Optoelectronic Clock Display Using Segmented Light Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic clocks with optoelectronic display elements struggle to display time in a visually appealing and easy-to-remember manner using only twelve display units, often resulting in static or difficult-to-understand time representations.
Innovation Solution
The electronic clock employs twelve optoelectronic display units arranged around a central point, with lighting means capable of emitting different colors and intensities, controlled by a microprocessor to display hours, 5-minute intervals, and minutes through coordinated light sequences, allowing for dynamic and intuitive time representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two rings of light-emitting cells with 60 cells each are used to display hours and minutes, then the time can be displayed in a conventional dial format, but the display device appears overloaded and the number of display elements is excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The time display is segmented into two functional groups using only 12 display elements: one element indicates the hour position while another indicates the minute position. This segmentation allows clear time display without requiring 60 elements per ring, resolving the contradiction between display clarity and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If two rings with 12 diodes each are used to display hours and minutes in 5-minute intervals, then the total number of display elements is reduced to 24, but the display becomes static and less visually appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The display system incorporates dynamic characteristics through sequential illumination patterns and color changes. The first and second light-emitting elements can be activated in sequence or simultaneously with different colors, creating a dynamic visual effect that enhances appeal while maintaining low device complexity with only 12 elements.
3Device complexity
If four binary coded indicators are used for hours, four for 5-minute intervals and four for 1-minute intervals, then the total number of display elements is reduced to twelve, but the user must translate binary-coded display into time which makes it difficult to understand
Solution Approach 1:
Different functional qualities are assigned to different display elements: one element is dedicated to displaying hour information in a visually intuitive format, another element displays minute information, and they can use different colors or illumination patterns. This local differentiation makes the time display immediately understandable without requiring binary translation, while maintaining only 12 total elements.
4Device complexity
If an analog display with twelve optoelectronic display elements is used where only one or two elements are active at a time, then the number of display elements is reduced to twelve, but the remaining eleven elements remain passive making the display not particularly appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates multiple display elements simultaneously or in sequence. The first light-emitting element and second light-emitting element can both be active at the same time with different colors, or activate in a sequential pattern, ensuring that a significant portion of the 12 elements are dynamically engaged rather than leaving 11 passive, thereby enhancing visual appeal while maintaining low complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a visually appealing and easy-to-remember time display using fewer display units, enhancing user experience by creating a dynamic light sequence that clearly shows hours, 5-minute intervals, and minutes, while maintaining design simplicity and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Optoelectronic display elements include all those optical display means in which the conversion of electrical energy into visible light to display the time takes place on the basis of electronic semiconductor technology
Implementation Method 2
The conversion of electrical energy into visible light to display the time takes place on the basis of electronic semiconductor technology
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The electronic clock (1) has a display device, where twelve opto-electronic display units are arranged. The display units are formed by luminous mediums (2.1 to 2.12), where a control unit is designed to emit light in two different colors or intensities. The control unit has a control medium for display of hours by continuous or cyclic emission of light of a specific color or intensity. An independent claim is also included for a method for time display on an electronic clock.