Abstract:
An electronic timepiece including a hollow casing, an electronic L.E.D. module disposed in the casing, the module including a digital time and date display. A glass crystal is connected into an open bezel of the casing and covers the module and the display. By selective manual finger contact with the casing, the display is preferably orientable for reading alternately from either side of the timepiece by the wearer or by an observer. An illuminated image projection separate from the display preferably emanates from a top surface of the casing adjacent the crystal. Preferred first and second touch command bars extend around a different portion of a perimeter of the crystal wherein, when manually touched, current time or current calendar information is displayed. A thin film lamination may be attached atop the module or on an inner surface of the crystal for color enhancement of the display.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not applicable 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable 
   INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
   Not applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This Invention relates generally to an improved timepiece or wristwatch. More specifically, the invention relates to an electronic timepiece incorporating an L.E.D. or L.C.D. display with digital readout. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Presently there are a wide variety of electronic timepieces utilizing light emitting diode (L.E.D.) an/or liquid crystal display (L.C.D.) elements for digital readout. Many advantages and disadvantages to L.E.D. and L.C.D. timepieces are well described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,086. Some early timepiece examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,576,099 and 3,613,351 describing both typical L.E.D. and L.C.D. digital readout types. In contrast to a conventional analog type, these electronic digital timepieces display information in the form of numbers or digits and are well known in the art. L.C.D. timepieces have a continuous readout while due to power consumption, L.E.D. timepieces can only display readouts on demand. 
   Early L.E.D. timepieces utilized a mechanical command button assembly incorporated in the watchcase to be pushed by the wearer for readout activation. U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,031 discloses elements for commanding the electronics to display the digital readout (time only) utilizing a single mechanical push button. The initial time settings are accomplished and maintained by means of a magnetically actuated internal reed switch incorporated on the electronic module from outside the watchcase with a magnet. The magnet is conveniently stored in a compartment incorporated in the clasp of the bracelet. 
   An advanced electronic digital timepiece incorporating both time and calendar information is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,803,827, time and calendar information can be independently displayed by means of two separate mechanical push button assemblies. Advanced setting features disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,277 show the same two separate buttons used to demand readouts for time or calendar information could be used in the setting mode by sequential button depression. This is known in the art as Auto-Setting (AS). 
   Yet another advancement to the L.E.D. electronic timepiece disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,699 incorporates an arm responsive inertial switch on the internal electronic module for demanding the time readout to be displayed without depressing buttons. The wearer performs a predetermined series of wrist movements to activate the switch. This is known in the art as an Auto-Command (AC) feature. Another AC version is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,955,356 describing a gravity-actuated demand switch. By positioning the watch while on the wrist to a selected orientation range from horizontal, for example 30 degrees, digital readout is activated. When the wearer lifts his/her arm to view the display the gravity-actuated switch signals the integrated circuit (IC) to display a digital readout. 
   A more recent advanced L.E.D. timepiece disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,796 is an electronic timepiece with the top portion of the watchcase isolated from the lower case to create a switch assembly for commanding readouts without the use of any buttons. By unitizing touch sensitive electronic circuitry, touching any area on the top of the watchcase completes the loop circuit with the lower watchcase section and commands readout. This is known in the art as Touch-Command (TC). 
   Also well known to the art is that typically an electronic L.E.D. timepiece has a colored watch crystal of corresponding color to the output L.E.D. display positioned on the electronic module. Commonly a colored mineral glass or plastic crystal to view the L.E.D. digital display from outside the watchcase is unutilized. It is essential the colored crystal allow the proper wavelength of colored light to pass through to the outside while blocking from view any components inside the watchcase under the crystal. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,086 discloses an improved watch crystal to view a L.E.D. readout of any color by coating the backside of the crystal with mercury. This method transforms a clear uncolored watch crystal into a mirror until the L.E.D. readout is displayed. If in addition, a color is desired a separate film could be applied to the backside of the crystal after the mercury is applied. Also disclosed is the possibility of a color tint film applied without the mercury application. No methods of application are discussed in the disclosure of invention. 
