EP2420903B1 - Electronic watch with optoelectronic display elements - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an electronic clock with a display device containing twelve optoelectronic display units, each display unit includes lighting means for forming a visually distinguishable from the other display units light source, and the bulbs are arranged at intervals about a central point at locations corresponding to twelve hour marks, for displaying the hours and minutes, and further comprising a microprocessor with an electronic control device for controlling the individual display units. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for time display in an electronic clock.

STATE OF THE ART

Electronic clocks with opto-electronic display elements, which represent the time similar to an analog clock on a time-marker shown on a circle for hours and minutes, are known from the prior art in and of itself. Optoelectronic display elements include all those optical display means in which the conversion of electrical energy into visible light for time display based on the electronic semiconductor technology.

The DE 2 402 596 for example, suggests using two rings of light-emitting cells with 60 such cells in each ring to indicate the hours and minutes. The inner ring serves to display the minutes and the outer one Ring in addition to the display of the hours. The high number of such cells makes the display device appear overly overloaded. Further, such a high number of cells significantly restricts other ways of representing time outside of the conventional dial display.

The US 3,145,526 also proposes to use two rings of light-emitting diodes with twelve diodes in each ring. The inner ring is used to display the hours and the outer ring to display the minutes in 5-minute intervals. The total number of display elements is thus only 24, which is of course considerably less than the previously described rings with 60 cells each. However, the representation of the time is quite static and therefore visually less appealing.

The US 3,841,082 Proposes to use four binary coded display elements for the hours, four binary coded display elements for the 5-minute intervals and four display elements for the one-minute intervals. This reduces the total number of display elements to twelve. However, the user has to translate the binary-coded display into hours and 5-minute intervals, which of course makes the comprehensibility difficult.

The CH 613 599 again describes a clock with an analog display device with twelve optoelectronic display elements. The hour is displayed by each one of the display elements for displaying the hour is caused to produce an optical radiation of predetermined type. The minute is displayed by each causing one of the display elements to be colored by selection and modulation means to produce an optical emission that is intensity-modulated in one of five different ways. The position of this latter display element roughly indicates the number of minutes in five-minute intervals, and the modulation mode indicates the individual minutes in the respective five-minute interval. In this way, an analog display with only twelve display elements is generated. However, the representation of the minute intervals is optically not very appealing, since a maximum of two display elements are active for displaying the hours and minutes, while the remaining eleven display elements remain passive.

The US 2006/0262654 A1 describes a clock with twelve, evenly arranged in a circle and spaced from each other optical display units. Each visual display unit is assigned one full hour. Each optical display contains three LED displays in red, green and blue. The full hours are indicated by the twelve optical display units in red, the minutes in green and the seconds in blue.

The FR 2 838 838 A1describes a clock with LED indicators to indicate the time. To display the hours and minutes, the LED displays can take on different colors.

The US 5,694,376 A. and EP 2 149 074 A1 describe a clock with a large number of LED displays in a circle to show the time.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an electronic clock and a method for operating an electronic clock of the type mentioned, which works with only twelve display units and yet is able to represent the time visually appealing and easily memorable. The timepiece according to the invention should not only be capable of displaying the time in the aforementioned manner, but should also be able to attract the attention of the public by means of the method according to the invention for displaying time.

The object is solved by the features of independent claims 1 and 11. The dependent claims represent preferred developments of the invention. Features of the method claims are mutatis mutandis with the device claims combined and vice versa.

The light sources of the twelve display units which form the light sources are expediently arranged around a central point and form a self-contained geometric arrangement. The bulbs can z. In the form of a circle, an oval, or any polygonal structure, such as rectangle, square, hexagon, or octagon, about this central point. The geometric arrangement preferably forms one or more axes of symmetry, which advantageously lead through this central point. The light source is z. B. punctiform.

The display units or their lighting means are designed such that they are able to emit light in at least two different colors and / or intensities, wherein the corresponding color or intensity is switched via the control device. The lighting means preferably each comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LED).

Under LED (Light Emitting Diode) also called light-emitting diode or luminescent diode is to be understood as an electronic semiconductor device. If current flows through the diode in the forward direction, it emits light, with a wavelength dependent on the semiconductor material and the doping.

Thus, the lamps may each comprise a plurality of different-colored light-emitting LEDs, wherein the corresponding LED or LED's are switched via the control unit, depending on the color to be generated. For this purpose, the LEDs of a luminous means are preferably integrated spatially close to one another in one component. The light sources particularly preferably include RGB LEDs of the known design. However, there are also bi or tricolor LED's possible. By the term "colored" in connection with the light generated by the display units, by definition, white light should also be used.

