Solar-assisted standard time sundial

Abstract

To provide a standard time sundial with a sunlight auxiliary function, which does not require correction of time difference due to differences in latitude and longitude or change of shape, can display standard time, and enables time to be confirmed by using auxiliary lighting even when sunlight is reduced or absent. [Solution] The sundial 10a is made from a transparent material and has a translucent time display section 13a. By making it cylindrical or polygonal, the time can be checked from the front of the main body or from the reverse side, which is 180° opposite. Because it can be made hollow, it can also be used as a storage box, pen holder, etc. By tilting the main body of the sundial and making the position of the time display section, which incorporates the curves of the gnomon and analemma, adjustable, it is possible to check standard time regardless of changes in the latitude and longitude of the installation location. By providing a lighting mechanism to illuminate or display the shadow and light point of the gnomon in a way that supplements sunlight, it can be used in areas with shade, cloudy days, at night, or polar night.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The sundial of this invention is installed with the sun and the person checking the time sandwiched between them, so that the time can be checked by looking directly at the sun. It can be adjusted so that when it is used in a location other than the Akashi Municipal Astronomical Science Museum, it is not necessary to correct for time differences due to differences in longitude and latitude, or to change the shape of the sundial itself. By incorporating the curve of the analemma into the time display, it is possible to display standard time. Since it can be made in a cylindrical or polygonal tube shape, it can also be used as a storage container or decorative item. Even when sunlight is reduced or absent, the time can be checked without changing the shape or function of the sundial by using auxiliary lighting, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional sundials are designed so that the person checking the time must stand between the sun and the sundial to check the time, making them difficult to install indoors. Furthermore, if the sundial is to be used in a location other than the Akashi Municipal Planetarium, it is necessary to correct the time difference due to differences in longitude and latitude and to change the shape of the sundial itself. As a result, sundials have almost no uses other than as sundials, and they cannot be used if there is little or no sunlight. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Jitsuzen Showa 56-001190 [Patent Document 2] Jpn. Published Application No. 7-20593 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2013-002980 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Arata Isozaki Architectural Studies Vol. 8 Production Site 2015 P191 VIII Disney Sundial [Non-patent document 2] Suken Tsushin No. 87 December 2016 P22 Noon Sun (Analemma) Mitsuru Morishima [Non-patent document 3] Science Almanac 2025 Calendar Section Calendar 43 (43) Sun and Moon Rising and Setting and Midday Estimation Table Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If you want to use a sundial to check the current time, current sundials are designed so that you have the sun at your back, making it difficult to see because of your own shadow. Also, if you want to check the time from directly in front of the sun, you have to look down at the time display, which limits where you can install them. Furthermore, if you use a compass to take magnetic declination into account when installing a sundial, and aim for the gnomon to point due south and noon on the time display to point due north, you will need to correct for the equation of time and the time difference. Even if you align the shadow of the gnomon with the time on the time display, which is set to Japan Standard Time, there are four days a year when the equation of time is unnecessary, but correction is required on the other days. Therefore, time correction using an approximate difference table is necessary. When installing sundials at locations ranging from low to high latitudes, due to the sun's apparent altitude, the shadow of the gnomon is short for a few hours before and after noon on the summer solstice at low latitudes, making the time difficult to read. This may necessitate adjusting the height or shape of the gnomon. Also, since they cannot be used when sunlight does not reach them, they are only used as monuments attached to parks and buildings, or for experiments in science classes at schools. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This device is made of a transparent material in a cylindrical or polygonal tube shape, with a translucent time display unit attached, and a gnomon that projects a shadow made of a material that blocks sunlight, or a gnomon that irradiates a point of light that passes through a hole in a similar material, is attached.The sun and a time checker are placed between them, so that the time can be checked from the time display unit of the sundial body by looking directly at the sun, and the time can also be checked from the sun side of the body where the gnomon is located. For correction of the equation of time, the time display is created by incorporating atmospheric refraction into the curve of the analemma based on an approximation table, and for differences in latitude, the upper end can be tilted due north or due south with the lower end of the main body as the reference point, making it possible to adjust the shape of the time display due to differences in latitude so that it is almost uniform. For correction of time differences due to differences in longitude, the mounting position of the gnomon can be adjusted, and the time display can be selected to be made so that it can be distinguished by longitude, or to be designed to be dedicated to the installation location or replaceable for several representative longitudes, or to have a shape that can be mounted at an angle that matches the longitude as an average shape for the range of longitude that can be displayed. Furthermore, an illumination switch such as a photoresistor can be used to create a light source in the shape of a gnomon using conventional electric light, LED lamp light, laser light, LCD display, etc., and a shadow or light spot can be projected, illuminated, or displayed in a similar shape onto the time display, making it possible to check the time even when sunlight does not reach. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The sundial of this invention does not have the problem of your shadow or gnomon obstructing the time display and making it difficult to check the time when you are looking directly at the sun. In particular, when installed indoors, it can be attached to a transparent glass window (hereinafter, a transparent glass window will be referred to as a "glass window") or wall that receives sunlight, or it can be easily installed and moved on a nearby desk or floor.

