United States Patent 1191
`Beiswenger et al.
`
`USOO5381388A
`Patent Number:
`Date of Patent:
`
`[11]
`[45]
`
`5,381,388
`Jan. 10, 1995
`
`[54]
`[75]
`
`[73]
`[21]
`[22]
`[51]
`
`[52]
`
`158]
`
`[56]
`
`Inventors:
`
`DIGITAL CLOCK
`John L. Beiswenger, Strasburg, Pa;
`Robert I. Schwimmer, Glencoe, Ill.
`Assignee:
`Technomarket, L.P., Chicago, Ill.
`Appl. No.: 98,464
`Filed:
`Jul. 28, 1993
`Im. 01.6 .................... .. G04C 17/00; G04C 19/00;
`G09F 9/35
`us. 01. ...................................... .. 368/69; 368/82;
`, 368/239; 345/34
`Field Of Search .................................. .. 368/69-70,
`368/82-84, 185-187, 239-242; 340/701, 703,
`712, 756, 815.01, 765, 784
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,047,010 9/ 1977 Perotto et a1. .................... .. 235/156
`4,139,837 2/1979 Liljenwall et al.
`340/ 146.3 SY
`4,322,833 3/1982 Husted
`...... .. 368/69
`4,387,367 6/1983 Fisher
`340/365 SP
`4,538,924 9/1985
`4,785,432 11/1988
`4,847,606 7/1989
`4,910,504 3/1990
`4,958,911 9/1990
`
`Beiswenger et a1. ......... .. 350/331 R
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`55-107984 8/1980 Japan .
`Primary Examiner-Vit W. Miska
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Gerstman, Ellis & McMillin,
`Ltd.
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A digital clock comprises an electronic timekeeping
`circuit, plus electronic digital display means connected
`to the time keeping circuit to display time as controlled
`by the circuit. Electronic control means are provided to
`permit changing of individual numerals displayed in a
`plurality of locations by manually pointing at the indi
`vidual numerals. The electronic control means may
`comprise transparent touch-sensitive detection means
`positioned in front of the digital display means to permit
`manual changing of the individual numerals. Alterna
`tively, the electronic control means may comprise one
`or more light beam emitters and one or more light beam
`sensors, plus an optical means for passing individual
`time-gated light beams from the emitter(s) to the sen
`sor(s) in front of the numerals in a position to permit
`selective occlusion of the individual light beams by
`manual pointing.
`
`24 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
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`Ford Motor Company et al.
`Ex. 1006
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`Ford Motor Company et al.
`Ex. 1006
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 10, 1995
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`Sheet 2 of 5
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`5,381,388
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`Ford Motor Company et al.
`Ex. 1006
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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 10, 1995
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`Sheet 3 of 5
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`Ex. 1006
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 10, 1995
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`Sheet 4 of 5
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`5,381,388
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`Ford Motor Company et al.
`Ex. 1006
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jan. 10, 1995
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`Sheet 5 of 5
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`5,381,388
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`Fig. 9
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`Ford Motor Company et al.
`Ex. 1006
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`

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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Electronic digital clocks have become extremely
`common, being found as bedside-table alarm clocks,
`clock radios, clocks for automobiles, wrist watches and
`the like. Such clocks of course display the time in digital
`form rather than using hands, and can be very inexpen
`sive yet reliable. Electronic digital clock assemblies are
`also incorporated in VCRs, microwave ovens and many
`other consumer and commercial products.
`However, as one drawback to digital clocks, fre
`quently it is by no means clear and readily understand
`able how to use the controls to set the clocks to the time
`of day, or to set the alarm time, when that is desired,
`and the like. Also, many digital clocks operate on a
`twenty-four hour basis, while they display the conven
`tional AM and PM time mode. People get confused
`upon setting the clocks so that an alarm may be set for
`a certain time in the PM when it was actually desired to
`set the clock for AM.
`Also, in the prior art digital clocks it is sometimes
`necessary to hold down one button while pressing an
`other and then to observe the changes, releasing one or
`both when the correct numeral is displayed. This hand
`to—eye coordination is difficult and intimidating to many
`users. Also, if the minutes numeral desired is acciden
`tally passed by one numeral, it becomes necessary to
`scroll through 58 numerals to return to the correct
`numeral.
