Abstract: A watch device includes a touch-sensitive user interface employing a sensor positioned within the bezel of the display for detecting when the bezel is touched by a user of the watch device. The sensor may be capable of detecting single presses, multiple simultaneous presses, and scrolling motion presses about the bezel.

Abstract: The device includes data entry means (10), control means (14) connected to means (12) for displaying said data. The invention is characterised in that it further includes a processing unit (16) inserted between the data entry means (10) and the control means (14). The processing unit (16) includes a memory (11) for storing reference times and particularly the Time Out, a counter (18) storing the time TC that elapses from the start of a manipulation and the time TM the elapses between two manipulations, and a comparator (21) including a first comparison unit (23), which acts on the one hand on an ON/OFF switch (24) to interrupt, via control means (14) the energy supply when TC>TO and which, on the other hand, enables TO to be altered at the end of a series of manipulations as a function of certain reference times of the memory and the speed at which the manipulations have been carried out.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control device including (i) a support (4, 4.1), (ii) an electronic module (6, 60) arranged in or on the support, (iii) a push-button (2.1 to 2.5) mounted to be mobile on the support so as to have a travel in translation along an axis of actuation, (iv) a first contact element (210) including a mobile part (211) placed on the axis of actuation so as to be actuated by the push-button, and (v) a second contact element (220) with which the mobile part of the first contact element can be brought into contact in order to establish an electric connection between the two contact elements, the electronic module including at least one contact pad (610, 620) in electric contact with the first or second contact element, the other contact element having a determined electric potential. The first and second contact elements are respectively formed of a first metal contact strip (210) and a second metal contact strip (220) both carried directly by said support (4, 4.1).

Abstract: A multifunction watch provides plural worlds, each world supporting one or more modes of operation within the world. Separate configurations can be maintained for each world and separate navigation menus can be provided for each world. Modes of operation may be configurable. Duplicate worlds and duplicate modes within worlds are provided. In certain embodiments a desired world can be selected by manipulating a bezel. In some embodiments the bezel rotates to engage and activate one of a plurality of switches, thereby selecting a corresponding world. Each world operates independently of other worlds and some functions can be shared between worlds and between modes within worlds. An example is described in which a multimode watch provides four worlds including TIME, RIDE, COMPASS and SPEED.

Abstract: To provide a jog switch type composite switch which has a waterproofness and in which a letter scroll is easy. Three button axles corresponding to three individual switches are attached to through-holes of an armoring cover while being made possible to perform a reciprocal movement in an axial direction and through waterproof packings. A button head can be pushed in its intermediate position and is attached to the armoring cover while being made possible to slide in a disposition direction of the button axles. If the button head is pushed in its intermediate position, the center button axle makes only the center individual switch ON. If the button head is slid to an underside, the underside button axle makes only the underside individual switch ON and, if it is slid to an upside, the upside button axle makes only the upside individual switch ON.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a first pusher located in a first position on the electronic device, wherein actuation of the first pusher causes initiation of a first operational sequence; a second pusher located in a second position on the electronic device, wherein actuation of the second pusher causes initiation of a second operational sequence; an integrated circuit, operatively coupled to the first and second pushers, for selectively carrying out the first and second operational sequences; switching means for switching the operational sequences initiated by the first and second pushers such that subsequent to actuation of the switching means, the first pusher causes initiation of the second operational sequence and the second pusher causes initiation of the first operational sequence; whereby the first operational sequence is different from the second operational sequence.

Abstract: A watch case for an analog watch movement has a housing and a setting ring in a rotatably moveable and axially slideable relationship. The setting ring is coupled with a setting stem of the analog watch for rotation of the setting stem by rotation of the setting ring and for axial movement of the setting stem by orthogonal axial movement of the setting ring.

Abstract: Watch with digital display capable of being adjusted by a control device sensitive to rotation and to axial pressure. The watch comprises two lines of alphanumeric characters, of which one is used exclusively for displaying the current time and the other is used exclusively for displaying indications relative to auxiliary functions.

