Analog clock

Abstract

To provide analog clocks with a new visual sensibility. [Solution] The dial 12 is configured so that one of the 12 symbols displayed on it disappears sequentially every hour.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an analog clock.

Background Art

[0002] The methods of displaying time on a clock are broadly classified into a "digital type" and an "analog type". In the digital type, time elements such as hours, minutes, and seconds are displayed as numbers, and the current time is uniquely displayed. On the other hand, in the analog type (for example, Patent Document 1) in which hands (hour hand, minute hand, and second hand) corresponding to each time element rotate according to the passage of time, not only the current time but also time (between two points in the flow of time) is suitable for display.

[0003] A general analog clock is configured such that the hour hand (short hand) and the minute hand (long hand) rotate around a common rotation axis, and the time is represented by the positions indicated by each of these two hands.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an analog clock with a new visual sense.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the analog clock according to the present invention is characterized in that one of the 12 symbols displayed on the dial disappears sequentially every hour.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the 12 symbols displayed on the dial disappear one by one every hour, so the symbols on the dial change according to the passage of time. This provides an analog clock with a new visual sensation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the basic configuration of an analog clock according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the basic configuration of an analog clock according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the analog clock according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <First Embodiment> The analog clock 10 according to the first embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "clock 10") can be applied not only to various types of clocks such as wristwatches, wall clocks, and desk clocks, but also to clocks displayed on the screens of smartphones, which are a type of computer, as well as to mobile information terminals such as smartwatches, tablets, and laptops, and to clocks displayed on various electronic devices such as desktop computers, televisions, and digital signage.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the clock 10 has a basic configuration similar to that of a known analog clock. That is, the clock 10 displays the time using an hour hand 12 and a minute hand 14. The hour hand 12 and the minute hand 14 are indicators corresponding to the hours and minutes, respectively, which are time elements. In this example, the hour hand 12 and the minute hand 14 rotate around an axis passing through the center point of the dial 16 as time progresses, powered by a known movement such as a mechanical or quartz movement.

[0012] The dial 16 is circular, and on its periphery, marking lines indicating 5-minute intervals, as in a typical clock, are displayed on virtual radial lines extending radially from the center point of the circle at equal intervals of 30°. In addition, marking lines indicating 1-minute intervals, as in a typical clock, are displayed on the aforementioned virtual radial lines extending radially from the center point of the circle at equal intervals of 6°, and are displayed shortly toward the center point of the dial 16.

[0013] Inside the marking lines indicating the 5-minute intervals mentioned above (towards the center of the dial 16), the numbers 1 through 12 are arranged at equal intervals. Each of these numbers functions as one of 12 symbols representing the starting point of a one-hour unit. Each of these numbers is displayed on the LCD, and its display state can be individually controlled to switch between on and off. In Figure 1, only the number "11" is displayed, and the other numbers are hidden.

[0014] In the clock 10 having the above configuration, the display state of each number (12 symbols) on the dial 16 changes as time passes. Specifically, the numbers corresponding to the "hours" of the current time disappear one by one every hour. The following describes in detail how the display state of each number changes.

[0015] Initially, at 12:00 AM (immediately after the date changes), all the numbers are displayed for a brief moment, but then the number "12" disappears from the dial 16. After one hour (after 1:00 AM), the number "1" disappears, and both "12" and "1" disappear from the dial 16. After another hour (after 2:00 AM), the number "2" disappears, and "12," "1," and "2" disappear from the dial 16. In this way, the clock 10 is configured so that the numbers that disappear from the dial 16 remain hidden until 12 hours have passed, and one number corresponding to the current hour disappears sequentially every hour. Then, at 12:00 PM, after 12 hours have passed, all the numbers are displayed again for a brief moment, but then the number "12" disappears again from the dial 16.

[0016] Thus, according to the clock 10, the numbers 1 through 12 (the 12 symbols) displayed on the dial 16 disappear one by one every hour, so the symbols on the dial 16 that serve as indicators of the start of each hour change according to the passage of time. On the other hand, the movements of the hour hand 12 and minute hand 14 are exactly the same as those of a typical analog clock, so it is possible to determine the current time without any particular sense of incongruity. This provides an analog clock with a new visual sensibility.

[0017] <Second Embodiment> In the clock 10 described above, the numbers that disappeared from the dial 16 remained hidden until 12 hours had passed, and the numbers corresponding to the "hours" of the current time disappeared one by one every hour. However, it is also acceptable to configure the clock so that the numbers that disappeared from the dial 16 are redisplayed after one hour has passed. In this case, as shown in the clock 20 in Figure 2, only the numbers corresponding to the "hours" of the current time become hidden and disappear from the dial 16, while the other numbers remain displayed on the dial 16.

[0018] The basic configuration of the analog clock according to the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described form, and for example, it may be implemented in a modified form as follows.

[0019] <Modification Example> (1) In the above first embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which all the numbers that disappeared from the dial 16 are redisplayed for only an instant when 12 hours have passed. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the numbers that disappeared every hour after 12 hours have passed are sequentially redisplayed one by one. In this case, it is possible to distinguish between a.m. and p.m. depending on the display mode of the numbers every hour.

[0020] (2) In the above second embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the hour hand 12 is omitted. This is because the numbers that are not displayed on the dial 16 substantially represent the "hour" of the current time, and thus can play the same role as the hour hand.

[0021] (3) In the above embodiments and modification examples, the time required for the numbers corresponding to the "hour" of the current time to disappear from the dial is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a mode in which they disappear immediately after 1 hour has passed, or a mode in which they disappear gradually over a certain period of time. Also, the description when they disappear can be changed in design. For example, descriptions such as the color of the numbers gradually becoming lighter, the numbers disappearing as if they are zooming out from the dial, and disappearing step by step in the vertical or horizontal direction can be mentioned.

[0022] (4) In the above embodiments and modification examples, the numbers corresponding to the "hour" of the current time are configured to disappear one by one from the dial every hour in sequence. However, the symbols that disappear from the dial are not limited to numbers. For example, it may be the marking lines indicating the above-described 5-minute intervals. That is, the "12 symbols" that disappear one by one from the dial every hour include all kinds of symbols that serve as marks representing the starting point of each hour unit, and a combination of a plurality of symbol elements may be treated as "one symbol" integrally.

[0023] The present invention can also be implemented in various improved, modified, or deformed forms based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the gist thereof. Further, within the range where the same operation or effect is achieved, any specific invention matter may be implemented in a form in which it is replaced with other technologies.

Explanation of Signs

[0024] 10: Clock 12: Hour hand 14: Minute hand 16: Dial

Claims

1. This analog clock features 12 symbols displayed on its face, which disappear one by one every hour, and the disappeared symbols reappear after another hour has passed.

2. The analog clock according to claim 1, wherein each of the 12 symbols represents the starting point of an hour.

Images