`In accordance with this invention, a digital clock is
`provided in which a great simpli?cation of control is
`available, to minimize confusion by the user. Thus, less
`of a learning curve is required for changing the time and
`setting the alarm of such digital clocks, and their use is
`made easier.
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`5,381,388
`2
`als, to be of a size to permit convenient manual pointing
`at any of the numerals displayed with the finger in a
`manner to select one numeral location over another.
`The light beam emission means may comprise a plu
`rality of LEDs for forming a plurality of spaced beams
`respectively crossing the locations of the numerals.
`Alternatively, the light beam emission means may com
`prise a single light source, plus means for producing the
`individual light beams, plus means for selectively time
`gating the light beams. This may be accomplished in a
`manner described by Beiswenger US. Pat. No.
`4,847,606, the disclosures of which are incorporated by
`reference herein.
`The electronic digital display means may comprise
`LED displays, LCDs, vacuum ?uorescent displays,
`electroluminesent displays, and the like. The electronic
`control means may include software, ?rmware arrange
`ments such as electronic circuits, or components that do
`not require software or ?rmware, even, if desired, elec
`tromechanical relay circuitry. The electronic control
`means may also, as above, optically sense the position of
`a user’s ?nger that is manually pointing at an individual
`numeral, but it may alternatively sense the pressure of
`the finger pressing against transparent switch means
`positioned in front of the digital display means, to per
`mit manual changing of the individual numerals dis
`played. Alternatively, the presence of the user’s ?nger,
`or in any alternative case a probe rather than the ?nger,
`may be sensed through capacitive coupling, sound
`waves, resistive techniques, or any other desired means
`to permit control of the clock by manual pointing with
`the ?nger, a pencil or other probe at the individual
`numerals.
`The digital clock of this invention may carry clock
`alarm means of a generally conventional type, plus
`means for setting the alarm means by the direct chang
`ing of individual numerals displayed by pointing at the
`numerals.
`Also, the electronic control means may permit con
`trol of the digital clock functions by manually pointing
`to locations on the clock which are other than the loca
`tions of the numeral display means (“command boxes”).
`Also by this invention, the digital display means may
`be capable of displaying digits in a ?rst color to indicate
`time in the AM, and in a second color to indicate time
`in the PM. This can be accomplished, for example, by a
`back lit color liquid crystal display, or by other desired
`means. Thus, confusion can be eliminated as the user
`sets the clock, since the AM and PM distinction is
`prominently displayed.
`DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`In the drawings, FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a
`digital alarm clock in accordance with this invention, in
`which the display means utilizes a liquid crystal display
`plus an optically switched electronic control means,
`with _a front portion removed for clarity;
`FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of
`FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the operation of
`the digital clock of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a por
`tion of the clock frame;
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of the same frame
`portion as shown in FIG. 4;
`FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a digital alarm clock
`in which the electronic digital display means utilizes a
`
`1
`
`DIGITAL CLOCK
`
`5
`
`15
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`By this invention, a digital clock is provided which
`comprises an electronic timekeeping circuit, an elec
`tronic digital display means connected to the time keep
`ing circuit to display time as controlled by the circuit,
`and electronic control means.
`The electronic control means permits the changing of 45
`individual numerals displayed by the display means by
`manually pointing to the individual numerals to be
`changed. Thus, if one wishes to change the time 8:00
`o’clock to 9:00 o’clock, one needs to simply touch the
`numeral eight at its location in the plurality of numeral
`locations shown, thus causing the “8” to turn to a “9”.
`In many embodiments a simple touch of any of the
`numerals will cause the numeral to advance by one. A
`second touch will cause a second advancement by one
`in any of the numerals. Thus, by this means, the digital
`clock of this invention is easily controllable.
`The electronic control means that accomplishes this
`may comprise light beam emission means, light beam
`sensing means, and means for passing individual light
`beams from the emission means to the sensing means in
`front of the numerals in a position to permit selective
`blocking of the individual light beams with a ?nger.