[0008] The sundial of this invention, if the time display is created with gnomon and analemma curves that are adjusted to the longitude of the installation location, can be used throughout the year without correcting for time difference or equation of time. If an adjustment mechanism is added to tilt the body according to latitude, a single sundial can be used anywhere in Japan, etc., without the need to change the shape of the sundial body or correct time difference or equation of time. Even if you move, you can check standard time throughout the year without any adjustments. Furthermore, by adjusting the latitude and longitude range and changing the specifications of the approximate difference table and analemma curve to suit the installation location, it can be used except during the polar night at latitudes higher than the polar line. However, in the case of sunlight, the sun's apparent diameter is approximately 0.5°, so the shadow of the gnomon and the edges of the light spot are blurred, resulting in an error of at least plus or minus 2 minutes.This depends on the size of the sundial itself, as well as the thickness of each line and the precision of the manufacturing process, so there is a possibility of greater errors, but the accuracy of the time displayed as a sundial is the same as that of conventional sundials.

[0009] Since the shape can be made hollow, such as cylindrical or polygonal, by adding a bottom plate in a position that does not interfere with the time display, it can also be used as a pen holder, storage container, cup, etc., and since it can be made in any size, it can be used indoors and outdoors for table legs, monuments, stained glass, etc.

[0010] The sundial of this invention displays the time using the shadow or light spot of the sun's gnomon. It can also display the time using an artificial light source, so it can function as a sundial even when sunlight is weak or absent. By using an illumination switch such as a photoresistor, and combining an annual calendar and the annual coordinate data of the gnomon's shadow at the installation location, the sundial can display the time even when sunlight is weak or absent. By using two or more step motors (X and Y axes) to project a laser beam onto the time display, or by illuminating the current time using LED lamps or LCDs that fill the time display, the sundial can display the time even when sunlight is not visible due to obstacles, cloudy skies, nighttime, or the polar night at latitudes above the polar line, the sundial can be used as a clock or as a decorative ornament or accessory with practical functions similar to a clock, and can be used anywhere on Earth. Furthermore, the accuracy of the time can be improved to the same or even better than when sunlight is present, depending on the degree to which the clarity of the gnomon's outline is adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] The sundial of this invention is cylindrical, and is shown in a front view from diagonally above, showing an example of an embodiment where it is installed on a horizontal surface such as an indoor table, floor, or outdoors, along with an adjustment mechanism for the longitude of the installation location. This is also shown in an exploded view of the back of the sundial, which is expanded to the left and right from a center line that passes vertically through the back until it forms a flat surface. It also shows an adjustment mechanism for the latitude of the installation location, an example of use in conjunction with a pen holder, etc., and an example of a structure that allows the time to be displayed even without sunlight. (The front view from diagonally above is an example of Japan Standard Time at Akashi City Astronomical Science Museum, which is at 135 degrees east longitude and 34.64 degrees north latitude. In the following explanation, as easy-to-understand examples of installation locations within Japan, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan Standard Time, is written as Akashi, the northern end is Wakkanai City, Hokkaido, as Wakkanai (45.5 degrees north latitude, 141.75 degrees east longitude), the southern end is Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, as Naha (26.25 degrees north latitude), the eastern end is Nemuro City, Hokkaido, as Nemuro (145.5 degrees east longitude, 43.25 degrees north), and the western end is Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, as well as the southern end, as Naha (127.75 degrees east longitude). [Figure 2] 2 is a detailed explanation of the time display section of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]The right side view of the front view of Figure 1 as seen from the sun at noon, and the right side view and top view of a conventional sundial with a simple structure, showing examples of outdoor and indoor use. [Figure 4] This is a left side view showing the calculation results (including top and bottom margins) of the height of the main body required due to the difference in the apparent altitude of the sun depending on the latitude when the diameter of the top view of the front view in Figure 1 is 10 cm. Note that the typical installation locations for use in Japan are Wakkanai for high latitudes, Akashi for Japan Standard Time, and Naha for low latitudes. [Figure 5] To avoid the height being difficult to use as a sundial, as in the examples of Akashi and Naha, which are at low latitudes in Figure 4, the sundial body is tilted due north by the difference in latitude, matching the height of the shadow of the sunlight on the gnomon, and this is a left side view seen from diagonally above to check the angle for unifying the top and bottom widths of the time display. This is an example of the winter solstice. [Figure 6] Left side view from above at an angle to confirm the angle of the summer solstice in Figure 5. [Figure 7] From Figures 5 and 6, this is a left side view to confirm that if the high latitude of Wakkanai is set to 0°, Akashi to 10.85°, and Naha to 19.25°, the same time display can be used throughout almost all of Japan. [Figure 8] A front view and a top view of a simplified diagram showing how to standardize the shift in the shadow of a solar gnomon caused by time differences due to differences in longitude (the time display section is simplified). [Figure 9] A front view of a simplified diagram of how to correct the difference in apparent altitude at noon on the winter solstice due to the time difference between Japan Standard Time and the longitudes east and west of it (time display is simplified). [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows the right side and rear views of how to correct the change in the apparent altitude of the sun when longitude changes during time difference correction. This can be accomplished by moving the gnomon to a position that reflects the difference in apparent altitude of the sun due to the longitude and time difference of the installation location. (The time display section in the right side view is a simplified diagram.) [Figure 11]The sundial of this invention is a front view from diagonally above, with the time display section of the sundial superimposed on other installation locations when the time display section is created based on noon Japan Standard Time on the winter solstice (it is also possible to create it using a different base, such as the summer solstice), and an exploded view of the main body (the difference in latitude is adjusted by tilting the top of the main body toward the front, which is due north; the time display section is a simplified view). [Figure 12] The sundial is a timepiece that can be used for various purposes, including travel, travel, and general travel. [Figure 13] As a variation of the method of making the sundial of this invention shown in Figure 12, these are front and back views from diagonally above of a method in which a template is created and placed over the main body, and the gnomon and time display unit are installed in accordance with the longitude of the installation location. [Figure 14] This is an oblique view from above on the left, showing how to tilt the main body of the sundial of this invention toward due north (or due south depending on the installation location) to enable latitude adjustment when the installation location is changed, and left side views of 54 and 55 (main body is a simplified diagram) as variations of other methods. [Figure 15] In the explanations from Figures 1 to 14, the shape is cylindrical and the gnomon is placed on the back side (sun side) when viewed from the front, but at sunrise and sunset from the vernal equinox to the autumnal equinox, when the sun is located northwest or northeast of due east or due west, the shadow of the gnomon does not fall on the time display, making it impossible to check the time. Also, at times around these times, the shadow of the gnomon is close to the gnomon, making it difficult to check the time. These are a bird's-eye view, top view, front view, and right side view from diagonally above of an embodiment of a shape that alleviates this difficulty (the time display section in the front view is a simplified drawing). [Figure 16] In the example shown in Figure 15, the D and E sections of the developed view of the time display and the three gnomons overlap as in D', gnomon, and E', which makes it difficult for sunlight to pass through and makes it difficult to check the time. This is an explanatory diagram showing a method for creating this. [Figure 17] This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the time display section of the sundial of this invention, and explains how to change the line type and color of the analemma curve from the winter solstice to the summer solstice and from the summer solstice to the winter solstice to prevent misreading the time, as well as an example of adding lines with detailed information about the installation location, date, and time. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing variations in the shape of the gnomon of the sundial of this invention, such as whether the time is displayed by a shadow created by blocking sunlight, or conversely, by a light spot created by drilling a hole in an object that blocks sunlight. [Figure 19] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the sundial of the present invention is attached to the indoor or outdoor side of a glass window or the like. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the glass window etc. in FIG. 19 is not installed vertically. [Figure 21] 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the installation direction, latitude, and longitude of a glass window or the like are dedicated to the installation location, as opposed to the shape in which the latitude and longitude can be adjusted in FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. [Figure 22] 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the indoor side of the glass window etc. in FIG. 21 is attached to the outdoor side. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the sundial of this invention, which has a bottom plate attached so that it can be used as a pen holder, storage container, etc. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the sundial of the present invention, which is made into a monument, a table leg, stained glass, or a shape other than a cylindrical or polygonal tube. [Figure 25] An exploded view of the time display section of an embodiment of the sundial of this invention, which is designed to be able to display the time even when sunlight weakens or disappears and it becomes impossible to check the time, and a perspective overhead view of the general shape (the time display section in the perspective overhead view of the general shape is a simplified view). [Figure 26] An expanded view of the time display section in Figure 25 and a diagram of another variation of the concept of the time display method (the time display section is a simplified perspective overhead view of the overall shape). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The sundial body is made of a transparent material and has a cylindrical or polygonal tubular shape, with a dot-like or hole-shaped gnomon on the top made of a material that blocks sunlight, and a time display made of a semi-transparent material on the opposite side 180 degrees when viewed from directly above, with the display drawn with a line or the like at the position corresponding to the date and time, allowing you to confirm that the part where the shadow or light point of the gnomon of sunlight hits is the current date and time.In addition, even if sunlight is weak or there is no sunlight, the time can be confirmed by using a light source that operates with an additional power source. [Example]

