With Circular Pattern Of Light Sources Patents (Class 368/240)
  • Patent number: 11788698
    Abstract: A lamp system applied to a vehicle according to the present disclosure is provided with any one of a reflector, an optical member, a digital micromirror display (DMD), a shield, or a shield optical module, and combined with a rotation light source device for generating light of a specific LED turned on at a synchronized rotation position of one or more LED chips of first to Nth LED chips (N is an integer of 2 or more) per one rotation while being rotated by a current application of a signal transmitter receiving a lamp turn-on signal of the vehicle, thereby generating various lighting patterns even while eliminating all problems of increasing the layout/decreasing the light amount/increasing the amount of property changed, lowering the reflection efficiency/transmission efficiency, and losing the optical efficiency with the circular LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seung-Pyo Hong
  • Patent number: 11762339
    Abstract: A hands-free visual timer enables a person to wash his or hands for the duration of time recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Upon activation, the timer displays an annular ring of thirty triangles and a first icon. After five seconds have passed, a second icon is displayed indicating the user should apply soap. After twenty-five seconds, a third icon is displayed indicating the user should rinse. After thirty seconds, the screen goes blank and all the triangles have disappeared. The central display of triangles is illuminated by a liquid crystal display. The icons are illuminated by light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Time Timer, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Rogers, Heather Rogers, Tricia L Wright
  • Patent number: 10761217
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing system including: a plurality of survey markers each including a GNSS reception unit that receives a signal from a GNSS satellite; a first position measurement unit that measures a ground position of at least one survey marker on the basis of the signals received by the plurality of survey markers; and a processing unit that detects the survey marker from a captured image captured by a UAV and including the survey marker, and associates a position of the detected survey marker in the captured image with the ground position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: AEROSENSE INC.
    Inventors: Satoru Shimizu, Kohtaro Sabe, Tomohiro Maeshiro, Kousuke Suzuki, Sho Murakoshi
  • Patent number: 10103764
    Abstract: A wearable device for information delivery may comprise a physiological sensor, a microprocessor, a display and a wearable housing. The wearable device may effectively receive a signal, convert the signal into information and renders a layout on a display. A method for information delivery may comprise signal reception step, signal transformation step and information visualization step. The method may be extensively applied in a wearable device or a device comprising at least a physiological sensor, a microprocessor and a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN BIOPHOTONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jyh-Chern Chen, Yu-Tang Li, Ting-Ju Chen, Wei-Ping Huang, Chih-Hsun Fan
  • Patent number: 9706940
    Abstract: A clock is adapted to operate in a first mode and a secondary mode. The clock includes a body having a display surface. When the clock operates in the first mode, the clock displays a time information on the display surface. When the clock operates in the secondary mode, the clock acts as a dart and receives at least one external signal. The clock displays at least one interactive information on the display surface according to the external signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Wei-Yao Wang
  • Patent number: 9512844
    Abstract: A pump assembly includes a centrifugal pump driven by an electric motor and is provided with a time display which is formed by an annular row of light diodes, wherein a time is assigned to each light diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Grundfoe Holding a/s
    Inventors: Georg Blaser, Jens Kehrbaum
  • Patent number: 8861314
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for displaying the time of day. Reference points, including fixed reference points and movable reference points, can be used to display time information in a way that makes it easier for a vision impaired individual to read the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher Arabian, Logan Arabian
  • Patent number: 8588032
    Abstract: Watch which is controlled electronically and whose housing (1) and display field are in the form of a ring, wherein the watch displays are formed by lighting means (3) and (4) which can be switched such that they circulate on the ring, and wherein at least one annular row of at least 60 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (16) indicates at least the time parameters of ‘hour’ and ‘minute’, preferably additionally the time parameter of ‘second’, by means of the luminous state of individual LEDs, and an electronic printed circuit board (2) which is used as the annular display field is arranged on one of the ring end faces, and the displays of hours, minutes and seconds differ from one another by virtue of the luminous pattern and/or the luminous color and/or the brightness and/or the luminous distribution among a plurality of adjacent LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Geyer, Silvia Krieger
  • Publication number: 20120182841
    Abstract: Timepiece, characterised in that it primarily consists of a baseplate (3) with at least a series of small lights (4) on it to indicate the hour and a series of small lights (4) to indicate the minutes, and an electrical or electronic controller (9) to control the lights to indicate the hour and minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: DIAMOND TRADING, NAAMLOZE VENNOOTSCHAP
    Inventor: Daniel DE BELDER
  • Patent number: 8218400