   The present invention in one aspect thereof allows for the option to command the digital readout into an inverted position. The inversion provides considerable improvement in the orientation of the digital readout for viewing by an observer and eliminates the need for the wearer to contort his/her wrist. While in the typical operating mode, the digital readout is orientated for viewing by the wearer until the inverted display feature is activated. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention is directed to an electronic timepiece including a hollow casing, an electronic L.E.D. module disposed in the casing, the module including a digital time and date display. A glass, preferably clear cultured sapphire crystal, is connected into an open bezel of the watch casing and covers the module and the display. An illuminated image projection separate from the display preferably emanates from a top surface of the casing adjacent the crystal. Preferred first and second touch command bars extend around a different portion of a perimeter of the crystal wherein, when manually touched, current time or current calendar information is displayed. By selective manual finger contact with the casing, the display is preferably orientable for reading alternately from either side of the timepiece by the wearer or by an observer. A thin film lamination may be attached atop the module or on an inner surface of the crystal for color enhancement of the display and crystal. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention is to provide an option to invert the L.E.D. or L.C.D. digital readout (digital display) incorporated in the workings of an electronic timepiece. 
   Another aspect of the present invention is an independent illuminated image formed into the watch casing to be viewed separately or additionally to the main display readout. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is an improved touch-sensitive touch command assembly with multiple touch areas for commanding time, calendar, setting, and inversion functions. 
   And still yet another object of the present invention is to utilize the application of a film of color and/or special effect to the face of an electronic module or to the inner surface of the crystal to give aesthetic value to the watch crystal whether the L.E.D. readout is displayed or not. Additionally, an improved method of applying such film to the backside of a watch crystal or to the face of the electronic module for color enhancement and/or special effects is provided. 
   In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the invention including a watchband 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is another exploded view of the timepiece only. 
       FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the timepiece. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded lower perspective view showing the casing, crystal and back plate. 
       FIG. 6  is a left side elevation view of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 7  is a right side elevation view of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 8  is one end elevation view of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 9  is another top end view of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 10  is a simplified schematic drawing of the touch command circuitry. 
       FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 4  showing the alphanumeric orientation facing the wearer. 
       FIG. 12  is a view similar to  FIG. 11  showing the alphanumeric characters inverted or reversed for proper viewing by another person. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention is there shown generally at numeral  10  and includes a timepiece assembly  12  and a watchband assembly  14  connected thereto in typical operative arrangement. The timepiece  10  includes a formed or machined casing  16 , a preferably flat clear sapphire crystal  18 , an electronic preferably L.E.D. actuated timepiece module  50  and a case back  58 . 
   The module  50  includes IC programming to maintain the time of day and the date information and, upon proper activation to display same by an internal power source via L.E.D. readouts or segmentation at  52 . A separate image  54  is also formed preferably of L.E.D. segments and may be illuminated to form a separate decorative image thru the case as will be described more fully herebelow. 
   The crystal  18  is seated within a bezel  62  and is surrounded by two conductive elongated contoured command bars  22  and  24 . Plastic isolator strips or plates  30  and  32  are positioned between the command bars  22  and  24  and the periphery of the open outwardly facing top side of the casing  16 . 
