Alarm clock

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A traditional wind-up (key-wound), mechanical spring-powered alarm clock 2010-07-20 Black windup alarm clock face.jpg
A traditional wind-up (key-wound), mechanical spring-powered alarm clock

An alarm clock or alarm is a clock that is designed to alert an individual or group of people at a specified time. The primary function of these clocks is to awaken people from their night's sleep or short naps; they can sometimes be used for other reminders as well. Most alarm clocks make sounds; some make light or vibration. Some have sensors to identify when a person is in a light stage of sleep, in order to avoid waking someone who is deeply asleep, which causes tiredness, even if the person has had adequate sleep. To turn off the sound or light, a button or handle on the clock is pressed; most clocks automatically turn off the alarm if left unattended long enough. A classic analog alarm clock has an extra hand or inset dial that is used to show the time at which the alarm will ring. Alarm clock functions are also used in mobile phones, watches, and computers.

Contents

Many alarm clocks have radio receivers that can be set to start playing at specified times, and are known as clock radios. Additionally, some alarm clocks can set multiple alarms. A progressive alarm clock can have different alarms for different times (see next-generation alarms) and play music of the user's choice. Most modern televisions, computers, mobile phones and digital watches have alarm functions that automatically turn on or sound alerts at a specific time.

Types

Traditional analogue clocks

Traditional mechanical alarm clocks have one or two bells that ring by means of a mainspring that powers a gear to quickly move a hammer back and forth between the two bells, or between the internal sides of a single bell. In some models, the metal cover at back of the clock itself also functions as the bell. In an electronically operated bell-type alarm clock, the bell is rung by an electromagnetic circuit with an armature that turns the circuit on and off repeatedly. [1] [ self-published source? ]

Digital

Digital alarm clocks can make other noises. Simple battery-powered alarm clocks make a loud buzzing, ringing or beeping sound to wake a sleeper, while novelty alarm clocks can speak, laugh, sing, or play sounds from nature. [1]

History

The Obelisk of Theodosius, detail of the pedestal: Theodosius I offers laurels of victory; we can see the water organ of Ctesibius, in the lower right-hand corner. Istambul cokol1RB.JPG
The Obelisk of Theodosius, detail of the pedestal: Theodosius I offers laurels of victory; we can see the water organ of Ctesibius , in the lower right-hand corner.

The ancient Greek philosopher Plato (428–348 BCE) was said to possess a large water clock with an unspecified alarm signal similar to the sound of a water organ; he used it at night, possibly for signaling the beginning of his lectures at dawn (Athenaeus 4.174c). [2] The Hellenistic engineer and inventor Ctesibius (fl. 285–222 BCE) fitted his clepsydras with dial and pointer for indicating the time, and added elaborate "alarm systems, which could be made to drop pebbles on a gong, or blow trumpets (by forcing bell-jars down into water and taking the compressed air through a beating reed) at pre-set times" (Vitruv 11.11). [3]

The late Roman statesman Cassiodorus (c. 485–585) advocated in his rulebook for monastic life the water clock as a useful alarm for the "soldiers of Christ" (Cassiod. Inst. 30.4 f.). [4] The Christian rhetorician Procopius described in detail prior to 529 a complex public striking clock in his home town Gaza which featured an hourly gong and figures moving mechanically day and night. [4]

In China, a striking clock was devised by the Buddhist monk and inventor Yi Xing (683–727). [5] The Chinese engineers Zhang Sixun and Su Song integrated striking clock mechanisms in astronomical clocks in the 10th and 11th centuries, respectively. [6] A striking clock outside of China was the water-powered clock tower near the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria, which struck once every hour. It is the subject of a book, On the Construction of Clocks and their Use (1203), by Riḍwān ibn al-Sāʿātī, the son of clockmaker. In 1235, an early monumental water-powered alarm clock that "announced the appointed hours of prayer and the time both by day and by night" was completed in the entrance hall of the Mustansiriya Madrasah in Baghdad. [7]

From the 14th century, some clock towers in Western Europe were also capable of chiming at a fixed time every day; the earliest of these was described by the Florentine writer Dante Alighieri in 1319. [8] The most famous original striking clock tower still standing is possibly the one in St Mark's Clocktower in St Mark's Square, Venice. The St Mark's Clock was assembled in 1493, by the famous clockmaker Gian Carlo Rainieri from Reggio Emilia, where his father Gian Paolo Rainieri had already constructed another famous device in 1481. In 1497, Simone Campanato moulded the great bell (h. 1,56 m., diameter m. 1,27), which was put on the top of the tower where it was alternatively beaten by the Due Mori (Two Moors ), two bronze statues (h. 2,60) handling a hammer.[ citation needed ]

