Liquid Crystal Display (i.e., Lcd) Patents (Class 368/84)
  • Patent number: 11281165
    Abstract: In the case where a ticking timing of a clock unit changes, a CPU of an electronic timepiece outputs a synchronization request signal to a CPU of a display module at the next ticking timing after the change so as to request resynchronization. Each time a timer circuit counts a prescribed number of pulses in a clock signal generated by a clock generation circuit on the basis of the ticking timing, the CPU of the display module instructs a liquid crystal driver circuit to invert the polarity of an AC voltage to be applied to a liquid crystal panel. Moreover, upon receiving the synchronization request signal from the CPU of the electronic timepiece, the CPU of the display module sets the timer circuit to start a new count of the clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jyunichi Hirokawa, Tatsuyoshi Omura
  • Patent number: 11051415
    Abstract: A method for assembling the electronic device is provided, including providing a band member, forming a buffer structure on the band member by overmolding, pulling the band member out of the buffer structure to form a channel in the buffer structure, providing a flexible circuit, and disposing the flexible circuit through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sheng-Wen Wu, Yu-Cheng Huang, Ke-Hua Lin, Shao-Chi Chuang, Wen-Shu Lee
  • Patent number: 10802313
    Abstract: A display device includes a display panel including a display area and a center non-display area, a polarizing plate on an outer surface of the display panel, a curved outer shape part included in a part of an outer shape of one of the display panel and the polarizing plate and having a curved planar shape, a linear outer shape part included in a part of the outer shape of one of or both of the display panel and the polarizing plate and having a linear planar shape, and an alignment mark included in another one or both of the polarizing plate and the display panel and disposed at a position overlapping the center non-display area and including a linear indicator part having a linear planar shape that is parallel to the linear outer shape part and a reference point part overlapping the linear indicator part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masayuki Ohashi, Katsutoshi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 10256279
    Abstract: A display device with high visibility regardless of the ambient brightness is provided. The display device includes a first display element, a second display element, a first transistor, and a second transistor. The first display element has a function of reflecting visible light. The second display element has a function of emitting visible light. The first transistor has a function of controlling the driving of the first display element. The second transistor has a function of controlling the driving of the second display element. The first transistor is positioned closer to a display surface side of the display device than the first display element is. The first display element is positioned closer to the display surface side of the display device than the second display element and the second transistor are.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Daisuke Kubota, Yusuke Kubota
  • Patent number: 9041632
    Abstract: A device for displaying a text message, comprising a display (10) having a plurality of characters, each of said characters being arranged at a fixed position, not overlapping with any other of said characters, and being adapted to be switched on and off, and a controller being connected to said plurality of characters and being adapted to switch on and off selected characters so that at a given time, a selected sub-group of said characters is switched on, the selected sub-group displaying a text message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Biegert & Funk Product Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Funk, Marco Biegert
  • Publication number: 20140369171
    Abstract: An electronic clock contains a clock module with at least one display panel and a transforming module. The transforming module is mounted in a power supply space of at least one switch on a wall. The clock module is fitted on a rear end of each switch, and the at least one display panel correspond to a displaying portion of each switch. The transforming module is electrically connected with supply mains in the power supply space of the at least one switch so as to output power to the clock module. The at least one display panel is electrically connected with the clock module, and the clock module is electrically coupled with the transforming module so as to receive power outputted by the transforming module, hence the clock module produces electronic signals to display time or/and date on the at least one display panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: CHOU WEN HUNG
  • Patent number: 8873015
    Abstract: A display device that has a display panel having a front substrate, an image forming unit, and a back substrate rendered together in layers, and a wiring board layered on the back surface of the back substrate. A plurality of input/output pins are formed on the front surface of the back substrate, and a plurality of connection pins that are electrically connected to the input/output pins by respective conductor members are formed on the back surface of the wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeaki Seki, Kenichi Okuhara
  • Patent number: 8547800
    Abstract: There is provided a clock display device including: a central processing unit; a liquid crystal display section; a clock information generating section; a converting section that converts the clock information into character data for display at the liquid crystal display section; a direct memory access section that fetches the character data for display without going through the central processing unit, and transfers the fetched character data for display without going through the central processing unit; a display register that stores the character data for display; a programmable display allocating section that allocates correspondences between respective bits of the character data for display that is within the display register, and respective display segments of the liquid crystal display section; and a display control section that, on the basis of results of the allocation, visibly displays the clock information at the liquid crystal display section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Lapis Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keisuke Kiyomizu
