Sequential Time Display Using Single Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current timekeeping displays face limitations in spatial efficiency, flexibility, and the incorporation of time-linked information, as they often require substantial spatial areas and are constrained by traditional analog or digital numeric structures, which restrict the use of digital display technologies and lead to confusion in presenting time-linked data.
Innovation Solution
A novel time display method where time is depicted by the movement of an indicator through a defined space, such as segments, allowing for the selection of standard units like hours, minutes, and seconds, with only one unit displayed at a time, enabling layering and simplification of time depiction, reducing the number of indicators and segments, and allowing for integration of time-linked functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional analog timepieces use multiple indicators and circular scales to display time units simultaneously, then time measurement is intuitive and precise, but the display structure is complex and occupies substantial spatial area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display of different time units into separate sequential displays rather than showing them simultaneously. The indicator sequentially represents hours, minutes, and seconds in different time periods, eliminating the need for multiple indicators and circular scales while maintaining measurement precision through the sequential display method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the time display into different time periods, with each period dedicated to displaying a specific time unit. This segmentation allows the single indicator to sequentially represent different time units (hours, minutes, seconds) without confusion, resolving the complexity of displaying multiple units simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If digital numeric displays use discrete numerical values to represent time, then reading precision is improved and mechanical parts are eliminated, but the display lacks flexibility for incorporating time-linked information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between different display modes. The display can dynamically switch between sequential numeric display and visual indicator display, and can adaptively adjust the representation based on the time unit being displayed. This dynamic capability enables the display to accommodate various time-linked information while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal display structure that can serve multiple functions. The same display mechanism handles both precise time measurement and the presentation of time-linked information by adjusting the display mode and indicator representation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated displays
3Ease of operation
If traditional analog timepieces use circular scales with markers for time measurement, then time units can be measured easily and intuitively, but the display requires substantial spatial area and is constrained by circular geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the traditional two-dimensional circular scale to a one-dimensional linear scale. The indicator moves along a linear path representing time progression, maintaining ease of reading through the visual position relative to markers while significantly reducing the spatial area required for the display
4Adaptability or versatility
If smart watches incorporate time-linked functions on digital displays, then functionality is enhanced, but the display becomes cluttered and spatial efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display content by dedicating different time periods to different functions. During timekeeping periods, the display shows time information; during other periods, it can display time-linked information. This temporal segmentation prevents clutter by ensuring that time and function information are displayed sequentially rather than simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between different display modes. The display alternates between showing time units and showing time-linked information in a periodic manner, allowing both timekeeping accuracy and functional information to be presented without creating visual clutter on the display
Data Source
AI summary
A timepiece, time display, and method of presenting time information. The timepiece includes clock means for measuring the passage of time in standard units, and maintaining a current value. A visual display is included for displaying one of the standard units of the current value at a time. The time piece further comprises means for selecting one of the standard units and presenting the selected unit of the current value on the visual display. The current value is represented by the position of an indicator within a defined space on the visual display.