Abstract: The invention relates to photoluminescent signs, in particular to signs in which one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) emit light that excites one or more photoluminescent (PL) elements. In one aspect, a sign may include one or more photoluminescent elements: one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged to excite the one or more photoluminescent elements; and circuitry arranged for connection to an AC power supply and supplying power to the LEDs.

Abstract: A highly convenient electronic device used while being worn on a body is provided. The electronic device is an arm-worn electronic device including a display panel, a power storage device, a circuit, and a sealing structure. The display panel displays an image with power supplied from the power storage device. The circuit includes an antenna and charges the power storage device wirelessly. Inside the sealing structure, the display panel, the power storage device, and the circuit are provided. The sealing structure includes a portion that transmits visible light. The sealing structure can be worn on an arm or is connected to a structure body that can be worn on an arm.

Abstract: A dial including a projection piece projecting in a radial direction and a pin projecting from the projection piece. In addition, an electronic device including a case having a switch provided on an outer circumferential surface, and a dial arranged in the case, in which the dial includes a projection piece that projects from an outer circumferential surface opposing the switch and comes in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the case.

Abstract: In embodiments, a timepiece includes a case, a dial in the case, and a reflector underneath the dial. The dial has a plurality of holes through its thickness, wherein the dial is shaped to allow ambient light to enter a region behind the dial. The reflector is configured to direct the ambient light from the region behind the dial to exit through the plurality of holes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece (1), notably a diver's watch, comprising a case (2) provided with a case middle (3), a light source (6), an element (4) movable between several positions relative to the case (2), and movable means for assembling the movable element (4) on the middle part (3) of the case (2). More particularly, the movable element (4) includes a light guide (10) and an upper cover (9) comprising an index (5), the guide (10) being configured to receive a light beam (8) from the light source through an entry face (12), and to guide light rays (18) through an exit face (15) of the light guide (10) in order to illuminate the index (5), whatever the position of the movable element (4) relative to the case (2).

Abstract: A device displays a clock face in response to receiving a request to display a clock face. In accordance with a determination that a respective graphical element is to be displayed at a respective location on the clock face, the clock face includes a plurality of analog-dial graphical elements corresponding to respective units of time, where the plurality of analog-dial graphical elements includes a first analog-dial graphical element that occupies a first position and has a first size. In accordance with a determination that the respective graphical element is not to be displayed at a respective location on the clock face, the clock face includes the plurality of analog-dial graphical elements corresponding to the respective units of time, and the first analog-dial graphical element of the plurality of analog-dial graphical elements occupies a second position and/or has a second size. In some embodiments, clock faces are reordered.

Abstract: Provided is a reddish light emitting phosphorescent phosphor, that is efficiently excited with visible light and is chemically stable. The phosphorescent phosphor comprises a compound represented by MSi2O2N2:Yb,R, wherein M is at least one metal element selected from strontium, calcium, barium, and magnesium, and R is at least one element selected front erbium, holmium, gadolinium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium, neodymium, bismuth, scandium, and chromium. The phosphorescent phosphor is an excellent phosphorescent phosphor having a reddish afterglow.

Abstract: Provided is a wearable device that is wearable on a body of a user, the wearable device including a display configured to display a screen; a sensor configured to sense a motion of the user; and a controller configured to control the display based on the sensed motion.

Abstract: An indication apparatus includes a square tub-shaped housing having at least one transparent side surface formed of a transparent member, an indication panel that is disposed on the transparent side surface and includes one or more indicator designs, a wiring board that includes one or more light sources corresponding to the one or more indicator designs and an electric circuit for turning the one or more light sources on/off, wherein the wiring board is inserted and received in the housing through an opening of a tub end of the housing, and a sponge light-shielding wall that is adhered on a surface of the wiring board for surrounding at least a portion of outer circumferential sides of at least one target light source of the one or more light sources.