1. i. Dauer der Lichtemission (z. B. konstant, in einer bestimmten Frequenz, impulsartig)
2. ii. Farbe des Lichtes (z. B. grün, blau, rot, weiss)
3. iii. Intensität der Lichtemission (z. B. in Abhängigkeit vom Umgebungslicht oder des Anzeigemodus)

The control device contains corresponding control means via which the light emission of the display units is controlled or switched. The following parameters of the light emission can be controlled via the control device:

1. i. Duration of light emission (eg constant, in a certain frequency, pulse-like)
2. ii. Color of the light (eg green, blue, red, white)
3. iii. Intensity of the light emission (eg depending on the ambient light or the display mode)

Furthermore, the lighting means of the individual display units can be controlled or switched in a coordinated manner with each other via the control device, as indicated below.

The controller includes corresponding control means for displaying the hours and minutes. The control means may comprise hardware and / or software components. The controller includes control means for displaying the hours, displaying 5-minute intervals, and displaying the minutes between the 5-minute intervals. These minutes are usually the elapsed minutes. On the other hand, the minutes remaining until the next 5-minute interval can be displayed. The display of the hours, the 5-minute intervals and the individual minutes can be done by first, second and third control means.

The control means are adapted to represent the hours on the corresponding display unit, which corresponds to their position in the arrangement of the current hour, by continuously or cyclically emitting light in a first color and / or intensity. This color can z. B. be red. Cyclic emission of light means a temporary light emission, which is repeated on a case by case basis, e.g. B. in a certain frequency. This can be z. B in the form of a flashing.

Furthermore, the control means are adapted to represent the 5-minute intervals on the corresponding display unit, which corresponds to the current 5-minute interval due to their position in the arrangement, by means of continuous or cyclic light emission in a second color and / or intensity.

Furthermore, the control means are arranged to cycle through the current number of minutes between two 5-minute intervals, whether already elapsed or minutes remaining until the next 5-minute interval Light emissions by one or more, and preferably all display of the respective 5-minute interval indicating display unit display units. A complete display cycle corresponds to the display of a single minute. Accordingly, the number of display cycles in a row is equal to the number of elapsed or remaining minutes between two 5-minute intervals. The display of the individual minutes preferably takes place in the same color and / or intensity as the 5-minute interval display. In contrast to the prior art, the display units not involved in the display of the current hour and the current 5-minute interval in the present invention are used to display the individual timed minutes between the 5-minute intervals.

The minute display, ie a minute display cycle, can be realized by different display modes. According to a particularly preferred display mode, the individual minutes are generated by a clockwise or anticlockwise circulating light sequence starting from the displayed 5-minute interval, which concludes a display cycle when the starting point, namely the displayed 5-minute interval, is reached , In this context, if the light sequence and light emission is the language, this is to be understood as the light emission in a specific color and / or intensity, namely the display color or light intensity for the minutes. The light sequence can be, for example, in the form of a circulating light spot with start and finish at the displayed 5-minute interval. In this case, the display units are controlled to be synchronized with each other by exciting, from the display unit indicating the 5-minute interval, the bulbs of the next display unit for light emission in a certain color and / or intensity while the light emission of the preceding display unit is in that particular color and / or intensity is reset immediately or after a delay of excitation of the lighting means of the subsequent display unit. If the light emission of the previous display unit in this set color and / or light intensity in each case immediately, so the light sequence appears as a circumferential point. If the light emission of the preceding display unit (s) is set delayed in time after excitation of the lighting means of the subsequent display unit, then a circulating light band of a specific length is generated as a function of the time delay. It can also be provided that the preceding display units continue to emit light of this specific color and / or intensity until the end of the display cycle and adjust the emission of light in this color and / or intensity jointly or sequentially only after completion of the display cycle. It can also be provided that one display unit after the other in the same order in which they have been stimulated to emit the light in that particular color and / or intensity, or in reverse order, the emission of light in that particular color and / or intensity. Variations and modifications of the described display modes are also conceivable. However, the display modes have in common that a circulating light sequence is generated.

To display one minute, one display cycle is now played, two minutes to display two, three minutes to display three, and four minutes to display four consecutive display cycles.

The presentation of the display cycles for the minutes, the 5-minute intervals and the hours can therefore be done on the one hand by different colors and on the other hand also exclusively by different light intensities. Furthermore, a combination between different colors and light intensities is possible.