User-settable mechanical alarm clocks date back at least to 15th-century Europe. These early alarm clocks had a ring of holes in the clock dial and were set by placing a pin in the appropriate hole. [9] [10]

The first American alarm clock was created in 1787 by Levi Hutchins in Concord, New Hampshire. This device he made only for himself, however, and it only rang at 4 am, in order to wake him for his job. [11] The French inventor Antoine Redier was the first to patent an adjustable mechanical alarm clock, in 1847. [12]

Alarm clocks, like almost all other consumer goods in the United States, ceased production in the spring of 1942, as the factories which made them were converted over to war work during World War II, but they were one of the first consumer items to resume manufacture for civilian use, in November 1944. [13] [14] By that time, a critical shortage of alarm clocks had developed due to older clocks wearing out or breaking down. Workers were late for, or missed completely, their scheduled shifts in jobs critical to the war effort. [14] In a pooling arrangement overseen by the Office of Price Administration, several clock companies were allowed to start producing new clocks, some of which were continuations of pre-war designs, and some of which were new designs, thus becoming among the first "postwar" consumer goods to be made, before the war had even ended. [15] [16] The price of these "emergency" clocks was, however, still strictly regulated by the Office of Price Administration. [14]

The first radio alarm clock was invented by James F. Reynolds, in the 1940s and another design was also invented by Paul L. Schroth Sr. [17]

Clock radio

A mid-1940s alarm clock radio with AM radio stations only Clock radio.jpg
A mid-1940s alarm clock radio with AM radio stations only
A typical 1980s clock radio featuring a digital clock/alarm and an analogue FM/MW/LW receiver Morphy Richards Touch-Me clock radio.jpg
A typical 1980s clock radio featuring a digital clock/alarm and an analogue FM/MW/LW receiver

A clock radio is an alarm clock and radio receiver integrated in one device. [18] The clock may turn on the radio at a designated time to wake the user, and usually includes a buzzer alarm. Typically, clock radios are placed on the bedside stand. Some models offer dual alarm for awakening at different times and "snooze", usually a large button on the top that silences the alarm and sets it to resume sounding a few minutes later. [19] Some clock radios also have a "sleep" timer, which turns the radio on for a set amount of time (usually around one hour). This is useful for people who like to fall asleep while listening to the radio.

Newer clock radios are available with other music sources such as iPod, iPhone, and/or audio CD. When the alarm is triggered, it can play a set radio station or the music from a selected music source to awaken the sleeper. Some models come with a dock for iPod/iPhone that also charges the device while it is docked. They can play AM/FM radio, iPod/iPhone or CD like a typical music player as well (without being triggered by the alarm function). A few popular models offer "nature sounds" like rain, forest, wind, sea, waterfall etc., in place of the buzzer.

Alarm clock from the early 2010s featuring a radio/iPod/buzzer as alarms Early 2010s Philips Clock Radio with Apple dock & iPod Nano inserted (cropped).jpg
Alarm clock from the early 2010s featuring a radio/iPod/buzzer as alarms

Clock radios are powered by AC power from the wall socket. In the event of a power interruption, older electronic digital models used to reset the time to midnight (00:00) and lose alarm settings. This would cause failure to trigger the alarm even if the power is restored, such as in the event of a power outage. Many newer clock radios feature a battery backup to maintain the time and alarm settings. Some advanced radio clocks (not to be confused with clocks with AM/FM radios) have a feature which sets the time automatically using signals from atomic clock-synced time signal radio stations such as WWV, making the clock accurate and immune to time reset due to power interruptions.

Alarms in technology

Computer alarms

Alarm clock software programs have been developed for personal computers. There are Web-based alarm clocks, some of which may allow a virtually unlimited number of alarm times (i.e. Personal information manager) and personalized tones. [20] However, unlike mobile phone alarms, online alarm clocks have some limitations. They do not work when the computer is shut off or in sleep mode. [21] Native applications, however, can wake the computer up from sleep using the built-in real-time clock alarm chip or even power it back on after it had been shut down.