Abstract: A device which is suitable for integration into a timepiece, in particular in the form of a timepiece module, another type of watch module or a basic watch movement. The device includes at least one opening, in each of which an associated image guide is mounted, and for each of these image guides the device including means for fastening the image guide in the associated opening, such that the image guide allows display information displayed on a representation plane to be reproduced on a display plane.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes: a timekeeping section which counts time; a time display section which displays time; an illuminating section which performs illumination; a wireless communication section which performs wireless communication by transmitting/receiving a wireless signal intermittently; and a drive control section which performs duty drive of the illuminating section when a period in which wireless communication is conducted by the wireless communication section and a period in which the illuminating section is driven overlap with each other.

Abstract: An LED light with a time piece uses a simple light-medium body with a very rough finish to allow light from LED(s) to pass though input-end(s) of the light-medium body and travel within the body and obtain a very even brightness on all surfaces of the light medium that are seen by a viewer. Combined with a milky/frosted front sheet overlay, the light-medium surface can get perfect area illumination effects. The movement for the time display can include analog indicators with a guilt-in light-medium on the top cover to achieve a super slim LED illumination for the time piece. For night light application, the sealed-unit may consist of prong-means and an LED related circuit sealed within a safety standard plastic material and assembled with the night light body to save a lot of cost enable use of all kinds of materials. The invention may also be adapted to an LCD display timepiece.

Abstract: The medical information band is an electronic control unit removably attached to a band that may be worn by a user or attached to a medication bottle. The electronic control unit displays all the information of drugs that the user takes, and provides an electronic alert to remind the user when to take the medication, or when the medication has reached its expiration date. The electronic control unit includes a temperature sensor, and alerts the user when the medication must be moved to a different location with a more appropriate storage temperature. Moreover, the electronic control unit may also display the personal information and the health status of the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a dual illumination watch face having a tritium gas tube coupled with a dial, minute hand or hour hand of the watch face, and phosphorescent material disposed with at least one of the dial, minute hand and hour hand.

Abstract: An LED light with a time piece uses a simple light-medium body with a very rough finish to allow light from LED(s) to pass though input-end(s) of the light-medium body and travel within the body and obtain a very even brightness on all surfaces of the light medium that are seen by a viewer. The movement for the time display can include analog indicators with a built-in light-medium on the top cover to achieve a super slim LED illumination for the time piece. For night light application, the sealed-unit may consist of prong-means and an LED related circuit sealed within a safety standard plastic material and assembled with the night light body to save a lot of cost enable use of all kinds of materials. The invention may also be adapted to an LCD display timepiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece (1) fitted with a glass (3) having an inside face and an outside face to the timepiece and a lighting device (4) comprising at least one ultraviolet or infrared light-emitting diode (4a) to illuminate at least one zone (9) integrating fluorescent and/or phosphorescent pigments of an indicator element (7) visible through the glass, characterized in that the light-emitting diode is arranged on the periphery of the glass forming a waveguide capable of diffusing the ultraviolet or infrared light, and that means for diffusing ultraviolet or infrared light (12; 13; 15; 19; 20) from the glass towards the interior of the timepiece are arranged in the path of the ultraviolet or infrared light.

Abstract: A timepiece which, in addition to a crystal, includes the following external elements: a back cover, a middle part, a dial, a bezel, and two wristband strands. At least one of these external elements is at least partially transparent or translucent. The back cover, the middle part, and the bezel define an internal volume of the watch case that houses a timepiece movement. At least one light source is housed within the internal volume and produces a light that passes through the transparent or translucent part of the external element.

Abstract: Structures are disclosed that can improve the visibility of instrument displays. With some implementations, an instrument is provided with an illumination system having a light source and a light diffusion device proximal to the light source. The light diffusion device has at least one surface parallel to a primary plane of the display of the instrument. When the light source is activated, light propagates through the light diffusion device toward the display of the instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a dual illumination watch face having a tritium gas tube coupled with a dial, minute hand or hour hand of the watch face, and phosphorescent material disposed with at least one of the dial, minute hand and hour hand.

