Bidirectional and expressive interaction in a hybrid smart watch
US11656579B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG04C3/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure provide a hybrid smartwatch that incorporates digital technology with an analog timepiece in a wristwatch form factor. A digital display layer of a non-emissive material is configured to present notices, data, content and other information. An analog display layer includes one or more hands of the timepiece, and overlies the digital display layer. The hands may be controlled by a processor through micro-stepper motors or other actuators. Physical motion of the hands provides expressivity, for instance via visual mechatronic effects. This may include buzzing, clapping, providing stylized visual features, hiding or minimizing information, and revealing information. The information presented on the digital display layer is presented concurrently with the hand movement, in a manner that complements the hand motion. This provides a rich, symbiotic dual-display layer arrangement that enhances the capabilities of the digital and analog display layers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.