EP0254525A2 - Programmierbare Schaltuhr - Google Patents

Programmierbare Schaltuhr Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0254525A2
EP0254525A2 EP87306424A EP87306424A EP0254525A2 EP 0254525 A2 EP0254525 A2 EP 0254525A2 EP 87306424 A EP87306424 A EP 87306424A EP 87306424 A EP87306424 A EP 87306424A EP 0254525 A2 EP0254525 A2 EP 0254525A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
keys
legends
display
time
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP87306424A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0254525A3 (de
Inventor
Kenneth Hamilton Wilson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
RANDALL ELECTRONICS Ltd
Original Assignee
RANDALL ELECTRONICS Ltd
Schlumberger Electronics UK Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by RANDALL ELECTRONICS Ltd, Schlumberger Electronics UK Ltd filed Critical RANDALL ELECTRONICS Ltd
Publication of EP0254525A2 publication Critical patent/EP0254525A2/de
Publication of EP0254525A3 publication Critical patent/EP0254525A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G21/00—Input or output devices integrated in time-pieces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G15/00—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals
    • G04G15/006—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals for operating at a number of different times

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a programmable time switch of the type based upon a microprocessor.
  • the word 'programmable' refers to the facility whereby the user can set up the on/off time schedule or program; it does not refer to the control program in the microprocessor. Because the control functions of such a time switch are set up in software it is possible to provide complex on/off schedules, e.g. for a plurality of individually programmable channels or with a plurality of ON and OFF times for each day of the week. More specifically the invention concerns time switches as defined in the introductory part of claim 1. Such time switches are readily available, commercial articles.
  • the keys or buttons which have to be provided to allow such a time switch to be programmed can be numerous and confusing to use. It is known to reduce the number of keys by providing UP and DOWN keys, instead of a numeric keypad, for setting in the numerical values, such as times. It is also known to provide keys which have a plurality of different functions, according to the phase of the program obtaining at the time they are pressed. These are known as multi-function keys. Such keys are used also in watches and it is well known to place legends by the keys giving an indication of the set of functions covered by each key. This approach is hardly satisfactory for more than two functions per key and it is all too easy for the user to get confused.
  • GB 1 574 449 discloses a microprocessor controller for a domestic appliance with a display device for providing information guiding the operator in using the switches of the appliance.
  • these switches are single-function switches with fixed labels.
  • GB 2 063 165 disloses a photocopier with switches which each have the sole function of stepping from option to option.
  • the currently selected option is indicated by a lamp lit adjacent one of a set of labels adjacent the key.
  • GB 2 074 346 discloses a microprocessor controller for a domestic appliance with an LED or LCD display and a set of keys.
  • the display presents a series of options of sequence and the user selects an option by pressing a key at a time that it is displayed.
  • Each key has the sole function "select currently displayed option”.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a programmable time switch which can handle complex programming with a minimum number of multi-function keys and yet be clear and unconfusing to use.
  • the embodiment of the invention to be described below is designed to allow up to 21 ON and OFF times to be programmed, with facilities such as 'copy' to make programming easy and the customary override (O/R) facility, all achieved in a clear manner with only four keys in addition to the keys for setting numerical values.
  • the latter keys are preferably just UP and DOWN keys so that the time switch has only six keys in total, excluding a special "permanent OFF" key mentioned below.
  • the programmable time switch according to the present invention is defined in the characterising part of claim 1.
  • the display device is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD).
  • the multi-function keys are conveniently in a row with the legends in a plurality of adjacent rows.
  • the rows can be horizontal rows but this is not essential.
  • the keys could be in a vertical row with the legends in adjacent vertical rows.
  • the time switch comprises a microprocessor 10 which is a four-bit single chip micro controller incorporating its own ROM, RAM, input/output circuits and timing circuits which are controlled by a crystal timing source 11. Such microprocessors are well known and commercially available. Inputs are received from a keyboard 12. Outputs are provided to an LCD 13 and a relay switching circuit 14 which controls an output relay 15. Power is supplied by a power supply circuit 16, run off the mains but provided with a back-up battery 17.
  • Fig.2 shows the front panel of the time switch comprising the LCD 13 and the keyboard 12.
  • the LCD is shown with all segments and legends displayed, a condition which never occurs in practice.
  • the keyboard 12 consists of an UP and DOWN key 20 and four keys or buttons 21, 22, 23 and 24, referred to as key 1, key 2, key 3 and key 4. These four buttons have different functions, according to the phase of operation and the relevent function is displayed above each button on the LCD. Only one legend is displayed at a time above each button.
  • the top section of the LCD consists of a large 3 1/2 digit seven segment display which is used to indicate time of day and programming times. To the left of this there is a small 2 digit seven segment display 25 which shows the number of possible programming times remaining to the user. This number decrements from a maximum of 21. Further to the left legends AM and PM indicate whether the displayed time is a.m. or p.m. and two legends 26 indicate whether an ON time or an OFF time is being programmed, and in normal operation, whether the relay is on or off. Along the top of the display are the days of the week.
