GB2298512A - Clock - Google Patents

Abstract

A clock comprises a rotatable arm on which is mounted a number of light emitting diodes. The leds are controlled and the arm rotated at sufficient speed to produce a full circular and flicker free display. The display has the appearance of a clock hands and date display and is preferably such that the rotating arm cannot be seen.

Description

FUTURE CLOCK History Ever since the invention of the very first time pieces, even as far back as the sundial. We have always tried to produce new ingenious and decorative ways to display the time. Today we have vast multitude of clock designs. Many different shapes, sizes, and methods of display. One thing is apparent. After developments took us through the digital display era. We have returned to the old fashion round analogue displays, proving that some inventions can reach a stage of development, which is hard to improve on.

FUTURE CLOCK is an attempt to improve on the analogue clock display.

DESCRIPTION The technology is the same as the REVOLVING LED DISPLAY ( filed 11 Nov 1992 ref: GB 2272791A). The diagrams shows a number of LED (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged in a straight line on an armature. The armature will contain a surface mounted single chip micro-controller and will be mounted on the shaft of a motor at the pivot point. See Drawing 1 and 2 This mechanism can be housed in a variety of transparent cases from a large wall mount framed to a small mantle piece case. See Drawing 3 OPERATION The micro-controller will control the rotation of the motor, and the illumination of the LED's in such a way that a full circular display is generated when the armature builds up to a speed of approx. 12 rev/min. A flicker free display is apparent at this speed and above.

The micro-controller also incorporates a real time clock which is used for the timing of the clock.

In operation the display produces a full clock face with Clock Segments, Hour, Minute, and Second hands. There is also a character display produced for displaying the Date, Month, and Day of the week, and may also be used as a message display system.

Setting the device is by means of a Infra Red remote control to the receiver in the centre of the pivot point.

LARGE WALL CLOCK The Future clock can be made picture frame size, for hanging as a wall mounted display.

An even bigger version could be made for displaying in public places. Doubling as both a clock and a message information system.. This would be fitted with daylight sensor, to operate automatically from dusk.

THE SMALL DESKTOP CLOCK Smaller versions can be made in all shapes and sizes for desktop use. Can also be personalised with own messages for lifetime sentimental gifts.

CARRIAGE CLOCK Cute carriage clock styles could be made for mantle piece displays.

All being very practical, but also extremely attractive, and facinsating in the way they generate the display.

Displays all appear to be floating in free space.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS 1. FUTURE CLOCK comprising of a number of LED's fixed to a armature rotating about a pivoted point and controlled by a micro-controller so as to generate a fully functioning clock with message display system.
2. 2. FUTURE CLOCK as claimed in claim 1. where in the display and micro controller can be programmed and used for many other displaying purposes other than just a clock.
3. 3. FUTURE CLOCK as claimed in all previous claims where in the revolving armature disappears creating the illusion of a display that appears to float in free space without any visible mean of operation.
4. 4. FUTURE CLOCK as claimed in all previous claims where in the product is a innovative and novel new way of displaying the time.
5. 5. FUTURE CLOCK substantially described herein with references to the accompanying drawings 1 to 3.