   A thin layer of laminate  16  of the proper color and wavelength matching the color of the selected L.E.D. display is adhered either to the upwardly facing surface at  46   a  of the electronic time module  50  or to the inner surface of the crystal  18  at  46 . In either position, the light produced by the selective colored L.E.D.s  52  is not altered significantly. Objectively, the color of the watch crystal is changed by the application of the film allowing the selected L.E.D. color to pass through the colored watch crystal unchanged. The film laminate  46  or  46   a  enhances the appearance of the timepiece and display by adding color to the watch crystal while reducing visibility of components below the surface of the crystal  18  or below the surface of the electronic module  50 . 
   The command bars  22  and  24  are elongated contoured conductive strips configured to substantially follow the perimeter profile of the crystal  18 . These command bars  22  and  24  are provided to control the operation of the timepiece  12  and the IC within module  50 . These command bars  22  and  24  rest atop non-conductive plastic insulator strips or plates  30  and  32  which are configured to substantially match the plan or contact profile of each of the corresponding command bars  22  and  24 . These insulator plates  30  and  32  themselves rest atop the perimeter facing surfaces of the casing  16  such that the conductive command bars  22  and  24  are in electrical isolation one from another and from the casing  16 . 
   Upwardly extending false command bars or spacing tabs  26  and  28  are formed into the casing  16  and correspond to the spacing between end tabs  34  and  36  of the isolator plates  30  and  32 . These tabs  34  and  36  maintain the electrical isolation between the corresponding ends of the command bars  22  and  24 . The isolator plates  30  and  32  include downwardly extending alignment pins  38  and  40  which interengage with holes  42  and  44  formed into the casing  16 . When the timepiece is assembled, isolating plastic sleeves  17  positioned through apertures  19  and  21 , isolate the conductive springs  15  while allowing the ends to make contact with the command bars  22  and  24  and the touch sensor circuitry contacts  64  and  66 , respectively, on the electronic module  50 . 
   A plastic imaging plug  56  is positioned between and in alignment and registry with the image L.E.D.  54  and mating apertures  20  formed through the casing  16 . This image plug  56  may be clear or colored and transparent or translucent as design aesthetics dictate and is generally configured in the preferred embodiment shown to present a logo associated with the timepiece  10  itself. However, the configuration of the image  20  and the corresponding configuration of the image plug  56  and image L.E.D.  54 , all of which must be in alignment and registry one to another, may be of any desired configuration, color, ornamentality or aesthetics as desired. 
   In previous digital timepieces, a display is programmed to be orientated for viewing only by the wearer unless the wearer turns or twists his/her arm to a position that an observer can view the display. The present invention allows for the digital display  52  to be inverted by appropriate activation by the wearer or an observer. Programming incorporated on the IC signals the digits of the module  50  to invert upside down when activated. This is accomplished by designated switching on the watchcase for inversion. Once activated, the digital display  52  is correctly orientated for viewing by the observer. The present invention  10  has two separate inversion switches in the form of the adjacent ends of the command bars  22  and  24 , one for the wearer and one for the observer to activate as will be described herebelow. Orientation of each switch is located nearest to the respective parties to eliminate the display  52  being blocked by the hand of the activator. Part or all information could be displayed while inverted by alternative IC programming but the present invention inverts only the time. 
   Illuminated Image in Casing 
   The image  20  may be formed through the casing  16  by cutting, drilling, casting or any other means into the watchcase. The image  20  may also be of any shape, size or color and located anywhere on the watch casing  16 . Illumination of the image L.E.D.  54  may be constant or intermittent and of any color, brightness or intensity. The present invention has Logic IC programming for setting a specific timed flash illumination period, which is controlled on the main IC and may be set by the manufacture or end user. The present invention also has IC programming to optionally turn off the illumination permanently or at predetermined time period. 
   Whereas a formed image  20  for additional information may implement additional time or calendar information, the present invention preferably implements a logo to promote the Watch Company. It is foreseeable that most any type of image could be unutilized for most any reason. The use of a separate clear or colored lens or crystal may also be utilized to present the image color. The illumination from the main L.E.D. display  52  may alternately include the independent formed image. However, it is preferred that the separate L.E.D.  54  for illumination be used. 
   Touch-Sensitive Command Bar 
