CA1080864A - Segment pattern for alpha-numeric displays - Google Patents
Segment pattern for alpha-numeric displaysInfo
- Publication number
- CA1080864A CA1080864A CA274,686A CA274686A CA1080864A CA 1080864 A CA1080864 A CA 1080864A CA 274686 A CA274686 A CA 274686A CA 1080864 A CA1080864 A CA 1080864A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- segments
- character
- segment
- characters
- display device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
- G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
- G09F9/302—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements characterised by the form or geometrical disposition of the individual elements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G9/00—Visual time or date indication means
- G04G9/0023—Visual time or date indication means by light valves in general
- G04G9/0029—Details
- G04G9/0035—Details constructional
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract A segment pattern for a liquid crystal multiple-digit display which by the addition of two segments between two (seven-segmented) digits makes it possible to present alpha-numeric information, namely, the first two letters of each of the days of the week. The added segments are so positioned in relation to the digits that they can be used in the formation of a plurality of letters which have improved symmetry to each other and position on the display, particularly on a liquid crystal wristwatch display.
Description
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to an alpha-numeric character pa-ttern for electrooptical displays.
In recent years digital wristwatches, based on the use of electrooptical display devices, have been suggested which would also present calender in~ormation.
Various types of electrooptical displays are widely employed for presenting patterns of numbers and letters. ~owever, the electrooptical displays which have -:
been suggested to present calender information on a wrist-watch, and particularly those which utilize a liquid crystal, electrochromic or light-emitting diode display, typically ¦
; employed a plurality of seven-segmented characters in the form of a figure "8" to display the time in a digital format ;
- and separate indicia to represent the days of the week such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,922,842 issued December 2, - 1975 to Kinji Fujita and U.SO Patent Mo. 3,925,977 issued December 16, 1975 to Shuji Maezawa. With all such readout ~ -displays, however, major problems existed such as to provide characters with adequate readability characteristics and moreover character forming means having relative structural simplicity, functional reliability and character symmetry.
And, because it is vital to conserve power, it is necessary to minimize the size of the wristwatch display, and particularly, to minimize the number of separate display elements or indiciaO Consequently, a display system having separate indicia or letters or many elements to display the -calendar information requires an inordinarily large area on the display and, therefore, is extremely inconvenient, ~i30 expensive and generally undesirable considering the limitation on the amount of space on the wristwatch display, the numerous connecting leads required to the display and because of the relatively high consumption of power. The present ~-
In recent years digital wristwatches, based on the use of electrooptical display devices, have been suggested which would also present calender in~ormation.
Various types of electrooptical displays are widely employed for presenting patterns of numbers and letters. ~owever, the electrooptical displays which have -:
been suggested to present calender information on a wrist-watch, and particularly those which utilize a liquid crystal, electrochromic or light-emitting diode display, typically ¦
; employed a plurality of seven-segmented characters in the form of a figure "8" to display the time in a digital format ;
- and separate indicia to represent the days of the week such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,922,842 issued December 2, - 1975 to Kinji Fujita and U.SO Patent Mo. 3,925,977 issued December 16, 1975 to Shuji Maezawa. With all such readout ~ -displays, however, major problems existed such as to provide characters with adequate readability characteristics and moreover character forming means having relative structural simplicity, functional reliability and character symmetry.
And, because it is vital to conserve power, it is necessary to minimize the size of the wristwatch display, and particularly, to minimize the number of separate display elements or indiciaO Consequently, a display system having separate indicia or letters or many elements to display the -calendar information requires an inordinarily large area on the display and, therefore, is extremely inconvenient, ~i30 expensive and generally undesirable considering the limitation on the amount of space on the wristwatch display, the numerous connecting leads required to the display and because of the relatively high consumption of power. The present ~-
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invention solves these problems.
- Other prior art patents of interest include U.S.
Patent No. 3,831,166 lssued ~ugust 20, 1974 to Frank De Nardo;
U.S. Patent No. 3,781,863 issued December 25, 1973, to Kinji Fujita; U.S. Patent No. 3,~27,043 issued July 30, 1974 to Shuji Maezawa; U.S. Patent No 3,849,979 issued November 26, 1974 to Mijiharu Tanji; U.S. Patent No. 3,711,733 issued January 16, 1973 to Robert R. Skutt; U.S. Patent No. 3,691,755 issued September 19, 1975 to Pierre Girard; and U.S. Patent - 10 No. 3,885,381 issued May 27, 1975 to Masami Kasai. These prior art patents are merely typical of the art showing display devices and other prior art may exist.