`Thus, in this embodiment one does not have to even
`touch the electronic digital display means, but merely to
`closely point at it in order to block the light beam, to
`create a signal that causes advancement of the particular
`numeral being pointed at. Thus, typically, it is preferred
`for the digital clocks of this invention, and their numer
`
`55
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`65
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`Ford Motor Company et al.
`Ex. 1006
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`

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`5,381,388
`4
`3
`Incandescent light 40 is present to supply back light
`liquid crystal display, but the electronic control means
`is non-optical;
`ing for the LCD 16. If desired, a plurality of electroni
`cally controlled back lights 40 of different colors may
`FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7—7 of
`be provided, to provide a multicolored LCD display in
`FIG. 6;
`accordance with the principles of U.S. Pat. No.
`FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a digital alarm clock
`4,958,911, the disclosures of which are incorporated by
`in accordance with this invention utilizing LED-emit
`reference herein. By such a multicolor display of lights
`ted light beams and a plurality of discrete, separate
`40, 42, it becomes possible for numerals 26 to be dis
`photo receptors, to provide electronic control means
`played in differing colors so that AM times may be
`with an optical switching function; and
`displayed in, for example, green, while PM times may
`FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of
`be displayed for example in red. Thus, the user is pro
`FIG. 8.
`tected from confusion.
`FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the clock system.
`The LCD driver as shown is connected to the liquid
`crystal display 16 by wires 50. The LCD driver is also
`connected to the CPU or electronic control means,
`which, in turn, is connected to the clock crystal 53. The
`CPU is also connected respectively by wires 52, 54 to
`an LED driver and a detector ampli?er. The LED
`driver connects by wire 56 to LED 18, while the detec
`tor ampli?er connects by wire 58 to photodiode 20.
`By light pipe manifold 25 a plurality of light beams 30
`are provided, with manifold 25 extending transversely
`of the beams and re?ecting by an angled surface or
`surfaces the light beam along its various paths 30a-d.
`Similarly, the respective light beams are picked up by a
`second light pipe manifold 39, and by similar surfaces
`are all directed to photodiode 20. A speci?c example of
`such a light pipe is shown in Beiswenger U.S. applica
`tion Ser. No. 726,270, ?led Jul. 5, 1991, now abandoned.
`This is accomplished as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5
`where a portion of the frame 22 is disclosed which
`comprises respectively the structure of light pipe mani
`fold 25. Second light pipe manifold 39 may be of similar
`design. Light emitting diode may be placed within a
`recess 51 of frame 22. A V-shaped notch 53 in frame 22
`is provided above LED 18, to re?ect light beams at an
`angle transverse to their angle of incidence from LED
`18, in opposed directions, with the light beams passing
`through the transparent material of frame 22.
`Then, light moving in opposed directions encounters
`a ?rst pair of angled surfaces 55 which causes re?ection
`and creation of the separate beams 30b, 300.
`Also, frame 22 de?nes a second pair of angled sur
`faces 57 which are spaced on opposed sides of LED 18
`and farther from the LED than angled surfaces 55.
`Also, the centers of angled surfaces 57 occupy a plane
`which is parallel to but different from the centers of
`angled surfaces 55 as can be best inferred from FIG. 5.
`Thus, light from LED 18 is received by surfaces 55, but
`angled surfaces 57 also receive light in an unobstructed
`manner from LED 18 because they are out of the plane
`of angled surfaces 55, to create light beams 30a, 30d as
`shown.
`Thus, a portion of frame 22 serves as a light pipe to
`provide, in this embodiment, four parallel beams of light
`30 from a single light source 18, making use of a wedge
`shaped re?ective surface 53 to form two light beams in
`opposite directions, followed by the various angled
`surfaces 55, 57 which interact with each light beam to
`form the desired four light beams 30a-30c. It can be
`seen that the respective re?ective surfaces 53, 55, 57 are
`formed at interfaces between the transparent material of
`frame 22 and the exterior to form a plastic-air re?ective
`interface. Also, if desired, a re?ective coating may be
`placed on the respective surfaces 53, 55, 57. Particu
`larly, re?ective surfaces 53 and 57 may be formed as
`recesses in the frame 22. Re?ective surfaces 55 are
`
`DESCRIPTION ‘OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
`Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a digital alarm clock 10 is
`disclosed, without its outer casing, which outer casing
`may be of any desired design. Within frame 12 having
`optional apertures 14 for attachment to an outer casing,
`a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) 16 is provided,
`being retained within frame 12.