  • key 1 is the PROG key used to select programming mode
  • key 2 is the TIME key used for setting clock time in the time switch
  • key 3 is the COPY key used for copying a program from day to day
  • key 4 is the O/R key used to provide an override function. This may either toggle the state of the relay or be an ON override only which turns the time switch on for a maximum of say two hours (unless turned off earlier by the program).
  • Key 1 is REVU for selecting REVU/MODIFY functions
  • key 2 is CANCEL
  • key 3 is SET for setting in an ON time, OFF time pair
  • key 4 is EXIT used to leave a program state.
  • the bottom row of legends consist of HR, MIN and DAY which indicate when keys 1, 2 and 3 are assigned to select hours, minutes and days respectively.
  • the legend for key 4 is ENTER, used when a time is actually entered.
  • block 30 shows the normal display state with the t op row of legends indicating the functions of the four keys. However, when there are no programmed events the display is as in block 31 with only the legend ENTER over key 4.
  • the programming mode is selected from state 30 by pressing key 1 or by state 31 by pressing key 4. In the programming mode, the display is as in block 32, with the middle row of legends selected. It will be convenient to describe the functions of the keys from right to left. Key 4 is EXIT and pressing this key puts the program back to its top level with the display of block 30.
  • block 32 key 2 is used when it is desired to cancel all stored events.
  • pressing key 2 does not lead to immediate cancellation.
  • the display changes to block 36 allowing exit back to block 32 (key 4) or requiring key 2 to be pressed again to implement the cancellation which is symbolised by block 38, reverting to block 31.
  • key 1 REVU is pressed
  • the display changes to block 39 from which it is possible to exit back to the first level (key 4) or modify programmed events.
  • Key 3 shows DAY and, if this is pressed, it is possible to change the selected day by INC/DEC (block 40) and the display changes to block 41.
  • key 2 CANCEL is then pressed, all the selected day's events are cancelled (block 42) and the program reverts to the first level.
  • key 4 ENTER is pressed no cancellation is effected and the program reverts to block 39.
  • the display changes to block 43 in which keys 1 and 2 allow a displayed time to be modified (44) while key 4 ENTER causes the modified time to be entered, with reversion to block 39.
  • Fig. 4 shows the top level display, block 30, and the possibilities existing when key 3 COPY is pressed.
  • the system switches to the display of block 50, from which key 4 EXIT reverts to the top level display 30.
  • Key 3 SET moves to display block 51 from which key 4 EXIT reverts to block 50.
  • Key 3 DAY allows the base day, that is the day to be copied, to be selected by using INC/DEC block 52.
  • the display is as in block 53 with key 4 shown as ENTER. When this key is pressed, the displayed day becomes the base day and INC/DEC, block 54, can be used to select the target day, to which the program of the base day is to be copied.
  • the display is as in block 55 with key 4 ENTER. When this key is pressed, the copying is effected and the program reverts to block 51 for another possible copying operation.
  • key 1 REVU allows copied days to be reviewed.
  • Key 2 CANCEL will cancel copied days, block 58, but only those which have been copied from the displayed base day.
  • Fig.5 shows the remaining options available f rom the top level display 30.
  • Key 2 TIME switches the display to block 65 in which keys 1, 2 and 3 can be used to select hours, minutes and day for alteration using INC/DEC, block 66. The correct time of day can thus be set up and, when key 4 ENTER is pressed, this time is entered and the system reverts to the top level, display block 30.
  • microprocessor 10 causes the LCD to display time of day when the system is in the top level. At other levels, the appropriate days and times being set, copied, reviewed, and cancelled are displayed, as is customary in digitally programmed time switches.
  • microprocessors are programmed to respond to key signals and implement the desired functions in each operating state are extremely well known and within the ordinary skills of a competent programmer.
  • programming scheme outlined with reference to Figs.3, 4 and 5 is only one of the many possibilities which can be worked out for use with a restricted number of control keys.
  • the means for adjusting numerical values the INC/DEC key 20 in the embodiment described
  • a smaller or larger number of keys could be employed but four is a convenient number because it is the smallest number of keys allowing one each to be assigned to hours, minutes and days plus a key available for controlling entry and exit operations.
  • More complex time switches embodying the invention can be devised, including multi-channel switches.
  • a facility may be provided for putting the time switch in a pulse mode in which each programmed time is not an ON or OFF time but pulses the relay 15 on for a short time such as one second.
  • the legends 26 in Fig.2 can then include a pulse mode symbol.
  • a further button not shown, may be provided for putting the time switch into a permanent OFF state and, on a second pressing, putting the switch back into its programmed state. This is preferably a recessed button requiring a probe to operate it.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
EP87306424A 1986-07-21 1987-07-20 Programmierbare Schaltuhr Withdrawn EP0254525A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8617760A GB2193011B (en) 1986-07-21 1986-07-21 Programmable time switch
GB8617760 1986-07-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0254525A2 true EP0254525A2 (de) 1988-01-27
EP0254525A3 EP0254525A3 (de) 1988-03-30

Family

ID=10601428

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87306424A Withdrawn EP0254525A3 (de) 1986-07-21 1987-07-20 Programmierbare Schaltuhr

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0254525A3 (de)
GB (1) GB2193011B (de)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4035190A1 (de) * 1990-11-06 1992-05-07 Diehl Gmbh & Co Zeitschaltgeraet
EP0347249B1 (de) * 1988-06-17 1994-06-01 Seiko Epson Corporation Integriertes Schaltungschip für elektronische Analoguhr
EP0447849B1 (de) * 1990-03-20 1996-01-03 elero Antriebs- und Sonnenschutztechnik Gmbh & Co. KG. Elektronische Rolladensteuerung
US10349502B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2019-07-09 Cantigny Lighting Control, Llc Timer and a method of implementing a timer

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2615973B1 (fr) * 1987-05-27 1989-11-10 Sefa Programmateur electronique pour appareil de cuisson
DE3823562C2 (de) * 1987-07-14 1996-11-28 Tokai Ind Sewing Machine Stick- oder Nähmaschine
GB2212946A (en) * 1987-11-28 1989-08-02 Smith Meters Ltd Programming devices wlth multifunction controls
GB2215518A (en) * 1988-02-25 1989-09-20 Vanderhoff Communications Limi Electrical control unit
AT400484B (de) * 1990-01-25 1996-01-25 Vaillant Gmbh Regel- und steuersystem für einen vorzugsweise gasbeheizten wassererhitzer
KR930003116A (ko) * 1991-07-15 1993-02-24 강진구 디지탈 시계를 이용한 예약 녹화 방법
DE29501535U1 (de) 1995-02-01 1995-04-06 Grässlin KG, 78112 St Georgen Programmierbare elektrische oder elektronische Schaltvorrichtung für die Elektroinstallationstechnik, insbesondere für die Gebäudesystemtechnik

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4303973A (en) * 1976-10-29 1981-12-01 The Foxboro Company Industrial process control system
GB1574449A (en) * 1977-02-28 1980-09-10 Thorn Automation Ltd Micro-processor controlled domestic appliances
CH628490B (de) * 1978-08-08 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Elektrooptische anzeigevorrichtung.
CH635975B (fr) * 1979-08-13 Centre Electron Horloger Montre-agenda comprenant un dispositif d'introduction de donnees.
US4300829A (en) * 1979-10-30 1981-11-17 Xerox Corporation Cascade illumination and switch control console
GB2074346B (en) * 1980-04-17 1984-09-26 Kenwood Mfg Co Ltd Control device
JPS5733384A (en) * 1980-08-07 1982-02-23 Seiko Koki Kk Mode switching device of electronic timepiece
JPS57169813A (en) * 1981-04-13 1982-10-19 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Numerical controller
GB2104254B (en) * 1981-08-01 1984-09-19 Sangamo Weston Electronic timing devices
KR890001314B1 (en) * 1983-05-23 1989-04-29 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Numbering control apparatus

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0347249B1 (de) * 1988-06-17 1994-06-01 Seiko Epson Corporation Integriertes Schaltungschip für elektronische Analoguhr
EP0447849B1 (de) * 1990-03-20 1996-01-03 elero Antriebs- und Sonnenschutztechnik Gmbh & Co. KG. Elektronische Rolladensteuerung
DE4035190A1 (de) * 1990-11-06 1992-05-07 Diehl Gmbh & Co Zeitschaltgeraet
US10349502B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2019-07-09 Cantigny Lighting Control, Llc Timer and a method of implementing a timer
US10433406B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2019-10-01 Cantigny Lighting Control, Llc Programmable light timer and a method of implementing a programmable light timer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2193011B (en) 1991-01-30
EP0254525A3 (de) 1988-03-30
GB8617760D0 (en) 1986-08-28
GB2193011A (en) 1988-01-27

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Inventor name: WILSON, KENNETH HAMILTON