Abstract: A timepiece (40) includes optical means for forming a decorative pattern, in the form of a figurative image, in response to user action. The optical means forming a figurative image include an optical guide (1, 51) having two large faces (10, 11) and at least one lateral face (12). Optical extractors (19), each having at least one light reflective surface (20), are arranged in at least one of the large faces (11). A light source (8, 8a, 8b, 8c) is arranged so as to emit light in the direction of the reflective surfaces (20), via the lateral face (12) of the optical guide. Thus, each of the reflective surfaces causes a reflected light beam to form in a well defined direction, and the set of light beams forms a figurative image in that direction, which can typically be selected as the normal with respect to the mid-plane of the watch.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a casing within which is positioned at least a display assembly for displaying information, wherein the illumination assembly comprises an electroluminescent assembly, coupled in the module, having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is in facing alignment with the display assembly; a translucent ink/film layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is positioned in facing alignment with the second surface of the electroluminescent assembly, and wherein the translucent ink/film layer has indicia therein or surface indicia thereon; a lens in facing alignment with the second surface of the translucent ink/film layer; wherein the illumination assembly is sealed in the module; and whereby upon illumination of the electroluminescent assembly, the visibility of the indicia is facilitated. In a specific embodiment, the wearable electronic device is a wristwatch.

Abstract: Structures are disclosed that can improve the visibility of instrument displays. With some implementations, an instrument is provided with an illumination system having a light source and a light diffusion device proximal to the light source. The light diffusion device has at least one surface parallel to a primary plane of the display of the instrument. When the light source is activated, light propagates through the light diffusion device toward the display of the instrument.

Abstract: There is disclosed a timepiece (40) including optical means for forming a decorative pattern, in the form of a figurative image, in response to an action by the user. The optical means forming a figurative image include an optical guide (1, 51) having two large faces (10, 11) and at least one lateral face (12). Optical extractors (19) each having at least one light reflective surface (20) are arranged in at least one of the large faces (11). A light source (8, 8a, 8b, 8c) is arranged so as to emit light in the direction of the reflective surfaces (20), via the lateral face (12) of the optical guide. Thus, each of the reflective surfaces causes a reflected light beam to form in a well defined direction, the set of light beams forming a figurative image in that direction, which can typically be selected as the normal with respect to the mid-plane of the watch.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a casing within which is positioned at least a display assembly for displaying information, wherein the illumination assembly comprises an electroluminescent assembly, coupled in the module, having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is in facing alignment with the display assembly; a translucent ink/film layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is positioned in facing alignment with the second surface of the electroluminescent assembly, and wherein the translucent ink/film layer has indicia therein or surface indicia thereon; a lens in facing alignment with the second surface of the translucent ink/film layer; wherein the illumination assembly is sealed in the module; and whereby upon illumination of the electroluminescent assembly, the visibility of the indicia is facilitated. In a specific embodiment, the wearable electronic device is a wristwatch.

Abstract: An assembly is provided that allows construction of a watch that includes multifunctional illumination options. The assembly of the present invention provides a means for illuminating the watch face, a high intensity flashlight and a watch locator beacon. The assembly overcomes the drawbacks associated with filament lamps by using LED lamps that provide greater brightness with less power consumption. Further, the present invention relies on a unique feature of LED's, whereby they are only illuminated by DC power at the right polarity to provide a compact assembly that utilized a minimum amount of space.

Abstract: A wall clock of the analog type with hands for indicating the time includes a battery, a housing, a dial with time indicia disposed in the housing and an illumination module disposed adjacently to the dial. The illumination module has one or more recesses defined in an edge with one or more light sources disposed in the recesses to provide illumination into the module. The illumination module has edges and a back surface with light reflective properties to reflect light in the interior of the module and out the front surface and through the dial to provide night lighting exterior to the clock. Preferably, the module has an ovate shape such that the recesses and light sources are disposed outside of the dial area. A light sensor senses the ambient lighting conditions and activates and deactivates the light source. The starting and ending times for illumination may also be programmed into the clock. A battery icon has a plurality of bars to indicate the remaining battery capacity.

