FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a time keeping device. More particularly the present invention relates to improvements made to the time keeping device wherein the display of such a device uses organic light emitting diode (OLED) to create static or dynamic patterns on the face that are stored in the device which the wearer can choose to display at a predetermined frequency. Advantageously the device also includes an added feature where the wearer can program reminders in a visual format.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Conventional system includes CN201083980 that explains the method of construction of a multifunction portable media player watch with an OLED display screen and a USB interface that helps to connect the device with other equipment. This invention though in a watch form factor and a good water proof function is basically a video and audio playing device.

TW227387 describes the invention of a watch with OLED display panel and a mirror surface panel adhered to it that functions like a mirror when the OLED panel does not display.

The OLED and LCD overlapped switching display panel of watch described in TW227385 consists of an overlapped switching display panel that eliminates the draw backs of the conventional LCD panel. Both surfaces can display the core data of the frame and are selected by the switching unit at the same time.

TW227386 explains the construction of a composite display device that is formed by overlapping an indication needle device and an OLED panel. The upper and lower layers of the composite indication device can display the watch data of the machine core, and the high luminance OLED acts as a backlight during insufficient ambient light.

The time piece changing pattern in JPl 1211847 and watch with changing pattern described in JP 11118948 are provided with a translucent upper part dial and lower part dial made either of a translucent blank or an opaque blank. Hexagons printed on the surface of the upper and lower part dials create changing patterns due to the differential rotation.

The present invention describes a time keeping device with an OLED panel for display that can also store several dial patterns in its inbuilt memory. The device also consists of a USB port that can be used either for charging the rechargeable battery present in the device or for communicating with the personal computer for downloading dial patterns from the web. The device is also provided with a memory where these patterns - static images (jpeg or bmp) or dynamic patterns are stored. The device also allows customized display of the dial pattern by pressing a button provided on the outside of the watch case.
The organic light emitting device consumes higher amount of power for its working due to which the use of conventional button cells is a remote possibility in such devices. To overcome this shortcoming with organic light emitting devices, the invention explained below is provided with a rechargeable lithium ion battery that can be recharged by plugging into a regular electrical socket of 220 volts through an adaptor and cable. To conserve power, the time keeping device switches over to a default time display that consumes less power.

Therefore there is need in the art to develop for a more user friendly and less power consuming time keeping device with different dial patterns.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the basic object of the present invention to provide an improved time keeping device wherein the display of such a device uses organic light emitting diode (OLED) to create static or dynamic patterns on the face that are stored in the device which the wearer can choose to display at a predetermined frequency.

It is another object of the invention to provide a timekeeping device like a wrist watch with a choice of dial patterns resident in the memory of the device. The device will also have a provision to down load patterns from the web through the USB port.

It is another object of the invention to provide visual reminders (with or without accompanying sounds) in the device that will remind the wearer of important dates or tasks.

It is another object of the invention to provide a tool to communicate with the device such that settings can be easily performed and also aid in the downloading of dial patterns from the web.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus according to the basic aspect of the present invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device adapted for the display of static or dynamic patterns comprising:

(a) Display;

(b) Micro controller;

(c) Memory;

(d) Communicating means;

(e) Rechargeable battery;

(f) Boost controller;

(g) Low drop out regulator; and

(h) One or more sensors,

wherein said display is a full color organic light emitting diode with higher viewing angle for display of static or dynamic patterns,

wherein said micro controller consists of a circuit that monitors battery charge level and also transmits data to the display for indication of battery charge level,

wherein said memory consists of both built in flash memory and expandable memory,

wherein said communication means is selected from one or more interface such as blue tooth, USB or other wired or wireless means thereby enabling the device to communicate with an external computing device,

wherein said battery can be recharged using the USB port or directly using a universal power adaptor, and

wherein said boost controller and low drop out regulator through means of circuit provide the requisite operating power/voltages to the display and micro controller.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said computing device is installed with customized software which enables registration of the device and authentication of the device to provide access to the web portal.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said device incorporates known sealing means to make the watch water resistant.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch, wherein one of said sensors enables the display to be a touch sensitive screen.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein the display can be configured at the individual pixel level to choose the extent of illumination when powered, enabling control of power consumption since each color consumes a different amount of power.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said display illumination extent at the pixel levels can be chosen from one amongst the following:

(a) Based on the power level of the battery;

(b) According with ambience of light identified using a light sensor; or

(c) User defined parameters.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said memory is segmented for allocation of space for

(a) Device software;

(b) Static patterns;

(c) Animated patterns;

