KR20110009300U - Clock apparatus displaying symbol by using shadow - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clock device for displaying a symbol using a shadow, according to an aspect of the present invention, a clock device for displaying a symbol using a shadow, at least one light source for emitting light in a predetermined direction, And at least one structure in which a shadow is formed by the light emitted by the at least one light source, wherein the shadow of the at least one structure constitutes at least a part of a symbol.

Description

Clock device for displaying symbols using shadows {CLOCK APPARATUS DISPLAYING SYMBOL BY USING SHADOW}

The present invention relates to a clock device for displaying a symbol using a shadow. More particularly, the present invention relates to a watch apparatus which emits light with respect to at least one structure in which a shadow is formed by shining light so that the shadow of the structure is formed in a predetermined symbol shape.

Various clock devices have been introduced for a long time to accurately measure time. Looking more specifically in terms of the measurement principle of time, the sundial measuring the time to the position of the shadow that changes depending on the position of the sun that varies from time to time, an hourglass or hourglass that measures the time based on the flow rate of water or sand, For example, a mechanical clock using a mechanism such as a spring gear, an electronic clock using electricity, and an atomic clock measuring time based on a period of electromagnetic energy absorbed or absorbed by atoms.

However, in today's clock apparatuses capable of ensuring sufficient accuracy in measuring time, the importance of displaying the time effectively and aesthetically becomes greater than measuring the time accurately. In terms of the time display method, today's clock devices are largely divided into analog clocks that display the time using the hour, minute and second hands, and digital clocks that display the time by directly displaying symbols such as numbers. Can be.

First, in the case of a digital clock, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) can be used to display a timetable in various and novel ways, since the figures such as clock hands and symbols such as numbers can be displayed freely and variably. There is an advantage.

On the other hand, in the case of an analog clock, it is composed of a structure having a fixed shape and shape, such as a clock hand and a clock plate, and symbols such as numbers are also printed in a fixed form. There was a limitation that it was difficult to implement a visual display method, and accordingly, it was difficult to bring about innovative changes in the shape of the clock and the visual display method.

Accordingly, the present inventors have come up with a clock device that can display a symbol effectively and aesthetically by using a shadow formed by shining light.

The present invention aims to solve all the problems of the prior art described above.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to emit a light for at least one structure in which the shadow is formed by the light so that the shadow of the structure is formed in a predetermined symbol shape.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to move the light source for emitting light with respect to the structure so that the shadow of the structure is dynamically formed according to the time.

Representative configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clock device for displaying a symbol by using a shadow, wherein the shadow is formed by at least one light source emitting light in a predetermined direction, and the light emitted by the at least one light source. And at least one structure, wherein a shadow of the at least one structure constitutes at least a portion of the symbol.

According to the present invention, since the shadow of the structure can be formed in a predetermined symbol shape, the effect of being able to display the time more novel and aesthetic is achieved.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the shadow of the structure that visually represents the symbol can be dynamically implemented, the effect that can enhance the aesthetics of the visual effect implemented on the watch device is achieved.

1 is a view showing the overall configuration of the clock apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention by way of example.
2 to 13 are diagrams exemplarily showing a structure and a shadow of a structure that displays symbols of the Arabic numerals “1” to “12” as the light shines according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 and 15 are views showing a watch device actually implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is an enlarged view of a structure and a shadow portion of a structure of a watch device actually implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different, but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, certain shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be embodied in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention with respect to one embodiment. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Like reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions throughout the several aspects.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to preferred embodiments of the present invention in order to enable those skilled in the art to easily carry out the present invention will be described in detail.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the clock device may emit light with respect to at least one structure in which a shadow is formed by shining light so that the shadow of the structure may be formed in a predetermined symbol shape. That is, the clock device according to the embodiment of the present invention may visually display all or part of a predetermined symbol (number, etc.) by using a shadow formed by light.

1 is a view showing the overall configuration of the clock apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention by way of example.

Referring to FIG. 1, the clock apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include at least one light source 115 and 125 and light emitted by the light sources 115 and 125 that emit light in a predetermined direction. It may include at least one structure 150 that is reflected to form its own shadow.

First, the light sources 115 and 125 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention emit light to at least one structure 150 included in the watch device 100 to cast shadows 130 and 140 of at least one structure. May be formed to form a function. Such a shadow may be formed in the shape of a symbol such as a number, whereby the clock device 100 may display information about a time point to be indicated. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a light 130 shines on a structure corresponding to the Arabic numeral “4”, and thus a shadow 130 having the Arabic numeral “4” may be formed, and the Arabic numeral “9”. As a result, a shadow 140 having a “9” shape may be formed as a result of light shining with respect to the structure corresponding to the structure. As a result, the watch device 100 may use the shadows 130 and 140 formed as described above at 3:45. The minutes can be displayed.

As a light source that can be applied to the clock device 100 according to the present invention, a light emitting means such as a fluorescent lamp, a light emitting diode, a laser, etc. may be adopted, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and any means capable of emitting light in a predetermined direction may be employed. It turns out that both can be adopted as the light source according to the present invention.