  • Publication number: 20120230157
    Abstract: There is provided a clock display device including: a central processing unit; a liquid crystal display section; a clock information generating section; a converting section that converts the clock information into character data for display at the liquid crystal display section; a direct memory access section that fetches the character data for display without going through the central processing unit, and transfers the fetched character data for display without going through the central processing unit; a display register that stores the character data for display; a programmable display allocating section that allocates correspondences between respective bits of the character data for display that is within the display register, and respective display segments of the liquid crystal display section; and a display control section that, on the basis of results of the allocation, visibly displays the clock information at the liquid crystal display section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: LAPIS SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keisuke KIYOMIZU
  • Patent number: 8194222
    Abstract: A display device that has a display panel having a front substrate, an image forming unit, and a back substrate rendered together in layers, and a wiring board layered on the back surface of the back substrate. A plurality of input/output pins are formed on the front surface of the back substrate, and a plurality of connection pins that are electrically connected to the input/output pins by respective conductor members are formed on the back surface of the wiring board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeaki Seki, Kenichi Okuhara
  • Patent number: 8164984
    Abstract: A timepiece with LED lights uses a simple light-medium body with a very rough finish to allow light from LED(s) to pass though input-end(s) of the light-medium body and travel within the body and obtain a very even brightness on all surfaces of the light medium that are seen by a viewer. Combined with a milky/frosted front sheet overlay, the light-medium surface can get perfect area illumination effects. The movement for the time display can include analog indicators with a guilt-in light-medium on the top cover to achieve a super slim LED illumination for the time piece. For night light application, the sealed-unit may consist of prong-means and an LED related circuit sealed within a safety standard plastic material and assembled with the night light body to save a lot of cost enable use of all kinds of materials. The invention may also be adapted to an LCD display timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 8149650
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device of the type wherein information is conveyed in an analog manner at least in part by the use of at least one display hand, wherein the wearable electronic device includes a dial having a dial side and an opposite side, wherein the display hand is positioned on the dial side of the dial, wherein the wearable electronic device comprises among other things, a casing having a frontside and a backside, wherein the dial is viewable from the frontside thereof; and a digital display, operatively coupled to a controller assembly, wherein the digital display displays at least mode specific informational indicia and is viewable only from the backside of the device; at least one actuator, operatively coupled to the controller assembly, for changing the mode specific informational indicia displayed on the digital display; and wherein the controller assembly causes the mode specific informational indicia displayed on the digital display to be thereafter reflected in the information displayed in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Fred. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8111589
    Abstract: Digital wristwatch, digital watch, and digital clock. For example, a digital wristwatch comprises: a clocking module able to track: (a) current real time, and (b) rounded time; and a display unit able to display at least the rounded time. Additionally or alternatively, the digital wristwatch comprises: a clocking module able to determine current real time; a rounding unit able to determine that the real current time is at least two seconds prior to a rounded horological hour, and able to calculate rounded-up horological information; and a display unit able to display the rounded-up horological hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Joel Vidal
  • Publication number: 20110141856
    Abstract: A multimedia projection alarm clock with integrated illumination is disclosed. It includes a projector module which projects an animated image, an illuminating light source which emits illuminating light of adjustable color and/or brightness, a speaker which outputs music or sound effects, and a control unit which animates a projected image and/or varies an illuminating light with music or sound effects so that an alarm signal featuring a theme of vivid figures with matching backgrounds may be provided. The control unit is also equipped with a simple user interface allowing the user to access handy bedside functions such as the night light easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsiung CHO, Ping-Hung Tsai, Chin-I Liu
  • Publication number: 20110051563
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a casing, a display, a timepiece core unit, and a current processing circuitry. The current processing circuitry includes a rectifying circuitry, an oscillating circuitry, and an output circuitry. The rectifying circuitry is adapted for electrically connected with an AC power source, and arranged to rectify the AC. The oscillating circuitry is electrically connected with the rectifying circuitry, and is arranged to transform the DC outputted from the rectifying circuitry back into AC having a predetermined voltage and a frequency. The output circuitry is electrically connected with the oscillating circuitry, and is arranged to rectifying the AC output from the oscillating circuitry into a DC pulses output, wherein the DC output from the output circuitry is electrically transmitted to the timepiece circuitry for triggering an operation thereof so as to allow the signal generator to generate accurate time signal to display the current time by the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SHENZHEN GREAT POWER ENTERPRISE CO., LIMITED
    Inventor: QiXiang FENG
