WO2016188921A1

WO2016188921A1 - Watch or clock with acoustic indication of seconds

Info

Publication number: WO2016188921A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/061476
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter Rehm
Original assignee: Walter Rehm
Priority date: 2015-05-22
Filing date: 2016-05-20
Publication date: 2016-12-01
Also published as: DE102015006680A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a watch or clock with acoustic indication of seconds, characterized in that the acoustic indication of time varies in sound, sound duration and/or interval, the acoustic indication of time being designed as an acoustic indication of seconds.

Description

Clock with acoustic seconds display

The invention comprises a clock with an acoustic indication of the time.

Increasingly, watches are in use whose time display in function and design can be varied by the user. In particular, with the aid of so-called apps or with other software applications on smartphones and computers an arbitrarily configurable time display is possible.

In particular, it is known in the art, the system time of a

tapping the existing clock from the mechanical time display, which is caused by the advance of the pointer, to simulate watches without mechanical functions.

There are many corresponding programming examples on the internet: http://www.gf-webdesign.de/clock_xls/clock_xls.htm http://books.google.de/books?id=eWCUAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA494&lpg=PA494&dq=sekund en + tick + programmiemng & source = bl & ots = TBhexkjlpm & sig = DlnMFonlzCz7MDv9xdG mI6rW8Q & hl = en & sa = X & ei = MGs7VOiRNqLTygPEioC4Bg & ved = 0CDMQ6AEwATgK # v = OnePage & q = seconds% 20ticken% 20programmierung & f = false http: ^ ooks.google.de / books id = OtK5nEOftmYC & pg = PA400 & lpg = PA400 & dq = seconds + tick + programming & source = bl & ots = kqKzFa-

P_H & sig = pfLS_C01oroGdn8NG7GbnymMwdk & hl = en & sa = X & ei = MGs7VOiR qLTygPEi oC4Bg & ved = 0CF8Q6AEwCDgK # v = onepage & q = seconds% 20keep% 20programming & f = false

Furthermore, mechanical watches are in use, which indicate the time acoustically at regular intervals, preferably at every quarter of an hour or every full hour. This is typically done by chimes (for

Example church clock, tower clock, repeater clock) or other sounds (for example, cuckoo clock). Examples of an execution of a minute impact mechanism can be found below

www.watchtime.net/nachrichten/klingende-uhren. Here are over complicated

Movements activated every minute, quarterly or hourly percussion, which give a predetermined strike signal. The beat signals are regularly identical, that is, in a minute repetition, the same signal is emitted every minute.

Finally, there are also watches in use that enable on-demand, preferably by means of a push-button function, but also by voice control, an acoustic time playback, preferably as voice playback.

CH 617 565 describes a method for time output in an electronic clock, in which the time or the specified alarm time to the user by audible, visual or tactile perceptible shocks are displayed, each a certain number X of shock pulses are combined into a group and between these groups and the last group and any residual group of less than X Schalgimpulsen a relatively large distance is turned on.

DE 1 673 793 relates to a method for continuously transmitting the time from a normal time center to a plurality of display points (eg station clocks).

Also known is the so-called Berlin clock whose clock is displayed on various lamps.

A disadvantage of the prior art, however, is that the acoustic time display of current clocks exclusively discontinuous, ie at long intervals of usually one hour or at least a quarter of an hour, and / or on user request. In general, the acoustic time display is also designed very conspicuous and can be, especially when not currently interested in the time display users, to be distracting. In addition, except occasionally, for example, church clocks, for example, the full hour, although acoustically reproduced, but not the exact time. Even when playing back the exact time on the hour, a quarter of an hour can only be heard in

Know the hour to get the right time. This can result in a variety of difficulties for users to determine the right time, in particular if the optical time display is not or only badly readable or recognizable. This is especially true at night or for users with limited vision.

In contrast, it is an object of the present invention, an alternative or improved time display, in particular for users or persons,

to provide and in particular to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

This is preferably achieved by making possible an acoustic time display which takes place continuously and / or without user interaction.

This can serve in particular for information about the time without a user having to actively operate the clock or turning to the clock for reading. The time is thus particularly comfortable and unobtrusive

imperceptible.

In particular, in the dark or for people with visual impairment, a continuous information about the time can take place. Preferably, no activity of the user is needed. Preference continues to be no harassment when not in use or for non-users.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in particular by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims are preferred

Embodiments. Further or alternative embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the features discussed below and heretofore.

In particular, according to the invention, a clock is provided which has an acoustic second display which varies in tone, tone length and / or interval.

Furthermore, a corresponding method is provided as well as a

Computer program product, for example in the form of a so-called software application or mobile application, in short App.

The acoustic seconds display can have any predefined or arbitrarily definable sequence of at least two mutually different tones, tone lengths and / or intervals with which a time signal can be coded. In particular, the interval between two successive tones and / or the duration from the beginning of a first note to the beginning of a second, subsequent tone understood.

By suitable design of the different tones, tone lengths and / or intervals, an easy and reliable identification of the respective signal can be achieved. In particular, by choosing an appropriate

Overall volume a continuous acoustic time display without disturbing effect are possible. In the case of unconscious perception, the user preferably does not perceive the signal as "background noise" and only with conscious perception as a time information signal.

In contrast to the prior art, the time of day display according to the invention is preferably not discontinuous but continuous. Continuous means preferably not that a continuous tone is generated. Rather, the continuously repeating display of the time of day preferably comprises continuous, preferably by rhythmic repetition of individual tones, tone lengths and / or intervals. A single, preferably consisting of several tones, tone lengths and / or intervals time of day display preferably follows a subsequent time display. The individual time displays or clock or

Time signals preferably follow one another at a short distance or interval. The distance between the individual time displays is preferably between 1 and 59 seconds, more preferably between 2 and 45 seconds, even more preferably less than 30 seconds or less than 15 seconds.

Particularly preferably, the spacing of successive time displays is between 1 and 10, and more preferably between 3 and 8 seconds.