Between the individual display cycles, a pause of the time length T1 is preferably provided, during which no display cycle is played. In this way, the viewing cycles are individual to the viewer completed display cycles perceptible. However, the display of the 5-minute interval is preferably active during the pause T1 so as to ensure that in addition to displaying the hours and the individual minutes, the 5-minute intervals are also clearly perceptible. The repetition of the display cycle for displaying the current number of minutes between the 5-minute intervals is called the display cycle sequence. Within a minute, for which the same display cycle sequence applies, several such display cycle sequences can be reproduced.

Between the individual display cycle sequences, a pause of the time length T2 is preferably provided, during which no display cycle sequence is played back. During this time, the display of the 5-minute interval is preferably active, thus ensuring that in addition to the display of the hours and the individual minutes, the 5-minute intervals are clearly perceptible. The pause T2 is preferably longer than the optional pause T1 or lasts for so long that the viewer can perceive a display cycle sequence as a single unit and distinguish it from individual sequentially following display cycles within a display cycle sequence. For a display cycle sequence including breaks T1 and T2, z. B. a time interval of 1 to 10 seconds, preferably 2 to 6 seconds and in particular from 3 to 5 seconds be provided. A display cycle sequence, regardless of the number of minutes to be displayed always the same time interval S1 of z. B. be assigned 4 seconds. After the expiration of the said sequence, the pause T2 is inserted until the end of this time interval S1 before the next sequence begins. This means that the pauses T2 are longer when displaying one minute than when displaying four minutes. Within a minute, ie until the next change of minutes, several such sequences can be played as long as the time from 60 seconds to the minute change is sufficient. However, it can also be provided that only a single sequence is executed within a minute.

The display unit displaying the corresponding 5-minute interval may also be included in the display cycle. In this case, the display unit is part of the aforementioned display cycle and is controlled accordingly by the control means by activating and deactivating the light sources for emitting light in said display color and / or intensity. But even in this case, the 5-minute interval is preferably displayed at least in the break T1 and T2 in particular. In the other case, the display unit, which indicates the 5-minute interval, does not participate in the mentioned display cycle and emits z. B. continuously or cyclically light of the second color and / or intensity.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is on the control means, for. By means of fourth control means, simulating a dial, by some, preferably all of the non-display of hours, 5-minute intervals, and minutes already for emitting light in a first and second color and / or intensity activated display units for continuous or cyclically emitting light of a third color and / or intensity. In this way, the arrangement of the light sources is constantly visible and gives the viewer an orientation aid for reading the time. The said third color can z. B. be blue. When the display of hours and 5-minute intervals coincide, either a fourth color and / or intensity, e.g. a mixed color, such as yellow, be generated or the display unit in question alternately switches from the first to the second color and back.

In one development of the invention, the electronic clock has one or more interfaces for the transmission of data or data signals, ie for receiving and / or transmitting data or data signals from other electronic devices, in particular from other similar electronic clocks. The interface contains corresponding means for receiving and / or sending of data signals. This is preferably done wirelessly, z. B. by means of optical data transmission. So z. B. means may be provided which the mutual synchronization of clocks of the same type, z. B. allow by optical signal transmission. In this way, people can synchronize their watches with each other.

For receiving optical data signals, the electronic clock preferably includes an optical receiving unit, e.g. As a phototransistor or a photodiode. For this purpose, the receiving unit contains an electronic module for receiving and processing the optical data signals. Furthermore, an optical transmission unit for transmitting optical data signals is also preferably provided. The optical transmitting unit can be an additional light source, for. As a white LED, include in the clock or be formed by one or more of the display units themselves. In this case, the transmitting unit contains corresponding electronic means for preparing and transmitting the optical data signals via the lighting means of the at least one display unit and / or via an additional optical transmitting unit.

The data signals can z. B. contain the information of the current time for the purpose of synchronization of the clocks. Preferably, further settings can be made on the clock via the said interface in addition to the time. This can be z. For example, the color dial for the dial, the hour display, the 5-minute interval display, or the individual minutes. Furthermore, it is also preferable to program an individual display mode for the display cycle of the minute display. Furthermore, the position of the 12 o'clock display can be freely programmed in this way, depending on the type of support or installation of the clock. Furthermore, time-dependent color settings or light intensities for the time and dial display can also be selected. If the clock's microprocessor contains a date function, even date-dependent, eg. B. day-dependent, color and / or light intensity settings for the Time and / or dial representation can be selected. It is further preferably provided that the microprocessor or the associated time measuring device of the clock recorded in addition to hours and minutes and seconds, which are expediently not displayed. Thanks to the detection of the seconds, the watches, even if they have only one minute display, can be optimally synchronized with each other.