Abstract: There is provided a type of luminous hand including a part made of moulded transparent material that forms a circular head (28, 35) and a body (28, 34) of a hand. In order to direct a portion of a light beam parallel to the axis (15) of the hand towards the interior of the body, the head includes a plurality of reflectors (40, 41) distributed around the axis and formed by dihedron shaped hollows. This improves the intensity and uniformity of the light in the hand body. Inclined light-diffusing surfaces, covered with a light coloured paint, are arranged on the bottom face of the hand. In a display device with several coaxial hands (11,12) such as that of a watch, the reflectors of the superposed heads (29, 35) of the hands are located at respective distances from the axis which are different from one hand to another, such that they never completely cover each other. The light source preferably includes three light-emitting diodes (23) located under the dial (10).

Abstract: An assembly is provided that allows construction of a watch that includes multifunctional illumination options. The assembly of the present invention provides a means for illuminating the watch face, a high intensity flashlight and a watch locator beacon. The assembly overcomes the drawbacks associated with filament lamps by using LED lamps that provide greater brightness with less power consumption. Further, the present invention relies on a unique feature of LED's, whereby they are only illuminated by DC power at the right polarity to provide a compact assembly that utilized a minimum amount of space.

Abstract: A light emission and display device (for example, timepiece module) comprising an ultraviolet ray emitting element that emits ultraviolet rays, light emission areas that react to the ultraviolet rays to thereby emit the corresponding colored lights, and a pair of legs that connect in a stabilized manner the ultraviolet ray emitting element and a connection terminal of a circuit board in the light emission and display device. Each leg has a bend for adjusting the length and a bend angle of the leg between the ultraviolet ray emitting element and the connection terminal (FIG. 19).

Abstract: An alarm clock of the analog type with hands for indicating the time includes a battery, a housing, a dial with time indicia disposed in the housing and an illumination module disposed adjacently to the dial. The illumination module has one or more recesses defined in an edge with one or more light sources disposed in the recesses to provide illumination into the module. The illumination module has edges and a back surface with light reflective properties to reflect light in the interior of the module and out the front surface and through the dial to provide night lighting exterior to the clock. Preferably, the module has an ovate shape such that the recesses and light sources are disposed outside of the dial area. A light sensor senses the ambient lighting conditions and activates and deactivates the light source. A dimmer control adjusts the desired level of illumination. A three position switch controls the alarm clock between alarm only, night light only, and both alarm and night light modes of operation.

Abstract: An ultraviolet ray-emitting element is provided in a frame-like member disposed between an apparatus module and an apparatus case by corresponding to a peripheral portion of a protective glass. A light in an ultraviolet range from the ultraviolet ray-emitting element is irradiated between the module and the protective glass. A luminescent layer to which an ultraviolet ray is irradiated emits a light.

Abstract: A clock has a luminous decoration member provided on a dial of the clock. The luminous decoration member is made of a transparent material and formed in an annular shape having multiple lightings fitted therearound. A layer of fluorescent material is applied on a rear side of the luminous decoration member. Whereby when the lightings are providing light on the luminous decoration member, the fluorescent material applied on the luminous decoration member is lit so as to emit colorful fluorescence to the surroundings thereof. Therefore, a user can easily observe the dial and clock hands of the clock in the dark or night.

Abstract: A portable disc flashlight, able to be secured to a user's hand, is disclosed herein. The device has a top portion, a base portion and securing means. The top portion includes a lens cover portion that threads onto the base portion. A ribbed ring portion is rotatably connected peripherally around said lens cover portion. The base portion includes an electrically energized light source and a power source for energizing said light source. A nylon strap, secured by a hook and loop fastening system allows the device to be fastened to either the palm or the back of the hand. The device further has a three-position switch that allows for off, on or flashing modes of operation.

