Abstract: The present invention includes a dual display watch module comprising a watch face with selectively changing backgrounds which is capable of displaying the time of day using an analog display superimposed over the color-changing watch face thereby creating unique optical effects and patterns and which has a significantly reduced overall thickness. The invention includes a novel configuration of the internal components of the timepiece resulting in a significant reduction in the thickness of the subject timepiece, thereby enhancing the comfort of the individual wearing the timepiece. The novel configuration comprises positioning two smaller sized batteries in the same spatial plane as the PCB and analog watch movement instead of the conventional stacked assembly arrangement whereby a larger battery is placed directly behind the PCB. This allows for an overall thinner movement, thereby resulting in a significantly thinner watch without detracting from the functionality of the watch.

Abstract: A typical mirror combined with digital clock for reading time while simultaneously looking in the mirror. To attain this, the clock, which is mounted behind the mirror, has a plurality of display devices for reading hours and minutes aligned with apertures in the black template and reflective surface of the mirror. These display devices can be light emitting diodes, liquid crystal devices, electro-luminescent displays, illuminated apertures, or other type display technology. The digital clock can be powered either by battery or from a 110-volt power source. As a product, the combinational mirror and clock can be decorative to brighten up a room. The digital clock display can have various appearances depending on the placement of the hour and minute display devices. In addition to the numeric clock display devices, an alphanumeric device can also be added for displaying various messages.

Abstract: A combination clock radio, weather station and message organizer includes a base unit having a visual display, a controller located in the base unit including a central processor for controlling operation of the combination, and a temperature sensor for obtaining outdoor temperature readings, the temperature sensor being in communication with the controller. The controller is adapted to present a hue on the visual display that is a function of the outdoor temperature reading. The combination may also include a pressure sensor in communication with the controller for monitoring a rate of change in atmospheric pressure and providing a weather forecast animation that is a function of the changes in the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Under the present invention a real time clock circuit, within a set-top box, is provided with an internal clock generator for generating multiple clock signals. Once generated, a first clock signal is divided into an initial set of values representing time and optionally day/date intervals, and then communicated to a set of clock registers. The initial set of values can then be communicated (directly or via a set of DCR registers) to a display component within the set-top box. Updated clock signals are received by the set of DCR registers from an external source such as a satellite or the like thus making the clock very accurate, and are communicated to the display component. Similar to the initial set of values, the updated set of values could be communicated to the display component directly from the set of DCR registers, or via the set of clock registers.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece has an operating unit for switching between a time display mode and a demo display mode, a time measuring unit for measuring time, and a storing unit for storing a timing condition for switching between the time display mode and the demo display mode. A control unit outputs a time display signal representing time measured by the time measuring unit when the operating unit switches to the time display mode, outputs a demo display signal when the operating unit switches to the demo display mode, and outputs the demo display signal after outputting the time display signal for a preselected period of time when the time measured by the time measuring unit satisfies the timing condition stored by the storing unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods for providing time translation to a requester of information incorporating human factors. The requester initiates a request for information onto a computer network, typically the Internet. Time information contained in the request for information is extracted. A translation of the time according to human factors is compared to the time in a table of database records. A determination is made as to whether to include search results as meeting the requested time criteria. If the request is met, the results are displayed when all other required criteria are true.

Abstract: Bicomponent graphics are provided for digital time displays that display the last remaining minute before commencement of a next hour, comprising a flashing zero digit and simultaneously displayed horizontal lines indicative of successive positions that will be traversed by the flashing zero digit in ten-second increments during the last 59 seconds. Such graphics portray an analog of the pathway that the flashing zero digit will follow from farthest to closest positions on the left side of the next hour until the commencement thereof. Digital countdown of the corresponding 59 seconds in coordinated decile segments may be included for greater precision.

Abstract: In a wrist-carried camera having a watch function, a body including a taking lens is provided in such a manner as to freely rotate with respect to a band part through a rotation mechanism, and a release switch is provided at the unrotated band part. Setting a camera mode stops the hands of the watch in the direction of a taking lens so as to display an image-capturing direction. A rotary bezel is arranged around a display part, and marks indicating modes of the camera are formed on the bezel. A hand of the watch is also used as an indicator for pointing the mode display mark in the bezel. Setting the mark in the bezel to the indicator switches and displays the operation modes.

Abstract: Balanced, quadribalanced, enhanced quadribalanced or unidirectional segmented digital time display systems are modified by inclusion of enhanced prompts which readily distinguish such real time displays and which comprise the letters AL, dA, and each of M, D and Y in pairs, to symbolize that the displays are in modes for setting or resetting an alarm time or calendar values such as the current day name and the current month, day or year dates.

Abstract: A method for time display, and more particularly, a method that automatically changes the backdrop of time display according to a value of time, e.g. changing the backdrop according to hour, date, month, season, or year. Therein, the method includes: acquiring a value of time provided by a system; showing a backdrop picture according to the value of time; and displaying the value of time on the backdrop picture. Hence, the method can make time display full of variety and diversity to satisfy the recent requirements of people.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece adapted to minimize a horizontal slippage of contact terminals when a display unit housing is diagonally fitted in a case. A liquid crystal panel, and an electroluminescence panel adapted to illuminate and secured to a rear surface of the liquid crystal panel are provided. A display unit housing retains the liquid crystal panel and electroluminescence panel. The display unit housing has guide holes for inserting electric terminals thereinto and holding the same therein. The electric terminals are inserted into the guide holes. Each of the electric terminals is connected at one end thereof to a rear surface of the electroluminescence panel, and at the other end thereof to a circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel design for a projection alarm clock for displaying various values by means of projection, using a projector with one optical unit and one optoelectrical unit for producing the images of the data to be projected.

Abstract: A timepiece is provided with a solar cell 8 comprising a power generation unit 39, having a first electrode, a photovoltaic layer, and a second electrode, stacked up in that order on the solar cell substrate 31 so as to be superimposed on each other, and electric power generated by the solar cell 8 is used as an energy source for executing time display on a time display unit by a dial 14 and hands 5, 6 or a liquid crystal display panel 50. The solar cell 8 is constructed such that a plurality of the power generation units 39, and transmitting portions 40 having a transmittance of light, larger than that for the power generation units, are alternately patterned on a solar cell substrate 31, and is disposed on the visible side of the time display unit so as to be superimposed thereon, thereby ensuring satisfactory power generation efficiency of the solar cell without impairing visibility of the time display unit, and without introducing restrictions on the design feature of the timepiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrist-type watch having a flexible electro-luminance(EL) film display, which includes a housing for defining an accommodation space, the accommodation space comprising a power supply unit for supplying a working voltage, a timer unit for providing a time, a memory unit for storing an image data, an EL film display unit for displaying the time and the image data, a display control unit for controlling display of the organic El film display unit, an input unit for inputting the data, and a control circuit unit for controlling action of each of above components, in which the organic EL film display unit has two flat electrodes, between both of which, there are an EL material and a resin substrate, thereby the wrist-type watch has a design of flexible and larger sized display panel.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a digital timepiece is provided with a mode of operation which presents a time message indicative of the approximate time. The mode can be implemented by adding to a digital timekeeping circuit, a digital conversion circuit to generate the messages. A visual display on the timepiece face displays the message. In a preferred embodiment the precise time can be displayed as an alternative mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multifunctional clock, which displays a variety of functions such as time, date, temperature, etc. upon a single liquid crystal display.

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: An arm portable information apparatus has a case and a film liquid crystal device disposed in the case and having a pair of opposite side edge portions. A pair of support members are connected to the case and support the film liquid crystal device. Each of the support members has at least one groove receiving a respective one of the side edge portion of the film liquid crystal device so that the film liquid crystal device does not contact any part of the arm portable information apparatus except for the contact between the support members and the side edge portions of the film liquid crystal device.