    Abstract: A clock comprising concentric rings of slots slits for indicating time by fully illuminating an appropriate one of the slots. Full illumination is propagated from one slot to an adjacent slot by causing all of the slots in a ring of slots to briefly light up sequentially, thus causing a flash of light to propagate around the ring of slots, thus more clearly showing passage of a second, a minute etc as the illumination was switched from the one slot to the adjacent slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Fromanteel Limited
    Inventors: John Crawshaw Taylor, Stewart Leonard Huxley
  • Publication number: 20120147714
    Abstract: A clock configured to display time as a cumulative sum of time display areas of various shapes arranged in various arrangements. The clock is also configured to display complete and fractional hours in any single display area capable of being activated in a random order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Yaron Chaut
  • Patent number: 8164985
    Abstract: A time display device comprises a dial plate; a plurality of time indication portions set in the dial plate; and a plurality of groups of luminophors. Each of the groups of luminophors corresponds to a time indication portion, and comprises a first luminophor, a second luminophor, and a third luminophor. A clock unit provides current time information. A first switch unit electrifies/powers off the first luminophor. A second switch unit electrifies/powers off the second luminophor. A third switch unit electrifies/powers off the third luminophor. A hour hand controlling module obtains a hour value, and controls the first switch unit to electrify the first luminophor of the time indication portion corresponding to the obtained hour value. A minute hand controlling module obtains the current minute value, and controls the second switch and/or the third switch unit to electrify the corresponding luminophor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao-Guang Su
  • Publication number: 20110182151
    Abstract: Watch which is controlled electronically and whose housing (1) and display field are in the form of a ring, wherein the watch displays are formed by lighting means (3) and (4) which can be switched such that they circulate on the ring, and wherein at least one annular row of at least 60 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (16) indicates at least the time parameters of ‘hour’ and ‘minute’, preferably additionally the time parameter of ‘second’, by means of the luminous state of individual LEDs, and an electronic printed circuit board (2) which is used as the annular display field is arranged on one of the ring end faces, and the displays of hours, minutes and seconds differ from one another by virtue of the luminous pattern and/or the luminous colour and/or the brightness and/or the luminous distribution among a plurality of adjacent LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Geyer, Franz Krieger, Silvia Krieger
  • Publication number: 20110075524
    Abstract: A time display device comprises a dial plate; a plurality of time indication portions set in the dial plate; and a plurality of groups of luminophors. Each of the groups of luminophors corresponds to a time indication portion, and comprises a first luminophor, a second luminophor, and a third luminophor. A clock unit provides current time information. A first switch unit electrifies/powers off the first luminophor. A second switch unit electrifies/powers off the second luminophor. A third switch unit electrifies/powers off the third luminophor. A hour hand controlling module obtains a hour value, and controls the first switch unit to electrify the first luminophor of the time indication portion corresponding to the obtained hour value. A minute hand controlling module obtains the current minute value, and controls the second switch and/or the third switch unit to electrify the corresponding luminophor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: XIAO-GUANG SU
  • Patent number: 7830752
    Abstract: An elapsed time and remaining time liquid crystal measuring device having a display face around the periphery of which there are a plurality of numerical indicia marks arranged in a generally clockwise pattern with successive numerical indicia marks decreasing in numerical value in a clockwise direction from a twelve o'clock position. An annular ring of electronically generated graphic indicia are visible on the display face and spaced inwardly from the peripheral numerical indicia and a digital numerical read-out display of elapsed times is visible internally of the annular ring of graphic indicia. There is at least one electronic control element for setting a desired elapsed set time into the device, which desired elapsed set time is indicated both on the digital read-out display and as a complete ring or an arcuate section of the annular ring on the display face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Janice L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7773464
    Abstract: An elapsed time and remaining time liquid crystal measuring device having a display face around the periphery of which there are a plurality of numerical indicia marks arranged in a generally clockwise pattern with successive numerical indicia marks decreasing in numerical value in a clockwise direction from a twelve o'clock position. An annular ring of electronically generated graphic indicia are visible on the display face and spaced inwardly from the peripheral numerical indicia and a digital numerical read-out display of elapsed times is visible internally of the annular ring of graphic indicia. There is at least one electronic control element for setting a desired elapsed set time into the device, which desired elapsed set time is indicated both on the digital read-out display and as a complete ring or an arcuate section of the annular ring on the display face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Janice L. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20100039904