Preferably, the distance between individual time displays is always shorter than the duration of the longest time display. Preferably, the distance between individual time displays is always the same. To compensate for possibly different durations of the individual time displays, one can

Compensation distance or more, preferably 2 to 6 compensation intervals per hour, quarter of an hour, 5 minutes and minutes are provided, which may exceed the previously described duration and / or may deviate from the otherwise same distances. At a distance in this

Connection preferably understood a break in which no sound signal is output. Alternatively and / or additionally, however, also preferably, predetermined signals or signal sequences can be output to individual

To distinguish time displays acoustically from each other. In contrast, in the prior art, as already described above, the time display is discontinuous. This means in particular that the intervals of individual time signals, if present, occur irregularly or only at long intervals, namely of several minutes, a quarter of an hour or even one hour.

In an exemplary first embodiment, the clock has identical tones and

Tone lengths with, for example, three, different intervals. The identical tones are preferably separated from each other by a first interval. A second, noticeably shorter or longer, interval encodes the following tones as an hourly signal. For this purpose, preferably the display of 1 to 12 tones corresponding to the number of hours to be displayed. A third, recognizable even shorter or even longer interval encodes the following notes,

for example, as a 5-minute signal. For this purpose, the display is preferably made by the corresponding tones tones. Preferably, these are 1 to 12 tones

according to the to be displayed (already completed or ongoing) 5-minute number, as also described in more detail below by way of example.

Additionally and / or alternatively, the hourly and / or the (5) minute signal may be encoded by varying tones and / or tone lengths. Preferably by at least a first varying (coding) tone and / or a first varying tone length for coding the subsequent tones as a time signal and a second varying tone and / or a second varying tone length for coding the subsequent tones as (5) minute signal. The varying tone can be used as the last note of the preceding hour or (5)

Minute signal encode the subsequent signal or he can be the first

Part of the currently displayed hourly or (5) minute signal to encode this. The varying tone, even as a separate tone, can not be part of the hour or minute signal and can only encode the subsequent tones as an hourly or minute signal.

The various examples, such as those described above, may also be combined. So the coding sound can also be used with different intervals.

Instead of or in addition to the coding of the hours and 5-minute units by two differently longer preceding intervals, the output, as described above, of two, three or more different tones can be done. One, two or three tones are used to encode the hours, preferably the hour units, one, two or three other tones are used to encode the minutes, preferably the minute units.

In a preferred embodiment, the acoustic seconds display has one to twelve first tones and / or tone lengths and one to twelve second tones and / or tone lengths.

The one to twelve first tones and / or tone lengths encode the hours of the time, the one to twelve second tones and / or tone lengths encode the (5) minute units of the time.

For example, 10 first tones and / or tone lengths A and 5 second tones and / or tone lengths B code the time 10:25 minutes. 1 1 first tones and / or tone lengths and 8 second tones and / or tone lengths encode the time 1 1 clock and 40 minutes and 6 first tones and / or tone lengths and 5 second tones and / or tone lengths the time 6 clock and 25 minutes. The intervals remain

preferably the same. However, the use of different tones and / or tone lengths can also with the previously described embodiments, eg.

Using different intervals (, and / or l ₃ ) or coding tones (Ai, A ₂ , Bi and / or B ₂ ) are combined.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the 5-minute units of the timepiece are rounded off to the previous full 5-minute unit. For example, the times 9 o'clock and 21, 22, 23 and 24 minutes are represented by 9 first tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another encoding as described above) followed by 4 second tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another 9 o'clock and 46, 47, 48 and 49 minutes are preceded by 9 first tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another encoding as described above) ), followed by 9 second tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above), thus representing 9 o'clock and rounded off 45 minutes.

In a further preferred embodiment, the 5-minute units are rounded up to the next full 5-minute unit. The times 1 1 and 41, 42, 43 and 44 minutes are represented by 1 1 first tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above), followed by 9 second tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above) encoded and thus represent 1 o'clock and rounded up 45 minutes. The times 1 1 o'clock and 46, 47, 48 and 49 minutes are indicated by 1 1 first tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above) followed by 10 second tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above) and thus encode 1 o'clock and rounded up to 50 minutes.

Inventive design forms of the tones are arbitrarily defined in advance or arbitrarily definable.

The change between the hour and minutes or preferably 5-minute signals can be made according to any predefined or arbitrarily definable sequence.

A preferred change of the time output is preferably carried out after a complete display of a time signal. In this case, the time signal is understood to mean both the signal describing a complete time, including the hourly signal Sh and the minute signal S _min , and the hour or minute signal alone.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the signals (hour and / or minute signal) is repeated a number of times, preferably one minute, five minutes, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes or sixty minutes, before switching to the other or subsequent signal.

Thus, the hourly signal can be displayed every minute, every five minutes, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes or every hour and the display of the five minute signal in the remaining time or vice versa.

With a suitable time of change so full minutes, full five minutes, full quarter hours, full half hours and / or full hours can be coded in addition.

In a suitable version of the clock, the change between the display of the hourly signal and the display of the (5) minute signal always takes place with the beginning of the next (5) minute unit.

For example, from 1 to 1 o'clock and 41 minutes to 1 to 1 o'clock and 44 minutes, for example, the hourly signal Sh, for example, 1 1 first tones for encoding the Hour unit displayed and code so 1 1 clock. At 1 1 o'clock and 45 minutes, the minute signal S _m in, for example, 9 second tones for one minute, is turned on for one minute

Coding of the 5-minute unit is displayed and thus code 45 minutes. From 1 1 o'clock and 46 minutes to 1 1 o'clock and 49 minutes, 1 1 first tones for coding the hour unit are again continuously displayed, thus coding 1 1 o'clock.

In a further preferred embodiment of the clock, the hourly signal Sh, for example 1 1 first tones, is displayed as 1 1 o'clock signal at 1 1 o'clock and 45 minutes for one minute. From 1 1 o'clock and 46 minutes to 1 1 o'clock and 49 minutes, the minute signal S _m in, for example, 10 second tones is displayed as a rounded 50 minute signal. At 1 1 o'clock and 50 minutes 1 1 first tones are again displayed for 1 minute to encode the hourly unit.