`A single light emitting diode (LED) 18 may be pro
`vided for emitting visible, infrared or ultraviolet light
`beams that are sensed by a single diode or phototransis
`tor 20. Light emitted by LED 18 is directed through
`edge portions 22 of frame 12, which is made of a clear
`plastic and shaped so that the frame acts as a light pipe
`25, splitting and delivering light respectively to a series
`of gating “window” areas (LCD time-gates) 24 which
`are de?ned in LCD 16, to either permit the passage of
`or to block light beams in accordance with the elec
`tronic program of the system.
`By this means, the optical switching system that is
`used to control the various individual numerals 26 de
`?ned on LCD 16 may be similar to the disclosures of the
`previously cited U.S. Patent incorporated by reference
`herein.
`A prismatic, transparent second frame 28 is carried in
`front of LCD 16 (shown only in FIG. 2) so that light
`beam 30 passing through an “open” LCD time-gate
`bounces off of ?rst re?ective surface 32 to pass through
`the space 34 enclosed by frame 28 across the face of
`LCD 16. Then, light beam 30 strikes second angled,
`re?ective surface 36, and from there is directed through
`a second LCD time-gate 38 de?ned in LCD 16, from
`there traveling through a second light pipe portion 39 of
`45
`frame 12 to photodetector 20.
`As in the previously cited patent, four LCD time
`gates 24 and four LCD time-gates 38 are provided, with
`each of a set of gates 24, 38 being provided for a sepa
`rate beam of light, so that four separate beams of light
`30a, 30b, 30c, 30d (FIG. 1) are provided. The respective
`gates 24, 38 are controlled so that the beams are sequen
`tially present as single beams, with the time of the exis
`tence of each individual beam being electronically pre
`determined, eachbeam being created for only a few
`thousands of a second, and the overall cycle of the
`sequential creation and termination of the beams being
`only a fraction of a second. Since the time of existence
`of each beam is electronically noted, when the user
`places a ?nger or pencil very near one of the numerals
`26, the absence of the light beam, blocked by the ?nger,
`is electronically noted and identi?ed as occluding one
`of the four beams 30a-d. Thus, as described in the previ
`ous patent, a predetermined switching function takes
`place, characteristic of the particular light beam which
`has been occluded, with the four switch-controlling
`light beams 30a-d being created and sensed all by a
`single LED 18 and a single photodetector 20.
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`60
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`5,381,388
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`5
`formed as part of an outwardly extending projection of
`To set a snooze (or “drowse”) delay, one points to the
`set area 60 as before. Then, one points to the
`frame 22, as particularly shown in FIG. 5.
`“DROWSE” section 68 to occlude light beam 30d,
`The respective light beams 30a, 30d may then be
`which causes section 68 to light up. The numerals 26
`collected by light pipe manifold 39 which may be of
`spontaneously display :00 (unless previously set to a
`essentially identical structure to that of FIGS. 4 and 5
`different number). Then, one can advance the degree of
`but working in reverse, with detector 20 occupying the
`desired drowse time wanted, say ten or ?fteen minutes,
`position shown for LED 18 in FIGS. 4 and 5.
`following which one points to the “SET” area 60 again,
`For the operation of the clock of FIGS. 1-3, the
`following which the clock goes back to the time of day
`following functions are available. Liquid crystal display
`again. To activate the alarm, one can point to the alarm
`16 not only has four numeral forming areas 26 for the
`area 64 within the preferred embodiment both areas 64
`display of the time, as shown, but LCD 16 also has other
`and 68 lighting up.
`display areas.
`The drowse alarm 68 and the regular alarm 64 may
`To set the time on the energized device, the numerals
`then be terminated by touching anywhere on the face of
`26 initially blink and display preferably 0:00. The user
`the clock that occludes beams 30a, 30b, 300, or 30d
`can then point to the displayed command box area 60
`when they go off.
