Electro-Optical Display Timepiece

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an electro-optical display timepiece provided with a liquid crystal, light emission diode, etc. and having a display changeover switch circuit which changes over more than two different informations on the same display elements of the electro-optical timepiece. In greater detail, an electro-optical timepiece according to this invention is manually actuated by an external push button so that the different displays may be effected in accordance with the length of period, for which the push button is depressed continuously.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the electronic timepieces having an electro-optical display, recently there have been provided ones with functions of displaying second, date or day of the week and the like as well as hour and minute. The displays of these timepieces having many functions are difficult to be discerned when all of the functions are displayed simultaneously on the same display part. In miniature timepieces such as wrist watches, the displays on the respective display surfaces tend to be extremely small. Therefore, it is required that the display functions of the timepieces having many functions are distributed to a plurality of blocks and that the whole or part of the display is displayed on the same display surface by means of display changeover means.

One of the conventional timepieces having such a changingover means is provided with a display changeover switch being externally actuated and its various kinds of displays are changed over after the termination of the operation of the display changeover switch. And there is one which, during the operation of the display changeover switch, effects the display different from that before the operation thereof and the after the termination of the operation of the switch, the display is returned to the same display as it was before the operation.

These conventional timepieces are ordinary and usual.

An object of the invention is to provide an electrooptical display timepiece having a display changeover switching circuit for changing over plural kinds of displays by the length of turning on a single display changeover switch.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electro-optical display timepiece having a display changeover switching circuit wherein the displays are different when the push button separates from a bearer's finger in dependence with the short or long time period of operating the switch.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide an electro-optical display timepiece having a display changeover switching circuit wherein the display in operation of the switch is different from that upon the returning of the switch when the time for operating the switch is shorter than the predetermined time and the display is not changed when the time for the operation of the switch is longer.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an electro-optical display timepiece having more than three kinds of informations, one of which is an ordinary display, and having a display changeover switching circuit wherein the short operation of the switch causes a part of the ordinary display to change so as to designate a destination, and the long operation causes the display to change to the designated display.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification and the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the first embodiment of a timepiece of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the display changed over in the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the relation between an input of the display changeover switch and the variations of the display surface in the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a practical timepiece showing the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing displays changed over in the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is a detailed cricuit diagram showing the second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a display changeover system of the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the third embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a detailed diagram showing the third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 1 shows an appearance of an electronic wrist watch of the first embodiment according to this invention, in which reference numeral 1 depicts a display surface in an electro-optical display device, 2 a display changeover switch composed of a push button for selectively changing over the display on the display surface 1. The display changeover switch 2 is operating during the depression of the push button.

FIG. 2 shows a display changeover system of the first embodiment according to this invention, which has display functions of hour, minute and second and imparts the display functions to a block for displaying hour and minute, and a block for displaying second only. FIG. 2 shows variations of the display surface 1 when the display is effected such that the part 4 ordinarly displaying minute is changed to second display 5.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the relation between the changes of the display on the display surface 1 in FIG. 2 and the input of the display changeover switch 2 wherein, let the input of the switch 2 be at "H" (high) level during the operation of the switch 2 and be at "L" (low) level before and after the operation thereof.

The display (a) in FIG. 2 shows the display surface 1 on which hour digit 3 and minute digit 4 are displayed and the display (b) in FIG. 2 shows the display surface 1 on which only second digit is displayed. The display changeover operations will be described according to FIG. 3. Let the ordinary display state be the display state of the display (a) in FIG. 2. Firstly, if the switch 2 is operated for the length of a period shorter than the predetermined one, the input of the switch 2 becomes at "H" level during the operation of the switch 2 and thereby the display being the display (b) in FIG. 2. After the termination of the switch operation, the input becomes at "L" level and thereby to return the display to the initial state as shown by the display (a) in FIG. 2. Secondly, if the switch 2 is operated for a period being longer than the predetermined one, the display is keeping the display state as shown by the display (a) in FIG. 2 after the termination of the operation as well as during the operation. Therefore, it is not required to continue to depress the switch 2 since a second display can be discerned even if the switch is stopped to be depressed after the switch is depressed for a period longer than the predetermined period. In this state, the switch 12 is operated by a period shorter than the predetermined one t.sub.1 so that the display may be returned to the display (a). Here, preferrencially the predetermined period is from 5 seconds to 10 seconds and so the feeling of the actuation is very good.

FIG. 4 shows a display changeover circuit of the embodiment in FIG. 2, in which reference numeral 6 depicts a crystal oscillating element, 7 an oscillator and frequency divider circuit, 8 a time keep circuit for the second digit, 9 a time keep circuit for minute and hour digits, 10 an electro-optical display device displaying the contents in the time keep circuits 8 and 9, 11 a display changeover switch terminal receiving the input from the switch 2, 12 a brief part of a display changeover circuit selectively changing over the contents in the time keep circuits 8, 9 by the input from the display changeover switch terminal 11 and delivering them to the electro-optical display device 10. Reference numerals 12a to 12d illustrate AND circuits, 12e and 12f inverters, 12g and 12h OR circuits and 12i a counter circuit counting the predetermined period via AND circuit 12a by using appropriate frequency from the oscillator and frequency divider circuit 7, 12j a RS flip-flop circuit, 12k and 12l D type flip-flop circuits which generate a trigger pulse for a leading edge of the input signal from the display changeover switch terminal 11 together with AND circuit 12b. Therefore, since the input of the display changeover switch terminal 11 is kept at "H" level during the operation of the switch 2, the output from the OR circuit 12g becomes at "H" level so that the contents of the time keep circuit is delivered to the electrooptical display device 10 through AND circuit 12c and OR circuit 12h and as the result, the display surface 1 becomes the second display state as the display (b). In case that the operating period of the switch 2 is shorter than the predetermined period t.sub.1, RS flip-flop circuit 12j is reset by a trigger pulse for a leading edge of starting the operation of the switch 2, the output Q is at "L" level, the input from the display changeover switch terminal 11 is also at "L" level so that the output from OR circuit 12g is at "L" level, the contents of the time keep circuit 9 is delivered through the inverter 12f and AND circuit 12d to the electro-optical display device 10 and as the result, the display surface 1 returns to the hour and minute display state like the display (a). On the other hand, in case that the switch 2 is operated for a period longer than the predetermined period, the pulse output is delivered from the counter circuit 12i after the lapse of the predetermined period t.sub.1, RS flip-flop circuit 12j is kept at the set condition, the output Q is maintained at "H" level so that the output from OR circuit 12g may be kept at "H" level even if the input from the display changeover switch terminal 11 becomes at "L" level and as the result, the state of the display (b) is maintained.

Next, if the switch 2 is operated by the period shorter than the predetermined one t.sub.1, RS flip-flop circuit 12j is reset by the trigger pulse for a leading edge of starting the operation, and thereby the output Q being at "L" level. Thus, the input from the display changeover switch terminal 11 becomes at "L" level after the termination of the operation of the switch 2 so that the output from OR circuit may also be at "L" level and as the result, the display surface 1 returns to the display state like the display (a).

FIGS. 5 through 8 show a timepiece of the second embodiment according to this invention, wherein FIG. 5 is a plan view of the timepiece, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the variations of the display in accordance with button actuations, FIG. 7 is a block diagram enabling the variations of the display in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 is a practical circuit diagram. The timepiece of the second embodiment is a timepiece having various functions greater than those of the first embodiment in which each of the functions is selectively changed over in dependence upon the length of the period during the depression of the switch 2.

In FIG. 5, a timepiece has an alarm function, chronograph function and timer function. Its display surface 20 is provided with a main display part 21 selectively changing over and displaying each of the foregoing functions and function display parts 23 through 25 displaying the present displayed function on the main display part 21 and the function to be displayed next, i.e., destination.

A button 26 provided on the side of the timepiece 19 as shown by a dotted line is another actuating member for another operation, e.g., correction of the called out function or setting, etc. In the drawing, a single button is representatively shown, but necessary number of buttons may be provided, if necessary.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing how the various functions of the timepiece 19 in FIG. 5 change in accordance with the actuation of the button 22. The display (A) shows an ordinary time display which are present illustrates 12 hours 35 minutes on the main display part 21. If the button 22 is pushed under this condition, the display (A) is changed to the display (B) in the direction indicated by an arrow P. The display (B) is a destination indication on an alarm function while the ordinary time is still shown on the main display part 21, but an alarm function display 23 begins to flash. Under this condition, different function displays can be obtained by the operation of the button 22 according to the time period compared with the predetermined one, e.g., 5 through 10 seconds. When the button 22 is pushed during a period longer than the predetermined one, the display (B) is changed to the display (E) in a direction indicated by an arrow L.sub.1. The display (E) shows an alarm function setting condition, an alarm time is displayed on the main display part 21 and the function display part 23 is always lightening. Under this condition, necessary alarm time setting and confirmation can be effected. On the other hand, the display (B) is changed to the display (C) in a direction indicated by an arrow S.sub.1 if the button 22 is depressed by a period shorter than the predetermined one. The display (C) shows a destination designating condition to a chronograph function, an ordinary time is displayed on the main display part 21 and the chronograph function display part 24 flashes. The display (E) may be returned to the display (B) in an arrow F.sub.1 by the actuation of a button 22 for a desired period.

