NL2027483B1 - Device for displaying progression of a day within a day-night cycle - Google Patents

Abstract

Title: Device for displaying progression of a day Within a day-night cycle Abstract The invention concerns a device for displaying progression of a day Within a day-night cycle, comprising a ring-shaped movement representing the day- night cycle. The ring-shaped movement have a front surface With movable partly overlapping segments forming a first adjustable boundary representing a sunrise time and a second adjustable boundary representing a sunset time. A movement controller is arranged for controlling movable segments of the ring-shaped movement in dependence of an actual geo- coordinate position, an actual calendar day and an actual time. The ring-shaped movement further comprises a movable body positioned on the front surface, and the movement controller is arranged for controlling the ring-shaped movement to move the position of the movable body along the front surface relative to the first and second adjustable boundary in dependence of the actual time, to represent the progression of the day With respect to the corresponding sunrise and sunset time.

Description

P129453NL00 Title: Device for displaying progression of a day within a day-night cycle Field of the invention The present disclosure relates to a device and method for displaying progression of a day within a day-night cycle. Background of the invention Ever since the first human being lived on this planet, the day is the clearest indication for the passing of time. The day begins when the sun comes up and ends when it goes down. Nothing has a bigger influence on the perception of time and activities of the human being than the radiation of light and warmth which floods the world in the morning, and the coolness and darkness coming at sundown. At sunrise the human being starts his activities. With the climbing of the sun the day moves at a quick rate, and when it goes down human activities slowly stop. It's time now for eating and relaxation. The dark side of the earth goes to sleep and only artificial light is left to replace the sun.

In general, people like to know when the sun is going down and it’s about to get dark outside, or how long it will take before the sun is rising again, because it may affect leisurely activities, a sense of security, and mood. Having accurate information about the progression of a day in a day-night cycle can also be important for professionals that need to adequately respond to outdoor lighting conditions, such as construction and road workers, aviation inspectors, or powerline and wind turbine maintenance workers. Therefore, having a proper indication of a day’s progression can be an essential feature in daily life as well as in professional circumstances.

Prior art is known that provide an indication of the progression of a day by specifying the time of sunrise and sunset on a watch face, in addition to a time indication on a 12 or 24 hour scale. US patent 7218575 describes a watch that displays pie-shaped sections indicating the beginning and ending of twilight, sunrise and sunset on a circular clock face, thereby providing visual indications on the time of occurrence of sunset and sunrise. Swiss patent CH690516 describes a watch that has an integrated perpetual mechanism for indicating sunset and sunrise time on a 24 hour scale window, and a sun moving in the window relative to the sunrise and sunset time to indicate the progression of day. However, since the described perpetual mechanism is based on a fixed pinion and gear transmission ratio, natural variations in the day-night cycle, e.g. occurring across seasons, years, or global positions cannot be accounted for. Besides, there may be a need for devices that provide an indication of the progression of a day that can operate as an independent unit, or can serve e.g. as an add-on to existing time pieces such as a clock or a watch.

It remains a challenge, to design a device that provides an indication of the progression of day within a day-night cycle that solves these and other problems.

Summary of the invention Aspects of the invention relate to a device for displaying progression of a day within a day-night cycle. The device comprises a ring-shaped movement and a movement controller. The ring-shaped movement represents the day-night cycle and has a front surface that is divided into day and night segments by a first adjustable boundary and a second adjustable boundary. The first adjustable boundary represents a sunrise time and the second adjustable boundary represents a sunset time.

The movement controller is arranged for controlling the ring-shaped movement in dependence of an actual geo-coordinate position, an actual calendar day and an actual time. It is further arranged for controlling the ring-shaped movement in dependence of a day sequence lookup table, which has sunrise and sunset times for each calendar day of at least one calendar year for a plurality of geo-coordinate positions.

For this purpose, the movement controller is arranged for controlling the ring-shaped movement to adjust the first and second boundary to respectively match with the sunrise and sunset time from the day sequence lookup table, corresponding with the actual geo-coordinate position and the actual calendar day.

The ring-shaped movement further comprises a movable body positioned on the front surface. The movement controller is arranged for controlling the ring- shaped movement to move the position of the movable body along the front surface relative to the first and second adjustable boundary in dependence of the actual time, to represent the progression of the day with respect to the corresponding sunrise and sunset time.

By having a movable body that is moving between the first and second adjustable boundary, the progression of a day can intuitively be visualized by the distance from the first adjustable boundary to the movable body while the movable body is between the first and second adjustable boundary, which represents the amount of daytime that has passed.