Abstract: Enhanced control buttons are provided for a digital timepiece, each button marked with an icon which identifies its function, one icon indicative of the so marked button being operable to turn a night light on/off, another icon indicative of the so marked button being operable to access and exit from a real time setting mode, another icon indicative of the so marked button being operable to access and exit from an alarm time setting mode, said alarm button being programmable to operate in response to momentary and relatively longer pressures to perform a variety of alarm time functions, including turning on and off a similar alarm icon in the timepiece's display, turning off the alarm sound after it becomes audible following a set alarm time, and thereafter turning on the alarm icon in the watch display for repetition of the sounding of the alarm 24 hours later at the same previously set alarm time.

Abstract: A wearable mobile computing device/appliance (e.g., a wrist watch) with a high resolution display that is capable of wirelessly accessing information from the network and a variety of other devices. The Wrist Watch device/appliance includes a user interface that is used to efficiently interact with alarms, time keeping functions and notifications on the watch via use of a scroll device implementing dynamic scroll speed controller capability which enables seamless fine-grain and coarse-grain scroll and/or cursor movement through displayed content without notice to the user of the scroll device.

Abstract: A method of enabling the displayability of at least one hidden mode in a multimode electronic device, wherein the method comprises the steps of determining that data in the at least one hidden mode satisfies a specified condition; and causing the mode indicator of the hidden mode to be displayable during a step of cycling among the viewable modes; wherein the at least one hidden mode is available for selecting from the viewable modes in the mode selecting mode. An electronic device that can carry out the foregoing methodology is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic device is a timepiece and specifically, a wristwatch.

Abstract: The timepiece, which is preferably a wristwatch, includes for each time position a capacitive sensor (C1 to C12), on a fixed bezel, including only four markings (R3, R6, R9, R12) at 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock, and a single crown-push-button (9). The case contains, in particular, a non-acoustic vibration generator (20) and an electronic interpretation and coding circuit (15), associated with a time-keeper circuit (10), with the sensors and with the crown to control the vibration device, said circuit (15) being designed to identify the manipulations on the crown (brief, long application of pressure or pull) and on the sensors (positioning or movement).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for data entry into a portable object, in particular a watch, with display screen comprising a control button (1) consisting of an elastic mass (2) wherein is housed a permanent magnet (3) and a positioning analogue magnetic sensor (4) with Hall effect for example, arranged inside the object opposite to and spaced apart from said control button (1), said sensor being adapted to measure the movements of the magnet (3) in at least one direction for data entry. The control button (1) is arranged in a blind housing (7) of a non-magnetic wall (5) of the object structure, to be mechanically uncoupled from the sensor, said wall not in contact with said sensor acting as sealing protection for the sensor.

Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece for assisting a person to take a multiple question timed examination. The number of questions and test time are entered into the timepiece along with selected alert points. A test timer mode then displays time remaining in the examination along with the corresponding question number, and a silent vibrating alarm alerts the person at the preselected alert points, and displays appropriate informative and encouraging messages.

Abstract: A method for indicating that a wearable electronic device is operating in a selected mode, wherein the wearable electronic device comprises at least one hand operatively coupled to an actuation mechanism. The method comprises the steps of (a) moving the hand from a first position to a second position, wherein the movement of the hand is through a predetermined sweep angle; (b) moving the hand from the second position back to the first position through the predetermined sweep angle; and (c) repeating at least step (a) and if necessary, repeating step (b); whereby the hand oscillates between the first position and the second position while the wearable electronic device is operating in the selected mode. A wearable electronic device that comprises the foregoing methodology is also provided.

Abstract: A portable timer with an alarm, wherein the timed period is limited to multiples of certain discrete periods of time (i.e. fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, one hour, two hours, etc.) without reference to the actual time of the day or to any specific minute or hour of the day. Thus, users need never convert to actual time the length of a period to be timed nor set the device to local time prior to use. The alarm may be set and the timing function initiated with the push of a single button. The device is further operable to provide audible feedback in the form of human speech regarding its operation and operative mode. Additionally, the device allows for the recording of a short message to be played in lieu of an alarm tone at the end of the timed period.

Abstract: An information handling apparatus comprises a scrolling wheel; a platform comprising at least one pivot well; a pivot pin attaching the rolling wheel to the platform and allowing rolling movement of the wheel in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: A portable multi-event reminder device includes a battery-powered electrical timer circuit that is programmable with respect to selecting at least two overlapping time periods, so as to generate prompts for at least two functionally related but time-independent events. A solitary two-state switch is the sole input device employed by a user to provide the desired timing programming. The timer circuit is configured to generate a first electrical reminder signal upon expiration of the first selected time period and to generate a second electrical reminder signal upon expiration of the second selected time period. The reminder signals activate one or more sensory alerts that generate human-perceivable alerts for prompting a user.

