Abstract: A watch with a face disposed over a watch module with a display presenting a plurality of functions is described. The watch face preferably is rigid and transparent and includes tactile portions that may be depressed to activate the functions that are presented on the display. The watch face has four tactile portions to activate four primary functions. The watch face can also be pressed in between the tactile portions to activate a four secondary functions. In a preferred embodiment, the watch face is secured to the module and module is mounted at a central pivot point in a base. The watch module has switches on its edge, one beneath each tactile portion, and a flexible seal that creates a waterproof region around the switches. The flexible seal also includes knobs, one for each switch, which close the associated switch when the associated tactile portion is depressed. A platform prevents straight-down depression of the watch that could cause more than two switches to close.

Abstract: A timer is provided with a setting member which is moved in order to set, increase or decrease a desired countdown time. Movement of the setting member in one direction generates an increment pattern and movement in an opposite direction generates a decrement pattern. A bit generator is connected to increment or decrement the countdown time.

Abstract: A tactilely setable data input structure for a battery-operated, computer-run wrist watch operable in a time mode and a calculator mode comprising: a watch casing housing 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 and a time display upon depression thereof. A second and third button on said first side edge of the housing and a fourth, fifth and sixth button on an opposite side edge of the housing from the first edge.

Abstract: The device comprises a keyboard wherein each key is associated with an underlying sensor sensitive pad which controls the input of data associated with said key in response to an application of a finger on such key, such sensitive pads being closely set together within a closed contour (V.sub.1, V.sub.2 ; V'.sub.1, V'.sub.2) having, for a user, an upper part (V.sub.1) and a lower part (V.sub.2) respectively adjacent to first and second series of pads, such device being characterized in that the areas of the pads (10, 11, 12, 13; 7, 8, 9, .div.) of the first series are on the whole greater than the areas of the pads (3 to 9; 0, ., =, +) of the second series.

Abstract: A timepiece, such as a wristwatch, includes a casing, a carrier disc disposed in the casing, a glass mounted elastically to the casing in front of the carrier disc, and control switches in the form of piezoelectric sensors each sandwiched between an outer edge of the glass and a forwardly facing edge of the carrier disc. The sensors are electrically connected to an electrical control circuit of the timepiece and are actuable in response to being compressed by a rearward pressure applied to the outer edge of the glass.

Abstract: A drive circuit having a converter that provides current pulses that charge a capacitive electroluminescent (EL) lamp to produce light, a switching circuit that switches successive current pulses for progressively charging the EL lamp and an adjustable circuit that permits external control of the switching circuit to provide a plurality of different predetermined numbers of the current pulses to the EL lamp is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having an analog or digital display delivering time information in silent, tactile manner in which the control elements (L, C, B.sub.1, B.sub.2) provided on the exterior of a closed housing cooperate via the intermediary of an interpretation circuit with the electronic coding means (22) to drive the vibration generating device (23) by means of pulse strings to emit vibration strings representative of an item of time information or of the accuracy of a time instruction or non-time instruction introduced by means of said control elements.The timepiece presents a conventional appearance, but enables a visually impaired person to know the time, to correct the internal time and to set an alarm time.

Abstract: A system and method for storing and retrieving fixed-width and compressed characters of at least one font, which includes memory having a plurality of memory addresses for storing instructions and encoded character font data representing fixed-width and compressed characters, wherein the encoded character font data for a fixed-width character of any given font is identical to the encoded character font data for a compressed character for the same font. The system addresses the plurality of memory addresses so as to read out the encoded character font data and then, depending upon the value of a control signal generated by the system's control unit, decodes the encoded character font data through a decoder as either a fixed-width or compressed character. The fixed-width or compressed character is then displayed on a dot-matrix display. Each memory address commonly contains a plurality of bits which represents a column of said character.