  • Publication number: 20100097897
    Abstract: A timepiece with LED lights uses a simple light-medium body with a very rough finish to allow light from LED(s) to pass though input-end(s) of the light-medium body and travel within the body and obtain a very even brightness on all surfaces of the light medium that are seen by a viewer. Combined with a milky/frosted front sheet overlay, the light-medium surface can get perfect area illumination effects. The movement for the time display can include analog indicators with a guilt-in light-medium on the top cover to achieve a super slim LED illumination for the time piece. For night light application, the sealed-unit may consist of prong-means and an LED related circuit sealed within a safety standard plastic material and assembled with the night light body to save a lot of cost enable use of all kinds of materials. The invention may also be adapted to an LCD display timepiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Publication number: 20100046328
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device of the type wherein information is conveyed in an analog manner at least in part by the use of at least one display hand, wherein the wearable electronic device includes a dial having a dial side and an opposite side, wherein the display hand is positioned on the dial side of the dial, wherein the wearable electronic device comprises among other things, a casing having a frontside and a backside, wherein the dial is viewable from the frontside thereof; and a digital display, operatively coupled to a controller assembly, wherein the digital display displays at least mode specific informational indicia and is viewable only from the backside of the device; at least one actuator, operatively coupled to the controller assembly, for changing the mode specific informational indicia displayed on the digital display; and wherein the controller assembly causes the mode specific informational indicia displayed on the digital display to be thereafter reflected in the information displayed in
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Fred. Olsen
  • Patent number: 7505370
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clock display and particularly a clock display comprising a combined electronic display unit and mechanical clock hands. The clock hand has a visible state for showing the time and a transparent state used when in it is not desired to obscure the underlying display unit. The clock display may be incorporated in a portable device, such as a mobile telephone or a wrist watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: {dot over (A)}ke Rydgren
  • Publication number: 20080175106
    Abstract: Provided herein is a display means for indicating time of day to an observer. A display according to the invention uses a minimal number of indicators, which are arranged in a first row having twelve indicators, and a second row containing eleven indicators. A display means according to the invention provides time of day to the nearest five-minute interval. Also provided a process for displaying the time of day to the nearest five minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Vikesland
  • Patent number: 7271503
    Abstract: A power supply circuit is constructed by a step-up circuit for receiving an input DC voltage to generate a plurality of output DC voltages, and a plurality of voltage regulators, each powered by two voltages selected from a combination of the output DC voltages and the ground voltage. The difference between the two voltages of each of the voltage regulators are substantially the same, to stably operate the voltage regulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignees: NEC Corporation, NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Nonaka
  • Patent number: 7136138
    Abstract: A timepiece provided with a liquid crystal display panel (9) for displaying thereon at least one of time information (5) and calendar information (4), wherein a solar battery unit (12) is provided to face at least a part of a visual recognition side surface of the liquid crystal display panel (9) or an opposite-side (lower-side) surface thereof, the light being applied to a power generation portion of the solar battery unit (12) through a transmission portion of the liquid crystal display panel (9) to generate electric power or what is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel (9) being visually recognized through a transmission portion of the solar battery unit (12), a timepiece circuit and the liquid crystal display panel (9) being driven by utilizing the electric power generated by the solar battery unit (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanetaka Sekiguchi, Katsumi Aota, Kozo Miyoshi, Yuichi Akiba
  • Patent number: 7042809
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an electronic device for recognizing 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Mignot
  • Patent number: 7009915
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Terrence Chan, Ronald Nalumen, Danny So, Vernon Yau
  • Patent number: 6995739
    Abstract: A display and a watch including a display which includes a first polarizing means, a second polarizing means, a display means, rotation means for causing relative rotation between said first and said second polarizing means, said second polarizing means being disposed intermediate between said first polarizing means and said display means, at least one of said polarizing means being a color polarizer, and said display means being generally reflective towards said first and second polarizing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Zexus Technology Limited
    Inventors: Tak Chun Lee, Hoi To Chow
  • Patent number: 6982931
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Diarmiud John St. Colum Bland
  • Patent number: 6965543
    Abstract: A radio controllable clock includes an analog display having a plurality of clock hands each fastened to a uniquely associated one of a plurality of clock hand shafts that each rotate about a common axis. The clock also includes a plurality of rotary gears each uniquely associated with one of the clock hand shafts, for rotating the clock hand shafts. Each rotary gear has a face perpendicular to the common axis, wherein each of the rotary gears includes a protrusion extending substantially perpendicular from the face. A microcontroller provides a plurality of drive command signals and the rotary gears are driven responsive to the drive command signals. A reset claw is operably positioned to engage at least one of the protrusions to stop the rotation of the clock hand shaft associated with the protrusion in order to position the clock hand associated with the protrusion at a datum position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Kienzle Time (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Wai Ki Shum, Wan Sang Chan
