Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved liquid crystal video display device. An interlacing video display technique is utilized and scanning signals are provided to every other scanning electrode line in sequential order, shifting selected lines every frame. An additional selected voltage is provided during the time period which overlaps the selected scanning electrode lines to the adjacent non-selected electrodes both above and below the selected scanning electrode lines. According to the invention, a high resolution display is provided while reducing associated flicker by driving all scanning lines in the desired order.

Abstract: A multi-alarm watch includes a liquid crystal display means for providing both conventional time displays and an alarm time schedule display indicating simultaneously a plurality of times of day scheduled for an alarm signal. Separated or overlapped displays are used. The displays are driven by AC multiplexed voltage signals with each display having a different duty cycle. A random access memory stores data for the scheduled alarm circuitry and display. For greater visibility the scheduled display shows alarm times for twelve hours at one time and an address decoder converts timekeeping signals into a memory address code for the alarm schedule. A conventional alarm is also provided, and distinctive audible signals identify different functional outputs.

Abstract: A liquid crystal calendar display device presents a full month of dates in a large-sized format. Sunday is always located in the left column or in the alternative in the right column of the calendar display regardless of the day which is the first date in the presented month. Only 16 electrode patterns are used to form all dates, and months of twenty-eight to thirty-one days are accommodated. Display elements are driven by a V-2V AC amplitude selective multiplexed system.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece including circuitry for automatically indexing the time counted thereby to represent the time at a different time zone, and a digital display that displays the particular time zone to which the time displayed by the timepiece has been indexed to, is provided. The indexing of the time displayed by the timepiece, is obtained by indexing circuitry disposed intermediate the hours counter of an electronic timepiece and the display driving circuitry. The indexing circuitry is adapted to selectively index the count of the time-keeping signals produced by the hours counter and thereby index the count of the timekeeping signal produced by the hours counter to a different time zone in response to each indexing thereof. In addition to display digits for numerically displaying time, further visual display segments are provided for indicating the particular time zone to which the numerical display has been indexed to.

Abstract: A digital display for an electronic timepiece having visual indication display segments peripherally disposed around a numerical display digit to selectively indicate a predetermined time zone corresponding to the time displayed by the numerical display digits is provided. The display is characterized by a bezel surrounding the plurality of visual indication display segments, the bezel having a plurality of first distinct indicia disposed therearound. Each of the first indicia are disposed proximate to the position of a visual indication display segment to identify the predetermined time zone selectively indicated by the visual identification display segment. A plurality of second indicia are disposed on the bezel, each second indicia being positioned between a specific visual indication display segment and a further first indicia representative of the time zone adjacent to the time zone represented by the specific visual indication display segment.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece circuit for automatically changing the day of the week by utilizing the timekeeping signals produced by the day counter, month counter and year counter is provided. Remainder circuitry is coupled to the respective day, minute and year counters and is adapted to sum bit signals representative of the binary count of the respective day, month and year counters and divide the summed bit signals by a count of seven and thereby produce a remainder signal. The remainder signal is applied to appropriate decoding and display circuitry to effect a display of the day of the week in response to the remainder signal applied thereto.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device utilizes birefringent liquid crystals in a twisted mode in combination with a pair of polarizing plates the system being so mounted that the ordinary beam provides the display. The absorption of short-wavelength light is less for the ordinary beam than for the extraordinary beam, resulting in increased life-expectancy of the liquid crystal material, and therefore of the system.

Abstract: In a field effect twisted nematic mode liquid crystal display device the fraction of the total number of liquid crystal molecules assembled into helical structures having the same direction of twist is greatly increased over that found in the usual construction. A method of preparing the liquid crystal cell to ensure that virtually all of the molecules in the liquid crystal cell are assembled in helices having the same twist direction is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a display device using liquid crystals, including opposed transparent insulating plates which define the volume containing said liquid crystals, the inner surfaces of said transparent plates are oriented as the result of unidirectional rubbing, the direction of rubbing on the opposed plates being at 90.degree. to each other. A device using such plates has a preferred direction for viewing same.