All of these program content can be read via the interface described from clock to clock or from a mobile data storage such. B. a USB stick with optical transmitting unit (eg., An LED), are transmitted to the clock.

Preferably, the clock or its receiving electronics is designed so that these data signals via the optical display unit, for. As a screen or an LED display, an electronic device such as computer, laptop, netbook, mobile phone (eg iPhone), electronic agenda and organizer (eg Blackberry), navigation device, etc .. The optical display unit serves as a transmitting unit, which optical data signals z. B. in the form of light pulses in a certain frequency. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the data signals are transmitted via the playback of a video clip to the clock or to its optical receiving unit. The data is in the video clip z. B. as a kind of light pulses generating image sequence. So z. B. the transmission of the data signals by means of video playback over a sequence of dark and light images, in particular of black and white "images" done in a defined speed, which has the effect similar to a stroboscope. For this type of signal transmission corresponding electronic devices, such as cameras, computers, mobile phones are used, which are suitable to play videos. The videos with the corresponding program content or control data, for example, on Internet video portals such. B. YouTube, from where they then played by an arbitrarily large group of people for the purpose of adopting program content or control data on the clock can be. The clock needs to be held with their optical receiving unit only in front of the current video.

Although the transmission speeds are limited according to this technique, the data volume of the program contents or control data to be transmitted, such as time, date, color settings, light intensity settings, display cycles, etc., is not too large, so that the transmission time is nevertheless limited. Namely, the present data transmission mode is preferably adapted to transmit only control data for setting the time, date, display color and / or intensity, or display cycles, similar to the known MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) data transmission protocol.

It is also possible to transmit the program contents from a computer or a device connected to it, which preferably has an optical transmitting and / or receiving unit. A mobile data storage expediently contains an optical transmitting device, for. B. in the form of a built-in (white) LED. The mobile data storage can, for. B. a driver for PC or MAC computer included. The mobile data storage is wired or wirelessly connected to a computer, via this connection program content such. As time, date, color and / or light intensity settings, display cycles, can be loaded from the computer to the mobile data storage. The clock is therefore preferably directly or indirectly configurable via a computer. Program contents, such as color representations or display cycles, can be programmed in the computer via appropriate software, such as: For example, the time, date, and other program content can be transferred directly or indirectly to the clock via the mobile data store. Furthermore, computer-executable software may also be provided for creating the described video clips.

The phototransistor or the photodiode can also be used for brightness control of the display, z. B. depending on the ambient light. The optical interface with phototransistor or photodiode and optical transmitter can, for. B. in a wavelength range from the near infrared to the visible light or ultraviolet work. The interface preferably works in the visible light range. The clock may also have for energy-efficient handling of the battery power management means, which z. B. can be implemented on the microprocessor. The energy management can z. B. a brightness regulation of the bulbs based on the ambient light or a rest or sleep mode include. Furthermore, the clock can also have an integrated, z. B. integrated on the board support accumulator, which ensures that when the battery is empty or during a battery change, the basic settings, such as time, date, color program, etc. remain.

Thanks to the interface described, the free programmability of the clock is achieved, whereby the clock itself no controls, such as adjusting wheels, knobs or plug connections for connecting external devices, such as computer or USB stick, are necessary. Thus, the design of the clock is less influenced by technically necessary design elements. Furthermore, since the power supply is expediently via battery operation with replaceable battery or via a battery operation with externally rechargeable battery, no plug connections, z. B. for the power supply, necessary. By dispensing with controls and plug-in connections can be made in a relatively cost-effective manner, a waterproof and very robust watch, which is also suitable for diving with appropriate design.

In a development of the clock according to the invention, the display units are arranged around the central point as a time marker in the form of a rectangle or square, wherein the axes of symmetry run through the central point. Further is at the central point an additional 13th display unit with a light source, preferably arranged analogously to the light source of the time marker. The 13th display unit, along with the other twelve display units, serves to display individual letters. The arrangement of the 13 display units allows the representation of all letters. So can be displayed by the display units in addition to the time and individual letters or texts, the presentation of the texts is done by sequentially displaying a letter sequence.