`entitled “SET”. Upon pointing to that area, light beam
`To set the date with this clock, one points ?rst to the
`30a is interrupted. The signal thus received causes the
`time/date area 62 to occlude light beam 30b, and then
`CPU to light the area 60 to indicate receipt of the signal
`one points to the “SET” area 60 to occlude beam 300.
`and to set the system to receive a further signal.
`The “SET” area 60 and the “DATE” area of section 62
`One then can point to the time/date area 62, thus
`both light up. One can then point to the respective
`interrupting light beam 30b, which activates the CPU to
`numerals 26 to change the numerals to the month and
`light up the “time” portion of area 62 to indicate receipt
`date as desired. One then points to “SET” area 60 again,
`of the choice, then permitting the respective numerals
`and the time of day once again is displayed. The date
`26 to be adjusted by a touch. Thus, each of the numeral
`can then be displayed simply by pointing at the time/
`areas 26 may be so adjusted, except that the leftmost
`date area 62, while a second pointing at the same area
`area 26, which is uniquely in the shape of a “l”, is linked
`causes it to revert back to the time mode.
`to the adjacent area and, in this embodiment, not touch
`The above can all be accomplished by a conventional
`sensitive. Thus, area 26 which is second from the left
`program in the CPU of a type readily understandable by
`may be sequentially touched to display the respective
`those skilled in the art.
`30
`hour numerals 1 through 12 by occlusion of light beam
`The AM/PM box areas 69 on liquid crystal display 16
`30b. The right hand two areas 26 may be sequentially
`may monitor the mode of the time, whether it is AM or
`linked, or individually capable to each display the re
`PM for purposes particularly of setting the time of day
`spective ten numerals 1 through 0, by occlusion of the
`and the alarm. The previously discussed change of
`respective light beams 30c and 30d.
`color of the display can be either a substitute or in addi
`After the numerals have been properly set by ?nger
`tion to area 69, or area 69 can change color.
`touch of the respective numeral areas 26, one may point
`Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an alarm clock 10a of
`again to “SET” area 60, occluding light beam 30a to
`similar structure and function to the above embodiment
`terminate the process with the desired time remaining
`is provided, except as otherwise described herein. The
`set (“locked-in”, so to speak), and the correct time being
`clock has a liquid crystal display 16a, an incandescent
`kept by the device.
`back light 40a for the liquid crystal display, and a simi
`Touching of a numeral occludes one of light beams
`lar layout on the face of LCD 16a. However, in this
`30b, 30c and 30d. As stated, the occluding of light beam
`case, switching is provided by a conventional transpar
`30a will not adjust the numerals since light beam 30b
`ent membrane switch array 70, which detects the posi
`adjusts the left two numerals from 1-12. Light beam 30a
`tion of the ?nger with pressure as placed on the surface
`thus becomes a control beam for the “SET“’ control 60.
`of the LCD, to provide a switching function that is in
`To set the alarm in the clock of FIGS. 1-3, the ?rst
`many ways equivalent to the switching function of the
`step is once again to touch or point at the “SET” con
`previous embodiment, but by a different means. Thus,
`trol 60, thus occluding light beam 30a. The area 60
`the touch display digital alarm clock 10a may be used as
`lights up, following which one touches or points at the
`a substitute for digital clock 10 in the system of FIGS.
`50
`“ALARM” area 64 to occlude light beam 30c. This of
`1—3. In this alternate embodiment, frame 12a may be
`course sends a different signal to the CPU, which causes
`opaque since it is not used as a light pipe.
`area 64 to light up, indicating receipt of the command.
`Membrane switch array 70 may be replaced by a
`The alarm time is then displayed. One can then advance
`touch sensitive, capacitive-coupled panel or by touch
`sensitive, acoustic type panel.
`the numerals 26 by touching to the correct time as be
`fore. One then points again to the “SET” area 60 to set
`Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a touch display digital
`the alarm at the desired time, following which the clock
`alarm clock 10b is disclosed in which the numerals 26b
`are formed by a segmented LED display. Similarly, the
`shows the proper time and not the alarm set time.