By having a rmg-shaped movement comprising a light source arranged for illuminating at least the movable body, the function of the movable body of visualizing the progression of a day can be made more explicit. Beneficially, the display controller can be arranged for controlling the brightness and/or color of the light source in dependence of the position of the movable body relative to the first and second adjustable boundary, to indicate the intensity of daylight.

In some embodiments, the ring-shaped movement comprises one or more actuator mechanisms for adjusting the first and second adjustable boundary and/or moving the position of the movable body along the front surface. In other embodiments, the front surface of the ring-shaped movement comprises a digital interface for adjusting the first and second adjustable boundary and/or moving the position of the movable body along the front surface. When the ring-shaped movement comprises a 24 hour time scale around a circumference of the ring- shaped movement, an absolute time reference can be provided for the movable body and/or the first and second adjustable boundary. Optionally, the movable body can comprise a light source arranged for illuminating the 24 hour time scale.

The device can be part of a watch, further comprising a wristband and a timepiece. The timepiece can have an outer diameter matching an inner diameter of the ring-shaped movement of the device, with the ring-shaped movement surrounding the timepiece to form a compact assembly.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of displaying progression of a day within a day-night cycle by a device. The method comprises controlling, by a movement controller, a ring-shaped movement to adjust a first and second adjustable boundary to match with a retrieved sunrise and sunset time, respectively. The method further comprises controlling, by the movement controller, the ring-shaped movement to move the position of a movable body along a front surface of the ring-shaped movement relative to the first and second adjustable boundary in dependence of an actual time, to represent the progression of the day with respect to the corresponding retrieved sunrise and sunset time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be further elucidated in the figures: FIG 1 illustrates a generic concept of the ring-shaped movement, combined with a central movement which is a time piece of a wrist watch; FIG 2 shows first embodiment of a device for displaying progression of a day within a day-night cycle; FIG 3 illustrates another or further embodiment of the device: FIG 4 illustrates yet another or further embodiment of the device; FIG 5 (A and B) shows a further exemplary planar view and cross sectional view of a combined time piece and annular movement piece; FIG 6 illustrates another or further embodiment of the device: FIG 7 illustrates a control method of displaying progression of a day within a day- night cycle by a device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description.

In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

Embodiments are described 5 with reference to schematic illustrations of possibly idealized and/or intermediate structures of the invention.

Figure 1 and 2 show a generic concept of the ring-shaped movement 100, when combined with a centrally positioned time piece 150 to a wrist watch movement 250, comprising the central time piece and the annular movement for displaying progression of a day within a day-night cycle.

An advantage of this concept is, that the annular movement 150 can be produced and designed separately, and combined with a variety of different time pieces of various technical complexities.

The central time piece 100 and ring shaped movement 150 may be combined to form a single front plate.

Exemplary thicknesses of the time piece movement 100 are about 4-6 mm, so that it can be fitted into the ring-shaped movement 150, e.g. with corresponding heights of about 4-10 mm.

It is noted that the time piece movement may have a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the ring- shaped movement, as long as a corresponding front plate is substantially contiguous with the front annular segmented front plate of the ring-shaped movement 150. In Figure 3, a first embodiment of the device 100 for displaying progression of a day within a day-night cycle is further illustrated in detail.

The device 100 comprises a ring-shaped movement 30 that represents the day-night cycle and that has a front surface which is divided into day and night segments (A, B) by a first adjustable boundary 31 and a second adjustable boundary 32. The first adjustable boundary 31 represents a sunrise time and the second adjustable 32 boundary represents a sunset time.

The segments may partly overlap to provide a minimal and maximal arc. in exceptional cases (extreme short night) in certain countries (eg.

Iceland), the day / night ratio may show a little deviation for a small period of time.

This may have to do with limitations of the mechanical system.

In such a case, the system may warn e.g. through a regular flash or color change of the sun until the deviation is over.

The device 100 further comprises a movement controller 50 that is arranged for controlling the ring-shaped movement 30 in dependence of an actual geo- coordinate position, an actual calendar day and an actual time. For example, to receive the actual geo-coordinate position, the actual calendar day and the actual time, the device may comprise a geolocation receiver, which can be a dedicated receiver or can be a general-purpose receiver. The geolocation receiver can for example be part of a processor, such as a dedicated or shared one. The processor may include micro-controllers, central processing units (CPUs), or any other type of processors or controllers.