The clock according to the invention can be carried out in a practically arbitrary manner. You can z. B. in the embodiment of a wristwatch, a pocket watch, a wall clock, a table clock, a clock clips, a finger ring, an ear tag, a bracelet or an external clock. The clock can z. B. be integrated into a facade or wall. Furthermore, the clock can also be designed in the form of a light installation. The clock can z. B. be a light installation on the outer shell of a building with a plurality of windows or window units or behind the window units in the building itself, each with a display unit is integrated into a window unit or a space behind it. The light sources are arranged in the region of the window unit or behind it so that it illuminates the said window unit or its frame in the corresponding color or intensity. The light means z. B. be integrated in a frame arrangement of the window unit or in the window itself. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the illumination of the window unit is generated by the room light itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figur 1:

eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Uhr;

Figur 2:

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Uhr;

Figur 3a:

eine Querschnittsansicht durch die Uhr gemäss Figur 2 entlang der Linie A-A;

Figur 3b:

die Uhr gemäss Figur 3a in Explosionsdarstellung;

Figur 3c:

eine Draufsicht des Grundelementes;

Figur 4:

eine dritte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Uhr;

Figur 5:

eine vierte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Uhr.

In the following, the subject invention will be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each show schematically:

FIG. 1:

a first embodiment of a clock according to the invention;

FIG. 2:

a second embodiment of a clock according to the invention;

FIG. 3a:

a cross-sectional view through the clock according FIG. 2 along the line AA;

FIG. 3b:

the clock according to FIG. 3a in exploded view;

FIG. 3c:

a plan view of the base element;

FIG. 4:

a third embodiment of a clock according to the invention;

FIG. 5:

A fourth embodiment of a clock according to the invention.

The reference numerals used in the drawings and their meaning are listed in the list of reference numerals. Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

The electronic clock 1 according to FIG. 1 contains a display device with twelve display units, each comprising a light source 2.1-2.12 in the execution of light-emitting diodes (LED's) as hour markers. The bulbs 2.1-2.12 each form a light source and are arranged in a classical manner circular and at regular intervals about a central point 3, here the circle center, similar to the hour designations in a conventional analog clock. The illuminant 2.12 here corresponds to the display 12 o'clock, the illuminant 2.1 of the display 1 o'clock, etc.

In order to display the dial, the bulbs 2.1, 2.3-2.5, 2.7-2.12 not activated to indicate the hours and minutes light continuously or cyclically in a third color different from the hour and minute display, e.g. B. in blue. To display the hour, the corresponding display unit, which represents the hour to be displayed, is controlled by the control device so that the light source 2.6, preferably continuously, shines in a first color. This can be z. B. be red. To display the 5-minute intervals, the corresponding display unit, which represents the 5-minute interval to be displayed, so controlled by the control device that the lighting means 2.2, preferably continuously, in a second color lights. This can be z. B. be green. In the FIG. 1 is z. For example, the time is 6:13 clock. Accordingly, the illuminant 2.6 of the display unit, which represents 6 o'clock, shines in red and thus indicates 6 o'clock. Furthermore, the illuminant 2.2 of the display unit, which on the one hand displays 2 o'clock and on the other hand 10 minutes (corresponds to two 5-minute intervals), shines in the color of the display for the 5-minute interval, here in green. The current number of elapsed minutes between two 5-minute intervals is represented by a sequence of display cycles in the formation of a light spot or light band circulating in a circle in a clockwise direction in accordance with the arrangement of the lamps 2.1-2.12. The circulating light point or the circumferential light band is generated by a correspondingly sequential control of the light sources 2.1-2.12 of the display units, as described above. A single revolution, starting from the display of the current 5-minute interval, represents one minute. To display the additional 3 minutes, the sequence of the display cycle is repeated three times, preferably with a short interruption between every two rounds, so that the viewer can count the number of minutes. The sequence of three display cycles is repeated until the next minute change as often as possible within one minute, wherein between the display cycle sequences, as described above, a break of appropriate length is inserted so that the viewer the individual sequences of each other can differentiate. During the subsequent change of minutes, a sequence consisting of four consecutively following display cycles is generated by the control device, and thus the time 6:14 is displayed. When the next 5-minute interval (6:15) is reached, only the corresponding 15-minute (3 o'clock) indicator lights up, as there are no more minutes to display. Thanks to the described display cycles for individual minutes, can be dispensed with further lamps for the minute display, which increases the freedom of design, is energy-efficient and has a positive effect on the production costs. Furthermore, the implementation of said display cycles, in addition to a time display function, also has an aesthetic effect in that said sequences of display cycles counteract the static appearance of a time display. The watch according to the invention therefore combines technical and aesthetic functions in one.

The FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the inventive clock 11, which works the same as the below FIG. 1 describes clock, why not all features are repeated at this point. The bulbs 12.1-12.12 are here in contrast to FIG. 1 arranged in a rectangle about a central point 13. Present clock indicates the time 19:22. Accordingly, the display unit, which represents 7 o'clock, lights up in red. The display unit, which stands for 4 o'clock, lights up in green and shows 20 minutes. The remaining two minutes, which can not be represented in the drawing, are represented by a sequence of two display cycles of the type described above. The clock according to FIG. 2 further includes a phototransistor 14 capable of receiving optical data signals radiated by a similar clock or other electronic device. The optical data signals are converted, for example, into electrical currents and forwarded to a microprocessor for further processing. Of course, the embodiment according to FIG. 1 have a corresponding phototransistor 14.

There may be the impression that the viewer must actively count the individual display cycles to consciously perceive the minutes between the 5-minute intervals by looking at the clock for longer, which of course is correspondingly cumbersome. It has been found, however, that after a short acclimation time, the minutes displayed by a sequence of display cycles are automatically perceived by the viewer without consciously counting the individual display cycles of a sequence. This especially if a Display cycle within a short period of time of z. B. one tenth of a second to two seconds, preferably up to one second takes place and lying between the display cycles pauses are not too large, z. B also less than 2 seconds, especially less than 1 second.

In the FIGS. 3a to 3c is the mechanical structure of an inventive clock 11 according to the embodiment according to FIG. 2 shown. The clock 11 includes a base member 33 which has a recess for receiving a battery 34, for. B. a button cell contains. Furthermore, the clock 11 contains a functional unit 30 arranged above the base element 33. The functional unit 30 in turn comprises a first carrier element 31, which has a transparent cover 36, for example a transparent cover 36. B. glass or plastic, receives, as well as a second, the base member 33 facing support member 32, and arranged between the first and second support member 31, 32 electronic unit 35, comprising a board with integrated display units with bulbs 12.3 in the form of LEDs, as well as with microprocessor, memory module and corresponding tracks. The base element 33 and the functional unit 30 are connected to each other via a reclosable bayonet closure 37. The closure means on the functional unit 30 are integrated in the second carrier element 32. The connection between the base element 33 and the functional unit 30, as well as between the first and second support element 31, 32, is sealed with corresponding sealing means, such as sealing rings, against ingress of liquid. Basically, only the connection between the base member 33 and the functional unit 30 must be solved from time to time to change the battery or to remove the battery for recharging desselbigen from the user of the clock. The sealing of this connection is relatively easy and inexpensive. In addition, the robust bayonet closure exerts an optimal closing force on the seal. The functional unit 30 itself must at most by a specialist for the purpose of performing repair or maintenance work on the clock, such as. B. for replacing the applied on the board support battery or LED's are opened.

The base member 33 and the first and second support member 31, 32 may be made of metal, in particular steel or plastic.

Since any accumulator used for charging each taken from the battery and charged by an external charger or because replaceable batteries are used and there also the data transmission, eg. B. for setting the clock or for transmitting program functions, done exclusively via an optical interface, no plug connections or dials or knobs or the like are available on the clock.

The clock 33 further includes on all four sides recesses 38, in particular cutouts for attaching a bracelet or other support element, such as collar. However, these are not mandatory feature of the present embodiment.

The third embodiment according to FIG. 4 shows a clock 51 of seven juxtaposed, vertically aligned rods or columns 55.1-55.7, in which the bulbs, ie LEDs 52.1-52.12 of the display units are integrated. The bulbs 52.1-52.12 are mounted on the rods or columns 55.1-55.7 and the rods or columns 55.1-55.7 are arranged relative to each other such that the bulbs 52.1-52.12 guided around a central point 53 arrangement according to the hour marker of Watch have. The display units for the pairings 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock; 7 o'clock and 11 o'clock; 8 o'clock and 10 o'clock; 1 o'clock and 5 o'clock as well as 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock are each arranged on a common bar or column at a corresponding vertical distance. The principle of the time display is analogous to the first and second embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2 , which is why a repetition of the corresponding features is omitted here.