`To deactivate the alarm, one can touch alarm control
`respective command areas 60b, 62b, 64b and 68b may be
`64 again.
`backlit by discrete LEDs and the clock color dots may
`be backlit by LEDs 72, to form a face of the clock
`It can be noted that the two areas numbered “1” and
`similar to that of the previous embodiments.
`“2” (referred to by reference numeral 66) are present to
`permit the setting of two separate alarms. The second
`In this embodiment, a plurality of light emitting di
`odes 18b are provided, each to provide a single, separate
`alarm can be set sequentially by the same technique as
`the setting of the ?rst alarm, and then both alarms will
`light beam 74 which communicates with one of a plural
`ity of photoreceptors 20b. Alternatively, the same light
`subsequently go off, being separately shut off by touch
`emitting scheme as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be used
`ing of the alarm control. Thus, two people can be wak
`with the plurality of photoreceptors 20b, or a single
`ened at different alarm times.
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`Ex. 1006
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`emitters than the number of individual light beams pres
`photoreceptor 20b may be used with a light pipe mani
`ent, plus means for dividing emitted light into said indi
`fold and a plurality of diodes 18b.
`vidual light beams, plus means for selectively time gat
`Since each light beam 30b is sensed by a separate
`ing said light beams.
`photoreceptor 20b in this embodiment, it is a matter of
`4. The digital clock of claim 1 in which said digital
`conventional circuitry to communicate the separate
`display is capable of displaying time indicia in a ?rst
`photoreceptor signals to the CPU, to provide a scheme
`of operation that is similar in clock 10b to those of the
`color to indicate AM time and in a second color to
`previous embodiments. Frame 28b directs the light
`indicate PM time.
`5. The digital clock of claim 1 which carries clock
`beams 74 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.
`alarm means and means for setting said alarm means by
`In other embodiments, the electronic control means
`manually pointing to individual numerals displayed.
`may sense the presence of the user’s ?nger or probe
`6. The digital clock of claim 1 in which said elec
`through capacitive coupling or by means of sound
`tronic control permits control of digital clock functions
`waves.
`by manual pointing at locations on said clock other than
`Additionally, in embodiments which use light beams,
`said plurality of display locations.
`the geometry of the optics may be such that the ambient
`7. The digital clock of claim 1 in which said digital
`lighting does not effect the ability of the apparatus to '
`display comprises a liquid crystal display.
`sense the user’s ?nger or probe. This may be accom
`plished either by shielding of the light beam path, or by
`8. The digital clock of claim 1 in which said digital
`display comprises a backlit liquid crystal display.
`the use of a different wavelength of light such as UV or
`9. The digital clock of claim 1 in which said digital
`infrared.
`display comprises an LED display.
`Also, in the situation where a backlit liquid crystal
`10. The digital clock of claim 1 in which a plurality of
`display is used, the electronic control means circuitry
`light beams are created from a single light beam emitter,
`may include a frequency-band-pass-?lter to ?lter out
`and light from said single light beam emitter is directed
`the backlighting frequency so that light emitted by the
`backlighting means does not interfere with the optical
`to a V-shaped re?ective surface in said frame to re?ect
`said light in substantially opposed directions within said
`sensing of the user’s ?nger or probe.
`frame; said frame also de?ning a ?rst pair of angled
`The electronic circuit which keeps time may include
`re?ective surfaces, each surface of the ?rst pair being
`components which are mounted on a three dimensional
`positioned on an opposite side of the V-shaped re?ec
`(3D) printed circuit of essentially C-shaped cross sec
`tive surface and positioned to receive each created light
`tion. The liquid crystal display is linked to the elec
`beam from said V-shaped reflective surface, which light
`tronic circuit by means of ?exible circuit and/or
`beams re?ected by the ?rst pair extend substantially
`mounted directly to the 3D printed circuit, so as to
`display the time and electronic control areas positioned
`perpendicular to said frame to be directed across said
`electronic digital display, said frame also comprising a
`in front of the clock numerals as described above. Such
`pair of second angled, re?ective surfaces respectively
`a circuit structure is disclosed in the previously cited
`positioned on opposed sides of said V-shaped re?ector
`US. Pat. No. 4,958,911.