Mobile phone alarms

A screenshot of an alarm going off in iOS IPhone Alarm Snooze.PNG
A screenshot of an alarm going off in iOS

Many modern mobile phones feature built-in alarm clocks that do not need the phone to be switched on for the alarm to ring off. [22] Some of these mobile phones feature the ability for the user to set the alarm's ringtone, and in some cases music can be downloaded to the phone and then chosen to play for waking. [23]

Next-generation alarms

Sleeptracker, an alarm clock that tracks sleep phases Sleeptracker blue.jpg
Sleeptracker, an alarm clock that tracks sleep phases

Scientific studies on sleep having shown that sleep stage at awakening is an important factor in amplifying sleep inertia. Alarm clocks involving sleep stage monitoring appeared on the market in 2005. [24] The alarm clocks use sensing technologies such as EEG electrodes and accelerometers to wake people from sleep. [25] [26] Dawn simulators are another technology meant to mediate these effects. [27]

Sleepers can become accustomed to the sound of their alarm clock if it has been used for a period of time, making it less effective. [28] [29] Due to progressive alarm clocks' complex waking procedure, they can deter this adaptation due to the body needing to adapt to more stimuli than just a simple sound alert. [30] [31]

Alarm signals for impaired hearing

The deaf and hard of hearing are often unable to perceive auditory alarms when asleep. They may use specialized alarms, including alarms with flashing lights instead of or in addition to noise. Alarms which can connect to vibrating devices (small ones inserted into pillows, or larger ones placed under bedposts to shake the bed) also exist. [32] [33]

Time switches

Time switches can be used to turn on anything that will awaken a sleeper, and can therefore be used as alarms. Lights, bells, and radio and TV sets can easily be used. [34] More elaborate devices have also been used, such as machines that automatically prepare tea or coffee. A sound is produced when the drink is ready, so the sleeper awakes to find the freshly brewed drink waiting. [35]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clock</span> Instrument for measuring, keeping or indicating time

A clock or chronometer is a device that measures and displays time. The clock is one of the oldest human inventions, meeting the need to measure intervals of time shorter than the natural units such as the day, the lunar month, and the year. Devices operating on several physical processes have been used over the millennia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Telephone</span> Telecommunications device

A telephone, colloquially referred to as a phone, is a telecommunications device that permits two or more users to conduct a conversation when they are too far apart to be easily heard directly. A telephone converts sound, typically and most efficiently the human voice, into electronic signals that are transmitted via cables and other communication channels to another telephone which reproduces the sound to the receiving user. The term is derived from Ancient Greek: τῆλε, romanized: tēle, lit. 'far' and φωνή, together meaning distant voice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alarm device</span> Type of signal (or device) that alerts people to a dangerous condition

An alarm device is a mechanism that gives an audible, visual, combination, or other kind of alarm signal to alert someone to a problem or condition that requires urgent attention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clockwork</span> Mechanism of a clock

Clockwork refers to the inner workings of either mechanical devices called clocks and watches or other mechanisms that work similarly, using a series of gears driven by a spring or weight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timer</span> Type of clock

A timer or countdown timer is a type of clock that starts from a specified time duration and stops upon reaching 00:00. A simple timer is an hourglass. Commonly, a timer triggers an alarm when it ends. A timer can be implemented through hardware or software. Stopwatches operate in the opposite direction, upwards from 00:00, measuring elapsed time since a given time instant. Time switches are timers that control an electric switch.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Security alarm</span> System that detects unauthorised entry

A security alarm is a system designed to detect intrusions, such as unauthorized entry, into a building or other areas, such as a home or school. Security alarms protect against burglary (theft) or property damage, as well as against intruders. Examples include personal systems, neighborhood security alerts, car alarms, and prison alarms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Striking clock</span> Clock that sounds the time with a bell or gong

A striking clock is a clock that sounds the hours audibly on a bell, gong, or other audible device. In 12-hour striking, used most commonly in striking clocks today, the clock strikes once at 1:00 am, twice at 2:00 am, continuing in this way up to twelve times at 12:00 mid-day, then starts again, striking once at 1:00 pm, twice at 2:00 pm, and the pattern continues up to twelve times at 12:00 midnight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digital clock</span> Type of clock that displays the time with numbers

A digital clock displays the time digitally, as opposed to an analogue clock.

