DE202006009924U1 - Discrete time indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

A discrete time indicator comprising a substrate containing a display surface, means for visually highlighting discrete points, a controller for driving the highlighting means to shift the display as a function of a value of time, characterized in that
For each hour of the (daily) time to be displayed a separate linear or curvilinear scale or scale formed from linear and / or curvilinear subsegments is arranged, within which the minutes of this hour are displayed linearly by means of cumulative or punctiform highlighting, wherein
The scales are arranged so that the respective starting point of the linear display corresponds to the hourly position to be displayed according to a closed analogue circulating hour arrangement and the endpoint is stored unequally without the time-dependent directly following hour position, so that the display of the hourly change in each case takes place distinctly abruptly, and the scale arrangement has a feature
- The scales form a common point of intersection over which each scale extends; respectively.
- the scales actually or in their imaginary ...

Description

The The invention relates to a discrete time indicator.

The Analog representation of the time is usually carried out by means of the known closed-analog or linear-analog display types by the duration of the elapsed Time is displayed by the immediate reference to a route.

Closed-analog displays are known from mechanically operated analog clocks in that the result-determining values are usually indicated by means of pointers which circulate around the center of a closed scale or "circle" segment scale or by optical identification of the electro-optical signals respective result around the imaginary center of the scale, as shown in the utility model DE 201 05 780 U1 is known.

Farther the use of multiple display surfaces is known, for For example, simultaneous display of the time of day different time zones or the time of day and in addition the moon phases, a stopped time, the calendar day etc.

The System of arrangement of hours on the dial at a closed-analog time display is so familiar to the viewer that there are many suggestions partially or completely for watches to dispense with a number on the dial. The position the pointer on the dial alone allows the user to do the same intuitive estimation the displayed time value. Therefore, also closed-analog on show Known instead of specifying numerical characters on the Dial use other non-numeric symbols. Known For example, from the published patent WO 00/31594 the "migratory Display ", at the the subordinate value of the time (minute) within a closed-analog Scale is displayed, and this scale is around the center of the scale closed-analog scale of the parent Value (hour) moves, causing the parent value through the Position of the scale of the child value relative to the indexed parent Scale is displayed.

In the linear-analog representation, the possible result values of the time intervals to be displayed, for example the hour, minute and second, in, for each value of time (hour, minute, second) to be displayed become separate linear scales with spatially separated start and end points shown. It is known from the published patent application DE 29 504 124 from 1986 to display the 12 hours of a half-day 12 to use separate linear scales arranged linearly next to each other, the hour being indicated by the position of the scale within which the current minute value is indicated by means of an optical marking , To facilitate the reading of the displayed hour by their position within the 12 scales subgroups are formed with 3 scales.

It is also known from the published patent application DE 38 38 407 the radial arrangement of 720 display points for the 720 minutes of a 12 hour display around a common center, with each 15 display points forming a beam from the outside to the center so that the display moves inward / outward about the center of the scale and the overrun time separate display points is displayed.

conventional Ads have the disadvantage that on the one hand a certain span of variable values must be displayable, on the other hand, a certain Display accuracy is to be achieved. Both requirements usually can not fulfilled at the same time be when the scale length in justifiable, in particular intuitively comprehensible at a glance Frame should remain. Examples of variables, for the These conditions apply, in particular the hours and minutes of the (day) time.

Usually the problem is addressed so that a partial display of a larger unit of Variable value (for example, hours), a second partial display a smaller unit of the variable value (for example, minutes) so that only both partial displays together are sufficiently accurate Provide ad. A disadvantage here is that the simultaneous intuitive capture of both partial displays with a view difficult can be, and in particular to a confusion of the two Partial ads can come in, especially if the ads are as possible discreet, i. are kept small.

The conventional linear-analog displays have the disadvantage of using a scale for each variable value to be displayed (for example, hour and minute) that the spatial distance of the respective current value specification makes it difficult to intuitively record the total value, which is the disclosure, for example DE 29 504 124 with respect to the numerically accurate detection of the position of the displaying scale. Other known linear analog displays, such as the published patent application DE 38 38 407 require a lot of space for the optical display elements and are therefore not suitable for use in worn on the body clocks, for example as Wristwatch.

The known time displays are monofunctional in that they exclusively just show the time, and more features in conjunction with the time display are not yet known. Especially suitable they are not for discrete time display in jewelry, since the common visual habits the conventionally used pointer elements, display areas or scale arrangements the function "clock" always opposite to the function "piece of jewelry" in the foreground provides. Although such watches are known that decorated with gemstones are and therefore also aesthetic Meet requirements, but even with such watches is the Time-indicating function as such dominant. Because the "look to the clock" is a frequent and recurrent activity represents in everyday life and is unambiguous for the above reasons he is now a body language Signal is usually interpreted as a sign of impatience. In addition, there are several Events in the Everyday life, such as festive evening events or the Relaxing recreational activities where the obvious Wearing a watch not desired is, for example, because a clock is not the evening wear or desired relaxed leisure time fits.

The The object of the invention is to provide a discrete time indicator, the only one limited user group with one specific knowledge the time sufficiently precise and intuitively detectable indicating, and for not to this group of users not to be seen as a time indicator, as well as the size, number and geometric arrangement of the scales within which the time display takes place, or a combination of the mentioned features, according to the usual Visual habits do not reveal their time-indicating function, so the time indicator is not perceived as such, but as a piece of jewelry becomes.

These Task is solved by a discrete time indicator according to any one of the independent claims.

Of the Discrete according to the invention Time indicator accordingly provides means for visually highlighting discrete points of a display area (e.g. a light spot, light bar end or pointer element) for display The time of day in hours and minutes ready, with the highlighting are designed to, by means of a switching device, the whole the discrete points and / or the time-indicating function or disable - where the ad slot or the scale arrangement then the purely decorative presentation non-time-indicating Patterns, surfaces or figures and does not recognize the time indicator as such is but as a gem is perceived.