  • Patent number: 6882596
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Charles Guanter, Gian-Carlo Poli
  • Patent number: 6798721
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Ebi
  • Publication number: 20040174774
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece apparatus comprises a time-display hand unit having a dial plate and hands that sweep above the dial plate, a first liquid crystal display unit which is disposed above the time-display hand unit, and a second liquid crystal display unit which is disposed below the time-display hand unit. Information displayed on the second liquid crystal display unit is visible from above the first liquid crystal display unit through the dial plate and the first liquid crystal display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Tasaka, Hiroyuki Abe, Shunji Minami
  • Publication number: 20040145971
    Abstract: A timepiece has a faceplate that includes a liquid crystal display panel. The LCD panel has electrodes that may be arranged in sectors. The electrodes are driven so as to produce a dynamically changing sequence of patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Cheung Ching Lau
  • Patent number: 6760003
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Citizens Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Sase
  • Patent number: 6714488
    Abstract: A watch is disclosed that includes a color changing feature that is created by using two polarized lenses, one of which is stationary, the other of which would rotate around a central axis. The presence of the two polarized lenses would create a display of color that would change depending on the orientation of one lens to the other. This design, with its central axis and circular shape, lends itself to be readily used on the face of a watch. This watch would then have the unique feature of a color changing face. With the top polarized lens attached to the watch mechanics, the lens would rotate slightly and with each movement the color of the entire face would slowly turn into another color as it changes through the entire color spectrum cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Eric J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6690623
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Arnold K. Maano
  • Patent number: 6683822
    Abstract: The invention provides an enhanced structure of a time display device includes a circle with 60 display units on the circumference of the clock face, among which 12 display units are made larger for displaying hour of time (hour display units) and the rest (smaller ones) displaying minute of time (minute display units). The display units are made with materials that shine or flicker to indicate time in the dark. To indicate hour of time, a given hour display unit and the two minute display units right next to this hour display unit would be switched on. To indicate minute of time, one of the minute display units would be switched on. While a given display unit has to indicate hour and minute at the same time, it flickers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Shuei Cheng
  • Patent number: 6678217
    Abstract: The assembly includes a first display device (22) in front of which is arranged a second active liquid crystal display device including, starting from the exterior, a front polarizer (11) selective of a first color “V”, a liquid crystal display cell (26) which is switchable ON/OFF, an intermediate polarizer (13) selective of a second color “R”, an ON/OFF switchable optical liquid crystal valve (28) and a rear polarizer (15), which is reflective when the first display device (22) has a dark background and absorbent when it has a light background. A control unit (23) allows two switching states to be selected allowing the color of the information displayed, or that of the background on which said information is displayed to be reversed. Application to the display of information in a timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Naci Bastruk
  • Patent number: 6661743
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Mafune, Masahiro Sase, Kenji Fujita
  • Publication number: 20030206495
    Abstract: An alarm clock of the analog type with hands for indicating the time includes a battery, a housing, a dial with time indicia disposed in the housing and an illumination module disposed adjacently to the dial. The illumination module has one or more recesses defined in an edge with one or more light sources disposed in the recesses to provide illumination into the module. The illumination module has edges and a back surface with light reflective properties to reflect light in the interior of the module and out the front surface and through the dial to provide night lighting exterior to the clock. Preferably, the module has an ovate shape such that the recesses and light sources are disposed outside of the dial area. A light sensor senses the ambient lighting conditions and activates and deactivates the light source. A dimmer control adjusts the desired level of illumination. A three position switch controls the alarm clock between alarm only, night light only, and both alarm and night light modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Keith E. Kibiloski, Charles Wong Tak Chung
  • Patent number: 6643224
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanetaka Sekiguchi, Masafumi Ide, Takashi Akiyama, Masami Kikuchi, Yuichi Akiba, Koji Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6639875
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Alfred E. Hall
  • Publication number: 20030198141
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Diarmiud John St. Colum Bland
  • Publication number: 20030174586
    Abstract: A clock with a display of the liquid crystal display (LCD) type provides indicia such as time, day, month, year and temperature, and also provides sufficient back lighting to operate as a night light. The clock has a reflector module disposed behind the LCD display with a generally clear module element that may have an engraved back surface for improved light dispersion from one or more light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The module element has edges with reflective properties, a light reflective material disposed behind said module element and one or more light sources disposed along an edge thereof. The edge of the module element preferably has a notch or recess for positioning the light source therein. The invention also includes reflector modules for clocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick Fong Wing Hon, Keith E. Kibiloski, So Si Kin, Charles Wong Tak Chung