Hereinafter, in the same manner, the display (C) is changed to the display (F) being a chronograph settingcondition in a direction indicated by an arrow L.sub.2. If the swtich 22 is depressed for a period shorter than the predetermined one t.sub.1, the display (C) is changed to the display (D) showing a destination designating condition toward the timer function in a direction indicated by an arrow S.sub.2. Further, if the switch 22 is depressed for a period longer than the predetermined one, the display (D) is changed to the display (G) being a timer setting condition in a direction indicated by an arrow L.sub.3. In addition, arrows F.sub.2, F.sub.3 illustrate the operation for a desired period of the button 22 returning each setting condition to the initial condition like the arrow F.sub.1. An arrow S.sub.3 shows the operation shorter than the predetermined one t.sub.1 to make the display return to the display (A).

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a timepiece enabling the operation of the second embodiment as set forth above, wherein reference numeral 6 depicts a crystal oscillating element, 7 an oscillator and frequency divider circuit, 30 a time keep circuit, 34 an alarm function circuit, 35 a chronograph function circuit, 36 a timer function circuit and 20 a display part. Various functions of the timepiece are selected by various actuations of the switch 22 so that the display surface 20 is varied to display each condition shown in FIG. 6.

This circuit mainly comprises a display selection circuit 32 which receives as an input the output 31v from the function control circuit 31 descriminating the depression and return of the push button 22 or the length of a time period in the operation of the push button 22, selects each of the alarm function circuit 34, chronograph circuit 35 and timer circuit 36 and delivers the output 32l to the main display part 21, and a state-destination selection circuit 33 which receives the outputs 31v and 31w from the function control circuit 31 as inputs and delivers the output 33f in response to each condition to each function display part 23, 24, 25 on the display surface 20. Of course, this timepiece has other necessary circuit constructions for example, time correction and setting circuit 37, the other actuation switch button 26, alarm and time coincidence detecting circuit 39, alarm producing body 41, a driving circuit 40 for the alarm sound body 41 and the other necessary circuits not shown. However, here, these circuit constructions are not explained since they are not concerned directly with the brief subject matter of this invention.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed embodiment of the circuit illustrated by a block diagram in FIG. 7 wherein like parts are shown by like references in FIG. 7 and the function control circuit 31, display selecting circuit 32 and statedestination selecting circuit 33 are enclosed with a dotted line respectively.

Firstly, the function control circuit 31 will be described. This circuit 31 comprises data type flip-flops 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f, AND gates 31g, 31h, 31i, 31j, 31k, 31l, a counter circuit 31m counting a pulse from an input terminal 31z to form the predetermined period, OR gates 31n, 31p, 31q, EXCLUSIVE-OR gates 31r, and inverters 31s, 31t, 31u. Thus, the circuit 31 serves to generate the outputs 31v, 31w and 31x, 31y for controlling the display selecting circuit 32 and state-destination selecting circuit 33 from the input signals of the pulse input 31z, clock pulse input cl and push button input. Speaking in greater detail, a signal Samaking the pulse signal Sz pass through the counter circuit 31m in the operation of the push button switch 22 by means of the flip-flop 31a, 31b and their ancillary circuit elements, a signal Sb being delivered only the moment the push button switch 22 is depressed, a signal Sc delivered when the push button switch 22 is depressed for a given period under the defined condition to be returned and a signal Sd delivered when the push button 22 is depressed for a period shorter than the predetermined one to be returned.

For example, the signal Sb is used in order to change the display (A) to the display (B) in FIG. 6 and a quaternary counter of the flip-flop 31e, 31f is advanced by one. The content of the quaternary counter is shown concerning its outputs 31x, 31y as the following table:

This quaternary counter operates to vary the function display parts 23, 24, 25 without varying the main display part 21, is provided with AND gate 31l the output of which is at "H" level only in time display condition and which is connected to the output terminal 31w and thereby controlling the other circuit as mentioned afterward. Then, the counter circuit starts to count the input pulses with the aid of a signal Sa delivering its output during the depression of the push button switch 22. Output of the flip-flop 31d delivering the output to change over the main display part 21 is inverted by a signal Se which is the counter output delivered, and, after a given count, changed into a pulse through the flip-flop 31c and AND gate 31k.

This output 31v is shown in the following table:

The changing conditions casued by the signal Sa correspond to the arrows L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3 in FIG. 6, respectively.