• – die (Tages-)Zeit in Stunde und Minute hinreichend exakt und auf einen Blick intuitiv erfassbar mittels einem Anzeigelement anzeigt, indem für jede anzuzeigende Stunde eine lineare oder kurvenlineare bzw. aus linearen und/oder kurvenlinearen Teilsegmenten gebildete Skala angeordnet ist, innerhalb derer der Minutenverlauf dieser Stunde gemäß der bekannten linearen Zeitanzeige kumulativ bzw. punktuell dargestellt wird, wobei
• – die Skalen so angeordnet sind, dass der jeweilige Anfangspunkt der linearen Anzeige der anzuzeigenden Stundenposition gemäß einer geschlossen-analog umlaufenden Stundenanordnung entspricht und der Endpunkt verwechslungsfrei ungleich der zeitabhängig direkt nächstfolgenden Stundenposition gelagert ist, sodass die Anzeige des Stundenwechsels in jedem Fall deutlich sprunghaft erfolgt,
• – und die Skalen einen gemeinsamen Schnittpunkt aufweisen über den sich jede einzelne Skala erstreckt, bzw. die Skalen tatsächlich bzw. in ihrer gedachten Verlängerung einen gemeinsamen Schnittpunkt nicht bilden, wobei bei der Anordnung ausschließlich rechtwinkelig zueinander stehender Skalen diese jeweils gemeinsame Schnittpunkte bilden.

The invention provides, in a first aspect, a discrete time indicator which

• - Displays the (daily) time in hour and minute sufficiently precise and intuitive at a glance detectable by means of a display element by a linear or curvilinear linear or formed from linear and / or curvilinear sub-segments scale is arranged for each hour to be displayed, within which the Minute course of this hour according to the known linear time display is shown cumulatively or selectively, wherein
• The scales are arranged so that the respective starting point of the linear display corresponds to the hourly position to be displayed according to a closed analogue circulating hour arrangement and the endpoint is stored unequally and unequally the time-dependent directly next hourly position, so that the display of the hourly change in each case takes place distinctly abruptly,
• - And the scales have a common point of intersection over which each scale extends, or the scales actually or in their imaginary extension do not form a common point of intersection, which form only common intersection points in the arrangement of only perpendicular to each other standing scales.

The The invention in a second aspect provides a discrete time indicator ready, the

• - the (Day) time in hour and minute within a linear or Curve-linear scale sufficiently accurate, intuitively detectable and space saving indicating the minute course of the hour according to the known linear time display is cumulative, and
• - the 12 hours a day half by means of distinguishable emphasis means within the scale according to the known circular or elliptical closed-analog Hourly indication in dependence the time are shown, depending on the geometric Arrangement of the scale, horizontal or vertical, the hour positions, which are opposite in their vertical or horizontal mirror axis have the same geometric position within the scale, and the thus formed two hour groups by the, in dependence the time changing direction of the cumulative minute display be indexed.

• – die Zeit hinreichend exakt, intuitiv erfassbar und Platz sparend anzeigt, indem der Minutenwert der vollen Stunde in Abhängigkeit der Zeit kumulierend bzw. punktuell bzw. mittels Zeigerdarstellung, in jedem Fall radial angezeigt wird, indem für jede anzuzeigende Teilstrecke der vollen Stunde jeweils eine gesonderte Skala angeordnet ist und die Skalen räumlich getrennte Mittelpunkte aufweisen, und
• – der Stundenwert mittels optisch unterscheidbarer visueller Hervorhebung diskreter Punkte in Abhängigkeit der Zeit gemäß einer der bekannten Zeitanzeigen angezeigt wird.

The invention provides, in a third aspect, a discrete time indicator which

• - the time sufficiently precise, intuitively detectable and Space-saving displays by the minute value of the full hour cumulatively or punctually or by means of pointer representation, in each case displayed radially by a separate scale is arranged for each part of the hour to be displayed on the hour and the scales spatially separated centers have, and
• The hourly value is displayed by means of optically distinguishable visual highlighting of discrete points as a function of time in accordance with one of the known time displays.

• – die Zeit hinreichend exakt, intuitiv erfassbar und Platz sparend anzeigt, indem zur Darstellung der (Tages-)Zeit in Stunde und Minute zwei kreis- bzw. kreissegmentförmige Skalen nebeneinander angeordnet, wobei der Stundenwert in der einen, der Minutenwert in der anderen Skala angezeigt wird, indem die Skalierungspunkte sich um den jeweiligen Mittelpunkt der Skala bewegen, und
• – die Skalierungspunkte numerisch bzw. alphanumerisch dargestellt sind, indem in der Stundenskala jede anzuzeigende Stunde indiziert ist und in der Minutenskala bestimmte Teilstrecken der vollen Stunde, und
• – der aktuelle Wert der Zeit durch die Skalierungspunkte angezeigt wird, die in Abhängigkeit der Zeit sich an den Scheitelpunkten der Skalen befinden, die die höchste räumliche Nähe zueinander aufweisen.

The invention provides in a fourth aspect a discrete time indicator which

• - The time sufficiently accurate, intuitively detectable and space-saving displays by the display of the (daily) time in hour and minute two circular or circular-scale scales arranged side by side, with the hourly value in one, the minute value in the other scale is obtained by the scaling points moving around the respective center of the scale, and
• - the scaling points are numerically or alphanumerically represented by indicating in the hourly scale each hour to be displayed and in the minute scale certain sections of the hour, and
• - the current value of the time is displayed by the scaling points which, as a function of time, are located at the vertices of the scales which have the highest spatial proximity to each other.

advantageous Embodiments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

Discrete time indicator according to the first aspect

advantageous manifestations the discrete time indicator, each with a linear or curvilinear Scale for Each hour to be displayed represents the scale arrangement according to a circular or elliptical or approximately circular or elliptical or according to one rectangular or trapezoidal or diamond-shaped or approximately rectangular or trapezoid or rhomboid closed-analogue hourly arrangement.

at for example, circular or elliptical hour arrangement it is advantageous to store the scales so that the scales have a common Make center point over they extend, which alone the geometric position of the The scale initiates one, at a glance intuitive capture of allows indexed time, for not Initially, however, obviously the time is not displayed because the time display is contrary to viewing habits not radial or undulating around the center but beyond it, or not in juxtaposed linear scales with the same geometric alignment, as well as the scale arrangement not on one close to the usual time displays. This is equally true Arrangement of the scales too, which do not share a common center form.

According to the invention Discretion increased by that the scale arrangement and / or the current scale does not indicate which is not for Initially, the cumulative or punctual ad seemingly without Reference point moves within the ad slot.

at For example, circumferentially rectangular scale arrangements, it is advantageous to arrange the scales at the respective edge lengths so that each houses the same number of hourly positions; or in a 12 hour arrangement on two opposite edge lengths each 5 and at the other opposite two each (12/6 or 3/9); or exclusively at two opposite edge lengths each to arrange the same number of hour positions.

Point two hour positions scales with the same geometric position on, the invention provides for the minute representation of these hour positions a common scale with changing starting point of the minute display display the hour by the cumulative minutes display visible starting point is always indicated without confusion. With selective highlighting is for initiates first the geometric position of the scale within the overall figure and thus the two possible ones Hourly positions are indexed, with the current hour being intuitive using time-bound everyday events such as brightness or Darkness of the day halves, Mealtimes or working rhythms are recognized without any confusion.

to Increase the discretion of the time display has proven itself, for example in a 12 hour display, 6 scales according to their geometric position in a closed-analogue hour arrangement next to or above each other to arrange, each scale corresponding to the two geometrically opposite Represents hourly positions.

The invention provides, in particular for punctual highlighting of the current minute value, to additionally display the current hour by means of distinguishable emphasis means within the scale or by means of additional emphasis means in the immediate spatial proximity to the starting point of the minute indication. If the current hour is indicated separately, the invention also envisages using the scales for the detailed display of the minute values, by displaying within the scale the minute value which, according to a closed loop, is displayed sen-analog display is represented in each case by the position of the hour indication, ie at a 12 hour display at the position "hour 1" the minute value "5", then within this scale, the minute values "5-10" are displayed linearly.

to Increasing the accuracy of reading suggests the invention for each hour to be displayed two, three or four scales next to each other, each a certain, preferably the same length of the full Hour represent. When using 3 "minutes" scales, it is advantageous to control the display in such a way that each scale represents a quarter of an hour and the minute course the last quarter of an hour displayed in all three scales becomes.

to Increasing the reading accuracy continues to beat the invention before for each hour to be displayed a scale with common start and end Endpoint to be displayed on the hour position to be displayed, where the scale preferably from linear or curve-linear sub-segments which represents a certain part of the hour, For example, the quarter-hours by means of 4 equally long sections.

Has proven when using scales formed from linear or curvilinear ones Sub-segments at least one connection point of the sub-segments to be arranged on another hourly position to be displayed.

Discrete time indicator according to the second aspect

• – die Laufrichtung der kumulierenden Anzeige „von oben nach unten" die Stundengruppe 12 (= 0) – 5 und „von unten nach oben" die Stundengruppe 6–11 indiziert;
• – die Stunde 12 und 6 jeweils allein durch die Laufrichtung der kumulierenden Anzeige angezeigt wird;
• – die verbleibenden 5 Stunden einer Stundengruppe in Abhängigkeit der Zeit und der Laufrichtung der kumulierenden Anzeige numerisch aufsteigend an den mittels Strichmarkierung indizierten bzw. gedachten Positionen der kumulierenden Anzeige „0", „15", „30", „45" und „60" angezeigt werden, so dass die Stunden 9 und 3 jeweils mittig in der Skala angezeigt werden.

bei horizontaler bzw. annährend horizontaler Skalenanordnung

• – die Laufrichtung der kumulierenden Anzeige „von links nach rechts" die Stundengruppe 9–2 und die Laufrichtung „von rechts nach links" die Stundengruppe 3–8 indiziert;
• – die Stunde 3 und 9 jeweils allein durch die Laufrichtung der kumulierenden Anzeige angezeigt wird;
• – die verbleibenden 5 Stunden einer Stundengruppe mittels visueller Hervorhebung gesonderter diskreter Punkte in Abhängigkeit der Zeit und der Laufrichtung der kumulierenden Anzeige numerisch aufsteigend an den mittels Strichmarkierung indizierten bzw. gedachten Positionen der kumulierenden Anzeige „0", „15", „30", „45" und „60" angezeigt werden, so dass die Stunden 12 und 6 jeweils mittig in der Skala angezeigt werden.

In the inventive representation of the time in hour and minute within a linear or curve-linear scale has proven that
at vertical or approximately vertical scale arrangement

• The running direction of the cumulative display "from top to bottom" indicates the group of hours 12 (= 0) - 5 and "from bottom to top" the group of hours 6-11;
• The hour 12 and 6 are respectively indicated by the running direction of the cumulative display alone;
• The remaining 5 hours of a group of hours, depending on the time and direction of the cumulative display, ascending numerically in the bar-indexed positions of the cumulative display "0", "15", "30", "45" and "60" are displayed, so that the hours 9 and 3 are displayed in the center of the scale.

at horizontal or approximately horizontal scale arrangement

• The running direction of the cumulative display "from left to right" indicates the group of lessons 9-2 and the direction of movement "from right to left" the group of lessons 3-8;
• - the hour 3 and 9 are each indicated by the running direction of the cumulative display alone;
• The remaining 5 hours of an hourly group by means of visual highlighting of discrete discrete points in relation to the time and the direction of the cumulative display, ascending numerically in the stroke-indexed positions of the cumulative display "0", "15", "30", " 45 "and" 60 "are displayed, so that the hours 12 and 6 are displayed in the middle of the scale.