   The present invention utilizes touch sensitive command bars  22  and  24  as above described to activate all display information. The electronic module incorporates IC programming and sensor circuitry connected to the command bars  22  and  24 . The use of mechanical buttons for both command and setting functions are eliminated. All penetrations in the watchcase for the utilization of mechanical buttons are eliminated as well. Two separate command bars  22  and  24  are each for selected functions such as demanding time, calendar information or inversion, for example, by touching the right side command bar  22  for time and the left side command bar  24  for calendar Information. 
   As seen in  FIG. 11 , the normal orientation of the alphanumeric characters of the L.E.D. display  52  are oriented so that the wearer will view them in the direction of the arrow in an upright orientation. When both bars  22  and  24  are touched simultaneously in close proximity to spacing to tabs  26  and  28 , the inversion function is activated to invert the L.E.D. display  52  so that another person may view the L.E.D. display  52  in an upright orientation from the direction of the arrow. These spacing tabs  26  and  28  gives the appearance of a third and a fourth command bar but this is a faux. These apparent command bars  26  and  28  are narrowly sized in width and positioned to force one&#39;s fingertip to make simultaneous contact with the adjacent ends of both command bars  22  and  24  and the casing  16  when touched, activating the inversion feature. Sequential touching of these same two separate command bars  22  and  24  also controls all setting functions. 
   In the previous referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,796, the entire top portion of the watchcase is utilized to command the time and calendar information. That prior invention indicates that one touch of the top portion of the watchcase will display the time and twice to display the calendar information. It should be noted that no possible combination of touching a single electrode could allow for any setting functions. Therefore, a second electrode or a mechanical button incorporated in the watchcase is necessary for setting functions and additional functions. Also discussed in this prior referenced &#39;796 patent is the utilization of a “bezel” used to hold the watch crystal in place as an alternative touch sensitive electrode with the same basic functions as the isolated case top electrode of the watch casing  16 . There is no mention of how the end user is to set the time or calendar information with either claim utilizing one switching circuit. 
   In the present invention  10 , all module functions are controlled with the touching of the two separate command bars  22  and  24 ; no additional buttons and/or bars are needed. Many combinations exist for alternative programming for various functions utilizing two command bars versus one. This arrangement also eliminates the need for a simple grounding loop circuitry used in the previous referenced &#39;796 invention. This reduces the chance of unwanted demands. for display information due to shorting out the loop circuitry. Water or conductive matter can make contact across the small thin areas isolating the upper and lower case section of the &#39;796 invention, shorting out the switching circuit. Such a short would signal a demand for display information. In certain instances the short could render this prior art &#39;796 timepiece inoperable for some time until the short was resolved. An example would be a single drop of water bridging the two isolated case parts, creating the short until the drop of water was removed or evaporated the electronic module would recognize it as a command for display. 
   In the present invention, the right (time) and left (date) command bars  22  and  24 , act as a switch signaling the sensory circuit in module  50  when touched with a human finger. Prongs or probes  38  and  40  isolated from the watch casing  16  are connected to the insulator plates  30  and  32  and the touch sensory circuit on the electronic module. The sensory circuit consists of a specific fixed resonation frequency range that, when sensed, signals for display. By utilizing the frequency range of the human finger, the need for a typical loop grounding circuit is eliminated. Since water and all other matter have a different frequency range, only the human finger can signal demands for time, calendar or inversion display readout. 
   Circuitry 
   Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the general description of a resistance-capacitance (R/C) electronic circuit or network is there shown for use in conjunction with the touch command features of the present invention. In this diagram of  FIG. 10 , the metal probes previously described are there shown at TP 1  and TP 2 . Probe TP 1  is designated for use with the left-hand touch command bar  24  while the probe TP 2  is used in conjunction with the right-hand touch command bar  22 . 
   On the microprocessor or IC, port P 1  is used to supply an electric charge to the R/C network R 1 /C 1 ; port  2  is used to supply an electric charge to the R/C network R 2 /C 1 ; port P 3  is used to supply an electric charge to the R/C network R 3 /C 1 ; and port P 4  is used as an input port which detects the input frequency from R 1 /C 1 , R 2 /C 1  and R 3 /C 1 . Thus, three different R/C networks are provided each of which has its own resonant frequency. 
   The theory of operation is quite simple and may be explained as follows: 
   A first R/C oscillation network is formed by R 1 /C 1  having a resonant frequency of:
 