    Abstract: An elapsed time and remaining time liquid crystal measuring device having a display face around the periphery of which there are a plurality of numerical indicia marks arranged in a generally clockwise pattern with successive numerical indicia marks decreasing in numerical value in a clockwise direction from a twelve o'clock position. An annular ring of electronically generated graphic indicia are visible on the display face and spaced inwardly from the peripheral numerical indicia and a digital numerical read-out display of elapsed times is visible internally of the annular ring of graphic indicia. There is at least one electronic control element for setting a desired elapsed set time into the device, which desired elapsed set time is indicated both on the digital read-out display and as a complete ring or an arcuate section of the annular ring on the display face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Janice L. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080253234
    Abstract: An elapsed time and remaining time liquid crystal measuring device having a display face around the periphery of which there are a plurality of numerical indicia marks arranged in a generally clockwise pattern with successive numerical indicia marks decreasing in numerical value in a clockwise direction from a twelve o'clock position. An annular ring of electronically generated graphic indicia are visible on the display face and spaced inwardly from the peripheral numerical indicia and a digital numerical read-out display of elapsed times is visible internally of the annular ring of graphic indicia. There is at least one electronic control element for setting a desired elapsed set time into the device, which desired elapsed set time is indicated both on the digital read-out display and as a complete ring or an arcuate section of the annular ring on the display face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Janice L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7307920
    Abstract: This utility discloses a timer display device for displaying time. The timer display device comprises a counting unit and at least twelve light generating modules with circular arrangement to hour positions. The counting unit is a clock for counting actual time. The light generating module is used to modify light generating status according to the counting unit to display actual time correspondingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Intematix Technology Center Corp.
    Inventor: Hwa Su
  • Publication number: 20040062150
    Abstract: The Electronic Light Clock consists of counting circuits and receives its seconds pulses from crystal oscillator or a quartz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: John Neville
  • Patent number: 6683822
    Abstract: The invention provides an enhanced structure of a time display device includes a circle with 60 display units on the circumference of the clock face, among which 12 display units are made larger for displaying hour of time (hour display units) and the rest (smaller ones) displaying minute of time (minute display units). The display units are made with materials that shine or flicker to indicate time in the dark. To indicate hour of time, a given hour display unit and the two minute display units right next to this hour display unit would be switched on. To indicate minute of time, one of the minute display units would be switched on. While a given display unit has to indicate hour and minute at the same time, it flickers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Shuei Cheng
  • Publication number: 20030103419
    Abstract: The invention provides an enhanced structure of a time display device includes a circle with 60 display units on the circumference of the clock face, among which 12 display units are made larger for displaying hour of time (hour display units) and the rest (smaller ones) displaying minute of time (minute display units). The display units are made with materials that shine or flicker to indicate time in the dark. To indicate hour of time, a given hour display unit and the two minute display units right next to this hour display unit would be switched on. To indicate minute of time, one of the minute display units would be switched on. While a given display unit has to indicate hour and minute at the same time, it flickers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Shuei Cheng
  • Patent number: 6388952
    Abstract: A programmable time switch where a time or time interval set by a user to be reserved is displayed on a display. The display has a current time display part for displaying an hour hand and a minute hand which represent a current time, an hour unit display part for displaying the reserved time or time interval in terms of hours, and a minute unit display part for displaying the reserved time or time interval in terms of minutes. The current time and the AM or PM are digitally displayed on a current time display section and an AM/PM display section, respectively. A set section having a plurality of buttons are used for setting, canceling or confirming the reserved time or time interval. A control section controls through a drive section a peripheral interface in accordance with the reserved time or time interval set through the set section, and displays the reserved time or time interval through the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Joo-Sul Kim
  • Patent number: 6198698
    Abstract: An illuminating, visual, time indicating device, incorporating a new and innovative time telling indication means that is both functional and stylistic. The watch utilizes LCD or other illuminating or indicating technology to indicate the hour by illuminating the number on the watch face, while indicating the minute in a pie chart like manner, filling the entire watch face in a clockwise fashion as the hour passes. The appearance of the watch conveys the time to the user at a glance while providing an outward appearance of style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Graves
  • Patent number: 6160767
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Leona Lighting Design Ltd.
    Inventor: Wai Kwan Ho
  • Patent number: 6058277
    Abstract: A printing system including at least one printer for printing images on sheets in accordance with electrical image signals fed to the printer, a controller for feeding electrical image signals to the at least one printer and an input unit for receiving and feeding electrical image signals to the controller. The controller includes an operating unit for inputting print orders relating to the electrical image signals to be fed to the at least one printer and a display adapted to display operating information. Order processing time signals are generated that relate to the estimated processing time for printing print orders by the at least one printer. The display also displays a circle segment having an aperture angle whose value is determined by the order processing time signals. As an alternative, an angular position of the circle segment is adjustable and its value is determined by a time signal corresponding to the actual time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Oce-Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Abraham J. Streefkerk, Andre M. M. Verhaegh, Robertus C. W. T. M. van den Tillaart
  • Patent number: 5903524
    Abstract: A personal menstrual cycle clock that indicates a safe time to indulge in sexual intercourse. The clock includes a housing, a plurality of bulbs, and illuminating apparatus. The housing has a top with a transparent ring therearound that is divided into 28 sections, each of which representing a day of the menstrual cycle. Each bulb of the plurality of bulbs consecutively illuminates through a respective section of the 28 sections of the transparent ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Claude C. Clarke
  • Patent number: 5896348
    Abstract: A novel method or convention of tracking and displaying the passage of time can be implemented in a variety of decorative and interesting timepiece configurations. Three groups of indicators are used. Each group of indicators is distinguishable from the other two groups. Each indicator is capable of displaying one of two states and can be readily switched between the two states. The first group consists of twelve indicators with the number of indicators in one of the two states being indicative of the hour. The second group consists of five indicators with the number of indicators in one of the two states being indicative of the passage of a multiple of ten minutes. The third group consists of nine indicators with the number of indicators in one of the two states being indicative of the passage of a minute. In this manner, the current time is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Zachary W. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5838643
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is disclosed a timepiece which comprises a face having a polygonal configuration when viewed in plan and having a timekeeping mechanism coupled with the timepiece face. Along at least one of the sides of the polygon there is provided means for indicating the units of time. The hour of time may be indicated along one side and along another side may be provided means for indicating the minute of the hour. The invention includes additional features wherein the day of the month may be included along another side, and the seconds of the hour may be provided along another side of the polygon. Preferably the time piece, according to the present invention, will comprise an LCD screen which will display a decorative design in either a static or dynamic configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel J. Reiner
  • Patent number: 5694376
    Abstract: A method and device for displaying time using a single segment member where the length and position of the segment member reflects the time. The device generally comprises a timer circuit to set and maintain hours and minutes of time, and a segment member control circuit which is responsive to the timer circuit and adjusts the length and position of the segment member to reflect the time maintained by the timer circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Niobrara Research and Development Corporation
    Inventor: Mark K. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5410520
    Abstract: A timepiece combines benefits of analog and digital displays in a format that is both easy to read and precise. The face of the timepiece includes a plurality of selectably displayable LCD numbers spaced about its periphery. Driving circuitry activates certain of the numbers to provide digital readouts of the hour and the minute along the periphery of the face at the angular positions conventionally corresponding thereto. Simulated analog hands can be provided as well. At 3:37, for example, the numbers 3 and 37 are activated on the periphery of the timepiece off the ends of the simulated hour and minute hands, respectively. The angular positioning of the activated peripheral numbers provides a readily discerned spatial impression of time; the numerals themselves provide digital accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Noam R. Stampfer
  • Patent number: 5365498
