WO1991000554A1

WO1991000554A1 - Device for presentation of information via optical effects, for particular use with measuring apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1991000554A1
Application number: PCT/FR1990/000493
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mathias Tenaille D'estais
Original assignee: Tenaille D Estais Mathias
Priority date: 1989-06-30
Filing date: 1990-06-29
Publication date: 1991-01-10

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the presentation of information through optical effect for use in particular with measuring apparatus, of the type which includes at least two co-axial revolving elements, superimposed and mounted rotationally. Said device also includes at least one colour area or frame and/or patterns whose intensity varies along a progressive graduation which starts from a reference line and moves in a circular direction with maximum intensity. Said device is characterized by the fact that it includes at least two elements called ''lower'' (2) and ''higher'' (3). All said elements are movable: in the course of their relative movement, they should determine at least one radial angular sector (A) which has been created by optical effect whose surface varies, thereby making it possible to provide a visual representation of information.

Description

DEVICE FOR PRESENTING INFORMATION BY OPTICAL EFFECTS IN PARTICULAR FOR MEASURING DEVICES

The subject of the present invention is a device for presenting information by optical effects, in particular for measuring devices such as watches.

This invention applies generally to all information presentation devices and mainly, although not exclusively, to the dials of measuring devices. This is the reason why this device according to the invention can be used in different fields of applications and, in addition, either as a dial for programmers of household electrical appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, etc. either as a time value counter or evolving as a function of time such as odometers for motor vehicles, aircraft altimeters, machine tool rev counter etc. Obviously, we can see that it is also entirely possible to use this device as a gauge for measuring and / or controlling instruments of different physical, electrical and / or electronic, chemical, physico-chemical or other parameters. still organic. However, a particularly interesting application of this device lies in its application to time-indicating clock mechanisms.

To this end, it is known in this ^" field to use for all time measurement indicating devices such as watches, clocks, pendulums, clocks, chronometers, etc., in combination different complementary means of indication.

Thus all these devices generally include first of all at least one hand integral with the clockwork mechanism and on the other hand markers of various shapes and designs to allow the determination of time at a precise instant. that is, the data for the hour and, optionally, the minutes and seconds.

However, when for reasons of use and / or aesthetics these different devices are of relatively small dimensions, the problem of indicating this information becomes complex and delicate. Indeed, it is then difficult to be able to discern quickly and clearly, at a glance, the exact indication of the hour. In addition, it is common that due to their fineness the needles are very fragile and break easily, which has the consequence of making the device unusable.

To remedy these drawbacks, it is now known to use other means of presentation and indication of information. This is the reason why it is frequent that, now, the value of the measured parameters is indicated either by display devices constituted by liquid crystals or by electronic devices such as luminous LEDs.

Note, however, that this direct visualization of information on the one hand does not always meet the requirements of aesthetics and / or the use of time measuring devices and on the other hand are often of complex design which, it is understood, increases the cost and maintenance thereof, in particular because of the site of regularly changing the means of supplying energy. What is more, this direct visualization only provides an instantaneous indication of the value of a precise and determined moment, without allowing the location of a time range by chronometer and / or countdown effect. However, it is frequent that a time difference must be appreciated either in countdown or "upside down", that is to say from an instant to come and not from an instant original, either in chrono etrie. A particularly notable example is the measurement of time for an underwater diver. It is therefore crucial to be able to appreciate this period of time on the basis of the angular difference which separates two marks: either two needles, or a needle and a possibly adjustable mark, as is the case with the "telescope" so-called "diving" watches. We also know the American patent N ° 3,801,831, in the name of

J. HORZICK (sold to MOTOROLA Inc.) which describes a dial of a measuring device made up of transparent rotating discs. This dial adapts to all types of measuring devices and is particularly well designed for clockwork mechanisms. This dial includes a clockwork mechanism in which the drives for seconds, minutes and hours are coaxial, and improved by a rotary indication system which combines the following elements:

- a fixed dial comprising several concentric circular bands each having a color whose intensity varies in gradual gradation circular progress from the shade of almost maximum intensity; and

- Several movable transparent discs arranged on said drive axes coaxially with respect to each other and with respect to said dial; each of the movable transparent disks having a clean circular band covering respectively one of the circular bands of said dial and which has the same degraded intensity of the abovementioned color but progressively decreasing in a circular direction opposite to the above-mentioned direction. each of said mobile transparent disks creating an evolving zone effect, associated with one of said circular bands of the fixed dial.

