CA1090589A - Electronic timepiece with display switch operated by current flow through the skin - Google Patents
Electronic timepiece with display switch operated by current flow through the skinInfo
- Publication number
- CA1090589A CA1090589A CA265,372A CA265372A CA1090589A CA 1090589 A CA1090589 A CA 1090589A CA 265372 A CA265372 A CA 265372A CA 1090589 A CA1090589 A CA 1090589A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- display
- timepiece
- electronic timepiece
- skin
- electrodes
- 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
- G04—HOROLOGY
- G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
- G04G21/08—Touch switches specially adapted for time-pieces
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electric Clocks (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention provides an electronic time-piece having a pair of electrodes mounted on the crystal of a timepiece casing which control a switching circuit to energize the display when the electrodes are connected by contact with the skin of a wearer. The display may be either a light emitting diode (LED) or a liquid display crystal display (LCD).
The present invention provides an electronic time-piece having a pair of electrodes mounted on the crystal of a timepiece casing which control a switching circuit to energize the display when the electrodes are connected by contact with the skin of a wearer. The display may be either a light emitting diode (LED) or a liquid display crystal display (LCD).
Description
iO~0S~39 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an electronic timepiece or watch and, more particularly to a means to control the timepiece display portion.
Conventional electronic tirnepieces are not provided with an ON~OFF switch particularly and the electronic timepiece is switched on when the battery is mounted and, where a liquid crystal display is used, the display portion is constantly operated.
Light emitting diode (LED) timepieces are provided with a mechanical control switch to control the operation of the display portion.
In the conventional construction, however, since a liquid crystal timepiece is constantly displayed, the display operates even when the timepiece is not being used, i.e. when the time-piece is taken off or while sleeping at night.
Therefore electric power for operating the display is required even at night when a display is not necessary.
Moreover, since the control switch of a LED display time-piece is a mechanical push button type switch, operation and mslfunction of the button can cause trouble. For instance, if a user carries heavy loads with both hands, operating the button is inconvenient.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
This invention aims to provide an improved method to eliminate the above-mentioned difficulties and insufficiencies.
The object of the present invention is to provide a detecting portion mounted on the surface of a timepiece crystal to control a switching circuit which turns on the display of the timepiece.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided an --1-- L` `~
10~0~9 electronic timepiece wherein the construction and operation of the display avoids the use of a mechanical switch. Rather, when a part of the human body touches the timepiece glass surface, the display is switched on instantly. Therefore it is advantageous especially for LED display timepieces in which constant lighting is impossible because of the electric power consumption.
Furthermore, for LCD timepieces, the display circuit can be switched off at night time when the display is unnecessary, thereby reducing the electric power consumption.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical section showing an embodiment of an electronic timepiece according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing the switching circuit of Figure l; and Figure 3 is a vertical section showing another embodiment of an electronic timepiece.
DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an electronic timepiece having a switch to control the display portion.
Referring to Figure 1, reference numeral 1 is a trans-parent watch cover or crystal of a watch case 2. On an upper surface la of the glass crystal 1 are provided first and second electrode portions 3, 4 which are electrically insulated and physically separated from one another.
The electrode portions 3 and 4 are electrically conductive materials such as gold, chrome, or the like and are adhered to an upper portion la of the crystal 1. The electrode portion may be ~ormed by vapor deposition for example.
Each of the electrode portions 3 and 4 is connected to a circuit board 7 provided in the watch case 2 by lead wires 6 which pass through the crystal 1.
Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of a switching circuit according to the present invention. Reference numeral 8 is a power source; reference numeral 9 is a detecting portion consist-ing of the electrode portions 3 and 4 on the timepiece crystal 1.
The electrode portion 3 is connected to the plus side of the power source 8, and the other electrode portion 4 is connected to the base of a transistor 10. The emitter of the transistor 10 is connected to the other side of the battery 8.
The collector of the transistor 10 is connected to the plus side of the power source 3 through a resistance 11 and also connected to the timepiece display circuit 13 through an inverter 12.
Another embodiment of the electronic timepiece of the present invention is shown in Figure 3, wherein: reference numeral 1 is a timepiece crystal mounted on a timepiece case 2, and on an upper surface la thereof are provided a first and second electrode portions 3 and 4 as before.
