WO2008123784A1

WO2008123784A1 - Method and device for displaying time

Info

Publication number: WO2008123784A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2008/000075
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Charles Sole
Original assignee: Timothy Charles Sole
Priority date: 2007-04-04
Filing date: 2008-04-04
Publication date: 2008-10-16

Abstract

The invention provides a device for displaying time having a display (1) configured to indicate a time period using characteristics of one or more time value symbols (3) and/or numbers (2), and to indicate a subset of that time period, the subset including a displayed time.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING TIME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and to a device for displaying time utilising a symbolic and/or numeric display.

BACKGROUND ART

Timepieces with various types of display are known. For example, some timepieces have an hour hand, a minute hand and a second hand mounted on a circular face. Others have a digital display, with numbers for showing the time in hours, minutes and seconds. Still others have a time scale display in which light bands or dots are displayed at a certain point on a time scale, such as in WO 2006/102299. Yet others have a mixed display, in which an hours value is displayed numerically, while a minutes value is displayed by a moving light band or dot on a time scale.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved timepiece which can be more easily and/or intuitively read, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the invention provides a device for displaying time having a display configured to indicate a time period using characteristics of one or more time value symbols and/or numbers, and to indicate a subset of that time period, the subset including a displayed time.

The characteristics may include position on the display, size, orientation, style or colour.

Preferably the device for displaying time is a watch. Alternatively the device is a PDA or mobile phone. Preferably wherein the device is a PDA or mobile phone the display characteristics are determined and driven by a software program. Most preferably the software is downloadable to the PDA or mobile phone as an applet.

The first aspect also extends to a method of displaying a time value, including the steps of indicating a time period using characteristics of one or more time value symbols and/or numbers, and indicating a subset of that time period, the subset including a displayed time.

In a second aspect the invention provides a device for displaying time haying a display and configured to: display one or more hour value symbols and/or numbers indicative of an hour value; indicate an hour-subset; and display one or more minute symbols and/or numbers indicative of a minute count within the hour-subset.

Preferably the indication of the hour-subset is provided by the hour value symbols and/or numbers.

Preferably the displayed hour value symbols and/or numbers have characteristics indicative of an hour-subset. The characteristics may include position on the display, size, orientation, style or colour.

Preferably each hour-subset is a fifteen minute block of time. Other blocks of time may also be suitable, including blocks of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 20 and 30 minutes.

Preferably the display is configured to display an hour value symbol and/or number in one of n positions each being indicative of an hour-subset, with each hour-subset including 60/n minutes. The display may be a four sided display configured to display an hour value symbol and/or number in one of four positions, each position being indicative of a 15 minute hour-subset.

Preferably the minute count within the hour-subset is displayed using a plurality of symbols which can be selectively displayed. The number of symbols may be one less than the number of minutes in the hour-subset.

Preferably wherein the device is a PDA or mobile phone the display characteristics are determined and driven by a software program. Most preferably the software is downloadable to the PDA or mobile phone as an applet.

The second aspect also extends to a method of displaying a time value, including: displaying hour value symbols and/or numbers indicative of an hour value; indicating an hour-subset; and displaying minute symbols and/or numbers indicative of a minute count within the hour-subset.

In a third aspect the invention provides a device for displaying time having a display and configured: to display an hour value using one or more hour value symbols and/or numbers; and to display a minute value using: one or more characteristics of the hour value symbols and/or numbers; and one or more minute value symbols and/or numbers. Preferably the one or more characteristics of the hour value symbols and/or numbers are indicative of an hour-subset, the one or more minute value symbols and/or numbers indicating a minute count within the hour- subset.

Preferably the display is configured to display an hour value symbol and/or number in one of n positions each being indicative of an hour-subset, with each hour-subset including 60/n minutes. The display may be an n-sided display.

The display may be a four sided display configured to display an hour value symbol and/or number in one of four positions, each position being indicative of a 15 minute hour-subset.