    Abstract: A sundial-like timepiece comprising a conventional clock mechanism including a surface having a plurality of time interval markings inscribed thereon. A light source is attached to the clock mechanism and is disposed a spaced distance from the surface. The light source is moved relative to the surface by the clock mechanism on either a twelve or twenty-four hour cycle. A gnomon is disposed in such a position relative to the surface that the light source causes a shadow of the gnomon to be cast onto the surface. As the light source moves relative to the surface, the shadow moves across the time interval markings, and time can be read off the timepiece by observing the position of the shadow relative to these markings. If the light source is not functional, the time cannot be read off the timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen Lazanyi
  • Patent number: 5247491
    Abstract: A device for projecting a rainbow-like spectral display including a housing provided with a projecting arrangement for projecting the rainbow-like spectral display onto a viewable surface. The projecting arrangement includes segments, each segment including a light emitting source for producing light rays, and a diffraction member such as a prism for effecting a spectral dispersion of the light rays for projecting same to produce the rainbow-like spectral display. Preferably, each segment also includes a convergent or convex lens disposed between the light emitting source and the diffraction member, and a reflector covering a rear portion of each light emitting source. The housing could be portable, battery operated, and in the form of a casing provided with a hinged cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Zdzislaw Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 5237545
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a face forming a simulated sundial, a gnomon, a first and second plurality of electronic display circuit elements extending radially from the first and second ends of the base of the gnomon and a control circuit to activate selected display circuit elements to simulate a functioning sundial is disclosed. In one arrangement, the timepiece has a digital auxiliary display and a circuit to convert from the digital display to the selected display circuit elements. The timepiece, in one arrangement, includes a day/night indicator in the form of a solar disk for day and a moon crescent for night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Paul M. Schrader
    Inventors: Paul M. Schrader, Joachim K. Andrew
  • Patent number: 5199009
    Abstract: A programmable clock includes a memory for storing times, dates and messages for subsequent read-out and display in providing a reminder of a birthday, anniversary, doctor's appointment, meeting, etc. The clock is adapted for prominent display by mounting to a wall or other support structure and provides a user with a visual display of stored reminder messages, as well as an indication of the content of the reminder message, over a given future time period, i.e., all stored reminder messages for today, tomorrow, or some other selected day in the future. The reminder clock also includes a speaker and an audio recorder for providing a reminder message in the user's own voice, as well as a printer for providing more extensive reminder messages as well as a list of all stored reminder messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Geno Svast
  • Patent number: 4970815
    Abstract: A light computer is provided for illuminated and animated displays. Light planes are illuminated and images carried thereon are lit when light is applied to any edge. A moving light and opaque coatings on the edges of the light plane are used to vary the sequence and time the frequency and duration of the lighting of the plane. When an opaque coating is positioned between the light and the plane, the plane does not light. Only when the opaque coating is not present and the light is present is the plane lit. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is mounted at the end of a stack of circular light planes and light from the light source is admitted to the edges of the light planes by means of a rotating mask having a window leading to a prism for reflecting the light onto the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Howard F. Sunderland
  • Patent number: 4920524
    Abstract: The dial of a timepiece is provided with a first circular array of twelve blue LEDs indicating hours, a second next-outermost array of sixty red LEDs indicating minutes, and a third next-outermost array of sixty green LEDs indicating seconds. Every fifth red "minute" LED is distinct from the intermediate "minute" LEDs in that it is either spaced farther apart from the adjacent LEDs or is larger than the adjacent LEDs, or both. A switch is provided in the timing circuit of the timepiece to select between a "normal" mode of operation wherein the sixty "minute" LEDs are energized in sequence, at the passage of each minute and a "teaching" mode of operation wherein only every fifth "minute" LED is energized, in sequence, at the passage of each five minute interval. The timepiece may be a watch, a clock or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Mohammed N. Kotob
  • Patent number: 4783773
    Abstract: Briefly stated, the invention is practiced by providing a wristwatch with a case having manually actuated switches, a microcomputer in the case responsive to the switches, an annunciator responsive to the microcomputer, and an electrooptic display having a set of first segments arranged to provide digits and a set of second circumferentially spaced radial segments surrounding the first segments. The microcomputer is programmed to provide several modes of operation, such as a time of day mode, a timer mode, a chronograph mode, and a ratio calculation mode. The time of day mode is arranged to display local time of day on the first segments and time in another time zone on the second segments. The timer mode is arranged to display the time remaining in a countdown time period selected by manually actuating one of the switches. The time remaining is displayed on the first segments while local time of day is displayed on the second segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Houlihan, T. Fred Olsen, Tom Thinesen
  • Patent number: 4742501
    Abstract: A time display apparatus including a display having a digital display portion and a peripheral analog display portion comprised of a plurality of display segments. Display control means is provided for controlling the digits of the digital display and the segments of the analog display. A manual selection mode switch is used to provide at least two separate modes of control including a normal time mode in which the digital display registers hours and the analog display registers minutes, and a count mode in which the digital display registers minutes and the analog display registers seconds. The count mode can be separated into two separate modes, one for counting up and one for counting down. Furthermore, there is provided an alarm mode associated with the normal time mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: By Design Corp.
    Inventor: Charles S. Coster
  • Patent number: 4459034
    Abstract: A time display apparatus for producing an analog-type display using liquid crystal display elements, electrochomic display elements, or the like is described. The display of this apparatus is divided into two parts: a main display portion for indicating the hour and for indicating the number of minutes past the hour in units of 2.5 minutes, and an auxiliary display portion for indicating the number of minutes in units of 1 minute. The main display portion requires 48 display elements, and the auxiliary display portion requires 4 elements, compared to 120 elements required in conventional time displays. Through this reduction in the number of elements, a small-sized, low-priced display apparatus can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Kawabata, Yoshio Nakao
  • Patent number: 4421419
    Abstract: In an electronic timepiece, which has a time display section constructed such that optical display elements are selectively driven for time display, the display mode of the time display section can be controlled to provide dynamic displays other than an ordinary time display mode, and in addition to an ordinary time display mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Morio Morishige, Hironao Sone
  • Patent number: 4407587
    Abstract: A plurality of liquid crystal display elements are radially arrayed, display elements corresponding to preset time are kept turned on, and lapse of time is successively and selectively displayed, so that the remaining time and the lapse of time can be quickly recognized from a mutual relation between the lapse of time and the preset time. Furthermore, the display elements are divided into two in the radial direction so that the preset time and the lapse of time can be displayed by the display elements which have been divided. Moreover, the time display unit displays the time in a flashing manner, such that the lapse of time and the like can be recognized more easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Assignee: Seikosha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Fujita
  • Patent number: 4400092
    Abstract: A combined analogue and digital display device having a plurality of individually energizable display elements arranged symmetrically with at least some of the elements common to both displays. Several of the elements are disposed so as to form groups of segments or zones, each group representing one digit of the digital display. Several others of the elements are disclosed radially to form an analogue display for simulating a parameter, such as time, by representing an hours hand and a minutes hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: Centre Electronique Horloger SA
    Inventors: Christian Piquet, Jean-Claude Martin
  • Patent number: 4390287
    Abstract: In an electronic device having an function of displaying time in an optical analog display with pointers, the information on the position of the pointers on the analog display can be stored as digital information in a memory of the electronic device. The electronic device is multi-functional since it is capable of inputting or displaying time information for time schedules of buses, planes, and trains at the positions of the analog display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Morio Morishige
  • Patent number: 4385842