• – die Stunden 7–11 mit gleichen Abständen zueinander und numerisch aufsteigend, beginnend mit 7 „unten" in der linken Skala, die Stunden 1–5 mit gleichen Abständen zueinander und numerisch aufsteigend, beginnend mit 1 „oben" in der rechten Skala anzuzeigen,
• – die Stunde 12 durch gleichzeitige Anzeige der Stunde 11 und 1, die Stunde 6 durch gleichzeitiges Anzeigen der Stunden 5 und 7 angezeigt wird;

in horizontaler bzw. annährend horizontaler Anordnung

• – die Stunden 10–2 (14) mit gleichen Abständen zueinander und numerisch aufsteigend, beginnend mit 10 „links" in der oberen Skala, die Stunden 4–8 mit gleichen Abständen zueinander und numerisch aufsteigend, beginnend mit 4 „rechts" in der unteren Skala angezeigt werden;
• – die Stunde 9 durch gleichzeitige Anzeige der Stunde 8 und 10, die Stunde 3 durch gleichzeitiges Anzeigen der Stunden 2 und 7 angezeigt wird;

bei 3 Skalen
in vertikaler bzw. annährend vertikaler Anordnung

• – die Stunde 12 in der mittleren Skala „oben", die Stunde 6 in der mittleren Skala „unten" anzuzeigen;

in horizontaler bzw. annährend horizontaler Anordnung

• – die Stunde 9 in der mittleren Skala „links", die Stunde 3 in der mittleren Skala „rechts" anzuzeigen;

bei 4 Skalen
in vertikaler bzw. annährend vertikaler Anordnung

• – die Stunden 8–10 mit der Stunde 9 „mittig" in der linken Skala, die Stunden 2–4 mit der Stunde 3 „mittig" in der rechten Skala, die Stunde 11 in der mittleren linken Skala „oben" und die Stunde 7 „unten", die Stunde 1 in der mittleren rechten Skala „oben" und die Stunde 5 „unten", die Stunde 12 durch gleichzeitiges Anzeigen der Stunden 11 und 1 und die Stunde 6 durch gleichzeitiges Anzeigen der Stunde 5 und 7 anzuzeigen;

in horizontaler bzw. annährend horizontaler Anordnung

• – die Stunden 11–1 (13) mit der Stunde 12 „mittig" in der oberen Skala, die Stunden 5–7 mit der Stunde 6 „mittig", die Stunde 10 in der mittleren oberen Skala „links" und die Stunde 2 „rechts", die Stunde 8 in der mittleren unteren Skala „links" und die Stunde 4 „rechts", die Stunde 9 durch gleichzeitiges Anzeigen der Stunden 8 und 10 und die Stunde 3 durch gleichzeitiges Anzeigen der Stunde 2 und 4 anzuzeigen.

in einer Zentralfigur so anzuordnen,

• – dass das Ende jeder Skala, repräsentiert durch den Endpunkt der Minutendarstellung, jeweils in räumlicher Nähe zur Längsseite einer anderen Skala steht, d.h. die Skalen nicht mit ihren Endpunkten und somit nicht umlaufend verbunden sind; bei Verwendung von 4 Skalen vorzugsweise so, dass eine Unterteilstrecke der jeweiligen Skala von 5 Minuten indiziert wird;
• – die Stunden gemäß der geschlossen analogen Stundenanzeige innerhalb der Teilabschnitte der Skalen erfolgt, die durch die jeweiligen Endpunkte der anderen Skalen gebildet werden.

The invention proposes to increase the accuracy of reading the minute value to use two, three or four linear or curvilinear scales, which preferably represent equal sections of the full hour and the minutes by means of alternating or constant direction cumulatively or selectively, in each Case additively display. Has proven itself
at 2 scales
in a vertical or approximately vertical arrangement

• - the hours 7-11 with equal distances to each other and numerically ascending, starting with 7 "down" in the left scale, showing the hours 1-5 with equal distances to each other and numerically ascending, starting with 1 "up" in the right scale,
• - the hour 12 is indicated by simultaneous display of the hour 11 and 1, the hour 6 by simultaneous display of the hours 5 and 7;

in a horizontal or approximately horizontal arrangement

• - Hours 10-2 (14) with equal distances to each other and numerically ascending, starting with 10 "left" in the upper scale, the hours 4-8 with equal distances to each other and numerically ascending, starting with 4 "right" in the lower Scale to be displayed;
• - the hour 9 is indicated by simultaneous display of the hour 8 and 10, the hour 3 by simultaneous display of the hours 2 and 7;

at 3 scales
in a vertical or approximately vertical arrangement

• - to display the hour 12 in the middle scale "above", the hour 6 in the middle scale "below";

in a horizontal or approximately horizontal arrangement

• - to mark the hour 9 in the middle scale "left", the hour 3 in the middle scale "right" gene;

at 4 scales
in a vertical or approximately vertical arrangement

• - Hours 8-10 with hour 9 "in the middle" in the left scale, hours 2-4 with hour 3 "in the middle" in the right scale, hour 11 in the middle left scale "up" and hour 7 "Down", the hour 1 in the middle right scale "up" and the hour 5 "down" to indicate the hour 12 by simultaneously displaying the hours 11 and 1 and the hour 6 by simultaneously displaying the hour 5 and 7;

in a horizontal or approximately horizontal arrangement

• - hours 11-1 (13) with the hour 12 "in the middle" in the upper scale, hours 5-7 with the hour 6 "in the middle", the hour 10 in the middle upper scale "left" and the hour 2 " right ", the hour 8 in the middle lower scale" left "and the hour 4" right "to display the hour 9 by simultaneously displaying the hours 8 and 10 and the hour 3 by simultaneously displaying the hour 2 and 4.

to arrange in a central figure so

• - that the end of each scale, represented by the end point of the minute representation, is in each case in spatial proximity to the longitudinal side of another scale, ie the scales are not connected to their end points and thus not circumferentially; when using 4 scales, preferably so that a subsection distance of the respective scale of 5 minutes is indexed;
• - the hours according to the closed analogue hour indication occur within the subsections of the scales formed by the respective endpoints of the other scales.

to Increasing discretion beats the invention also for each segment to be displayed on the hour in each case more than to arrange a scale within which the current minute value simultaneously is shown.

Has proven the scales according to those of them represented Divide sections into equally long subsections, for example spatially assigned by bar marking within the scale or scales.

The Invention proposes before in occurrences in the scales made visible by recesses of the substrate by means of using the same highlighting means Switching device in one or a plurality of scales additionally digitally display.

The Invention also looks ahead of time, below Using the same emphasis means by means of switching device according to a represent the known time displays.

• – gemäß einer kreisförmig geschlossenen 12 Stundenanzeige eine Strichmarkierung Verwendung findet, die von der Stundenposition der anzuzeigenden Stunde bis zur punktsymetrisch gegenüberliegenden Stundenposition reicht und die aktuelle Stunde mittels anderweitiger zeitgebundener Alltagsereignisse intuitiv erkannt wird, für einen nicht eingeweihten Benutzerkreis jedoch nicht als Zeitanzeige zu erkennen ist; bzw.
• – numerisch zusammenhängende Stunden zu Gruppen zusammengefasst, die von einander räumlich getrennt um die Skalen angeordnet sind.
• – eine der bekannten Anzeigearten Verwendung findet.

The invention provides to display the hour indication spatially separated from the scale arrangement by means of visual highlighting separate discrete points as a function of time, wherein

• - According to a circular closed 12 hour display, a bar code is used, ranging from the hour position of the hour to the point-symmetrically opposite hour position and the current hour is intuitively recognized by other time-bound daily events, for a non-initiated user group, however, is not seen as a time display; respectively.
• - numerically connected hours grouped into groups, which are arranged spatially separated from each other around the scales.
• - One of the known types of display is used.

Discrete time indicator according to the third aspect

• – in 1, 2 bzw. 4 gesonderten Anzeigeflächen angeordnet werden, wobei bei rechteckförmigen Anzeigeflächen die Mittelpunkte der Skalen jeweils in einem gesonderten Eckpunkt, gebildet aus den Begrenzungslinien der Anzeigefläche, angeordnet werden; bzw.
• – bei geschlossen-analoger Stundenindikation geometrisch räumlich den Stundenpositionen zugeordnet werden, deren Position den, durch die Teilstrecken repräsentierten Minutenwerten entspricht, d.h. bei einer 12 Stundenanzeige die Darstellung der ersten Viertelstunde den Stundenpositionen 12 bis 3 räumlich zugeordnet ist, etc.;

die Teilstrecken jeweils eine halbe Stunde repräsentieren und

• – die Mittelpunkte jeweils auf der Position der horizontalen bzw. vertikalen Spiegelachse einer bzw. zweier Anzeigenflächen, vorzugsweise an deren Begrenzungslinie angeordnet werden; bzw.
• – bei geschlossen-analoger Stundenindikation geometrisch räumlich den Stundenpositionen zugeordnet werden, deren Position den, durch die Teilstrecken repräsentierten Minutenwerten entspricht, d.h. bei einer 12 Stundenanzeige den Stundenpositionen 12 bis 6 bzw. den Stundenpositionen 9–3 zugeordnet ist, etc.

The segment-radial representation of partial sections of the hour, in particular such that
the sections each represent a quarter of an hour and

• Are arranged in 1, 2 and 4 separate display areas, wherein in rectangular display areas, the centers of the scales are each arranged in a separate corner, formed from the boundary lines of the display surface; respectively.
• In the case of a closed-analogue hour indication, geometrically spatially assigned to the hourly positions whose position corresponds to the minute values represented by the segments, ie in a 12-hour display the representation of the first quarter of an hour is spatially assigned to the hourly positions 12 to 3, etc .;

the sections each represent half an hour and

• - The centers are respectively arranged on the position of the horizontal or vertical mirror axis of one or two display surfaces, preferably at the boundary line; respectively.
• In the case of a closed analogue hour indication, geometrically spatially assigned to the hourly positions whose position corresponds to the minute values represented by the partial routes, ie is assigned to the hour positions 12 to 6 or the hour positions 9-3 in a 12 hour display, etc.

• – indem die Zeiger, gesteuert durch einen Impulsgeber durchgehend radial umlaufend sind und die nicht anzuzeigenden Teilstrecken durch das Substrat abgedeckt sind, bzw.
• – die Zeiger an der Endposition der von ihnen anzuzeigenden Teilstrecke verharren und zeitabhängig mittels gesonderten Impuls zur Ausgangsposition zurückgebracht werden.

The invention provides to represent the sections by means of mechanically driven hands,

• - By the hands are controlled by a pulse generator continuously radially encircling and not visible sections are covered by the substrate, or
• - The pointers remain at the final position of the section to be displayed by them and are returned time-dependent by means of a separate pulse to the starting position.

to Increasing the intuitive perception of time beats the invention in front of the scales in their segment-radial form for the duration of the current display distinguishable to the display element flat to index. proven This is especially true when displaying multiple scales within a display area.

The Invention also looks ahead of time, below Using the same center of emphasis by means of switching device according to a represent the known time displays.

Discrete time indicator according to the 4th aspect

Has proven for the hours and minutes each only a segmental section of the To make scales visible in such a way that in each case two numerical Scaling points are readable, whereby the space requirement despite arrangement of two scales of a conventional one closed-analog clock with a scale corresponds to or less is and also both values of the (daily) time (hour and minute) on Reason of their spatial proximity to one View can be grasped intuitively and without confusion.

When Advantageously, the time-indicating vertices have been found to be beneficial highlight the scales by marking.

to Increase of the reading accuracy has become with the time indicators after one of the independent ones claims proven that sub-sections of the, represented by the scales Value of the time can be indicated in different colors; especially in such a way that the color arrangements of the sub-sections in one Scale or the overall picture of the scales the color arrangements of certain Represent national flags, or the color arrangements of certain national flags in a scale or the overall picture of the scales and the current one Time punctual or cumulative by means of color or shading change the highlighting is displayed.

Farther proven has the punctual or cumulative emphasis by means of the current time is displayed in whole or in part a symbol, represents a trademark or logo, or an icon, a trademark or a logo, in whole or in part, indicating the current time Scale or in all use finding scales is shown and the current time punctually or cumulatively by means of color or shading change the highlighting is displayed.

According to the invention Discretion of one of the above time displays increased by the fact that the spatial Extension of the scales within the display area by means of a stored above translucent, covered with perforated material, so that alone initiates the time of the current ad due to the only known overall length and geometric location of each time-indicating scale route can read off.

Further Details, aspects and advantages emerge from the dependent claims, the following description and the figures. In detail shows:

1 - 3 a discrete time indicator according to the invention with arrangement of the hour positions according to a circularly closed-analogue hour arrangement;

4 - 6 a discrete time indicator according to the invention with arrangement of the hour positions according to a rectangular closed-analogue hour arrangement;

7 a discrete time indicator according to the invention with a linear scale for displaying the (day) time;

8th a discrete time indicator with three scales according to the invention for displaying the (daily) time;

9 a discrete time indicator according to the invention for displaying the minutes of a full hour within three scales and the separate display of the hour in grouped, time-dependent adjacent groups of hours;

10 a discrete time indicator according to the invention with four scales for displaying the (day) time;

11 a discrete time indicator according to the invention for displaying the (day) time within a display area, wherein the quarter hours of a full hour are displayed with spatially separated scales and the current hour by means of digital display;

12 a discrete time indicator according to the invention for displaying the (day) time within three display areas, wherein time-dependent in two display areas in each case two partial sections of an hour with spatially separated centers and in the third the current hour is displayed.

13 a discrete time indicator for displaying the (day) time within two circular segment display areas, the current value of time being indicated by the respective opposite vertices of the display areas.

At the in 1a displayed discrete time indicators are in the ad slot ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) six scales ( 3 ) to display 12 hours of (day) time, each forming a common intersection and extending in its spatial extent above it, and a minute representation by means of punctate highlighting ( 6 ). The minute values of the hour positions having scales of common geometric location, such as 12 and 6, 1 and 7, etc., are presented within the same scale but with opposite starting points of the linear display. The hour position of the currently displayed hour is indicated by the starting point ( 4 ) of the minute representation. The arrangement of the hour positions to be displayed corresponding to a circular closed-analog circulating hour arrangement. The figure thus shows the hour with 2 and the minute with about 45 at a starting point ( 4 ) and endpoint ( 5 ) of the minute representation or the hour 8 and the minute 15 at a starting point ( 5 ) and endpoint ( 4 ) of the minute representation, whereby the current hour is intuitively recognized by other time-related events. 1b shows the additional display ( 7 ) the hour.

At the in 2a displayed discrete time indicators are in the ad slot ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) and the 12-scale scale arrangement underlying the time display ( 3 ) which do not form a common point of intersection. 2 B thus shows the time with hour 2, marked by the starting point ( 4 ), the minute with about 48 by means of the cumulative display with the highlighting ( 6 ), whereby only the current scale ( 3 ) with endpoint ( 5 ) is made visible.

At the in 3a displayed discrete time indicators are in the ad slot ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) and the 12-scale scale arrangement underlying the time display ( 3 ), which do not form a common point of intersection, are shown. The 12 scales each have a starting point ( 4 ) according to the circularly closed-analogue hourly arrangement and an endpoint ( 5 ) at the hour position "plus 3". 3b shows the time display of the minutes of the current hour in the variant, that in each case 4 scales, which have common connection points on hour positions, are used for displaying the minute value of a certain hour. The time shown is 1: 45 with hour 1, marked by the starting point ( 4 ) and minute 45 by the cumulative display with the highlighting ( 6 ), whereby only the scale currently used ( 3 ), formed of 4 subscales, with endpoint ( 5 ) is made visible.

At the in 4 displayed discrete time indicators are in the ad slot ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) six scales ( 3 ), with scales at right angles to each other forming a common point of intersection which divides each scale into subsections of quarter of an hour. The minute values of the geometrically opposite hour positions, which have scales with a common geometric position, are displayed within the same scale. The current hour is determined by the starting point ( 4 ) of the minute representation indicating the hourly position thereof in accordance with a rectangular closed-analog circulating hourly arrangement. The figure thus shows the hour 1 and the minute 45, indicated by the highlighting point ( 6 ) at.

At the in 5 shown discrete time indicator is a variant of a rectangular closed-analog circulating hourly arrangement by only one scale, with the hour 12 above and 6 below, is arranged at right angles to the remaining. The current time is determined by the starting point ( 4 ) of the display with the 12th hour and by means of the highlighting point ( 6 ) with 30 minutes.

At the in 6 The discrete time indicator shown is likewise a variant of a rectangular closed-analog circulating hour arrangement in that the scales do not have a common point of intersection, the hour positions correspond to a closed-analog encircling hour arrangement such that the hour 1 passes through the starting point (FIG. 8th ), the hour 7 through the starting point ( 9 ) etc. is represented. The current time is determined by the starting point ( 4 ) of the display with the 12th hour and by means of the highlighting point ( 6 ) with 30 minutes.

At the in 7 discrete time indicator is the ad slot ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) a scale ( 3 ), within which the hour and minute of a half-day is displayed by dividing the minutes linearly by cumulative emphasis ( 6 ) and the current hour punctually by color or shading according distinguishable representation ( 7 ) are displayed. Wherein the hour positions correspond to a circular closed-analog circulating hour display by the, in their vertical mirror axis geometrically opposite the same geometri position in the scale marked by 10 ) is made visible. The two hour groups formed in this way are indexed by changing the running direction of cumulating the minute display as a function of time, according to a closed-analogue time representation, the running direction "from top to bottom" the hourly group 12 to 5 with the hour 3 in the middle or the running direction "From bottom to top" indicates the group of lessons 6-11 with the hour 9 in the middle. Hour 12 and 6 are each indicated by the running direction of the cumulative minute display alone. The figure thus indicates the minute at 45 and the hour at 9, indicated by the running direction of the cumulative minute display "from bottom to top" and its central position within the scale.

