JPH04218794A - Time display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable indication of various information in addition to clock indication by a construction wherein a plurality of displays are disposed circularly and figures corresponding to hands of a clock are indicated in the displays located in positions corresponding to the hands of the clock at the current time, while prescribed images are indicated in a plurality of displays at a prescribed time at least. CONSTITUTION:A plurality of displays 11A to 11L are disposed circularly, and at the time of 5:00, for instance, figures 15A and 15B corresponding to hands of a clock are indicated in the displays 11A and 11F disposed at positions corresponding to the hands of the clock at the current time, by a control means 13. In this way, the current time can be indicated in a mode which facilitates visual recognition. Since prescribed images are indicated in the display 11A and others in a plurality at a prescribed time by the means 13, besides, the time can be judged from indication of the images, while an improvement in the image of a space wherein this time display device is installed is brought about.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a time display device, and more particularly to a time display device installed in plazas, lobbies, etc.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Time display devices such as digital clocks and analog clocks are often installed in stations, plazas in parks, lobbies in buildings, and the like. The time display device is used by people in the plaza, lobby, etc. to check the time. This time display device also serves as a symbol of the plaza, lobby, etc. in which it is installed, and as a mark of the space in which it is installed.

0003

However, recently there has been a demand for time display devices to be able to display various information as well. For example, there is a need for a time display device that can display information such as destination guidance, event guidance, information about the space where the time display device is installed, and images that will improve the image of the space where the time display device is installed. On the other hand, the aforementioned digital clocks and analog clocks cannot display information other than time. In addition, neon signs and electronic bulletin boards are known as means of displaying information to an unspecified number of people, but it is difficult to display information other than the specified information on these, and for example, it is difficult to display information other than numbers and letters. Information such as images could not be displayed.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned facts, and an object thereof is to obtain a time display device that can display not only the time but also various other information.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, a time display device according to the present invention includes a plurality of displays arranged in an annular shape and arranged at positions corresponding to the positions of the hands of a clock at the current time. control means for displaying figures corresponding to the hands of a clock on the displayed displays, and for controlling the plurality of displays to display predetermined images at least at predetermined times.

[0006]

[Operation] In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of displays 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11
E, 11F, 11G, 11H, 11I, 11J, 11K
, 11L are arranged in an annular shape, and a figure 15A corresponding to the clock hands is displayed on the displays 11A and 11F, which are arranged by the control means 13 at positions corresponding to the positions of the clock hands at the current time.
, 15B are displayed. Note that FIG. 1 represents 5:00. Therefore, the current time can be displayed in a manner that is easy to visually recognize. Further, since a predetermined image is displayed on the plurality of displays by the control means 13 at a predetermined time, the time can also be determined by the display of the image, and the space where the present time display device is installed This will lead to an improved image. Furthermore, since the information is displayed on the display, any information such as destination information, event information, information on the space where the time display device is installed, etc. can be displayed. It can also display evacuation routes in case of an emergency. In this way, the present invention can display various information other than time.

[0007]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the numerical values described in this example.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a time display device according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the time display device includes a host computer 10 that controls various devices described below.

[0009] The host computer 10 detects the time using a built-in clock function. A communication line is connected to the host computer 10 via a modem 12. The time is corrected by correction data input to the host computer 10 from the outside via a communication line and modem 12, so that high accuracy is maintained. A CRT 14 is connected to the host computer 10, and displays the current time and images displayed on a plurality of displays, which will be described later. Also, host computer 1
0 is connected to an LED (not shown) via the I/O module 16.
etc. are connected to the host computer 1.
0 controls the operation of the display device such as this LED. Also,
A distributor 18 is connected to the host computer 10, and the distributor 18 includes six laser disc devices 20,
22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 5 computers 3
2, 34, 36, 38, 40 and a matrix switcher system 42 are connected.

A synchronization signal generated by a synchronization signal generator 44 and distributed by a distributor 46 is input to each of the laser disk devices. A laser disk (not shown) is set in each laser disk device. Various types of images are recorded on each laser disk, including about one minute of images (described later) created in advance by computer graphics for time notification purposes. The host computer 10 sends a signal specifying the type of video to be displayed on a display to be described later to a distributor 18.
output to each laser disk device via. Distributors 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, and 58 are connected to the laser disc devices 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30, respectively. Output the corresponding video signal to each distributor. At this time, each laser disk device is operated so that the output timing of the video signal is synchronized by the synchronization signal. The output side of each distributor 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 is connected to the input side of a matrix switcher 60, 62. Each distributor distributes the input video signal and outputs it to matrix switchers 60 and 62.

[0011] Furthermore, each of the computers 32, 34, 3
6, 38, and 40 are provided with storage devices such as memories. The storage device of each computer stores data representing figures corresponding to the hour hand, second hand, and long hand of a clock, data representing arbitrary character information, etc., which will be described later. Each computer has a word processor function, and the data representing the character information can be changed into arbitrary character information using the word processor function. host computer 10
The distributor 1 transmits a signal specifying the type of information to be displayed.
8 to each computer. computer 3
2, 34, 36, 38, and 40 are connected to the input sides of color image units 64, 66, 68, 70, and 72, respectively, and output data corresponding to the specified information to each color image unit.

Color image units 64, 66, 68
, 70, 72 are equipped with distributors 74, 76, 78, 8.
0 and 82 are also connected, and the aforementioned video signals are input from each distributor. Each color image unit 64, 6
The output sides of 6, 68, 70, and 72 are connected to distributors 74, 76, and 7.
8, 80, and 82. Each color image unit has a superimpose function, which combines graphic or text information corresponding to the hour hand, second hand, and minute hand of a clock input from the computer with the video signal input from the distributor, and distributes it to each image unit. output to the device as a video signal. The output side of each distributor 74, 76, 78, 80, 82 is connected to the input side of the matrix switcher 60, 62. Each distributor distributes the input video signal and outputs it to matrix switchers 60 and 62. Therefore, the matrix switchers 60 and 62 receive a video signal corresponding to the video specified by the host computer 10 and a video signal in which graphics or text information corresponding to the hour hand, second hand, and minute hand of the clock are synthesized with this video signal. .

A teletext adapter 84 is also connected to the input side of the matrix switcher 62. An antenna 86 is connected to the teletext adapter 84, and a teletext video signal received by the antenna 86 is also input. In addition, matrix switchers 60, 6
2 is matrix switcher control system 4
Connected to 2. As will be described later, the matrix switchers 60 and 62 have a large number of output terminals, and a display is connected to each output terminal. The matrix switchers 60 and 62 can connect each of a large number of input terminals and each of a large number of output terminals in any combination.

The host computer 10 sends a signal to the matrix switcher control system 42 indicating which video is to be displayed on each display, that is, to which display each of the multiple video signals input to the matrix switchers 60, 62 is to be output. is outputted via the distributor 18. The matrix switcher control system 42 outputs a signal that controls the operation of each matrix switcher 60, 62 based on the input signal. Matrix switcher 60, 6
2 connects each of the multiple input terminals and each of the multiple output terminals to the matrix switcher control system 42.
Connect in a combination that corresponds to the signals input from.

[0015] Also, matrix switchers 60, 6
A synchronizing signal generated by a synchronizing signal generator 44 is inputted to No. 2 via a distributor 46 . This results in
Matrix switchers 60 and 62 operate in synchronization with each laser disk device. Note that a CRT 88 is connected to the matrix switcher control system 42, and the connection status of the input terminals and output terminals is displayed on the CRT 88.

As shown in FIG. 3, twelve 28-inch displays 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102 are connected to the output terminals of the matrix switchers 60, 62.
, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 8 units 2
1 inch display 114, 116, 118, 120
, 122, 124, 126, 128, eight 10-inch displays 130, 132, 134, 136, 138
, 140, 142, 144 and three distributors 146, 1
48 and 150 are connected. In addition, each of the three distributors has 4 displays, totaling 12 21-inch displays (152).
, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164,
166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 are connected.

As shown in FIG. 4, the 12 28-inch displays are arranged in a ring on the floor of a symbol monument that is placed in a space such as a plaza or lobby as a symbol. Eight 21-inch displays are arranged in a ring around the inner periphery of the 28-inch display, and eight 10-inch displays are arranged in a ring around the inner periphery of the 21-inch display. has been done. These displays constitute a multi-circle monitor 192 as display means. Further, on the outer periphery of the annular arrangement of the 28-inch displays, numbers 1 to 12 are displayed corresponding to each display, similar to a clock face (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, the 12 21-inch displays are arranged in a ring shape on the ceiling of the symbol monument, forming a multi-ring monitor 194.

The audio signal output terminal of the laser disc device 30 (see FIG. 2) is connected to the input terminal of an equalizer 176, and the surround system 178 is connected to the output terminal of the equalizer 176. The surround system 178 includes two power amplifiers 180 and 18.
2 are connected, and the audio signal amplified by the power amplifiers 180 and 182 is sent to the speakers 184, 186, 188,
190.

Next, as the function of this embodiment, the multi-ring monitor 194 will be explained first.

The host computer 10 sends three types of video signals from either one of the laser disc devices, one of the computers, or the teletext adapter 84 to the matrix switcher 60 and the teletext adapter 84 as images to be displayed on the multi-ring monitor 194. 62. Each display that makes up the multi-ring monitor 194 displays a video displaying a guide to the space where the symbol monument is installed, a video displaying daily information, a video displaying numbers representing the time, a video teletext video, etc. indicate. The host computer 10 receives video signals corresponding to three types of videos from a distributor 146,
The matrix switchers 60 and 62 are controlled so that the signals are output to the matrix switchers 148 and 150.

1 constituting the multi-ring monitor 194
The two displays include displays 156, 162, 168, and 174 connected to the distributor 146 as one group, and each display displays an image corresponding to the video signal input to the distributor 146. Ru. Also, a display 15 connected to the distributor 148 in the same way
4, 160, 166, and 172 are also considered as one group,
An image corresponding to the video signal input to the distributor 148 is displayed on the display 15 connected to the distributor 150.
2, 158, 164, and 170 are also considered as one group,
An image corresponding to the video signal input to the distributor 150 is displayed.

The host computer 10 controls the matrix switchers 60 and 62 so that the images displayed on each display are switched at regular intervals. Furthermore, if there is information with a high degree of urgency, this information is displayed with priority. At this time, for example, by using the word processing function of the computer, the displayed text information can be quickly changed to text information representing the highly urgent information and displayed.

Next, the operation of the multi-circle monitor 192 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step 200, it is determined whether the current time is 30 seconds before the notification time. The multi-circle monitor 192 is designed to display an image that notifies the time at 0 minute 0 second of every hour, that is, at the aforementioned notification time. While the determination in step 200 is negative, step 202
to display the normal time.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, each display of the multi-circle monitor 192 displays a gradually changing gradation background, and displays ( In FIG. 6, a graphic 196 corresponding to the hour hand is displayed on the display 100). Similarly, a graphic 197 corresponding to the long hand is displayed on the display (display 128 in FIG. 6) located at the location corresponding to the minute hand of the clock at the current time, and a display ( In FIG. 6, a graphic 198 corresponding to the second hand is displayed on the display 108). Figures 196, 197, 1
The display position of 98 is changed over time. The normal time is displayed until 30 seconds before the notification time.

If the determination in step 200 is affirmative, a video notifying the time is displayed in steps 204 and thereafter. That is, in step 204, the background image is
Switch to the video for seconds ago. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the video for 30 seconds before is displayed on multi-circle monitor 1.
A background in which rainbow-colored ripples spread from the center to the outer periphery of each of the 92 displays is displayed.

In step 206, it is determined whether three seconds have elapsed before the notification time. If the determination in step 206 is negative, step 204 is repeated. Step 206
If the determination is affirmative, in step 208 the displayed video is switched to a video for time signal production. It is preferable that the video for the time signal presentation be one that can express the passage of time every second. For example, as shown in FIG.
6, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108,
110, 112 to display light that rotates once, and in the next 1 second, displays 114, 116, 118, 120, 12 arranged in an annular shape on the inner circumferential side of the display.
Displays 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 arranged in an annular shape on the innermost periphery during the last 1 second display a light that rotates once at 2, 124, 126, 128,
140, 142, and 144 to display lights that rotate once.

When it is determined in step 210 that the notification time has come, in step 210 a video for time notification is displayed and music for time notification is output. As an image for time notification, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, each display is made to display light flashing separately and violently. In addition, music for time notification is recorded on the laser disk together with this video, and the audio signal output from the laser disk device 30 is electrically processed by an equalizer 176 and a surround system 178 and then processed by a power amplifier 18.
0, 182 and the speakers 184, 186, 18
8,190.

When it is determined in step 214 that 2 seconds have passed since the notification time, in step 216 the video created by computer graphics and recorded on the laser disc is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, an image of a flower opening from the center to the outer periphery of each display on the multi-circle monitor 192 is displayed. When it is determined in step 218 that 4 seconds have passed since the notification time, in step 220 a figure representing a number corresponding to the notification time is displayed superimposed on the video. For example, Figure 1
1, when the notification time is 6:00:00, a three-dimensional image representing the number "6" is displayed on the outermost display, and this graphic is displayed as if it were rotating.

When it is determined in step 224 that 8 seconds have elapsed from the notification time, in step 226 a video created in advance for time notification using computer graphics, for example, as shown in FIG.
To display images of birds, fish, etc., and to display images of them moving around. Additionally, the image of flowers in the background changes over time to create a kaleidoscope image. This video is displayed continuously for about one minute.

When it is determined in step 228 that 1 minute and 15 seconds have elapsed from the notification time, the above display is faded out in step 230. For example, as shown in FIG.
The image of the flower image is changed and faded out so as to be inserted into the center of each display of the multi-circle monitor 192. After executing step 230, the process returns to step 200, and the normal time is displayed on each display of the multi-circle monitor 192.

As described above, in this embodiment, when displaying the time, the figure 196 is placed at the position corresponding to the position of the clock hands.
, 197, and 198 are displayed, so that the current time can be easily recognized visually.

Furthermore, when notifying the time, the above-mentioned time signal production video, time notification video, etc. are displayed, so that the time can be judged from the video, and the time display according to this embodiment This helps improve the image of the space where the equipment is installed.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the images described above. For example, the normal time display can be displayed as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. In other words, the gradation background appears to change silently over time. A graphic 198 corresponding to the second hand is displayed so as to go around the outermost display while drawing a sine curve. Further, a graphic 196 corresponding to the short hand and a graphic 197 corresponding to the long hand are displayed so as to rotate at their respective display positions. Furthermore, numbers representing time are displayed in a graphic 196 corresponding to the short hand and in a graphic 197 corresponding to the long hand at regular intervals.

Furthermore, the images shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 can also be displayed as images for time signal production. That is,
A bar-shaped color pattern is displayed so that the color changes as it goes around. By repeating this several times, a time signal is produced. In addition, in FIGS. 18 and 19, concentric color patterns flash while spreading radially, and the colors change while repeating the flashing to create a time signal.

[0036] Furthermore, the following images can also be used as images for the background and the like. For example, in the images shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the color pattern progresses from four directions from the outer circumferential side to the inner circumferential side of the multi-circle monitor 192.
They overlap near the center (see Figure 20). The color pattern further progresses and changes to display an image of a flower clock on the entire multi-circle monitor 192 (see FIG. 21).
. Further, the image shown in FIG. 22 has a fixed color pattern displayed on each display of the multi-circle monitor 192, and changes in a rotating manner. Furthermore, the image shown in FIG. 23 has various color patterns displayed on each display of the multi-circle monitor 192, and changes irregularly in a kaleidoscope image. In the image shown in FIG. 24, various color patterns are displayed on each display of the multi-circle monitor 192, and the color patterns change so as to be radiated from the center toward the outer periphery. Such an image can be used as a background.

Furthermore, when switching the background image, for example, the displayed image is changed to an abstract pattern using a video effect, and further changed to white noise. The next video to switch to is multi-circle monitor 192
You can switch the display so that it spreads out from the center.

[0038] In an emergency, the above display etc. on the multi-circle monitor 192 may be temporarily stopped and guidance such as an evacuation route may be displayed.

[0039] Also, on the multi-circle monitor 192,
It is also possible to display a video displaying a guide to the installed space, a video displaying daily information, a teletext video, etc.

[0040]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, in the present invention, a plurality of displays are arranged in a ring shape, and a figure corresponding to the clock hands is displayed on the display arranged at a position corresponding to the clock hands at the current time. In addition, since predetermined images are displayed on the plurality of displays at least at predetermined times, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to display not only the time but also various other information.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a time display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a time display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a multi-ring monitor and a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 16 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 20 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing an example of an image displayed on a multi-circle monitor.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Host computer 192 Multi-circle monitor 194
multi ring monitor

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: A plurality of displays arranged in an annular shape, a display arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the clock hands at the current time, a figure corresponding to the clock hands, and at least a predetermined time. and a control means for controlling the plurality of displays to display predetermined images.