates the sky into two hemispheres: one located above an observation point O and the other located below. The large circle separating the two hemispheres defines a horizontal plane, from which an azimuth α A and an elevation angle β A are established , which constitute the two main coordinates of a star in this system. The horizontal plane passing through O is in practice a plane parallel to a plane tangent to the Earth and passing through the projected point O on the ground For the sake of simplification, on the figure 1 , the timepiece is positioned at point O, the horizontal plane is considered to be the plane (X 0 , Y 0 ) and the cardinal north corresponds to the axis Y 0 . The azimuth α A is the angle between a cardinal (north cardinal corresponding to the axis Y 0 on the figure 1 ) and the projection (right (OA p )) of the selected star on the horizontal plane (X 0 , Y 0 ). The azimuth α A is generally expressed in degrees, from 0 ° to 360 ° clockwise from cardinal north. The angle of elevation β A is the vertical angle between the horizontal plane and the target star, expressed in degrees, counterclockwise from the vertical plane.

Dans un système de coordonnées horizontales ainsi défini, la position d'un astre A dépend de la position du centre O et du plan horizontal dans l'espace, qui dépendent eux-mêmes de la position géographique de l'observateur sur la Terre, et de la position de la Terre par rapport à l'astre dans le système solaire. La position de la Terre par rapport à l'astre dépend de l'heure courante, et de la date courante. La position géographique du dispositif horloger déterminée par le circuit 2 et l'heure et la date courante déterminée par le circuit 1, combinées aux informations mémorisées dans la mémoire de données 4a permettent ainsi à l'unité de traitement 4c de déterminer la position de l'astre dans un repère de coordonnées horizontales centré sur le dispositif horloger, selon des procédés de calcul certes complexes mais largement connus dans le domaine de l'astronomie.In a horizontal coordinate system thus defined, the position of a star A depends on the position of the center O and on the horizontal plane in space, which themselves depend on the geographic position of the observer on Earth, and of the position of the Earth relative to the star in the solar system. The position of the Earth relative to the star depends on the current time, and on the current date. The geographical position of the timepiece device determined by circuit 2 and the current time and date determined by circuit 1, combined with the information stored in the data memory 4a thus allow the processing unit 4c to determine the position of the star in a horizontal coordinate system centered on the watchmaking device, according to admittedly complex calculation methods but widely known in the field of astronomy.

Le moyen de pilotage 8c des aiguilles d'affichage 8a, 8b est adapté pour déterminer l'axe cardinal Y0 (par ex. le nord cardinal) et pour orienter une première aiguille par rapport à l'axe cardinal Y0 selon l'azimut αA déterminé de l'astre A ; ladite aiguille est par exemple l'aiguille habituellement utilisée pour l'affichage des minutes de l'heure courante. Pour réaliser cette orientation, le moyen de pilotage des aiguilles peut comprendre par exemple un magnétomètre 2D apte à déterminer le nord cardinal Y0 et un moyen pour positionner et maintenir en position, dans le plan horizontal, la première aiguille par rapport au nord cardinal selon l'azimut αA de l'astre, la première aiguille étant par ailleurs laissée en rotation libre dans le plan principal du dispositif horloger. L'orientation de la première aiguille est indépendante du repère lié au dispositif horloger de sorte que cette orientation αA est maintenue quelle que soient les mouvements du dispositif horloger tant que le plan principal du dispositif horloger reste dans le plan horizontal. Ainsi, en positionnant le plan principal du dispositif horloger dans le plan horizontal et en regardant dans la direction indiquée par la pointe de la première aiguille, l'observateur regarde toujours dans la direction de l'azimut αA de l'astre sélectionné, même si le dispositif horloger est déplacé. La première aiguille se comporte ainsi comme l'aiguille d'une boussole qui serait attirée dans une direction formant un angle βA avec le nord cardinal.The control means 8c of the display needles 8a, 8b is suitable for determining the cardinal axis Y 0 (for example the cardinal north) and for orienting a first hand relative to the cardinal axis Y 0 according to the azimuth α A determined from the star A; said hand is for example the hand usually used for displaying the minutes of the current time. To achieve this orientation, the needle control means may for example comprise a 2D magnetometer capable of determining the cardinal north Y 0 and a means for positioning and holding in position, in the horizontal plane, the first hand relative to the cardinal north along the azimuth α A of the star, the first hand also being left in free rotation in the main plane of the watch device. The orientation of the first hand is independent of the reference linked to the watch device so that this orientation α A is maintained whatever the movements of the watch device as long as the main plane of the watch device remains in the horizontal plane. Thus, by positioning the main plane of the horological device in the horizontal plane and looking in the direction indicated by the tip of the first hand, the observer always looks in the direction of the azimuth α A of the selected star, even if the watch device is moved. The first needle thus behaves like the needle of a compass which would be drawn in a direction forming an angle β A with the cardinal north.

