HK1237452A1 - Portable touch-sensitive object having simplified deactivation of the touch keys - Google Patents

Description

Portable touch-sensitive object with simplified touch key deactivation

Technical Field

The invention relates to a portable object comprising a casing closed by glass to form a housing in which an electronic module is arranged, cooperating with control means. The control device comprises at least a plurality of touch keys.

Background

A portable object such as an electronic watch 1 is known. Such an electronic watch, visible in fig. 1, comprises a case 3 formed by a case intermediate piece 5, said case intermediate piece 5 being closed by a back cover and a glass 7. The display device 9 is arranged below the glass.

These electronic watches comprise an electronic module cooperating with a control device. The control module comprises at least a plurality of touch keys 11.

In general, in watches having these touch keys, it is desirable to be able to turn off the touch system to save energy or to prevent simple contact with one of these keys that could cause the watch to disrupt, for example, the modification of the display or even the modification of the program. In fact, the touch keys, which are for example of the capacitive type, are permanently scanned at a frequency between 2Hz and 100Hz to detect any contact. Such permanent scanning thus consumes energy.

The touch key is thus activated by a button 13, which may be a crown.

To turn off a touch key, a specific power-down sequence of timeout periods may be set, e.g. as seen in fig. 2, i.e. if no key is actuated for a predetermined period of time, a turn-off occurs or the button is powered down.

However, one disadvantage of a particular power-off operation is that the user must remember it.

In addition, one disadvantage of the timeout is that it is very time consuming, which keeps the unused system on for a dry second and can thus be started unintentionally.

One drawback of the button solution is that it is necessary to have a specific button so that the operation performed is the same anywhere in the program. However, the special button requires a complex design of the housing of the portable object.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a portable object whose touch interface can be closed quite simply.

To this end, the invention consists in a portable object comprising a casing formed by a casing intermediate closed by a back cover and by a glass so as to form a housing in which an electronic module is placed, said electronic module cooperating with control means comprising at least a plurality of contact pads (touch pads, touch-sensitive panels) for interacting with the electronic module, each contact pad being located on one surface of said casing, said electronic module being programmed to operate in a first operating mode in which at least said contact pads are adapted to be activated (activated, active) and in a second operating mode in which at least said contact pads are not adapted to be activated,

characterized in that the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode takes place after the simultaneous activation of at least a predetermined number of touch pads has been detected by the electronic module, the activated touch pads being randomly selected.

One advantage of the present invention is that it does not require an additional special button or timeout period to generate the change from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the number of activated contact plates required for the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode amounts to at least 50% of the number of contact plates present.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the number of activated contact plates required for the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode is equal to the total number of contact plates present.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the activation of the touchpad is caused by contact with the body, which causes a perturbation (perturbation) of the electric field that can be perceived by the touchpad.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the body causing the disturbance of the electric field is a volume of water.

In a sixth advantageous embodiment, the activation of the touch pad is caused by the pressure of the body, which causes the appearance of a voltage on the touch pad by means of a resistive effect.

In a seventh advantageous embodiment, the activation of the touch pad is caused by a pressure exerted by the body, which pressure exerted by the body causes the appearance of a voltage on the touch pad by the piezoelectric effect.

In another advantageous embodiment, the activation of the touch pad is caused by pressure exerted by the body, said pressure exerted by the body causing optical disturbance of the touch pad.

The invention also relates to a portable object comprising a casing formed by a frame closed by a screen to form a housing in which an electronic module is placed, said screen comprising glasses, or contacts, associated with an electrical detection grid (grid), forming control means, said screen cooperating with the electronic module to interact with the latter, said electronic module being programmed to operate in a first operating mode in which at least said screen is active and in a second operating mode in which at least said screen is inactive (inactive ),

characterized in that the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode takes place after at least a determined number of randomly active areas have been detected by the electronic module.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the determined number of active areas is at least equal to 3.

In a second advantageous embodiment, the determined number of activation areas is at least equal to the number of fingers of one hand.

In a third advantageous embodiment, the screen is of the capacitive type, the activation being performed by the body causing the disturbance of the electric field.

In a fourth advantageous embodiment, the screen is of the resistive type.

In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the screen is of the optical type.

In another advantageous embodiment, the screen is of the piezoelectric type.

In another advantageous embodiment, the body causing the disturbance of the electric field is a volume of water.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the electronic module is active, and the second operating mode is a standby operating mode in which the electronic module is inactive.