The fourth embodiment according to the FIG. 5 showed a clock 61, which is formed by the illumination of individual window units 65 of a multi-storey building 64. For the training of the clock so the existing building infrastructure is used. The display units, which are to represent the twelve hour markers of a clock, are thus formed by individual window units 65, wherein a window unit 65 is delimited by a frame arrangement with respect to adjacent window units 65. The lighting means 62.1-62.12 of the display units now illuminate this window unit 65. The light sources 62.1-62.12, z. B. LEDs, can be arranged on the outer shell of the building in the frame of the frame assembly of the corresponding window units 65 and be embedded in the frame assembly. The lighting means 62.1-62.12 can also be embedded in the window pane itself. If each window unit is assigned a closed room in the building, then the lighting means 62.1-62.12 can also be formed by the room lighting itself.

To display the hourly display on the exterior of the building, window units are now deliberately illuminated around a central point. In general, the "dial" formed in this way is rectangular or square analogous to the representation of the second embodiment. Since the individual window units, unlike the first two preceding embodiments, are not recognizable from the ground up as display units, ie it is not apparent which window units serve as hour markers of the display units, in the present embodiment also the non-time displaying units are used to represent the display units "Dial" lit accordingly. The display of the dial, the hour and the minutes or the 5-minute intervals is done via different colors and / or intensities of light. Between two display units is at least one window unit, which is not illuminated in the color or intensity of the display units, or preferably not illuminated at all. Basically, the window units, which are not part of the dial, do not necessarily have to be completely darkened. You can certainly be lit, z. B. if a space arranged behind it still needs to be lit. However, it must be ensured that the dial or time display differs sufficiently in terms of color and / or intensity from the other window units. The principle of the time display is analogous to the first, second and third embodiment variant, which is why a repetition of the corresponding features is dispensed with at this point.

Be additional bulbs attached to illuminate the window units, z. B. in the context, so they can be connected directly via the existing house installation. As a rule, there is sufficient wiring in modern buildings for electrical installations, which is usually performed by a central control. Thus, the clock can be controlled in the rule without much additional effort on the existing home automation. The corresponding control only needs to be programmed accordingly.

In addition to the embodiments shown innumerable other variants are conceivable which z. B. can be realized in the form of art objects. The inventive display principle for the time opens up an almost unlimited range of applications for the clock. So z. As well as natural or artificial stones serve as a base for the clock, in the surfaces of the bulbs of the display units, z. B. LEDs, are embedded.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

electronic clock

2.1-2.12

LED's for time display

3

central point

11

electronic clock

12.1-12.12

LED's for time display

13

central point

14

phototransistor

30

functional unit

31

first carrier element

32

second carrier element

33

base element

34

battery

35

electronics package

36

transparent protective cover

37

Bayonet lock

38

Recess for a support element

51

electronic clock

52.1-52.12

LED's for time display

53

central point

55.1-55.7

Columns / bars

61

electronic clock

62.1-62.12

Illuminant for time display

63

central point

64

multi-storey building

65

window units

Claims (13)

1. Electronic clock (1; 11) with a display device, comprising only twelve optoelectronic display units, wherein every display unit comprises lighting means (2.1-2.12; 12.1-12.12) for forming a light source capable of being optically separated from the other display units, and the lighting means (2.1-2.12; 12.1-12.12) are arranged with a space between one another around a central point (3; 13) at positions corresponding to twelve hour markings, for displaying the hours and minutes, and furthermore comprising a microprocessor with an electronic control device for driving the individual display units, wherein
   the display units, in particular their lighting means (2.1-2.12; 12.1-12.12) and the control device are designed in such a manner, that they are in a position to emit light in at least two different colours and/or intensities, and the control device comprises control means for displaying the hours, the 5-minute intervals and the minutes between the 5-minute intervals, wherein the control means:

   a. are designed to display the hours on the corresponding display unit, which on the basis of their position in the arrangement correspond to the current hour, this by the continuous or cyclical emitting of light of a first colour and/or intensity; and

   b. are designed to display the 5-minute intervals on the corresponding display unit, which on the basis of their position in the arrangement correspond to the current 5-minute interval, this by the continuous or cyclical emitting of light of a second colour and/or intensity; and

   c. are designed to display the minutes between two 5-minute intervals by the limited in time emitting of light with the formation of a display cycle by one or several or in preference all display units, which are different from the display unit indicating the respective 5-minute interval,