If a bill does not fall on a due hour and / or (5) minute unit due, a signal may start before its first due date or end after its last due date. At 1 1, 59 and 58 seconds, the 12 o'clock hour signal can already start or at 12 o'clock and 10 seconds, the 1 o'clock hour signal can end. Preferably, it behaves accordingly with the change of the output of the minute units. Alternatively and / or additionally (for example, at minute changes other than hour changes), the signal can be aborted and, preferably using a corresponding coding (for example, interval or tone / tone length, etc.), begin the next signal.

Preferred embodiments of the tones are clock tick sounds, preferably 1 to 12 first notes that are higher or lower and / or softer or louder and / or longer or shorter and / or have longer or shorter intervals than the 1 to 12 second tones , The tones preferably correspond to the whole and / or half tones known from music.

Further preferred embodiments of the sounds are musical parts and / or natural and / or artificial sounds and / or human and / or animal sounds, preferably, for example, thunder and storm, wind, wind or

Windmill noise, the sound of the sea, breaking waves, gurgling, slurping, river noise, engine, jet or railway noises, faucet drops, drums or any other musical instruments, clapping, knocking, beating, breathing, yawning, snoring, scratching, ringing, etc .. Lengths of the tones and / or the intervals according to the invention are any previously defined or arbitrarily definable lengths, preferably entire seconds, lengths which can be divided by a whole second and / or summable to a whole second.

In one embodiment of the clock, the tones, tone lengths and / or interval (s) according to the invention are / are varied to an arbitrarily definable time and / or an arbitrarily definable date for a predefined or arbitrarily definable period, and thus encode a wake-up function. In this case, the continuous time display is preferably not interrupted.

Alternatively or additionally, in alternation with the displayed time, the display of the time already elapsed since the wake-up function was activated or the time remaining until the end of the alarm function can be displayed. The coding is preferably carried out as described above in connection with the clock display.

In a further embodiment of the clock, the tones, tone lengths and / or interval (s) according to the invention are / are varied according to user interaction for a predefined or arbitrarily definable period of time, and encode a countdown or a stop function. The time display is indicated by the countdown or

Stop function replaced. The coding is preferably carried out as in the above

Related to the clock display.

Alternatively, the display of the time can be made in alternation with the displayed elapsed or remaining time.

Tones, tone lengths and / or intervals for a coding according to the invention of the elapsed and / or remaining minutes and / or hours are defined in advance or arbitrarily definable, preferably as a variation of the tones, tone lengths and / or intervals for encoding the time. The minutes and / or hours are identified as length, not period.

In a preferred embodiment, the clock is combined with a timer for automatic activation / deactivation at predefined or arbitrarily definable times. Preferably, the time display is off at night and off during the day.

In a preferred embodiment of the clock according to the invention, the acoustic seconds display on one to five third tones and / or tone lengths. The third tones and / or tone lengths preferably encode 1 minute units at a time, with the above described second tones and / or tone lengths encoding (5) minute units as time periods but not as times.

This can be a preferred time display signal, for example, composed of all 3 tones. One to twelve first tones encode the hours as

Times and / or periods, one to eleven second tones encode the five-minute units as times and / or periods, and one to four third tones encode the minutes as times. The time 3:17 h can be represented as follows, for example:

A-A-A (= 3 hours); B-B-B (= each 5 min period, ie 15); C-C (= 17min, i.e. two minutes from the beginning of period B-B-B).

In a further suitable embodiment, instead of 1 to 12 first and / or second tones and / or tone lengths, the clock has an acoustic seconds display with 1 to 4 first first tones and / or tone lengths and 1 to 3 second first tones and / or tone lengths / or it has an acoustic seconds display with 1 to 4 first second tones and / or tone lengths and 1 to 3 second second tones and / or tone lengths.

The 1 to 4 first first tones and / or tone lengths encode the quarters of the hours of the clock (3 hours unit). The 1 to 3 second first tones and / or

Sound lengths encode the full hours in it.

The 1 to 4 first second tones and / or tone lengths encode the quarter of minutes of the hand watch (15 minute unit). The 1 to 3 second second tones and / or tone lengths encode the 5-minute units therein.

In this embodiment, the display of all possible hourly signals and / or (5) minute signals is consistent with those previously described

Embodiments - each a maximum of 7 seconds (at an interval of 1 second from the beginning of the sound) long and thus significantly shorter on average than in the previously described embodiments according to the invention time displays. The time is thus easier for the user to understand. Accordingly, 1 1:55 could be represented as follows (with first first tones Ai, second first tones A ₂ , first second notes Bi, and second second notes B ₂ ): Ai, Ai, Ai, Ai - A ₂ , A ₂ , A ₂ - Bi, Bi, Bi, Bi - B ₂ , B ₂ , B ₂

Ai, Ai, Ai, Ai stands for the fourth quadrant, ie 9h to 1 1 h. A ₂ , A ₂ , A ₂ stands for the third hour, in the aforementioned fourth quadrant, ie 1 1 h.

Alternatively, the representation can also be coded such that, for example, only the 'expired' quadrants are indicated by first first tones, whereas the second first tones designate the additional hours. The same applies to the minutes.

Accordingly, 1: 55 o'clock could be represented as follows, (with first first tones Ai, second first tones A ₂ , first second tones Bi, and second second tones B ₂ ): Αι, Αι, Αι - A ₂ , A ₂ , A ₂ - Bi, Bi, Bi - B ₂ , B ₂ , B ₂

Ai, Ai, Ai stands for three expired quadrants, so we are in the fourth quadrant, ie between 9 and 11 h. A ₂ , A ₂ , A ₂ stands for the third hour, after the aforementioned third quadrant, ie 1 1 h. With the minutes it behaves accordingly.

