HK1141871B

HK1141871B - Magnetic display for watches

Info

Publication number: HK1141871B
Application number: HK10108075.9A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Donald R. Brewer; Andrew M. Wright; David B. Cope; Christopher J. Corcoran
Original assignee: Bandit Inc.
Priority date: 2006-09-27
Filing date: 2007-09-27
Publication date: 2013-03-22

Description

Magnetic display for a watch

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority and benefit to U.S. provisional patent application No.60/906,789 entitled "Magnetic Display For Watches" filed 3/13 of 2007 and U.S. provisional patent application No.60/847,787 entitled "Magnetic Display For Watches" filed 9/27 of 2006.

Background

Large scale flip dot displays (large scale flip dot displays) operate with a matrix of rotatable pixels, each pixel having a permanent magnet. Current passes through the underlying electromagnet and generates a magnetic field that flips the pixel up to 180 degrees to display one of the two sides. The disadvantages of this type of display technology have prevented its use beyond large outdoor signs. For example, flip dot displays require a high voltage to initiate (activate) rotation of the pixels, typically no less than 18 to 32 volts, with a corresponding significant current consumption. Flip dot displays are also very expensive per pixel and have been commercialized only in very large segment sizes. Because of these power, size, and cost limitations, the industry applications of prior art and flip dot displays have focused exclusively on large outdoor signage applications. Furthermore, currently flip dot displays typically have a standard industrial appearance, i.e. they have the characteristics of: a green, yellow or white coating ON one side of a pixel represents the optical state of the pixel "ON". This "ON" optical state has high contrast and visibility in contrast to the opposite side of a matte black coated background or pixel representing an "OFF" optical state.

Among the many consumer electronics products ranging from digital watches, clocks, and mobile phones, the dark-on-grey (black-gray) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is dominant. Many manufacturers find that their target price point is lost in high-end products due to the lower perceived value and design limitations of such dimly-appearing displays. In product categories such as tables, functions are increasingly not having the role of a differentiating factor (diffentiator). Design manufacturers instead rely on the use of distinctive materials to convey (covey) value. Colored plastic watchbands or watchcases can be used in low end watches, while metal watchcases and leather watchbands will be found in higher priced watches.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment of the invention, there is a mobile display device that includes an array of rotatable pixels that provide information. A portion of each rotatable pixel includes a permanent magnet and each pixel rotates between a first orientation and a second orientation, the first orientation presenting a first display surface having a first optical state and the second orientation presenting a second display surface having a second optical state. The first optical state differs from the second optical state in that some pixels are close to a background matching one of the first optical state and the second optical state. The watch also has means for magnetically rotating the rotatable pixel array. A battery is electrically connected to the means for magnetically rotating.

In a refinement, the mobile display device is a cellular telephone and the information provided comprises an alphanumeric digit, in particular a telephone number or caller identification information.

In another refinement, the mobile display device is a timer (such as a watch or a small clock) and the information is chronological information. In yet another refinement, the chronological information may include only date information. In yet another refinement, the chronological information may include only temporal information. Also, the chronological information includes some combination of date and time information.

In another refinement, the means for magnetically rotating the array of rotatable pixels comprises a plurality of electromagnets. Each electromagnet has a U-shaped core defined by a base portion. The base portion connects the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The first arm includes a first coil, and the second arm includes a second coil.

In another refinement, the background includes a plurality of simulated dot matrix panels and grooves between at least some of the panels that are adjacent to each other. Each groove substantially mimics a gap between at least one of the rotatable pixels and the background.

In another refinement, the background is a repeating lattice pattern. Each lattice panel includes an attachment material selected from the group consisting of a crystal, a gemstone, or a metal.

In another refinement, the attachment material on one panel comprises rhinestone and the attachment material on the other panel comprises crystals.

In another refinement, the dot matrix panel is present on at least one of the first display face and the second display face of at least one pixel in the array of rotatable pixels.

In another refinement, each groove is a dark line.

In another refinement, each pixel is rotated between a first orientation having an off optical state that substantially matches a panel surrounding the pixel and a second orientation having an on optical state that is different from the panel surrounding the pixel.

In another refinement, the at least one rotatable pixel in the off optical state includes a plurality of tiles (pane), each substantially the same size as the simulated dot matrix panel.

In another refinement, the display is a positive contrast display. The optical state of at least one rotatable pixel is darker than the surrounding panel of the background.

In another refinement, at least one of the display surfaces of at least one pixel in the array of rotatable pixels comprises an attachment material selected from the group consisting of rhinestone, crystal, diamond, or metal.

In another refinement, a simulator movement (analog movement) with a pointer is positioned over the background and the pixel array.

In another refinement, the first group of pixels in the array of pixels is in a first plane. A second group of pixels in the pixel array is in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are different.

In another refinement at least one of the first display side and the second display side of the at least one pixel comprises a coating, the coating consisting of a phosphorescent coating or a fluorescent coating.

In another refinement, a watchcase having at least a partially hollow interior is also included. The background and the rotatable pixel array are positioned inside the watch case. An LED headlight is positioned within the case to shine light onto at least a portion of the background and the pixel array.

In another refinement, the LED emits a portion of light within the ultraviolet wavelength (ultravioletwavelength).

In another refinement, each pixel includes stops (stops) protruding from the sides of the pixel. The stop is substantially hidden under the background.

In another refinement, the pixels are rotated approximately 180 degrees.

In another refinement, the first group of pixel arrays is configured to display alphanumeric characters. Means for magnetically rotating the rotatable pixel array controls rotation of the first group. Each rotatable pixel of the first group is rotated by a U-shaped magnetic core having two arms each having at least one coil. The U-shaped magnetic core is arranged below the first group to minimize magnetic field interference between the permanent magnets and the coils of the first group of rotatable pixels.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a mobile device display includes a plurality of magnetically actuated rotatable pixels positioned within a background. The background includes a plurality of simulated dot matrix panels and a plurality of grooves between at least some adjacent panels. Each groove substantially mimics a gap between at least one of the rotatable pixels and the background.

In a refinement of the invention, the mobile device display is a cellular telephone display or a timer display. The timer may be a clock or a watch.

In another refinement of the invention, the groove is a cut-out portion between adjacent simulated dot matrix panels.

In another refinement, the groove is a dark line.

In another refinement, the at least one rotatable pixel in the off optical state includes a plurality of tiles. Each square is substantially the same size as the simulated dot array panel.

In another refinement, at least a portion of the displays are positive contrast displays. The on optical state of at least one rotatable pixel is darker than the surrounding panel of the background.

In another refinement, the first portion of the display is a positive contrast display. The second part of the display is a negative contrast display.

In another refinement, at least some of the panels have different colors.

In another refinement, all portions of the display are positive and negative difference displays.

In another refinement, the display further comprises means for magnetically rotating the plurality of rotatable pixels. At least a portion of each pixel includes a permanent magnet. The means for magnetically rotating comprises a plurality of electromagnets. Each electromagnet corresponds to one pixel, and has a U-shaped core defined by a base portion connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The first arm includes a first coil, and the second arm includes a second coil.

In another refinement, at least one of the rotatable pixels includes a display surface having an attachment material selected from a group consisting of a crystal, a gemstone, or a metal.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a mobile device display comprising a plurality of magnetically actuated rotatable pixels. Each pixel has a permanent magnet that rotates between a first orientation and a second orientation. The two orientations have different optical states. The rotatable pixels are disposed opposite a repeating dot pattern having a plurality of panels. The spacing between the panels substantially matches the spacing between the pixels and the surrounding background.

In another refinement of the invention, there are a plurality of electromagnets. Each electromagnet is positioned beneath a corresponding pixel substantially adjacent to the permanent magnet such that magnetizing the electromagnet to a current of opposite polarity to the permanent magnet causes the pixel to rotate from one of the first and second orientations to the other of the first and second orientations.

In another refinement, the electromagnet comprises a U-shaped core oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the U-shaped core having at least one pole of a permanent magnet proximate to the pixel.

In another refinement, the at least one electromagnet has a U-shaped core, and there is a first coil around a first arm of the core and a second coil around a second arm of the core.

In another refinement, the resistance of each coil is greater than 75 ohms (Ohm).

In another refinement, the pixel has at least two squares (pixel has at least two squares in associated with one of the elementary states) integrated at the moment of one of its optical states, and a groove is provided between the two squares, which groove substantially matches the spacing between the pixel and the background.

In another refinement, the grooves are dark lines that provide an appearance that closely matches the gap between each pixel and the surrounding background.

In another refinement, the display surface of at least one of the pixels comprises an attachment material selected from the group consisting of a crystal, a gemstone, or a metal.

In another refinement, at least one material of the group comprising crystals, gemstones or metals is attached to at least one background panel.

In another refinement, the background panel includes a first coating. The display surface of each rotated pixel in the on state includes a second coating. The second coating has a darker color than the first coating.

In another refinement at least one of the pixel and the first part of the background are in a different plane than the other of the pixel and the second part of the background.

In another refinement, the two coils are oriented in opposite directions and are connected in series. The total resistance of the two coils is preferably in the range of 150 to 250 ohms.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is a watch display comprising a plurality of magnetically actuated flip members (flippers) having a display surface positioned within a surrounding background. The flipper is rotated between a first orientation in which the display surface has a first optical state and a second orientation in which the display surface has a second optical state. The watch display also includes at least one radially extending watch hand positioned over the flip and surrounding background. The hands are connected to the analog movement under the flip and the surrounding background.

In a refined expression, there are a plurality of electromagnets. Each electromagnet corresponds to one of a plurality of electromagnetically energized flippers. Each electromagnet comprises a U-shaped core defined by a base portion connecting two armatures (armatures). Each armature includes a coil.

In another refinement, the first group of pixel arrays is configured to display alphanumeric characters. The U-shaped magnetic core is arranged below the first group to minimize magnetic field interference between the permanent magnets and the coils of the first group of rotatable pixels.

In another refinement, the display face of at least one of the flippers includes an attachment material selected from the group consisting of a crystal, a gemstone, or a metal.

In another refinement, the plurality of flippers provide chronological information.

In another refinement, the plurality of flippers provides time information in the form of arabic numerals in a first orientation and roman numerals in a second orientation.

In another refinement, a single flipper displays AM in a first orientation and PM in a second orientation.

In another refinement, a set of flip elements displays AM in a first orientation and PM in a second orientation.

In another refinement, there are three hands corresponding to the hour, minute, and second hands.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is an electromagnetically actuated display comprising a pixel having a permanent magnet, the pixel being rotated about an axis to display a first face and a second face. The first face has a first optical state and the second face has a second optical state. The first optical state is different from the second optical state. The electromagnetically actuated display also includes an electromagnet comprising a U-shaped magnetic core oriented perpendicular to the axis of the pixel. The electromagnet includes a first coil positioned around a first arm of the U-shaped core and a second coil positioned around a second arm of the U-shaped core. Each pole (pole) of the electromagnet is positioned substantially adjacent to the permanent magnet such that a current magnetizing the electromagnet to a polarity opposite that of the permanent magnet causes the pixel to rotate from the first face to the second face. The background surrounding the pixel has an optical state that optically contrasts with at least one of the first and second faces of the rotatable pixel.

In one refinement, the first coil and the second coil are connected in series and have a total resistance greater than 150 ohms and less than or equal to 250 ohms.

In another refinement, the plurality of pixels are each associated with a corresponding electromagnet having a U-shaped magnetic core and a pair of coils. The plurality of pixels is configured to generate at least one alphanumeric character. The U-shaped magnetic core is arranged under the plurality of pixels arranged in an interlaced pattern.

In another refinement, the pixels are rotated approximately 180 degrees between the first and second faces.

In another refinement, at least one face of at least one of the pixels has a phosphor-coated surface.

In another refinement, at least one display face of at least one of the pixels further comprises an attachment material selected from the group consisting of crystals, rhinestone, diamond, or metal.

In another refinement, at least one of the first coil and the second coil is wound around the respective arm portion using a bobbin.

In another refinement, the first pixel and a portion of the background adjacent to the first pixel are not in the same horizontal plane as the second pixel and a portion of the background adjacent to the second pixel.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is a magnetically actuated alphanumeric display. The display comprises a plurality of flip pieces. Each flipper includes a permanent magnet and rotates about an axis to present a display surface having an on state in a first orientation and an off state in a second orientation. Each flipper is positioned substantially within the background. The portion of the background adjacent each flip substantially matches the display surface in the closed position. The plurality of flippers are configured to collectively present alphanumeric characters when at least some of the plurality of flippers are oriented to present the display in an open state. The display also includes a corresponding plurality of pairs of electromagnet coils in an interleaved configuration beneath the plurality of flippers.

In one refinement, there is substantially no gap between the first coil corresponding to the first flip and any adjacent coil corresponding to a different flip.

In another refinement, each coil has a separate inner leg of ferromagnetic material.

In another refinement, the alphanumeric characters are arabic numerals formed with seven flippers.

In another refinement, each pair of electromagnet coils of the pair of electromagnet coils in the interleaved configuration is positioned around a pair of arm portions of the U-shaped magnetic core. Adjacent U-shaped magnetic cores are rotated 90 degrees with respect to each other.

In another refinement, the pair of coils is positioned on a pair of armatures of the U-shaped core.

In another refinement, each U-shaped magnetic core is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the corresponding flipper, and wherein each pole of the electromagnet is positioned substantially adjacent to the permanent magnet of the corresponding flipper.

In another refinement, the pairs of electromagnet coils are connected in series and have a total resistance in the range of 150 to 250 ohms.

In another refinement, the interleaved configuration comprises pairs of coils, each coil having a width less than half the axial length of the corresponding flipper, and wherein the axial length of the permanent magnets of the flipper is less than or equal to half the axial length of the flipper.

In another refinement, the permanent magnet of any flipper of the plurality of flippers does not overlap any coil except the pair of coils corresponding to the flipper that energizes rotation of the flipper.

In another refinement, the interleaved configuration includes a pair of coils overlapping at least a portion of the permanent magnets of the corresponding flipper, and wherein the pair of coils does not overlap the permanent magnets of any flipper other than the corresponding flipper that the pair of coils is energized to rotate.

In another refinement, the display further includes a second plurality of flippers configured to collectively present a second alphanumeric character, and a corresponding second plurality of paired electromagnet coils in an interleaved configuration beneath the second plurality of flippers. The display surfaces of the first plurality of flippers are in a first plane. The display surfaces of the second plurality of flippers lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are different.

In another refinement, the display is a watch display and also contains an analog movement with hands positioned over the background and the plurality of flippers.

In another refinement, the background includes a plurality of simulated dot matrix panels and a plurality of grooves between at least some adjacent panels. Each groove substantially mimics a gap between at least one of the rotatable pixels and the background.

In another refinement, at least a portion of the displays are positive contrast displays.

In another refinement, the display is a watch display and is positioned inside the housing. The housing has a front light LED directed toward at least a portion of the display.

In another refinement, the front light is a UV LED. At least one of the flippers includes a phosphor coating on the display surface in an open state.

In another refinement, a material selected from the group consisting of rhinestone, crystal, diamond, or metal is attached to at least one of the background or the display surface of the at least one flipper.

Various embodiments are disclosed and claimed herein. There are many refinements that are applicable to most, if not all, of these embodiments.

In a refined expression of the invention a single rotatable pixel represents information of more than one pixel or point. For example, a single pixel may include textual information, such as AM/PM/LAP/COUNTER/DATE on one or both sides.

In another refinement of the present invention, the shape of the rotatable pixels is circular, square, rectangular, or polygonal.

In another refinement of the invention, the spindle used is constructed from the same material as the rotatable pixel. Alternatively, the spindle may be constructed from a wire, metal or plastic rod. The rotation axis may pass through a hole in a part of the rotatable pixel around which the pixel rotates.

In another sub-expression of the invention, the rotational axis of the rotating pixel is fixed to a mounting point.

In another sub-expression of the invention, the rotation axis is part of or attached to and rotates with the rotated pixels.

In another sub-expression of the invention, permanent magnet material is integrated into some part of the rotating pixel. The permanent magnet may be a magnetic thermoplastic or rubber material containing a magnetic material, or other desired mixture of magnetic materials or rare earth materials possessing a magnetic field, ferrite, ceramic, AlNiCo (AlNiCo), samarium cobalt (SmCo), neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), injection molded materials such as nylon 6 or 12.

In another refinement of the invention, the entire pixel may be of permanent magnet material.

In another refinement of the invention, the permanent magnet material is integrated into only a portion of each rotatable pixel and has magnetic poles in the same plane as the rotatable pixels.

In another refinement of the present invention, the permanent magnet material has magnetic poles oriented perpendicular to the plane of the rotatable pixel.

In another refinement of the invention, the rotatable pixel comprises a permanent magnet that is close to the magnetic core or has an additional pole plate and is configured to ensure that the rotatable pixel does not change orientation (is held in place magnetically) due to vibration or dropping.

In another refinement of the present invention, the coil and corresponding rotated pixel are configured to contain alphanumeric characters.

In another refinement of the present invention, the alphanumeric character is an arabic number generated with seven pixels.

In another refinement of the invention, an anti-reflection coating is applied to the background or to the off optical state of the rotated pixel. In yet another refinement of the present invention, an anti-reflective topcoat (finish) comprising a light trapping material is applied to the background or to the off optical state of the rotating pixels.

In another refinement of the present invention, the rotatable pixel has at least one material attached thereto.

In another refinement of the invention, the rotatable pixels may have phosphorescent or fluorescent paint on one or both sides. In addition, fluorescent paints that are colorless in the absence of UV light and emit color when UV light is present may be used.

In another refinement of the invention, the display face of the rotatable pixel comprises at least one beveled edge.

In another refinement of the invention, the rotatable pixels integrate at least one dot matrix panel that substantially matches the appearance of the surrounding background.

In another refinement of the present invention, the dot matrix panel has a material attached to the dot matrix panel.

In another refinement of the present invention, the shape of the lattice panel is circular, square, rectangular, or polygonal.

In another refinement of the invention, the rotatable pixels are integrated with two or more dot matrix panels that match those present in the background. In a further refinement of the invention, there are grooves between the dot matrix panels on the rotatable pixels. In yet another refinement of the present invention, the grooves between the point front plates are actual gaps. Alternatively, a paint, or coating, is used in the grooves between the dot front plates to mimic the appearance of the actual gap between the rotatable pixel and the surrounding background.

In another refinement of the invention, the coil is circular, square or rectangular in shape.

In another refinement of the invention, the coil is constructed from a wire, in particular a copper wire, or other magnetic wire, and an electrically conductive material, and may likewise be a wire arranged on a printed circuit board.

In a further refinement of the invention, the magnetic core comprises two spaced-apart legs (i.e. with an offset without a direct mechanical connection) around which the coil is wound.

In yet another refinement of the present invention, the two core legs have larger bases and the two bases are placed in close proximity to function magnetically as effectively as a single U-shaped core.

In yet another refinement of the present invention, the core leg or the U-shaped core is constructed of a ferromagnetic material such as ceramic, or laminated steel plate.

In another refinement of the present invention, the top of the magnetic core is positioned substantially parallel to the plane of the rotating pixel.

In another refinement of the invention, an additional pole plate is positioned over the top of the core armature.

In another refinement of the present invention, the U-shaped magnetic core is integrated into the same plane as the printed circuit board.

In another refinement of the invention, the coil is fabricated on at least one layer of a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may be constructed of a flexible material. In yet another refinement of the invention, each coil is an assembly of two or more printed circuit boards, respectively, stacked or layered to be superimposed and to generate sufficient number of turns and electromagnetic force required to energize the rotatable pixel.

In yet another refinement of the invention, a bobbin is constructed using plastic or other material that can be wound by a coil and connect two wires to conductive leads integrated into the bobbin. In a further refinement of the present invention, the bobbin is constructed from a ferromagnetic core material and may itself be used as a magnetic core.

The various embodiments described herein are typically referred to as being used in applications such as watches, clocks, other timers, and mobile phones. However, it should be understood that other consumer products are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a single magnetic actuator;

FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrating a single rotated pixel integrated onto the same plane as the surrounding background;

FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention depicting a "closed" state;

FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention depicting an "on" state;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating aspects of a conventional flip dot electromagnet design;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment having one coil around each armature of the U-shaped core;

FIG. 8 is a top view illustrating several parameters for manufacturing coils on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB);

fig. 9 is a top view illustrating a layout for generating a digital code (digital digit) of seven pixels by using two coils per pixel;

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating multiple PCB layers connected together;

FIG. 11 illustrates a basic U-shaped core configuration;

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a U-shaped magnetic core;

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a bobbin (bobbin) integrated with a coil and core (core);

FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating the configuration of coils and permanent magnets within corresponding rotating pixels to drive an alphanumeric section;

FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of a flip-dot consumption module;

FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of attaching material to a rotated pixel;

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment illustrating a simulated dot matrix appearance;

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view depicting a simulated dot matrix display with a positive display (positive display) image;

FIG. 20 illustrates a top view depicting a simulated dot matrix display with a negative display image;

fig. 21a to c illustrate top views of embodiments of a single rotatable pixel which would appear to a viewer to comprise one, two or four dot matrix panels.

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of another embodiment featuring a non-planar flip dot display;

FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-section of a watch case with supporting electronics and components to drive a non-planar flip dot display;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a watch having a non-planar flip dot display;

FIG. 25 illustrates one embodiment of a timepiece that combines an analog dial with a flip dot display;

FIG. 26 is a cross section of a timepiece employing an analog dial plate in combination with at least one rotatable pixel;

fig. 27 illustrates a top view of another rotatable pixel configuration.

Detailed Description

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

The need to apply magnetic flip dot displays in consumer products has not been met where the contrasting (lateral) sides of each rotatable pixel employ one or some combination of contrasting color, surface texture, and adhesive material. As envisioned within the scope of the present invention, the flip dot displays disclosed herein may be used in watches, clocks, primary or secondary displays for mobile phones, and other moving parts or small-sized products.

The term "flip dot display" as used herein describes a rotatable pixel having at least a first display surface and a second display surface, which is actuated by an underlying actuating element to display one of the surfaces. The embodiments described herein preferably include a top surface and a bottom surface with a 180 ° rotation between the two surfaces. For example, the excitation element is preferably one or more coils of wire(s), or one or more coils of wire(s) surrounding a magnetic core material, such as a ferromagnetic ceramic or laminated steel plate (steelaminate). It should also be understood that all embodiments of the flip dot display disclosed herein refer to rotatable pixels that change between at least two possible optical states. After the activation force (preferably magnetically) is generated, the rotatable pixel will rotate to display either the "on" optical state or the "off" optical state. In the "on" optical state, the color, texture and/or material composition attached to the pixel surface is different from the surrounding background. An "off" optical state occurs when the color, texture, and/or material composition on the opposite side of the pixel substantially matches the color, texture, and/or material composition of the surrounding background. The surrounding background is understood to refer to the surface that is not changeable. The surrounding background around each rotatable pixel is preferably, but not necessarily, in substantially the same plane as the display surface of the rotatable pixel.

Figure 1 shows features of an embodiment of the invention with a single magnetic actuator. The U-shaped magnetic core 100 has two armatures 103 and 104 connected by a base portion 105. The U-shaped magnetic core I00 may be constructed of any ferromagnetic material, such as ceramic or laminated steel sheets. Two coils 101 and 102 are illustrated positioned around two armatures 103 and 104, respectively. The coils 101 and 102 are typically constructed of copper wire, but may be constructed of any conductive wire material, or conductive deposition (conductive deposition) on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Although not illustrated in the drawings, the coils 101 and 102 may be driven separately or connected to each other in series so that they may be driven as and function as a single electromagnetic coil. Those of ordinary skill in the art recognize a variety of means that may be used by the two coils 101 and 102 to electrically connect them together to operate as either individual (individual) coils or as a single coil. When the coils 101 and 102 are connected in series and then a current is applied in one particular direction, the current generates a magnetic force emanating from the center of the first coil 101. The winding direction of the first coil 101 and the orientation around the core armature 103 are such that the current through the first coil 101 generates a positive magnetic force emanating from the top (positive magnetic force is defined as the force going towards geographic north). A negative magnetic force will be generated from the bottom of the coil 101. The second coil 102 will be oriented such that when a current flows through the second coil 102, the current generates a magnetic field in the opposite direction to the first coil 101. Thus, a positive magnetic force is generated from its bottom and a negative magnetic force is generated from its top. The U-shaped magnetic core material effectively increases the magnetic force generated by the current passing through one or both of the coils 101 and 102.

Fig. 1 depicts a rotatable pixel 110 capable of displaying two optical states. The "off" optical state 111 is shown in fig. 1 as black on the face 115. The "on" optical state 112 is illustrated in white and is positioned onto the bottom surface 116 of the rotatable pixel 110. The rotatable pixels 110 may have a variety of shapes including circular, square, or rectangular, as depicted in fig. 1. The depicted "off" and "on" colors merely represent a wide variety of control coatings, paints, or adherent materials that may be used on either side. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand how a matrix of rectangular rotated pixels 110 can be used to generate a conventional alphanumeric code. These combinations may be used for a table display or other alphanumeric indicator, such as the seven-pixel numeric codes commonly used, and the fourteen and sixteen-pixel alphanumeric codes. The rotatable pixel 110 rotates a rotation axis 120 that allows the rotatable pixel to rotate (preferably about 180 degrees) to display either of two optical states defined by the presence of color, material or texture on either side of the two display surfaces.