Abstract: A digital clock comprises an electronic timekeeping circuit, plus an electronic digital display connected to the time keeping circuit to display time as controlled by the circuit. An electronic control is provided to permit changing of individual numerals displayed in a plurality of locations by manually pointing at the individual numerals. The electronic control may comprise a transparent, touch-sensitive detector, positioned in front of the digital display to permit manual changing of the individual numerals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for control of a digital watch and associated functions, based on a user interface with a menu and thumbwheel. The watch consists of an internal clock, microprocessor, display, rotating cylinder (thumbwheel) operated by the thumb or finger, and a button. The display consists of a matrix of pixels and can display menus or other information with small characters and time and date information in a larger size. Rotating the cylinder results in changing the designated item in a menu, which is typically indicated in reverse video, and pressing the button results in the designated item being selected. In cases where a parameter is modified and the values of the parameter are well known and have a natural order (such as minutes) only the present value of the parameter is displayed, and movement of the thumbwheel causes the displayed value to be incremented or decremented, as appropriate. Pressing the selector button causes the actual value of the parameter to be replaced by the displayed value.

Abstract: This watch (1) includes a case (2), a glass (3) and at least one manual control device (22), which comprises a capacitive sensor (20) with a first electrode (5) arranged on the internal face (6) of the glass (3). The selective positioning of a finger (10) of a wearer of the watch (1) on the external face of the glass (3) enables a first capacity (C.sub.d) to be formed between the first electrode (5) and earth (11) constituted by the case (2). A parasitic capacity (C.sub.p) is present between the first electrode and the case.The manual control device (22) also includes a voltage-frequency converter (22) whose oscillation frequency is determined by the first capacity (C.sub.d), when the latter is formed by the presence of the finger, in combination with the parasitic capacity (C.sub.

Abstract: An electronic device including a switch member which has a multiplicity of switch contacts provided thereon, a film liquid crystal display unit disposed above the switch member and having openings provided at positions opposite to the respective switch contacts, and operation members disposed in the corresponding openings so as to depress the operation members from above the film liquid crystal display. By the depression of the respective operation members, the corresponding switch contacts are switched. According to this structure, the switching operations are performed on the film liquid crystal display unit, so that the operability of the switches is improved and the device itself is miniaturized.

Abstract: A digital clock comprises an electronic timekeeping circuit, plus electronic digital display means connected to the time keeping circuit to display time as controlled by the circuit. Electronic control means are provided to permit changing of individual numerals displayed in a plurality of locations by manually pointing at the individual numerals. The electronic control means may comprise transparent touch-sensitive detection means positioned in front of the digital display means to permit manual changing of the individual numerals. Alternatively, the electronic control means may comprise one or more light beam emitters and one or more light beam sensors, plus an optical means for passing individual time-gated light beams from the emitter(s) to the sensor(s) in front of the numerals in a position to permit selective occlusion of the individual light beams by manual pointing.

Abstract: A timepiece having a mode displaying function includes an external operating member that is rotatable by a user. A sliding pinion rotatable by the external operating member rotates a transmitting gear. A correction transmitting wheel is rotatable by the transmitting gear. A motion control gear is fixed to the correction transmitting wheel. A motion control spring member having a motion control part contacts with a respective motion control face of the teeth of the motion control gear to regulate the rotation of the correction transmitting wheel during the rotation of the motion control gear. A mode displaying plate is rotatable by the correction transmitting wheel and displays the modes of the timepiece. The mode displaying plate is fixed to a display gear which has a plurality of teeth. A spring member has an urging surface for contacting with a respective motion control face of the teeth of the display gear.

Abstract: A multifunction analog electronic watch includes a battery, a circuitry block and a base plate made from a polymeric other electrically non-conductive material. A switching device for controlling application of the voltage from the power source to the circuitry block includes a switching member and two electrode patterns. The first electrode pattern is electrically coupled to the power source and the second electrode pattern is electrically coupled to the circuitry block. The switching member, which is normally biased away from the first electrode pattern and second electrode pattern is operable in response to external pressure for contacting the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern so as to provide an electrical path between the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern.

Abstract: A time-piece in the form of a wrist-watch which comprises a casing including a dial and a side wall in which a slot is formed, hour and minute hands, drive means located within the casing and supporting the hands on the dial for rotating the hands relative to the dial to indicate time, and a manual operating member located substantially within the casing for rotating the hands relative to the dial by rotation with the hands about corresponding substantially parallel axes. The operating member has a peripheral edge portion of which only a limited region is exposed through the slot in the side wall of the casing, and is movable between an operative position for rotating the hands and an inoperative position not acting upon the hands. A spring is located within the casing and resiliently biasses the operating member towards the inoperative position.