[0013] Figure 1 shows an example in which the gnomon 5a is attached to the approximate position on the top of the main unit facing the sun at the installation location for Japan Standard Time, which is 135° east longitude and 34.64° north latitude. The gnomon is then pointed due south using a compass or other device, taking into account magnetic declination, and the time display unit is installed so that the vertical line connecting the four points where the equation of time on the curve of the noon analemma on the time display unit 13a is zero is aligned with due north, assuming that the 180° opposite side is true north. Alternatively, the time display unit is installed so that the shadow of the gnomon is exposed to the noon sunlight and aligned with the position of the difference that corresponds to the equation of time on the curve of the noon analemma on the time display unit 13a (a time other than noon is also possible), and the gnomon is also installed so that the line connecting the four points where the equation of time is zero is also vertical. The time display section 13c in the development diagram 10b of Figure 1 is an analemma curve that displays the equation of time (8) by correcting it. The shadow of the gnomon moves from right to left on the diagram from sunrise to sunset, so a line is drawn for each desired time. Furthermore, the sun's apparent altitude changes daily, as indicated by arrows 11a and 11b, and the curve is drawn for each desired date (9) (the diagram is in increments of X hours and 00 minutes, and the dates are the winter solstice, summer solstice, and the 1st of each month). Sections A and B in the development diagram 10b reflect atmospheric refraction by bending A 1° to the left and B 1° to the right at the dashed line for times when the apparent altitude is less than 5°. 6 represents the shadow of the gnomon cast by sunlight at 4 p.m. on the winter solstice, and 7 represents the shadow of the gnomon cast by sunlight at noon on the summer solstice. In this way, the time can be checked throughout the year without any adjustments. However, if the diameter is 100 mm, the apparent altitude of the sun on the summer solstice in Akashi is 78.8°, so the height of the sundial body would need to be about 512.58 m, but for the sake of explanation, it has been drawn at a height that is easy to see. Figure 2 is a supplementary drawing to Figure 1, and provides an outline of the parts of the time display that cannot be expressed on a reduced scale.For more details, please refer to the materials on approximate differences in the Science Chronology. However, due to the fact that the analemma curve is not perpendicular to the horizon at noon on the diagram, the shape of the analemma curve varies depending on latitude, longitude, and time, and the date lines have small differences at the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, making the diagram difficult to read due to the congestion of lines, etc., the center line of the winter to summer solstice analemma curve is made vertical, and the shape of the analemma curve is almost unified to a shape that only changes at the intersection points near the vernal and autumnal equinoxes from the annual orbit at noon in Japan Standard Time. The date curve is expressed as eight lines, six of which approximate the winter and summer solstices. Time lines are necessary from around 3:30 to around 19:30, but lines before 6:00 and after 18:00 have been omitted. Furthermore, for the atmospheric refraction, changes in apparent altitude of 5° or more have been omitted for the same reasons as above. Also, the "around" in "around what month / date" is omitted because the dates may vary depending on the fiscal year, etc., but for the same reasons as mentioned above. [Example]

[0014] Figure 3 shows examples of the sundial bodies 26a, 26b, and 26c of the present invention shown in Figure 1, viewed from the right side when used indoors and outdoors, facing the sun. When used outdoors, checking the time from the sun side will cause your shadow to cast a shadow on the gnomon, so you will need to move to the left or right. However, there is no limit to the distance from the sundial body as long as the time display is visible. When viewed from the reverse side, the time can be checked without any problems regardless of the installation height of the sundial body of the present invention. When used indoors, viewing from the sun side is the same as viewing from outdoors, but even when attached to a glass window or the installation height varies, there are no major problems with checking the time when viewed from the reverse side. Similarly, when checking the time outdoors from the sun side of the traditional sundials 27a, 27b, and 27c, the gnomon may obscure the time display depending on the distance from the sundial itself, or your own shadow may obscure the time display, so you must pass through the gnomon and get close enough to see the time display from above, making sure your shadow does not overlap with the gnomon's shadow. Looking from the opposite direction also requires a closer distance than 26a, 26b, and 26c to check the time from above, and the higher the installation location, the more difficult it is to see the time display. The same applies when used indoors as outdoors. [Example]

[0015] As noted in Example 1, Figure 4 is a left side view showing that, if the diameter of the top view of Figure 1 is 100 mm, the height of the main body needs to be 265.8 mm in Wakkanai and 1976.56 mm or more in Naha, but the diameter and height can be freely set with no restrictions. [Example]

[0016] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams used to verify that the sundial can be adjusted to maintain the same time display even when the latitude of the installation location changes. By tilting the sundial toward due north, as shown in Figure 7, the same height and time display can be used to accommodate changes in latitude, allowing for an adjustment range of 0° to 19.25° to accommodate most locations within Japan. Figure 8 shows how to adjust for time differences due to longitude. The map of Japan shown in Figure 29 is included for illustrative purposes. For example, in Akashi on the winter solstice, the sundial is tilted 10.5° (42 minutes) to the left when viewed from the front. This is the same angle as arrows 28a and 28b, which corresponds to 12:42 in Akashi. In Naha, the sundial is tilted 7.25° (29 minutes) to the right, which corresponds to 11:31 in Akashi. As shown in Figure 8, placing a gnomon on the sundial at a point where the line connecting the sun and the time display at winter solstice noon passes through can accommodate time differences due to the installation location. Figure 9 is a detailed view of Figure 8, and shows that when a time difference occurs due to differences in longitude, the apparent altitude of the sun changes accordingly, so in order to align the gnomon's position with noon on the winter solstice in Japan Standard Time, an adjustment is required to increase the apparent altitude difference. Referring to the maps of Japan in 33a and 33b, the location of the gnomon at each installation location is explained. As shown in Figure 10, the location of the gnomon is reproduced, with Akashi as the base point, as the longitude shifts left and right, and the height also shifts. The rear view of C'' shows the actual location of the gnomon. Figure 11 shows noon on the winter solstice in Japan Standard Time. When the main body is vertical, the latitude is Wakkanai. If the top end is tilted 10.85° toward the front, which is due north, to change the latitude to Akashi. If it is tilted further to 19.25° to change to Naha, the time difference can be adjusted by placing the gnomon on the dashed line 36 according to the longitude of the installation location based on the temporary Japanese maps for explanation 37a, 37b, and 37c. However, since the reference is the winter solstice, other dates and times must be selected and confirmed from the overlapping displays like the time display part 38. However, to avoid the overlapping lines making it difficult to see, the mark for the position of noon on the winter solstice 39 in Figure 12 and the map of Japan showing the approximate longitude of the installation location 40 are also included.The map of Japan and the dashed lines showing the location of the gnomon of the longitude of the installation location of 42 are written on the main body in advance with a degree of translucency that does not interfere with the time display, and either 44a, 44b, or 44c are similar to 38 or are dedicated to the installation location, and have a time display section with an average shape with little error in the range of longitude that can be displayed, and align the noon part of the winter solstice with the bottom end of 39, and align the noon part of the summer solstice with the longitude of the installation location, and wrap it around the main body as shown by the arrows of 41a and 41b, and attach it. Attach the gnomon to match the longitude of the location, or create templates 46 and 47 large enough to fit the gnomon and time display unit on the main body of Figure 13 without causing any rattle. Place alignment marks 45a, 45b, and 45c on the top of the vertical line at noon on the winter solstice of template 46, the top of the 180° opposite position of the Akashi gnomon on template 47, and the top of any position on the main body. Then, align the alignment marks 45a and 45c on template 46, either from 46 or 47, and attach the main body. 12, attach the time display part 44c, remove the template 46, rotate the main body 180°, align the alignment marks 45b and 45d, and attach the template 47 to the main body, then attach the gnomon as in Figure 12 to complete the longitude adjustment. Figure 14 shows how to adjust the latitude, but 52 and 55 are methods for fixing the protrusions 53a and 53b in the direction that indicates the latitude of the installation location, and 54 is done by inserting a protrusion or spacer of the size that will be adjusted to the angle you want to adjust below the bottom end in the due south direction. This is a method for completing the adjustment. This is an example of calculating the tilt when the main body is cylindrical and has a diameter of 100 mm. If Wakkanai is 90° (21.1° visual altitude at the winter solstice), Akashi is 90° - 34.65° north latitude - 23.4° tilt of the earth's axis = 10.85°, and sin 10.85° x 100mm = 18.824mm. The latitude adjustment can be completed by adjusting it with a screw or by clamping an object, so it can be applied all over Japan and all over the world by changing the various conditions. Figures 15 and 16Figures 17 and 18 are detailed variations that supplement Figure 14. Figure 15 shows an example in which the position of the sun at summer solstice sunrise shown in 56a and 56b is 35.63° north of the east-west line that passes through the gnomon (at sunrise and sunset on the summer solstice in Wakkanai) from around the vernal equinox to around the autumnal equinox, when the sunrise and sunset positions are northeast and northwest of due east and due west, making it structurally impossible to display the time. Therefore, the position of the gnomon has been moved to 57a, 57b, and 57c inside the main body to compensate for this shortcoming. However, for a few hours at sunrise, the sun's rays fall on the time display on the sunset side and shine on the gnomon, casting the shadow of both the time display on the sunset side and the gnomon onto the time display on the sunrise side, making it difficult to check the time (the same is true for a few hours at sunset on the other side). Therefore, measures such as adjusting the degree of translucency of parts D and E in the unfolded view of the main body in Figure 16 to weaken the light transmittance enough to allow the time to be checked and allowing sunlight to pass through, or making the translucent part of the time display into a slit-like shape narrower than the size of the gnomon as in D'' and E'' in 58, or making the translucent part a dotted pattern (polka dots) and adjusting the size and density of the dots, as in the variations of D'' and E'', or making it a striped pattern and adjusting the thickness, width and density of the lines, or making it a cross pattern (checkered pattern) and adjusting the thickness, width and density of the lines (there are countless other patterns that can be thought of) are necessary. However, if the example in Figure 16 is not used, it becomes difficult to check the time before 8:00 and after 16:00, and eventually becomes impossible to read, but this variation is easy to explain and create. Figure 17 shows an example of how to display the time, date, and installation location in more detail. Arrows 59a, 59b, 59c, and 59d show the curve of the analemma descending on the diagram from the winter solstice to the summer solstice and the curve of the analemma ascending from the summer solstice to the winter solstice, changing the line type and color of the curve. For example, the position at noon in February and the first half of 11:00 a.m. in November are the same, so it is difficult to tell which side the shadow of the gnomon or the point of light is shining on (because it is generally thought that the month and date can be recognized). 60 also shows an example where the line type and color are changed to avoid the lines of the month and date indicated by the descending and ascending gnomon shadows and points of light being close to each other on the diagram, making it difficult to tell. 61,Along with 62, it is subdivided to the extent that legibility is not lost depending on the size of the main body, and clarification is achieved by changing the line type and color. Figure 18 shows variations in the shape of the gnomon, and examples include using a material that blocks sunlight to create a shadow of sunlight that makes it easy to see the desired time, or using a similar material in the desired shape and size, cutting a hole in a shape that makes it easy to see the time, making it a spot of sunlight passing through the opening, or adding the name of the installation location. The gnomon and time display can be attached in a variety of ways, such as with adhesive or screws, or by directly applying a semi-transparent finish and drawing lines to the main body. [Example]

[0017] Figure 19 shows an example where a horizontal base is attached to the outdoor or indoor side of a wall or window of a house or other building exposed to sunlight. The same applies to outdoor and indoor desks and floors, but since it is unknown whether the surface is horizontal or facing due south, the level is confirmed when installing, and the magnetic declination is taken into account using a compass or other device, so the gnomon's Japan Standard Time position is oriented due south and the opposite side 180 degrees is installed due north. Figure 20 shows an example where the wall or window in Figure 19 is not vertical. Figures 21 and 22 show examples where the verticality and direction of the wall or window are known, and the gnomon is created specifically for the installation location and attached to the outdoor or indoor side. [Example]