(d) Timed patterns; and (e) Reminders.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said built in flash memory is embedded with device software.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said device software manages the file system for

(a) Allocation of dials;

(b) Reminders; and

(c) Alerts when memory or a particular segment of the memory is full.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said timed patterns is pre-defined or user- defined.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said predefined or user-defined time patterns are communicated vide visual display or sound/vibration alarms.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said patterns are downloadable from the web or transmitted from a similar device using said communication means.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said circuit detects voltage of the rechargeable battery and enables automatic switching over of the display to indicate three different modes namely power saver mode, low power mode and ultra low power mode that ensure minimal consumption of power from the battery.

wherein said power saver mode is designed to display time pattern for a predetermined period of time followed by a "display off for another pre determined period of time, thereby the cycle repeats automatically,

wherein pressing any button will help view time continuously for a specific period, said period of display "on" or display "off is user defined,
wherein said device is provided with an accelerometer through which time is displayed by a change in the position of the watch (pressing of button or touching of the screen not required),

wherein when said battery reaches below a pre determined capacity, the device automatically switches to said low power mode, thereby displaying a "default time pattern" indicating the need to recharge said battery,

wherein said default time pattern displays time continuously in red color and lasts for a fixed period of time, if said battery is not charged,

wherein other functionalities in said device are disabled and no other display is possible even at the press of a button or touch of the screen, and

wherein ultra low power mode, if said battery is not charged for the duration that said device is in low power mode, the display switches "off completely, said device is designed such that the real time clock available within said device will still keep working
for a fixed period of time and the said device need not be set for time or calendar after charging.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein when the power drops below a pre determined level, the option of displaying patterns is disabled and said device switches over to a default time display which consumes less power.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein when said battery is recharged to a pre determined level, said device automatically enables the option of displaying patterns.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a device wherein with automatic switching of/on of the display does not allow the changing pattern option to be performed unless the watch is plugged to a power source thus warning the user to charge the battery.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said charge levels are indicated in the display using colored patterns.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said patterns can be changed by pressing a button or the touch display.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a quartz wrist watch device, wherein said circuit protects the device against over charge, short circuit and open circuit.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for displaying static or dynamic pattern in wrist watch device and associated revenue model comprising:

(a) Pre-defming the file format compatible to the device;

(b) Making available the file in device format in multiple browser friendly formats;

(c) Attaching a file header to the file formats;

(d) Making available the files through a web portal;

(e) Displaying the file in a browser friendly format;

(f) On user selecting the desired file, the file is encrypted and made available for download through the internet to a computing device;

(g) The selected file from the computing device using the customized software is decrypted and transmitted to the device; and

(h) The file is stored in the memory of the device for display,
wherein the predefined file format is Rasterized Graphics Format (RGF),
wherein said browser friendly format includes gif, jpeg and bmp,
wherein said file header contains information such as the downloading cost of the file,
wherein said computing device is installed with customized software which enables
registration of the device, authentication of the device to provide access to the web portal,
and
wherein said transmitting means is selected from one or more interface such as blue tooth, USB or other wired or wireless means thereby enabling the device to communicate with an external computing device.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method, wherein if the commercial value is greater than zero provides means for payment before downloading.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method, wherein using the software in the computing device the user can perform one or more among the following:

(a) Define the order of display of pattern;

(b) Define the duration of display for each pattern; or

(c) Set remainders.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method, wherein the remainders are communicated either by visual display using the patterns stored in the memory of the device or sound/vibration alarms.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method, wherein said software enables a slide show of all patterns residing in the memory of the device.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method, wherein said software enables communication of the said device and aids in downloading static or dynamic patterns from the web.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method, wherein said device is adapted to download images from a personal gallery or digital camera or mobile phone and can be tagged to said visual reminder using said software tool which takes care of the adjustment of image resolution, sizing of the image and convert to device file format.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method, wherein said device has the option of setting dual time to keep track of two time zones simultaneously, said dual time display is associated with a country.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method, wherein said device has the option of setting local time across 25 different cities of the world.
The details of the invention, its objects and advantages are explained hereunder in greater detail in relation to non-limiting exemplary illustrations as per the following accompanying figures:

BRIEF DESCIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the several drawings for a more particularized description of the invention. It is to be understood that these drawings must be considered as largely diagrammatic in nature. They are presented here however, for illustrative purposes only and intended to express the operative features of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1: Illustrates the block diagram that explains the overall architecture of the device

Figure 2: Illustrates the power supply tree in the device. Figure 3: Illustrates examples of patterns.