Abstract: To have an ability of confirming time even in a demonstration display mode. Information of a demo display mode set by a switch input portion is stored in a mode storing portion to output to a display control portion, then a demo display is performed on a display portion. When seconds digits of time measured by a time counter satisfies a condition stored in a time display storing portion, a seconds digits comparing portion outputs a switching signal of a time display to the display control portion and then outputs a switching signal of the demo display after certain duration. The display control portion responds to the switching signal of the time display to control a display portion in order to display the time measured by the time counter, then, after the certain duration, responds to the switching signal of the demonstration display to control the display portion in order to perform the demo display.

Abstract: A system and method for producing and displaying chronological data according to user specified parameters. The system incorporates language, multi media, and animation into a time display device. The system can include typical features of a conventional time display device, such as an alarm function and a display face. The system also includes a translation engine for combining the parameters and a plurality of supplemental display data, including language, multi media, and animation data, to provide a translation template. The template helps to control the presentation of chronological data in a synchronized fashion by reformatting the chronological data into a translated display format, thereby providing to the user a personalized time display. The display includes selected images and/or language to represent the passage of numerical chronological data.

Abstract: A system for providing electronic jewelry and telling the time of day includes binary display beads (105, 110) or segmented display beads (600, 700) arranged on a necklace or bracelet. In one embodiment, binary display beads successively indicate passage of hours of the day. In another embodiment, segmented display beads indicate the exact time in either moving band format or bar-graph format. A power source and timekeeping circuitry (not shown) are concealed within non-display beads (120, 122) or within the display beads.

Abstract: A multi-functional timepiece with multicolor time display is a watch or free-standing clock in which the current time is determined by the use of a series of colored lights around the face of the watch. The face has the current layout associated with conventional watches, with the number 12 on top and numbers 1-11 evenly spaced around the perimeter. However, in lieu of hour hands, minute hands and second hands, the invention uses a series light to indicate the time. A group of red lights indicate the hour, a series of yellow lights indicate the minutes, and a series of green lights indicates the seconds. The light is transmitted from a central source via fiber optic tubes. Other functions such as day and date indications are provided in the conventional manner.

Abstract: A timer for a time measurement device includes a display field that displays measured time in a first set of time units, e.g., hours/minutes. The display also includes a user activated input device for toggling the displayed time to a second set of time units, e.g., minutes/seconds.

Abstract: A custom designed and personalized virtual time piece comprises the image of a case, the image of a face, a time keeping mechanism, the image of an hour hand spindle and the image of a minute hand spindle. A personal photographic image provided by a customer is divided into a torso and head portion, a first appendage portion and a second appendage portion. The image of the second appendage portion provides the hour hand of the virtual time piece and the image of the first appendage portion provides the minute hand of the time piece. The torso and head portion appears to be disposed between the hour hand and the minute hand.

Abstract: A solar counter to provide an accurate way of measuring the middle of the night or another selected fraction of the day or night. The solar counter activates an electronic event when it has finished counting down. For example, a lamp can be turned off half way through the dark part of the night. This process is extremely accurate, and adaptations of this concept can be used in the safety industry, irrigation, or in agriculture. One embodiment of this concept has a battery back-up circuit, but a substitute 50/60 Hz clock input frequency in the case of AC power loss can also be provided using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

Abstract: A sequential control method for a display assembly including two superposed, respectively top (22; 46) and bottom (24; 48), display devices, the top display device (22; 46) including at least a liquid crystal display cell (26, 28; 50) and being arranged so as to be transparent in a first state to make the bottom display device (24; 48) visible, and so as to display a data item and to be opaque and reflective and to mask at least partially the bottom display device (24; 48) in a second state, control means supplying a control voltage to cause the top display device (22; 46) to pass from the first state to the second state and vice versa, characterised in that the display assembly is made to enter an operating state in which the top display device (22; 46) automatically switches into the state in which it is transparent or into the state in which it is opaque and reflective, so that the display assembly passes alternately from a mode displaying data via the top display device (22; 46) to a mode displaying data

Abstract: A method for enabling or disabling mode functions in a multimode electronic device is provided. The method comprises the steps of selecting a mode enabling/disabling mode from a plurality of modes by initiating activation of the mode selecting mechanism until the mode enabling/disabling mode is exhibited, causing the integrated circuit to enter the mode enabling/disabling mode, exhibiting at least mode function indicators for at least one of the exhibited mode functions within the plurality of modes as the mode selecting mechanism is cycling through the display of mode functions, and selecting the mode function for which enabling or disabling is desired and initiating the switching of the mode function from one of disabled to enabled if the mode function was disabled or one of enabled to disabled if the mode function was enabled. 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: A display includes a plurality of display arrays, such as a time display section (37), a chronological display section (38), and a chronological split display section (39). An upper or lower polarizer is provided with a light modulating section having a reflection type polarizer. To display only the time, the chronological display section (38) and the chronological split display section (39) are shielded by the light modulating section. For chronological display, the chronological display section (38) is lit, and the chronological split display (39) is displayed or shielded as required by a shutter function.

Abstract: A timepiece, in which a first liquid crystal display panel and a second liquid crystal display panel, each of which is constituted by sealing a liquid crystal layer in a gap between a pair of substrates formed with electrodes on opposed inner faces thereof respectively, are arranged in a case body having a cover glass with at least portions thereof overlapping, a first polarizing film is provided on an upper substrate of the first liquid crystal display panel on the cover glass side, a second polarizing film is provided between the first liquid crystal display panel and the second liquid crystal display panel, and a third polarizing film is provided on the lower side of a lower substrate of the second liquid crystal display panel respectively, the second polarizing film being a reflection type polarizing film, the first polarizing film, the first liquid crystal display panel, and the second polarizing film constitutes an upper display portion, and the second polarizing film, the second liquid crystal display

Abstract: A timepiece that has an LCD face that changes color when the time changes between the A.M. and the P.M. to provide a pleasing esthetic appearance to the user. Further, the timepiece may have a manual control such as a button that may be depressed to cause the LCD face to change to any one of several colors as desired by the user.

Abstract: A time display device (“TDD”)—equally adaptable to watches, clocks, computers, phones, and vehicles—indicates the current hour of the day by displaying a color that refers an observer to the disclosed color-to-hour matrix, thereby eliminating the traditional hour hand or digit altogether. Alternately adaptable to months, the system may be used with both mechanical and electronic displays. Various disclosed minute indicators provide minute indication by shape, complexity, company logo, air bubbles, or other novel methods. Environmental sensors allow switching between functions. TDD appearance is user-customizable via Internet. Birthstones, gemstones, and precious metals are alternately used as stand-alone time indicators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watch (2), wherein the time is represented by a plurality of display means (4) that are individually activated or deactivated. Said watch includes a first group (31) of display means for the number of hours, a second group (32) of display means for a first position of the number of minutes and a third group (33) for the second position of the number of minutes. The display means (4) in each group preferably form at least three subgroups (311, 312, 313, 314; 321, 322, 323; 331, 332, 333), wherein the groups and subgroups are arranged in such a way that they can be separately and optically perceived and the amount of display means activated in a group correspond to a figure representing the time.

Abstract: A watch comprises a display means for displaying time and panel, face plate, backlit alphanumerics, or other display that provides a specific indication that a wellness act is to be performed. The watch has an alarm function that is programmable/adjustable by the wearer so that specific times during the day or specific intervals during the day can be indicated as the time for the performance of a specific or generic wellness act. This type of alert function can take many different forms. The time function of the watch, indicating the specific time of the day, may be minimal to the function of the watch (e.g., may take up a major portion of the surface area of the watch face).

Abstract: A setting structure of electronic timer, its constitution includes a main body and a reveal able faceplate, a LED display is provided on the faceplate, a recess is provided on the main body there under, several keys are provided in the recess; setting position is via faceplate displayed by means of controlling and operating the keys; a projection is further provided under the faceplate, and a key is provided on main body of a relative position with the projection, the key can be indirectly depressed by depressing faceplate in order to achieve a function ON/OFF therein; a structure of timer with larger displaying faceplate and wider interval between keys is achieved by above-mentioned structure.

Abstract: An electrophorectic display is used in a watch, allowing for a dynamic range of new shapes and environments of use. The present invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art watch technology. Specifically, a watch that embodies the present invention is uses addressable reflective display technology such as electronic ink or gyricons. This allows a watch display that features some flexibility. Further, the display can be shaped into a variety of interesting and novel designs that cannot be accomplished using prior art displays. The flexibility of the display also allows for the novel placement of the watch display. For example, the display can be placed onto a shoe, allowing a runner to see the time without having to move his arm into a viewing position. The watch display could also be placed into a wallet, or on a purse or belt. Any flexible garment or accessory could now incorporate a watch.

Abstract: A watch face uses liquid crystal displays along with a reflective polarizer to produce backgrounds with selective appearances. Therein, the watch employs a polarizer to produce polarized light that is passed downward to a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display selectively rotates or does not rotate the polarized light. If the light is rotated, a reflective polarizer layer located beneath the liquid crystal display reflects the rotated light back upward off its surface to provide the watch face with a first color. If the light is not rotated, then the light is transmitted through the reflective polarizer layer to a reflective dial surface disposed beneath. The light is then reflected off the dial surface to provide the watch face with a second color.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dual display watch module comprising a watch face with selectively changing backgrounds which is capable of displaying the time of day using an analog display superimposed over the color-changing watch face thereby creating unique optical effects and patterns and which has a significantly reduced overall thickness. The invention includes a novel configuration of the internal components of the timepiece resulting in a significant reduction in the thickness of the subject timepiece, thereby enhancing the comfort of the individual wearing the timepiece. The novel configuration comprises positioning two smaller sized batteries in the same spatial plane as the PCB and analog watch movement instead of the conventional stacked assembly arrangement whereby a larger battery is placed directly behind the PCB. This allows for an overall thinner movement, thereby resulting in a significantly thinner watch without detracting from the functionality of the watch.

Abstract: An electronic watch has a help switch for switching between a help state and a non-help state, an input circuit for converting the state of the help switch into switch information, and a help information storage circuit for storing help information to be transferred to a user. A set information storage circuit stores a setting condition of the electronic watch. A help information selection circuit selects help information from the help information stored in the help information storage circuit in accordance with switch information from the input circuit and the setting condition stored in the set information storage circuit. A help information output circuit outputs the help information selected by the help information selection circuit. An indication drive circuit converts the help information outputted from the help information output circuit into an indication drive signal. An indicator indicates the indication drive signal of the indication drive circuit.

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: A perpetual calendar device as set forth which continually maintains a display of the present month and day as well as the minimum birth year for an individual who is entitled to purchase alcohol or tobacco products. The displays of the birth year information can be switched back and forth between the alcohol birth year display and the tobacco birth year display as desired to prevent confusion by the clerk. The displays are identified. The device is adapted for use by store clerks and the like to check to determine whether an individual wishing to purchase these products has attained the minimum age required.

Abstract: The manual control device for executing functions of an electronic watch (1) particularly a diary watch, includes a certain number of sensors (C1 to C7) wherein one touch sensitive pad of each sensor is placed for example on an internal face of the crystal (4). When a user's finger (20) is placed on the watch crystal in a determined zone of the sensitive pad of a sensor to be activated, it causes an electronic circuit (14) of the device to execute an instruction or a function. In a first mode selected by the electronic circuit, at least two sensors are grouped such that the electronic circuit executes the same operation when a finger is placed on the crystal in a determined zone of the sensitive pad of one sensor or the other. However, in a second mode selected by the electronic circuit, each sensor (C1 to C7) activated by the finger (20) provides measuring signals to the electronic circuit (14) for the execution of a different specific operation for each sensor.

Abstract: The device for managing memory in an electronic watch of the diary type includes a non-volatile memory (15) connected to a microprocessor unit (14). The unit is programmed to manage data and/or parameter storage and/or deletion operations in the memory. Activation of at least one key of the watch (C1) allows an instruction to be provided to the unit for managing data and/or parameter storage and/or deletion operations. The memory (15) includes a first static zone (100) for storing data and/or parameters in fixed memory locations and a second dynamic zone (101) for storing data records of different types. The memory location of each type of record is managed by the microprocessor unit (14) as a function of the modification or deletion of certain records and as a function of the storage of new records. Each record starts with a heading in which two pointers are placed to establish a link with a following record and a preceding record of the same type.

Abstract: The control method allows execution of various functions in an electronic diary watch, which includes, in a case closed by a crystal, a time-keeping circuit and/or a watch movement powered by an energy source, and a dial on which the time is displayed in a digital and/or analogue manner. A determined number of sensors (C1 to C7) are provided with touch sensitive pads arranged on an inner or outer face of the crystal. These sensors are provided for carrying out the various controls of the method when they are individually activated by a user's finger. In order to consult data or parameters, the method includes a first series of steps consisting in displaying different menus (102 to 106) of the diary function on at least one liquid crystal display by activating at least one sensor (C4, C5) of a group of sensors (C4 to C7), and in selecting the menu or record to be consulted (107 to 111) by activating a validation sensor (C1).

Abstract: Unidirectional segmented digital timekeeping systems are provided by multiple display elements which are activated to display current hour digit(s) and four selected groups of respective elapsed minute digits which traverse around the hour digit in successive segments of relatively upper and lower quarter hour positions on the right side and during the first half of the current hour, followed by relatively lower and upper quarter hour positions on the left side and during the second half of the current hour. Such displays may be modified to combine with quadribalanced or enhanced quadribalanced digital time displays to provide bidirectional elapsed and remaining timekeeping systems.

Abstract: A timepiece with a pager includes a watch housing having an upper portion hingedly coupled to a lower portion. A timekeeping assembly and pager with a corresponding display are housed within the upper portion. A digital display is positioned on the lower face of the upper portion for displaying information relative to a pager message. The pager and timekeeping displays may be viewed without obstruction when the upper portion is in an open position. A global positioning system is housed within the lower portion with data generated thereby being displayed on a digital display positioned therein. The global positioning system is powered upon an opening of the upper portion and deactivated upon a closing thereof. The global positioning display may be viewed without obstruction by the timekeeping or pager displays.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a light-emitting element and a light-emitting portion. An output light from the light-emitting element is guided by a frame-like member having serrations and radiated toward the light-emitting portion. This causes the light-emitting portion to emit light reliably, and improves the decorativeness of the apparatus.

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

Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable object such as a timepiece (18) capable of being worn on a user's wrist by means of a wristband, this portable object being supplied with electric power by at least one rechargeable accumulator able to be recharged by induction charging means, these inductive charging means including a primary winding (56) and a secondary winding (2), said portable object being characterised in that the secondary winding (2) is housed in a strand (16, 26) of the wristband.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a digital timepiece is provided with a mode of operation which presents a time message indicative of the approximate time. The mode can be implemented by adding to a digital timekeeping circuit, a digital conversion circuit to generate the messages. A visual display on the timepiece face displays the message. In a preferred embodiment the precise time can be displayed as an alternative mode.

Abstract: A medical information appliance which reminds a user of times to take medications or to perform medical-related activities. It features a delay mode, which shuts the alarm off but later reminds the user to take the indicated medication. Multiple alarms can be set for a variety of medications or other medical events, and multiple delay modes will be activated, so that the user is reminded to take medications which have been indicated by an alarm, but taking the medication was not confirmed by the user. The device also features a readout button for displaying stored medical information, for use by medical technicians in the field without connection to further equipment.