[0018] Figure 23 shows an embodiment in which the hollow space inside the cylindrical or polygonal tubular body with a bottom plate 73 is used as a storage or pen holder. When a pen is placed inside, the pen casts a shadow, so the pen must be removed when checking the time. However, the bottom plate can be placed above the gnomon, and the top end of the cylindrical or polygonal tubular watch can be extended upward to allow it to be used as a storage or pen holder. Figure 24 also shows variations such as table legs 76, outdoor monuments 77, stained glass 78, and shapes limited to about two hours before and after noon 79. [Example]

[0019] Figure 25 shows an example in which the time can be checked even in cloudy conditions where sunlight cannot cast the shadow of the gnomon on the time display, or in conditions such as shade or at night when sunlight does not reach the watch. The time display is turned on and off using various power sources (87) and illuminated with conventional electric light, LED light, laser light, etc. (80a and 80b represent the light spots after illumination; it is also possible to attach the shapes of the gnomon shown in Figure 18 to the light source to create light spots and shadows). The relevant time, such as on an annual timer (89), is converted into coordinate data based on the latitude and longitude entered in the coordinate data section (88). This is sent to the control section for the step motor (85), and transmitted to the step motors for the X-axis (82) and the Y-axis (81), which illuminate and display the relevant part of the time display. 81, 82, 83, 85, 88, and 89 are stored in a position that does not obstruct the time display, below the diagonal line (90) that runs from the gnomon on the sun side of the main body to noon on the summer solstice. 86a and 86b are installed on the top of the main unit, while 87 can be configured in various ways, such as external power supply or built-in. In Figure 26, transparent LEDs, LCDs, etc. (91a and 91b) are laid out translucently on the time display area without impairing translucency, and the corresponding LED lamps, LCDs, etc. in the time display area for the desired time, such as the time display line (93), are illuminated (depending on the size of the main unit and the LEDs and LCDs, it is also possible to illuminate them in the shape of each gnomon shown in Figure 18, as in Figure 25). 94, 98, and 99, as in Figure 25, are stored in a position that does not interfere with the time display, below the diagonal line 95 that runs from the sun-facing gnomon of the main unit to noon on the summer solstice. In both Figures 25 and 26, the power source is solar cells located on the top and sides of the main unit in positions that do not interfere with the sundial's function, and they can be charged and operated. These features enable use during the polar night at latitudes higher than the polar line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0020] 1. Summer Solstice Ecliptic 2. Winter Solstice Ecliptic 3 Position of the sun at noon in Japan Standard Time 4 The position of the sun at 4:00 PM Japan Standard Time 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d 5a is the position of the gnomon when it is installed at the Akashi Municipal Astronomical Science Museum, 5b is the arrow indicating the direction of longitude adjustment for 5a, and 5c and 5d are the positions when 10a is deployed. 6. The position of the shadow of the gnomon in sunlight at 4:00 PM Japan Standard Time 7. The position of the shadow of the gnomon in sunlight at noon on the summer solstice in Japan Standard Time 8. A line that represents the shadow of the sun's gnomon at each hour from sunrise to sunset, and a curve of analemma that represents the equation of time throughout the year. Lines showing the position of the shadow of the gnomon from sunrise to sunset on the 9th, winter, and summer solstices (illustration shows the first day of the month) 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f 10a is an example of the present invention made of a transparent material in a cylindrical or polygonal tube shape, 10b is a development of 10a, 10c is an example of latitude adjustment, 10d is an arrow indicating the direction of adjustment of 10c, 10e is an example of use in combination with a pen holder, etc., and 10f is an example of a structure that allows the time to be checked even without sunlight. 11a, 11b The trajectory of the analemma curve drawn by the shadow of the sun's gnomon at a single time throughout the year. Arrows indicating the direction of the trajectory. 12a, 12b Arrows indicating the direction of unfolding from the center line that passes vertically through the back of 10a to the left and right until it becomes flat. 13a, 13b, 13c 13a and 13c are the time display parts made of semi-transparent material surrounded by lines 8 and 9 (the parts between the 6:00 time line and the 18:00 time line and the winter solstice line and the summer solstice line), and 13b is the arrow indicating the direction of longitude adjustment for 13a and 13c. 14 Equation of time around 5 / 15 +1° (+4 minutes) 15 Equation of time around 11 / 5 +4° (+16 minutes) 16 Equation of time around 7 / 26 -1.45° (-7 minutes) 17 Equation of time around 2 / 10 -3.5° (-14 minutes) 18 The central axis of the analemma curve connecting the summer and winter solstices is tilted eastward by 1° (4 minutes), and it is due south only four times a year: around June 13, September 2, December 25, and April 15. 19 Gnomon 20. The annual path of the shadow of the solar gnomon, which is the opposite of the annual path of the sun. 21 In the case of Akashi, the center of the solar altitude at the summer and winter solstices is 34.25° at the winter solstice + 23.4° axial tilt = 55.35°. 22 March 21st, around the vernal equinox, it will be 55.25°, with a difference of -0.1° from the center. 23 September 23rd, around the autumnal equinox, it will be 55.55°, with a difference of +0.2° from the center. 