Method and apparatus for providing time using cartesian coordinates
First Claim
1. A method for obtaining the local time at a location by providing the cartesian coordinates of said location, said method comprising the steps of:
- organizing a database of world time zones using cartesian coordinates to define geographic boundaries of world time zones, said step of organizing a database further including the steps ofindicating a boundary portion for each portion of a geographic boundary separating two different time zones, andproviding relative orientation information for each boundary portion entry, said relative orientation information indicating a relative orientation between said two different time zones;
specifying the cartesian coordinates of said location;
searching said database, responsive to said relative orientation information, to determine the world time zone which encloses said cartesian coordinates of said location; and
providing the local time at said location.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A world time multi-function watch for providing the local time at any location on earth by entry of the cartesian coordinates of that location through the bezel of the watch or by means of a GPS unit. The bezel is a high resolution input device which enables the cartesian coordinates to be input in increments of one degree. The coordinates are used to access a database of world time zones to determine the time zone in which the entered coordinates lie. Appropriate adjustments are made to reflect time zone adjustments with respect to a predetermined reference time line and to reflect the local observance of daylight savings time. One set of analog hands will automatically move to display the time at the selected location. The watch can be linked to a GPS unit through an optical, spread-spectrum rf or cable interface, by manually entering the information through the bezel, or through a wrist mounted unit linked directly or through an appropriate interface.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for obtaining the local time at a location by providing the cartesian coordinates of said location, said method comprising the steps of:
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organizing a database of world time zones using cartesian coordinates to define geographic boundaries of world time zones, said step of organizing a database further including the steps of indicating a boundary portion for each portion of a geographic boundary separating two different time zones, and providing relative orientation information for each boundary portion entry, said relative orientation information indicating a relative orientation between said two different time zones; specifying the cartesian coordinates of said location; searching said database, responsive to said relative orientation information, to determine the world time zone which encloses said cartesian coordinates of said location; and providing the local time at said location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 27, 28, 29)
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11. An apparatus for providing the local time at a location by processing the Cartesian coordinates of said location;
- comprising;
a database of world time zones arranged by Cartesian coordinates to define geographic boundaries of world time zones, said database including boundary portion entries for each portion of a geographic boundary separating two different time zones, said boundary portion including relative orientation information indicating a relative orientation between said two different time zones; means for entering the Cartesian coordinates of said location; means responsive to said relative orientation information for searching said database to determine the world time zone which encloses said location; and means for providing the local time at said location. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30)
- comprising;
Specification