Patent Application
20110026368
The present application relates to a graphic display programmable wristwatch that will display an array of downloadable static and animated images on an LCD or LED screen to be used to tell time. More particularly, the present application relates to a programmable wristwatch that will serve as a platform for downloadable computer-generated graphic images that will be linked to a time-keeping function.
For more than one hundred years, analog wristwatches featuring a single time-keeping function were the standard timepiece. In the late 20th Century, digital wristwatches were introduced that displayed the time in digital numbers. Digital watches featured a limited number of functions, such as an alarm, stopwatch, and backlight.
A wristwatch is a singularly important mechanism because it is worn on the body and it can be an item of fashion, personal identity, and function. Despite its integral role in modern life, the technology in the wristwatch has not kept pace with computer generation and the consumer's desire to be able to interact with electronic devices.
Traditional analog and digital wristwatches are highly limited in their display capabilities. With analog wristwatches, there is generally only a single display. With digital wristwatches, there are a limited numbers of displays according to the number of functions. Users often must purchase several wristwatches to meet their design and display desires.
Up to and including the present, the wristwatch has proven to be too small to handle multiple, complex processing functions and remain comfortable to wear. Programmable wrist devices have been attempted by such companies as IBM and Fossil Watch Company. Both companies, however, have abandoned efforts to convert a wristwatch into a PDA (personal display assistant), due to difficulties with size, processing power, power supply, and memory.
Of all the functional devices in current use today, the wristwatch seems to have missed the computer revolution. A user generally has no control over the display of a wristwatch and, even with digital wristwatches, there is no ability for a user to input information into a wristwatch. Thus, there is no interaction between the user and the wristwatch. The graphic display programmable wristwatch would meet the demand of users to interactively participate in the design and appearance of their timepiece by interfacing through a computer. A graphic display programmable wristwatch would enable a user to link the graphic images to the time-keeping function, thus enabling the user to display time in an infinite number of ways. Therefore, a graphic display programmable wristwatch such as this would offer several advantages over traditional analog and digital wristwatches.
Numerous innovations for the wristwatch have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes which they address, they differ from the present design as hereinafter contrasted. The following is a summary of those prior art patents most relevant to this application at hand, as well a description outlining the difference between the features of the graphic display programmable wristwatch and the prior art.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,477 of Rudolf Hauke describes a portable precision wristwatch. In addition to time-keeping functions, this wristwatch features a GPS receiver with antenna, evaluation electronics, a compass, a destination coordinate memory, an input element and a display element. With the evaluation electronics, the coordinates of the location and the directions to the destination are computed and are made directly viewable as a vector display in the display element. Thus, a very compact precision wristwatch is provided that may be personally carried everywhere and worldwide, and directly displays the direction to any destination, in particular as a pocket watch or wristwatch.
This patent describes a wristwatch that also comprises a GPS receiver with antenna, evaluation electronics, a compass, a destination coordinate memory, an input element and a display element. These devices with a wide variety of components tend to be very expensive, bulky and not an item that will be worn comfortably or regularly. The antennas are generally a problem and are often integrated into the watchband.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,206 of Jukka-Matti Karhu tells of a radio communication device. The device is operated by user input means. The user input means comprise a circular ring which surrounds a display. The ring is mounted for rotational movement and by movement of the ring the functions of the communication device are controlled, and information is entered. The communication device is preferably a wristwatch phone or a wrist phone.
This patent describes a radio communication device to be worn on the wrist that will function as a wristwatch. The elements of the communication device along with the antenna increase the size and shape of the device enough to make it uncomfortable to wear on your wrist.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,801,476 of Daniel A. Gilmour discloses a wrist-worn phone that is disclosed which includes a main housing with a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface including speaker holes, the front surface having a display. The wrist-worn phone further includes a first strap attached to a first end of the main housing, the first strap having an outer end. A second strap may be attached to the second end of the main housing, the second strap having an outer end, the outer end of the first strap for connecting with the outer end of the second strap. The second strap may be made from a shape retaining material for forming a generally elongated C shape such that the rear surface of the main housing is on an interior of the C shape. The wrist-worn phone may include an ear latch for hanging the main housing upon a human ear. A body-worn data storage device may include a plug mounted onto a strap of the device for insertion into a port of a computing device.
This patent describes a wrist-worn phone that does not function as a wristwatch. It has a variety of features, which will make it somewhat bulky to wear including an ear latch for hanging the main housing upon a human ear. Used in this manner the watchband would probably get in the way.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,187,908 of Teruhiko Fujisawa describes a wristwatch device having communication function, information display method, control program, and recording medium. A user can easily identify the content of data (the value or the state of the data), such as a credit balance, stored in a contact less IC module provided in a wristwatch device having a communication function. A timepiece control unit of a timepiece module transmits a confirmation command for the data, such as the credit balance, to a contact less IC module every determination cycle period TSP, and receives the data stored in the contact less IC module. When the value of the stored data (for example, the amount of balance) becomes smaller than a predetermined value, the timepiece control unit causes a second hand to perform an irregular movement noticeably different from the regular timing movement. Accordingly, the user is able to easily identify the data content (for example, insufficient balance).
This patent describes a wristwatch with a wide variety of functions that requires an external transceiver device to communicate data such as the credit balance. It has not been designed to have a LED screen for displaying different ornamental features or to function primarily as a wristwatch as does the graphic display programmable wristwatch.
None of these previous efforts, however, provides the benefits attendant with the graphic display programmable wristwatch. The present design achieves its intended purposes, objects and advantages over the prior art devices through a new, useful and unobvious combination of method steps and component elements.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch in detail, it is to be understood that the design is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement, of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The graphic display programmable wristwatch is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present design. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present application.
The principal advantage of the graphic display programmable wristwatch is to add a new and unique device to the area of wristwatches.