22 and 23 add up to 0.3°, and when displaying the vernal and autumnal equinox lines, they are abbreviated to one line. 24. A projection of the sundial body when viewed from the front and diagonally to the right of the sun 25 Detailed explanation of atmospheric refraction other than parts A and B of Figure 1 26a, 26b, 26c Right side view of the sundial of this invention as seen from the sun side 27a, 27b, 27c The right side view of a conventional sundial with a simple structure as seen from the sun side, and 27b is the top view. 28a, 28b When correcting the time difference due to latitude differences using the shadow of the gnomon cast by sunlight at noon on the winter solstice of Japanese Standard Time as the base, if the installation location is Nemuro, the position of the sun will have passed its zenith by 10.5 degrees, or 42 minutes in time, and moved toward the afternoon. Therefore, the shadow of the gnomon will point to the 12:42 position at the angle of the dotted lines 28a and 28b. The dotted arrow explains that the position of the gnomon must be adjusted to point to noon. 29 Imaginary map of Japan to illustrate the location of the gnomon 30 Top view of Figure 8. Supplementary explanation of the positional relationship between the sun, gnomon, and its shadow when the shape is cylindrical. 31 The location of the Nemuro nomon at noon on the winter solstice 32 The location of the Naha Gnomon at noon on the winter solstice 33a, 33b Explanation map 34 The position of the sun in Naha at noon on the winter solstice, and the position of the shadow of the gnomon cast by sunlight on the summer solstice will be shown as a dashed line depending on the difference in longitude, and the line representing the month and day will also differ from Japan Standard Time, so the line type and color will be displayed differently for each installation location with different longitude. 35 The position of the sun in Nemuro at noon on the winter solstice. For the same reason as 34, it is shown with a two-dot chain line. 36 The difference in latitude is a front view, so the top of the cylinder is tilted forward, so the position of the gnomon is somewhere on the dashed line indicated by C'' in Figure 10. 37a, 37b, 37c Explanation map 38 This is the time display when Naha, Akashi, and Nemuro are displayed together. Select the installation location by line type and color to check the time. 39 A semi-transparent mark that indicates true north on the winter solstice side when attaching the time display unit to the main body, and is large enough not to interfere with the time display. 40 A semi-transparent mark that indicates true north on the summer solstice side when attaching the time display unit to the main unit, allowing you to set the longitude of the installation location without interfering with the time display. 41a, 41b When attaching the time display unit to the main unit, align the winter solstice side of the time display unit with the longitude of 39 and the summer solstice side with the longitude of 40, then wrap both ends of the time display unit around the main unit and attach it by following the arrows that indicate the direction. 42 When installing a gnomon on the 180° opposite side of true north indicated by 39, the dashed line of 36 can be set to the longitude of the installation location. A semi-transparent mark with a scale or map attached, with Japan Standard Time as due south, that does not interfere with the time display. 43a, 43b The gnomon to be attached (if the shape is round and made of a material that blocks sunlight) 44a, 44b, 44c As with 38, select a time display unit specific to the installation location, several representative longitudes, or the average of the range of longitudes that can be displayed, and install it according to the longitude of the installation location of 39 and 40, although the accuracy of the time will vary. 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d Templates for 46 and 47 for attaching the time display and gnomon to the watch body, and semi-transparent alignment marks for aligning the watch body to true north and true south, so as not to interfere with the time display (45d is the same as 45c after being moved 180°). 46 Template used when attaching the time display unit by aligning the alignment marks 45a and 45c and placing it over the main body. 47 Template used when installing the gnomon by rotating the main body 180° and aligning the alignment marks of 45b and 45d (45c) and placing it over the main body (attach the gnomons 43a and 43b to the long oval cutouts on the same line as 36, aligned with the longitude of the installation location). 48 Wakkanai, a perspective view from above on the left when the main body is held 90° vertical (two-dot chain line, time display is a simplified diagram) 49 Akashi is a perspective view from above left of the actual state when the main body is set at 90°-10.85°=79.15° (solid line, time display is a simplified diagram) 50 Naha is a perspective view from above left of the actual situation when the main body is set at 90°-19.25°=70.75° (dashed line, time display is a simplified diagram) 51 Example of adding a map since the longitude of the gnomon also needs to be adjusted at the same time 52 is an example of an adjustment of latitude depending on the installation location, and is a perspective view from diagonally above left of an embodiment in which latitude adjustment is completed by fixing the tip of part 53a toward the installation location of the map. 53a, 53b The latitude adjustment is completed by fixing the tip of the corner toward the location where the map is to be installed. It is also possible to use a scale equivalent to latitude. 54 Left side view of a variation of the method for adjusting the latitude by tilting the lower end on the due south side when the main body is made cylindrical and the diameter is 100 mm. 55 This is a variation of the latitude adjustment method. As with 52, the adjustment is completed by aligning 53b with the installation location on the map. This is a left side view of a simplified example of the creation. 56a, 56b Explain that from the vernal equinox to the autumnal equinox, the sun rises and sets due east and due west, respectively, and is located to the north. 57a, 57b, 57c An example of a countermeasure implemented by extending the gnomon position from the sun side of the watch body to the time display side, which prevents the shadow of the gnomon from falling on the time display and makes it difficult to see (the time display in the front view is a simplified diagram). 