The rotation axis 120 is preferably a central axis, which is used to position the rotating pixels 110 and allow rotation. In some cases, the rotating shaft 120 may be mounted and fixed, but with bearings or bushings (bushing) positioned inside the rotating pixel 110 to allow the pixel to rotate about the rotating shaft 120. The hinge 120 may comprise a wire, or a plastic or metal rod, that is fixed and passes through some portion of the rotating pixel 110 that rotates around the hinge 120. The rotating pixel 110 may also be constructed of a low friction material to more easily rotate about the fixed rotation axis 120. In fig. 1, the rotation shaft 120 is preferably integrally formed with the rotary pixel 110, and thus has a mounting point, not shown in this figure, that allows the rotation shaft 120 to rotate. The hinge 120 for each pixel 110 is preferably mounted to an underlying module or frame or surrounding background (not shown in FIG. 1). When the shaft 120 is not fixed, bearings, bushings, or low friction materials may be integrated (incorporates) into the mounting points that support the shaft 120. The individual bearing elements or mounting points themselves may be made of metal such as steel or brass or an injection moulded material made of or coated with some low friction material such as Teflon (Teflon) or Polyoxymethylene (POM). The rotatable pixel 110 has the property of a permanent magnet integrated in the rotatable pixel, and the rotatable pixel 110 rotates when a current flows through the underlying coils 101 and 102 generating a suitable magnetic force. The rotatable pixel 110 may be positioned above or below, but preferably has a display surface that is approximately in the same plane relative to the top of the two armatures 103 and 104, as shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment comprising a rotatable pixel 110 and an underlying magnetic actuator with double coils 101 and 102 surrounding two core armatures 103 and 104. A portion of the rotatable pixel 110 has a permanent magnet 130, which is illustrated as a dashed rectangle to indicate integration into the rotatable pixel. The permanent magnet 130 may be a magnetic thermoplastic or rubber material, ferrite, ceramic, AlNiCo (AlNiCo), samarium cobalt alloy (SmCo), neodymium iron boron alloy (NdFeB), injection molded material such as nylon 6 or 12 containing a magnetic material, or other magnetic material or desired mixture of rare earth materials that possess a magnetic field. Alternatively, the entire rotatable pixel 110 may be constructed of permanent magnets, or permanent magnets 130 may be found in one or more portions of the rotatable pixel as shown in FIG. 2. As in the embodiment illustrated in fig. 2, a substantial portion of the permanent magnet 130 is preferably off-center, i.e., on the side of the central shaft 120 defining the axis of rotation 121.

The drive coils 102 and 102 preferably do not extend across the entire axial length of the rotated pixel 110, and more preferably do not exceed half the axial length. This enables a closer arrangement of the rotating pixels 110 in some or all of the small consumer product applications detailed herein. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the excitation system may extend across the entire axial length of the rotatable pixel 110. Fig. 2 also illustrates a stopping mechanism 140 preferably integrated into the pixel 110. The stop mechanism is preferably some asymmetric component extending from the rotatable pixel, or some portion removed from the rotatable pixel. The stop 140 engages the surrounding frame, background, or extension from the underlying module to allow almost or almost (but typically not more than) 180 degrees of rotation. The stop 140 shown in fig. 2 is an extension of the rotatable pixel 110, as opposed to a circular or square cut-out (cutoff) which is commonly used in flip dot displays today. As shown in fig. 2, the stop 140 is preferably offset along the axial length from the armatures 103, 104 and coils 101, 102.

Fig. 3 illustrates the rotatable pixel 110 in the same plane as the surrounding background 150. The surrounding background 150 is preferably a plane of material with portions removed in which one or more rotatable pixels 110 are located. The background 150 preferably has an immutable appearance that closely matches one of the visible states of the rotated pixel 110. The "off" optical state 111 occurs when the visible state of the rotatable pixel 110 substantially, and ideally as closely as possible, matches the visible state of the background 150. The "on" optical state 112 occurs when the visible state of the rotatable pixel 110 is significantly different from the background 150. As illustrated in fig. 3, the black side 115 of the rotated pixel 110 is in a visible position that produces an "off" pixel 111 because it closely matches the black appearance of the background 150. This is in contrast to the bottom surface 116, which bottom surface 116 is illustrated as white and will be perceived as an "on" pixel. When the pixel 110 is magnetically actuated to rotate 180 into this new position, the white color of the "on" state 112 is significantly different from the color of the background 150.

Fig. 3 also shows a cross-section of the rotatable pixel 110 when the stop 140 of the rotatable pixel 110 engages the bottom of the surrounding background 150 to limit rotation to approximately 180 degrees. In this particular embodiment, the protrusion or extension of the rotatable pixel 110 functions as a stop 140. The arc 175, illustrated as a dashed line, represents a possible direction of rotation from the current position of the rotated pixel 110. The stop 140 then engages the bottom of the background 150. The use of stops 140 located below the surrounding background 150 provides a better design aesthetic because the rotatable pixel 110 appears to be symmetrical from the viewer's perspective. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the stop 140 may also allow rotation in the opposite arc, i.e., so that the stop is visible but serves the same purpose.

It is contemplated that the rotatable pixels 110 may also have printed text, symbols, or other information within the scope of the present invention. Thus, one pixel 110 alone conveys the desired information. For example, one side of the rotated pixel 110 may be printed with text such as AM and PM on the other side. In this case, either side of the pixel 110 may display detailed information, not necessarily part of a matrix of pixels forming alphanumeric codes to convey information.

Fig. 4 illustrates the magnetic flux present within a cross section of a single energizable rotatable pixel in the "off" electrical state. Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of the system in the "off" electrical state, which is defined as no current flowing through any portion of the magnetic actuation system. The U-shaped core 400, which is only partially shown in this figure, preferably has a single driving force originating from two separate coils 401 and 402 located around each armature 403 and 404. Only a portion of coils 401 and 402 are depicted and, although not shown in this figure, they are preferably connected to an electronic drive circuit and driven simultaneously in series. The coils are also preferably arranged to have opposite polarities so that when driven in series with the same current, they will generate magnetic fields in opposite directions. The permanent magnet 430 is preferably integrated into at least a portion of the rotatable pixel 410 such that at least half the width of the permanent magnet 430 will be on one side of the pixel axis 421 of rotation. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the majority of the permanent magnet 430 is positioned to one side of the axis of rotation 421, the pixel 410 rotates about the axis of rotation 421, and the majority of the permanent magnet 430 is magnetized such that its magnetic field is emitted parallel to its length along the Y-axis. It is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the permanent magnet 430 may be magnetized such that its magnetic field will emanate perpendicular to its length and still function. The magnetic field induced by the permanent magnets 430 will then be parallel to the Z axis as shown.

Fig. 4 depicts the magnetic field lines present in an "off" electrical state, and no current is driven into one or both coils 401 and 402. The armatures 403 and 404 typically provide sufficient attraction surface area (attractive surface area) and magnetic attraction to hold the permanent magnet 430 in place when not in the "on" electrical state. However, in some embodiments, additional plates (pole plates) 425 and 426 may be added. In this "off" electrical state, the permanent magnet 430 is in close proximity to the first pole plate 426, which first pole plate 426 has been seated on top of the armature 404. Plates 425 and 426 are preferably constructed of a magnetically attractive material such as steel and may be used to provide more surface area for the permanent magnet 430 to be attracted and to hold the rotating pixel in a desired orientation. Although not depicted in this figure, the armatures 403 and 404 may be positioned directly below, or even parallel to, the plane of the permanent magnets 430 and corresponding rotating pixels 410 on one side. Depending on other system design components, there may be certain advantages to having the top of the armatures 403 and 404 or the plates 425 and 426 (if the plates 425 and 426 are employed) be directly parallel to the permanent magnet 430. For example, having the top or plates 425 and 426 of the armatures 403 and 404 in the same horizontal plane as the permanent magnet 415 and the corresponding rotatable pixel 410 embedded in the permanent magnet (or some portion thereof) may further ensure that the matrix of rotating pixels all appear to be in horizontal alignment with the surrounding background.

In the "off" electrical state, the strongest flux lines 480 extend from the permanent magnet 430, with the poles oriented along the horizontal or Y-axis as shown. The permanent magnet 430 is attracted to the pole plate 426 and the underlying armature 404. Thus, when the display is subjected to vibration, dropping, or other movement, the permanent magnets 430 prevent or minimize rotation of the pixels 410. The permanent magnet 430 is illustrated in fig. 4 slightly above the pole plate 426 and the armature 404. However, the permanent magnet 430, the axis of rotation 421, and the rotating pixel itself 410 may be positioned in the same plane, or even below the plane of the plate 426 or the top of the armature 404. The final material selection and overall system design must take into account the maximum vibration, drop, or other forces that the system may be subjected to. The attractive magnetic force required to be generated is that necessary to hold the rotating pixel 410 in the desired orientation. The system design should also take into account the resistance of the coils 401 and 402, and the current required to drive the coils 401 and 402 to generate an electromagnetic force sufficient to rotate the pixel 410 into different orientations. Proper material selection and system design is especially important in small consumer applications such as watches, or mobile phones, where size and battery life are concerns.

