FR2760107A1 - INSTANTANEOUS DATA CONVERSION DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for converting numerical values between two measurement scales, comprising: a module for acquiring (300) an input numerical value to be converted; a module for converting the input numerical value into a converted numerical value, according to a predetermined function linking two measurement scales corresponding to the input value and the converted value respectively; a module for displaying (100, 200) the input value and the converted value; the acquisition module comprising control means (300) which, when activated by the user, produces an incrementation or decrementation of the input numerical value, such that an input numerical value required by the user can be obtained by simply actuating said control means (300).

Description

The present invention relates to the field of data conversion systems
This hlventioll applies in particular but not exclusively to the conversion of currencies
We have already proposed many devices allowing the conversion of units or currencies. They are in fact more or less specialized and more or less small calculators. For example the document DE3410065
If we want to create a usual object based on this principle which can hold in one hand, incidentally in a pocket which is under (elm keychain watch, ... it is necessary to significantly reduce the size Which implies the reduction the size of the keyboard and the display system.

We know calculating watches whose use requires a lot of finesse or a pen at hand. Furthermore, the display can only be used if you have an excellent view.
These constraints exclude a large number of users. (eg the elderly.)
In addition, the implementation of a conversion requires the pressing of numerous keys:
- input of the value to be converted
- initiation of conversion
Using such a product requires having two hands free or one arm and one free hand to use it.
The main object of the present invention is to propose a new conversion device which eliminates the drawbacks of known devices. Either mainly and not exclusively
- not suitable for all users
- not easy to handle (9 hands)
- not easy to use without learning
This object is achieved according to the present invention thanks to
- an information entry system consisting of a scroll wheel.

- an accelerator input system
- a double and widely dimensioned display system.

- an ergononlie allowing the use of only one hand
- "intuitive" use allowing its use without training
Other characteristics, aims and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings in which:
FIG. I represents in schematic view a variant of the embodiment of a device seen from the front ((6) represents an attachment point for chain or strap).

 FIG. 2 represents in diagrammatic view according to the same variant of the embodiment of the same device seen in profile.

 FIG. 3 represents another alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention. The device is used for currency conversion, and integrated into the gripping bar (7) of a supermarket trolley.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 represent another alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention respectively in top view, front and perspective. In this variant. the selector has been highlighted (3 positions shown), the axis of the dial is placed parallel to the display devices which are three in number
In all of the figures, the input system is always noted (2), the input accelerator button noted (1), the display devices noted (3a) (3b) (3c), the part playing magnifying glass effect noted (4), the selector noted (5), attachment point (6)
The input system consists of a wheel (2) whose rotation allows the data to change more or less depending on the direction of rotation. the logic system in addition to reading the rotation of the dial, interprets the speed. In fact, the user will turn the wheel the faster the display shows a value far from that which he wishes to display, the internal logic will use this additional data to amplify the effect of rotation of the wheel. In the same way the user will turn the wheel all the more slowly as it is close to the desired value, the internal alogics will use this data to increase the precision.

This variable sensitivity allows optimal use by people with very variable tactile capacities (old people, young people, etc.) the system is self-adapting.

 Those skilled in the art understand that it is quite possible to envisage other variants. Although less intuitive to use, it is possible to replace this device with a fixed button, the deformation of which is analyzed by forces to which it is subjected (for example caused by the pressure of a finger) in which case the numerical quantity would vary the faster the greater the effort and the slower the less the effort.

 The list is not exhaustive, we can also consider solutions such as joystick, buttons including analysis of the duration of their activation to accelerate.

It may be necessary to cover a digital range which is too large to cover using only the input device previously described. For this it is advantageous to add a system of acceleration of the entry: 11 consists of a button (I) which allows, at the request of the user, to further amplify by a factor K the effect rotation and speed of the wheel The man skilled in the art understands that this button can be increased by any device allowing to collect all or nothing information, ie push button, photo cell, electrical resistance at threshold detecting the presence of a finger,
The cumulative advantages of this small, simple, intuitive, ergonomic input technique save significant space by improving ergonomics.

 This saved space can advantageously be used to make the display device large in size.

The display device is made up of two parts, one displaying a quantity in the unit system A (3a) and the other displaying this same quantity in the unit system B (3b), simultaneously. The fact of turning the dial (2) changes the quantity and simultaneously modifies the display of this quantity in the two unit systems (the displays being linked by their conversion function)
This further simplifies use:
To convert a quantity from unit A to unit B, it suffices to display the desired value on the screen (3a), simultaneously the screen (3b) displays the same quantity expressed in unit B. Similarly for to convert a quantity from unit B to unit A, it suffices to display the desired value on the screen (3b). simultaneously the screen (3a) displays the same quantity expressed in unit A
The benefit is huge
Instantaneous conversion Unit A, Unit B and Unit B / Unit A.