    Abstract: An electronic watch having a liquid crystal display which presents time information in a substantially conventional presentation of hour, minute and second hands which appear to circulate around the watch face. The display contains sixty equidistant radial hands on an outer circle for the display of both minutes and seconds, and twenty-four equidistant radial hands on an inner circle for the display of hours and half hours. The hands are divided into sets, and each hand in each set is interconnected to form strings of hands with each string having no more than one hand in a set. The circuit interconnections of the hands are provided on a surface of a substrate of the display without crossover of the connecting leads. A parallel substrate has formed thereon transparent electrodes each associated with and overshadowing a set of hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: Leo Wiesner
  • Patent number: 4382696
    Abstract: The device displays an hour hand and a minute hand on a twelve hour dial and comprises a layer of electro-optical material having on one face an inner ring of 10 sectorial plate electrodes B.sub.1 etc, each subtending an angle of 36.degree. and a corresponding outer ring of 10 plate electrodes B.sub.11 etc. On the other face there are sixty radial segments electrodes arranged in ten groups of six segments. Each group is opposed to a respective one of the ten plates. The segments are connected in six meandering circuits M.sub.1 to M.sub.6 so that, in proceeding one way round the dial, the segments of the said groups pertaining to the circuits M.sub.1 to M.sub.6 and then to the circuits M.sub.6 to M.sub.1 and so on in alternation round the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: Ebauches Electroniques, S.A.
    Inventors: Niraj Kumar, John Varney
  • Patent number: 4382697
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece in which an optical hand display device is composed of a plurality of segment electrodes of the shape of hands that are radially arrayed and opposing common electrodes that are divided into groups via a liquid crystal, the segment electrodes located at predetermined positions are electrically connected together, the segment electrodes being divided into groups each consisting of a predetermined number of segment electrodes, and time information is displayed by hands for each predetermined digits in a time-divisional manner. According to the electronic timepiece of the present invention, the number of terminals to the electrodes is reduced, and time can be clearly displayed by hands requiring reduced number of selection voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: Seikosha Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Fujita
  • Patent number: 4370068
    Abstract: An hour and minute display for an electronic chronometer includes a plurality of first indicators positioned in spaced relation about the perimeter of a closed geometric figure. The first indicators are actuatable to indicate the hour. A plurality of second indicators are positioned about a closed geometric figure adjacent the first indicator. The second indicators are selectively actuatable to indicate minutes past the hour in 5-minute increments. Also positioned adjacent the first indicators is a third indicator capable of being actuated to selectively indicate increments of one, two, three or four minutes past the displayed 5-minute increment. The first, second and third indicators are preferably driven by digital counter circuits commonly employed in conventional electronic chronometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Inventor: Jeong S. Han
  • Patent number: 4367959
    Abstract: A circuit for producing a numerical signal representative of the value of the physical parameter which is to be displayed and which can assume a given number of values. The signal is applied to a decoder for controlling the display cell.The decoder is so arranged as to render visible a single display element for certain values of the numerical signal and two adjacent elements for other values. The cell therefore comprises a small number of display elements than there are different values to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1983
    Assignee: Ebauches, S.A.
    Inventor: Fridolin Wiget
  • Patent number: 4364672
    Abstract: A method for driving a liquid crystal display element so as to give a simultaneous analogue display of 3 kinds of information. The liquid crystal display element is driven over 1/3-duty periods by applying 4 kinds of voltage waveforms to one electrode formed on one of paired substrates, and at least 5 kinds of voltage waveforms to the other electrode on the other substrate, said electrodes being divided into a multiplicity of electrode patterns. In particular, one of the 4 kinds of voltage waveforms applied to the electrodes of one of said substrates is set to provide an OFF condition for the display regardless of which of the at least 5 voltage waveforms is applied to the electrodes of said other substrate. In this driving method only one chip of the element driving LSI is sufficient for a simultaneous analogue display of 3 kinds of information e.g. hour, minute, and second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Shibuya, Masami Takahashi, Tadashi Ishibashi