NL1040199C2

NL1040199C2 - Clock with sunlight indicator.

Info

Publication number: NL1040199C2
Application number: NL1040199A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Henricus Petrus Martinus Sijbers
Original assignee: Henricus Petrus Martinus Sijbers
Priority date: 2013-05-06
Filing date: 2013-05-06
Publication date: 2014-11-10
Also published as: WO2014182162A2; WO2014182162A3

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a clock device (100) provided with a processor (10), memory (20) and time display (30). The clock device (100) further comprises means for storing in the memory (20) a day sequence including times for the beginning and ending of sunrise and sunset for each calendar day of the year for various geo-coordinate positions, means for receiving in the processor (10) a current geo- coordinate position, a current calendar day, and a current time and means for providing on the time display (30) sectors on a 24 hour scale. The sector boundaries (33) coincide with respective sunrise and sunset time indications on the scale of the current day and an isolated body (35), in the form of a sun, is displayed on the time display (30) moving over a sector depending on the progression of the sun during daytime. The processor (10) is arranged to update the sunrise and sunset time indications and corresponding sector boundaries (33), for each subsequent day depending on a current geo-coordinate and the processor (10) is arranged to change the appearance of the isolated body (35) when crossing a sector boundary (33) on the scale during sunset and sunrise times visualizing the sun progression. Appearance of the isolated body (35) indicating the sun position can be adapted when sun reaches twilight periods.

Description

Title: CLOCK WITH SUNLIGHT INDICATOR

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a method for displaying time. More specifically, the subject invention relates to a method for displaying time at a particular coordinate position on the earth.

Ever since the first human being lived on this planet, the day is the clearest indication for the passing of time. The day begins when the sun comes up and ends when it goes down. Nothing has a bigger influence on the perception of time and activities of the human being than the radiation of light and warmth which floods the world in the morning, and the coolness and darkness coming at sundown. At sunrise the human being starts his activities. With the climbing of the sun the day moves at a quick rate, and when it goes down human activities slowly stop. It’s time now for eating and relaxation. The dark side of the earth goes to sleep and only artificial light is left to replace the sun.

Many clock designs exist that show, in addition to a time indication on the 12 hour scale, additional timing, coordinate and sunlight indication. US patent 7218575 shows pie-shaped sectors indicating the beginning and ending of twilight, sunrise and sunset on a circular clock face. It provides visual indications on the time of occurrence of sunset and sunrise. Timing indication is based on a traditional hour scale display. Twilight sections are repositioned at a predetermined time for successive 12 or 24 hours.

Although the prior art clock systems provide a visual display of day, night and twihght hours on a visual display of the sun and moon based on a geographical location, derived from a global position system, there remains an opportunity how to create a visual indication on the clock showing the progress of day light.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect there is provided a clock device provided with a processor, memory and time display. The clock device further comprises means for storing in the memory a day sequence including times for the beginning and ending of sunrise and sunset for each calendar day of the year for various geo-coordinate positions, means for receiving in the processor a current geocoordinate position, a current calendar day, and a current time and means for providing on the time display sectors on a 24 hour scale. The sector boundaries coincide with respective sunrise and sunset time indications on the scale of the current day and an isolated body is displayed on the time display moving over a sector depending on the progression of the sun during daytime.

The processor is arranged to update the sunrise and sunset time indications and corresponding sector boundaries, for each subsequent day depending on a current geo-coordinate and the processor is arranged to change the appearance of the isolated body when crossing a sector boundary on the scale during sunset and sunrise times visualizing the sun progression.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein: FIG 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the clock display for various days in a year; FIG 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the clock display for the twilight period; FIG 3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the clock display.

FIG 4 shows a further embodiment illustrating the concept of changing appearance of the moving body;

Fig 5 shows an optional agenda function that may be provided on the 24hours display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments are described with reference to schematic illustrations of possibly idealized and/or intermediate structures of the invention.