F1=½π[R1C1] 1/2  
 
and is generated by electrical charging from P 1 . This frequency F 1  will be changed if there is a very high impedance object conducted on TP 1 .
 
   A second R/C oscillation network is formed by R 2 /C 1  having a resonant frequency of:
 
F2=½π[R2C2] 1/2  
 
and is generated by electrical charging from P 2 . This frequency F 2  will be changed if there is a very high impedance object conducted on TP 2 .
 
   A third R/C oscillation network is formed by R 3 /C 1  having a resonant frequency of:
 
F3=½π[R3C3] 1/2  
 
and is generated by electrical charging from P 3 . This frequency F 3  will always be constant. This is “normal” and is used as a reference frequency to compare with F 1  and F 2  which, if different from F 3 , causes the processor to determine which network is different and signals that network to activate it&#39;s predetermined command.
 
   The operational steps are as follows:
         1. Supply an electric charge from P 1 , P 2 , P 3  to each R/C network, R 1 C 1 , R 2 C 1  and R 3 C 1  separately;   2. Constantly monitor frequency input from P 4 ;   3. Constantly monitor and compare F 1  and F 3 ; if there is a change from the predetermined resonance range, command bar TP 1  is activated, i.e. “date”.   4. Constantly monitor and compare F 2  and F 3 ; if there is a change from the predetermined resonance range, command bar TP 2  is activated, i.e. “time”.       

   The human body has a very high impedance compared to other conductive matter. Under 5vdc voltage, this circuit of  FIG. 10  works if there is a high impedance object that comes in contact with any of the R/C networks. When one or more of the R/C networks sense a change in the frequency output of F 1  and F 2 , the network acts as a very large resistor connected to the network. However, if the command bars TP 1  and/or TP 2  come in contact with conductive liquids such as water, there will be no change in resonance due to the low impedance. Therefore, no signal for command is given and the display remains normal, in the off position. 
   Film Lamination 
   The present invention provides for an even more improved digital watch by preferably economically enhancing the digital L.E.D. display and blocking visible inner watch components viewed by the outside. The appearance of the watch  10  is improved by converting a plain watch face into one of color and/or special effect such as mirror. This is achieved by applying a self-adhesive film  46   a  of color and/or special effect to the face of the electronic module. A similar effect is achieved if a film  46  was applied directly to the back of the watch crystal  18  but this application is more problematic. Films of this nature are readily available and commonly used in tinting applications for windows in buildings and automobiles. The film can also be applied to any flat smooth surface inside the watch visible through any clear watch crystal. 
   When applied to the face of the electronic module  50 , printing on the exposed surface of the film is also possible and may eliminate costly reverse printing on the back of watch crystal  18 . The printing would be below the surface of the watch crystal  18  and would be protected against damage and wear typical of printing on the exposed surface of the watch crystal  18 . 
   The present invention is particularly advantageous when a sapphire crystal  18  is utilized. The high cost of growing a colored synthetic sapphire is eliminated because the desired color and/or special effect, such as mirror, can be attained utilizing film lamination. The hardness of a synthetic sapphire crystal  18  prevents successful printing on either side. By utilizing preprinted film laminated to the electronic module  50 , a digital L.E.D. watch may now incorporate a sapphire crystal  18  with printing features never previously possible. 
   The electronic module  50  incorporated inside the watch casing preferably includes semi-transparent prismatic layer (not shown) used to spread illumination from one L.E.D. to a wider area. This improvement in L.E.D. module technology is well known in the art. By adding the film  46   a  laminated to the top exposed surface of the prismatic layer, when seen from the outside, the module components are not seen and the color of the film  46   a  is visible through the clear optical crystal  18 . When the L.E.D. display  52  is activated, the L.E.D. illumination is clearly visible through the film  46   a  and is the only visible element other than the film color. 
   Film Lamination Process 
   The steps of the film application process are to first immerse the crystal  18 , prismatic surface of module  50 , or any other surface in water with the film  46  or  46   a . Then, remove the backing layer that protects the adhesive and apply it to the crystal  18 , prismatic surface or other surface while still immersed. Remove and force any water from between the two surfaces along with any air bubbles by conventional means described by the film manufacture. This method substantially reduces the cost by eliminating the process recommended by the manufacture to laminate in a “Clean Room” environment. Immersing significantly reduces the chance of trapping dust or foreign matter during lamination. 
   While the instant invention has been shown and described herein in what are conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but is to be afforded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus and articles.