JPH07229976A - Timepiece - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To realize sensuous recognition of time information and correct reading of the time information simultaneously. CONSTITUTION:Hour information is displayed with numerals at positions corresponding to discrete angular positions obtained by dividing a circumference on a circular display surface into twelve equally and minute information and second information at positions corresponding to discrete angular positions obtained by dividing the circumference into sixty equally, respectively. The numeral corresponding to the hour information is displayed in a circular spot PO, the numeral corresponding to the minute information in a circular spot PM and the numeral corresponding to the second information in a circular spot PS. The discrete spots PO, PM and PS are shifted on concentric circles around the central point O on the circular display surface.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a timepiece device for displaying time information on a display surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A timepiece device has a minute hand for hours and a minute hand for minutes.
It is roughly classified into a so-called analog timepiece device which displays time information by instructing seconds with a second hand, and a so-called digital timepiece device which displays hour, minute and second numbers.

[0003]

By the way, in a so-called analog timepiece device, it is easy to intuitively grasp the time information such as "what time" by the position of the short hand, the position of the long hand, etc. It is difficult for the device to grasp sensory time information because the number directly seen is judged in the head.

On the other hand, in terms of accurate reading of time information, a so-called digital timepiece device merely reads a number, and a so-called analog timepiece device determines a number from the short hand, the long hand and the second hand. The clock device wins.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a timepiece device capable of simultaneously realizing sensory time information and accurate time information reading.

[0006]

A timepiece device according to the present invention provides hour information at an angular position corresponding to a short hand position on a dial of a timepiece on a display surface and minute information at an angular position corresponding to a long hand position. The above problems are solved by displaying numbers.

In this case, the second information may be displayed numerically on the display surface at an angular position corresponding to the second hand position on the dial of the timepiece.

Specifically, the current time information is divided into 60 equal angular positions corresponding to the angular positions obtained by equally dividing the circumference of the circle corresponding to the dial of the clock on the display surface into 12 equal parts. Correspondingly, the current minute information is similarly displayed, and the current second information is numerically displayed corresponding to each of the angular positions equally divided into 60.

Here, the time information including the hour information, the minute information, and the second information can be distinguished by changing the display area of the numeral or the area or shape of the spot surrounding the numeral. preferable.

Further, in a state where at least two of the angular position when displaying the hour information, the angular position when displaying the minute information, and the angular position when displaying the second information overlap, It is preferable to display the overlapping numbers of the information in a visually separated state. Here, the visual separation of the numbers of the respective information means that the numbers can be visually distinguished by spatially separating the numbers, color-coding them, or making different shades.

Also, at the 12 o'clock position on the display surface,
A mark for confirming the reference position may be displayed.

An arm band may be added to the display means having the display surface so that the timepiece device can be used as a wristwatch.

[0013]

[Function] On the display surface, hour information is displayed numerically at the angular position corresponding to the hour hand position on the dial of the clock, and minute information is numerically displayed at the angular position corresponding to the long hand position. It is possible to read accurate time information at the same time.

[0014]

The preferred embodiments of the timepiece device according to the present invention will be described below. The timepiece device of this embodiment has a function of a so-called analog timepiece device for displaying the current time by indicating the hour information with the short hand, the minute information with the long hand, and the second information with the second hand,
The timepiece device is a combination of the functions of a so-called digital timepiece device for displaying the current time by indicating the hour information, minute information, and second information by numbers.

Specifically, on a display surface such as a flat display panel formed in a circular shape, the time information indicated by the respective hands is numerically displayed at positions corresponding to the positions of the minute hand, the minute hand and the second hand of the analog timepiece device. It is a timepiece device that does. That is, this timepiece device, as shown in FIG.
The hour information is displayed at a position corresponding to each angular position obtained by dividing the circumference of the circular display surface into 12 equal parts, and the minute information and the second information are displayed at a position corresponding to each angular position obtained by dividing the circumference into 60 equal parts.

This timepiece device displays a number corresponding to hour information in a circular spot PO, a number corresponding to minute information in a circular spot PM, and a number corresponding to second information in a circular spot PS. is doing. In this case, each spot PO, PM
And PS move concentrically around the center point O on the circular display surface.

12:00 (0: 00: 0) on the circular display surface.
At the position 0), a mark R for confirming the reference position is displayed.

The diameters φO and φM of the spots PO, PM and PS on which the numbers corresponding to the current time (hour / minute / second) are displayed
And φS have a relationship such that φO>φM> φS.

Here, a state in which the angular position when displaying the hour information, the angular position when displaying the minute information, and the angular position when displaying the second information overlap each other, that is, 12:00:00 In such a case, each spot P as shown in FIG.
O, PM and PS also overlap. If the numbers are the same color or the spots PO, PM, and PS have the same brightness, the reading of the time is hindered, and the design is not good.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a spot PT having a changed shape is formed. This spot PT has a neat shape, and it does not hinder the reading of the time, and of course, it looks good. Note that, in FIG. 2, the colors of the numbers in the spots PO, PM, and PS may be separated or the light and dark may be separated. Furthermore, only in such a case, each number may be displayed separately.

In the timepiece device of this embodiment, circular spots PO, PM and PS are located at the tips of the hands LO, LM and LS as shown in FIG. 4, and hour information, minute information and second information are provided inside. May be displayed as a number.

In the timepiece device of this embodiment, hour information, minute information and second information may be displayed numerically inside the rectangular spots PO, PM and PS as shown in FIG.

Further, in the timepiece device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, rectangular spots PO, PM and PS are located at the tips of the hands LO, LM and LS, and hour information, minute information and second information are provided inside. May be displayed as a number.

The timepiece device of this embodiment displays hour information in a circular spot PO and minute information and second information in square spots PM and PS as shown in FIG. Good.

Further, in the timepiece device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, rectangular spots PO, PM and PS are located at the tips of the hands LO, LM and LS, and hour information, minute information and second information are provided inside. May be displayed as a number, and a scale may be provided on the flat panel display device 3 so as to resemble an analog timepiece.

Further, in the above-mentioned specific example, it does not matter which of the spots PO, PM and PS overlap each other.

The wristband may be provided by providing an arm band in the above-mentioned specific example. Further, only the hour and minute may be displayed.

As described above, the timepiece device of this embodiment can simultaneously perform the process of sensuously grasping the time and reading the correct time.

The timepiece device of this embodiment displays the time information on the flat display device 3 which is the display surface by the circuit as shown in FIG.

First, the central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 1 to which the time information is supplied analyzes the time information and analyzes the time information.
layController: Hereinafter referred to as GDC. ) 2.

The GDC 2 converts the analysis information into display information of the flat panel display device 3 such as a flat display panel.

As shown in FIG. 10, the flat panel display device 3 comprises a memory chip sheet 4, an xy matrix sheet 5 and a magnetic display sheet 6 which are closely adhered so as to sandwich the memory chip sheet 4. It is a layered, non-luminous, self-holding, flexible sheet-shaped display device.

Here, the xy matrix sheet 5 displays one point on the screen corresponding to the input image signal in the xy matrix 11.
The magnetic field at the intersection of is changed and specified. Further, the memory chip sheet 4 stores the intersection specified by the xy matrix sheet 5 in correspondence with the change of the magnetic field. Further, the magnetic display sheet 6 displays an image corresponding to the specific point stored in the sheet-shaped magnetic storage unit.

The xy matrix sheet 5, the memory chip sheet 4, and the magnetic display sheet 6 will be described below.

First, the xy matrix sheet 5 will be described below. The xy matrix sheet 5 specifies one point on the screen corresponding to the input image signal as an intersection of the xy matrix and is used for point access. As shown in FIG. 11, the schematic configuration includes an x register 7 and ay register 8 to which position information from the GDC 2 is supplied, and the x register 7 and the y register 8.
It is composed of an x driver 9 and ay driver 10 driven by a register 7 and ay register 8, and an xy matrix 11. The xy matrix 11 is formed by weaving insulated, for example, copper wires in a vertical and horizontal direction like a woven fabric as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 11, the x register 7 and the y register 8 interpret the position information according to the time information, open the gate, and drive the x driver 9 and the y driver 10. This x register 7, x driver 9 and y register 8
The y driver 10 decodes the position information supplied from the GDC 2 and generates an xy current in the xy matrix 11. A schematic configuration of the x register 7 and the x driver 9 is shown in FIG.
Shown in. The schematic configurations of the y register 8 and the y driver 10 are also the same.

Data indicating position information is supplied from the GDC 2 to the input terminal 20. The GDC 2 also supplies the input terminal 21 with a clock pulse and a strobe signal for position selection.

The position information represents the position, polarity, etc. of a specific point, and is ("x, y position", "mode", "polarity").
Can be shown as. For example, position information ((3,
304), 2, 0), the position is "3" for x, "304" for y, mode is "2", and polarity is "0". Data is independently supplied to the input terminal 20 of the x register 7 shown in FIG. That is, position information (“x position”, “mode”, “polarity”) is supplied to the x register 7. Similarly, position information (“y position”, “mode”, “polarity”) is independently supplied to the y register 8.