Abstract: An athletic performance measuring device is provided which can be conveniently worn on the user's finger is disclosed. The device can provide a variety of functions such as lap counting and timing. An actuator is provided in the form of a thumb switch, to allow the counter/timer to be held and operated by one hand, without disrupting the athlete's performance.

Abstract: A selecting apparatus for a multimode electronic wrist instrument. A microcomputer in the wrist instrument is programmed to sequentially actuate selecting indicia similar to a cursor horizontally and/or vertically on the display to indicate a selectable function for the timepiece. At least four directional switches are operated by movement of an operator's finger with respect to a central reference position. The microcomputer is further programmed to select the selectable operating function displayed when a selecting switch is operated. In one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating means comprises four separate directional actuators arranged about a central actuator which operates the selecting switch. In another embodiment, the manual actuating means is a single member adapted to movement in at least four directions corresponding to movement of the selecting indicia on the display and also adapted to be depressed in the center to operate the selecting switch.

Abstract: A wearable device for automatically counting and timing the repetitions or laps during an athletic activity. The device preferably is worn either on the palm of the hand or the ball of the foot and comprises a raised, pressure-sensitive area which is depressed automatically through contact with a solid surface as part of the user's natural action in completing a lap or repetition. The device preferably also comprises a watertight case enclosing a microprocessor circuit which records and calculates various information for the user and displays this information on a liquid crystal display. Selecting means are provided on the case for selecting the information appearing on the display such as laps completed, total distance traveled, time to complete each lap, average lap time, average speed, total elapsed time, real time, and best lap time. An adjustable strap holds the device to the user's body.

Abstract: In a housing there is accommodated a quartz-controlled watchwork together with a display covered by a viewing or sight window and with at least one contact serving to accomplish control functions. The contact can be actuated by the base or floor of the housing, for instance by an actuator in the form of a pusher which piercingly extends through the housing base or floor. To facilitate actuation of the contact the housing is mounted to be displaceable, against the action of a spring, in a casing or receptacle. By applying a force, such as pressure upon the viewing window the pusher and thus the contact can be actuated.

Abstract: This invention consists of a ski pole with a handle on which a liquid crystal display (LCD) chronometer is detachably mounted. The chronometer is mounted inside the push button at the top of the ski pole handle and held in place by a lens and four set screws. The push button is located as to be actuable by the thumb of the skier.

Abstract: A multiple-alarm clock with an electronic digital circuitry and a large liquid-crystal screen displaying a simulated-conventional clock face. A series of push-buttons located on the periphery of the clock face are used to quickly program multiple alarm times. The same push-buttons can also be used to set the clock to the time of the day. The device is packaged in a wallet-sized housing, and is battery-powered for carrying convenience. The general appearance of the clock, the convenience of the alarm and time setting buttons are designed to facilitate this use by elderly persons and individuals with limited dexterity.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece or clock with a digital display, and with an arrangement for the setting or adjustment of the minutes and/or hour display through either a short or lengthier depression of a timing push button. A single timing push button is provided on the timepiece for the forward and for the backward setting of the display. The single timing push button also serves for the rapid setting of the display. In this connection, the arrangement for the setting of the minutes and/or hour display provides for a distinction between a short depression of the timing push button (t<t.sub.1) and a lengthier depression of the timing push button (t>t.sub.1).

Abstract: A digital clock includes: an acoustic-signal receiver and amplifier, a monostable circuit; a display selector consisting of a pair of flip-flops, a pair of display switches respectively controlled by the two flip-flops, a counter controller controlling a light-emitting diode display through a display driver, as switched by the pair of display switches, whereby upon a single clap by a user a time of hours, minutes, and seconds will be displayed, and upon double claps a date of month and day will be displayed, for a convenient time display.

Abstract: A watch, comprising a reference signal generator circuit, a stop watch circuit, an external operation switch, a display selection circuit, an elapsed time display timer, and an impact detecting circuit, wherein an elapsed time is displayed at a display element for a predetermined time, by utilizing an impact force, and the display of the elapsed time is fixed at the display means, and further, the elapsed time is memorized in a plurality of memories for later retrienal.