` Summary of the Invention -~ The present invention relates to a segment pattern on an electrooptical (wristwatch) display for showing alpha-numeric information. The display comprises at least two -~ characters each formed generally by three horizontal and four vertical discrete segments arranged generally in the form of a figure 1l ~" . The horizontal segments are positioned to form a top, center and bottom portion of each character.
The four segments are positioned to form two discrete right and two discrete left side portions of each character. The improvement comprises the addition of at least two discrete and generally elongated segments positioned between said two characters with each of the two added segments being aligned substantially longitudinally, one with the top segment portion and the other with the bottom segment portion of at least one of said two characters.
;~ 1 Accordingly, an objective of the present invention ! 30 is to provide a new and improved electrooptical display.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved segment pattern arrangement for an electrooptical display for showing alpha numeric information.
invention solves these problems.
- Other prior art patents of interest include U.S.
Patent No. 3,831,166 lssued ~ugust 20, 1974 to Frank De Nardo;
U.S. Patent No. 3,781,863 issued December 25, 1973, to Kinji Fujita; U.S. Patent No. 3,~27,043 issued July 30, 1974 to Shuji Maezawa; U.S. Patent No 3,849,979 issued November 26, 1974 to Mijiharu Tanji; U.S. Patent No. 3,711,733 issued January 16, 1973 to Robert R. Skutt; U.S. Patent No. 3,691,755 issued September 19, 1975 to Pierre Girard; and U.S. Patent - 10 No. 3,885,381 issued May 27, 1975 to Masami Kasai. These prior art patents are merely typical of the art showing display devices and other prior art may exist.
` Summary of the Invention -~ The present invention relates to a segment pattern on an electrooptical (wristwatch) display for showing alpha-numeric information. The display comprises at least two -~ characters each formed generally by three horizontal and four vertical discrete segments arranged generally in the form of a figure 1l ~" . The horizontal segments are positioned to form a top, center and bottom portion of each character.
The four segments are positioned to form two discrete right and two discrete left side portions of each character. The improvement comprises the addition of at least two discrete and generally elongated segments positioned between said two characters with each of the two added segments being aligned substantially longitudinally, one with the top segment portion and the other with the bottom segment portion of at least one of said two characters.
;~ 1 Accordingly, an objective of the present invention ! 30 is to provide a new and improved electrooptical display.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved segment pattern arrangement for an electrooptical display for showing alpha numeric information.
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A further objective of the presen-t invention is to provide a new and improved segment pattern arrangement for an electrooptical display.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved segment pattern arrangement for an electrooptical display for showing alpha-numeric in~ormation.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a segment pattern arrangement, for showing alpha-numeric information on an electrooptical display wristwatch, having improved character position on the display and/or size and/pr character configuration and symmetry.
In accordance with the foregoing objectives, there is provided an improved alpha-numeric electrooptical display device comprising at least one character formed on said device by three substantially horizontal and four substantially vertical discrete and elongated segments arranges essentially in a figure "8" for showing any single digit from 0 to 9;
at least two elongated elements each aligned with a segment -` of said characters, said two elements are substantially equal in size and configuration as the upper and lower most horizon-tal segments forming said character and each being longitudinally aligned with one of s ~ d upper and lower horizontal elements;
~ and electric circuit means connected with said segments and .~ .
said elements for selective actuation of same for forming ; letters of the alphabet from segments of one of said characters . . .
; and at least one of said elements and/or from at least one : ::
segment of each of said two characters and at least one of `~
said elements and/or for forming any individual digit from 0 to 9 with each of said figure "8" characters.
There is also provided an improved alpha-numeric electrooptical display device comprising at least a first character comprising separately actuatable vertical and ~: .
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horizontal elongated segments arranged essentially in a fiyure "8" for showing any single digit from 0 to 9; at least one horizontal element aligned with a top horizontal segment of said character; and whereby selective connection of said segments and element to electric circuit means permits for-mation of the alphabetic character "T".
There is also provided an improved electrooptical display device having at least a first and second seven-segmented character each formed by a top, a righk upper, a right lower, a left upper, a left lower, a middle ana bottom ; segments arranged essentially in a conventional figure "8"
for showing any single digit from 0 to 9 and electric circuitry connected with said segments for selective actuation of same, wherein the improvement comprises: a first segment longitudinally aligned with said top segment and a second segment longitudinally aligned with said bottom segment of at least said first character, said first character segments and said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet.