We note that this solution does not entirely solve the problem of rapid indication of information.

In addition, the fixed dial must on the one hand have markers to allow correct reading of the time and, on the other hand, have a fixed reference disc. Therefore, it is essential to view n_ different information values to have n_ + 1 independent and distinct disks and n_ distinct circular bands.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for presenting information which differs from the various devices available to date and which allows easy reading, at a glance, of the indications of information by simple optical effect, color contrast and / or pattern.

In addition, while being of a pleasant aesthetic appearance, it is also of a simple design and easy to carry out while being robust, so that on the one hand its cost price is low and on the other hand it can be used in a wide variety of conditions.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a device for the presentation of information by optical effect, in particular for a measuring device, of the type comprising at least two coaxial revolution elements, superimposed, mounted to rotate and having at least one range or a frame of colors and / or patterns whose intensity varies in gradual gradation, from a reference line, in a circular direction and of maximum intensity, characterized in that it comprises at least two so-called "lower" and "upper" elements which are all mobile and which, during their relative movement, must determine at least one radial angular sector created by optical contrast effect and whose surface is variable in order to visually present information.

According to other characteristics of the invention: - The device comprises a housing comprising a bottom and containing a drive mechanism, this bottom being surmounted by at least two mobile elements;

- The lower element is opaque; - the lower element is transparent;

- the lower element is translucent;

- the upper element is either transparent or translucent;

- The elements of revolution are either volumes such as cylinders, or cones or trunks of cones; - the elements of revolution are planes;

- The device comprises both at least one volume element and at least one planar element;

- The device comprises a uniformly colored and / or marked part, surmounted by at least two elements either transparent or translucent;

- The device comprises a non-uniformly colored and / or marked part, surmounted by at least two elements either transparent or translucent;

- the non-uniformly colored and / or marked part comprises two ranges of colors, and / or two patterns of patterns, different and distinct but similar and symmetrically opposite, one to that of the lower element, and the other to that of the superior element;

- one of the superimposed elements comprises a colored or marked peripheral crown and a transparent central part, while the other element comprises a transparent peripheral crown and a colored or marked central part;

- the colors of two distinct ranges include a primary color and its corresponding complementary color on the color wheel; - The colors of two distinct ranges include at least one color between two primary colors, on the chromatic circle of shades;

- the range of each element is united and varies uniformly;

- the frame of each element consists of a sowing of dots of uniformly variable appearance; - the frame of each element is constituted by a sowing of geometric patterns of uniformly variable appearance;

- the frame of each element is constituted by a network of lines of uniformly variable appearance; - the frame of each element is constituted by a network of patterns so as to achieve a moiré effect.

- the reference line of at least one element is marked to simulate an indication means such as a needle;

- the ink used to obtain the range colors and / or weft patterns is transparent to light;

- the ink used to obtain the range colors and / or weft patterns is opaque.

The invention will be better understood from the detailed description below made with reference to the attached schematic drawing. Of course, this description and the drawing are only given by way of indicative and non-limiting example.

Figure 1 is a transverse view of a cylindrical element having a color range whose intensity varies in circular gradient from a maximum intensity and a reference line, in the direction of rotation of the needles d 'a watch.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 in which the color range, the intensity of which varies in gradual circular gradation from a maximum intensity and from a reference line, in the opposite direction of rotation of the Clockwise.

FIG. 3 is a view of the device resulting from the super¬ position of the elements of FIGS. 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of an alarm-type time measuring apparatus. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a frustoconical element comprising a range of color, the intensity of which varies in circular gradient from a reference line and of maximum intensity, in the direction of rotation of the Clockwise.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a frustoconical element having a color range whose intensity varies in circular gradient from a reference line and maximum intensity, in the opposite direction of clockwise rotation.

FIG. 7 is a view of the device resulting from the superposition of the elements of FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a view of an element constituting a disc comprising a screen of patterns the density of which varies in circular gradient from a reference radius and a maximum density, in the opposite direction to that of the needles of a watch. FIG. 9 is a view of an element constituting a disc comprising a pattern grid of which the density varies in circular gradient from a reference radius and a maximum density, in the direction of the needles of a shows, this disc being intended to be placed above that of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a view ^'of the device resulting from the superposition of the discs of figures 8 and 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a watch comprising the device of the type of that of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a view of a disc comprising two circular crowns which each have a pattern grid of which the density varies in circular gradient from a reference radius and of maximum intensity, the two variations being oriented in two opposite circular directions.

FIG. 13 is a view of a disc comprising two circular crowns which each have a pattern grid of which the density varies in circular gradient from a reference radius and a maximum intensity, the two variations being oriented in two circular directions opposite and opposite to those in Figure 12.

FIG. 14 is a view of the device resulting from the superposition of the discs of FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 15 is a view of a disc comprising a frame the intensity of which varies in gradient from a maximum intensity clockwise only in its central part. FIG. 16 is a view of a disc comprising a pattern frame of which the intensity varies in gradation from a maximum intensity in the anticlockwise direction only according to a peripheral crown. Figure 17 is a view of a disc constituting a bottom and comprising two screens identical to those of Figures 15 and 16 but degrading in an opposite direction.

FIG. 18 is a view of the device resulting from the superposition of the three discs represented by FIGS. 15 to 17. FIG. 19 is a view of a disc comprising a screen of patterns the density of which varies in circular gradient from a maximum intensity, clockwise.

Figures 20 and 21 are views showing two discs intended to be superimposed between themselves and with that of Figure 19, and whose density of the frame, about two times less than that of the frame of the disc of Figure 15, varies in circular gradient in a circular direction opposite to that of the hands of a watch.

Figure 22 is a plan view of the device resulting from the superposition of the discs of Figures 19 to 21. Figure 23 is a view of a disc having a grid of dots.

Figure 24 is a view of an optical moiré effect resulting from the superposition of two raster discs.

FIG. 25 is a view of a disc comprising a frame of radial lines.

Figure 26 is a view of a disc having a pattern frame.

Figure 27 is a view of the color wheel of the colors.

FIG. 28 is a view of a disc comprising two frames of points the intensity of which varies in opposite progressive circular gradation in each half-disc.

Figure 29 is a view similar to Figure 28 but the intensity of the gradient of each half-disc varies in an opposite direction. FIG. 30 is a view of the device resulting from the superposition of the discs of FIGS. 28 and 29.

It should be noted that for the purposes of reprography, the drawings are made in black and white so that it was not possible to represent ranges and / or color frames.

Referring to the drawing, we see that to illustrate a device according to the invention, we chose the example of a horological instrument: pendulum, alarm clock or watch. Obviously it is easy to see that this application is in no way limiting and that this device can be used in any type of device the result of a measurement of which can be viewed.

Likewise, it is also conceivable to use this device for the presentation of various and varied information such as information which can only be visible intermittently, for example during a very short period of time such as for example the dials of measuring devices, dashboards of vehicles, planes, ships, machines, etc.

In addition, the invention applies to the dial of measuring devices having a housing which has a bottom and inside which is a drive mechanism of a type known to those skilled in the art and adapted specifically to parameter whose measurement result is to be viewed.

For example, as illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 4, an alarm clock 1 has a bottom 2 surmounted by two elements of revolution 3, 4 of cylindrical shape, co-axial and kinematically connected to a clock mechanism of any known type (not shown ). This alarm clock 1 has four feet 5 which ensure its maintenance and a dial 6 allowing an indication of the time and protected by a transparent part, as is known per se. The first element 3 is illustrated by FIG. 1. It is the one which is near the bottom 2 and is called here, by convention, "lower element". It can be made of a transparent material or not. We retain here the example of an opaque material such as paper, cardboard, metal, plastics and the like. It has a range 7 of uniform color whose intensity varies in circular gradient from a reference radius 8 in the direction of rotation of the hands of a watch, from a maximum intensity as indicated by the arrow F1.

The second element 4 called here, by convention, "upper element", is clearly visible in FIG. 2. It is made of a transparent material, or at least translucent, such as a medium or strong plastic sheet or else a sheet of cellulose acetate or any other similar material. It has a range 9 of uniform color whose intensity varies in circular gradient from a reference radius 10 identical to that of the lower element 3 in the direction of rotation opposite to that of the hands of a watch, as indicates the arrow F2, from a maximum intensity. The thickness of the two elements 3 and 4 is variable but preferably between 0.20 and 1 millimeters.

The superposition of these two elements 3 and 4 (FIG. 3) allows, by optical contrast effect between the two areas 7 and 9, an indication of information. Thus for the alarm 1, the relative rotational movement of the elements 3 and 4 relative to one another, thanks to the drive of the clockwork movement, makes it possible to generate a variable angular sector. A. The resulting optical contrast delimits two distinct zones B and C and makes it possible to quickly visualize and read the indication of the information, for example the time that remains between the present instant and that to which the alarm clock 1 must trigger.

The colors of the two areas 7 and 9 being chosen here so as to have an intensity which varies in uniform circular gradient, in a direction opposite to each other, it follows that the distinct zones B and C are each of uniform intensity, which facilitates reading.

Indeed, the relative movement of elements 3 and 4 allows a variation of the angular sector A and of the contrast due to the changing effect of ranges 7 and 9 because the color of the lower element 4 acts as an optical filter on the color of 1 '' lower element 3 and So lets perceive a subtractive mixture of the colors of the areas 7 and 9, since the area 7 is seen through the area 9 provided on a transparent element, or at least translucent.

It is obvious that the elements of revolution can have different shapes. Thus it can be conical, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, or frustoconical.

The element 11 shown in FIG. 5 constitutes the lower element. Here it is supposed to be transparent and it has a range

12 of uniform color, the intensity of which varies in gradual circular gradation from a reference radius 13 clockwise as indicated by arrow F5.

The element 14 represented in FIG. 6 constitutes the upper element which must be superimposed on the lower element 11. It is transparent or, at least, translucent and has a color range 15 the intensity of which varies in gradual circular gradient from a radius 16, identical to the radius 13 of the element 11, and in the opposite direction to that of the needles of a watch as indicated by arrow F4.

It is easily understood that their superimposition leads to the same result as that represented in FIG. 3, namely an indication of information by optical contrast generated by the relative rotational movement of the elements 11 and 14 relative to each other ,

This relative rotational movement evolves by generating a variable angular sector D which, by optical contrast delimits two distinct zones E and F allowing the quick and easy reading of two different values, the color ^" of the two ranges 12 and 15 being chosen here so to have an intensity which varies in uniform circular gradient in a direction opposite to each other, it follows that the distinct zones E and F are each of homogeneous intensity which facilitates reading.

The relative movement of the two elements 11 and 14 allows a variation of the angular sector D and of the contrast due to the changing effect of the areas 12 and 15 because the color of the upper element

11 acts as an optical filter on the color of the lower element 15 and therefore lets perceive a subtractive mixture of the colors of the tracks 12 and 15 since track 12 is seen through track 15, provided on a transparent element, or at least translucent.

Another embodiment of the device is illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10. According to this embodiment, the two elements are constituted by two coaxial discs 17 and 18.

The disc 17 is the lower element. Here it is assumed to be opaque. It is mounted mobile in rotation and comprises a frame 19 constituted by a sowing of very small dots whose density varies in circular gradient from a reference radius 20 and a maximum density in the direction opposite to that of the needles d 'a watch, as indicated by arrow F5.

The disc 18 is the upper element intended to be placed above the lower disc 17. It is transparent, or at least translucent, and has a frame 21 formed by a sowing of very small dots whose density varies in circular gradient to from a reference radius 22 identical to radius 20 but in a clockwise direction, as indicated by arrow F6.

Their superimposition, as illustrated in FIG. 10, allows the indication of information as described above, by optical effect of contrast.

This information can be, as illustrated by FIG. 11, the indication of an instant, namely here 10 hours and ten minutes, by a wristwatch 23 of conventional type. This watch 23 comprises on the one hand a case 24 having a bottom (not visible in the drawing) and a dial 25, and on the other hand, a conventional bracelet 26.

The dial 25 is surmounted by a "glass" 27 of any known transparent material. This dial 25 is formed by the only combination of the two superimposed co-axial discs 17 and 18.

Their superimposition leads to the same result as that already explained, namely an indication of information by optical contrast generated by the relative rotational movement of the elements 17 and 18 relative to each other. This relative rotational movement evolves by generating a variable angular sector which, by contrast optical delimits two distinct zones H and I allowing the quick and easy reading of two different values.

The intensities of the two frames 19 and 21 being chosen here so as to have an intensity which varies in uniform circular gradient, in a direction opposite to each other, it follows that the distinct zones H and I are each of homogeneous intensity.

The relative movement of the discs 17 and 18 allows a variation of the angular sector G and of the contrast due to the changing effect of the frames 19 and 21 because the intensity of the frame of the disc 18 acts as an optical filter on the intensity of the disc frame 17 and therefore lets perceive a subtractive mixture of the intensities of each frame 19 and 21, since the frame 19 is seen through the frame 21 provided on a transparent element, or at least translucent.

The reference spokes 20 of the lower disc 17 and 22 of the upper disc 18 are marked by lines respectively 28 and 29 which increase the contrast of the zones H and I by playing the role of conventional hands in watchmaking, the disc 17 and its line 28 indicating the hour while the disc 18 and its line 29 indicate the minutes. This application can also be seen in FIG. 3 where the bottom 2 of the ^" alarm clock 1 is surmounted by a dial 6 which comprises the device of the invention constituted by two co-axial discs integral with the clock mechanism and which, by the same optical effect, allow viewing of the hours and minutes, these discs respectively indicating the hours and minutes.

An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 shows a lower disc 31 which has a central portion 32 and a peripheral ring 33. The central portion 32 and the ring 33 have frames 34 and 35 of which l intensity varies in gradual circular gradation from a reference radius 36 and a maximum intensity, in two opposite directions of rotation, as indicated by arrows F7 and F8. A more marked line 37 provided on the fraction of the radius 36 located on the central part 32 plays the role of the hour hand. FIG. 13 illustrates an upper disc 40 surmounting the lower disc 31 and made of a transparent or at least translucent material. This upper disc 40 also includes a central portion 41 and a peripheral ring 42 of frames 46-47, the intensity of which varies in gradient from a reference radius 43 and of maximum intensity in two directions of opposite rotation between them and also opposite to those of the lower disc 31, as indicated by the arrows F9 and F10. A more marked line 44 along a radius from the center of the disc 40 and extending to the periphery of the crown 42 plays the role of the minute hand. The superposition of these two discs thus makes it possible to obtain both the contrast effect already described and a very attractive rosette appearance as illustrated in FIG. 14.

In FIGS. 15 to 18, a variant has been shown which is similar to what has just been described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

In fact, provision is also made here for differentiation between the central zone and the periphery of the device.

However, instead of providing two discs 31 and 40 each having a central part and a screened peripheral ring, two discs 50 and 51 are used which each have only one frame.

The lower disc 50 is transparent and has a frame 52 in its central part only, the intensity of which varies in circular gradient of the hands of a watch as illustrated by the arrow F11. The upper disc 51 is also transparent and has a frame 53 according to a peripheral ring only, the inside diameter of the frame 53 being equal to the outside diameter of the frame 52 and the intensity of the frame 53 degrading in the illustrated direction of the arrow F12. These two discs 50 and 51 are superimposed one on the other or the other on one because their non-screened parts are neutral. To reinforce the optical contrast effect, these two discs 50 and 51 are associated with a part 54 which carries two frames 55 and 56 corresponding to the frames 52 and 53 but in a gradient of opposite directions. A well-contrasted and fairly thick radial line 57 is placed on the lower disc 50 from its center over a length clearly less than the radius of its central part, making it possible to play the role of the hour hand.

A well-contrasted and fairly thick radial line 58 arranged on the part 54 from its center over the entire length of the radius of the part 54 makes it possible to play the role of the minute hands.

In FIG. 18, we see an example of a cockade appearance obtained by combining these two discs 50-51 and the bottom of the part 54.

Figures 19 to 22 illustrate another embodiment of the device also making it possible to indicate the time at a determined time. This device comprises a lower disc 60, an intermediate disc 61 and an upper disc 62.

The lower disc 60 is, here, opaque and has a frame

63 consisting of a seedling of small dots whose density varies in circular gradient from a maximum intensity and a reference radius 64 clockwise, as indicated by arrow F13.

Figures 20 and 21 show the intermediate disc 61 and the upper disc 62. They are identical, transparent and must be superimposed on the lower disc 60. Each of these two discs 61 and 62 has a frame respectively 65 and 66 consisting of a seedling of points.

It is observed that, unlike the cases described above, the frames 65 and 66 of the discs 61 and 62 are identically oriented because their circular gradient is distributed in the same direction which, here, is that corresponding to the opposite direction of the hands of a shows, from a radius 67-68, as shown by arrows F14 and F15.

The density of the weft 65 and 65 is substantially two times less than that of the weft 63 of the lower disc 60. It is noted that the superposition of these three discs 60, 61 and 62 makes it possible to obtain the indication of three different values which are delimited by three different angular sectors J, K and L by effect of contrast, as one sees on the figure 22. In addition, the choice of the maximum and minimum intensities of each frame 63, 65 and 66 as well as the direction and the regularity of the variations of these intensities give the three sectors J, K and L a total homogeneity which facilitates the reading of measurement.

Thanks to this superimposition, it is therefore possible to view the hours, minutes and seconds at the same time. In figure 22, we read: 10 hours, 10 minutes, 27 seconds.

A radial line 70, well contrasted and fairly thick, is arranged on the lower disc 60 from its center and over a length clearly less than the radius of the disc 60, makes it possible to play the role of the hour hand.

A radial line 71, well contrasted and fairly thick, is arranged on the median disc 61 from its center and over a length barely less than the radius of the disc 61, makes it possible to play the role of the minute hand. A radial line 72, well contrasted but fairly fine, is disposed on the upper disc 62 from its center and over any length of the radius of the disc 62, makes it possible to play the role of the second hand.

Referring to Figures 28 to 30, we see a variant in which two discs 90 and 91 to be superimposed each have two distinct areas 92-93 and 94-95 respectively opposed by a diameter.

The diameters 96 of the disc 90 and 97 of the disc 91 are here marked with contrasting lines. After superimposition (Figure 30), the areas determine four angular sectors M, N, 0 and P when the two diameters 96 and 97 are intersecting and only two (M and N or 0 and P) when the diameters 96 and 97 are superimposed.

Such a device is not intended for devices and watches whose dial necessarily has a real central axis or virtual. It is intended for devices whose dial presents differences between phenomena with polar symmetry, which is the case to indicate the relative temporal evolution of two parameters. To achieve different optical effects and in particular to improve the contrast, it is possible to use different types of screens: more or less fine points, radial lines; identical or mixed geometric patterns, straight or curved lines, regular or irregular etc.

When it is a weft, the progressive circular gradient results from the appearance of the weft. The appearance of the weft depends on the density of the patterns, the size and / or shape of the patterns as well as the colors of the patterns.

Depending on the choice made, different effects are obtained since the observer can see, according to the relative position of the elements, the weft of the upper element, the weft of the lower element through the upper element and finally various combinations of these two frames.

These effects are even more varied when the device comprises more than two discs (FIG. 22) or when the discs have more than one frame, which is the case with the cockade arrangement in FIGS. 14 and 18.

It can be a fairly coarse, dot pattern, such as that of FIG. 23. The diameter of the points varies in gradual circular gradient from a maximum diameter in the opposite direction of the hands of a watch. . It can also be a frame comprising a network of radial lines, such as that of FIG. 25, the density of which varies in circular gradient starting from a maximum intensity in the clockwise direction. It is also possible to use a screen comprising square patterns as shown in FIG. 26 and the intensity of which varies in gradual circular gradation starting from a maximum intensity clockwise or of screens comprising patterns, the superposition of which gives changing optical effects like roiι HΛ moire, which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 24. Whatever the screen used, most industrial reproduction processes (photoengraving, screen printing, photocopying etc.) allow the use of the three primaries, namely cyan, magenta and yellow, as well as black. The shades are then obtained by varying the size and / or the density of the elements making up the frame.

Thus, if the weft has 150 dots per inch, we obtain an almost smooth and uniform visual appearance. Conversely, if we consider a raster of coarse dots or made up of other patterns, for example linear, we obtain different visual effects such as, for example, a moiré.

Obviously, the optical contrast is also improved by a judicious choice of colors and / or patterns. Indeed, the contrast is linked to the variation of a certain number of parameters and in particular of the hue, of the saturation of the clarity and of

1 Opacity.

By "shade" is meant the positioning of the chosen color on a chromatic circle of shades 80, such as that which is represented in FIG. 27. The three primary colors, also called "fundamental" on the circle 80 are respectively the yellow 81, magenta 82 and cyan 83. The other colors are called "secondary".

By "saturation" of a color is meant its "purity", that is to say the proportion of gray it contains. By "clarity" of a color is meant its degree of luminosity. The three hue, saturation and lightness parameters thus define a color.

By "opacity" of a color is meant its degree of non-transparency. In this way, a fully saturated color is said to be "pure" if it contains no gray. Finally, “minimum clarity” is understood to mean black and “maximum clarity” is understood to mean white, which is reflected in conventional methods of reproduction by absence of ink. This is the reason why, to increase the optical contrast and thereby facilitate the reading of the information, the color combinations are carefully chosen.

To obtain the two ranges of homogeneous color in clarity, whatever the relative position of the elements, it is necessary to choose color gradients which are regular in clarity and which compensate each other, that is to say that the maximum clarities of each gradations are exactly opposite or else they have the same relative difference in clarity. For example, if we consider two discs, we will choose on one of these discs a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradient clockwise from an orange of clarity normal up to a blue of low clarity, and on the other disc, a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradation in the anticlockwise direction from a red of high clarity until 'to a normal light green.

Likewise, to obtain the two ranges of color that are homogeneous in color, whatever the relative position of the elements, the gradient of the colors must be regular and the colors of each of the ranges of each element must be balanced in pairs.

For example, if we consider two discs, we will choose on one of the discs a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradient clockwise from a cyan of medium clarity up to a high clarity magenta and, on the other disc, a color range whose intensity varies in gradual gradation counterclockwise from a cyan of medium clarity to a high clarity magenta. Conversely, it is also possible to achieve an effect of color inhomogeneity.

For example, if we consider two discs, we will choose on one of these discs a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradient clockwise from green to in magenta and, on the other disc, a track of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradation in an anti-clockwise direction from magenta to cyan.

It is also possible to achieve an optical effect which increases the contrast in clarity. For this purpose, it is necessary to increase the degree of contrast on each of the discs.

For example, if we consider two discs, we will choose on one of these discs a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradient in a clockwise direction from a light magenta normal up to a high clarity green and, on the other disc, a range of color whose intensity varies in circular gradation in the opposite direction clockwise from a cyan of medium clarity up to to a high clarity green. You can also increase the color contrast.

To do this, you must increase the degree of color contrast on each of the two discs.

For example, if we consider two discs, we will choose on one of these discs a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradient clockwise from yellow to to a blue and on the other disc, a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradient in the opposite direction clockwise from a green to a magenta. It is also possible to have an effect corresponding to a maximum contrast of colors, that is to say corresponding to an associated contrast of hue and lightness. To achieve such an effect, a maximum clarity is chosen on one of the discs.

For example, if we consider two discs, we will choose on one of these discs a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradient in a clockwise direction from a magenta up to in white, and on the other disc, a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradient in the opposite direction of the needles of a watch from cyan to white. It should be noted that to obtain pure colors, that is to say corresponding to a maximum saturation, whatever the relative position of the elements, it is advisable to choose on the one hand the maximum saturations, so that these colors are themselves pure, and, on the other hand, choose the shades from the secondaries of two same primaries.

But it is sometimes interesting to achieve a saturation which is not maximum. To do this, we do not choose shades in a single third of the color circle of colors, that is to say those that are between two primary colors. The superposition of the two discs then results in the appearance of a hazy or unsaturated color. In the extreme, we can choose complementary colors in order to obtain, most often, one of the two overlapping zones that are very poorly saturated or greyish. For example, if we consider two discs, we will choose on one of these discs a range of color whose intensity varies in gradual circular gradient in a clockwise direction from a magenta up to green, that is to say from a primary color to a complementary color on the color wheel and on the other disc, a range of similar color but whose intensity varies in circular gradient progressive counterclockwise.

It is important to note that the device according to the invention makes it possible to obtain any opacity between transparency and non-transparency. This opacity depends on the color and / or patterns as well as other factors such as for example the support, the ink, etc.

This possibility of prior choice of opacity solves the problems associated with color saturation by making it possible to obtain very clear and very legible devices.

We can, for example, make a device whose opacity is at most equal to 50. To do this, if we consider two discs, we will choose on each of them a range of color whose intensity varies in gradient circular and whose opacity is at most 12.5. Indeed, in the most opaque situation, an incident light ray meets an area of the range of the upper disc, the opacity of which is 12.5, then the range area of the lower disc, the opacity of which is also 12, 5. After reflection on the lower disc, the reflected light ray will successively meet these two areas, so that the resulting maximum opacity is

(12.5 + 12.5) X 2 = 50

Of course, what has been said about color ranges is also valid for frames, the concept of intensity then being replaced by the concept of density.

Furthermore, in order to increase the contrast or to favor certain specific optical effects, either opaque ink or transparent ink is used to tint the areas or print the screens. A common transparent ink allows the incident light rays to pass through the zones of the superimposed elements and to be reflected on a background. The reflected light rays pass successively through said zones of the superimposed elements before reaching a receiver (which is most often the eye of an observer), these zones of the different elements revealing a mixture by subtractive effect.

On the contrary, a common opaque ink causes the reflection of incident light rays as soon as they meet an inked surface. Therefore, the lower element only returns the light rays that the upper disc has not already reflected. Such a device is particularly well suited to the case where the two elements are identical, to promote symmetry effects.

This allows the use of phosphorescent dot patterns, reflective glitter, fluorescent paints, white dot patterns in combination with a black background.

Thanks to this information presentation device according to the invention, it is possible to produce design devices and of various forms which is esthetic ;, of a simple design and which allows a fast reading of information.

The invention also applies to devices the number of movable disks of which is greater than three, as well as to devices using other combinations of ranges and / or screens of colors and / or patterns or a higher number of roundels. together.

Likewise, it applies to devices which have any reference lines such as curved or broken as well as to devices which comprise elements which have more than two angular zones separated by a reference line.

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Claims

R E V E N D I C A T I O N S

1- Device for presenting information by opti¬ effect that in particular for a measuring device, of the type comprising at least two co-axial revolution elements, mounted in rotation, superimposed, and having at least one range of colors and / or one screen of patterns whose intensity varies in gradual gradation, from a reference line, in a circular direction and of maximum intensity, charac¬ terized in that it comprises at least two elements called "lower" and " superior "(3-4, 11-14, 17-18, 31-40, 50-51, 60-62) which are all mobile and which, during their relative movement, must determine at least 0 an angular sector (A , D) radial created by optical effects and the surface of which is variable in order to visually present information.

2- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises a housing comprising a bottom (2) and

15 containing a drive mechanism, this bottom (2) being surmounted by at least two movable elements (3-4, 11-14, 17-18, 31-40, 50-51, 60-61-62).

3- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that one lower element (3, 11, 17, 31, 50, 60) is opaque.

20 4- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that_ the lower element (3, 11, 17, 31, 50, 60) is transparent.

5- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that one lower element (3, 11, 17, 31, 50, 60) is translucent.

6- Device according to claim 2, characterized in that ~ ~ that the upper element (4, 14, 18, 40, 51, 62) is either transparent or translucent.

7- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements of revolution are volumes such as cones (11-14) trunks of cones or cylinders (3-4).

8- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements of revolution are planar (11-14, 17-18, 31-40, 50-51, 60-61-62) 9- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises both at least one volume element (3-4, 11-14) and at least one planar element (17-18, 31-40, 50-51 , 60-61-62).

10- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a uniformly colored and / or marked part, surmounted by at least two elements either transparent or translucent.

11- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a non-uniformly colored part (54) and / or marked, surmounted by at least two elements (50-51) either transparent or translucent. 12- Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the non-uniformly colored and / or marked part comprises two color ranges, and / or two patterns of patterns, different and distinct but similar and symmetrically opposite, one to that of the lower element, and the other to that of the upper element. 13- Device according to claim 12, characterized in that one of the elements (50) superimposed comprises a crown (53) colored or marked peripheral and a transparent central part, while the other element (51) comprises a peripheral crown transparent and a central part (52) colored or marked. 14- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the colors of two distinct ranges include at least one primary color (81-82-83) and its corresponding complementary color on the chromatic circle of shades (80).

15- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that _________ the colors of two distinct ranges include at least one color between at least two primary colors (81-82-83), considered on the color wheel (80).

16- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the range of each element is united and varies uniformly. 17- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame of each element is constituted by a sowing of dots of uniformly variable appearance,

18- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame of each element is constituted by a sowing of geometric patterns of uniformly variable appearance. 19- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame of each element is constituted by a network of lines of uniformly variable appearance.

20- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame of each element is constituted by a network so as to achieve a moiré effect.

21- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference line of at least one element is marked to simulate an indication means such as a needle.

22- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ink used for obtaining the range colors and / or weft patterns is transparent to light.

23- Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ink used for obtaining the range colors and / or weft patterns is opaque.

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