More specifically, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the light sources 115 and 125 are attached to the hour hand 110, the minute hand 120, or the second hand (not shown) to the hour hand 110, the minute hand 120, or the second hand. (Not shown), so that the light sources 115 and 125 can emit light toward at least one structure indicated by the hour hand 110, minute hand 120 or second hand (not shown). It becomes possible.

Further, according to another embodiment (not shown) of the present invention, a plurality of structures included in the clock device may be arranged in an annular shape, and the light source may be located at the center of the clock device based on the annular arrangement of the plurality of structures. It can be located and can be configured to be rotatable to display the time the watch device wishes to point to. Here, in order to display the time more accurately, the light source may move in conjunction with a predetermined time measuring means.

Further, according to another embodiment (not shown) of the present invention, a plurality of structures included in the clock device may be arranged in an annular shape, and the light source may be based on an annular arrangement of the plurality of structures, based on the outer portion of the clock device. It may be located in the unit and may be configured to be movable along the circumference of the annular arrangement of the plurality of structures to indicate the time point to which the watch device is intended to point. Here, in order to display the time more accurately, the light source may move in conjunction with a predetermined time measuring means.

Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), a plurality of structures included in the clock device may be arranged in an arbitrary pattern (for example, in a line) away from the annular numerical arrangement of a typical analog clock. The light source can thus be arranged, moved or rotated so as to emit light for each of the plurality of randomly arranged structures.

On the other hand, the light source 115, 125 according to an embodiment of the present invention may selectively emit light by a control signal input by the user. That is, the light sources 115 and 125 according to an embodiment of the present invention may emit light only when a control signal is input, and accordingly, the watch device 100 according to the present invention wants the user to check the time. You can only display the time and not display the time for the rest of the time.

Next, the structure 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention may perform a function of forming the shadows 130 and 140 in the light emitted by the light sources 115 and 125. As illustrated, the shadows 130 and 140 of the structure may be formed in the shape of symbols such as numbers. More specifically, the structure 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one three-dimensional figure made according to a predetermined pattern so that a shadow having a desired shape may be formed. Here, symbols that can be represented by the shadow formed by the present invention may include Arabic numerals (for example, 0 to 9), Roman numerals (for example, I, II, III, etc.), foreign language alphabet, Korean, etc. This is merely an example of a symbol mainly used in a general clock device, and it is understood that the shape of the shadow formed according to the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-listed one.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 13 will be described in detail with respect to a specific example in which a predetermined shape of the shadow is formed as the light is emitted.

2 to 13 are diagrams exemplarily showing a structure and a shadow of a structure that displays symbols of the Arabic numerals “1” to “12” as the light shines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 2, as light is emitted from the rear of the structure 210, a shadow 220 having an Arabic numeral “1” shape may be formed toward the front of the structure 210. Here, the pattern of the structure 210 may be variously set according to the direction in which light is emitted ((a) and (b) of FIG. 2).

Next, referring to FIG. 3, as light is emitted from the back of the structures 310 and 312, a shadow 320 having an Arabic numeral “2” shape may be formed toward the front of the structures 310 and 312. Here, the patterns of the structures 310 and 312 may be variously set according to the direction in which light is emitted ((a), (b) and (c) of FIG. 3).

Next, referring to FIG. 4, as light is emitted from the rear of the structure 410, a shadow 420 having an Arabic numeral “3” shape may be formed toward the front of the structure 410. Here, the pattern of the structure 410 may be variously set according to the direction in which light is emitted ((a) and (b) of Figure 4).

Next, referring to FIG. 5, as light is emitted from the back of the structures 510 and 512, a shadow 520 having an Arabic numeral “4” shape may be formed toward the front of the structures 510 and 512. Here, the patterns of the structures 510 and 512 may be variously set according to the direction in which light is emitted ((a) and (b) of FIG. 5).

Next, referring to FIG. 6, as light is emitted from the back of the structures 610 and 612, a shadow 620 having an Arabic numeral “5” shape may be formed toward the front of the structures 610 and 612. Here, the patterns of the structures 610 and 612 may be variously set according to the direction in which light is emitted ((a), (b) and (c) of FIG. 6).

Next, referring to FIG. 7, as light is emitted from the rear of the structures 710 and 712, a shadow 720 having an Arabic numeral “6” shape may be formed toward the front of the structures 710 and 712. Here, the patterns of the structures 710 and 712 may be variously set according to the direction in which light is emitted ((a), (b) and (c) of FIG. 7).

Next, referring to FIG. 8, as light is emitted from the rear of the structure 810, a shadow 820 having an Arabic numeral “7” shape may be formed toward the front of the structure 810. Here, the pattern of the structure 810 may be variously set according to the direction in which the light is emitted ((a) and (b) of Figure 8).

Next, referring to FIG. 9, as light is emitted from the back of the structures 910, 912, 914, a shadow 920 having an Arabic numeral “8” shape is formed toward the front of the structures 910, 912, 914. Can be. Here, the patterns of the structures 910, 912, and 914 may be set in various ways depending on the direction in which the light is emitted (FIGS. 9A and 9B).

