Abstract: In various implementations, a personal article or a portion thereof may be able to change colors. The personal article may transmit a first range of wavelengths of light and upon activation transmit a second range of wavelengths of light different from the first range of wavelengths of light.

Abstract: A removable buckle assembly includes a base member having a male portion and a buckle attachment. The buckle attachment includes a female portion adapted to receive the male portion to removably couple the buckle attachment to the base member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dual display watch module comprising a watch face with selectively changing backgrounds which is capable of displaying the time of day using an analog display superimposed over the color-changing watch face thereby creating unique optical effects and patterns and which has a significantly reduced overall thickness. The invention includes a novel configuration of the internal components of the timepiece resulting in a significant reduction in the thickness of the subject timepiece, thereby enhancing the comfort of the individual wearing the timepiece. The novel configuration comprises positioning two smaller sized batteries in the same spatial plane as the PCB and analog watch movement instead of the conventional stacked assembly arrangement whereby a larger battery is placed directly behind the PCB. This allows for an overall thinner movement, thereby resulting in a significantly thinner watch without detracting from the functionality of the watch.

Abstract: A watch face uses liquid crystal displays along with a reflective polarizer to produce backgrounds with selective appearances. Therein, the watch employs a polarizer to produce polarized light that is passed downward to a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display selectively rotates or does not rotate the polarized light. If the light is rotated, a reflective polarizer layer located beneath the liquid crystal display reflects the rotated light back upward off its surface to provide the watch face with a first color. If the light is not rotated, then the light is transmitted through the reflective polarizer layer to a reflective dial surface disposed beneath. The light is then reflected off the dial surface to provide the watch face with a second color.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for synchronizing and updating the memory of an external digital device, such as a personal digital assistant, and the memory of a watch via a two way communication link providing for the synchronous transfer of data between the devices. The data transfer is accomplished by placing the external digital device and watch into an alignment device which secures and positions each device in an appropriate spatial relationship allowing data to be transferred between devices. A separate integrated display controller provides for operation of the watch display thereby conserving power required to operate the device.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) having at least one segment. The system includes an LCD driver connected to a segment of the LCD. A processor is connected to the LCD driver. The processor may be selectively configured into any of at least two multiplexing modes, where the at least two multiplexing modes produce at least three voltage levels for driving the at least one segment of the LCD. Another embodiment includes a system and method for driving an LCD having a segment including a first and second electrode. An LCD driver is coupled to the first and second electrode. A processor is coupled the LCD driver. The processor initiates a substantially periodic signal on the first electrode and a delay signal having a time delay relative to the substantially periodic signal. The signals on the first and second electrodes form an RMS voltage to drive the segment of the LCD to any of at least three display voltage levels.

Abstract: An electrophorectic display is used in a watch, allowing for a dynamic range of new shapes and environments of use. The present invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art watch technology. Specifically, a watch that embodies the present invention is uses addressable reflective display technology such as electronic ink or gyricons. This allows a watch display that features some flexibility. Further, the display can be shaped into a variety of interesting and novel designs that cannot be accomplished using prior art displays. The flexibility of the display also allows for the novel placement of the watch display. For example, the display can be placed onto a shoe, allowing a runner to see the time without having to move his arm into a viewing position. The watch display could also be placed into a wallet, or on a purse or belt. Any flexible garment or accessory could now incorporate a watch.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) having at least one segment. The system includes an LCD driver connected to a segment of the LCD. A processor may be selectively configured into any of at least two multiplexing modes, where the at least two multiplexing modes produce at least three voltage levels for driving the at least one segment of the LCD.

Abstract: An electronic watch has a help switch for switching between a help state and a non-help state, an input circuit for converting the state of the help switch into switch information, and a help information storage circuit for storing help information to be transferred to a user. A set information storage circuit stores a setting condition of the electronic watch. A help information selection circuit selects help information from the help information stored in the help information storage circuit in accordance with switch information from the input circuit and the setting condition stored in the set information storage circuit. A help information output circuit outputs the help information selected by the help information selection circuit. An indication drive circuit converts the help information outputted from the help information output circuit into an indication drive signal. An indicator indicates the indication drive signal of the indication drive circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) having at least one segment. The system includes an LCD driver connected to a segment of the LCD. A processor is connected to the LCD driver. The processor may be selectively configured into any of at least two multiplexing modes, where the at least two multiplexing modes produce at least three voltage levels for driving the at least one segment of the LCD. Another embodiment includes a system and method for driving an LCD having a segment including a first and second electrode. An LCD driver is coupled to the first and second electrode. A processor is coupled the LCD driver. The processor initiates a substantially periodic signal on the first electrode and a delay signal having a time delay relative to the substantially periodic signal. The signals on the first and second electrodes form an RMS voltage to drive the segment of the LCD to any of at least three display voltage levels.

Abstract: A link assembly for a band comprising a first segment pivotably connected to a second segment by a connecting pin. Each segment contains an extension portion and a receiver portion. The receiver portion includes a receiving area defined by two spaced apart parallel arms, with each arm having a co-axially aligned opening. The extension portion is appropriately sized to fit between the spaced apart parallel arms. The extension portion contains a transverse opening that is co-axially aligned with the parallel arm openings. A spring tube is inserted inside the transverse opening to provide a locking mechanism to prevent the pin from disengaging from the link assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a secure yet easily adjustable link design for use in interconnected link jewelry and watches. A link for a bracelet is disclosed that allows for easy adjustment in the length of the bracelet, utilizing a bar and spring system. To remove a link from the bracelet, the links must be at approximately a right angle, force must be applied outwardly to the link with the spring from which a bar is to be removed, and the links easily separate. Similarly to couple links, the links must be at approximately a right angle. When the links are at approximately a right angle, the bar of the first link can enter the spring of the second link. When the links are at any other angle, the bar is secured in the spring and cannot be removed or dislodged. The disclosed bar and spring system allows for a secure yet easily adjustable link system.

Abstract: A link for a wristband for coupling with other like links comprises a link segment having a forward end and a rear end. The rear end defines a first slot and the forward end is minimally smaller than the first slot. The forward end further defines a second slot therein. At least one pin is retained by the rear end of the link segment and extends into the first slot. The at least one pin is positioned to be received in the second slot of the forward end of a like configured link. A door is selectively slidable over the second slot for capturing and retaining the at least one pin of the like configured link.