  • Patent number: 6621766
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Chan Chin Pang John, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau
  • Patent number: 6618327
    Abstract: A system and method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) having at least one segment. The system includes an LCD driver connected to a segment of the LCD. A processor may be selectively configured into any of at least two multiplexing modes, where the at least two multiplexing modes produce at least three voltage levels for driving the at least one segment of the LCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Lee Tak Chun
  • Patent number: 6603710
    Abstract: The display module (30) includes at least one liquid crystal cell (2) electrically and mechanically connected to a flexible display control printed circuit (1)having, arranged to a single face, electronic components for controlling the cell and metal paths for connection to the components and to said cell (2). In order to make it, the printed circuit (1) is first placed on the back side of the cell (2), the face of the printed circuit with no components facing the back of the cell (2), the printed circuit (1) is positioned under the cell (2), a mechanism for assembling the module (12) defining the location of the display of the cell (2), being made on the printed circuit (1) for the positioning thereof with respect to a display marking device (13) arranged on the cell and a portion of the face of the printed circuit with no components is secured directly to the back of the cell (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: Laurent Pantet, Carlo Albisetti
  • Publication number: 20030142589
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Akira Ebi
  • Patent number: 6600527
    Abstract: The invention concerns a display assembly including two superposed, respectively upper (24) and lower (26) display devices, characterised in that the upper display device (24) includes a double structure formed of a display cell (28) arranged above an optical valve (30), said double structure being arranged so that said cell (28) and said valve (30) are transparent in a first state to make the lower display device visible (26), and that the cell (28) displays an item of data and that the valve (30) is opaque and masks at least partially the lower display device (26) in a second state, control means being provided for supplying a control voltage to the cell (28) and the optical valve (30) to cause them to switch from the first state to the second state and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Naci Basturk, Joachim Grupp, Beat Gilomen
  • Patent number: 6593901
    Abstract: An electronic device provided with a multilayer display panel (60), in which during information display by any display panel layer (1 or 2) of the multilayer display panel (60), display driving means (40) maintains all the display segments of the other display panel layer (1 or 2) to be off, allowing simple display control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Kitazawa, Tomio Okigami, Hiroshi Fujioka, Takashi Osa, Masahiro Sase
  • Patent number: 6587399
    Abstract: The assembly includes on the one hand a first device I determining a first color, said device being formed of a liquid crystal display module (CL; CL1, CL2), including at the front and at the back a linear polarizer (PAb1, PAb2) selective of said first color, and on the other hand a second device II including a colored filter (Fy) corresponding to the second color. The assembly is characterised in that the axes of polarization of the selective polarizers (PAb1, PAb2) are parallel to each other, in that the colored filter (Fy) includes at the front a reflective polarizer (PR1) whose axis of polarization is parallel to the axes of polarization of the two polarizers (PAb1, PAb2), and at the back a reflective element (R, PR2), and in that a control unit (7) enables a switching configuration to be defined displaying an item of information in the first color on a background corresponding to the second color or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Naci Basturk
  • Patent number: 6587083
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a display assembly including two superposed, respectively top (52) and bottom (54), display devices, the top display device (52) including a double structure formed of a display cell (56) arranged above an optical valve (58), said double structure being arranged so that said cell (56) and said valve (58) are transparent in a first state to make the bottom display device (54) visible, and so that the cell (56) displays an item of data and so that the valve (58) is opaque and at least partially masks the bottom display device (54) in a second state, control means supplying a control voltage to cause the display cell (56) and the optical valve (58) to pass from the first state to the second state and vice versa, characterised in that the display cell (56) is of the reflective type in the switched state, and in that the optical valve (58) is formed of a cell having an absorbent state in the switched state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Naci Basturk
  • Patent number: 6545952
    Abstract: Ordered units and methods of multichronographic time sequences are provided which are operable to up count and down count such time sequences by using a single control element for each such type of count. These single control elements are manipulated in a unique series of momentary single, double and relatively long activations during the respective types of counts, thereby rendering more simplified and memorable the performance of such chronographic sequences using the single control element alone, one for each type of chronographic time count. These units and methods are provided in wristwatches which also exhibit digital displays of real time and include a further control element that is operable to switch the display in either direction between an ongoing chronographic time sequence and real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Equitime, Inc.
    Inventor: Berj A. Terzian