Figure 4: Illustrates an exploded view of the internal mechanism used in the device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention as discussed hereinbefore relates to the improvements made to the time keeping device wherein the display of such a device uses organic light emitting diode (OLED) to create static or dynamic patterns on the face that are stored in the device which the wearer can choose to display at a predetermined frequency.

Reference is first invited to Figure 1 wherein the construction of the working mechanism used in the time keeping device ensures that the display, circuit board and battery are well protected in a plastic housing. The circuit board is connected to the OLED display panel with a flexible printed circuit board made from a polymer material. The plastic spacer embedded between the OLED display panel and the circuit board not only helps in proper seating of the OLED panel but also reduces overall thickness of the device. The plastic spacer also protects electronic components soldered-on the electronic circuit board from damage. The electronic circuit board soldered with components is located on the four protrusions in plastic housing at the comers.

Reference is now invited Figure 2 that illustrates the power supply tree in the device The metal mount covering OLED panel holds all parts like circuit board, OLED panel and battery in place. The battery which is also housed in the plastic housing is connected to the circuit board with a connector on the electronic circuit board that can be released or connected manually. This arrangement helps in disconnecting the battery from the circuit board thus avoiding damage to other parts due to its weight. No screws are used to fasten the metal mount. The metal mount is hooked on the side of plastic housing which makes assembly and disassembly of the complete working mechanism very easy.

The Lithium ion rechargeable battery provides a constant current and voltage to the device. The battery may be recharged either from the main power supply using the universal power adaptor or directly from the computer via USB cable. The battery used in the device being rechargeable; there is a possibility that it can be charged beyond the prescribed limit thereby giving rise to malfunctioning of the device itself. To prevent such occurrence, the device has been provided with an over charge prevention circuit that disables the contact with the mains thus preventing damage to the battery and the device. The adaptor has an inbuilt over voltage & current protection circuit apart from short circuit & open circuit protection. This makes sure that incase of fluctuation in power supply, the device is not damaged.

The micro controller consists of a monitoring circuit that not only monitors battery charge level but also sends data to the OLED for indication of corresponding color of the battery icon depending on the charge level. When battery attains fill charge, the micro controller sends information to the OLED panel to display the battery icon indicating full charge. Further, the battery charger circuit in the device keeps sending information to the Lithium ion polymer battery. When battery attains full charge, the protection circuit module sends a corresponding feed back to the battery charger circuit to cut off power supply.

When the device is connected to a power source, there is a corresponding battery icon displayed on the OLED display panel. The 3 different colors of the battery icon determines the charge level in the battery viz; green meaning that the device is in normal or power saver mode, yellow meaning that the battery has very low charge level and is about to enter into a red zone and red meaning that the charge level is abnormally low when the display is automatically switched off.

a. GREEN: Normal or power saver mode -In this mode the device has been designed to display time pattern for a period of 1 minute followed by a "display off for a period of next 5 minutes.

This cycle repeats automatically. When the device is in this mode, pressing any button will help view time continuously for a specific period.

b. YELLOW: Low power mode -When the battery reaches below 30% of its capacity, the device automatically switches to this mode. The device displays a "default time pattern" indicating the need to recharge the battery. The default time pattern is a display of time continuously in red and lasts for 12 to 15 hours if the battery is not charged.

c. RED: Ultra low power mode -If the battery is not charged for the duration that the device is in low power mode, the display switches "off completely.
The Rasterized Graphics Format (RGF) is a defined format for dials which supports all types of dials, it combines vector graphics and raster graphics as per requirement.
Following are the advantages of this Rasterized Graphics Format (RGF) file format

1. Data Compression

2. Reduction in access time for displaying animation with time

3. Ability to display time in format other than numbers

The method for transferring and displaying static or dynamic patterns in the present invention is as follows. On the web portal, the dials that are visible to the user, is in a gif/jpeg/bmp format. When the user clicks on the download tab, in the backend the corresponding RGF file is encrypted using the encryption utility, using a standard key. The header of the file carries the information of it being a commercial value or free dial & also the registration ID of the user. The selected dial in a customized file format gets downloaded from the web portal to the PC/laptop through Internet. This file can be only viewed using the PC tool software.

These downloaded dials from PC to watch are transferred using PC tool software via USB cable. This PC tool when used to browse through the stored dials on the PC/laptop decrypts the dial & shows it in the preview for user to decide whether to transfer that particular dial to the user watch. If the user decides to transfer, he clicks on the save option available on the PC tool. The corresponding RGF file gets transferred & saved in the memory of the watch. Depending upon the input to the watch, the watch application software residing in the micro controller reads the contents from the flash & displays it on to the display panel.