The electrode portions 3 and 4 are provided in recessed concave portions lb and lc whereby the upper surface of the electrode portions 3 and 4 are coplanar with the upper surface of the timepiece crystal 1.
Each of the elctrode portions 3 and 4 is connected with a circuit board 7 provided in the timepiece case 2 by lead wires 6 which penetrate the timepiece crystal 1.
The operation of the electronic timepiece of the present invention is as follows. When a finger is placed on each of the electrodes 3 and 4, an electric current flows between the elec-trodes and through the base of the transistor 10, the resistor 30 14 repre~onting the resistance of the hand. Then the tr~n8istor S~9 10 is switched on and the electric potential of the collector of the transistor 10, which is the input signal of the inverter 12, is changed from a high level to a low level, and the output signal of the inverter 12 is changed from a low level to a high S level. The high level output of the inverter 12 turns on the time display circuit 13, and the time is displayed.
Accordingly, if the display circuit of a liquid crystal display (LCD) timepiece, for example, is designed to be switched on when a first high level is continuously fed to the display circuit and switched off when a second high level signal is fed to the display circuit, the display of the timepiece can be operated only when it is necessary.
Furthermore, if the display circuit of the light emitting diode (LED) timepiece is designed to be switched on for a short fixed period when a high level is fed as an input signal to the display circuit, the display can be operated only when it is necessary.
This invention relates to an electronic timepiece or watch and, more particularly to a means to control the timepiece display portion.
Conventional electronic tirnepieces are not provided with an ON~OFF switch particularly and the electronic timepiece is switched on when the battery is mounted and, where a liquid crystal display is used, the display portion is constantly operated.
Light emitting diode (LED) timepieces are provided with a mechanical control switch to control the operation of the display portion.
In the conventional construction, however, since a liquid crystal timepiece is constantly displayed, the display operates even when the timepiece is not being used, i.e. when the time-piece is taken off or while sleeping at night.
Therefore electric power for operating the display is required even at night when a display is not necessary.
Moreover, since the control switch of a LED display time-piece is a mechanical push button type switch, operation and mslfunction of the button can cause trouble. For instance, if a user carries heavy loads with both hands, operating the button is inconvenient.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
This invention aims to provide an improved method to eliminate the above-mentioned difficulties and insufficiencies.
The object of the present invention is to provide a detecting portion mounted on the surface of a timepiece crystal to control a switching circuit which turns on the display of the timepiece.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided an --1-- L` `~
10~0~9 electronic timepiece wherein the construction and operation of the display avoids the use of a mechanical switch. Rather, when a part of the human body touches the timepiece glass surface, the display is switched on instantly. Therefore it is advantageous especially for LED display timepieces in which constant lighting is impossible because of the electric power consumption.
Furthermore, for LCD timepieces, the display circuit can be switched off at night time when the display is unnecessary, thereby reducing the electric power consumption.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical section showing an embodiment of an electronic timepiece according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing the switching circuit of Figure l; and Figure 3 is a vertical section showing another embodiment of an electronic timepiece.
DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an electronic timepiece having a switch to control the display portion.
Referring to Figure 1, reference numeral 1 is a trans-parent watch cover or crystal of a watch case 2. On an upper surface la of the glass crystal 1 are provided first and second electrode portions 3, 4 which are electrically insulated and physically separated from one another.
The electrode portions 3 and 4 are electrically conductive materials such as gold, chrome, or the like and are adhered to an upper portion la of the crystal 1. The electrode portion may be ~ormed by vapor deposition for example.
Each of the electrode portions 3 and 4 is connected to a circuit board 7 provided in the watch case 2 by lead wires 6 which pass through the crystal 1.
Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of a switching circuit according to the present invention. Reference numeral 8 is a power source; reference numeral 9 is a detecting portion consist-ing of the electrode portions 3 and 4 on the timepiece crystal 1.
The electrode portion 3 is connected to the plus side of the power source 8, and the other electrode portion 4 is connected to the base of a transistor 10. The emitter of the transistor 10 is connected to the other side of the battery 8.
The collector of the transistor 10 is connected to the plus side of the power source 3 through a resistance 11 and also connected to the timepiece display circuit 13 through an inverter 12.