Fig. 5 illustrates the magnetic flux present in a cross section of a single energizable system in the "on" electrical state. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of the system in the "on" electrical state. The current flowing through the coils 401 and 402 around the magnetic core 400 generates a repulsive (repulsive) magnetic force with respect to the permanent magnet 430 and the corresponding rotatable pixel 410. In fig. 5, the general direction of this repulsive magnetic force 481 is outward from the top of the coil 402, while the attractive magnetic force 480 is currently emanating from the top of the coil 401. Fig. 5 shows the magnetic flux that is generated when the "on" current is still applied, but the permanent magnet 430 and corresponding rotatable pixel 410 have rotated to a new desired orientation. The current flowing through the coils 401 and 402 should be sufficient to generate a repulsive magnetic force 481 that is greater than the magnetic attraction 480 that exists between the permanent magnet 430 and the pole plate 426 or armature 404 in the "off" electrical state. Such rotation of the permanent magnet 430 as part of the corresponding pixel 410 may occur in a very fast reaction time ranging from 1msec to 50 msec. In some cases, the current may be removed after it has flowed through the coils 401 and 402 and caused the permanent magnets 430 and corresponding rotatable pixels 410 to be toward their new orientation, but before it actually reaches the new orientation. The primary purpose of removing current at a point in time (which is likely to be after the rotatable pixel 410 is about halfway between two positions) is to reduce power consumption when there is sufficient momentum to ensure that the rotation will be completed. Fig. 5 illustrates that the current is still driven in the system even when the pixel 410 is in its new optical state. One embodiment of the invention involves removing current from the system at some intermediate time during the rotation of the pixel 410 to reduce the overall power consumption of the system.

Fig. 6 illustrates a conventional coil and core configuration. In this configuration, the U-shaped core 600 includes a core base 605 to which two armatures 603 and 604 are connected. The solenoid 608 surrounds the base portion 605. While envisioned as being useful in certain embodiments within the scope of the present invention, this is not a preferred configuration. In smaller mobile devices, this configuration may result in an overall thicker module due to the overall height of the magnetic core 600 and thus a portion of the coil 608 extending below the magnetic core base 605. Also, in smaller consumer devices, a larger number of coil windings (250 to 1000) and resulting coil resistance of greater than 75 ohms are typically required to generate sufficient magnetic force using a small amount of drive current. In these small, battery-powered consumer applications, smaller drive currents and resulting lower power consumption are important. The coil windings located around the core substrate 605 may not easily drive the smaller rotatable pixels needed in some cases. Such a large number of coil windings and higher resistance are not present in typical flip dot displays used today in larger outdoor signs.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system design embodiment optimized for reduced thickness for use in smaller displays for products such as watches, clocks, other timers, or mobile phones. In this embodiment, U-shaped core 700 has coils 701 and 702 surrounding core armatures 703 and 704, respectively. The armatures 703 and 704 are connected by a base portion 705 of the core 700. When coils 701 and 702 are connected in series 709, they act as a single electromagnetic coil. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are a number of ways to connect the coils 701 and 702 together, either directly wired 709 in series as illustrated in fig. 7, or wired anywhere within the drive electronics or printed circuit board (hereinafter "PCB"). The polarity of coils 701 and 702 is preferably oriented such that when current flows through them the coils 701 and 702 create the same direction of magnetic force and flux within the core 700 and effectively complete the magnetic circuit. One advantage of this coil configuration is that currently only the thickness of the U-shaped magnetic core 700 is used to form the thickness of the overall module, while the width of the magnetic core 700 can also be minimized to drive small rotatable pixels. In one embodiment, the magnetic core comprises two coils in series, each coil having a resistance greater than 75 ohms. The total resistance of the two series coils is preferably in the range of 150 to 250 ohms to preserve battery life. The coils depicted in fig. 6-7 are preferably wires wound using any of a variety of conductive wires, such as copper wires. The resulting coil shape may be circular, square, rectangular, etc.

Fig. 8 illustrates one way in which the coil windings may be deposited (deposited) or electroformed (electro-formed) on a PCB. Coil windings 855 of any of a variety of conductive materials would be deposited or electroformed onto PCB 850. The PCB850 may be flexible or rigid and the conductive material may be copper or other commonly used conductive material. Coil windings 855 are conductive traces with variations in thickness 860, width 865, and pitch 870. These variables can be adjusted based on the available space and the number of turns required, the constraints of PCB manufacture, and the magnetic force required.

The small pixels and resulting required small coils are often difficult to assemble and also meet low cost production goals. In displays with many coils, especially when the winding conductive wires have very small wire gauges (wire gauge), it may prove difficult to insert and connect each coil to the PCB. An advantage of using coils 855 constructed on the PCB850 is that all coils for the entire display preferably may be constructed on the same PCB 850.

Fig. 9 illustrates a top view of a PCB850 having all of the coil windings 855 needed to power seven rotatable pixels, which may contain a single digital number. The rows of conductive traces are arranged in several concentric circles, rectangles, or squares, as shown in this figure, to form a coil winding 855, preferably in a single plane. The coil windings 855 form respective pairs of coils 801 and 802, which pairs of coils 801 and 802 are preferably used to drive each rotatable pixel. This PCB850 may have a hole 857 in the inner diameter of each coil winding 855 to allow the coil winding to fit over the corresponding core armatures 803 and 804, as taught herein.

Fig. 10 shows a side view in which more than one PCB850 layer with coil windings formed in deposited or electroformed form is interconnected. Thus, the number of turns per PCB850 layer in combination has the cumulative total number of turns required to generate the required magnetic force when current is passed through each coil 801 and 802. One or more interconnected PCB layers 850 include coils 801 and 802 surrounding corresponding core armatures 803 and 804. Core armatures 803 and 804 are inserted into holes 857 in the PCB layer. Such an arrangement provides an easier method of assembling and connecting individual coils when there are many coils in the module, as opposed to conventional wire-wound coils.

Fig. 11 depicts a U-shaped magnetic core 1100 that includes a base portion 1105 and two armatures 1103 and 1104. The width, height, and thickness dimensions of the magnetic core 1100 are all definable based on overall system parameters. FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment having a magnetic core 1200 that is divided into two portions. The armatures 1203 and 1204 act as struts (posts) around which the coils 1201 and 1202 are attached. Armatures 1203 and 1204 can be configured such that their core bases 1205 and 1206 are touching or nearly touching, respectively. Fig. 12 illustrates additional embodiments envisioned within the scope of the present invention, wherein two separate core armatures 1203 and 1204, or possibly spaced-apart legs, may be used to functionally approximate the core 1200. One advantage of this configuration is that it may be easier to assemble and may have a lower cost. An additional advantage of this design configuration is that conductive leads 1255 and 1256 may be integrated into core armatures 1203 and 1204. These conductive leads 1255 and 1256 provide a mechanism for being attached by the two leads from coils 1201 and 1202 after winding. In one embodiment, production of coils 1201 and 1202 would involve winding conductive wire around core armatures 1203 and 1204. In this embodiment, core armatures 1203 and 1204 act as bobbins, which are shafts or cylinders around which the wire is wound. Full core armatures 1203 and 1204 with coils 1201 and 1202 may be inserted onto the PCB and conductive leads 1255 and 1256 easily soldered. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the core material utilized in fig. 11 or 12 may be any of a number of ferrite core materials including, but not limited to, ceramic or laminated steel sheets.

Fig. 13 shows another assembly solution, in which the spool 1335 may be constructed of various plastics. In this configuration, the plastic bobbin exists as two individual components 1335 and 1345 around which the coils 1301 and 1302 are first wound. The bobbins 1335 and 1345 each have two conductive leads 1355 and 1356, preferably integrated into the bobbin, around which the two conductive leads for each coil 1301 and 1302 are attached. This particular bobbin design allows the core 1300 to be inserted after the coil windings are completed to produce a complete bobbin assembly containing the core 1300, the coils 1301 and 1302 surrounding the armatures 1303 and 1304, respectively, and the bobbins 1335 and 1345.

When placing flip dot displays into smaller product applications, particularly consumer products such as watches or clocks, the minimum producible size of the required coil and magnetic core often accounts for a large percentage of the pixel size. Thus, even producing a simple seven pixel digital code becomes very challenging. Those skilled in the art will recognize that in larger flip dot displays, the overlapping magnetic fields of the pixels are significantly minimized due to the distance. This situation is quite different in smaller product citations.

Fig. 14 illustrates an embodiment for constructing a standard seven-segment digital code by using flip dot rotatable pixels and seven corresponding interleaved electromagnets (each electromagnet) with two coils. For convenience, the seven flip dot rotatable pixels 1410-1416 are each illustrated as a rectangle. However, other shapes are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. Also, for convenience of illustration, no surrounding background is included to better understand the relationship between the underlying coils and the rotatable pixels. In this particular figure, the seven rotatable pixels 1410-1416 are all in the "on" optical state, making the digital number "8" visible.

The digital code layout (layout) includes two coils 1401 and 1402 which are used to drive a central rotating pixel 1410 positioned above the coils. Coils 1401 and 1402 are centered around core armatures 1403 and 1404, respectively, which appear black. A pair of coils and their respective inner core armatures are positioned to drive each of the seven rotatable pixels 1410-1416, as shown in this figure. When rotation is required, magnetic forces emanate from the coils 1401 and 1402 when respective currents flow through both coils. The magnetic force acts on a permanent magnet 1430, which is illustrated as a square section (shown in dashed lines) of the rotatable pixel 1410. The permanent magnet 1430 and corresponding rotating pixel 1410 will rotate from a position positioned substantially above coil 1401 and in its current "on" optical state to a new position substantially above coil 1402 and representing an "off" optical state.