In another advantageous embodiment the first mode of operation is a normal mode of operation in which said portable object is active and the second mode of operation is a mode of operation in which the portable object is switched off (switched off, powered off).

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first operating mode is a normal operating mode in which the timing function of the electronic module is deactivated, and the second operating mode is an operating mode in which said timing function is activated.

Drawings

The objects, advantages and features of the invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of at least one embodiment of the invention, given purely as a non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

figures 1 and 2 show a portable object according to the prior art;

figures 3 to 6 show a first embodiment of a portable object and of the operations performed thereon according to the invention;

figures 7-10 show a second embodiment of the portable object and the operations performed thereon according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention proceeds from the overall inventive idea of providing a simple operation for closing/deactivating at least the touch keys of a portable object, such as a watch.

In a first embodiment, visible in fig. 3 and 4, a portable object 100 according to the invention is shown. The portable object 100, here a watch, comprises a housing 103. The housing 103 is formed by a frame 105 closed by a glass 107. The frame may be formed of two parts, for example a case middle piece in the example of a watch, and a back cover fastened to the case middle piece. A frame 105 closed by glass forms a receptacle 104 in which an electronic module 106 is arranged. The electronic module comprises, for example, a microcontroller which is powered by a battery and communicates with the display device 109 or even the sensor.

The electronic module also cooperates with a control device 111, said control device being a touch control device.

Of course, the control device may also comprise at least one button 113.

According to the invention, the electronic module is programmed to operate in a first operating mode, in which the touch control means 111 are active, and in a second operating mode, in which the touch control means 111 are inactive.

The control means 111 comprise a plurality of touch keys for interacting with the electronic module 106. These touch keys are arranged in the housing, i.e. in the frame or glass, for example on the inner surface. If the touch keys are arranged in the frame 105, the frame must be made of a suitable material depending on the technology used. For example, in the case of a capacitive touch key, the material carrying the electrodes must be electrically insulating. In the case of a wristwatch, the touch keys must be located in a part that is a case middle, bezel or in the glass.

The touch keys using capacitive technology are arranged in the form of conductive electrodes, which may be transparent or opaque, for example under/on the watch glass, bezel or case middle. These touch keys take the form of conductive touch pads or touch pads 115, so that when a user places his finger on the area where the pads are arranged, a change in the electric field occurs. The change in the electric field causes a change in capacitance. The electronic module 106 will detect and interpret this change in capacitance that represents the presence of a finger.

Advantageously according to the invention, the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode is caused by the simultaneous activation of a determined number of plates 115. The activation of these plates 115 may be a light touch, a pressure, or any operation by the user that allows the plates 115 to be activated.

The predetermined number of plates 115 that are simultaneously activated to change the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation is selected to be significantly different from any existing operation performed on the portable object.

In this regard, it is contemplated that the change from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation occurs when at least half of the contact plates 115 are simultaneously activated.

For example, for a touch screen comprising 7 touch keys, 6 contact plates at the periphery of the bezel and a center contactTissot of a panelIn the case of a watch, the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs when at least 3 plates are activated simultaneously. This operation is quite different from the basic operation, since the programming of the watch provides a plate for each function and thus does not provide simultaneous pressure on several plates. The 3 keys that are activated simultaneously may be activated using a thumb or two fingers D as seen in fig. 5, which fig. 5 shows at least four panels T1, T2, T3, T4 activated.

Preferably, the change from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation occurs when all of the plates 115 are activated simultaneously by the user. Generally, Tissot for a contact plate comprising 7 contact platesIn the case of a wristwatch, activation of all the plates 115 occurs when the hand M is placed on the glass as shown in fig. 6.

This operation of initiating the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, i.e. placing the hand M on the watch glass 107, has the advantage of being simple, since it does not require a specific target action on the part of the user. In fact, the user places his hand M on the glass and the activation of all the plates is detected, resulting in a change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode.

Of course, the use of resistive, piezoelectric or optical technology is also contemplated for the touch keys.

For resistive technology, one surface of the portable object may thus locally comprise a conductive layer and a plastic film, the underside of which is conductive (resistive ITO). The surface of the portable object and the plastic film may be kept separate from each other by means of tiny (microscopic) spacers. During operation, a current is induced in one of the two conductive surfaces. When a user touches the screen using the tip of a stylus (or finger), the applied pressure initiates contact between the two power supply surfaces.

In the case of piezoelectric technology, the detection grid is designed to convert the pressure, i.e. stress, applied by the user into an electrical signal. Pressure on the touch key creates stress that is converted into an electrical signal that, once detected, allows position determination.