Next, referring to FIG. 10, as light is emitted from the back of the structures 1010 and 1012, a shadow 1020 having an Arabic numeral “9” shape may be formed toward the front of the structures 1010 and 1012. Here, the patterns of the structures 1010 and 1012 may be variously set according to the direction in which light is emitted ((a), (b) and (c) of FIG. 10).

Next, referring to FIG. 11, shadows 1120 and 1122 having an Arabic numeral “10” shape toward the front of the structures 1110, 1112 and 1114 as light is emitted from the back of the structures 1110, 1112 and 1114. Can be formed. Here, the patterns of the structures 1110, 1112, and 1114 may be variously set according to the direction in which light is emitted (FIGS. 11A and 11B).

Next, referring to FIG. 12, as light is emitted from the back of the structures 1210 and 1212, shadows 1220 and 1222 having an Arabic numeral “11” shape may be formed toward the front of the structures 1210 and 1212. have. Here, the patterns of the structures 1210 and 1212 may be variously set according to the direction in which light is emitted ((a) and (b) of FIG. 12).

Finally, referring to FIG. 13, shadows 1320, 1322 having an Arabic numeral “12” shape toward the front of the structures 1310, 1312, 1314 as light is emitted from the back of the structures 1310, 1312, 1314. Can be formed. Here, the patterns of the structures 1310, 1312, and 1314 may be variously set according to the direction in which the light is emitted (FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C).

In the above embodiment, the shadow of the structure formed in the shape of the Arabic numerals "1" to "12" has been exemplarily described, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those listed above. That is, according to the present invention, symbols other than Arabic numerals (for example, Roman numerals, etc.) may be displayed as shadows, and the direction in which the shadows are formed is not limited to only four directions of up, down, left, and right, and the shadow is random. It may be formed in the direction, the relative size and position between the plurality of three-dimensional figures constituting the structure may be changed as much.

14 and 15 are views showing a watch device actually implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a light source of the clock device may be attached to the ends of the hour and minute hands, respectively, to emit light with respect to the structure indicated by the hour and minute hands, and may be arranged in an annular shape on the watch device. The silver may be illuminated by the light emitted from the light source, thereby forming shadows in the shape of Arabic numerals (1-12). Therefore, the clock device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may display the time as a shadow (for example, 3:45 in FIG. 14, 3:25 in FIG. 15, etc.).

16 is an enlarged view of a structure and a shadow portion of a structure of a watch device actually implemented according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, in order to more effectively display Arabic numerals using light emitted from the ends of the hour and minute hands, the pattern of the structure and the direction of forming the shadow may be arbitrarily set. More specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of the Arabic numerals "11", "12" and "1", a shadow is formed in the upward direction of the structure, and the Arabic numerals "2", "3" and " In the case of 4 "the shadow is formed in the right direction of the structure, in the case of the Arabic numerals" 5 "," 6 "and" 7 "the shadow is formed in the downward direction of the structure, and in the Arabic numerals" 8 "," 9 " And in the case of "10" can be set so that the shadow is formed in the left direction of the structure.

In the above embodiment, the wall clock is largely described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, it should be seen that it can be applied to all types of clock devices, including table clocks, wrist watches and the like.

Although the present invention has been described by specific embodiments, such as specific components, and limited embodiments and drawings, it is provided to help a more general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made from the description.

Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiment, and all the equivalents or equivalents of the utility model registration claims as well as the utility model registration claims to be described later are the idea of the present invention. It belongs to the category of.

100: clockwork
110: hour hand
115: light source
120: minute hand
125: light source
130, 140: shadow
150: structure
210, 310, 312, 410, 510, 512, 610, 612, 710, 712, 810, 910, 912, 914, 1010, 1110, 1112, 1114, 1210, 1212, 1310, 1312, 1314: structures
220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1122, 1220, 1222, 1320, 1322: shadow

Claims (9)

A watch device that displays a symbol using a shadow.
At least one light source that emits light in a predetermined direction, and
At least one structure in which a shadow is formed by the light emitted by the at least one light source
Including,
And the shadow of the at least one structure constitutes at least a portion of the symbol. The method of claim 1,
The at least one structure, the clock device including at least one three-dimensional figure. The method of claim 1,
The symbol includes a clock device including at least one of Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, foreign language alphabets, and Korean characters. The method of claim 1,
And the shadow is formed in any one of left, right, top and bottom directions of the at least one structure. The method of claim 1,
And the at least one light source emits light towards at least one structure associated with the time of day that the watch device wishes to display. The method of claim 5,
And the at least one light source is attached to at least one of the hour hand, minute hand, and second hand and emits light toward at least one structure indicated by at least one of the hour, minute and second hands. The method of claim 5,
The at least one structure is arranged in an annular shape,
And the at least one light source is located at the center of the clock device based on the annular arrangement and rotates according to the time that the clock device is to display. The method of claim 5,
The at least one structure is arranged in an annular shape,
And the at least one light source is located at an outer portion of the clock apparatus based on the annular arrangement and moves along the circumference of the annular arrangement according to the time that the clock apparatus is to display. The method of claim 1,
And the at least one light source selectively emits light with reference to a control signal input by a user.

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