How the 7‑Segment Display Principle Adapts to Telescopic Tiles

The familiar 7‑segment digital display is a natural fit for mechanical implementation. In the Xiguizi clock, each of the seven bars is replaced by an independent telescopic tile. The control logic maps the time integer (e.g., “4” requires segments f, g, b, c) to specific tile commands. Because the mapping is direct, the microcontroller can be simple and reliable. Unlike flip‑disc displays that only show binary states, these telescopic tiles use an optional LED backlight to increase contrast. The 7‑segment mechanical display retains the readability of a classic calculator but transforms it into a three‑dimensional wooden sculpture.