Abstract: The watch is provided with a circular row of capacitive keys defined by transparent electrodes (21 to 32) arranged on the inner face of the crystal (5) of the watch and connected to a detection device via a multiplexer. These keys are activated by the person wearing the watch placing a finger (38) on the crystal facing one of the electrodes. The watch further includes means for detecting the position of at least one of the hands (8, 9) by means of the same detection device, using the electrodes (21 to 32) of the capacitive keys and/or other fixed electrodes (51).

Abstract: An information handling apparatus comprises a scrolling wheel; a platform comprising at least one pivot well; a pivot pin attaching the rolling wheel to the platform and allowing rolling movement of the wheel in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable object such as, in particular, a timepiece (1) including means for controlling at least an electronic function such as an horological function, these control means including at least a touch-sensitive key (16) for selecting the desired electronic function, characterized in that the control means further include a strain gauge (22) allowing the selection of the desired electronic function to be confirmed and/or the electronic function to be activated, the confirmation and/or activation of said electronic function being effected by applying pressure to the portable object via the effect of which the strain gauge (22) generates a control signal which will be applied to an electronic data processing circuit, said portable object also being able to include means able to emit an acoustic signal to indicate to a user that the desired function has actually been switched on.

Abstract: Real time balanced, quadribalanced, enhanced quadribalanced or unidirectional segmented digital time display systems are modified by inclusion of selectively prompted displays which are readily visually distinguishable from the real time displays and which prompt the viewer with the letters T, A and d to comprehend that the displays are in modes that enable and thus facilitate the setting or resetting of current real time, an alarm time or calendar values.

Abstract: An electronic device including a case, and electronics module and an input mechanism. The electronics module is contained by the case and includes at least a processor and a memory configured to store a plurality of available mode settings for the electronic device. The input mechanism is configured to provide input commands to the processor which is configured to, based on the input comments, configure the electronic device to provide a custom mode setting for a subset of the plurality of available modes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wristwatch equipped with a device for the elimination of static electricity, the static electricity resulting from contact with metallic wardrobes, textiles, automobiles, electronic devices, and so on. Ground protrusions are disposed on a metallic upper cover in the upper portion of the watch. An external casing through which electricity is not transmitted is disposed in the middle portion of the watch. Connection protrusions and a watch chain are disposed in the lower portion of the watch. The device along with components of a general wristwatch is disposed in the watch, includes a coil for preventing a rapid current surge, a resistor for performing discharge, and a discharge bulb connected in series with each other, and is connected from the upper cover to one of the connection protrusions. Accordingly, static electricity is eliminated by touching objects generating the static electricity to ground protrusions disposed on the upper cover.

Abstract: A small-sized electronic apparatus is provided which, in the case of use as a watch, can be manufactured at a low cost but with the same thickness, size, weight, etc., as a conventional watch and which includes various sensing means for switching and for shutter opening/closing. Display shutout control means 10 accepts a switching signal from switching means 9 and a closing signal from a timer control circuit 14, and issues a control signal. The control signal is fed to a liquid crystal shutter 13 which uses a liquid crystal panel arranged above an information display part 80, to perform opening/closing of the shutter.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electronic device for generating and displaying an item of information, including a flexible body (2) shaped to be able, for example, to be secured to a user's wrist, an electronic unit (18) for generating the information, at least a display cell (20) for displaying said information, and an electric power source (22) for powering the electronic unit (18), wherein the flexible body (2) has, at at least one location on its length, an overthickness of material forming a rigid receptacle (28) in the inner cavity of which is arranged said electronic unit (18).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an electronic device for recognising characters traced manually on an input zone (10) comprising a plurality of sensors (15) each capable of being activated by a finger or a tracing instrument (13). The method consists in comparing the manual trace of a character (100) produced on the input zone with a group of characters of a predetermined set of characters. The invention is characterised in that each character of the set of characters is represented by at least one predetermined model representative of a way in which the character can be traced, and in that a model representative of the way in which the manual trace of the character (100) has been performed on the input zone is elaborated.