Brief Description of the Drawings Other objectives of the present invention will be ; apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout.
FIG. 1 illustrates an examplary pattern of conductive character segments in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a few alphabet characters, particularly letters representative of each day of the week, that may be formed by the character pattern of Fig. l;
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate modified versions of ~ J
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the pattern of conductive character seyments shown in Fig. l;
and G. 6 is an exploded pictoral representation of basic elements of a display panel embodying a character pattern of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention Although the s~gmented c:haracter pattern described herein is specifically adapted for use in a liquid crystal display, the segment pattern also has application in light-emitting diode (LED) and electrochromic (EC) displays.
Thus in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a display arrangement for displaying alpha-numeric characters on an electrooptical display, particularly a three and one-half digit display which has been used in recent years to display time in a digital format on a wristwatch.
Accordingly, Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention which utilizes a typical digit pattern 1, 2, 3,
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A further objective of the presen-t invention is to provide a new and improved segment pattern arrangement for an electrooptical display.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a new and improved segment pattern arrangement for an electrooptical display for showing alpha-numeric in~ormation.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a segment pattern arrangement, for showing alpha-numeric information on an electrooptical display wristwatch, having improved character position on the display and/or size and/pr character configuration and symmetry.
In accordance with the foregoing objectives, there is provided an improved alpha-numeric electrooptical display device comprising at least one character formed on said device by three substantially horizontal and four substantially vertical discrete and elongated segments arranges essentially in a figure "8" for showing any single digit from 0 to 9;
at least two elongated elements each aligned with a segment -` of said characters, said two elements are substantially equal in size and configuration as the upper and lower most horizon-tal segments forming said character and each being longitudinally aligned with one of s ~ d upper and lower horizontal elements;
~ and electric circuit means connected with said segments and .~ .
said elements for selective actuation of same for forming ; letters of the alphabet from segments of one of said characters . . .
; and at least one of said elements and/or from at least one : ::
segment of each of said two characters and at least one of `~
said elements and/or for forming any individual digit from 0 to 9 with each of said figure "8" characters.
There is also provided an improved alpha-numeric electrooptical display device comprising at least a first character comprising separately actuatable vertical and ~: .
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horizontal elongated segments arranged essentially in a fiyure "8" for showing any single digit from 0 to 9; at least one horizontal element aligned with a top horizontal segment of said character; and whereby selective connection of said segments and element to electric circuit means permits for-mation of the alphabetic character "T".
There is also provided an improved electrooptical display device having at least a first and second seven-segmented character each formed by a top, a righk upper, a right lower, a left upper, a left lower, a middle ana bottom ; segments arranged essentially in a conventional figure "8"
for showing any single digit from 0 to 9 and electric circuitry connected with said segments for selective actuation of same, wherein the improvement comprises: a first segment longitudinally aligned with said top segment and a second segment longitudinally aligned with said bottom segment of at least said first character, said first character segments and said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet.
Brief Description of the Drawings Other objectives of the present invention will be ; apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the description being taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout.
FIG. 1 illustrates an examplary pattern of conductive character segments in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates a few alphabet characters, particularly letters representative of each day of the week, that may be formed by the character pattern of Fig. l;
FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate modified versions of ~ J
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the pattern of conductive character seyments shown in Fig. l;
and G. 6 is an exploded pictoral representation of basic elements of a display panel embodying a character pattern of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention Although the s~gmented c:haracter pattern described herein is specifically adapted for use in a liquid crystal display, the segment pattern also has application in light-emitting diode (LED) and electrochromic (EC) displays.
Thus in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a display arrangement for displaying alpha-numeric characters on an electrooptical display, particularly a three and one-half digit display which has been used in recent years to display time in a digital format on a wristwatch.
Accordingly, Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention which utilizes a typical digit pattern 1, 2, 3,
4 of conductive segments on the inner surface of a front plate of an electrooptical display panel. Each of the digits 1, 2 ~
and 3 are formed by three horizontal segment portions a, g, ~ --, d and four vertical segment portions b, c, e, f (subscript numerals 1, 2, 3 associated with the segments a thru g are used to designate the particular digit that the segment is a part of) arranged in the form of a figure "8". By energization of the appropriate electrode segments, for example a, b, g, e and d to display the numeral 2, the numerals 0 thru 9 can be presented on each of the digits 1, 2, 3. Since the order or , . .
combination of segments, of a seven-segmented digit, which aré energized to display the numerals 0 thru 9 are well known ;~
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in the display art field, no further explanation thereof will `
be provided herein to avoid prolixity. Segment 4 is used to represent ten hours on a zero two twelve hour digital display ':', ' -6- ~
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~' ' , and segments Ml, M2 as a colon be-tween the uni-t hours digit 1 and the tens of minu-tes digit 2.