Abstract: A digital timepiece operates in a normal mode and in a set mode for setting time. A keyboard is sequentially actuated for carrying out a switching operation, an entering operation to enter time data to be set, and an executing operation. A counter is connected to the keyboard for producing a first output when the entering operation is not initiated within a relatively short interval after carrying out the switching operation and producing a second output when a relatively long interval lapses after the initiation of the entering operation. A control circuit is connected to the keyboard and to the counter for switching from the normal mode to the set mode in response to the switching operation and for switching from the set mode to the normal mode in response to either of the first and second outputs.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a plurality of light-receiving elements arranged to receive external light, a light-receiving condition discriminator for discriminating a light-receiving condition of each light-receiving element, and a circuit to be controlled in response to an output signal from the light-receiving condition discriminator. The light-receiving condition discriminator discriminates that the light-receiving condition of a central one of three light-receiving elements among the plurality of light-receiving elements is different from those of end light-receiving elements, and thereupon generates an output signal.

Abstract: The back cover of the case is provided with positioning means which determine more or less precisely the location where means external to the case must be placed in order to actuate each control mechanism.Such positioning means may for example take the form of grooves at the bottom of each of which is located a control mechanism and into which may be introduced a portion of the securing element of the bracelet.It might likewise comprise protuberances or portions in relief or cavities of more complex form, the remaining parts forming guide means for guiding the external actuating means toward such positioning means.This invention concerns electronic watches having a system of operating controls located in the back cover of their cases.

Abstract: The recording device is embodied as a stop watch 10 comprising a watch body 11 having a two-piece strap to secure the stop watch 10 to one hand 20 of its user. On one side, the watch body 11 has a display face 13 and an elongate button 16 for controlling the functioning of the watch 10 and the display on the display face 13. A central region 26 of the watch body 11 is flexible enabling the watch body 11 to be bent in a U or J shape around the hand 20 between forefinger 28 and thumb 27, the two pieces 21, 22 of the strap holding the watch body 11 securely on the hand 20 and wrist 24. With the watch body 11 in the latter described disposition on the hand 20, the button 16 can be actuated by the finger tips 31. Thus, the stop watch 10 can be easily operated one-handed making it particularly suitable for use by athletes.

Abstract: Is disclosed an electronic watch which conducts switch operation by rotating the annular dial of the outer case, wherein the rotation direction and the rotation position of the annular dial is made possible to detect accurately by providing electric pattern on the reverse side of the annular dial and a switch pin on the body side of the watch whereby a large number of modes are establishable.

Abstract: A small electronic apparatus with an optical input device has an apparatus case for housing a main body therein, the apparatus case being provided with a light-transmitting member, at least part of which is exposed to outside light, an electrooptical display device in the apparatus case, a photosensor arranged in the apparatus case at a position between the electrooptical display device and the light-transmitting member, and a logic circuit arranged in LSI for receiving and processing, as an input signal associated with the main body, an output from the photosensor, the output from the logic circuit being used to provide a display signal to the electrooptical display device.

Abstract: A time apparatus is disclosed which enables autocycle riders, marathon athletes, jogging runners, skiers etc. to see or check time only by the pushing motion of the thumb of the hand which wears the apparatus, without the need of the other hand.

Abstract: A correction system for a hands display type of electronic timepiece which can display a plurality of types of time information such as an alarm time and the current time by a single set of hands, with changeover between display of the different types of information being performed by rapid rotation of the hands, with the system being characterized in that means are provided for inhibiting any input of correction signals by external switch actuations while such changeover is in progress. Errors resulting from accidental switch actuations during display changeover are thereby effectively eliminated.