The serial flash available in the device is a rewritable memory viz; it allows erasing of earlie-with new data. During initial registration of the device, 2 methods of registration are possible -default registration without accessing the web and the second method is through the web portal. A unique serial number is encrypted on the e-eprom during the process of registration through either of the methods. Having opted for a default registration initially, in case the wearer wishes to access the web portal, this unique serial number encrypted on the e- eprom will be rewritten.

The memory available in the micro controller of the device is segmented which means that a predetermined space is allocated for software in the device, the static dials, the animated dials / time patterns and the visual/special reminders. The device software apart from managing a file system for allocation of dials according to segments also tracks visual/special reminders and gives feed back to the display incase a particular segment is full. The device memory can store upto 25 static images and 16 animated patterns (time patterns and dynamic images -8 each). The memory size can be increased at a later point in time by changing the serial flash or by introducing a micro SD card but would call for changes in the circuit accordingly.

Post the initial procedure of registering a device, access to the web portal is through a login and password. Access to the web portal is restricted considering the option of a business model where dynamic dials and time patterns are customized which are purchased by the wearer.

The micro controller takes dial patterns sitting in the serial flash and pushes it on to the data lines of OLED through parallel communication. The boost controller and the LDO provide required operating voltages to the OLED. All information displayed on the OLED display panel is controlled by the micro controller and a receipt of confirmation is acknowledged by the OLED display panel.

When a visual or special reminder is set using the software tool, a counter is set off in the micro controller of the device for each reminder. Based on the calendar & time data obtained from serial flash, the micro controller pushes data on to the OLED panel for display of the visual reminder. A visual reminder is activated 15 minutes prior to the set time and is available for duration of one hour on the device. If the reminder is accepted by pressing any of the push buttons it vanishes from the screen and if not acknowledged, a missed reminder icon is displayed.

Special reminder icons associated with an event can be programmed into the device which stays through out the day for e.g. birthdays, anniversaries, etc. A special reminder is displayed for duration of one day at regular interval of 5 minutes during the entire day. Both visual and special reminders have the option of using a text message as an additional prompt to the extent of 20 characters.

The order of display of dial patterns on the face of the watch can be defined by the wearer using the software tool, as also the duration for which each pattern will stay. While static images are free to be loaded on the device from a camera or mobile phone, animated patterns are customized and can only be downloaded from the web using the software tool developed for the purpose. While downloading animated patterns from the web, the file is so named that the last 2 characters represent the type of pattern -SD for static dial, DD for dynamic dial and TP for time pattern. The gallery view enables a slide show of all patterns residing in the memory of the device.

Other standard features of a time keeping like dual time with daylight saving time, world time with daylight saving time and calendar are also provided in the device. Further, the device is also water resistant upto 3 atm, a feature which is difficult to achieve considering the opening for USB port.

WE CLAIM:

1. A quartz wrist watch device adapted for the display of static or dynamic patterns comprising:

(a) Display;

(b) Micro controller;

(c) Memory;

(d) Communicating means;

(e) Rechargeable battery;

(f) Boost controller;

(g) Low drop out regulator; and

(h) One or more sensors,

wherein said display is a full color organic light emitting diode with higher viewing angle for display of static or dynamic patterns,

wherein said micro controller consists of a circuit that monitors battery charge level and also transmits data to the display for indication of battery charge level.

wherein said memory consists of both built in flash memory and expandable memory,

wherein said communication means is selected from one or more interface such as blue tooth, USB or other wired or wireless means thereby enabling the device to communicate with an external computing device,

wherein said battery can be recharged using the USB port or directly using a universal power adaptor, and

wherein said boost controller and low drop out regulator through means of circuit provide the requisite operating power/voltages to the display and micro controller.

2. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said computing device is installed with customized software which enables registration of the device and authentication of the device to provide access to the web portal.

3. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device incorporates known sealing means to make the watch water resistant.

4. A quartz wrist watch as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of said sensors enables the display to be a touch sensitive screen.

5. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display can be configured at the individual pixel level to choose the extent of illumination when powered, enabling control of power consumption since each color consumes a different amount of power.

6. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display illumination extent at the pixel levels can be chosen from one amongst the following:

(a) Based on the power level of the battery;

(b) According with ambience of light identified using a light sensor; or

(c) User defined parameters.

7. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said memory is segmented for allocation of space for

(a) Device software;

(b) Static patterns;

(c) Animated patterns;

(d) Timed patterns; and

(e) Reminders.

8. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claims land 7, wherein said built in flash memory is embedded with device software.

9. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claim 1, 7 and 8, wherein said device software manages the file system for
(a) Allocation of dials;

(b) Reminders; and

(c) Alerts when memory or a particular segment of the memory is full.

10. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said timed patterns is predefined or user- defined.

11. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claim 10, wherein said predefined or user- defined time patterns are communicated vide visual display or sound/vibration alarms.

12. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claims 1 and 7 to 11, wherein said patterns are downloadable from the web or transmitted from a similar device using said communication means.

13. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said circuit detects voltage of the rechargeable battery and enables automatic switching over of the display to indicate three different modes namely power saver mode, low power mode and ultra low power mode that ensure minimal consumption of power from the battery,

wherein said power saver mode is designed to display time pattern for a predetermined period of time followed by a "display off for another pre determined period of time, thereby the cycle repeats automatically,

wherein pressing any button will help view time continuously for a specific period, said period of display "on" or display "off is user defined,

wherein said device is provided with an accelerometer through which time is displayed by a change in the position of the watch (pressing of button or touching of the screen not required).

wherein when said battery reaches below a pre determined capacity, the device automatically switches to said low power mode, thereby displaying a "default time pattern" indicating the need to recharge said battery,

wherein said default time pattern displays time continuously in red color and lasts for a fixed period of time, if said battery is not charged,

wherein other functionalities in said device are disabled and no other display is possible even at the press of a button or touch of the screen, and

wherein ultra low power mode, if said battery is not charged for the duration that said device is in low power mode, the display switches "off completely, said device is designed such that the real time clock available within said device will still keep working for a fixed period of time and the said device need not be set for time or calendar after charging.

14. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claims1 and 13, wherein when the power drops below a pre determined level, the option of displaying patterns is disabled and said device switches over to a default time display which consumes less power.

15. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed claims1, 13 and 14, wherein when said battery is recharged to a pre determined level, said device automatically enables the option of displaying patterns.

16. The device as claimed in claims 1, 13, 14 and 15, wherein with automatic switching of/on of the display does not allow the changing pattern option to be performed unless the watch is plugged to a power source thus warning the user to charge the battery.

17. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in claims 1, 13 to 16, wherein said charge levels are indicated in the display using colored patterns.

18. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in anyone of claims Ito 17, wherein said patterns can be changed by pressing a button or the touch display.

19. A quartz wrist watch device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 17, wherein said circuit protects the device against over charge, short circuit and open circuit.

20. A method for displaying static or dynamic pattern in wrist watch device and associated revenue model comprising:

(a) Pre-determining the file format compatible to the device;

(b) Making available the file in device format in multiple browser friendly formats;

(c) Attaching a file header to the file formats;

(d) Making available the files through a web portal;

(e) Displaying the file in a browser friendly format;

(f) On user selecting the desired file, the file is encrypted and made available for download through the internet to a computing device;

(g) The selected file from the computing device using the customized software is decrypted and transmitted to the device; and

(h) The file is stored in the memory of the device for display,
Wherein the predefined file format is Rasterized Graphics Format (RGF),
wherein said browser friendly format includes gif, jpeg and bmp,
wherein said file header contains information such as the downloading cost of the file,
wherein said computing device is installed with customized software which enables
registration of the device, authentication of the device to provide access to the web portal,
and
wherein said transmitting means is selected from one or more interface such as blue tooth, USB or other wired or wireless means thereby enabling the device to communicate with an external computing device.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein if the commercial value is greater than zero provides means for payment before downloading.

22. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein using the software in the computing device the user can perform one or more among the following:

(a) Define the order of display of pattern;

(b) Define the duration of display for each pattern; or

(c) Set remainders.

23. A method as claimed in claims 20 and 22, wherein the remainders are communicated either by visual display using the patterns stored in the memory of the device or sound/vibration alarms.

24. A method as claimed in claims 20 and 22, wherein said software enables a slide show of all patterns residing in the memory of the device.

25. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein said software enables communication of the said device and aids in downloading static or dynamic patterns from the web.

26. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein said device is adapted to download images from a personal gallery or digital camera or mobile phone and can be tagged to said visual reminder using said software tool which takes care of the adjustment of image resolution, sizing of the image and convert to device file format.

27. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein said device has the option of setting dual time to keep track of two time zones simultaneously, said dual time display is associated with a country.

28. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein said device has the option of setting local time across 25 different cities of the world.