The movement controller 50 is further arranged for controlling the ring- shaped movement 30 in dependence of a day sequence lookup table 51, whieh comprises sunrise and sunset times for each calendar day of at least one calendar year for a plurality of geo-coordinate positions. For this purpose, the device 100 may for example comprise a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may be any suitable type of computer readable medium where data is stored.

Preferably, the day sequence lookup table 51 has sunrise and sunset times for each calendar day of a plurality of years for all geo-coordinate positions of the Earth, for example more than fifty years. As such, variations in sunrise and sunset times between years can be corrected or compensated, e.g. by averaging or other type of mathematical fit. In some embodiments, the day sequence lookup table can have sunrise and sunset times for each calendar day for a more limited number of years and geo-coordinate positions, for example for the year 2020 and for geo- coordinate positions spanning the Northern hemisphere of the Earth between -10 and 30 degrees longitude.

The movement controller 50 is arranged for controlling the ring-shaped movement 30 to adjust the first and second boundary 31, 32 to respectively match with the sunrise and sunset time from the day sequence lookup table 51, corresponding with the device's actual geo-coordinate position and the actual calendar day.

The ring-shaped movement 30 further comprises a movable body 40 positioned on the front surface, e.g. visualizing a celestial body, such as the sun. The movable body 40 may be executed in different shapes and colors and maybe provided with a LED for night vision.

See Figure 5. When the movable body 40 moves ‘in nighttime’ the color or intensity may vary.

As shown in Figure 3, segment A may represent the amount of daytime on a day while segment B represents the amount of nighttime on a day.

Depending on the seasons the relative amount of day and night (the day-night ratio) can vary.

Optionally, the names of the months can be made visible on the circular night area.

The movement controller 50 is arranged for controlling the ring-shaped movement 30 to move the position of the movable body 40 along the front surface relative to the first and second adjustable boundary 31, 32 in dependence of the actual time, to represent the progression of the day with respect to the corresponding sunrise and sunset time.

In some embodiments, the ring-shaped movement 30 comprises one or more actuator mechanisms for adjusting the first and second adjustable boundary 31, 32 and/or moving the position of the movable body 40 along the front surface.

For example, the first and second adjustable boundary can be formed by an edge or protrusion on a movable segment, which is movable around the central axis of the ring-shaped movement; see Figure 6. The ring-shaped movement may further comprise one or more stepper motors, servo motors, piezo motors or the like.

These can be arranged to drive e.g. a gear transmission, belt transmission, or friction transmission, which in turn can be arranged to drive the movable segments.

Each of the segments may need to be driven independently from the other segment to allow for independent control of the indication of the sunrise and sunset times.

The movable body 40 can similarly be actuated by a mechanical actuation means, e.g. by a gear transmission driven by a stepper motor or other type of electric motor which is enclosed in the ring-shaped movement 30. In other embodiments, the front surface of the ring-shaped movement 30 comprises a digital interface for adjusting the first and second adjustable boundary 31, 32 and/or moving the position of the movable body 40 along the front surface.

This may render obsolete the need for a mechanical actuation means for adjusting the first and second adjustable boundary, however combinations of a digital interface and a mechanical actuation means are possible as well.

For example, the digital interface can be used for visualizing the first and second adjustable boundary, while the movable body is controlled by a mechanical actuation means.

Preferably, the ring-shaped movement 30 comprises an inner diameter providing room for a central time piece movement.

For example, the timepiece movement can have an outer diameter of e.g. 25 millimeter and the ring-shaped movement can have an inner diameter of at least 25 millimeter. Other diameters are possible as long as the timepiece movement fits within the ring-shaped movement. Depending on the final type (man/woman) and design of the watch, choices have to be made and dimensions adjusted in a way to form a compact unit, taking into account manufacturing and mounting tolerances.

In most cases however both movements will be assembled and covered by a matching dial or watch-face.

In some embodiments, the ring-shaped movement 30 comprises a light source arranged for illuminating at least the movable body 40. Optionally, the movement controller 50 can be arranged for controlling the brightness and/or color of the light source 35 in dependence of the position of the movable body 40 relative to the first and second adjustable boundary 31, 32. This can e.g. be used to provide a visual indication of the amount daylight present, to represent the progression of the day within the day-night cycle, or the brightness and color of the light source can be used to enhance the clarity of the display, e.g. during night-time or other poor lighting conditions such as glare. FIG 4 illustrates another or further embodiment of the device 100, showing that the ring-shaped movement 30 comprises a 24-hour time scale 39 around a circumference of the ring-shaped movement 30, to provide an absolute time reference. The 24-hour time scale can for example be located on the outer circumference of the ring-shaped movement 30, as shown in FIG 4, or on the inside circumference. Alternatively, the 24-hour time scale can be included on the original front surface of the ring-shaped movement 30, such that the movable body 40 is passing over the 24-hour time scale. In some embodiments, the movable body 40 comprises a light source arranged for illuminating the 24-hour time scale 39, which may e.g. be beneficial during night-time.

FIG 5A shows a cross sectional view of a movable light source 45, representing the celestial body 40, in particular the sun. The light source may be a LED 451, that may be powered inductively or capacitively, so that it can move freely along an arc of the segments A. In night time, the movable body 40 will change appearance, e.g. by a dimmer light. LED 451 may be embedded in an optic piece 453 with a light guide 452, that may, in addition to illuminating the body plate 454 provide an iluminated hand 41 for time indication on the time scale 39, see FIG 5B.

FIG 6 shows a further exemplary planar view and cross sectional view of a combined time piece 150 and annular movement piece 100. It is shown that the time piece may be embedded in the annular movement piece, and that the annular movement may comprise a back plate, that may at least partially provide for embedding space of the central time piece. In this way, some of the mechanics, necessary for providing movement to the annular movement piece, may be supported and powered by actuators provided in the back plate 110, or e.g. by actuators 115 mounted thereon.

FIG 7 illustrates a control method of displaying progression of a day within a day- night cycle by a device. The method comprises in step 501, controlling, by a movement controller, a ring-shaped movement to adjust a first and second adjustable boundary to match with a retrieved sunrise and sunset time, respectively. Step 501 can be carried out continuously, at discrete intervals, e.g. at regular times per day, week or month, or can be carried out at the request of a user.

Next, in step 502, the method comprises controlling, by the movement controller 50, the ring-shaped movement to move the position of a movable body along a front surface of the ring-shaped movement relative to the first and second adjustable boundary in dependence of an actual time, to represent the progression of the day with respect to the corresponding retrieved sunrise and sunset time.

Claims (13)

Conclusions 1. An apparatus for displaying the progress of a day within a day-night cycle, comprising: — an annular drive representing the day-night cycle, the annular drive having a front having movable, partially overlapping segments forming a first adjustable forming a boundary representing a sunrise time and a second adjustable boundary representing a sunset time; — a running gear controller adapted to control the movable segments of the annular running gear in dependence on a current geocoordinate position, a current calendar day and a current time, and in dependence on a day series lookup table with sunrise and sunset times for each calendar day of at least one calendar year for a plurality of geo-coordinate positions; wherein the drive controller is configured to control the annular drive to set the first and second boundaries to match respectively the sunrise and sunset times from the day series lookup table corresponding to the current geocoordinate position and the current calendar day; and wherein the ring gear further comprises a movable body positioned on the front, and wherein the gear controller is adapted to control the ring gear to move the position of the movable body across the front with respect to the first and second adjustable gears. boundary dependent on the current time, to represent the progress of the day relative to the corresponding sunrise and sunset times. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the annular drive comprises a light source adapted to illuminate at least the movable body. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the drive controller is adapted to control the brightness and/or color of the light source in dependence on the position of the movable body relative to the first and second adjustable limits. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the light source is an LED which is inductively or capacitively powered. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the annular drive comprises one or more drive mechanisms for setting the first and second adjustable limits and/or moving the position of the movable body over the front. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the drive mechanisms are supported on a back plate which stiffens the annular running gear. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front of the annular drive comprises a digital interface for setting the first and second adjustable limit and/or moving the position of the movable body over the front. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring gear includes a 24-hour time division around a circumference of the ring gear to provide an absolute time reference. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the movable body comprises a light source arranged to illuminate the 24-hour time division. The apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the light source is embedded in an optical portion comprising a light guide 452, the optical portion being configured to illuminate a body plate and the light guide being configured to provide an illuminated pointer for designating time on the 24-hour time division. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular drive has an inner diameter of between 24 and 56 millimetres. A watch comprising a watch movement and the apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the watch movement is provided within an inner diameter of the ring-shaped device, and wherein the ring-shaped movement encircles the movement of the timepiece. A method for displaying progress of a day within a day-night cycle by a device, comprising: controlling, by a gear controller, an annular gear to set a first and second adjustable limit to match a retrieved sunrise and sunset time, respectively; controlling, by the running gear controller, the annular gear to move the position of a movable body about a front of the annular gear relative to the first and second adjustable limits in dependence on a current time, to monitor the progress of the day relative to the corresponding retrieved sunrise and sunset times.