The width of the coils 1401 and 1402 is preferably less than half the length of the corresponding rotated pixel 1410. There is no such limitation on the length or thickness of the permanent magnet 1430 integrated into the rotating pixel 1410. The permanent magnet may be a large part of the rotatable pixel or even the entire rotatable pixel 1410 itself. The permanent magnet 1430 is preferably located within only a portion of the length of the rotatable pixel 1410 and is ideally positioned such that it is remote from the coils driving the adjacent rotatable pixels. Fig. 14 shows the seven rotatable pixels laid out in a preferred pattern and two respective drive coils each to minimize magnetic field interference between the coils and the rotating permanent magnet. Even if this is not necessary, it is useful in producing the tight pixel pitch required in small consumer products. The coil orientation shown in fig. 14 depicts only one specific coil layout for a seven-pixel digital code, however variations thereof are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention. This same orientation may be applied to other alphanumeric codes that may include more than seven pixels. It is also contemplated within the scope of the invention that armatures 1403 and 1404 could be part of a single U-shaped core or individual legs. This design layout is one embodiment that allows the use of flip dot displays in small consumer products including, but not limited to, watches and mobile phones.

Fig. 15 shows a top view of a flip dot display module in a consumer product such as a watch. The time information is displayed with the "on" appearance of the brighter or lighter colored pixels 1512. The "on" pixels 1512 are contrasted with the "off" dark background 1550 and are organized to convey information in the form of a conventional seven-pixel digital code. The dark background 1550 and matching the pixel 'off' optical state is typically dark and preferably black to better hide the pitch gap between the 'off' pixels. In large outdoor signage applications, the gap between the "off" pixel and the surrounding background is not as visible and distracting as is present in consumer products such as watches or mobile phones. Additional anti-reflective coatings, black paint or coatings, or other texturing, or light trapping (light trapping) means are preferably used in addition to the black coating to further reduce the appearance of the spacing gap and increase the contrast. The "on" optical state 1512 is illustrated as white, but a variety of unique coatings, colors, textures, or materials may be used in consumer product applications. Such coatings include, but are not limited to, phosphorescent paints or coatings that provide visible pixels even under low lighting conditions. Such coatings also include fluorescent coatings (which may be further enhanced in brightness with UV headlights or LEDs) and glitter (glitter) to name a few coatings. An additional use that can provide unique design advantages is the use of fluorescent coatings that are colorless when no UV light is present and emit a color when UV light is present. These unique clear fluorescent coatings may be used in combination with other colors or materials that would be used in the "off" or "on" optical state or on the surrounding background 1550.

The surrounding background 1550 may provide a means for holding the rotation axis of the rotating pixel. In fig. 15, a top layer 1550 and a lower layer 1562 are used to construct a surrounding background 1550. Lower layer 1562 may be integrated with a mechanism to hold the ends of rotatable pixels (or metal or wire spindles that will pass through the rotatable pixels and allow them to rotate) with bearings or injection molded structures. Thickness is a concern for many smaller consumer product applications such as watches or mobile phones. In one embodiment, the lower PCB layer 1519 preferably includes various drive electronics and microcontrollers, and provides connections to the coils 1501 and 1502 positioned above it. A battery 1523 is positioned below the PCB layer 1519 to power the electronics and flip dot display. In some applications, additional plastic housing components, not shown in this figure, may be used to assist in the assembly and production of the display module.

Fig. 16 depicts a bottom view of a consumer product flip dot display module. A rectangular hole 1525 is preferably cut in the same layer of the PCB 1519 with the U-shaped magnetic core therein. This embodiment serves to further reduce the overall thickness of the display module, which is critical in these product applications.

Current applications of flip dot displays in large outdoor signs are almost always characterized by having a green "on" segment on a black background, or alternatively, a white "on" segment on a black background. This combination of colors has proven to be highly contrast and readability in large outdoor flip dot displays, but in smaller consumer product applications these colors are less attractive to the consumer. Fig. 17 shows another preferred embodiment, which illustrates the use of a unique material attached to one or both sides of the pixel 1700. Fig. 17 shows a rotatable pixel 1700 that rotates about a rotation axis 1720 along a central axis 1721 of rotation. Rotatable pixel 1700 has a bottom "off optical surface 1711 and an" on "optical surface 1712, which" off optical surface 1711 will closely match the surrounding background. A contrast material, such as a crystal, gemstone, diamond, or metal, may be simply glued or otherwise attached to the rotatable pixel 1700 in some manner. Preferred embodiments include any number of different materials 1781 attached to either or both sides of the pixel 1700, including but not limited to crystals, gemstones, diamond, or metals such as gold, silver, or aluminum. The rotatable pixels 1700 or surrounding background can also provide a support means to better align the placement of the attachment materials 1781 and hold them on the support means. The attached material 1781 itself, as well as the support means integrated onto the rotatable pixel 1700, may have any shape, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, square or rectangular. The attached material 1781 is preferably also flat-backed, but crystals, gemstones and diamonds may also have invisible surfaces that are protruding or have a specific shape and must be integrated into the rotatable pixel 1700. Each rotatable pixel 1700 can include at least one individual attachment material 1781, or two square crystals as shown in fig. 17. For aesthetic purposes, it is desirable to minimize the gap distance between the rotated pixels 1700 and the surrounding background. To reduce this gap distance, the thickness dimension of rotatable pixel 1700 can be reduced, and materials should first have a minimum thickness when they are attached to either surface. Yet another embodiment has a beveled (rounded) 1782 or rounded edge of the cling material 1781, as shown in FIG. 17, which reduces the required clearance (clearance) and thus the spacing gap.

Today, typical flip dot displays used in large outdoor signage applications are characterized as having a completely large dot matrix display. This can be extremely challenging and expensive for much smaller pixels, especially if the pixels are organized in a dot matrix pattern in various consumer product applications. Conventional large flip dot displays also show negative contrast (negative contrast) and have brightly colored pixels on a dark background. However, readability or desired aesthetic appearance may often preferably include positive contrast (positive contrast) displays. FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a simulated dot matrix flipped dot display. In fig. 18, the surrounding background 1850 is divided into simulated dot matrix panels 1890. The panels 1890 are individually addressable pixels (addressable pixels) to a viewer, but are fixed in nature and do not change.

Fig. 18 illustrates a rotatable pixel 1810 rotated approximately 180 degrees. The pixel 1810 rotates about an axis of rotation 1820 that is preferably mounted in some manner to the surrounding background 1850 or underlying module. The rotatable pixel 1810 preferably includes a paint, coating, or material attached to one face 1811 that substantially matches an emulated dot matrix element (element)1890 of the surrounding background. The simulated dot matrix panel 1890 appears as a uniform repeating pattern across a flip dot display. Thus, when the display surface 1811 is oriented to be visible, it corresponds to an "off" optical state. The other side 1812 of the rotatable pixel 1810 has a coating, paint, or attachment material 1881 of the simulated dot matrix panel 1890 different from the surrounding background. Display surface 1812 corresponds to the "on" optical state. Rotatable pixel 1810 may be characterized by having at least one dot matrix panel 1890 on one or both display surfaces, but is not limited to displaying a single dot matrix panel 1890. In fig. 18, the attachment material 1881 on the rotatable pixel 1810 is designed to have the same shape and size as the dot matrix panel 1890 found on the surrounding background 1850. The viewer will see the display as if it were a full dot matrix display, however some portion (preferably the main portion) of the display area will be the unaddressable simulated dot matrix panel 1890. This preferred embodiment allows for the creation of a display that appears to be a dot matrix display in consumer applications when the dot matrix flip dot display cannot otherwise be created due to size or cost constraints.

The rotatable pixel 1810 is preferably rotated up to 180 degrees and separated from the surrounding background 1850 by a gap 1851. Any separation gap 1851 between the materials results in a dark outline around each rotatable pixel 1810 visible to any consumer viewing a conventional flip dot display. One way to reduce this undesirable aesthetic effect is to simply color the background dark or black. However, various embodiments of the present invention may also use grooves 1852 in the form of actual spaces or cut-out portions, or simply use dark lines placed between simulated dot-matrix panels 1890 of background 1850. In a preferred embodiment, the groove 1852 has a width, thickness, and appearance that mimics or closely approximates the appearance of the actual gap spacing 1851 between the rotatable pixel 1810 and the surrounding background 1850. In one embodiment, the result is a repeatable dark contour of all simulated dot matrix panels 1890 around the entire display. Thus, the dark contour around the rotatable pixel 1851 is no longer noticeable. By eliminating the perceived gap 1851, this embodiment allows for variations in bright or dark colors or materials to be used on the simulated dot matrix panel 1890 and rotatable pixel 1810, while maintaining an acceptable aesthetic appearance. When brightly colored paint or material is used on the simulated dot matrix panel 1890, there will be a dark border around them. It is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention that the simulated dot matrix panels 1890 may be in the shape of circles, squares, or any other polygons that interlock in a dot matrix pattern. Fig. 18 depicts simulated dot matrix panel 1890 as having only a colored, or coated, appearance, but it may also have an adhesive material.