Abstract: Watch constituted by a quartz mechanism, in which the mechanism does not rest on the bottom of the case and comprises a watch time-setting system by electrical contact between the positive pole of a battery and the negative pole of an electronic module containing the time-setting program.The rear face of the mechanism comprises means directed so as to face the bottom of the watch case, and make an electrical contact between the two said poles.The bottom of the watch case is produced from a semi-rigid material having a thickness that decreases progressively for its entire length from the case periphery towards its center and increases close to the center to form a projection. The bottom is capable of becoming elastically deformed under a force, so that, the effect of said force exerted on the bottom, actuates the means designed to make a contact between said two poles, for setting the mechanism to the right time.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece inputs bar code data, decodes the data and displays decoded information represented by the bar code data. An optical sensor scans bar codes printed on a paper and inputs corresponding electrical bar coded data signals to an amplifier. A digitizer digitizes the amplified signals into serial digital signals which are decoded by a decoder into parallel bar-decoded data signals. A buffer memory temporarily stores the decoded data signals during read-in of the bar code data, and a memory control circuit controls the transfer of the decoded data signals from the buffer memory to a main memory. A selector circuit selects the decoded data signals from either the buffer memory or the main memory for visual display via a display decoder/driver circuit.

Abstract: The case 1 of the watch comprises elements consisting of ribbed zones 3, 4 and 5 of different structures which can supply mechanical vibrations when they are rubbed by the user of the watch.A transducer transforms these acoustic vibrations into an electric signal. An electronic circuit comprising generator means, a pulse shaper, counters, a register and a comparator allows the vibration message generated by the activation of one or the other of the ribbed zones 3, 4 and 5 to be decoded and one or the other of the functions appearing on the display 2 of the watch to be controlled.

Abstract: An electronic watch having a case and a case back, a digital display, an integrated circuit, a battery and a fixed photo-electric pick-off placed on the module facing a window. The pick-off is for preference a photo-diode and its functioning is controlled by obstructing with a finger the window so as to prevent the ambient light from lighting the pick-off. According to the invention, the control system of the watch has the advantage of being insensitive to electrical parasites, of consuming little current, of being only slightly dependent upon the intensity of ambient light and of being simple to fabricate.

Abstract: A watch assembly is disclosed which includes a watchcase that has frames along opposite sides which define the perimeter of the watchcase platform on which is mounted a crystal having at least one opening which receives a rocker switch for controlling watch functions. The recess formed by the opening in the crystal when the crystal is attached by adhesion substantially to the entire top surface of the watchcase platform has at least one hole at the bottom of the recess to provide for the rocker switch to have access to at least one switch contact inside the case. The rocker switch includes a manually-operated actuator arm disposed in the recess and having at least one projecting leg extending through at least one hole in the platform in the watchcase to actuate at least one switch contact mounted on a timekeeping circuitry module inside the case.

Abstract: A motor normally drives a gear-train which controls the hands when the motor is acted upon by pulses it receives from a driving circuit and which come from a divider and a quartz oscillator. In order to set an alarm to the desired time, a stem is moved by means of a crown to a setting position. The gear-train is then driven by a pinion and a wheel meshing with one another. The alarm time is recorded by a counter circuit owing to pulses supplied by a contact of a rotary detector. This time is stored in a memory when a push button is pressed. After the hands are returned to a position indicating the correct time of day, the counter circuit counts the elapsed time, and the alarm is set off when a coincidence circuit detects coincidence between the count of the counter and the data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A multi-mode electronic timepiece includes a case body on which an annular dial is mounted for angular stepwise displacement. A circuit board is mounted within the case body and includes a plurality of angularly spaced-apart switch terminal patterns connected to circuitry for generating different mode signals depending on which of the switch terminal patterns are actuated. A plurality of switches are disposed adjacent respective ones of the switch terminal patterns and each switch includes a movable rod movable between first and second positions to actuate or not actuate its respective switch terminal pattern. The underside of the annular dial is provided with a plurality of angularly spaced-apart camming portions which are suitably located to cam the switch rods in response to manual angular stepwise displacement of the dial to actuate selected ones of the switches to accordingly actuate selected ones of the switch terminal patterns and produce a corresponding mode signal.

Abstract: An electronic watch having a multiple of modes includes mode selection means operable from the outside and a plurality of external operating buttons for modifying the contents of indication of the watch or for issuing an operational command in each mode. Auxiliary indication means is provided directly with the mode selection means. Alternatively, the auxiliary indication means may be provided separately from the mode selection means but in an interlocked fashion with it. The indication surface of the auxiliary indication means carries at a position corresponding to each of the external operating buttons a symbol or characters which represent the function of said each of the external operating buttons in each selected mode.