L'angle d'élévation βA de l'astre peut être affiché sur le dispositif horloger à l'aide la deuxième aiguille (par exemple l'aiguille habituellement utilisée pour l'affichage des heures de l'heure courante) de plusieurs façons.The elevation angle β A of the star can be displayed on the watch device using the second hand (for example the hand usually used for displaying the hours of the current time) in several ways.

Selon un mode de réalisation, le moyen de pilotage des aiguilles est adapté pour positionner la deuxième aiguille, dans le plan principal (XM, YM) et par rapport à un axe de référence YM lié au dispositif horloger, selon un angle β égal à l'angle d'élévation βA de l'astre dans le repère de coordonnées horizontales centré sur le dispositif horloger d'un point de vue pratique, pour positionner la deuxième aiguille, le moyen de pilotage 8c entraîne en rotation la deuxième aiguille dans le plan principal de manière classique puis immobilise l'aiguille. Dans ce mode de réalisation, l'angle β est défini par rapport à l'axe de référence YM lié au dispositif horloger de sorte que, si le dispositif horloger est déplacé, l'angle β reste constant. Dans ce mode de réalisation, pour visualiser l'astre, l'observateur peut utiliser le dispositif horloger de la manière suivante. Le dispositif horloger est orienté dans le plan horizontal de sorte que la première aiguille (orientée selon l'azimut de l'astre), libre en rotation, soit alignée selon l'axe de référence YM du dispositif horloger (correspondant au repère 12H dans l'exemple). Ensuite, le dispositif horloger est tourné selon l'axe de référence YM en maintenant l'axe de référence YM fixe dans le plan horizontal de sorte que le plan formé par l'axe YM et la deuxième aiguille soit vertical. L'observateur peut alors visualiser l'astre sélectionné en regardant dans la direction pointée par l'extrémité de la deuxième aiguille.According to one embodiment, the means for controlling the hands is adapted to position the second hand, in the main plane (X M , Y M ) and with respect to a reference axis Y M linked to the watch device, at an angle β equal to the elevation angle β A of the star in the horizontal coordinate system centered on the timepiece device from a practical point of view, to position the second hand, the control means 8c rotates the second hand in the main plane in a conventional manner and then immobilizes the needle. In this embodiment, the angle β is defined relative to the reference axis Y M linked to the timepiece device so that, if the timepiece device is moved, the angle β remains constant. In this mode of embodiment, to view the star, the observer can use the clock device as follows. The watch device is oriented in the horizontal plane so that the first hand (oriented along the azimuth of the star), free in rotation, is aligned along the reference axis Y M of the watch device (corresponding to the reference 12H in The example). Then, the timepiece device is rotated along the reference axis Y M while keeping the reference axis Y M fixed in the horizontal plane so that the plane formed by the axis Y M and the second hand is vertical. The observer can then view the selected star by looking in the direction pointed by the end of the second needle.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, le moyen de pilotage des aiguilles est adapté pour orienter la deuxième aiguille par rapport au plan horizontal selon l'angle d'élévation βA de l'astre dans le repère de coordonnées horizontales centré sur le dispositif horloger.According to another embodiment, the means for controlling the hands is adapted to orient the second hand with respect to the horizontal plane according to the elevation angle β A of the star in the horizontal coordinate system centered on the watch device.