Another advantage is that a graphic display programmable wristwatch will feature an LCD or LED screen that will serve as the covering and the “face” of the wristwatch.
Another advantage is the preferred embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch will maintain the round shape of a conventional wristwatch with the alternate embodiment of the graphic display watch in a square or rectangular configuration.
Another advantage is the graphic display programmable wristwatch will have a time-keeping mechanism.
Another advantage is the time-keeping mechanism can be tied to a number of networks, including the atomic clock or various Internet providers, including the MSN network.
Another advantage is the graphic display programmable wristwatch will have a central processor for processing digital information into graphic images.
Another advantage is the graphic display programmable wristwatch will incorporate a USB and power input ports along with a wireless input for downloading images.
Another advantage is the graphic display programmable wristwatch would be able to sequence through a number of different images on the LCD or LED screen.
Another advantage is a user can simply download a variety of different conventional watch faces, digital displays, static images, or animated images onto the LCD or LED screen and change them as often as desired.
Another advantage the graphic display programmable wristwatch will have is a selection of different wristbands that will be easily attached and removed by a new and unique method.
Another advantage is that the graphic image programmable wristwatch would use an external power source to charge the battery while the user is sleeping, using either a power cord or an optional docking station.
Yet another advantage is the graphic display programmable wristwatch will have the capability of displaying the watch face in a variety of different languages, symbols, or images.
And still another advantage is the graphic display programmable wristwatch will have an alarm function.
These together with other advantages of the preferred and alternate embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the design, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the graphic display programmable wristwatch, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred and alternate embodiments of the graphic display programmable wristwatch. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the design in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the graphic display programmable wristwatch that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
The preferred embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch will be in the conventional round shape with a rotatable outer casing with an opening that when rotated will expose the USB port and the power connection port.
The alternate embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch will be in a square or rectangular configuration with a sliding plate that will expose the USB port and the power connection port.
The preferred embodiment and alternate embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch will have several distinct and innovative elements: an LCD or LED screen for displaying graphic images, a USB and wireless input for downloading images, a time-keeping mechanism, a central processor for processing digital information into graphic images and a power input port. It will feature an LCD or LED display screen that would serve as the covering and the “face” of the wristwatch but not have any “hands of a clock,” although such an image could be downloaded. The graphic display programmable wristwatch would be less a mechanical device and more an electronic device. The graphic display programmable wristwatch would be able to download from a computer and to save numerous graphic images. When the memory is full, the user would be able to replace downloaded images with new images.
The preferred and alternate embodiment of the graphic image programmable wristwatch would use an external power source that could charge the battery while the user is sleeping, using either a power cord or an optional docking station. With either, the power cord or the docking station, it can serve as a night clock and an alarm clock on the user's bed stand.
Time-keeping could be tied to a number of networks, including the atomic clock or various Internet providers, including the MSN network. Users who prefer to read time in a conventional manner can simply push the “time” button and see an analog or digital display of the precise time. This button will display time in a conventional manner while the user is holding down the button. Alternatively, a user many simply download a conventional watch face or digital display onto the screen.
The preferred and alternate embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch will have several advantages over traditional analog and digital wristwatches, including unlimited graphic image displays, control by the user over the graphic display of the wristwatch and flexibility in changing the graphic display. It will be interactive because of a central processing unit, memory, and downloadable graphic images through USB or wireless connections.
The preferred and alternate embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch, however, will be an electronic device that will allow the display of an infinite number of static and animated graphic images, including numbers in varying languages, symbols, and images that can be used to tell time. The same device can be used in any country in the world just by adjusting the language in the computer generated images reducing the overall manufacturing costs.
The graphic display programmable wristwatch will allow a user to download virtually any imaginable graphic image onto the wristwatch from the computer. The graphic images can be used, instead of or in addition to numbers, to tell time. The graphic image programmable wristwatch provides a user with the processing elements of a computer in the form of an infinite variety of graphic images and displays. Users will be able to download any imaginable image or animation into their wristwatch. They can choose an image that portrays a classic style, a contemporary style, photos of friends/family/pets, or cartoon characters, superheroes, movie action heroes, video game characters, promotional images, sports team logos, corporate logos, etc. They can choose static or moving animated graphic images. They can mix, match, and sequence the images. They can enjoy a series of downloaded graphic images that come with the wristwatch as a basic package and they can easily expand or replace the default images with new ones. The graphic display programmable wristwatch will appeal to young children as an entry level interaction electronic device. It will also appeal to teenagers, young adults, and people of all ages who desire the freedom to choose the way that time is represented.
The preferred and alternate embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch provides the advantage of vastly expanded color and display options that can be molded, instantly and easily, to fit the fashion of the wearer. Wristwatches can become flexible or adjustable fashion pieces that can be changed on a daily or hourly basis to complement the clothing, mood, or circumstances of the user. The graphic display programmable wristwatch will have the capacity to display multiple graphic images through memory storage and downloadable capacity. This will enable users to find graphic images that reflect multiple facets of their personality.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the graphic display programmable wristwatch and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts of the preferred and alternate embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch 10A and 10B are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in
The preferred and alternate embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch 10A and 10B shown in the drawings and described in detail herein disclose arrangements of elements of particular construction and configuration for illustrating preferred embodiments of structure and method of operation of the present application. It is to be understood, however, that elements of different construction and configuration and other arrangements thereof, other than those illustrated and described may be employed for providing the preferred and alternate embodiment of the graphic display programmable wristwatch 10A and 10B in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure. Such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this application, as broadly defined in the appended claims.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the graphic display programmable wristwatch of this application which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the application in any way.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US08/61178 | 4/22/2008 | WO | 00 | 10/12/2010 |