Abstract: The timepiece, which is preferably a wristwatch, includes for each time position a capacitive sensor (C1 to C12), on a fixed bezel, including only four markings (R3, R6, R9, R12) at 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock, and a single crown-push-button (9). The case contains, in particular, a non-acoustic vibration generator (20) and an electronic interpretation and coding circuit (15), associated with a time-keeper circuit (10), with the sensors and with the crown to control the vibration device, said circuit (15) being designed to identify the manipulations on the crown (brief, long application of pressure or pull) and on the sensors (positioning or movement).

Abstract: A portable object such as, in particular, a timepiece, including an electronic movement carried by a printed circuit (20), this electronic movement including a time base circuit, a frequency divider circuit powered by the time base, a control circuit (22) connected to the divider circuit and a display system controlled by the control circuit, this portable object also including at least one push-button (8, 10) including a head (26) and a stem (16) passing through the middle part (4) of a case (2) closed by a back cover (6), characterized in that the push-button stem (16) can be electrically connected to a data input (42, 44) of the control circuit (22) by pressing on the push-button (8, 10), so that it is possible, via this stem (16), to enter data into said control circuit (22), originating from an electronic unit (45) for transmitting and receiving digital data such as a personal computer or PC or to extract data contained in said portable object.

Abstract: An input object selector of a finger touch type that can, without any problem, be installed in a small space, such as an information terminal watch, and that provides a satisfactorily efficient process for selecting input objects.

Abstract: An information processing device to which data can be input by the use of a rotary bezel. A pulse-count detection sensor unit 32 and a rotational-direction detection sensor unit 33 read an optical pattern which is formed on the rotary bezel to generate a series of pulse signals. The pulse-count detection sensor unit 32 and the rotational-direction detection sensor unit 33 are arranged such that a phase difference occurs between the signals of the sensor unit 32 and the signals of the sensor unit 33, so that it is possible to detect the rotational direction of the rotary bezel. A data-signal generating element 81 generates a data signal on the basis of the detected rotational angle and the pulse count generated by the pulse-count detection sensor unit 32.

Abstract: A wearable mobile computing device/appliance (e.g., a wrist watch) with a high resolution display that is capable of wirelessly accessing information from the network and a variety of other devices. The mobile computing device/appliance includes a user interface employing a bezel-based input mechanism including a bezel ring which may be rotated and depressed for generating both rotation and wheel click events for enabling navigation, selection and entry of various displayed textual and graphical items.

Abstract: A watch has a switch mechanism 10 supported by a base 11 and a lid 13 that houses a generally conventional electric watch arrangement (not shown). The mechanism includes a semi-circular disc shaped finger tip engagable pusher 16 that can be rotated in either direction from a mean position, and also pushed radially inwards. Such movement of the pusher 16 produces radial movements of biassed plungers 23, 26 and 30 that are urged through respective apertures 24, 27 and 31 in a wall 12 of the base 11. As a result respective electrical circuits of the watch arrangement are closed to change watch functions. The mechanism 10 serves the same purpose as push buttons conventionally used in the prior art but is much easier for the user, especially if the watch is being worn on a wrist when watch functions need to be changed.

Abstract: Analog display horological piece, comprising at least a step by step motor (18, 20) driving hands (MN, H) for displaying a time keeping information; means of controlling said step by step motor; position detectors (51-62) providing in angular sector defined on the piece, the activation of each of said position detectors enabling the selection of a predetermined digital piece of information (0-9, ×, ÷, +, −, =); means (36, 40) for inputting said selected digital piece of information; and means (22) for processing said digital information. The control means are adapted so that at least one of said hands (MN, H) is driven so that it indicates the angular sector corresponding to the position detector (51-62) which is activated so as to confirm the selection of the digital piece of information (0-9, ×, ÷, +, −, =).