At the in 8th displayed discrete time indicator is in the ad slot ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) three scales ( 3 ), within which the hours and minutes of a half-day are represented, each representing a certain quarter of an hour and the minutes of the remaining quarter of an hour being displayed together in all three scales; the hour positions, in the figure by bar marking ( 10 ), wherein the hour positions are arranged circumferentially in accordance with the closed-analogue hourly arrangement and the current hour ( 7 ) with 12 at the top of the middle scale and the minutes with 45 using the highlighting points ( 6 ) in all three scales.

The in 9 shown discrete time indicator corresponds 8th in which, according to a closed analog circulating hour arrangement, time-dependent adjacent hours ( 11 ) are grouped together and these groups of hours are spatially separated from each other and by highlighting separate discrete points ( 12 ) are indexed as a function of time. The figure represents the time with hour 4 and the minutes with "45".

At the in 10 displayed discrete time indicators are in the ad slot ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) four scales ( 3 within which the hour and minute of a half of the day is displayed, each of which represents a certain quarter of an hour, the end or starting points of the scales, which represent time-dependent directly consecutive partial distances, are recognizably spatially separated and the hourly positions ( 7 ) are arranged according to a closed-analog encircling hour arrangement. The figure represents therefore the time with hour 3 and the minutes with 15.

At the in 11 discrete time indicator is the ad slot ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ), within which the hour and minute of a half-day is displayed, with the quarter-hour of the hour in each case a separate scale with spatially separated center ( 13 ) in each case in one of the four right-angled corners of the display surfaces and the minutes radially by means of pointer ( 14 ), wherein the sub-section of the quarter of an hour in each case by means of highlighting distinguishable for time display ( 15 ) is indicated as a scale and the hourly value ( 16 ) is displayed digitally by means of optically distinguishable visual highlighting of discrete points as a function of time. The figure therefore represents the time with hour 11 digital and the minutes with 5.

At the in 12 shown discrete time indicator are in the display area ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) three scales ( 3 ) within which the hour and minute of a half of the day is represented, by dividing into two scales each half an hour with separate, spatially separated centers ( 13 ) radially by means of pointer ( 14 ), and the hourly value ( 16 ) is performed on the third scale by means of visual highlighting of separate discrete points as a function of time, wherein a bar indication is used according to a circularly closed 12 hour display, which ranges from the hour position of the hour to be displayed to the point-symmetrically opposite hour position, wherein the current hour according to a 12 Hour display within which the 24 hours of the daytime are displayed is intuitively recognized by other time-related events. The figure represents the time with hour 4 or 10 and the minutes with 20.

At the in 13 displayed discrete time indicators are in the ad slot ( 2 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) two circular segment-shaped scales ( 3 ), with the upper scale showing the hours and the lower the minutes, the scaling points of both scales being dependent on the time around the respective center ( 17 ) and the current value of the time at the spatially opposite vertices ( 18 ) of the circle segment scales is indexed.

Claims (31)