In accordance with the present invention, two and generally elongated segments X, Y are positioned between the tens of minutes digit 2 and the unit hours digit 1. The two added segments X and Y are longitudinally aligned wlth the top and bottom segment portions al, a2 and dl d2, respectively.
The two added segments X and Y are configured and positioned between the two digits 1 and 2 so that the alphabet characters which may be formed by the activation of selected segments have symmetrical segment positioning and size. For example, segment X is positioned with respect to the tens of minute digit 2 such that by selective activation of the segments X, f2, e2~ a2 the alphabet character T is displayed having substantially symmetrical top segment portions X and a2.
Similarly, by activation of segments bl, cl, Y~ e2~ f2' d2' C2 and b2 the letter W is displayed which has substantially symmetrical bottom segment portions Y and d2.
The following table is provided, in conjunction with Figs. 1 and 2, to concisely show the segments to be actuated ` for displaying particular alphabet characters, namely letters representative of the days of the week.
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¦ DAY SEGMENT ACTIVATED (see Figures 1 and 2) _ ~ .
M: bl, cl, x" f2, e2, a2, b2, c2 MONDAY
O: a3, b3, c:3, d3, e3, E3 TUESDAY T: x, f2, e2, a2 U: b3, c3, d3/ e3, f3 .
WEDNESDAY W: bl, cl, ~, e2, f2, d2, c2, b2 ; E: a3, f3, g3, e3, d3 . _ _ . ._ THU~SDAY T: x, f2, e2, a2 H: b3, c3, e3, f3, g3 . ..
FRIDAY F: a2, f2, g2, e2 . _ __ __ SATURDAY S: a2, f2, g2, c2, d2 A: a3, b3, c3, e3, f3, g3 ,.': . `~
SUNDAY S: a2, f2, g2, c2, d2 ~ -U: b3, c3, d3, e3, f3 '~ -The display of the present invention, which utilizes - two selectively energizable segments interpositioned between two digits, produces alphabet characters which are more - legible than those of the prior art, which have improved ; symmetry and positioning on the display and, therefore, ;
result in a generally more pleasing display.
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` The second embodiment of the invention which is shown in Fig. 3 is similar to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 in tha-t two discrete segments X, Y are positioned between the unit hours digit 1 and the tens of minute digit 2. However, this embodiment differs in that the conventional colon segments Ml, M2 shown in Fig. 1 are eliminated from the displa~ and the segments X, Y are used "c, ', ~, . .
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during the standard time display of hours and minutes as, for example, a flashing colon between the hours and minutes digits and during the display of the day of the week as segments of the alphabet character(s) respresentative thereof.
With reference to Fig. 4, another embodiment of the invention is shown. The added segments X10, Ylo in this embodiment ~unction in a similar manner to the segments X, Y
shown in Fig. 1, to form the letters illustrated in Fig. 2, with the exception that the segments X10, Ylo are positioned between the hour digits 1 and 4 and, therefore, the positioning of the letters on the display is changed with respect to the positioning of the letters that are formed by the segment pattern shown in Fig. 1.
Referring now to Fig. 1, another embodiment of the invention is shown which is similar to the one shown in FigO
4 in that the two added segments X10, Ylo, are positioned between the hour digits 1 and 4. However, this embodiment differs in that the conventional colon segments Ml, M2, shown in Figs. 1 and 4 are replaced by a stylized figure such as, -~ 20 for example, a generally U-shaped segment M which is utilized as a flashing colon during the standard hour and minutes time display and as the letter U in conjunction with the letter T (formed by selected segments of the hour digit 1 and the added segments X10, Ylo) to represent the day of the week -Tuesday. Thusl it is envisioned that the days of the week `
except for Tuesday, would he represented in accordance with this embodiment of the invention as a single letter presented by selected actuation of segments of the hour digits 1, 4 and segments X10, Ylo.
Reference will now be made to Fig. 6, in which is shown an exploded view of a display having a segment pattern in accordance with the invention. The lower substrate 20 .
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has conductive se~ment or coun-ter electrode elements 21 formed on the interior surace thereof connectable -to external driving circuitry, for example, via lead 22. The driving circuitry (no-t shown) generally consists o~ an oscillator which generates time standard frequency, a divider and a decoder-driver which drives the display~ This type of circuitry is shown in considerable detail in many sources.
Specific examples are Suppa U.S. Patent No. 3,953,964 patented May 4, 1976, and R. Gary Daniels U.S. Patent No. 3,754,392 patented August 28, 19730 It should be noted that, with appropriate modification, such modification being well-known, the circuitry is also appropriate for use with light-emitting diodes and electrochromic as well as liquid crystal displays.
Sandwiched between the upper 23 and lower 20 substrates is a gasket-like member 24. In the assembled state the space between the substrates formed by the gasket member 24 is filled either with a liquid crystal material when forming a liquid crystal display or an electrolyte when forming an ` electrochromic display. A light-emitting diode display would not require the lower substrate 20 or gasket-like member 24.
Since the details of the construction of liquid crystal, electrochromic and light-emitting diode displays are shown in considerable detail in many sources, exhaustive details thereof are omitted to avoid prolixity. Specific examples are Wiesner U.S. Patent 3,908,355 patented September 30, 1975, Zatsky U.S. Patent No. 3,950,078 patented April 13, 1976, Leibowitz U.S. Patent No. 3,944,333 patented March 16, 1976, Spence U.S. Patent No. 3,925,690 patented December 9, 1975 and Akiyama U.S. Patent No. 3,936,694 patented February 3, 1976.
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::-While there has been shown what is considered to bethe preferred embodiments of the invention, it is desired to secure in the appended claims all modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
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and 3 are formed by three horizontal segment portions a, g, ~ --, d and four vertical segment portions b, c, e, f (subscript numerals 1, 2, 3 associated with the segments a thru g are used to designate the particular digit that the segment is a part of) arranged in the form of a figure "8". By energization of the appropriate electrode segments, for example a, b, g, e and d to display the numeral 2, the numerals 0 thru 9 can be presented on each of the digits 1, 2, 3. Since the order or , . .
combination of segments, of a seven-segmented digit, which aré energized to display the numerals 0 thru 9 are well known ;~
: .
in the display art field, no further explanation thereof will `
be provided herein to avoid prolixity. Segment 4 is used to represent ten hours on a zero two twelve hour digital display ':', ' -6- ~
, . .. .
~' ' , and segments Ml, M2 as a colon be-tween the uni-t hours digit 1 and the tens of minu-tes digit 2.
In accordance with the present invention, two and generally elongated segments X, Y are positioned between the tens of minutes digit 2 and the unit hours digit 1. The two added segments X and Y are longitudinally aligned wlth the top and bottom segment portions al, a2 and dl d2, respectively.
The two added segments X and Y are configured and positioned between the two digits 1 and 2 so that the alphabet characters which may be formed by the activation of selected segments have symmetrical segment positioning and size. For example, segment X is positioned with respect to the tens of minute digit 2 such that by selective activation of the segments X, f2, e2~ a2 the alphabet character T is displayed having substantially symmetrical top segment portions X and a2.
Similarly, by activation of segments bl, cl, Y~ e2~ f2' d2' C2 and b2 the letter W is displayed which has substantially symmetrical bottom segment portions Y and d2.
The following table is provided, in conjunction with Figs. 1 and 2, to concisely show the segments to be actuated ` for displaying particular alphabet characters, namely letters representative of the days of the week.
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¦ DAY SEGMENT ACTIVATED (see Figures 1 and 2) _ ~ .
M: bl, cl, x" f2, e2, a2, b2, c2 MONDAY
O: a3, b3, c:3, d3, e3, E3 TUESDAY T: x, f2, e2, a2 U: b3, c3, d3/ e3, f3 .
WEDNESDAY W: bl, cl, ~, e2, f2, d2, c2, b2 ; E: a3, f3, g3, e3, d3 . _ _ . ._ THU~SDAY T: x, f2, e2, a2 H: b3, c3, e3, f3, g3 . ..
FRIDAY F: a2, f2, g2, e2 . _ __ __ SATURDAY S: a2, f2, g2, c2, d2 A: a3, b3, c3, e3, f3, g3 ,.': . `~
SUNDAY S: a2, f2, g2, c2, d2 ~ -U: b3, c3, d3, e3, f3 '~ -The display of the present invention, which utilizes - two selectively energizable segments interpositioned between two digits, produces alphabet characters which are more - legible than those of the prior art, which have improved ; symmetry and positioning on the display and, therefore, ;
result in a generally more pleasing display.
; ::
` The second embodiment of the invention which is shown in Fig. 3 is similar to the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 in tha-t two discrete segments X, Y are positioned between the unit hours digit 1 and the tens of minute digit 2. However, this embodiment differs in that the conventional colon segments Ml, M2 shown in Fig. 1 are eliminated from the displa~ and the segments X, Y are used "c, ', ~, . .
. ~ , .
during the standard time display of hours and minutes as, for example, a flashing colon between the hours and minutes digits and during the display of the day of the week as segments of the alphabet character(s) respresentative thereof.
With reference to Fig. 4, another embodiment of the invention is shown. The added segments X10, Ylo in this embodiment ~unction in a similar manner to the segments X, Y
shown in Fig. 1, to form the letters illustrated in Fig. 2, with the exception that the segments X10, Ylo are positioned between the hour digits 1 and 4 and, therefore, the positioning of the letters on the display is changed with respect to the positioning of the letters that are formed by the segment pattern shown in Fig. 1.
Referring now to Fig. 1, another embodiment of the invention is shown which is similar to the one shown in FigO
4 in that the two added segments X10, Ylo, are positioned between the hour digits 1 and 4. However, this embodiment differs in that the conventional colon segments Ml, M2, shown in Figs. 1 and 4 are replaced by a stylized figure such as, -~ 20 for example, a generally U-shaped segment M which is utilized as a flashing colon during the standard hour and minutes time display and as the letter U in conjunction with the letter T (formed by selected segments of the hour digit 1 and the added segments X10, Ylo) to represent the day of the week -Tuesday. Thusl it is envisioned that the days of the week `
except for Tuesday, would he represented in accordance with this embodiment of the invention as a single letter presented by selected actuation of segments of the hour digits 1, 4 and segments X10, Ylo.
Reference will now be made to Fig. 6, in which is shown an exploded view of a display having a segment pattern in accordance with the invention. The lower substrate 20 .
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has conductive se~ment or coun-ter electrode elements 21 formed on the interior surace thereof connectable -to external driving circuitry, for example, via lead 22. The driving circuitry (no-t shown) generally consists o~ an oscillator which generates time standard frequency, a divider and a decoder-driver which drives the display~ This type of circuitry is shown in considerable detail in many sources.
Specific examples are Suppa U.S. Patent No. 3,953,964 patented May 4, 1976, and R. Gary Daniels U.S. Patent No. 3,754,392 patented August 28, 19730 It should be noted that, with appropriate modification, such modification being well-known, the circuitry is also appropriate for use with light-emitting diodes and electrochromic as well as liquid crystal displays.
Sandwiched between the upper 23 and lower 20 substrates is a gasket-like member 24. In the assembled state the space between the substrates formed by the gasket member 24 is filled either with a liquid crystal material when forming a liquid crystal display or an electrolyte when forming an ` electrochromic display. A light-emitting diode display would not require the lower substrate 20 or gasket-like member 24.
Since the details of the construction of liquid crystal, electrochromic and light-emitting diode displays are shown in considerable detail in many sources, exhaustive details thereof are omitted to avoid prolixity. Specific examples are Wiesner U.S. Patent 3,908,355 patented September 30, 1975, Zatsky U.S. Patent No. 3,950,078 patented April 13, 1976, Leibowitz U.S. Patent No. 3,944,333 patented March 16, 1976, Spence U.S. Patent No. 3,925,690 patented December 9, 1975 and Akiyama U.S. Patent No. 3,936,694 patented February 3, 1976.
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::-While there has been shown what is considered to bethe preferred embodiments of the invention, it is desired to secure in the appended claims all modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
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Claims (11)
IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An improved alpha-numeric electrooptical display device comprising at least one character formed on said device by three substantially horizontal and four substantially ver-tical discrete and elongated segments arranged essentially in a figure "8" for showing any single digit from 0 to 9; at least two elongated elements each aligned with a segment of said characters, said two elements are substantially equal in size and configuration as the upper and lower most horizontal segments forming said character and each being longitudinally aligned with one of said upper and lower horizontal elements; and elec-tric circuit means connected with said segments and said elements for selective actuation of same for forming letters of the al-phabet from segments of one of said characters and at least one of said elements and/or from at least one segment of each of said two characters and at least one of said elements and/or for forming any individual digit from 0 to 9 with each of said figure "8" characters.