`and positioned to receive re?ected light from said V
`In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the time-gates,
`shaped re?ector through said frame and to reflect light
`or shutters or window areas 24, 38 on the liquid crystal
`display may be typically opened and closed sequentially
`beams outwardly in a direction essentially perpendicu
`lar to said frame, said ?rst re?ective surfaces substan
`and in a co-aligned but also in cross-aligned fashion,
`tially occupying a ?rst plane and said second re?ective
`thus scanning the vertical and horizontal surface of the
`surfaces substantially occupying a second plane, said
`display for any occlusion, which is thus sensed by the
`?rst and second planes being essentially different from
`electronic control means.
`and parallel to each other.
`The above has been offered for illustrative purposes
`11. A digital clock which comprises an electronic
`only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the inven
`timekeeping circuit, electronic digital display means
`tion, which is as de?ned in the claims below.
`connected to said timekeeping circuit to display time as
`That which is claimed is:
`controlled by said circuit, and electronic control means
`1. A digital clock which comprises an electronic
`to permit changing of individual numerals displayed by
`timekeeping circuit, an electronic digital display con
`said display means in a plurality of locations by manu
`nected to said timekeeping circuit to display time as
`ally pointing at said individual numerals, in which said
`controlled by said circuit, and an electronic control to
`permit changing of individual numerals displayed by
`electronic control means comprises light beam emission
`said display in a plurality of locations by manually
`means, light beam sensing means, and means for passing
`individual light beams from said emission means to said
`pointing at said individual numerals, in which said elec
`sensing means in front of said numerals in a position to
`tronic control comprises at least one light beam emitter,
`permit selective occlusion of said individual light beams
`at least one light beam sensor, and means for passing at
`with a ?nger, and said electronic control means permits
`least one light beam from the emitter to the sensor in
`control of digital clock functions by manual pointing at
`front of said numerals in a position to permit selective
`locations on said clock other than said plurality of dis
`occlusion of said at least one light beam by manual
`pointing, the occlusion being detectable by the elec
`play means locations, to also permit selective blocking
`of said individual light beams thereby.
`tronic control.
`12. The digital clock of claim 11 in which said digital
`2. The digital clock of claim 1 in which said at least
`display means is capable of displaying time indicia in a
`one light beam emitter comprises one or more LEDs for
`forming one or more of said light beams respectively
`?rst color to indicate AM time and in a second color to
`indicate PM time.
`crossing the locations of said numerals, to engage said at
`13. The digital clock of claim 11 in which said light
`least one light beam sensor to detect occlusions.
`3. The digital clock of claim 1 in which said at least
`beam emission means comprises one or more LEDs
`one light beam emitter comprises fewer light beam
`forming one or more light beams respectively crossing
`
`60
`
`40
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`Ford Motor Company et al.
`Ex. 1006
`
`

`
`5,381,388
`9
`10 '
`shaped re?ector through said frame and to re?ect light
`the locations of said numerals and said digital clock
`beams outwardly in a direction essentially perpendicu
`function locations, and one or more light beam sensing
`lar to said frame, said ?rst re?ectors substantially occu
`means to detect occlusions.
`14. The digital clock of claim 11 in which said light
`pying a ?rst plane and said second re?ectors substan
`beam emission means comprises fewer light beam emit
`tially occupying a second plane, said ?rst and second
`ters than the plurality of individual light beams present
`planes being essentially different from and parallel to
`plus means for dividing emitted light into said individ
`each other.
`ual light beams, plus means for selectively time-gating
`21. The electronic digital display of claim 20 in which
`said light beams.
`one of said light pipes is associated with a single unit of
`15. The digital clock of claim 11 which carries clock
`said light beam emitter to create a plurality of parallel
`alarm means and means for setting said alarm means by
`light beams across said digital display, and another of
`manually pointing to individual numerals displayed.
`said light pipes is associated with a single unit of said
`16. The digital clock of claim 11 in which said digital
`light beam sensor to collect said parallel light beams and
`display m