Figure 1 shows in schematic detail an arrangement for the present clock device 100. The clock device is provided with a processor 10, memory 20 and time display 30. The processor 10 may be a dedicated processor for performing in accordance with the present system or may be a general-purpose processor wherein only one of many functions operates for performing in accordance with the present system. The processor 10 may operate utilizing a program portion, multiple program sectors, or may be a hardware device utihzing a dedicated or multi-purpose integrated circuit. Any type of processor may be used such as a dedicated or shared one. The processor may include micro-controllers, central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processor s (DSPs), ASICs, or any other processor(s) or controller(s) such as digital optical devices, or analog electrical circuits that perform the same functions, and employ electronic techniques and architecture. The memory 20 may be any suitable type of memory where data is stored. Any medium known or developed that can store and/or transmit information suitable for use with the present systems and methods may be used as a memory. The memory may also store user preferences and/or application data accessible by the controller for configuring it to perform operational acts in accordance with the present systems and methods. The memory 20 can be provided with a fixed dataset of stored day sequences including times for the beginning and ending of sunrise and sunset for each calendar day of the year for various geo-coordinate positions. In addition, the memory 20 stores a current coordinate position in latitude and longitude, a current calendar day, and a current time.

Memory 20 may also be provided with updated data sets, e.g. by an optional GPS sensor 25 that may adapt the settings for various geocoordinate positions. Alternatively this can be done by connecting once a week with internet to adapt the day/night ratio. A 24 hours scale display is provided as time display 30.

The time display 30 may be analog or digital arrangement that can embodied in different ways, e.g. as a watch, stand alone time piece, app or a clock. It may have a mechanical display with revolving indicators around a center axis that revolve on the scale 30. Sector boundaries 33 are provided dividing the scale 30 in pie-shaped parts 34 with tops provided in a common centre of the scale 30 with respective sunrise and sunset time indications on the scale of the current day. On the scale 30 an isolated body 35, e.g. circular body is displayed, visualizing a celestial body, in particular the sun over a horizon. The body 35 may be projected on the display 30 in various graphical forms, e.g. a bright circle, or contain a further indication of a weather condition (e.g. clouds, temperature and/or rain indications).

Figure 2 shows the various process steps of the processor. In a first step 200, in memory 20 day sequences are stored including times for the beginning and ending of sunrise and sunset for each calendar day of the year for various geo-coordinate positions. The day sequences may be provided in the form of a look up table or algorithm that calculates, depending on a current day and time and location in the world sunset and sunrise times. These times have general accepted meanings, i.e. times that the sun appears or disappears from behind the horizon. Similar moments of the day, e.g. the dusk or dawn times (i.e. the times the sunlight appears or disappears) may be used or additionally stored.

In step 210, the processor receives from memory, or optionally a GPS device 25 or via wireless connection a current geo-coordinate position, e.g. in degrees latitude and longitude or suitable coordinate system and additionally current calendar day a current time.

In step 220 sectors are provided on a 24 hour scale 30 having sector boundaries coinciding with respective sunrise and sunset time indications on the scale of the current day. In addition isolated body 35 is displayed as hereabove described.

In step 230 the sector boundaries are updated for subsequent sunrise and sunset times as indicated and corresponding sector boundaries. This step can be carried out on continuous basis, after passing a previous sunrise or sunset or on a certain moment in time, e.g. once a week, e.g. via wireless interconnection.

In step 240 the isolated body is moved over one of the sectors with the progression of the sun during daytime. In this way, on the 24hours display scale, a more realistic view is provided of the sun progression wherein the body interacts with the boundary sectors during twilight hours.

Figure 3 shows an exemplary example of the progression of the moving body over a pair of contrast coloured sectors. In the 24 hour scale, the sunrise and sunset moments are depicted in a generally horizontal way, when holding the time display 30 in upright position creating reminiscence of a horizon. In the depicted moment 16.34 of Figure 3A, e.g. just before sunset, the body is projected with a certain diameter, already diminished relative to its normal size projected during the daytime. In Figure 3B, just about sunset, the body is depicted by processor is arranged to change the moving body size during twilight hours to a smallest appearance at sunrise and sunset times. This has the advantage that this gives a better indication of occurrence of these respective sunrise and sunset times since a larger extent of the body, as projected during daylight, may not provide such accurate indication. Also other appearance characteristics may vary, for instance, the body colour may darkened, it may be provided with a flashing halo or may deform from circular to a flattened shape. The processor may be arranged to not display the moving body in night time.