Next, in function display conditions, i.e., in each of the displays (E), (F), (G) in FIG. 6, the output of the flip-flop is inverted by the signal Sc delivered when the push button switch 22 is depressed for a desired time to be returned afterwards so that the main display part 21 may be returned to the time display. The changing conditions carried by the signal Sc correspond to the displays shown by the arrows F.sub.1, F.sub.2, F.sub.3 in FIG. 6, respectively.

Further, in the condition that the main display part shows the time display and that the function display is called up, i.e., in the conditions of the displays (B), (C), (D) in FIG. 6, the signal Sd is generated by the operation of the push button switch 22 which is shorter than the predetermined period, thereby stepping the quaternary counter comprising the flip-flops 31e, 31f and auxiliary circuit elements thereof to the next condition. The changing conditions caused by the signal Sd correspond to the arrows S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3 in FIG. 6, respectively.

Referring to the display selecting circuit 32, it comprises AND gates 32a, 32b, 32c, OR gate 32d, inverters 32e, 32f, 32g, 32h, 32i and transmission gates 32j, 32k. The inputs of the display selecting circuit 32 are the outputs 31v, 31x, 31y. The circuit 32 is provided with various kinds of function circuits 30, 34, 35, 36 and with an output terminal 32l displaying one of the functions in the function circuits 30, 34, 35, 36 as its output. In the above explanation, each construction element is shown by one respectively, but it is clearly understood that practically each element is plural. In this construction, one of the function circuits 34, 35, 36 corresponding to the conditions of the outputs 31x, 31y from the function control circuit 31 is selected among a group of AND gates 32a, 32b, 32c and is derived as a signal Sf. Further, one of the signal Sf and the signal Sg from the time system is selected by the transmission gates 32j, 32k and driving the display part 21 as the output.

Referring to the state-destination selecting circuit 33, this circuit 33 comprises a setting and memory circuit 33a, decoder 33b, AND gate 33c transmission gates 33d, 33e, inverter 33h and OR gate 33g. This circuit 33 receives the output signals 31x, 31y, effects four kinds of remodulation based on the truth table of TABLE I at a decorder 33b therein. Further, under the conditions of the display (B), (C), (D) in FIG. 6, this circuit 33 operates to flash the defined one of the respective function display parts 23, 24, 25 through OR gate 33g and AND gate 33c by ON.OFF signals of 0.5 second from the exterior. Similarly, under the conditions of the display (E), (F), (G) in FIG. 6, it serves to light one of the display parts 23, 24, 25 ordinarily. The set and memory discriminating circuit 33a discriminates whether the function circuits 34, 35, 36 are now set or released and determines whether the function display parts 23, 24, 25 are to be lightened or extinguished. Then the circuit 33a discriminates the signals from the decorder system 33b (i.e., the conditions of the displays (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G) and those from the set and memory discriminating circuit system 33a (i.e., the condition of the display (A)) by means of the transmission gates 33d, 33e. Therefore, the foregoing timepiece with various functions also enables the easy changeover and control of the display by the time period of operating a single push button switch according to this invention.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11 show a timepiece of the third embodiment according to the invention, of which the appearance as a timepiece is similar to that of the second embodiment and so its view may be abbreviated. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing changing conditions of the display in response to the switch operation of the push button 22a, FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a practical circuit effecting the above various display conditions and FIG. 11 shows a detailed circuit. This third embodiment is attached importance to a time display function and is a modified one of the second embodiment.

In FIG. 9, the display (A') indicates an ordinary time and shows 12 hours 35 minutes on the main display part 21 at the present time under this condition, the display (A') is changed to the function display in accordance with the previous memory if the push button switch 22a is depressed for a period shorter than the predetermined one t.sub.1. The display (A') is changed to the display (B') according to an arrow S.sub.1 provided that the previous memory is the display (B'). The display (B') shows an alarm function condition under which there is effected necessary alarm time setting and the confirmation or release of the set time.

Next, the changing conditions are different in dependence on a period of the depression of the push button switch 22a. The present display is changed again to the time display condition shown in the display (A') according to an arrow S.sub.1 if the time of the operation of the push button switch 22a is shorter than the predetermined one t.sub.1. If the time of depressing the push button switch 22a is longer than the predetermined one t.sub.1, the present display is changed to a chronograph condition shown by the display (C') in accordance with an arrow L.sub.1.