No additional action to perform to convert.

 The display systems can be located in the same plane or in different planes. Ln ettèt an embodiment of the present invention could be with two, four or more faces, facets each of the facets being able to display a different unit, for example representation of the same monetary value in francs, deutch Mark, read, book ..

The device could advantageously be equipped with a selector (5), making it possible to change one or more preprogrammed units
Example of changing a single unit:
Application of the present invention to the conversion of national European currencies into euros. Unit A being set (Euros), the selector allows you to choose the unit
B among national currencies (French Franc, Belgian Franc, Deutch Mark, Lire, ...)
Example of changing several units:
Application of the present invention to the conversion of the imperial system to the metric system. Units A, B, C, D, .. change at the same time by group for example
Fahrenheit / Celsius / Kelvin, Liter I US gallon / UK gallon, Bar / hectopascal I mm of mercury / Pound per square inch ,.

The device could advantageously allow the user to change the use parameter (s) and / or the parameters of the conversion functions by having a micro-push button (which can be activated with a pen). The user can modify, for example, the K factor of the input accelerator button, an exchange rate, or any other parameter.

 The advantages of simplicity, maneuverability, readability can be further improved by alternative embodiments of the present invention.

- All or part of the volume saved can be used for ergonomics, for example, it can be placed on the display device a translucent piece (4) playing magnifying glass effect to facilitate reading for the visually impaired. the lenticular form of FIGS. 1 and 2 is an exemplary embodiment.

- We will be able to exploit the capacity to reduce the dimensions (there is no longer the obstacle of the smallness of the size of the keyboard) to integrate this function with other objects of everyday life for example in keychain, pen , shows while retaining optimal functionality.

- We can also add a strap type device that is passed around the hand and thus remains available for use.

- The device can be temporarily or permanently secured to another object, for example a handbag, supermarket cart, calculator, watch.

- The systems for data entry and / or acceleration of data entry can be arranged ergonomically and can be manufactured in model for right-handed or left-handed.

Claims (1)

Claim 1 Data conversion device having a display system and a data entry system characterized in that:  - it can be held and handled with one hand, and  - the display system is double or multiple, and  - data conversion is instantaneous. Claim 2 Instant data conversion device according to claim I, characterized in that the display system simultaneously displays at least two values. Claim 3. Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data entered and the - or - the converted data are all visible at all times and continuously. Claim 4 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input of a data is done by means of a wheel Claim 5 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims. characterized in that the data entry is done by means of a wheel which makes it possible to change the numerical quantity entered, from a previously displayed value - or from zero during the first use - to the desired value Claim 6 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims. characterized in that the data entry is done by means of a wheel whose speed and / or acceleration is interpreted in addition to its displacement Claim 7 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with a button allowing the acceleration of data entry. Claim 8 Instant data conversion device according to one or more of the preceding claims. characterized in that it is equipped with a wheel thanks to which the user can change a quantity in a given unit until a desired value that the value of this quantity is converted simultaneously and continuously into at least one other unit and that the speed of passage from the value previously displayed to the new value is conditioned by the speed at which the user actuates the wheel Claim 9 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of Claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the wheel can be replaced by a system of the trackball, trackpoint, joystick type and that the speed of scrolling of the values at l display is conditioned by the intensity of the force or the speed with which said system is actuated Claim 10 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with an auxiliary button and that the speed to reach the desired value on the display is amplified by a determined factor when the auxiliary button is pressed. Claim II Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is applied to the conversion of monetary units in particular between Euros and European national currencies Claim 12 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims. characterized in that it is applied to the conversion of scientific units, in particular from the imperial system to the metric system, of temperatures, pressures, forces or any other quantity which can be expressed in two or more systems Claim 13 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with a strap enabling it to be secured to the hand Claim 14 Instant data conversion device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data entry and / or data entry acceleration systems are ergonomically arranged and that it can be manufactured in model for right-handed or left-handed. Claim 15 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be temporarily or permanently secured to another object, for example a handbag, supermarket trolley, calculator. watch Claim 16 Device for instantaneous data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display system can be covered with a cover magnifying the information displayed - for example a magnifying glass to facilitate reading. Claim 17: Device for instantaneous data conversion according to claim 12. characterized in that it is equipped with a selector which makes it possible to choose the type of data to be converted. e.g. Fahrenheit / Celsius I Kelvin, Liter / Gallon US / UK gallon, bar / hecto pascal / mm of mercury / Pound per inch. Claim 18 [) Ispositil'de instant data conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conversion function (s) are configurable by the user.