Alternatively or additionally, quadrants can not begin at, for example, 12h, 3h, 6h and 9h, but end there. The corresponding second first tones

then, for example, at Ai, Ai, Ai - A ₂ , A ₂ , denote the second hour after the expiration of (or alternatively in) the third quadrant. So here 1 1 h (or alternatively the second hour in the third quadrant, ie 8h). With the minutes, it preferably behaves accordingly.

Another preferred form of a time indication signal in quarter or

Quadrant representation, for example, use this representation and is composed for example of 5 tones. One to four first first tones encode the hours in 3-hour units as times and / or periods, one to three second first tones encode the hours in the respective quarter or quadrant of the hand watch as times and / or periods. One to four first second tones encode the quarter or quadrants of the minute of the hand clock, ie, the 15-minute units, as times and / or periods, one to three second second tones encode the 5-minute units in the respective quarter or quadrant Clock as times and / or periods. One to four third tones code the minutes in the 5-minute units as times.

The time 1 1: 59 clock can in this case, for example, represent such: Αι, Αι, Αι - A ₂ . A ₂ - Bi, Bi, Bi - B ₂ , B ₂ - C, C, C, C.

The first first notes indicate the third quadrant as

expired, the second first notes indicate the second hour in the fourth quadrant, starting from 10h, ie 1 1 h. The first second notes denote the third quadrant as expired, and the second second notes indicate the second 5-minute unit in the fourth quadrant, ie 55 to 59 minutes. The third notes, in turn, represent the fourth minute within this unit, ie the 59th minute. As already described above, the corresponding coding can be easily assigned, adapted or changed.

In this signal representation of quarters and / or quadrants, a time display signal can be composed, which thus consists of a maximum of 14 tones and intervening intervals. It is accurate and shorter than other signal sequences.

At the same time, but also in the other representation examples, the

Signal length be further shortened by the count starts only from the second quarter. So the 3 second first notes without preceding first first note denote the respective hours in the first quarter. The same applies to minutes or five-minute units. The counting of the minutes can not start at exactly five minutes (for example, 45 minutes) but only with the 46th minute (as partially described above).

The quarter or quadrant representation also makes it possible to vary the assignment of the quadrant boundaries, as already indicated. The limits may be drawn at 14 minutes and 59 seconds, for example, 1: 14: 59, as the end of the first or beginning of the second quadrant. The first quadrant can end 15 minutes past the hour, that is, 1: 15: 00, for example. These demarcation possibilities exist also in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quadrant of the hand watch, ie for example 1 1: 29: 59 o'clock / 1 1: 30: 00 o'clock, 1: 44: 59 o'clock / 1 1: 45: 00 o'clock or 1 1: 59: 59 clock / 12: 00: 00 clock. Generally common, and thus easier to understand for the unskilled user, although possibly longer, it is always to start the quadrants with the 15th minute. In a further preferred embodiment, the clock has at least one

additional tone, an extra tone length, and / or an additional interval.

Additional tones, tone lengths and / or intervals according to the invention are

preferably arbitrarily defined in advance or arbitrarily definable.

By at least one additional tone, the coding of the example hour, 5-minute and / or minute units may alternatively or additionally be carried out and / or it may be the change between the different units are illustrated.

By a respectively suitable length of the additional tone or the additional tones and / or the interval or the intervals of the due change between two signals can be achieved preferably to the second to the time of maturity.

Thus, for example, in the case of a one-minute display of the 1 1 hour signal by 1 1 first tones and / or tone lengths at an interval length of one second from the beginning of the sound, the signal can be displayed a total of 5 times. After each complete signal there is a one-second additional tone, so that the total length of the displayed hourly signals is exactly one minute, before, for example, the change to the 5-minute signal takes place.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, predefined or definable signals and / or signal parts are dispensed with.

This is preferably to avoid redundancy and / or allows shorter display times.

For example, the first first second tones and / or tone lengths for coding the hourly signal at the full hour and / or the second second tones and / or tone lengths for coding the 60-minute signal are omitted, as already described above in connection with neighborhoods Quadrants addressed.

In a further alternative or additional embodiment, the entire signal of the twelfth / "zeroth" hour or the sixtieth minute is replaced with a single tone and / or a single tone length. In a further embodiment, the hourly signals are preferably omitted or the 5-minute signals are dispensed with.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the

Improvement of the recognizability of the signal or the signals respectively the first first and / or respectively the second first tones and / or tone lengths displayed together in one second. In other words, the sum of the signal lengths and tone lengths is shorter than one second.

According to an additional and / or alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the interval length from the beginning of a sound to the beginning of the following sound within an hour and / or minute and / or at least 1/16 or 1/8, preferably at least 1/6, at least , 1/3, Vi, or at least one second. Alternatively and / or additionally, the interval length from the beginning of a tone to the beginning of the following tone is within one hour and / or minute indication and / or at most 20 seconds, preferably at most 15 seconds, preferably at most 12, 10, 9, 6, 5 or 3 seconds. As a result, the signals can be reproduced in a clearly recognizable manner for the user, with the distinction in particular being made between individual ones

Time signals, hourly and / or minute signals is simplified.

Particular preference is or will be one, several or all Bestanteil / e invention preferably as a retrofit kit and / or computer program product, preferably designed as a software application.

Furthermore, the present invention preferably relates to one of the above

described time display unit or time display device or clock

corresponding method for the time display and / or operation of a clock with acoustic seconds display.

1 . Clock with acoustic time display, characterized in that the

acoustic time display varies in tone, tone length and / or interval.

2. Clock according to aspect 1, wherein the acoustic time display as an acoustic

Seconds is formed. Preferably, a tone or interval display takes place every second, so every second a sound is output or a pause takes place. Preferably, the tone length is such that it is shorter than one second, and is preferably a fraction of a second. The

Interval length or pause between two tones of a time signal is preferably less than or equal to one second. The interval length or pause between two time signals can also be greater than one second.

Clock according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the acoustic time display has any predefined or arbitrarily definable sequence of at least two mutually different tones, tone lengths and / or intervals, which encode a plurality of time signals different from each other.

Clock according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein a time signal of a precise time, preferably the current time, and / or a

Time unit, for example, a time unit or a time window of five minutes, corresponds.

A timepiece according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the interval is the pause between two consecutive tones and / or the duration from the beginning of a first tone to the beginning of a second, subsequent tone.

A clock according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein an interval separates tones of a single time display and / or different time signals.

Watch according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the acoustic

Time display is continuous.

Clock according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the display of the time is repeated continuously, preferably by rhythmic repetition of individual time signals including tones, tone lengths and / or intervals. The frequency of repetitions preferably results from the

Within the scope of the description given here preferred examples.

Preferably, a display is made at least once a minute. Clock after clock according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the time display is designed such that a time of several tones, tone lengths and / or intervals time of the same or a subsequent time of day follows. A clock according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein individual time signals follow each other after a short interval, wherein the interval of the individual time signals is preferably between 1 and 59 seconds, more preferably between 2 and 45 seconds, even more preferably less than 30 seconds or less than 15 seconds , between 1 and 10, and more preferably between 3 and 8 seconds. Clock according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the interval between individual time displays always shorter than the duration of the longest

Time display is. Clock according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the interval between individual time displays is always the same. A timepiece according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein a compensation interval is provided for equalizing different durations of the individual timepieces. Clock according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein a compensation interval is provided to separate individual time displays at predetermined times, preferably to change two different time displays acoustically, the compensation interval is preferably provided to compensate for different durations of the individual clock signals, preferably 2 to 6 equalization intervals are provided per hour, which / which differ from the other, individual time displays descriptive and / or separating intervals. A clock according to aspect 14, wherein the balance interval is a predetermined pause, a predetermined signal or a predetermined signal sequence. Watch according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the acoustic

Time display one to twelve first tones and / or tone lengths and one to twelve second tones and / or tone lengths.

The first tones preferably encode an hour indication and the second tones a minute indication.

Watch according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the acoustic

Time display has one to five third tones and / or tone lengths.

Preferably, the third tones in conjunction with the second tones encode the minute indication.

Watch according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the acoustic

Time display one to four first first tones and / or tone lengths and one to three second first tones and / or tone lengths.

Preferably, the first first and second first tones together encode an hour indication.

Watch according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the acoustic

Time display has one to four first second tones and / or tone lengths and has one to three second second tones and / or tone lengths.

Preferably, the first second and second second tones together encode a minute indication.

Watch according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the acoustic

Time display at least n / s / e has additional / s / n sound, sound length, and / or interval. This is preferably for the separation of hours and minute signal or for coding the coding of a, for example, subsequent signal, wherein the additional tone, the additional tone length, and / or the additional interval part of an hour and / or minute signal and / or are separate.

Method for operating a clock with acoustic time display according to one of the preceding aspects.

A method for acoustic time display, in particular according to one of the preceding VerfahrensAspekte, characterized in that the acoustic time display is coded, and wherein the coding is effected by means of varying tones, tone lengths and / or intervals.

Computer program product, in particular for simulating or operating a clock or performing a method according to one of

preceding aspects, comprising instructions for providing the features or steps of any one of the preceding aspects. Computer program product, in particular according to claim 23, for simulating or operating a clock and / or carrying out a method according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising instructions for providing the features or steps according to one of the preceding aspects on a computer or a processor, preferably a smartphone, wherein the computer program product preferably can be loaded directly into the internal memory of a digital computer or smartphone and comprises software code sections with which the steps according to the simulation and / or the method are executed when the product is running on a computer or a smartphone. A computer program product according to any of aspects 23 or 24, stored on a computer-accessible medium and comprising: computer-readable program means for causing a computer or a smartphone to simulate a clock and / or perform the method. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention, in particular the inventive device and / or the

according to the invention, described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of example.

FIG. 1 shows an example: Time representation as a signal sequence of identical tones and tone lengths with here three different intervals.

FIG. 2 shows an example: time representation as a signal sequence of identical tones and tone lengths with here other three different intervals.

FIG. 3 shows an example: time representation as a signal sequence of different tones, identical tone lengths and equal intervals.

Figures 4.1 and 4.2 show two examples, example clock time 06:25 clock:

Time representation as a signal sequence of different tones, equal / different tone lengths and equal intervals (with the same tone length or different tone lengths)

Figures 5.1 and 5.2 show examples, example clock time 06:25 clock: hourly signal every 1-5-15-30-60 min and minute signal in the remaining time or vice versa.

Figures 6.1 and 6.2, example clock time 06:25 clock: time signal before maturity, same and different tones.

FIG. 7 shows a time signal of three tones, as a mixture of linear display (h, min) and square representation (min)

FIG. 8 shows the representation of a time display signal consisting of several tones in quarter or quadrant display or 15-minute units

FIG. 9 shows a second-precise change of the time signals, in particular controlled by suitable lengths of possible intermediate tones and / or

Between intervals. Figure 1 shows an example of the signal sequence according to an embodiment of the invention for the time 6:25 clock. The clock has identical tones and tone lengths with three different intervals. The tone lengths are shorter than one second in this example. The interval starts with the beginning of the sound and ends with the beginning of the following sound. As already discussed, the interval can also begin with the end of a note, that is, describe the pause between two notes. This reduces the interval length accordingly, namely the tone length. The interval is preferably a multiple or a fraction of a second. The identical tones are separated from each other by a first interval, here two seconds (from the beginning of the note to the beginning of the note) (the interval between the notes thus lasts two seconds less the tone length). A second, noticeably shorter or longer interval, here five seconds, encodes the following tones as the hourly signal Sh. For this purpose, the display of, for example, 1 to 12 tones corresponding to the number of hours to be displayed, here six beeps for 6:00 clock. A third, recognizable even shorter or even longer interval b, here three seconds, encodes the following tones as 5-minute signal S _5m in For this, the display of 1 to 12 tones corresponding to the 5-minute number to be displayed, here five tones for each five Minutes, that is 25 minutes. The last tone of the minute signal is again followed by a separation through the second interval, which identifies the subsequent tones as the hourly signal. In the example according to FIG. 1, the time can thus be displayed continuously (acoustically), here twice a minute. That on the last note of the second

Timeout following interval can be equal to the interval or a balance interval that spans the time to the next full minute.

FIG. 2 shows by way of example the signal sequence according to a further preferred embodiment

Embodiment of the invention. Here the clock gives identical tones and

Sound lengths spaced by three different intervals again. The tones identifying the hour are separated from each other by a first interval. In the example according to FIG. 2, these are two seconds. A second, noticeably shorter or longer interval, here four seconds, separates the tones identifying the minutes from the tones identifying the hours. The tones identifying the minutes are separated from each other by a third interval I3. In the example according to FIG. 2, this is one second. As already explained in connection with FIG. 1, the interval length is given here by way of example from the beginning of a tone until the beginning of the next tone. In the example according to FIG. 2, the time can thus be displayed continuously (audibly), here three times a minute. FIG. 3 shows, by way of example for the time 06:25 o'clock, a time representation as a signal sequence of varying tones A, Bi and B ₂ , here by way of example with otherwise the same

Tone lengths and equal intervals. The separation or coding of the hour and minute signal is effected by different tones, in this case Bi and B ₂ . The coding sounds Bi and B ₂ are switched between the hourly signal and the minute signal. You can thereby encode the same as a separate tone between the signals or as a sound, preferably the first or the last of the respective signal. The tone lengths preferably remain the same, preferably also the intervals between the tones with a length of 2 seconds, for example, also here. The hour is displayed in the example by 1 to 12 tones for each hour, the minute display is also exemplary as before about 1 to 12 tones in 5-minute increments. In this case, 6 first tones and / or tone lengths and 5 second tones and / or tone lengths thus indicate the time 6 o'clock and 25 minutes. While the tones of the minute signal and / or the hour signal are the same, the coding sounds Bi (here for the hours) and B ₂ (here for the minutes) are different from each other and also different from each other.

The use of different tones and / or tone lengths, also for the hour or minute signal, can be combined with the previously described embodiments, for example using different intervals (I ₂ and / or I ₃ ) or coding tones (Bi and / or B ₂ ) ,

In the example according to FIG. 3, the time can thus be displayed continuously (acoustically), here twice a minute. The last note of the second time issue is followed by a third time issue that spans the end of the minute. This signal can indicate the outgoing or the coming minute. It is also possible to provide an interval which bridges the remaining time of the outgoing minute, so that the following signal can start with the coming or following minute.

FIG. 4 shows in FIGS. 4.1 and 4.2 the exemplary coding of a time by possible preferred signal sequences with different tones, identical or different tone lengths and equal intervals.

In Fig. 4.1, a time display with the same interval and tone length Ti but varying first tone A for the hourly signal and second tone B for the Minute signal shown. In the example according to FIG. 4.2, for example, the tone length T _{2 of} the second tone B is varied for the minute signal. In both cases, the hourly signal will sound every hour and the minute signal will

Connection period. The time selected was 6:25. Accordingly, in another preferred embodiment, the tone length Ti of the tone A can be varied for the hourly signal. The first tone A (hourly tone) and the second tone B (minutes or unit or preferably 5 minutes / unit) can also the same tones with different

Tone lengths and / or different tones with the same tone lengths.

As already described, the use of different tones and / or tone lengths can also be described with the previously and / or subsequently described

Embodiments, for example, use of different intervals (, and / or) or coding tones (B1 and / or B2) are combined.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the 5-minute units of the clock are rounded off to the past full 5-minute unit (not shown). The times 6 o'clock and 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 minutes are represented, for example, by six first tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another encoding as described above), followed by five second tones and / or tone lengths (or according to a second) 6 hours and 21, 22, 23 and 24 minutes are coded by 6 first tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another

Coding as described above), followed by 4 second tones and / or

Tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above) coded to represent 6 o'clock and rounded 20 minutes.

In a further preferred embodiment, the 5-minute units are rounded up to the next full 5-minute unit (not shown). The times 6 o'clock and 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 minutes are indicated by 6 first tones and / or

Tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above) followed by 6 second tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above) encode and thus represent 6 o'clock and rounded up 30 minutes. The times 6 o'clock and 21, 22, 23 and 24 minutes are coded by 6 first tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above) followed by 5 second tones and / or tone lengths (or according to another coding as described above) and thus represent 6 o'clock and rounded up 25 minutes. FIG. 5 shows by way of example that preferably hour (Sh) and / or minute signals (S _m in) are repeated for 1 minute before the change to the

Hour / minute signal takes place. This is then repeated as an example for 4 minutes. Thus, the hourly signal can be displayed every minute, every five minutes, fifteen minutes, thirty minutes or every hour and the display of the five minute signal in the remaining time or vice versa. The duration of the individual signal repetitions can be set arbitrarily.

With a suitable time of change so full minutes, full five minutes (as in the example of Figure 5 by the start of the hourly signal), full quarter hours, full half hours and / or full hours are additionally coded. The coding of the individual signals (minute signal, hourly signal, etc.) takes place as described above or below.

According to the example of Figure 5.1, the hourly signal Sh every 5 min

indicated and the minute signal in the remaining time or the next 4 min. Figure 5.2 shows the reverse playback (1 min minute signal and 4 min hourly signal).

In the example according to FIG. 5.1, the hour signal is heard for 1 minute at the beginning of each 5-minute block, and the remaining 4 minutes until the end of the 5-minute block the minute signal is emitted, with which preferably the 5-minute blocks are coded.

In the example according to FIG. 5.2, the representation is the other way round. Here

A minute signal signals the beginning of the 5-minute block over a time interval of 1 minute and the hourly signal is transmitted the remaining minutes until the end of the 5-minute block.

Figures 6.1 and 6.2 show examples in which the fact is accounted for that the total length of the time indication signals varies,

for example, by the varying number of tones, intervals or

Interval lengths and / or tone lengths. Thus, it happens that a time signal ends so far before the beginning of the next time interval that a subsequent time signal no longer has sufficient time to be issued before the change of time, or that a new time signal can start before the due date. In the example of FIG. 6.1 is a time signal with different tones for hourly and

Minute signal before the due date and ending after the due date (same interval, different tones, see also Figure 4.1). Example 6.2 shows a signal sequence in which the tone remains the same, but the intervals for the minutes

and hourly representation as well as the signal change vary (various

Intervals, same tones, see also Figure 2).

In the example in FIG. 7, the time display signal is based on the use of third tones, preferably as an exemplary mixture of a display of the individual hours by 1 to 12 tones (preferably referred to as a linear display) and a display of the minutes in the form of the quadrant representation already described above with 5. Minutes display combined. Thus, a preferred time display signal, for example, composed of 3 tones. One to twelve first tones A encode the hours as times and / or periods, one to four second tones B encode the quadrants as times and / or periods, and one to fourteen third tones encode the minutes within the quadrants as times and / or periods.

6:25 h is exemplified as follows:

A A A A A A (= 6 h); B-B (= 2nd quadrant or 15 min period, ie 15-29min

Period); C-C (= 17min).

The definition of a delimitation between the individual quadrants is preferably done by prior definition of the signals and their meaning. The respective meanings or codings can be different or adapted, as already described above. For example, only 'expired' quadrants or 5-minute units can be rendered. In the above example, therefore, with a, Β 'named. Starting from this

completed quadrants are then played back the minutes or 5-minute units. In the above example it has already been described that the minutes can be played back as 5-minute sounds or in 5-minute units.

In the example according to FIG. 8, a preferred time-response signal is formed from the two first tones Ai, A ₂ and / or the two second tones Bi, B ₂

(Time signal of several tones in quarter or quadrant display or 15-minute units). Ai Ai, A ₂ - Bi - B ₂ , B ₂ , where with Ai the hours as quadrants (here: past or expired quadrants, ie here 3h to 5h expired), with A ₂ the counted hours (ie 6h) and with Bi the minutes as past (im Contrary to the current or current) quadrant are shown. The 5-minute units B ₂ are here 'rounded off' shown as expired 5-minutes.

BiB ₂ therefore denotes the current 20 to 24 minutes and BiB ₂ B ₂ denotes 25 to 29 minutes. Bi alone would be 15-19 minutes, for example.

FIG. 9 shows, by way of example, second-precise time signal changes at maturity through the use of a suitable length of possible intermediate tones or intermediate intervals, adapted to the respective situation. By maturity, this may be understood to mean, in particular, the point in time at which the signal changes in the type of coding used or a new signal is emitted for the first time. This can be for example every full minute or even every five minutes. These pauses, which are represented as an intermediate interval I in FIG. 9, can be the same between the respective time signals within a uniform time display (for example, a 5-minute interval) and only assume a respectively adapted length before the signal change. In FIG. 9, a first uniform time signal with the suffix 1 and a following with the suffix 2 are identified. The interval represents a general interval between two equal time signals St _emp , the interval l ₂ of a change, for example, the full minute or 5-minute unit. The second interval l ₂ can vary in such a way that the following time signal begins with a full minute, a full 5 minutes or another desired time.

The intervals and l ₂ can also be predetermined so that they are the same within a period of time to be determined. This form of

Coding in particular allows the output of a new time signal exactly to its maturity. This can improve the readability and accuracy, in particular in a coding in which the actual time or actual time in the coded reproduction is rounded up or down, which for example and as described above, in particular in the reproduction of the minutes

(for example reduced to 5-minute units) may be advantageous. This may preferably be a uniform signal output and / or an improved one

Perception or indication of the actual time or actual time.

Preferably, the sum of the time signals St _emp and the intervals and / or l _{2 is} equal to the interval of the same time signals. In particular, the period from the due date of a first time signal to the due date of a second or immediately following time signal can be used as an interval of identical time signals be understood. As already described above, instead of the interval \ < _\ and / or l ₂ , one or more intermediate tones may also be output.

In accordance with variants of the optimization of the signal sequence or the signal length, the hour or 60-minute signal at each full hour by a single

Hourly signal shortened coded and reproduced. For the example time 6:00 o'clock the coded acoustic reproduction can be done by a first sound Ai and a second first sound A ₂ . Ai encodes a 5-hour signal, A ₂ encodes a 1-hour signal. Alternatively, the full hour can be played back as a special signal. For example, a particular tone or noise (of twelve different tones or sounds) may be associated with a particular full hourly time. Also, the hourly signal may be based on a sequence of single tones repeated as many times as the number of hours associated therewith. The special signal may consist of a (different) new single tone, which is played exactly at the hour. Thus, the full hour time 12:00 clock by the single tone can be accurately reproduced, with a before or after issued signal indicates the value of the hour.

A simple exemplary embodiment of the invention in the form of a clock or a form of operation of a clock or a method for time distribution to persons will be described below. Alternatively and / or additionally, the further preferred aspects of the invention are preferred. The invention is preferably in the form of a software application, a so-called app, preferably for

Mobile phones or so-called smart watches designed. The programming of the controller is based on the standardized and known settings of mobile phones, smartwatches and associated apps, for example.

Music settings. In particular activation, ON / OFF function, STOP function, lock screen presentation (OFF if another app is activated with sound, OFF if sound is off, OFF on incoming call, on notification,

possibly again ON after completion of other sound activities) can be implemented according to specifications of previously known applications.

It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the watch function of a mobile phone, a smartwatch, its operation or an app. Also in conventionally known, preferably digital watches, alarm clocks and the like, the present invention may preferably be used. The external appearance is not limited. However, at least one output device is provided for outputting an acoustic signal.

When activating the clock, preferably on a mobile phone, a noise is preferably generated every second, comparable to the second-second

advancing pointer of an analog clock. For this purpose, for example, a software accesses the system time of a hardware and emits via, for example, the

Speaker unit periodically a corresponding deposited or generated noise.

Alternatively or in addition to the preferred aspects of the invention described above, to encode, for example, a 5-minute unit prior to the issuing of the code for the current 5-minute unit, the length of the interval between the tones or sounds, as described, preferably reproduced every second, may be doubled , For example, the output of the current 5-minute unit rounded up in the form of the emitted tones or noises according to the number of the current 5-minute unit follows. 4 tones or second sounds for 20 minutes, 5 tones eg as second noises for 25 minutes, etc. These sounds or second sounds code the minute as a 5-minute signal. Accordingly, preferably a coding of 10 or 15-minute units. A corresponding other minute units can also be made. The same applies preferably for the indication of the hours as well as other time information.

The minute output is preferably followed by a tripled interval in length with the subsequent output of the, preferably rounded, current hour unit in the form of the emitted tones, for example, as second sounds in accordance with the number of the current hour unit. 8 sounds, eg second sounds, for 8 o'clock (or 20 o'clock) 9 seconds for 9 o'clock (or 21 o'clock) etc. One

Coding based on, for example, 3-hour units or quadrants etc. is possible and preferred as described above.

This completes a complete cycle. It is preferably followed by the next doubled in length interval for coding the next 5-minute unit to be displayed. In the time from reaching a full 5-minute unit to 60 seconds thereafter, preferably the current 5-minute unit is displayed, then until

Reaching the next full 5 minutes, the following 5-minute unit is preferably displayed. Thus, it may be preferable to switch from a rounded up playback to a rounded playback of the time.

The current hour unit displayed alternately is preferably displayed until the next full hour is reached.

The coding of, for example, countdown, stopwatch and / or wake-up signal is preferably carried out accordingly.

As already described above, the present invention is not limited to a clock with display or time display device. Rather, the present invention also applies to a clock without a display.

In a preferred embodiment, the clock has a housing, a

Input device, preferably a touchpad or otherwise

touch-sensitive surface, an acoustic output device, preferably a speaker for outputting the, preferably tick noises and preferably a processor for processing the input commands, control of the system time and / or the output of the sounds via the acoustic output device.

The input device is preferably used to activate and control the clock. For example, once tapping activates the output of the time output sounds for displaying the hour units. Twice tapping preferably activates the output of the timing sounds to indicate the, preferably 5-minute, and minute units. Pressing three times preferably activates the output of the time-out sounds to indicate the hours and, preferably, 5-minute and minute units alternately. The required separation of the units takes place as previously defined,

for example over the length of the intervals and / or over certain tones and / or tone lengths.

The clock is preferably set via, for example, on or

twice longer tapping and then entering the hour or 5-minute units, preferably by a shorter tap. The control of the volume of the output tick sounds as well as the switching on and off is preferably done by pulling or pushing the finger over a touchpad Surface. Other forms of input and control may also be preferred.

As already described, the present invention also applies to, for example, a mechanical time display watch. The implementation of the present invention can preferably be designed as described below.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention in a mechanical timepiece, wherein a corresponding embodiment is also preferred in the other, for example digital, embodiments according to the invention, the second hand moves every second or in one-second increments. He puts preferably per

Seconds back a predetermined distance, preferably the distance of the 5-minute units of the clock, until reaching the position of the big hand.

Triggered, preferably by a control mechanism of the large

Pointer, the second hand moves in the next second then directly further to the 12 o'clock position.

The second hand releases on reaching the 12 o'clock position one of the usual

Secondary sound or 'tick' (tick) sound or

deviating sound from and / or pauses, for example, a second, longer, until he moves on per second, again at a distance preferred units, eg. The 5-minute units of the clock, this time until reaching the position of the small hand.

Triggered by a control mechanism of the small hand, the second hand then moves in the next second directly to the 12 o'clock

Position.

The second hand triggers when reaching the 12 o'clock position a certain, deviating from the other two, tick sound or a different tone and / or paused, for example, two seconds, longer, until he moves every second, again at the distance of the preferred Units, for example 5-minute units, of the clock until reaching the position of the big hand. The control mechanism according to which the second hand alternately stops at the big or small hands in each round can trigger each time by the small and large hands themselves or when reaching / passing the 12 o'clock position. The output tones, preferably in conjunction with the sound or the sound of the second hand at, preferably every second,

Progression, preferably correspond to those described above

Encodings.

Claims

1 . Clock with acoustic time display, characterized in that the

acoustic time display in tone, tone length and / or interval varies, the acoustic time display is designed as an acoustic seconds display.

2. Clock according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic time display has any predefined or any definable sequence of at least two mutually different tones, tone lengths and / or intervals that encode a plurality of different time signals.

3. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a time signal of a precise time, preferably the current time, and / or a

Time unit, for example a time or a time window,

for example, five minutes, corresponds.

4. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acoustic

Time display is continuous.

5. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display of the time continuously repeated, preferably by rhythmic repetition of individual time signals, comprising tones, tone lengths and / or intervals.

6. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein individual time signals follow each other after a short interval, wherein the interval is less than 59 seconds, preferably between 2 and 45 seconds, more preferably between 1 and 8 seconds.

7. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a compensation interval is provided to individual time displays at predetermined times, preferably to change two different time displays, acoustically delimit each other, wherein the compensation interval is preferably provided to compensate for different time periods of the individual clock signals, preferably 2 to 6 compensation intervals per hour are provided, which / differ from the other, individual time displays descriptive and / or separating intervals.

8. Clock according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acoustic

Time display has one to twelve first tones and / or tone lengths and one to twelve second tones and / or tone lengths, and / or wherein the acoustic time display has one to five third tones and / or tone lengths, and / or wherein the acoustic time display one to four first first tones and / or tone lengths and one to three second first tones and / or tone lengths, and / or wherein the acoustic time display has one to four first second tones and / or tone lengths, and one to three second second tones and / or tone lengths having.

9. A method for operating a clock with acoustic clock display according to one of the preceding claims.

Computer program product, in particular for simulating or operating a clock or carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising instructions for providing the features or steps according to one of the preceding claims.