In the same manner, the display (C') is changed to the display (A') in accordance with an arrow S.sub.2 if the time of depressing the push button switch 22a is shorter than the predetermined one t.sub.1. If the pushing operation is longer, the display is changed to the timer function condition shown by the display (D'). Similarly, the display (D') is changed to the display (A') in accordance with an arrow S.sub.3 if it is shorter and is changed to the display (B') in accordance with an arrow L.sub.3 if it is longer. In this case, the display (C') showing a chronograph condition is changed to the display (A') in accordance with an arrow S.sub.2 and then the display (A') is changed to the display (C') showing a chronograph condition if the push button switch 22a is depressed shorter than the predetermined one t.sub.1 again.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a brief circuit enabling the operation according to the third embodiment as set forth above, wherein reference numeral 6 depicts a crystal oscillating element, 7 an oscillator and frequency divider circuit, 30 a time keep circuit, 34 an alarm function circuit, 35 a chronograph function circuit, 36 a timer circuit, 20 a display part. And this circuit further comprises a function control circuit 40 descriminating whether the time of depressing the push button switch is longer or shorther than the predetermined one to deliver a control signal to a terminal 40r, display selecting circuit 41 selecting a defined one of the respective functions by the control signal to deliver a singal to the terminal 41l and a display part 20 displaying the selected content, etc. Of course, this circuit is provided with the other circuit elements like the second embodiment and then the other circuit elements are abbreviated.

FIG. 11 shows a detailed embodiment of a block diagram in FIG. 10 wherein like parts are depicted by like references, and the function control circuit 40 and display selecting circuit 41 are enclosed by a dotted line, respectively.

Referring to the furnction control circuit 40, reference numerals 40a, 40b, 40c, 40e, 40f, 40g illustrate data type flip-flop circuits, 40d RS flip-flop circuit, 40i, 40j, 40k, 40l AND gates, 40m a counter circuit counting the pulses from the input terminal 40z to form the predetermined period, 40n, 40r inverters and 40q NOR respectively. In this circuit connections, a pulse input 40z, clock pulse Cl and the signal of the push button switch 22a operate to deliver the outputs 40r, 40s, 40t controlling a display selecting circuit 41.

In greater detail, the flip-flop circuits 40a and 40b and ancillary circuits thereof generate a signal Sh making the pulse 40z pass through the counter 40m in the operation of the push button switch 22a, a signal Si delivered only the moment the puch button switch 22a is depressed, and a signal Sj delivered when the time of depressing the push button switch 22a is shorter than the predetermined period. Therefore, the signal Sj provides the depressing operations for a short time indicated by the arrows S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3 in FIG. 9. Namely, the signal Sj operates the flip-flop 40e to keep the output at "H" or "L" level. The output from the flip-flop 40e controls the display selecting circuit 41 to select the time display condition in case of "H" level or to select the function display conditions in case of "L" level. While with the aid of the signal Sh transmitting during the depression of the push button switch 22a, the counter circuit 40m starts to count the inputs, and the flip-flop 40c and AND gate 40l change the output delivered after the defined count into a pulse signal Sk so that the ternary counter briefly composed of the flip-flops 40f, 40g may be stepped. The countents of the counter is as the following table in point of its outputs 40s, 40t.

This table shows that each mode corresponds to one of the arrows L.sub.1, L.sub.2, L.sub.3 in FIG. 9 wherein the function display (A') is changed in turn to the displays (B'), (C'), (D'), (B') . . . without the display (A'). The function modes may be changed n times if the time of depressing the push button switch 22a is n times of the predetermined period. The signal Si generated the moment the push button switch 22a is depressed is an auxiliary signal to operate the circuit in preciseness and control RS flip-flop 40d to prevent an erroneous operation.

Next, the display selecting circuit 41 is almost similar to the display selecting circuit 32 of the second embodiment in FIG. 8 and then the explanation will be given simply. Reference numerals 41a, 41b, 41c depict AND gates, 41a OR gate, 41e, 41f, 41g, 41h, 41i inverters, 41j, 41k transmission gates. The display selecting circuit 41 is controlled by the output terminals 40r, 40s, 40t so that one of the time function circuit 30, alarm function circuit 34, chronograph function circuit 35 and timer function circuit 36 may be selected and as the result, the display surface 20 is driven as shown in FIG. 9. The third embodiment is suitable for the case that the function of the time display frequently used ordinarily is mainly utilized.

As described hereinbefore, this invention provides a timepiece whose displays a bearer can easily change by the time length of a push button operation as occasion demands. Therefore, the timepiece of this invention does not require two separate switches which the conventional timepieces require to obtain various kinds of function displays and is provided with a single push button therefor. In addition, the increase of circuit elements is a little, and the increase of circuit terminals and switch terminals is not necessary.