Figure 19 shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of a fully simulated dot matrix display. FIG. 19 illustrates a simulated dot matrix display for use in a clock or watch application that uses standard three and a half digit codes to display time. By having precisely prepared grooves (delayer grooves) 1852 (in black or cut-out portions) between the individual dot matrix panels 1890, an overall simulated dot matrix appearance is produced. The grooves 1852 better hide the appearance of the actual gap spacing 1851, which gap spacing 1851 exists around each rotatable pixel 1810 so that an observer cannot easily distinguish them. Digital time information is generated by contrast with individual attached darker materials 1881 (whether paint, or crystal, or gem stone) on a background of white dot matrix door panels 1890. Because each dot matrix panel 1890 appears to be an addressable individual pixel, it is considered a simulated dot matrix display, but in practice the number of active (active) rotatable pixels 1810 is far from trivial. In FIG. 19, each rotatable pixel 1810 actually contains two attachment materials 1881, which effectively appear as two darker patterns corresponding to the dot matrix panel 1890. This embodiment produces a consumer acceptable appearance of the dot matrix display, but only 3 and 1/2 numbers are employed in this example, and seven rotatable pixels 1810 are used to define each number. Thus, a working display using only 23 rotatable pixels 1810 appears to the viewer as a dot matrix display with 18 columns by 13 rows of addressable pixels. The end result in this particular example is a simulated dot matrix 1890 of white color, as opposed to the "on" optical state of the display surface 1812 of the rotatable pixel 1810, the display surface 1812 being characterized by having dark colored crystals or attached material 1881 thereon. The ability to produce a positive contrast display image without disturbing the dark gap 1851 around each rotatable pixel 1810 is one possible application of the simulated dot matrix. The grooves 1852 effectively minimize the appearance of the true pitch gap 1851 between the rotatable pixel 1810 and the surrounding background 1850.

Fig. 20 shows a simulated dot matrix layout in the case of negative display contrast. In this embodiment, a bright color paint, coating, or material 2081 attached to the rotatable pixels comprising the two dot matrix panels 2010 produces an "on" appearance as opposed to a dark or black dot matrix panel 2090.

Fig. 21 a-c also illustrate enlarged views of different patterns of rotated pixels 2110 featuring individual dot matrix panels 2190 having one or more perceived as individual pixels. Fig. 21a illustrates the most basic concept, wherein a rotatable pixel 2110 is characterized by having only one corresponding dot matrix panel 2190. Thus, the dot matrix panel 2190 as shown in this figure is only characterized by the attachment of paint, color or coating, or material on either or both sides of the rotatable pixels 2110. Fig. 21b illustrates a rotatable pixel 2110 in which there are two dot matrix panels 2190 and a groove 2152 is provided between the panels. The recess 2152 preferably substantially matches the appearance of the actual gap that occurs between the rotated pixel 2110 and the surrounding background (not shown in fig. 21). The rotatable pixel 2110 illustrated in fig. 21b represents the configuration employed in the display shown in fig. 19 and 20. Fig. 21c shows a further configuration in which four dot matrix panels 2190 have been integrated onto one rotatable pixel 2110. Fig. 21 a-c illustrate embodiments in which the rotatable pixels 2110 employed in the simulated dot matrix display comprise at least one dot matrix panel 2190, or possibly two or more panels.

In fig. 18-21, the simulated dot matrix panel appearing on the background or on either or both sides of the rotatable pixel is not limited to dots, but may be square, rectangular, or any other shape. It should be understood that within the scope of the present invention, simulated point elements present on a background or rotatable pixel may include: a color coating or paint, or an adherent material such as diamond, gemstone, crystal, rhinestone, and a metal such as aluminum, gold, silver, etc. that has been brushed or polished.

Fig. 22-24 illustrate embodiments of a flip dot display integrated into a product such as a watch, wherein the display includes at least one pixel that is not in the same horizontal plane as other rotatable pixels.

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of a stylized flip dot display disk featuring "on" bright color pixels on a black background 2250 depicting the time information that can be found in the table. An advantage of the flip dot display technique taught herein is that a watch utilizing this technique can now provide time information with a high contrast, bi-stable, and color or material changing information display. Timing circuitry on a PCB within the watch case determines the time, date and other information. The circuitry within the table will also drive current through the corresponding coil to cause the appropriate pixel to rotate into the "on" optical state as opposed to background 2250. Fig. 22 illustrates an example of a halved (bisected) display. The rotatable pixels and surrounding background 2250 located on the left side 2295 of the display are not at the same level as those on the right side 2296 of the display. Also, the background may be a different color. Additionally, the left side may be a positive contrast display and the right side may be a negative contrast display.

Figure 23 shows a cross section of a watch case 2244 that integrates two parts of the angled and split flip dot display 2295 and 2296 illustrated in figure 22. The split flip dot displays 2295 and 2296 are driven as one display but are configured so that some of the flip dot pixels are not at the same level as others for aesthetic and design appeal. Fig. 23 also depicts a headlight LED2231, which headlight 2231 may be placed at the rim of the case or even inside the crystal 2232. The LEDs 2231, when activated, emit light onto the flip dot displays 2295 and 2296. The front light LEDs 2231 may be of any visible color, or even emit UV light to activate the fluorescent paint present in the flip dot displays 2295 and 2296. Fluorescent coatings that are colorless under normal light but change color or become visible in the presence of UV light may also be used. The split flip dot displays 2295 and 2296 are connected to a lower printed circuit board 2219, the printed circuit board 2219 containing the microprocessor timing circuitry, display driver and battery 2223 within the watch case 2244. The watch case 2244 contains the timing circuitry, display driver, split flip dot display 2295 and 2296, and underlying battery 2223 integrated onto the PCB 2219. Watch case 2244 is preferably water tight. The resulting flip dot display image that is produced and visible to the consumer is a uniquely angled digital watch display. Fig. 24 illustrates how such a watch 2241 may appear to feature flip dot displays 2295 and 2296 in which all pixels are not in the same horizontal display plane. Figures 22 to 24 illustrate an embodiment of the invention featuring a flip dot display within a watch, and a more unique application, wherein the flip dot display comprises pixels that are not in the same horizontal plane. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate how the illustrated example of a table is non-limiting and that the features of a flip dot display that are not completely flat and horizontal may be integrated into any other consumer product.

FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment that utilizes a variation of the flip dot display herein in the form of a watch, clock, or other timer. The dial 2599 utilizes the movement (movement) of a typical three-hand analog timepiece, which is defined by an hour hand 2596, a minute hand 2597, and a second hand 2598, which are used to represent time. At least one rotatable pixel 2510 is preferably integrated into the dial 2599. In this particular design, the rotatable pixels 2510 are placed at time scales (time indices) of 3 points, 6 points, 9 points, and 12 points. Rotatable pixels 2510 are characterized in this design as having two different orientations. The first optical state is characterized by an arabic numeral such as 3, 6, 9, or 12. The second optical state has roman numerical indicators III, VI, IX and XII on the opposite side. One or both optical states of rotatable pixel 2510 may also be purely aesthetic, graphical rather than informative. For example, the rotatable pixels 2510 may change state from gemstones of one color to gemstones of another color that provide only a unique design or aesthetic appearance. Various automatic, electronically or manually controlled devices can be employed, which are related to when a pixel 2510 changes from one visible state to another. In one embodiment, as the second hand 2598 rotates and passes over the rotatable pixel 2510 at the selected time scale, they will change from arabic numerals to roman numerals (or vice versa). Additionally, a button 2530 may be used to allow a user to manually initiate a change in one or more rotatable segments 2510. The rotatable pixels 2510 can also be arranged in a matrix form to provide supplemental digital information, such as time, timing (chronograph), or date information to support the time represented by the analog dial. Also, additional rotatable pixels (not shown) with printed text on them may be used, which rotate between "AM" and "PM", or between "Time" and "Chrono".