   characterised in that
   the control means are designed to be capable of driving the display unit in such a manner, that a circulating light or light band of the display cycle emanating from the displayed 5-minute interval is produced, which upon reaching the indicated 5-minute interval is concluded, and the display cycle respectively corresponds to the display of an individual minute, and the display cycle by the forming of a sequence is repeated in a number, which corresponds to the current number of minutes between two 5-minute intervals.
2. Electronic clock in accordance with claim1, characterised in that the control means are designed to simulate a clock dial with the display units not activated for the indication of minutes and hours by the continuous or cyclical emitting of light of a third colour and/or intensity.
3. Electronic clock in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the lighting means (2.1-2.12; 12.1-12.12) of the display means are arranged around a central point (3, 13), and that the control means are designed in such a manner, that they are capable of driving the display units in such a manner, that with, departing from the indicated 5-minute interval, a light or light band circulating in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, a display cycle is produced, which is concluded when the indicated 5-minute interval has been reached.
4. Electronic clock in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the lighting means (2.1-2.12; 12.1-12.12) are switchable in at least two, in preference in at least three colours and/or light intensities.
5. Electronic clock in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the lighting means (2.1-2.12; 12.1-12.12) are respectively formed by several light-emitting diodes, which respectively are capable of emitting light with a certain colour and/or intensity.
6. Electronic clock in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the lighting means respective in preference are RGB-LED's.
7. Electronic clock in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the clock (11) comprises an interface (14) for receiving and/or transmitting data signals from other electronic devices, in particular from other electronic clocks (11) of the same type.
8. Electronic clock in accordance with claim 7, that the electronic clock (11) comprises an optical interface (14), in preference a phototransistor or a photodiode, for receiving data signals from other clocks (11) of the same type, a mobile data storage device, a computer and/or a device connected to it.
9. Electronic clock in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the clock is a wrist-watch (1, 11), a wall clock, a façade clock, a tower clock, a table clock, a watch clip or an outside clock.
10. Electronic clock in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the clock (62) is a light installation on a building (64), in particular on the outer shell of a building (64), comprising a plurality of window units, wherein the display units representing hour markers are formed by respectively illuminated window units (65) and arranged around a central point, and wherein the lighting means (62.1-62.12) of the display units are arranged in such a manner in the area of the window units (65) or in a room located behind it, that the window unit (65) concerned and/or its frame arrangement is capable of being illuminated in the corresponding colour and/or with the corresponding intensity.
11. Method for the time indication in case of an electronic clock (1, 11), in particular in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 10, with a display device, comprising only twelve optoelectronic display units, wherein every display unit comprises lighting means (2.1-2.12; 12.1-12.12) for forming a light source which is optically delimitable versus the other display units, and the lighting means (2.1-2.12; 12.1-12.12) are arranged around a central point (3; 13) with a distance between one another at points corresponding to twelve hour markers, for representing the hours and minutes, and furthermore comprising a microprocessor with an electronic control unit for driving the individual display units, wherein
    the display units, in particular their lighting means (2.1-2.12; 12.1-12.12) and the control unit are designed in such a manner, that they emit light in at least two different colours and/or intensities, and the control device comprises control means for displaying the hours, the 5-minute intervals and the minutes between the 5-minte intervals wherein

    a. the hours on the corresponding display unit, which on the basis of its position in the arrangement corresponds to the current hour are indicated by the control means by continuous or cyclical emission of light of a first colour and/or intensity; and

    b. the 5-minute intervals on the corresponding display unit, which on the basis of its position in the arrangement corresponds to corresponds to the current 5-minute interval are indicated by the control means by continuous or cyclical emission of light of a second colour and/or intensity; and

    c. the current minutes between two 5-minute intervals by the control means are indicated by limited in time emission of light with the forming of a display cycle by one or by several and in preference by all display units, which differ from the display unit indicating the respective 5-minute intervals,

    characterised in that
    a complete display cycle is produced by a light or light band departing from the indicated 5-minute interval, and the display cycle is completed, when the circulating light or light band reaches the indicated 5-minute interval again, and the display cycle respectively corresponds to the indication of a single minute, and the display cycle is repeated with the forming of a sequence in a number, which corresponds to the current number of minutes between two 5-minute intervals.
12. Method in accordance with claim 11, characterised in that by continuous or cyclical emission of light of a third colour and/or intensity with the, at the mentioned point in time not activated, resp., required display units for the indication of individual minutes, 5-minute intervals or hours, a clock dial is simulated.
13. Method in accordance with one of the claims 11 to 12, characterised in that through an optical interface program contents, resp., control data for setting the time, the date, for colour and/or light intensity adjustments for indicating the time - and clock dial display or for the display cycles are transmitted by a further clock of the same type, a mobile data store with optical transmission unit or through a video clip played on the screen of an electronic device are transmitted to the clock (11).

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