A discrete time indicator comprising a substrate including a display surface, means for visually highlighting discrete points, a controller for driving the highlighting means to shift the display as a function of time, characterized in that - for each hour of the (day) time to be displayed a separate linear or curvilinear scale or scale formed from linear and / or curvilinear sub-segments is arranged, within which the minutes of this hour linearly displayed by means of cumulative or punctiform emphasis the, wherein - the scales are arranged so that the respective starting point of the linear display of the displayed hour position corresponding to a closed analog circulating hour arrangement and the endpoint is stored without confusion unequal to the time-dependent immediately following hour position, so the display of the hour change in each case clearly abruptly, and the scale arrangement has a feature of - the scales form a common point of intersection over which each scale extends; or - the scales actually or in their imaginary extension do not form a common point of intersection, wherein in the arrangement of only perpendicular to each other standing scales these have common points of intersection. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1, characterized that the scales are arranged so that the end point or a connection point of the Sub-segments of a scale on at least one hour position unequal the time-dependent directly following is stored. Discrete time indicator according to claims 1-2 thereby characterized in that for displaying the minute values of each Hour two or three or four scales arranged side by side are each representing a particular leg of the hour. Discrete time indicator according to claims 1-3 thereby characterized in that the minute display of hour positions whose Scales have the same geometric position within a scale he follows. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1, 3 and 4 characterized indicated that in a 12 hour display the scales in their geometric position, resulting from a circular or elliptical hour arrangement and scale arrangement having a common point of intersection, next to or above each other are arranged. Discrete time indicator according to claims 1-5 thereby in that the current hour can be differentiated by means of color or shade Display is additionally displayed at the respective hour position, or by visual emphasis of separate discrete points in the immediate spatial Near the Hours position. Discrete time indicator according to claims 1-6 characterized in that additional Display of the hour position the minute representation of each hour according to a closed-analog circulating minute display using the Totality of scales depending time additive, clockwise rotating, starting with the hour position "12" as the minute "0". Discrete time indicator comprising a substrate containing Display area, Means for visually highlighting discrete points, a control for driving the emphasis means for shifting the display dependent on of a value of time, characterized in that - the daytime in hour and minute within a linear or curvilinear one Scale is displayed by dividing the minutes linearly by cumulative emphasis and the current hour selectively by color or shading according distinguishable Appearance, where - the hourly positions of one circular closed-analog 12-hour orbit equivalent by dependent on the geometric arrangement of the scale the hour positions, the are geometrically opposed in their vertical or horizontal mirror axis take the same geometric position in the scale and the Hourly positions are always made visible by marking, and - the so formed two hour groups by changing the direction the cumulative minute indication as a function of time become, - by doing according to a Closed-analog time display the direction of vertical Scale arrangement from top to bottom the hour group 12 to 5 with the hour 3 in the middle; or with horizontal scale arrangement, the direction of travel from left to right the group of lessons 9-2 with the hour 12 in the middle he follows. Discrete time indicator according to claim 8, characterized that hour positions are the mirror axis in use lie, "12" and "6" or "3" and "9", solely by the Direction of the cumulative minute indication. Discrete time indicator according to claim 8 and 9 characterized characterized in that two or three or four scales are arranged side by side, respectively represent a specific segment of the hour, the running direction of the linear minute display alternately or the same is permanent and the hourly positions in a scale or under Use of all scales according to one Closed-analogue hourly arrangement, rising numerically in ascending order are arranged. Discrete time indicator according to claim 3 and 10 characterized characterized in that using three scales each one by itself represents a quarter of an hour and the minutes of the remaining quarter of an hour together displayed in all three scales. Discrete time indicator according to claim 10 thereby characterized in that the scales are angled to each other and the End points or starting points of the scales, the time-dependent directly consecutive Represent sections, recognizable spatial are separated. Discrete time indicator comprising a substrate, containing display area, Means for visually highlighting discrete points, a control for driving the emphasis means for shifting the display dependent on of a value of time, characterized in that - for each to be displayed Part of the hour on the hour a separate circular segment-shaped scale within which, depending on the time, the minute value is arranged cumulative or punctually or by means of pointer representation, in each Case displayed moving radially around the respective center is, where the circular segment-shaped Scales each spatially have separate centers, and - the hourly value by means of optical distinguishable visual emphasis of discrete points in dependence the time according to one the known time displays is displayed. Discrete time indicator according to claim 13 characterized in that a plurality of display surfaces are arranged, wherein in each display area respectively certain sections of the full hour are displayed. Discrete time indicator according to claim 13-14 characterized characterized in that in the presentation of the minutes of the full Hour in four sections with four spatially separated centers within right-angled display areas one center each is arranged in a separate right angle. Discrete time indicator according to claim 13-14 characterized characterized in that in the presentation of the minutes of the full Hour in two sections the centers opposite each other are arranged in a mirror axis of the display surface. Discrete time indicator according to claim 14-16 characterized characterized in that the hourly value in each case at least in one the display surfaces is displayed, which currently does not display a minute value. Discrete time indicator according to claims 13-17 marked that for the duration of the current display the area of the radius the minute display describes by means of, for time display distinguishable visual emphasis the scale is indexed. Discrete time indicator according to claims 13-17 characterized in that at least one value of the time by means of mechanical operated pointer is displayed. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1-19 thereby characterized in that the hour indication by means of visual highlighting discrete points in dependence the time takes place, wherein according to a circular closed 12 hour display will use a dash indication made by the hour position of the hour to be displayed up to the point-symmetrical opposite Hour position is enough. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1-19 thereby characterized in that according to a Closed-analog circulating hourly arrangement adjacent to time Hours are grouped together and these hour groups of spatially are arranged separately and by highlighting separate discrete Points in dependence time to be indexed. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1-19 thereby characterized in that the hour indication according to one of the known display modes he follows. Discrete time indicator comprising a substrate, containing display area, Means for visually highlighting discrete points, a control for driving the emphasis means for shifting the display dependent on of a value of time, characterized in that - for presentation the (daily) time in hour and minute two circle- or circle-shaped scales next to each other arranged, with the hourly value in the one, the minute value in the other scale is displayed by the scaling points to move around the respective center of the scale, and - the scaling points numerically or alphanumerically represented by the hour scale each hour to be displayed is indexed and determined on the minute scale Sections of the hour, and - the current value of time is indicated by the scaling points that depend on the time are at the vertices of the scales that the highest spatial Close to each other exhibit. Discrete time indicator according to claim 23 characterized in any case, that within each scale at least two successive scaling points are readable. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1, 8, 15 and 23 or one of claims 1, 8, 15 and 23 dependent claims thereby characterized in that the scales by means of recess of the substrate indicated. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1, 8, 15 and 23 or one of claims 1, 8, 15 and 23 dependent claims, characterized in that the (daily) time in hour and minute by means of changeover switch using the same emphasis means within one or more scales is displayed digitally. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1, 8, 15 and 23 or one of claims 1, 8, 15 and 23 dependent claims thereby characterized in that sub-sections of, represented by the scales Value of time can be indexed by color, so that the color arrangements of the sub-sections in a scale or Overall picture of the scales the color arrangements of certain national flags represent, or the color arrangements of certain national flags in a scale or the overall picture of the scales and the current one Time punctual or cumulative by means of color or shading according to the change Highlighting is displayed. Discrete time indicator according to claims 1, 8 and 15 or one of the claims dependent on claims 1, 8 and 15 characterized in that the punctual or cumulative emphasis means of which the current time is displayed wholly or partially a symbol, represents a trademark or logo, or an icon, a trademark or a logo, in whole or in part, indicating the current time Scale or the overall picture of the scales is shown and the current Time punctual or cumulative by means of color or shading change the highlighting is displayed. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1, 8, 15 and 23 or one of claims 1, 8, 15 and 23 dependent claims thereby in that the emphasis means comprise a plurality of controllable ones Include display elements, wherein the display elements formed are selected for at least one from the group consisting of: light-emitting, light-reflecting, Light transmission and color changes. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1, 8, 15 and 23 or one of claims 1, 8, 15 and 23 dependent claims thereby in that the emphasis means comprise a dot matrix or a TFT display and input means for programming the dot matrix or of the TFT display and by means of a control and Switching device the emphasis means user individually controlled are in at least one function - activate or deactivate the highlighting means; - activate or disable the time-indicating function; - change the highlighting or the scale indication in their color Appearance or shading; Switching between characteristics of the Time display according to a the independent one Claims and / or dependent dependent claims and / or one of the known time displays. Discrete time indicator according to claim 1, 8, 15 and 23 or one of claims 1, 8, 15 and 23 dependent claims thereby characterized in that the shifting of the display is a mechanical Relocating a pointer element, in particular relative to a screen includes.