Abstract: A timer apparatus is provided such that an operation of switches for setting a timer working hour makes it possible to memorize the timer working hour in a timer circuit and also to display this timer working hour in a digital time display device, and, to obtain an output when this timer working hour arrives. In this timer apparatus, the switches for setting a timer working hour are composed of twelve switches disposed at a positional relation corresponding to 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock on the dial plate of a clock.

Abstract: A clock adjustment switch system for a clock having a display panel, such as an optoelectronic or liquid crystal display panel, and a transparent cover fit over the display panel. Transparent touch-switches for adjusting the timekeeping or other function of the clock are provided on the transparent cover and luminous indicator means are provided at corresponding positions on the display panel. The time switches are made operative and the luminous indicator means are lit only when the clock adjustment function has been made operative by another switch provided on the transparent cover.

Abstract: The watch comprises a plurality of stores, each containing a particular item of time data and each producing an output signal representing the data therein. A single operating button is displaceable by the user of the watch, on the one hand in the axial direction between a pushed-in position and a pulled-out position for which a switch is respectively open and closed, and on the other hand rotatably. Rotation of the button closes and opens two more switches by two cams rotationally displaced so that two pulse trains are produced with a phase relationship indicating the sense of rotation. A circuit processes these pulse trains to produce UP pulse for one sense of rotation and DOWN pulses for the other sense of rotation. These pulses are used to correct the value in a selected store. The particular store to which the correction signal is applied is selected by axially displacing the operating button from the pushed-in position to the pulled-out position a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A battery-operated watch or clock has a knob which is axially shiftable been a first terminal position recessed in a rear housing wall and a second terminal position projecting therefrom. In the recessed position, in which the knob is manually rotatable upon removal of a battery cover surrounding same, its rotation resets both the minute and hour hands of the timepiece to enable its adjustment, especially upon a replacement of a spent battery. In the projecting position, such rotation only displaces the hour hand to facilitate a changeover between standard and daylight-saving time or an adjustment to a different time zone.

Abstract: A timepiece having both analog and digital display includes a single stem operated correcting mechanism which adjusts each display independently. A correcting pinion, slidably mounted on a winding stem, provides for engagement at both ends thereof. In a first axial position of the winding stem, one end of the pinion engages a wheel train for correcting the analog display when the stem is rotated. In a second axial position of the winding stem, the correcting pinion engages a spring biased cam whereby electrical switches are intermittently opened and closed when the stem is rotated for correcting the digital display. Advancement or retardation of the displays depends on the direction of stem rotation.

Abstract: In order to determine the adjustment precision .DELTA.T of a timepiece provided with an oscillator (1) and an adjustable frequency divider chain (3-18; 18-20) on which an adjustment unit (15) acts, initially the real period TQ of the oscillator is measured with the adjustment unit disconnected following a first actuation of a time setting circuit (21). A second actuation of said circuit then effects running of the display at a rate n times above the normal and the adjustment unit is connected. Following a time T/n representing the adjustment cycle the period TQ is measured as corrected by the amount n.DELTA.T, thus TQ+n.DELTA.T. The first measured value obtained is subtracted from the second thus giving n.DELTA.T which when divided by n gives the adjustment precision .DELTA.T.

Abstract: A timepiece push-button structure comprising a spring member composed of tongue portions interconnected by a connection portion, each tongue portion being bridge-shaped so that the central portion is raised while both end portions of the central portion abut against a pressure conductive rubber holder, each tongue portion further including a substantially centrally located arcuate notch and a bifurcation extending therefrom. A push-button having a groove is adapted to engage said notch, and a pressure conductive rubber is adapted for the application of pressure and disposed directly below the push-button.

Abstract: A stop watch (FIG. 2) for use by runners. A strap is provided and the strap bars 56,57 are disposed at a high level while the back 61 of the watch case is concave or dished. Push-buttons or control pins 17, 18, and 19, for starting, stopping, and resetting the watch, are disposed parallel to the axis of the watch and are actuated by pressing in the axial direction with the finger. These features accommodate strapping the watch to the hand so that the watch fits comfortably in the palm of the hand which is a convenient location when worn by runners.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having an A.M. and P.M. display function. The characters A or P are displayed during time setting or correction by one discretionary display element of a plurality of display elements normally used for displaying time.