Preferably wherein the device is a PDA or mobile phone the display characteristics are determined and driven by a software program. Most preferably the software is downloadable to the PDA or mobile phone as an applet. The third aspect also extends to a method of displaying a time value, including: displaying an hour value using one or more hour value symbols and/or numbers; and displaying a minute value using: one or more characteristics of the hour value symbols and/or numbers; and one or more minute value symbols and/or numbers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention; Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention; Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention; Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention; Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention; and Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention;

Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention; Figure 12 shows another embodiment of the display of a device for displaying time according to the present invention; and

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a device for displaying time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a timepiece display 1. The display is generally square in shape, although many different shapes of display may be used, including circular, oval and polygonal displays.

Figure 1 shows the display 1 displaying four different times.

Figure 1A shows a number 7' displayed in the upper left region of the display. This hour value number 2 indicates that the hour value is 7. Figure 1A also shows three symbols 3, such as dots or lights, displayed in the lower right part of the display. The position of the number 7' in the upper left of the display indicates that the minute value is between 0 and 14, and the presence of three minute symbols 3 indicates that the minute value is 0+3=3. Therefore the time displayed is 7:03. Thus, the minute value is given by the indication of the hour-subset from 0 to 14 minutes (given by the position of the displayed hour value) together with the symbols displaying the minute count within that hour-subset.

Throughout this description, "minute value" refers to a total minute value from 0 to 59, while "minute count" refers to a minute count within a particular hour-subset.

Figure 1 B shows the number 7' in the upper right of the display. This indicates that the minute value is in the hour-subset between 15 and 29 minutes, and the presence of one minute symbol 3 indicates that the minute value is 15+1=16. Therefore the time displayed is 7:16.

Figure 1C shows the number 7' in the lower left of the display. This indicates that the minute value is in the hour-subset between 30 and 44 minutes, and the presence of five minute symbols 3 indicates that the minute value is 30+5=35. Therefore the time displayed is 7:35.

Figure 1D shows the number 7' in the lower right of the display. This indicates that the minute value is in the hour-subset between 45 and 59 minutes, and the presence of fourteen minute symbols 3 indicates that the minute value is 45+14=59. Therefore the time displayed is 7:59.

Another way of expressing these four times is "three minutes past seven", "one minute past quarter past seven", "five minutes past half past seven" and "fourteen minutes past three-quarters of an hour past seven". Thus, it can be seen that this embodiment divides the hour into four 15 minute hour-subsets, the appropriate hour-subset being indicated by the position of the hour value number, with the minute value symbols specifying the minute count within that 15 minute block. Thus the hour value is displayed by the hour value number, but the minute value is displayed by the combination of the hour value position and the minute value symbols.

Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a display 1 , again displaying four different times. Again, four different positions may be occupied by the hour value 7'. The upper left position (first row, first column) shown in

Figure 2A indicates that the minute value is between 0 and 14. The second row, second column position of the hour value in Figure 2B indicates that the minute value is between 15 and 29. The third row, third column position of the hour value and Figure 2C indicates that the minute value is between 30 and 44; and the lower right position of the hour value

In Figure 2D indicates that the minute value is between 45 and 59. The minute count within the hour-subset identified by the hour value position is again shown simply by displaying the appropriate number of minute value symbols 2. Thus, the four times shown in Figure 2 are again 7:03, 7:16, 7:35 and 7:59.

Figures 1 and 2 show a display in which an hour-subset is indicated by the position of an hour value number. However, the hour-subset may also be indicated by any other appropriate characteristic of the hour value number. Such characteristics may include size, orientation, style or colour as well as position, and may include any combination of these characteristics. However, as used in this specification, the term "characteristics" is not intended to include the content of a displayed number. For example, the characteristics of a displayed number '8' do not include the meaning 'eight'.

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the display 1. Figure 3A is identical to Figure 2A, showing the time at 7:03. However, in Figure 3B, the second hour-subset (between 15 and 29 minutes) is identified by a larger hour value number '7' in the upper left of the display, again showing the time at 7:16. Thus, in this embodiment, the hour-subset is indicated by the combination of position and size of the hour value number. Figure 3C again shows the time at 7:35, the larger hour value number situated in the lower right of the display and identifying the third hour-subset between 30 and 44 minutes.

Figures 1 to 3C each show a single minute count symbol corresponding to a single minute. However, it may be preferable to display larger numbers of minutes using a smaller number of symbols. This is particularly, advantageous where the size of the hour value number must occupy a greater area of the display, as in Figure 3B and 3C. Thus, in Figure 3D, 14 small minute value symbols have been replaced by one larger minute count symbol (representing 10 minutes) and four small minute value symbols. Thus, the time shown in Figure 3D is again 7:59.

The display may have gridlines, as shown in Figure 3, or may simply be a plain display, as shown in Figure 4. In some types of display, such as that of Figure 2, the gridlines may aid the reading of the display. However, where the hour value numbers are significantly altered in size, as in figure 4, the lack of gridlines does not result in difficulty in reading the timepiece.

Figure 5 shows yet another embodiment, in which the hour value number moves from left to right and changes in size to identify the different hour- subsets. This embodiment is otherwise similar to the embodiment of figures 3 and 4.

Figure 6 shows a six-sided display 10. In this embodiment, the hour is divided into six hour-subsets, each of 10 minutes. The position of the hour value number 2 ('7') and/or the minute value symbols 3 indicates the appropriate hour-subset. Figure 6A again displays the time at 7:03, the position of the hour value number and the minute value symbols identifying the first hour-subset, from zero to nine minutes. Figure 6B displays the time at 7:16, the hour value number and the minute value symbols having moved clockwise to indicate the second hour-subset, from 10 to 19 minutes. Therefore, the minute value is 10+6 = 16. Figure 6C displays the time at 7:35, the hour value number and the minute value symbols having moved through two spaces clockwise to indicate the fourth hour-subset, from 30 to 39 minutes. Finally, Figure 6D displays the time at 7:59, the positions of the hour value number and the minute count symbols indicating the sixth hour-subset, from 50 to 59 minutes.

Lines 11 , 12 may be displayed to assist a user to identify the hour-subset, the lines moving with the hour value number. In general, the hour may be divided into any number, n, of hour-subsets. Preferably, the hour-subsets are equal in size, with each hour-subset including 60/n minutes. The display may then be configured to display an hour value number in one of n positions (or having one of n sets of characteristics) each being indicative of an hour-subset. The display may be an n-sided display, although circular or oval displays may also be used.

Also, the hour-subset may be identified by characteristics of the minute value symbols, rather than the hour value number, or by a combination of the two.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment similar to that of Figure 6. In this embodiment the lines 11 , 12 are displayed in dashed line. The minute value symbols 3 are positioned along the dashed lines 11 , 12. A solid line 13 is displayed adjacent the appropriate side of the hexagon, for extra clarity in identifying the correct hour-subset.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment in which the hour value is displayed by an hour value symbol or symbols rather than a number. The hour value is generally depicted by the position(s) of one or more hour value symbols.

Figure 8A shows three hour value symbols in the upper right of the display 1. A first hour value symbol 20 (shown in hashed line) may be coloured or flashing or differently shaped or otherwise distinguished from second and third hour value symbols 21, 22. The position of the three symbols in the upper right of the display indicates that the time is between

12:00 and 3:00, with the position of the first hour value symbol 20 within the three symbols indicating which hour within this time period is displayed. So in Figure 8A, the time is in the first third of this time period, i.e. between 12:00 and 1 :00. Figure 8B shows the first hour value symbol 20 in a second position, indicating that the time is between 1:00 and 2:00. Similarly, Figure 8C shows the time between 2:00 and 3:00.

Figures 8D to 8F show the three hour value symbols in the bottom right of the display, indicating that the time is between 3:00 and 6:00. Figures 8D, 8E and 8F therefore show times between 3:00 and 4:00; 4:00 and 5:00; and 5:00 and 6:00 respectively.

Figures 8G to 8I show the three hour value symbols in the bottom left of the display, indicating that the time is between 6:00 and 9:00. Figures 8G, 8H and 8I therefore show times between 6:00 and 7:00; 7:00 and 8:00; and 8:00 and 9:00 respectively.

Figures 8J to 8L show the three hour value symbols in the top left of the display, indicating that the time is between 9:00 and 12:00. Figures 8J, 8K and 8L therefore show times between 9:00 and 10:00; 10:00 and 11 :00; and 11 :00 and 12:00 respectively.

In this embodiment a block of hours is indicated by the position of the three hour value symbols 20, 21 , 22, with a time period within that block indicated by the position of the first hour value symbol 20. Various other methods of indicating the block of hours and the time period within that block may also be suitable.

This manner of displaying an hour value can be combined with any suitable method of displaying a minute value, including the methods, described above, or simply displaying a minute value number 25, as shown in Figure 9. Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D show the time at 7:03, 7:16, 7:35 and 7:59 respectively. Figure 10 shows an embodiment similar to that of Figure 9, except that the minute value is displayed using a combination 26 of minute value letters and numbers.

Figure 1OA again shows the time at 7:03, the letter 'A' identifying the first hour-subset from 0 to 14 minutes, with the number '3' identifying the minute count within that subset.

Figure 10B shows the time at 7:16, the letter 'B' identifying the second hour-subset from 15 to 29 minutes, with the number '1' identifying the minute count within that subset.

Figure 10C shows the time at 7:35, the letter 'C identifying the third hour- subset from 30 to 44 minutes, with the number '5' identifying the minute count within that subset.

Figure 10D shows the time at 7:59, the letter 'D' identifying the fourth hour- subset from 45 to 59 minutes, with the number '14' identifying the minute count within that subset.

A minute value letter (such as those shown in Figure 10) may of course be combined with minute value symbols (such as those shown in Figures 1 to 7) rather than minute value numbers.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment in which the hour value is given by three hour value symbols, similar to those of Figure 8. The hour displayed in each of Figures 11 A, 11 B, 11C and 11 D is 7, being displayed in the lower left of the display with the first hour value symbol in the middle position (see Figure 8H).

The hour-subset is indicated by characteristics of the hour value symbols. In this embodiment the characteristics are position and size. In Figure 11A the three hour value symbols are relatively small in size, indicating that the minute value is between 0 and 14.

In Figure 11B the three hour value symbols are long when compared to those of Figure 11 A. This increased size indicates that the minute value is between 15 and 29.

In Figure 11C the three hour value symbols are positioned diagonally inwards when compared to those of Figure 11 B. This different position indicates that the minute value is between 30 and 44.

In Figure 11 D the three hour value symbols are long and wide when compared to those of Figure 11 A. This increased length and width indicates that the minute value is between 45 and 59.

Figure 12 shows the embodiment of Figure 11 , with minute value symbols 3 also shown. The hour subsets indicated in each of Figures 12A, 1_.2B, 12C and 12D are the same as those in Figures are the same as those in Figures 11 A, 11 B, 11C and 11 D respectively.

Figure 12A shows three minute count symbols 3, indicating that the time displayed is 7:03. Figure 12B shows one minute count symbol, so that the time is 7:16. Figure 12C shows five minute count symbols, so that the time is 7:35. Figure 12D shows one large minute count symbol (representing ten minutes) and four small minute count symbols (each representing one minute), so that the time is 7:59.

Although the above embodiments have described the invention with respect to a twelve hour timepiece, the invention may easily be extended to a twenty four hour timepiece. Figure 13 shows an exemplary timepiece 30 for implementing any one of the displays discussed above. The timepiece includes a display 31 which is driven by display circuitry 32, the display circuitry receiving time information from timing circuitry 33. The display 31, display circuitry 32 and timing circuitry 33 all receive power from a power source 34.

The timepiece may be a clock or watch, or any other device displaying time, including a time display on any electronic device, such as a cellphone; DVD player, MP3 player, microwave oven etc.

The invention is also particularly suited for use in conjunction with a PDA or mobile phone, wherein the display characteristics can be determined and driven by a software program. It is specifically contemplated that the software be downloadable to the PDA or mobile phone as an applet, and thus added by users as an optional feature at any time.

Various combinations of the above embodiments may be found suitable and are intended to fall within the scope of the invention.

The invention provides timepieces which are more easily and/or intuitively read.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such detail.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the inventive concept as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for displaying time having a display configured to indicate a time period using characteristics of one or more time value symbols and/or numbers, and to indicate a subset of that time period, the subset including a displayed time.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the characteristics may include position on the display, size, orientation, style or colour.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the device for displaying time is a watch.

4. The device of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the device is a PDA or mobile phone.

5. The device of claim 1 , 2 or 4 wherein the display characteristics are determined and driven by a software program.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the software is downloadable to the PDA or mobile phone as an applet.

7. A method of displaying a time value on a device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method including the steps of indicating a time period using characteristics of one or more time value symbols and/or numbers, and indicating a subset of that time period, the subset including a displayed time.

8. ^' A device for displaying time having a display and configured to: display one or more hour value symbols and/or numbers indicative of an hour value; indicate an hour-subset; and display one or more minute symbols and/or numbers indicative of a minute count within the hour-subset.

9. The device according to claim 8 wherein the indication of the hour- subset is provided by the hour value symbols and/or numbers.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the displayed hour value symbols and/or numbers have characteristics indicative of an hour-subset.

11. The device according to claim 10 wherein the characteristics include position on the display, size, orientation, style or colour.

12. The device of claim 10 or 11 wherein each hour-subset is a fifteen minute block of time.

13. The device of claim 10 or 11 wherein each hour-subset is a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 20 or 30 minute block of time.

14. The device of any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the display is configured to display an hour value symbol and/or number in one of n positions each being indicative of an hour-subset, with each hour- subset including 60/n minutes.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein the display is a four sided display configured to display an hour value symbol and/or number in one of four positions, each position being indicative of a 15 minute hour- subset.

16. The device of any one of claims 8 to 15 wherein the minute count within the hour-subset is displayed using a plurality of symbols which can be selectively displayed.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein the number of symbols may be one less than the number of minutes in the hour-subset.

18. The device of any one of claims 8 to 17 wherein the device for displaying time is a watch.

19. The device of any one of claims 8 to 17 wherein the device is a PDA or mobile phone.

20. The device of claim 19 wherein the display characteristics are determined and driven by a software program.

21. The device of claim 20 wherein the software is downloadable to the PDA or mobile phone as an applet.

22. A method of displaying a time value on a device according to any one of claims 8 to 21 , the method including the steps of displaying a time value, including: displaying hour value symbols and/or numbers indicative of an hour value; indicating an hour-subset; and displaying minute symbols and/or numbers indicative of a minute count within the hour-subset.

23. A device for displaying time having a display and configured: to display an hour value using one or more hour value symbols and/or numbers; and to display a minute value using: one or more characteristics of the hour value symbols and/or numbers; and _: one or more minute value symbols and/or numbers.

24. The device of claim 23 wherein the one or more characteristics of the hour value symbols and/or numbers are indicative of an hour-subset, the one or more minute value symbols and/or numbers indicating a minute count within the hour-subset.

25. The device according to claim 23 of 24 wherein the characteristics include position on the display, size, orientation, style or colour.

26. The device of claim 23 or 24 wherein each hour-subset is a fifteen minute block of time.

27. The device of claim 23 or 24 wherein each hour-subset is a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 20 or 30 minute block of time.

28. The device of any one of claims 23 to 27 wherein the display is configured to display an hour value symbol and/or number in one of n positions each being indicative of an hour-subset, with each hour- subset including 60/n minutes.

29. The device of claim 28 wherein the display is a four sided display configured to display an hour value symbol and/or number in one of four positions, each position being indicative of a 15 minute hour- subset.

30. The device of claim 28 wherein the display is n-sided.

31. The device of any one of claims 23 to 30 wherein the minute count within the hour-subset is displayed using a plurality of symbols which can be selectively displayed.

32. The device of claim 31 wherein the number of symbols may be one less than the number of minutes in the hour-subset.

33. The device of any one of claims 23 to 32 wherein the device for displaying time is a watch.

34. The device of any one of claims 23 to 32 wherein the device is a PDA or mobile phone.

35. The device of claim 34 wherein the display characteristics are determined and driven by a software program.

36. The device of claim 35 wherein the software is downloadable to the PDA or mobile phone as an applet.

37. A method of displaying a time value on a device according to any one of claims 23 to 37, the method including the steps of: displaying an hour value using one or more hour value symbols and/or numbers; and displaying a minute value using: one or more characteristics of the hour value symbols and/or numbers; and one or more minute value symbols and/or numbers.