Fig. 26 shows a cross-section of a timepiece 2500 that employs at least one rotatable pixel 2510 therein. Below the chronograph dial 2599 is an analog movement 2540, which is connected to an hour hand 2596, a minute hand 2597 and a second hand 2598. A conventional analog watch movement features a very small distance between the top of the analog movement 2540 and the bottom of the nearest hand, typically the hour hand 2596, which is designed to be the thickness of the small timepiece dial 2599. When the rotatable pixel 2510 is activated and rotates to display another optical state, it will extend out of the plane of the surrounding timepiece dial 2599 and may contact the rotating hour 2596, minute 2597 or second 2598 hands. Analog movement 2540, characterized by a height greater than the typical hand height, may be used in these examples. Below the time dial 2599, and in particular below each rotatable pixel 2510, is a magnetic actuator 2545. The magnetic actuator 2545 may be any of the different variations of the flip dot display disclosed herein, but is most preferably a U-shaped magnetic core with a coil surrounding each armature. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize how other types of analog movements may be used and are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, including multi-function and chronograph (chronometer) analog timers.

Fig. 27 illustrates another embodiment, including one configuration with a different stop 2750. The rotatable pixel 2710 is capable of rotating up to 180 degrees about an axis 2720. The shaft 2720 is mounted to a support 2776. The support 2776 may be visible as part of the background, or it may be part of the underlying module. The rotatable pixel 2710 is magnetically energized by two lower layer coils 2701 and 2702. The coils 2701 and 2702 may also be attached to two separate ferromagnetic posts in some manner. This configuration includes a cutout 2740. Rotating pixel 2710 rotates 180 degrees and cutout 2740 allows rotation without impinging on coils 2701 or 2702. The opposite side of the rotating pixel 2710 includes a stop 2750, which stop 2750 engages the top of coil 2701. The viewer will see the visible cutout 2740, although the visible cutout may not always functionally provide the desired consumer aesthetic appeal. It should be understood that the design of the rotatable pixel 2710, the corresponding stops 2750, and the drive coils 2701 and 2702 post designs illustrated in fig. 27 may be adapted to other embodiments described herein. It should be further understood that coils 2701 and 2702 are preferably, but not necessarily, mounted to the armature of the U-shaped core. That is, it should be understood that in some embodiments, coils 2701 and 2702 may instead be mounted on separate legs, unless explicitly claimed otherwise.

All embodiments of the invention detailed herein are characterized by having rotated pixels, often arranged in an array, that individually and/or collectively display information in the form of symbols or alphanumeric characters, but are not limited to such expressions. The rotatable pixels present in any one of the embodiments of the invention may be of a shape having a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, a triangle or any other polygon. It is assumed that all of the various shapes of rotatable pixels will be employed, especially when different shapes may be employed within the array itself, so as to collectively give the desired symbolic, graphical, or alphanumeric representation. Materials that may be attached to one or more faces of each rotatable pixel include, but are not limited to, emerald, ruby, opal, amethyst, diamond, or other precious stones. Other materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, gold, silver, aluminum, rhinestone, scharovskicky crystal (Swarovskicrystal), fluorescent or phosphorescent coated glitter, cloth or leather, tritium tubing, hot metal laminates, glass spheres, and plastic laminates that provide a metallic, leather or wood grain appearance. In a further preferred embodiment, the total thickness of the rotatable pixel is minimized so that the required gap between the rotatable pixel and the surrounding background is minimized. The pixel may also be characterized as having chamfered corners (rounded corners) or rounded corners (rounded corners) to further reduce the gap between the pixel and the surrounding background by requiring a smaller clearance distance.

All coils illustrated in the figures show a relatively circular or elliptical shape. It will be appreciated that the type or thickness of wire used in producing the coil, the number of turns of the coil, the final shape, can be customized and altered to produce the desired magnetic force and the shape of the magnetic field produced. Any and all possible variations on the shape, position, and design of the rotatable segments and underlying excitation coils for the first permanent magnet are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention.

In current large-scale commercial applications that employ flip-dot displays, only bright and dark segment elements and frames are used, where the bright segments are often fluorescent green, yellow, or white. This in itself provides the highest visibility of the displayed information to the user, but in the embodiments taught herein, it is a preferred object to use this novel flip dot display technology in consumer products. Such products may include watches, mobile phones, clocks, or MP3 players. Design and styling are of increasing importance in all of these consumer products. However, to date, there have been few unique designs or styles that can be accomplished with the basic gray black LCD commonly used in these products.

The present invention also contemplates the use of different materials, or materials of the same composition but differing in color, texture, or some other optical property in the "on" and "off" surface orientations as well as in the surrounding upper surface of the background. For example, materials that may be used on the display surface and the upper surface of the background include, but are not limited to, those previously discussed above. Thus, various embodiments of the present invention broadly teach the use of several variations of flip dot display technology. Instead of having only light and dark plastic, various materials are preferably integrated into one or both display faces of the rotatable pixel, as well as onto the upper surface of the surrounding background. Various mechanisms can be employed to adhere the material in question to the desired surface, including, but not limited to, adhesives or epoxies, heat fusion, adhesives, or ultrasonic welding, just to name a few.

As used herein, the term U-shape broadly includes U-shapes, C-shapes, and other embodiments having a base portion generally connecting two arm portions. The connection between each arm and the base portion may be vertical or may be curved. Also, the base portion itself need not be straight and may be curved if desired.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, that scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used there is no intention to limit the claims to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claims. When the term "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used, that term can include a portion and/or the entire term unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. A watch, comprising:

providing an array of chronologically rotatable pixels of information, at least a portion of each rotatable pixel comprising a permanent magnet, wherein each pixel rotates between a first orientation presenting a first display surface having a first optical state and a second orientation presenting a second display surface having a second optical state, the first optical state being different from the second optical state, and wherein at least some of the pixels are adjacent to a background substantially matching one of the first optical state and the second optical state, wherein the background is fixed relative to the pixels;

means for magnetically rotating the array of rotatable pixels; and

a battery electrically connected to the means for magnetically rotating.

2. The watch of claim 1, wherein the means for magnetically rotating the array of rotatable pixels comprises a plurality of electromagnets, each electromagnet having a U-shaped core defined by a base portion connecting a first arm and a second arm, and wherein the first arm comprises a first coil and the second arm comprises a second coil.

3. The watch of claim 1, wherein the background comprises a plurality of simulated dot matrix panels and grooves between at least some of the panels adjacent to each other, and wherein each groove substantially mimics a gap between at least one of the rotatable pixels and the background.

4. The watch of claim 3, wherein the background is a repeating dot matrix pattern, and wherein each dot matrix panel comprises an attachment material selected from the group consisting of a crystal, a gemstone, or a metal.

5. The watch of claim 1, wherein at least one of the display faces of at least one of the array of rotatable pixels comprises an adherent material selected from the group consisting of rhinestone, crystal, diamond, or metal.

6. The watch of claim 1, further comprising an analog movement with a hand positioned above the background and the pixel array.

7. The watch of claim 1, wherein the first group of pixel arrays is configured to display alphanumeric characters, and wherein the means for magnetically rotating the rotatable pixel arrays controls rotation of the first group, each rotatable pixel of the first group being rotated by a U-shaped core having two arms each having at least one coil, the U-shaped core being configured under the first group to minimize magnetic field interference between the coils of the first group of rotatable pixels and the permanent magnet.

8. A watch display comprising:

a plurality of magnetically actuated rotatable pixels positioned within the background, wherein the background comprises a plurality of simulated dot matrix panels and a plurality of grooves between at least some adjacent panels, and wherein each groove substantially mimics a gap between at least one of the rotatable pixels and the background.

9. The watch display of claim 8, wherein each groove is a dark line.

10. The watch display of claim 8, further comprising means for magnetically rotating a plurality of rotatable pixels, wherein at least a portion of each pixel comprises a permanent magnet, and wherein the means for magnetically rotating comprises a plurality of electromagnets, each electromagnet corresponding to a pixel and having a U-shaped magnetic core defined by a base portion connecting a first arm portion and a second arm portion, and wherein the first arm portion comprises a first coil and the second arm portion comprises a second coil.

11. The watch display of claim 8, wherein at least one of the rotatable pixels comprises a display surface having an attachment material selected from the group consisting of a crystal, a gemstone, or a metal.

12. A mobile device display, comprising:

a plurality of magnetically actuated rotatable pixels, each pixel having a permanent magnet that rotates between a first orientation and a second orientation, the two orientations having different optical states; and is

The rotatable pixels are arranged opposite a repeating dot matrix pattern having a plurality of panels, wherein the panels are fixed with respect to the pixels, and wherein a pitch between the panels substantially matches a pitch between the pixels and a surrounding background.

13. The display of claim 12, comprising a plurality of electromagnets, each electromagnet positioned below a corresponding pixel substantially adjacent to the permanent magnet, such that magnetizing the electromagnet to a current of opposite polarity to the permanent magnet causes the pixel to rotate from one of the first and second orientations to the other of the first and second orientations.

14. The display of claim 13, wherein at least one electromagnet has a U-shaped core, and wherein there is a first coil around a first arm of the core and a second coil around a second arm of the core.

15. The display of claim 12, wherein the display surface of at least one pixel comprises an attachment material selected from the group consisting of a crystal, a gemstone, or a metal.