Abstract: An electronic device for holding medicines, typically pills, to be taken at different times and to remind the user to take particular pills at specific times. A first container has a plurality of pill holding compartments, with a hinged lid closing each compartment. A second container, which is releasably fastenable to the first compartment, contains a microprocessor, an alarm, a display and buttons for controlling the microprocessor to display different information. The display can be set to show the time, times for taking pills from different compartments, whether pills have been taken on time, if a pill has been missed or skipped, when the last pill has been taken, etc. When a time set for taking a pill arrives, an alarm, typically a light and/or sound alarm, alerts the user as to the compartment holding the pill to be taken.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable object such as, in particular, a timepiece (1) including means for controlling at least an electronic function such as an horological function, these control means including at least a touch-sensitive key (16) for selecting the desired electronic function, characterized in that the control means further include a strain gauge (22) allowing the selection of the desired electronic function to be confirmed and/or the electronic function to be activated, the confirmation and/or activation of said electronic function being effected by applying pressure to the portable object via the effect of which the strain gauge (22) generates a control signal which will be applied to an electronic data processing circuit, said portable object also being able to include means able to emit an acoustic signal to indicate to a user that the desired function has actually been switched on.

Abstract: The watch is provided with a circular row of capacitive keys defined by transparent electrodes (21 to 32) arranged on the inner face of the crystal (5) of the watch and connected to a detection device via a multiplexer. These keys are activated by the person wearing the watch placing a finger (38) on the crystal facing one of the electrodes. The watch further includes means for detecting the position of at least one of the hands (8, 9) by means of the same detection device, using the electrodes (21 to 32) of the capacitive keys and/or other fixed electrodes (51).

Abstract: Metal case part (9) having a wall whose outer surface (11) includes separated knobs (23a, 23b, 23c) formed by a synthetic material, characterized in that one face (12) opposite to the outer surface (11) of the part (9) includes a groove (15) connected to said outer surface (11) by through passages (13a, 13b, 13c) at locations provided for the knobs (23a, 23b, 23c) and in that said knobs (23a, 23b, 23c) originate from a filler (20) made of synthetic material projecting from the outer surface (11), while being connected to each other through said through passages (13a, 13b, 13c) to a strand 25, also made of synthetic material, held on the bottom of the groove (15).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable object such as, in particular, a timepiece, including an electronic movement carried by a printed circuit (20), this electronic movement including a time base circuit, a frequency divider circuit powered by the time base, a control circuit (22) connected to the divider circuit and a display system controlled by the control circuit, this portable object also including at least one push-button (8, 10) including a head (26) and a stem (16) passing through the middle part (4) of a case (2) closed by a back cover (6), characterised in that the push-button stem (16) can be electrically connected to a data input (42, 44) of the control circuit (22) by pressing on the push-button (8, 10), so that it is possible, via this stem (16), to enter data into said control circuit (22), originating from an electronic unit (45) for transmitting and receiving digital data such as a personal computer or PC or to extract data contained in said portable object.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a rotating member (1) and a contactless electric capacitive detection device for detecting positions and/or movements of the member. In order to avoid the problems posed by conventional systems with electric switches, the detection device includes at least one capacitive sensor (2), having one or more fixed electrodes (6, 7) and a toothed rotor (5) driven by the member, and an electronic detection apparatus (3) sensitive to variations in the sensor capacitance. The device may include two capacitive sensors whose output signals are in quadrature, in order to be able to indicate the direction of rotation of the member. The rotating member may be a time-setting control stem or another component such as the shaft of a watch hand.

Abstract: A bicycle display unit is provided for displaying information to the rider. The bicycle display unit is preferably part of a bicycle computer that is battery operated. The bicycle display unit has a display panel with a front display surface and a backlight arranged to illuminate the front display surface for viewing the information displayed thereon. The battery is electrically coupled to the backlight to supply electrical energy thereto. The bicycle display unit also has a backlight switch command operatively coupled between the backlight and the battery to selectively turn the backlight “on” and “off”, and a control unit that extends the life of the battery by controlling the illumination of the backlight. The backlight switch command turns “on” the backlight upon receiving a predetermined operational command. The predetermined operational command can be a pre-selected time period, a shifting operation, a mode change, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining a time and/or direction for prayer, comprising: receiving means for receiving signals indicative of a position on or above the earth; computing means for computing a time for prayer on the basis of the received signals; and display means for displaying a computed time for prayer, characterized in that the receiving means are adapted to receive GPS signals coming from satellites, that the computing means are adapted and connected to the receiving means such that the desired prayer direction on the basis of the position as well as the desired time for prayer are computed directly from the GPS signals, and both are displayed on a screen of the display means.