In the case of optical technology, the detection grid uses optical technology, i.e. an optical array. The pressure exerted by the user on the touch key causes a local deformation of the key. The deformation causes a change in the light array. The change is detected and located to obtain location information.

In a second embodiment, visible in fig. 7 and 8, a portable object 200 according to the invention is shown. The portable object 200, here a mobile phone or a tablet computer, comprises a housing 203. The housing 203 includes a frame 205 enclosed by a glass 207. A frame 205 closed by glass forms a housing 204 in which an electronic module 206 is placed. The electronic module 206 comprises, for example, a microprocessor which is powered by a battery and communicates with the display device 209 and possibly sensors.

The electronic module also cooperates with a control device 211, which is a touch control device.

Of course, the control device may also comprise at least one button 213.

The control means 211 is a touch screen 215 for interacting with the electronic module. The touch screen 215 is typically formed from a glass or polymer plate 217 associated with an electrical detection grid 219. This type of touch screen may use capacitive or resistive technology. Other techniques, such as optical or piezoelectric, may also be used depending on the application.

The resistive screen is formed by a glass plate, the surface of which is conductive (resistive ITO). This surface is covered with a plastic film, the underside of which is conductive (resistive ITO). The two layers are kept separated from each other by a tiny spacer. An additional surface layer may be added to prevent scratching (e.g., by the tip of a stylus). During operation, a current is induced in one of the two conductive surfaces. When a user touches the screen with the tip (or finger) of a stylus, the applied pressure causes contact between the two electrically energized surfaces. The measurement of the voltage at the electrode terminals of the other conductive surface allows the position of the finger or stylus to be determined. Once the coordinates have been determined, the software processed by the system begins running and determines which regions have been activated.

In capacitive screens, a conductive, e.g. indium-based, layer is placed on a plate made of glass or any other electrically insulating material and then built into a touch pad array. The presence of the user's finger modifies the distribution of electric field lines in space, which corresponds to a change in capacitance of the respective touch panel. The change in capacitance of the touchpad is measured at regular intervals and compiled by an electronic module, which derives therefrom the position of the user's finger.

In the case of piezoelectric technology, the detection grid is designed to convert the pressure, i.e. stress, applied by the user into an electrical signal. Pressure on the flexible surface of the screen creates stress that is converted into an electrical signal.

In the case of optical technology, the detection grid uses optical technology, i.e. a light array. The pressure exerted by the user on the screen causes a local deformation of the screen. The deformation causes a change in the light array. The change is detected and located to capture location information.

Advantageously according to the invention, the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode takes place by detecting a predetermined number of active zones Zi on the touch screen 215. The activation of these zones Zi on the screen 215 can be a light touch by the user, a tap or any operation that allows activation of the touch screen 215.

The predetermined number of zones Zi that are simultaneously activated to change from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation are selected to be distinctly different from any existing operations performed on the portable object 200.

In this regard, it is conceivable that a change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode occurs when at least three zones Z1, Z2, Z3 are detected simultaneously, as seen in fig. 9. In fact, for current smart phones, the most common multi-touch functionality consists in operating an image, an object, with two fingers simultaneously, for example to zoom it in or rotate it. Preferably, it is conceivable that the change from the first operation mode to the second operation mode occurs when five zones (Zi) are detected simultaneously (not shown). This therefore means that the user places a finger of one hand on the screen to change from one mode to another.

Still more preferably, it is envisaged that the change from the first to the second operating mode occurs when more than five zones Zi are activated simultaneously, i.e. when the entire hand M of the user is placed on the screen as visible in fig. 10.

The advantage of this operation, i.e. placing a hand on the screen to initiate a change from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation, is simple, since it does not require a specific target action on the part of the user. In the case of the latest generation of mobile phones having a screen diagonal size of about 4 to 5 inches (8 to 13cm), the activation of half of the touch keys is achieved by placing a hand on the screen, i.e., a very simple operation.

In a first embodiment, the first mode of operation is a normal mode of operation in which touching the keys allows the user to use a function or set up the watch. The second mode of operation is thus an economy mode of operation in which the touch key is deactivated, thus saving energy and preventing unwanted operation.

In the second embodiment, the first operation mode is an operation mode in which a specific function is inactivated, and the second operation mode is an operation mode in which the specific function is activated. In fact, for some simple functions, such as a countdown or timing function, a fast start is required to avoid wasting time during function activation.

In a variant of the first and second embodiment, it is envisaged that the change from the first to the second operating mode takes place automatically in certain situations. In fact, in some cases, the activation of a touch key or a lot of pressure can be detected without the user actually acting on the glass or screen. For example, capacitive technology of touch screens with capacitive keys or capacitive touch screens is sensitive to water. This means that when a portable object provided with a touch glass having capacitive keys or a capacitive touch screen is submerged in water, the touch keys of the glass or touch screen will be activated to a greater or lesser extent. The electronic module then presumes that the user has placed his hand on the glass or screen and will therefore initiate a change from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation.

This variant advantageously allows a solution in which the timing function starts when the swimmer enters the water, which activates the capacitive keys of the touch glass. This facilitates the release of the timing function.

This variant provides another solution in which the power-off function of the portable object is activated if said portable object is in water. This may attempt to save the portable object when it falls into the water.

It will be clear that various modifications and/or improvements and/or combinations which are obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Thus, it is also conceivable to provide the portable object with a specific button to deactivate the touch control device or to program it with a deactivation operation. Additionally, a countdown or timeout function is possible.

Claims (19)

1. A portable object (100) comprising a housing (103) formed by a frame (105) closed by a glass (107), to form a housing in which an electronic module (106) is placed, said electronic module cooperating with a control device (111), said control means comprising at least a plurality of touch pads (115) for interacting with the electronic module, each touch pad being located on one surface of the housing, the electronic module is programmed to operate in a first mode of operation and to operate in a second mode of operation, at least the touch pads are activatable in a first mode of operation, at least the touch pads are not activatable in a second mode of operation, characterized in that, upon detection of simultaneous activation of at least a determined number of touch pads by said electronic module, a change from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation occurs and the activated touchpad is randomly selected.

2. A portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the determined number of activated touch pads (115) to allow a change from the first operation mode to the second operation mode is equal to at least 50% of the number of touch pads present.

3. The portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the determined number of activated touch pads (115) to allow a change from the first operation mode to the second operation mode is equal to the total number of touch pads present.

4. The portable object according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the activation of the touch pad (115) occurs by contact with the body, which causes a disturbance of the electric field that can be perceived by the touch pad.

5. A portable object according to claim 4, wherein the body causing the disturbance of the electric field is a volume of water.

6. A portable object according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the activation of the touch pad (115) occurs by means of pressure exerted by the body, which pressure exerted by the body causes the appearance of a voltage on the touch pad by means of a resistive effect.

7. A portable object according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the activation of the touch pad (115) occurs by means of pressure exerted by the body, which pressure exerted by the body causes the appearance of a voltage on the touch pad by means of the piezoelectric effect.

8. A portable object according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that activation of the touch pad (115) occurs by pressure exerted by the body, which causes optical perturbation of the touch pad.

9. A portable object (200) comprising a housing (203) formed by a frame (205) enclosed by a screen (215), to form a housing (204) in which an electronic module (206) is placed, said screen comprising a glass (217) associated with an electrical detection grid (219) so as to form a control device (211), the control device cooperating with an electronic module to interact with the electronic module, said electronic module being programmed to operate in a first mode of operation and to operate in a second mode of operation, in which first mode of operation at least said screen is activated, in which second mode of operation at least said screen is deactivated, characterized in that the change from the first operating mode to the second operating mode takes place after detection of at least a determined number of random activated zones (Zi, Zi') by the electronic module.

10. Portable object according to claim 9, characterized in that the determined number of activated zones (Zi) is at least equal to 3.

11. Portable object according to claim 9, characterized in that the determined number of activated zones (Zi) is at least equal to the number of fingers of one hand.

12. A portable object according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the screen is of the capacitive type and activation is effected by means of a body which causes a perturbation of the electric field.

13. The portable object according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the screen (215) is of the resistive type.

14. The portable object according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the screen (215) is of the optical type.

15. The portable object according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the screen (215) is of the piezoelectric type.

16. The portable object according to claim 12, wherein the body causing the perturbation of the electric field is a volume of water.

17. The portable object according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first operation mode is a normal operation mode in which the electronic module (206) is active, and the second operation mode is a standby operation mode in which the electronic module (206) is inactive.

18. A portable object according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first mode of operation is a normal mode of operation in which the portable object is active and the second mode of operation is a mode of operation in which the portable object is off.

19. Portable object according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first mode of operation is a normal mode of operation in which the timing function of the electronic module is deactivated, and the second mode of operation is a mode of operation in which the timing function is activated.