Abstract: With a dial for a timepiece comprising a decoration member 21 having a plurality of through holes 22 formed vertically on a luminescent member 10, the cross-sectional area of lower-side holes 24 of the decoration member 21 is formed to be larger than that of upper-side holes 23. Therefore, even if a substrate is thick, the diameter of the upper-side holes 23 of the through holes 22 can be formed to be small sufficiently. Moreover, compared to a dial size 20 for a timepiece wherein the decoration member 21 is placed on the luminescent member 10, the diameter of the through holes 22 of the decoration member 21 is small. Thus, it is possible to take in enough light from the luminescent member 10 through the lower-side holes 24 to ensure the sufficient amount of light through the through holes 22. It is possible to obtain sufficient illuminance for the dial.

Abstract: A clock apparatus comprises a clock case made of either an opaque material or a translucent material, the clock case enclosing an electronic circuit comprising electronic circuit elements including: a clock timer, a source of electrical current, a power switch, a switching device, and a means for illumination. The clock case comprises a pair of cubes, with an upper one of the cubes mounted at one corner, on a face of a lower one of the cubes. The cubes provide apertures having a distribution on the clock case in correspondence with the dots of a pair of dice. Windows made of either an opaque or a translucent material, cover the apertures so that light from the illumination means of the electrical circuit is visible through either the clock case or the windows as a light show in accordance with the switching device. A clock face is engaged with the clock timer and is mounted on one of the faces of the upper one of the cubes so as to be visible to a viewer of the light show.

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: An hourglass timepiece that is filled with a plurality of precious or semi-precious stones, such as small uncut diamonds, which are suspended in a silicone compound, such as silicone oil, to prevent scratching of the interior surface of the hourglass as the stones move by gravity from an upper compartment to a lower compartment of the hourglass. The hourglass has similar ends, either of which can be supported by a decorative base that reflects light into the stones to highlight them and compensate for the reflective loss due to the silicone.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a watch that includes a steerable light. The light may be attached to a rotating bezel on the watch, or included in a crown or other moveable fixture of the watch, such that the light may be pointed independently from the orientation of the watch. A light that is moveably attached to a watch in this manner may be securely fastened to a user's wrist in an unobtrusive form factor, while at the same time freely directed toward an object of interest without requiring a specific orientation of the user's limb.

Abstract: A dial for timepiece is provided which includes a decoration member having a through hole, and a luminescent member disposed under the decoration member. A first surface processed layer is provided on an upper surface of the decoration member, and a second surface processed layer having a light-transmissive property is provided on an upper surface of the luminescent member. When the luminescent member is turned on, light emitted from the luminescent member is transmitted through the second surface processed layer and passes through the through hole of the decoration member. Because the transmitted light illuminates the upper surface side of the decoration member partially in accordance with the through hole, the dial is visible even in a dark place. In addition, decoration effects can be achieved by both the first surface processed layer and the second surface processed layer in accordance with the through hole.

Abstract: Peripheral lighting device for the scale of a dial (11) of an apparatus of small dimensions including a case (1) in which are housed a movement (14) driving at least one hand (12a, 12b, 12c) with respect to the scale, a power source (6) and an electronic circuit (15) able to supply a pulsed voltage, said case being closed by crystal (4) extended on the dial side by an annular extension forming a flange (17), characterized in that a circular recess (19) is provided inside the base (18) of the flange (17) to accommodate on the one hand, an electroluminescent ring (20) formed of a strip having a border (21) extending beyond the base and a connecting lug (22), and on the other hand a ring (30) made of translucent plastic material forced into the annular recess (19) to hold the electroluminescent ring (20) at the bottom thereof.

Abstract: Solid optical guide (10) with microprisms (20) of refractive index n, for uniformly illuminating a surface (4) in grazing incidence at an angle &thgr;1 in which a plane angle &dgr; of the cross-section develops with respect to the surface (4) a substantially perpendicular face (15) and a substantially parallel face (14), in which microprisms (20) are structured in hollows, one facet (21) of said microprisms oriented towards the face (15) has its edge (22) formed with the parallel face (14) inclined at an angle {right arrow over (&agr;)} with respect to the axis of the guide and its edge (23) formed with the perpendicular face (15) inclined at an angle {right arrow over (&ggr;)} with respect to the perpendicular to the surface to be illuminated, the values {right arrow over (&agr;)} and {right arrow over (&ggr;)} being determined from characteristics n, &thgr;1 and &dgr; of the guide.

Abstract: An alarm clock comprises a seat, a switch, a light emitter, a light guiding plate, a light shielding layer, a timer, a transparent mask, a frame, and a power source. The timer is installed in the seat and drives a rotary shaft to pass out through the light shielding layer and the light guiding plate to be connected to indicators. The surface of the light guiding plate is arranged with scales and numeral indicators. A frame is fixed at a periphery of the seat, and after the light guiding plate and the light shielding layer are positioned, a transparent mask is connected to the inner side of the frame. The seat supports a light emitter and a light emitter switch which are connected with one another. The switch is connected to a power source. Pressing the lateral side of the transparent mask operates the light emitter switch.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a display in an electronic device comprising a display, a lamp for illuminating said display, a plurality of actuated switches one of which is a lamp switch that when activated, causes the activation of the lamp to illuminate the display, and an integrated circuit coupled to the plurality of actuated switches, the integrated circuit being able to sense the activation of each of the plurality of actuated switches, wherein the method comprises the steps of sensing the activation of the lamp switch, activating the lamp to illuminate the display for a first predetermined period of time, sensing the activation of another one of the plurality of actuated switches, determining whether the another one of the plurality of actuated switches was activated while the display was illuminated; and if so maintaining the illumination of the display.

Abstract: A light source is positioned to direct light downward from the cover of a conentional analog or electro-optical watch, indicator gauge, a meter panel directional gauge or ornamentation display of an image, logo or design or other similar articles. These articles are illuminated by the source for viewing in low light or in the dark by an illumination switch to activate said element. The light source is preferably an LED and it is small enough so that when it is off, it is virtually invisible.

Abstract: An analog hand mechanism having hands in a watch case, and a plate-like luminescent device in the watch case, to illuminate the analog hand mechanism. A metallic layer or a metallic ink layer, for giving a feeling of metallic gloss by receiving illumination of light emitted from the surface of the luminescent device, is disposed on at least a side of the upper surface and the lower surface of the luminescent device.

Abstract: A clock includes a base, a clock movement held by the base and having rotatable translucent hour and minute indicators, a cover coaxially connected to the base, and a light source supported between the cover and the indicators for shining light through the indicators to form respective images around the base on a wall behind the base for displaying time. The cover includes a light diffusible extended periphery having an inner surface with an integral visual element for illumination by the light source to appear visible on an outer surface of the periphery, opposite the inner surface.

Abstract: A light source is positioned to direct light downward from the cover of a conventional analog or electro-optical watch, indicator gauge, a meter panel directional gauge or ornamentation display of an image, logo or design or other similar articles. These articles are illuminated by the source for viewing in low light or in the dark by an illumination switch to activate said element. The light source is preferably an LED and it is small enough so that when it is off, it is virtually invisible.

Abstract: A rotary switch laser indicator having a casing a mirror seat, and a laser unit, that will display different images by rotating the mirror seat to control the switch. The casing can be attached to a band and the switch can be used as an indicator in the watch display.

Abstract: A light transmitting metallic dial 50 is disposed above a cell 2 such as an EL device, a solar battery, or the like and the light transmitting type metallic dial 50 is secured by engaging an aligning portion 50b formed on the light transmitting type metallic dial 50 with an aligning portion 4b formed on a casing frame 4. In the light transmitting type metallic dial 50, light transmitting holes 50a and 51 constituting various characters, numerals, patterns, and the like are formed. Further, when the transparent plate is laminated on the light transmitting metallic dial 50, a clearance 7 is formed between the cell 2 and the transparent plate 5 using a spacer or the like.

Abstract: The watch and method of manufacture thereof includes an analog hand mechanism having hands in a watch case, and a plate-like luminescent device in the watch case, to illuminate the analog hand mechanism. A metallic layer or a metallic ink layer, for giving a feeling of metallic gloss by receiving illumination of light emitted from the surface of the luminescent device, is disposed on at least a side of the upper surface and the lower surface of the luminescent device.