58 An example of a slit-shaped time display on the sunrise and sunset sides of D'' and E'' sections, allowing sunlight to pass through and the shadow of the gnomon to be reflected on the other side, making it possible to check the time. 59a, 59b, 59c, 59d Example arrows that change the line type and color to make it easier to see the direction of movement of the shadows and light points of the gnomon throughout the year, from winter solstice to summer solstice and from summer solstice to winter solstice. 60 Example of adding detailed lines for the month and date, changing the line type and color to make it easier to see, similar to 59a, 59b, 59c, and 59d. 61 Example of adding a time detail line 62 Installation locations (example of Akashi) The parts other than the standard (example of Akashi) differ depending on the longitude, so the line type and color are changed to make it easier to see. 63 Example of installation on the indoor side of a vertical glass window, etc. 64 Example of outdoor installation on a vertical glass window, etc. 65 Installation example on the indoor side of a glass window tilted toward the indoor side (66 can also be installed on the outdoor side and the main unit turned 180° in the opposite direction) 66 Installation example on the indoor side of a glass window tilted toward the outdoor side (65 can also be installed on the outdoor side and the main unit turned 180° in the opposite direction) 67. Glass windows in Akashi that are vertical but facing 45 degrees east (southeast) from due south 68 Example of creating a body shaped specifically for the indoor side of the installation location of 67 (time is noon) 69. Glass windows in Akashi that are vertical but facing 45° west (southwest) from due south Example of creating a body shaped specifically for the indoor side of the installation location of 70 69 (time is noon) Example of creating a body specifically designed for the outdoor installation location of 71 67 (time is noon) Example of creating a body specifically designed for the outdoor installation location of 72 69 (time is noon) 73 Example of a hollow body with a bottom plate that is installed on the floor or attached to the indoor side of a glass window, etc., and used in combination with a storage space 74a, 74b Pen when using the main body in combination with a pen stand 75 73 is a polygonal cylindrical shape and is installed on the floor or desk. 76 Example of using the main body as the legs of an outdoor table (indoor use is also possible) 77 Example of using the main body as an outdoor monument (indoor use is also possible) 78 Example of indoor stained glass as the main body (outdoor use also possible) 79 Example of irregular shape of the body other than cylindrical or polygonal tube (The figure shows a variation that only displays a few hours around noon) 80a, 80b Light points irradiated by conventional electric lights, LED lights, laser lights, etc. 81 Step motor etc. to set the Y-axis coordinate 82 Step motor etc. to set the X-axis coordinate 83 Conventional lights, LED lights, laser lights, etc. that project light points onto X and Y coordinates 84a, 84b The same part of the development drawing of 84a of the sundial body with the time display section set for each installation location and the overhead view of 8 4b when implemented 85 Control units for step motors, etc. 86a, 86b Illumination switches such as photoresistors 87 Power sources such as solar, dry batteries, rechargeable batteries, and power outlets 88 A control unit for memory functions, etc., that sends coordinate data of the date and time according to input of the latitude and longitude of the installation location to 85. 89 A control unit that sends the date and time from the annual timer to 88 90. The shadow or light spot trace from the gnomon to the summer solstice noon on the time display 91a, 91b Highly transparent LEDs or LCDs with as much light-transmitting wiring as possible 92 91 are laid out to cover the coordinates of the date and time, and multiple LEDs or LCDs 93 Enlarged view of the lines that display the time, month, and date in section F 94 LED that lights up the date and time coordinates, LCD control unit 95. Shadow or light spot trace from the gnomon to the summer solstice noon on the time display 96a, 96b Illumination switches such as photoresistors 97 Power sources such as solar, dry batteries, rechargeable batteries, and power outlets 98 Control unit for memory function etc. that sends coordinate data of the date and time according to input of latitude and longitude of the installation location to 94 99 Control unit that sends the date and time from the annual timer to 98 100a, 100b The same part of the development drawing 100a of the sundial body with the time display section set for each installation location and the perspective overhead view 100b when implemented 101 Backlight and reflector etc. required for LCD display etc. (stored below 95)

Claims

1. This sundial is made of a transparent material and has a translucent time display part, and can be attached to a transparent glass window or wall, or placed on a table, floor, or ground, allowing the time to be checked from either the gnomon side or the time display side.

2. The shape of the time display can be adjusted depending on the latitude of the installation location other than Akashi Municipal Planetarium, and the time difference can be adjusted depending on the longitude.By using a time display that incorporates the curve of the analemma that represents the equation of time, it can be made into a sundial that shows standard time if it is created based on the standard time of the area where it is used.If the sundial is located at a latitude lower than the polar line, it can be used anywhere if it is created taking into account the latitude, longitude, and shape of the analemma curve of each installation location.

3. The sundial can be made in a cylindrical or polygonal tube shape, so it can be used as part of a decorative item, a component of furniture, a monument, etc., and by attaching a bottom plate, it can also be used in combination with a container such as a pen holder.

4. To provide a sundial that can display time even when sunlight is reduced or absent by supplementing sunlight with electric light, LED light, laser light, liquid crystal, etc., and can be used in the shade, on cloudy days, at night, on polar night, etc.

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