In addition, colour contrasts of the sectors may vary, to depict the setting of the sun in a gradual way. Accordingly, the processor can be arranged to change the sector colour during twilight. The sector spanning daytimes (daytime sector 34) may have a lighter colours, than the sector spanning night times (night time sector 36), which is generally dark. The body can be depicted with slowly flashing radiation, indicating that the time piece is running. The colour settings may be adjusted to personal preferences when setting up the time piece. The stars at night could be moving or come and go. In contrast to a conventional time display this step portrays a more natural relaxed passage of day and night without reference to the mechanical way in which time is commonly manufactured.

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment illustrating the concept of changing appearance of the moving body over the nighttime sector on a 24hours clock display 400. The nighttime sector 36 has sector boundaries 33a, 33b with a common center, coinciding with respective sunrise and sunset times. A further sector boundary coincides with the moving body 35, thus depicting a sector 34a of daytime past and a sector 34b of daylight yet to come. Additionally, optionally, a pair of active zones 37a, 37b may be provided, e.g. on the outward ends of the sector boundaries 33a, 33b which, when activated, cause a current time display 32 to digitally display a respective sunrise and sunset time.

Figure 5 shows an optional agenda function that may be provided on the 24hours display 500A. Accordingly the clock processor may arrange to retrieve a scheduled activity from memory corresponding to the current calendar day. Coloured sectors 38 on the display are matching the times of said scheduled activity for indication of scheduled activities during the daytime or night time. The processor may optionally be arranged to retrieve a time indication from memory and projecting a hand 39 moving over a 24 hour scale on an outer annulus of the display. The coloured sectors 38 may comprise an indicator for brief indication of the activity (e.g. a title projected in radial direction). The sectors 38 may be active, e.g. when pressed by touch or the like changing the second display into a detail view, projected on the display, and having indicator areas for detailed indication of the respective appointment as indicated in 500B.

While example embodiments were shown for systems and methods, also alternative ways may be envisaged by those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure for achieving a similar function and result. E.g. some components may be combined or split up into one or more alternative components.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different, claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

Clock device (100) provided with a processor (10), memory (20) and time display (30), the clock device further comprising: - means for storing in the memory a day sequence including times for starting and ending sunrise and sunset for each calendar day of the year for different geo-coordinate positions; - means for receiving in the processor a current geo-coordinate position, current calendar day, and a current time; - means for providing on the time mapping of sectors (34, 36) a 24-hour scale, the sector boundaries coinciding with the respective sunrise and sunset time indications on the scale of the current day; and wherein an isolated body (35) is imaged on the time image moving across a sector depending on the progress of the sun during the day time; - wherein the processor is adapted to update sunrise and sunset time indicators and corresponding sector boundaries (33), depending on a current geo-coordinate for each following day; and - wherein the processor is adapted to change the appearance of the insulated body when it crosses a sector boundary on the scale during sunrise and sunset time.

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising storing times for the beginning and end of twilight hours, wherein the processor is adapted to change the moving body size during twilight hours to a smallest appearance at sunrise and sunset times.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a further sector boundary coincides with the moving body.

The device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an assembly of active zones on the time display which when active indicate a current time display to indicate a respective sunrise and sunset time.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the processor is adapted to change the sector color during twilight.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the processor is arranged not to show the moving body during night time.

The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is adapted to retrieve a time indication from the memory and project a pointer (39) that moves across a 24-hour scale on an outer ring of the display.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the processor is arranged for retrieving a planned activity from the memory corresponding to a current calendar day; the display further comprising colored sectors (38) corresponding to the times of the planned activity for indicating that planned activity.

Method for displaying the sun progress on a scale comprising the following steps: - storing in memory a day sequence including times for the beginning and end of sunrise and sunset for each calendar day of the year for different geocoordinate positions; - receiving in the processor a current geo-coordinate position, a current calendar day and a current time; - providing on the time image of sectors on a 24-hour scale, the sector boundaries coinciding with respective sunrise and sunset time indications on the scale of the current day; and displaying an isolated body on the time display moving across a sector depending on the progress of the sun during the day time; - updating the sunrise and sunset time indications and also corresponding sector boundaries, depending on a current geo-coordinate for each subsequent day; - changing the appearance of the isolated body when it crosses a sector boundary on the scale during the sunrise and sunset times.