Abstract: A watch case (1) including a wall (6) with an outer face and an inner face, which defines a housing intended to accommodate a watch movement (7), and control means (4) able to have at least a first and a second state, which include a moving element (8) mounted so as to slide over the outer face of said wall (6) and able to occupy at least two positions, each position corresponding to one of said states. This watch case is characterised in that said control means (4) further include a push button (9), mounted so as to slide in a hole (6a) passing through said wall (6) and provided with an inner end (9a) intended to co-operate with said movement (7) and with an outer end (9b) co-operating with said moving element (8) and a body in contact with a sealing gasket (10) inserted between said push button (9) and said wall (6).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for selecting at least one item of data from a set of data regrouped in accordance with a predetermined order. This method is able to be implemented in an electronic device including means for displaying the selected item of data, input means for supplying, via the action of a user of the device, a direction and successive pulses, means for controlling the display means in a non-instantaneous manner, and a processing unit for the set of data. This method is characterised in that it includes a first step which consists in counting the number of pulses provided, via the action of the user, during the period of time in which said display means is being activated to reach said selected item of data, in order to determine the acceleration provided by said user to said input means during this period of time.

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 device (10) mounted in a timepiece for generating a variable inductive magnetic current, the device consisting of a mobile member (39) including an element for conducting the inductive magnetic current and a non-conductive element. The device also includes a mechanism for detecting (13) the variable inductive magnetic current mechanism (14), processing signals derived from the detecting mechanism and a mechanism (15) controlling the timepiece functions. The device facilitates the control of the timepiece without requiring an element physically passing through the timepiece case, thus enabling complete sealing of the timepiece.

Abstract: A sleep pattern timing apparatus for a user to record time before onset of sleep and to separately record sleep time to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of sleeping disorders can include a timer for recording awake time and sleep time of the user and preferably a plurality of switches such as a galvanic skin response switch and a tactile plunger-type switch electrically connected to the timer so that the timer records sleep time when at least one switch is released. Using an awake timer subsystem, the apparatus can also begin recording awake time when all switches are concurrently actuated and discontinues recording of awake time when at least one switch is released. A plurality of switches can reduce the opportunity for false actuation. The apparatus can be housed in a hand held housing to fall away when released to further reduce false actuation. The apparatus may be attached to the user with a wrist band for easy retrieval during sleep interruptions.

Abstract: A world time multi-function watch for providing the local time at any location on earth by entry of the cartesian coordinates of that location through the bezel of the watch or by means of a GPS unit. The bezel is a high resolution input device which enables the cartesian coordinates to be input in increments of one degree. The coordinates are used to access a database of world time zones to determine the time zone in which the entered coordinates lie. Appropriate adjustments are made to reflect time zone adjustments with respect to a predetermined reference time line and to reflect the local observance of daylight savings time. One set of analog hands will automatically move to display the time at the selected location. The watch can be linked to a GPS unit through an optical, spread-spectrum rf or cable interface, by manually entering the information through the bezel, or through a wrist mounted unit linked directly or through an appropriate interface.

Abstract: A tactilely setable data input structure for a battery-operated, computer-run wrist watch operable in a time mode, a calculator mode and an alphabetic mode comprising a watch casing housing a battery and clock calculator electronics and at least one visible display having multiple units therein. A first button is located on a first side edge of the housing for operating the electronics to cause the visible display to shift between a calculator, alphabetic and a time display upon depression thereof. Further, buttons about the periphery of the watch or watch band are provided. Pressing different combinations of these buttons cause the electronics to create digits zero through nine or alphabetics in a first unit of the display dependent on the combination of specific buttons simultaneously pressed. Multiple entry of digits or alphabetics into the subsequent units of the display allow for creation of multi-digit numbers and words.

Abstract: When an inclination switch SW3 is turned on by inclining a wristwatch 12 up at 12 o'clock within a predetermined time after an acceleration switch SW2 is turned on in a state where an auto mode on/off subswitch SW1-1 is on, a lighting circuit lights up an electroluminescence panel EL and puts off same automatically after a predetermined time has passed. If the auto mode subswitch SW1-1 is off, there is no possibility that the panel EL will be lighted up even when the user makes a motion to look at the time displayed on the wristwatch. As a result, the panel EL is not recklessly lighted up excluding by the user's intended motion, useless power consumption is suppressed to prolong the life of a battery used.