Pour réaliser cette orientation, le moyen de pilotage des aiguilles peut comprendre par exemple un magnétomètre 3D apte à déterminer le nord cardinal et un moyen pour :

  • positionner et maintenir en position, dans le plan horizontal, la première aiguille par rapport au nord cardinal selon un angle égal à l'azimut αA de l'astre,
  • positionner et maintenir en position, dans un plan vertical, la deuxième aiguille par rapport au plan horizontal selon un angle égal à l'angle d'élévation βA de l'astre.
To achieve this orientation, the needle control means may for example comprise a 3D magnetometer capable of determining the cardinal north and a means for:
  • position and maintain in position, in the horizontal plane, the first needle relative to the cardinal north at an angle equal to the azimuth α A of the star,
  • position and hold in position, in a vertical plane, the second needle relative to the horizontal plane at an angle equal to the elevation angle β A of the star.

La première aiguille et la deuxième aiguille sont par ailleurs laissées en rotation libre dans le plan principal du dispositif horloger. Comme pour la première aiguille, l'orientation de la deuxième aiguille est ici indépendante du repère lié au dispositif horloger de sorte que cette orientation βA est maintenue quelle que soit les mouvements du dispositif horloger dans un plan vertical. Les aiguilles se comportent ainsi comme l'aiguille d'une boussole qui serait attirée dans la direction de l'astre.The first hand and the second hand are also left to rotate freely in the main plane of the watch device. As for the first hand, the orientation of the second hand is here independent of the reference linked to the timepiece device so that this orientation β A is maintained whatever the movements of the timepiece device in a vertical plane. The needles thus behave like the needle of a compass which would be attracted in the direction of the star.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, pour visualiser l'astre, l'observateur peut utiliser le dispositif horloger de la manière suivante. Le dispositif horloger est orienté dans le plan horizontal de sorte que la première aiguille (orientée selon l'azimut de l'astre), libre en rotation, soit alignée selon l'axe de référence YM du dispositif horloger (correspondant au repère 12H dans l'exemple). Ensuite, le dispositif horloger est tourné selon l'axe de référence YM en maintenant l'axe de référence YM fixe dans le plan horizontal de sorte que le plan formé par l'axe YM et la deuxième aiguille soit vertical. Enfin, le dispositif horloger est orienté dans le plan vertical de sorte que la deuxième aiguille (orientée selon l'angle d'élévation de l'astre), libre en rotation, soit également alignée selon l'axe de référence YM du dispositif horloger. Alors, lorsque les deux aiguilles sont alignées avec l'axe de référence YM, l'observateur peut visualiser l'astre sélectionné en regardant dans la direction pointée par l'extrémité des deux aiguilles.In this embodiment, to view the star, the observer can use the clock device as follows. The watch device is oriented in the horizontal plane so that the first hand (oriented along the azimuth of the star), free in rotation, is aligned along the reference axis Y M of the watch device (corresponding to the reference 12H in The example). Then, the timepiece device is rotated along the reference axis Y M while keeping the reference axis Y M fixed in the horizontal plane so that the plane formed by the axis Y M and the second hand is vertical. Finally, the watch device is oriented in the vertical plane so that the second hand (oriented according to the angle of elevation of the star), free in rotation, is also aligned along the reference axis Y M of the watch device . Then, when the two hands are aligned with the reference axis Y M , the observer can visualize the selected star by looking in the direction pointed by the end of the two hands.

Selon une variante on pourra encore envisager de valider l'orientation en azimut et en élévation au moyen d'un signal sonore ou d'une vibration qui se déclenche lorsque l'azimut et l'élévation pour l'observation de l'astre déterminé sont atteints.According to a variant, it is also possible to envisage validating the orientation in azimuth and in elevation by means of an audible signal or a vibration which is triggered when the azimuth and the elevation for the observation of the determined star are achieved.

Le dispositif horloger selon l'invention peut encore comprendre un moyen de sélection 10 d'un mode de fonctionnement du dispositif horloger. Le moyen 10 est dans un exemple assurément non limitatif une tige de commande rotative et à plusieurs positions axiales, chaque position axiale correspondant à un mode de fonctionnement du dispositif horloger.The watch device according to the invention can also comprise a means for selecting 10 an operating mode of the watch device. The means 10 is in an example certainly not limiting a rod of rotary control and with several axial positions, each axial position corresponding to a mode of operation of the timepiece device.

Le dispositif horloger selon l'invention peut encore comprendre un moyen de sélection d'un astre parmi une pluralité d'astres enregistrés dans la mémoire 4a. Dans un exemple assurément non limitatif, le moyen de sélection d'un astre peut comprendre :

  • un élément d'affichage digital,
  • un moyen d'incrémentation permettant à l'utilisateur de faire afficher sur l'élément d'affichage digital successivement les astres d'une liste contenue dans la mémoire de données et
  • un moyen de validation tel qu'un bouton de commande que l'utilisateur peut actionner pour sélectionner l'astre affiché.
The horological device according to the invention can also comprise a means of selecting a star from a plurality of stars recorded in the memory 4a. In an example which is certainly not limiting, the means for selecting a star may include:
  • a digital display element,
  • an incrementation means allowing the user to display successively the stars of a list contained in the data memory on the digital display element, and
  • a validation means such as a command button that the user can actuate to select the star displayed.

Selon un mode de réalisation, le moyen d'incrémentation peut être un bouton de commande, des appuis successifs sur le bouton permettant de faire défiler les astres de la liste. En variante, le moyen d'incrémentation peut être la tige de commande rotative dans une position axiale associée au deuxième mode de fonctionnement du dispositif horloger (affichage de la position d'un astre), une rotation de la tige entraînant un défilement de la liste des astres.According to one embodiment, the incrementing means can be a command button, successive presses on the button making it possible to scroll through the stars in the list. As a variant, the incrementing means may be the rotary control rod in an axial position associated with the second operating mode of the watch device (display of the position of a star), a rotation of the rod causing the list to scroll. of the stars.

On pourra encore prévoir selon une variante avantageuse que lorsque l'astre sélectionné par l'utilisateur n'est pas observable à partir de l'endroit où se trouve ce dernier, des moyens soit prévus pour informer l'utilisateur de cet état de situation, par exemple en amenant par une commande appropriée du moteur d'entrainement des aiguilles, ces dernières dans une position caractéristique.An advantageous variant could also be provided for when the star selected by the user is not observable from the place where the latter is located, means are provided for informing the user of this state of the situation, for example by bringing the needles by an appropriate control of the drive motor, the latter in a characteristic position.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation, on pourrait envisager de sélectionner l'astre à observer sur un terminal déporté par rapport à la montre, tel qu'un téléphone portable, une tablette ou analogue, et d'envoyer par communication sans fil, ou informatique, ou autre, la sélection correspondante. Il va de soi que dans ce cas la montre comprend une antenne et/ou une prise ainsi qu'un circuit récepteur approprié.According to another alternative embodiment, it could be envisaged to select the star to be observed on a remote terminal relative to the watch, such as a mobile phone, a tablet or the like, and to send by wireless or computer communication. , or other, the selection corresponding. It goes without saying that in this case the watch comprises an antenna and / or a socket as well as an appropriate receiving circuit.

Légende des figuresLegend of figures

1.1.
circuit pour déterminer une heure courantecircuit to determine a current time
2.2.
circuit pour déterminer une position géographique
4. moyen pour déterminer la position d'un astre
4a mémoire de données
4b mémoire de programme
4c unité de traitementcircuit to determine a geographical position
4. means for determining the position of a star
4a data memory
4b program memory
4c processing unit
88
système d'affichage
8a, 8b : deux aiguilles
8c moyen de pilotage des aiguillesdisplay system
8a, 8b: two needles
8c needle control means
10.10.
moyen de sélection d'un mode de fonctionnementmeans of selecting an operating mode

Claims (8)

  1. Timepiece designed to indicate the position of a celestial body, characterized in that it comprises:
    - a circuit (1) for determining a current time,
    - a circuit (2) for determining a geographical position of the timepiece,
    - a means (4) designed to determine the position of the celestial body as a function of the current time and of the geographical position of the timepiece,
    - a display system comprising a first hand (8a), a second hand (8b) and a means (8c) designed to drive the rotation of the said hands in a main plane (XM, YM) of the timepiece and to display the determined position of the celestial body, each hand being driven to display a coordinate of the determined position of the celestial body.
  2. Timepiece according to claim 1, characterized in that the display system (6) is designed to:
    - in a first mode of operation of the timepiece, display the current time, and
    - in a second mode of operation of the timepiece, display the determined position of the celestial body.
  3. Timepiece according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which the position of the celestial body is determined in a horizontal coordinates system centred on the timepiece using an azimuth (αA) and an angle of elevation (βA), which coordinate system is defined by a horizontal plane (X0, Y0) and a vertical axis (Z0), the hand driving means being designed to determine a cardinal axis (Y0) in the horizontal plane and to orient a first hand with respect to the cardinal axis according to the determined azimuth of the celestial body.
  4. Timepiece according to claim 3, in which the means for driving the hands is designed to position a second hand, with respect to a reference axis (YM) associated with the timepiece, at an angle β equal to the angle of elevation βA of the celestial body.
  5. Timepiece according to claim 3, in which the means for driving the hands is designed to orient the second hand with respect to the horizontal plane at the determined angle of elevation βA of the celestial body.
  6. Device according to one of caims 1 to 5 also comprising a means for selecting a celestial body from a plurality of celestial bodies.
  7. Timepiece according to one of claims 2 to 6, also comprising a selection means (10) for selecting a mode of operation of the timepiece.
  8. Timepiece according to one of the preceding claims, of the wristwatch
EP17190158.0A 2017-09-08 2017-09-08 Astronomical clock device Active EP3454140B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17190158.0A EP3454140B1 (en) 2017-09-08 2017-09-08 Astronomical clock device
US16/104,987 US11119445B2 (en) 2017-09-08 2018-08-20 Astronomical horological device
JP2018164236A JP6743100B2 (en) 2017-09-08 2018-09-03 Celestial clock device
CN201811031224.3A CN109471348B (en) 2017-09-08 2018-09-05 Astronomical clock device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP17190158.0A EP3454140B1 (en) 2017-09-08 2017-09-08 Astronomical clock device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3454140A1 EP3454140A1 (en) 2019-03-13
EP3454140B1 true EP3454140B1 (en) 2020-02-26

Family

ID=59829292

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17190158.0A Active EP3454140B1 (en) 2017-09-08 2017-09-08 Astronomical clock device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US11119445B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3454140B1 (en)
JP (1) JP6743100B2 (en)
CN (1) CN109471348B (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11537093B2 (en) * 2019-03-08 2022-12-27 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Mobile device and mobile device system

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2739613B2 (en) * 1990-12-26 1998-04-15 日本マランツ株式会社 Satellite navigation receiver
JPH0827592B2 (en) * 1993-10-21 1996-03-21 株式会社ハドソン Natural environment guidance device
CN2256110Y (en) * 1995-10-25 1997-06-11 汪仁虎 Timer
JPH10332376A (en) * 1997-05-27 1998-12-18 Mitsuaki Arita Watch with azimuth indicator
CH692066A5 (en) 1998-04-09 2002-01-15 Asulab Sa Astronomical clock.
ATE395638T1 (en) * 2003-07-14 2008-05-15 Asulab Sa ASTRONOMIC CLOCK
CN100495254C (en) * 2004-05-13 2009-06-03 严岗铭 Near-the-sun planet astronomic clock
KR100709308B1 (en) * 2005-04-28 2007-04-20 어윤형 A New Timepiece having the Celestial Map
CN100533065C (en) * 2006-05-31 2009-08-26 哈尔滨工业大学 Interstellar cruising self-navigation method based on multi-star road sign
CN200944152Y (en) * 2006-07-04 2007-09-05 苏州信达光电科技有限公司 Theodolite cradle type telescope system capable of automatic tracking celestial object
US9551980B2 (en) * 2011-11-09 2017-01-24 Lonestar Inventions, L.P. Solar timer using GPS technology
WO2016026074A1 (en) 2014-08-18 2016-02-25 Google Inc. Determining compass orientation of imagery
CN105141825B (en) * 2015-06-23 2018-08-21 努比亚技术有限公司 A kind of celestial body image pickup method and device
CN106767824B (en) * 2016-12-14 2020-05-12 中国人民解放军63921部队 Method for calculating relative position of double detectors on surface of extraterrestrial celestial body

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US11119445B2 (en) 2021-09-14
JP2019049548A (en) 2019-03-28
EP3454140A1 (en) 2019-03-13
CN109471348A (en) 2019-03-15
JP6743100B2 (en) 2020-08-19
CN109471348B (en) 2021-11-23
US20190079455A1 (en) 2019-03-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3379348B1 (en) Universal moon phase display
EP1701229B1 (en) Electronic watch with compass function
CA2546254A1 (en) Portable electronic device with radiofrequency signal receiver, and process for determining the position of such a device
CH708234B1 (en) Portable multifunction device controlled by external information.
EP3676670B1 (en) Electronic timepiece device indicating the time and the azimuth of the sun by means of a single indicator hand
CH688949GA3 (en) Watch comprising a display device of a predetermined geographical location.
EP1498790B1 (en) Astronomical watch
CH691084A5 (en) Timepiece including a GPS receiver for indicating the direction of a "goal" area.
EP1412701A2 (en) Measuring and locating system using bases three and nine and corresponding uses
EP3454140B1 (en) Astronomical clock device
FR2615297A1 (en) APPARATUS REPRODUCING THE APPARENT VISION OF THE ASTRES
EP0660205B1 (en) Method for fixing the geographical position and timepiece for implementing this method
CH714127A2 (en) Astronomical clock device.
EP0871096B1 (en) Timepiece containing a GPS receiver for indicating the direction to a target location
CH713328A2 (en) Hybrid intelligent mechanical timepiece such as a watch.
EP2923243B1 (en) Wristwatch or pocket watch intended to indicate astral information
CH708648A2 (en) Watch including an astronomical indication.
CH698599B1 (en) Portable electronic device e.g. electromechanical wristwatch, for user's wrist, has processing unit controlling indicating units to search visible satellites based on almanac and ephemeredes data, time data and orientation signal processing
EP3217231A1 (en) Navigation system with remote display
CH715167A1 (en) Astronomical display device.
FR3005360A1 (en) MEANS OF DISPLAYING THE TIME IN SEVERAL TIME ZONES AND WATCH OR ELECTRONIC DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A DISPLAY MEANS
CH712202A2 (en) Navigation system with remote display.
CH707237A1 (en) Wristwatch or pocket watch for indicating astral information, has ostensor arranged to be rotated about axis by actuation of push-button of casing, and rete arranged to be driven by actuation of another push-button of casing

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190913

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20191022

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: PETERS, JEAN-BERNARD

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602017012181

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: ICB INGENIEURS CONSEILS EN BREVETS SA, CH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1238394

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200526

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20200226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200626

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200527

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200526

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200719

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1238394

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20200226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602017012181

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20201127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20200930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200908

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200908

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20200226

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230701

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20231001

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240820

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240820

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240820

Year of fee payment: 8