Another embodiment of the electronic timepiece of the present invention is shown in Figure 3, wherein: reference numeral 1 is a timepiece crystal mounted on a timepiece case 2, and on an upper surface la thereof are provided a first and second electrode portions 3 and 4 as before.
The electrode portions 3 and 4 are provided in recessed concave portions lb and lc whereby the upper surface of the electrode portions 3 and 4 are coplanar with the upper surface of the timepiece crystal 1.
Each of the elctrode portions 3 and 4 is connected with a circuit board 7 provided in the timepiece case 2 by lead wires 6 which penetrate the timepiece crystal 1.
The operation of the electronic timepiece of the present invention is as follows. When a finger is placed on each of the electrodes 3 and 4, an electric current flows between the elec-trodes and through the base of the transistor 10, the resistor 30 14 repre~onting the resistance of the hand. Then the tr~n8istor S~9 10 is switched on and the electric potential of the collector of the transistor 10, which is the input signal of the inverter 12, is changed from a high level to a low level, and the output signal of the inverter 12 is changed from a low level to a high S level. The high level output of the inverter 12 turns on the time display circuit 13, and the time is displayed.
Accordingly, if the display circuit of a liquid crystal display (LCD) timepiece, for example, is designed to be switched on when a first high level is continuously fed to the display circuit and switched off when a second high level signal is fed to the display circuit, the display of the timepiece can be operated only when it is necessary.
Furthermore, if the display circuit of the light emitting diode (LED) timepiece is designed to be switched on for a short fixed period when a high level is fed as an input signal to the display circuit, the display can be operated only when it is necessary.
Claims (4)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An electronic timepiece having a display portion operation of which is controlled by an electrical switch comprising two spaced apart electrodes which are insulated from each other but are adapted to be electrically connected together on being simultaneously contacted by the body of a user of the timepiece, both electrodes being mounted on the exterior of the timepiece, the latter having a glass crystal provided with at least one said electrode.
2. An electronic timepiece as claimed in claim 1 in which the electrodes are formed of electrically conductive material which has been evaporated onto the glass.
3. An electronic timepiece as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the electrodes are provided on the top of the outer surface of the glass.
4. An electronic timepiece as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which each electrode is mounted in a recess provided in the glass.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP135563/75 | 1975-11-11 | ||
| JP50135563A JPS5258965A (en) | 1975-11-11 | 1975-11-11 | Electronic watch |
| JP50135561A JPS5258963A (en) | 1975-11-11 | 1975-11-11 | Electronic watch |
| JP135561/75 | 1975-11-11 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1090589A true CA1090589A (en) | 1980-12-02 |
Family
ID=26469390
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA265,372A Expired CA1090589A (en) | 1975-11-11 | 1976-11-10 | Electronic timepiece with display switch operated by current flow through the skin |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| BR (1) | BR7607514A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1090589A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2650707A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2331831A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1528423A (en) |
| HK (1) | HK88979A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH643978B (en) * | 1980-03-07 | Suisse Horlogerie | STATIC SENSOR FOR WATCH PART. |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3742699A (en) * | 1972-01-14 | 1973-07-03 | Hmw Industries | Solid state watch display switch |
| JPS4893868A (en) * | 1972-03-17 | 1973-12-04 | ||
| JPS5531912B2 (en) * | 1973-04-19 | 1980-08-21 | ||
| DE2429193A1 (en) * | 1973-07-18 | 1975-02-06 | Andre Vogt | Electronic watch time display - employing electroluminescent diodes with bistable circuit controlling diode energisation |
-
1976
- 1976-11-05 DE DE19762650707 patent/DE2650707A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1976-11-09 FR FR7633743A patent/FR2331831A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1976-11-10 CA CA265,372A patent/CA1090589A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-11-10 BR BR7607514A patent/BR7607514A/en unknown
- 1976-11-10 GB GB4680376A patent/GB1528423A/en not_active Expired
-
1979
- 1979-12-27 HK HK88979A patent/HK88979A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2650707A1 (en) | 1977-05-18 |
| BR7607514A (en) | 1977-09-20 |
| HK88979A (en) | 1980-01-04 |
| FR2331831A1 (en) | 1977-06-10 |
| GB1528423A (en) | 1978-10-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |