Asulab S.a.

Ermanno Bernasconi

Jean-Jacques Born

Rudolf Dinger

Pierre-Andre Farine

Pierre-André Farine

Jean-Charles Guanter

Pierre-Andr&eacute; Farine

Ming Xu

Roger Buehler

Rudolph Dinger

The method is one of wireless transmission of information between two units consisting primarily of a portable object, such as a personalized watch (), and a computer station (). Each unit includes signal transmitting and/or receiving means () switched alternately to a transmitting mode and into a receiving mode. Information is transmitted by transmitting a plurality of information frames alternately between the two units. Each information frame comprises a synchronization field, which includes a particular number of synchronization bytes, an information packet and filler bytes. On receiving a frame, the receiving unit counts the synchronization bytes. The receiving unit transmits, in a heading of the information packet, a synchronization indication which is a function of the number of synchronization bytes received. The synchronization indication is used to correct the size of the synchronization field of the next frame received by the receiving unit. These synchronization field size correction operations are effected in a similar manner in both units.

Method of transmitting information between two units each provided with means for sending and/or receiving signals

The method of synchronizing the analogue display () of a timepiece (), including an electronic time base (), is achieved using proximity sensors () respectively associated with wheels () each having an aperture () for defining the angular position of the latter. Determination of the angular position of a wheel requires an angular distance of around 60&#xb0; to 90&#xb0; to be travelled with this type of proximity sensor. Dependency of the measurement results upon the temperature generates a problem of precision in determining the angular position of the wheels, in particular a wheel secured to the hour indicator, given that an angle of 60&#xb0; to 90&#xb0; corresponds to a time interval of 2 to 3 hours. In order to ensure a measurement in a relatively short time interval where the ambient temperature is substantially constant and thus has no influence on the measurement, the invention provides that, in a analogue display synchronization mode at least one indicator is driven in an accelerated advance mode so that the aperture provided in the corresponding wheel quickly passes opposite the proximity sensor associated with that wheel.

Method for synchronising an analog display of a timepiece with its electronic time base

A device of small dimensions includes a two coaxial wheels (,) respectively including two plates (,) parallel to each other. A sensor (,) including a detection element (,).formed by a magnetic or capacitive element, in particular a flat spiral coil, is provided for detecting the angular position of both of the two wheels. In order to do this, the sensor (,) detects the presence or absence of an active material above the detection element (,). For this purpose, each of plates (,) and (,) has at least one inactive region for the sensor and is formed at least partially of active material for the sensor. The sensor is arranged relative to the wheel the closest to the detection element in such a way that the latter is at least in part above or below said at least one inactive region in at least one determined angular position of said wheel so as to allow the sensor to detect the angular position of the wheel whose plate (,) is furthest from the detection element (,). The inactive regions of the plates are preferably formed by openings.

Device including at least two coaxial wheels and means for detecting the angular position thereof and method for detecting said angular positions

Timepiece including an electric power generator

The timepiece comprises an electrical energy generator (3) comprising a rotor (3a) and means (3b) for supplying said electrical energy in response to rotation of said rotor (3a), a source of mechanical energy (2), measuring means (Trig) coupled to said generator (3) for producing measurement pulses of the angular frequency of an alternating voltage supplied by the generator (3), braking means (K) responsive to a braking command signal for applying a braking torque to said rotor (3a), an electronic circuit (1) comprising reference means (Osc) for producing a reference signal (FR), and slaving control means (Div, Cmp, Tmr) arranged to control said braking means (K) when said measurement pulses are ahead with respect to the reference signal.

Stabilising of an electronic circuit for regulating a mechanical

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Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Ermanno Bernasconi