The x register 7 interprets the position information as described above, opens the gate, and drives the x driver 9. To interpret this position information, the x register 7
A decoder including a shift register and a latch for decoding general serial data is provided so as to correspond to the configuration of the position information. That is, the x register 7 has a position decoder 23, a polarity decoder 24, and a mode decoder 25.

Of the position information supplied from the input terminal 20, the data relating to the x position is the position decoder 23.
The polarity data is supplied to the polarity decoder 24, and the mode data is supplied to the mode decoder 25. Further, the clock pulse and the strobe signal are supplied from the input terminal 21 to the position decoder 23, the polarity decoder 24 and the mode decoder 25.

FIG. 14 shows position information, serial data such as clock pulses and strobe signals, and control signals supplied to the x register and an x driver described later. Figure 1
4A shows "position data DPO" which is position information.
S ”,“ polarity data DPOL ”, and“ mode data DM ”are shown.

The position decoder 23 decodes the position data DPOS as shown in FIG. 14A based on the clock pulse shown in FIG. 14B and the strobe signal shown in FIG. 14C.

The polarity decoder 24 decodes the polarity data DPOL as shown in FIG. 14A based on the clock pulse shown in FIG. 14B and the strobe signal shown in FIG. 14C.

The mode decoder 25 decodes the mode data DM as shown in FIG. 14A on the basis of the clock pulse shown in FIG. 14B and the strobe signal shown in FIG. 14C.

The output signal of the position decoder 23, the output signal of the polarity decoder 24, and the output signal of the mode decoder 25 are supplied to the x driver 9. This x driver 9
Is composed of AND gates 26 and 27 and drive circuits 28 and 29. The drive circuits 28 and 29 are preferably operational amplifiers.

The output signal of the position decoder 23 is supplied to the AND gate 26 and the AND gate 27. The positive output signal of the polarity decoder 24 is supplied to the AND gate 26,
The negative output signal is supplied to the AND gate 27. Also,
The AND gates 26 and 27 are connected from the input terminal 22 to FIG.
The drive pulse shown in FIG. 4D is supplied. Therefore, the AND gates 26 and 27 are shown in FIG.
Only when the drive pulse shown in (1) is supplied, the data corresponding to the output data from the position decoder 23 and the output data from the polarity decoder 24, that is, the position data with positive and negative polarities is output to the drivers 28 and 29.

The output data of the AND gate 26 is supplied to the positive terminal of the driver 28, and the output data of the AND gate 27 is supplied to the negative terminal of the drive circuit 29. The output signal of the mode decoder 25 is the drive circuit 28.
And 29.

The mode decoder 25 has three modes, that is, a mode M0, a mode M1 and a mode M.
A signal indicating the state 2 is supplied to the drive circuits 28 and 29. For example, when a signal indicating the state of the mode M0 is supplied to the drive circuits 28 and 29, the drive circuit 2
8 and 29 are off. When a signal indicating the state of the mode M1 is supplied to the drive circuits 28 and 29,
The drive circuits 28 and 29 are turned on so as to output an erase signal. When a signal indicating the state of the mode M2 is supplied to the drive circuits 28 and 29, the drive circuits 28 and 29 are turned on so as to output the write signal.

Particularly, in the modes M2 and M1, the AND gates 26 and 27 to the drive circuits 28 and 29.
As shown in Table 1, a total of four states are shown, depending on whether the polarity of the position data supplied to is positive or negative.

[0050]

[Table 1]

Note that an independent mode and polarity data can be sent if necessary.

Here, h is the residual magnetic charge cancellation coefficient, and I is the write current. Therefore, hI becomes a residual magnetic charge erasing current. These I and hI are collectively called the drive current.

Therefore, the xy matrix sheet 5 controls the output of the decoded data from the x register 7 by the gates 26 and 27 of the x driver 9, and
Select the drive circuit 28 or 29 of the driver 9 to select G
The drive current corresponding to the position information supplied from DC2 is output from the output terminal 30.

The polarity of this drive current is changed as shown in Table 1 according to the output from the mode decoder 25, and the flowing time is controlled by the drive pulse from the input terminal 32 shown in FIG. FIG. 14 (E)
The output timing is as shown in.

Next, the memory chip sheet 4 will be described below. The memory chip sheet 4 stores the specific point specified by the xy matrix sheet 5 in association with the change in the direction of magnetization. Actually, this memory chip sheet 4
Is a magnetic isolator so as not to interfere with the magnetic memory chips that store the specific points specified by the xy matrix sheet 5 in correspondence with the change in the direction of the magnetic charge.
A large number are arranged on each intersection of the xy matrix 11 of the -y matrix sheet 5.

FIG. 15 shows a state in which the magnetic memory chip is arranged on each intersection of the xy matrix 11 of the xy matrix sheet 5. The magnetic memory chip 31 of FIG. 15 is processed so as to be easily magnetized in the direction of the arrow in the drawing and less likely to be magnetized in the direction perpendicular thereto.

Such a magnetic memory chip 31 has x-
It will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17 how the magnetized by the xy current flowing in the xy matrix 11 of the y matrix sheet 5 to change the magnetic display sheet 6 described later. .

In FIG. 16, the xy matrix sheet 5 has a writing current + I similar to the current + I described in Table 1 for the x-axis and the y-axis on the xy matrix 11.
When i and + i are made to flow in the directions of arrows M and N at the same time, FIG.
Magnetic field G + 1 with a vector as shown in (A) of
It occurs on the intersection of the y matrix 11. When a magnetic field G + 1 having a vector as shown in FIG. 17A is generated, the magnetic memory chip 31 on the intersection is magnetized in the vector direction, and as shown in FIG. A magnetic field g is formed through the display bubble 12 of the magnetic display sheet 6. When the magnetic substances in the display bubble 12 are arranged along the magnetic field g, light reflection characteristics different from the random state in the absence of a magnetic field are generated, and the display in the absence of a magnetic field can be distinguished. In such a state, the write currents + i and + i are calculated from the x-axis and the y-axis on the xy matrix 11.
The display state is continued because it is retained even if the xy matrix 11 is removed, but as shown in FIG.
Currents for eliminating residual magnetic charges −ih and −i on the upper x-axis and y-axis
By passing h, the display can be returned to the original state by setting the magnetic field to "0" (G0). Here, h is the residual magnetic charge canceling coefficient as shown in Table 1.

On the other hand, in FIG. 16, the xy matrix sheet 5 has the same writing current -i and the same writing current -i as described using Table 1 on the x and y axes on the xy matrix 11. When -i is simultaneously passed in the directions of the anti-arrow M and the anti-arrow N, a magnetic field G-1 having a vector as shown in FIG. 17C is generated on the intersection of the xy matrix 11. Here, the current −i is a writing current whose direction is opposite to that of the current + i. When a magnetic field G-1 having a vector as shown in FIG. 17C is generated, the magnetic memory chip 31 on the intersection is magnetized in the vector direction, and as shown in FIG. A magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field g is formed through the display bubble 12 of the magnetic display sheet 6.
The display bubble 1 is arranged so as to follow the magnetic field in the direction opposite to this magnetic field g.
When the magnetic substances in 2 are arranged, a light reflection characteristic different from a random state in the absence of a magnetic field is produced, and it is possible to distinguish the display in the absence of a magnetic field. Since such a state is maintained even if the write currents -i and -i are removed from the x-axis and the y-axis on the xy matrix 11, the display state is continued, but is shown in FIG. The residual magnetic charge elimination currents ih and i on the x-axis and the y-axis on the xy matrix 11.
By passing h, the display can be returned to the original state by setting the magnetic field to "0" (G0).

Here, the magnetic memory chip 31 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, a large number are arranged via the magnetic isolator 32. The magnetic isolator 32 is used to prevent the many magnetic memory chips 31 from interfering with each other. As the magnetic isolator 32, for example, a machined copper is considered.

Therefore, when the xy matrix sheet 5 accesses the point (xn, yn) on the xy matrix 11 as shown in FIG. +1 is generated and the magnetic memory chip 31n shown in FIG. 19 is magnetized. On the other hand, (xn + 1, yn
When the point (+1) is accessed as shown in FIG. 17C, a magnetic field G-1 is generated and the magnetic memory chip 31n + 1 is generated.
Is magnetized. Here, (A) of FIG. 17 is “1”, and FIG.
(C) of 7 corresponds to "-1", and (B) and (D) of Fig. 17 correspond to "0". Thereby, "1", "-1", and "0" can be written and held at arbitrary points on the magnetic display sheet 6.

The magnetic display sheet 6 displays an image corresponding to each specific point stored by the plurality of magnetic memory chips 31 of the memory chip sheet 4 in association with the change in the direction of magnetization as described above. This magnetic display sheet 6 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of plastic bubbles 51 enclosing the magnetic powder 52 are arranged in a plane. One plastic bubble 51 corresponds to one pixel. Magnetic powder 5 in this plastic bubble 51
The reflection characteristic for light from one direction changes when the position 2 is biased according to the external magnetic field, for example. That is, when the magnetic powders 52 in the plurality of plastic bubbles 51 are arranged along the external magnetic field, light reflection characteristics different from the random state in the absence of a magnetic field are generated, and the display can be distinguished from that in the absence of a magnetic field. become.

Further, the magnetic display sheet 6 has a magnetic component of 5 when a magnetic field G is applied as shown in FIG.
You may use the principle of operation which arranges 2 regularly. FIG. 21B shows a random state of the magnetic powder 52 when there is no magnetic field.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, a plan view having a three-layer structure composed of the memory chip sheet 4 and the xy matrix sheet 5 and the magnetic display sheet 6 which are closely adhered so as to sandwich the memory chip sheet 4 therebetween. The display device 3 is
Since the xy display device has no electrical crosstalk electrically, and the memory chip sheet 4 which is the memory section and the magnetic display sheet 6 are independent of the xy matrix sheet 5, mutual wiring is prevented. It becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the flat display device 3 requires power only when rewriting. Therefore, the timepiece device of this embodiment using the flat display device 3 as a display surface can save power and can be designed freely.

A double-sided flexible wiring sheet may be used as the xy matrix sheet. Further, the magnetic display sheet may be one that is mechanically displayed by using a microactuator as long as it is a little large one millimeter or more.

Further, as the timepiece device of the present embodiment,
Not only the flat display device 3 is used as a display surface, but also various two-dimensional display devices such as a liquid crystal display and a plasma display may be used.

The hour information of the time information is 1
The display is not limited to 2 hours and may be 24 hours.

[0068]

As described above, the timepiece device according to the present invention numerically displays hour information at the angular position corresponding to the short hand position on the dial of the timepiece and minute information at the angular position corresponding to the long hand position on the display surface. In addition, it is possible to simultaneously realize sensory time information and accurately read time information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display example of a timepiece device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state where angular positions indicating hours / minutes / seconds are overlapped with each other in the display example shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another display example of the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another display example of the timepiece device of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another display example of the timepiece device of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another display example of the timepiece device of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another display example of the timepiece device of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another display example of the timepiece device of the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a timepiece device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of the flat-panel display device of the timepiece device of the embodiment of the invention.

11 is a view showing x constituting the flat panel display device shown in FIG.
-Y is a schematic block diagram of a matrix sheet.

FIG. 12 is the x of the xy matrix sheet shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the weaving structure of a-y matrix.

13 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of a register and a driver of the xy matrix sheet shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining data and control signals supplied to the register and the driver shown in FIG.

15 is a diagram showing a magnetization direction of a magnetic memory chip of the memory chip sheet of the flat display device shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 shows the operation of the flat panel display device shown in FIG.
-Y is a diagram for explaining using a matrix sheet, a magnetic memory chip of a memory chip sheet, and a magnetic display sheet.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the magnetization of the magnetic memory chip of the memory chip sheet.

FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram of a memory chip sheet.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the magnetization of the magnetic memory chip with respect to the xy current flowing in the xy matrix sheet.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a structural example of a magnetic display sheet.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another structural example of the magnetic display sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Spot enclosing a number indicating PO time Spot enclosing a number indicating PM minute information PS Spot enclosing a number indicating second information R Reference position confirmation mark 3 Planar display device

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A timepiece device, wherein hour information is numerically displayed at an angular position corresponding to a minute hand position on a dial of a timepiece and minute information is numerically displayed at an angular position corresponding to a long hand position on a display surface. 2. The timepiece device according to claim 1, wherein second information is numerically displayed at an angular position corresponding to the second hand position on the dial of the timepiece on the display surface. 3. The current time information is made to correspond to the angular positions obtained by dividing the circumference of the circle corresponding to the dial of the clock on the display surface into 12 equal parts, and the present time information is made to correspond to the angular positions divided into 60 equal parts. 2. The timepiece device according to claim 1, wherein the current minute information is also displayed as a number corresponding to each of the angular positions obtained by equally dividing the current minute information. 4. The time information consisting of the hour information, the minute information, and the second information is distinguished by differentiating the display area of a numeral or the area or shape of a spot surrounding the numeral. The timepiece device according to item 1, 2 or 3. 5. In a state where at least two of the angular position when displaying the hour information, the angular position when displaying the minute information, and the angular position when displaying the second information overlap, 4. The timepiece device according to claim 1, wherein the numbers of the overlapping information are displayed in a visually separated state. 6. The timepiece device according to claim 1, wherein a mark for confirming a reference position is displayed at the 12 o'clock position on the display surface. 7. An arm band is added to the display means having the display surface,
The timepiece device according to 2 or 3.