A bedwetting alarm is a behavioral treatment for nocturnal enuresis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zeo, Inc.</span>

Zeo, Inc., formerly Axon Labs, was a private company founded by Brown University students. Established December 29, 2003 in Providence, Rhode Island and later headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, it developed a smart alarm clock with sleep monitor. Sleep states could be used to sound a wake-up alarm only when the sleeper was in the light stages of sleep, likely to awake more refreshed. Details of sleep could be uploaded to the MyZeo Web site, where they were stored, with detailed historical charts of sleep patterns downloadable, and email suggestion on improving sleep could be sent. The state of sleep was detected by a headband, essentially comprising three long-lasting electrodes made of electrically conductive fabric and a wireless unit, that transmitted data to a Zeo bedside clock unit or Apple iPhone which displayed data and sounded the wake alarm. The company also developed and marketed a personal sleep coaching Web service which allowed users of the clock to upload their sleep data, then measure and analyze their sleep patterns; this was later made available without charge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clocky</span> Alarm clock that uses wheels to hide itself

Clocky is a brand of alarm clock outfitted with wheels, allowing it to hide itself in order to force the owner awake in an attempt to find it. Invented for an industrial design class by Gauri Nanda, then a graduate student at MIT Media Lab, Clocky won the 2005 Ig Nobel Prize in Economics. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her master's degree from MIT, Nanda founded a company, Nanda Home, to commercialize Clocky and other home products.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of timekeeping devices</span>

The history of timekeeping devices dates back to when ancient civilizations first observed astronomical bodies as they moved across the sky. Devices and methods for keeping time have gradually improved through a series of new inventions, starting with measuring time by continuous processes, such as the flow of liquid in water clocks, to mechanical clocks, and eventually repetitive, oscillatory processes, such as the swing of pendulums. Oscillating timekeepers are used in modern timepieces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sony Dream Machine</span> Clock radio brand (ca. 1960s–2010s)

Sony Dream Machine was Sony's long-running line of clock radios. The line was introduced in the early 1960s and ran until the early 2010's.

The WakeMate was an electronic device with sensors intended to be used to monitor the sleep state of the user using actigraphy. It would connect to the user's mobile phone via Bluetooth to record sleep data and to signal the phone to wake them in the lightest phase of sleep within the 20-minute window prior the desired alarm time. It also had a suite of online tools to help people maximize the efficiency of their sleep and improve their sleep quality.

Azumio is a mobile health company that specializes in biometric mobile technology. Founded in 2011, Azumio develops Apple iOS and Android health apps and services. Azumio has released 24 apps on iOS, 5 apps on Android, and 3 apps on Windows Phone. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Windows Clock</span> Time management in Microsoft Windows

Windows Clock is a time management app for Microsoft Windows, with five key features: alarms, world clocks, timers, a stopwatch, and focus sessions. The features are listed on a sidebar. The app is similar in functionality and design to the Clock app on iOS. Windows Clock was available on mobile devices for over a decade before it was available on PCs with the introduction of Windows 8.1. Tiles for alarms, timers, and the stopwatch can be pinned to the Start menu. The latest version of the app uses the Universal Windows Platform APIs and adopts Windows UI theme. Windows Clock is distinct from the Windows taskbar's clock, which has been part of Windows since 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clock (Apple)</span> Timekeeping mobile app

Clock is a timekeeping mobile app available since the initial launch of the iPhone and iPhone OS 1 in 2007, with a version later released for iPads with iOS 6, and Macs with the release of macOS Ventura. The app consists of a world clock, alarm, stopwatch, and timer.

The iPhone's hardware is designed by Apple Inc. Apple directly sub-contracts hardware production to external OEM companies, maintaining a high degree of control over the end product.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travel alarm clock</span>

A travel clock, travel alarm clock and in some cases pouch alarm clock, is an alarm clock whose primary characteristic is that it must have a size, design, and weight that make it easily transportable during a trip, so it is usually contained in a box or case. In the case of an alarm clock, the box must let the acoustic signal pass through to wake up from sleep at the set time or time and date.

The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo is a digital alarm clock developed and produced by Nintendo. It was released exclusively at Nintendo stores and online for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers on October 10, 2024. A wide release of the device is set for 2025.

References

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  3. ↑ Landels 1979 , p. 35
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  13. ↑ "A Rude Awakening – The History of Alarm-Clocks". Throughout History. 10 March 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  14. 1 2 3 "The Clock that Caused a Near-Riot". The Westclox Museum. 5 November 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
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