2. An improved display device as in claim 1, wherein said display is a liquid crystal device.
3. An improved display device as in claim 1, wherein said display is an electrochromic device.
4. An improved display device as in claim 1, wherein said display is a light-emitting diode device.
5. An improved alpha-numeric electrooptical display device comprising at least a first character comprising separately actuatable vertical and horizontal elongated segments arranged essentially in a figure "8" for showing any single digit from 0 to 9; at least one horizontal element aligned with a top hori-zontal segment of said character; and whereby selective connec-tion of said segments and element to electric circuit means per-mits formation of the alphabetic character "T".
6. An improved display device as in Claim 5, wherein:
a second character is disposed on another side of said top horizontal element from the side said first character is disposed whereby selective actuation of said segments and element permits formation of a letter "M".
a second character is disposed on another side of said top horizontal element from the side said first character is disposed whereby selective actuation of said segments and element permits formation of a letter "M".
7. An improved display device as in claim 6, wherein:
at least a second horizontal element aligned with a bottom horizontal segment of said first character whereby selective actuation of said segments and said second horizontal element permits formation of a letter "W".
at least a second horizontal element aligned with a bottom horizontal segment of said first character whereby selective actuation of said segments and said second horizontal element permits formation of a letter "W".
8. An improved electrooptical display device having at least a first and second seven-segmented character each formed by a top, a right upper, a right lower, a left upper, a left lower, a middle and bottom segments arranged essentially in a conventional figure "8" for showing any single digit from 0 to 9 and electric circuitry connected with said segments for selective actuation of same, wherein the improvement comprises:
a first segment longitudinally aligned with said top segment and a second segment longitudinally aligned with said bottom segment of at least said first character, said first character segments and said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet.
a first segment longitudinally aligned with said top segment and a second segment longitudinally aligned with said bottom segment of at least said first character, said first character segments and said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet.
9. An improved display device as in claim 8, wherein:
said first and second segments are substantially equal in size and shape with said top and bottom segments respectively of said first and second characters and are disposed between said first and second seven-segmented characters, said first and second seven-segmented character segments and said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet
said first and second segments are substantially equal in size and shape with said top and bottom segments respectively of said first and second characters and are disposed between said first and second seven-segmented characters, said first and second seven-segmented character segments and said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet
10. An improved display device as in claim 8, wherein:
said first and second segments are substantially equal in size and shape with said top and bottom segments respectively of said first and second characters and are disposed between said first and second seven-segmented characters, said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming a colon indicia, and said first and second seven-segmented character segments and said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet.
said first and second segments are substantially equal in size and shape with said top and bottom segments respectively of said first and second characters and are disposed between said first and second seven-segmented characters, said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming a colon indicia, and said first and second seven-segmented character segments and said first and second segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet.
11. An improved display device as in claim 10, wherein:
said first and second segments are substantially equal in size and shape with said top and bottom segments respectively of said first and second characters and are disposed between said first and second seven-segmented characters, said first and second segments are juxtaposed to aleft side of said first character, and a third segment having a substantially letter U configuration is juxtaposed to a right side of said first character, said segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet.
said first and second segments are substantially equal in size and shape with said top and bottom segments respectively of said first and second characters and are disposed between said first and second seven-segmented characters, said first and second segments are juxtaposed to aleft side of said first character, and a third segment having a substantially letter U configuration is juxtaposed to a right side of said first character, said segments being selectively actuated by said circuitry for forming letters of the alphabet.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US71261476A | 1976-08-09 | 1976-08-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1080864A true CA1080864A (en) | 1980-07-01 |
Family
ID=24862862
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA274,686A Expired CA1080864A (en) | 1976-08-09 | 1977-03-24 | Segment pattern for alpha-numeric displays |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1080864A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1551864A (en) |
| HK (1) | HK2980A (en) |
-
1977
- 1977-03-24 CA CA274,686A patent/CA1080864A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-03-29 GB GB1321577A patent/GB1551864A/en not_active Expired
-
1980
- 1980-01-24 HK HK2980A patent/HK2980A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB1551864A (en) | 1979-09-05 |
| HK2980A (en) | 1980-02-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |