Lighting animation equipment

Abstract

To provide a device that creates an animation via the illumination of various LEDs through a film into which an image is cut.SOLUTION: The film includes an image cut therein. The device includes a housing with a housing compartment formed by the film connected to a base via a wall. Secured within the housing compartment is a divider, which divides the compartment into a first and second chamber. A printed circuit board is secured into the compartment and includes first and second LEDs, where the first LED is secured into the first chamber and the second LED is secured into the second chamber. A microcontroller unit controls the illumination of the first and second LEDs in conjunction with sound from either a microphone or a speaker to animate the image cut into the film.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 335,447, filed June 1, 2021, and further claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 263,994, filed November 12, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 269,724, filed March 22, 2022. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a toy that generates animations by lighting through a film, more specifically the lighting is sound activated so that the animations are generated in conjunction with the sound. [Background technology]

[0003] There are devices that use light emitting diodes ("LEDs") placed within various chambers of the device to generate animations. However, these existing devices do not create clear images when generating animations. Furthermore, these devices cannot be easily fixed to different toys. Furthermore, these devices do not have interchangeable films with different images to generate various animations.

[0004] Alternatively, devices exist that light up in sync with a song. However, these devices are severely limited in use because the synchronization of LEDs with songs is preprogrammed into an integrated circuit within the device. Thus, the devices do not operate on sounds via ambient sounds detected by the device. Furthermore, these devices do not store the detected sounds in the device's memory for later use and activation. Thus, the versatility of these existing devices is minimal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An apparatus for creating animation by illuminating various LEDs through a film and cutting images therein. The film includes images cut therein. The apparatus comprises a housing having a housing compartment formed by connecting the film to a base via a wall. Fixed within the housing compartment is a partition dividing the compartment into a first and a second chamber. Fixed within the compartment is a printed circuit board, the board including first and second LEDs, the first LED being fixed within the first chamber and the second LED being fixed within the second chamber. A microcontroller unit controls the illumination of the first and second LEDs in conjunction with sounds detected by a microphone from the environment or from a speaker to animate the images cut on the film. The illumination of the LEDs is also activated in conjunction with sounds emanating from the speaker via a sequence preprogrammed in the microcontroller unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a light animation device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side perspective exploded view of the lighting animation device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the lighting animation device of FIG. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is a front view of the lighting animation device of FIG. 1 mounted within a pumpkin housing, showing a first animation image. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is a front view of the lighting animation device of FIG. 1 mounted within a pumpkin housing, showing a second animation image. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partially open side view of the light animation device of FIG. 1 mounted within a spherical housing. [Figure 6] 6 is a side perspective exploded view of the lighting animation device of FIG. 1 securable within a bubble generating toy. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a side perspective exploded view of the lighting animation device of FIG. 1 that can be secured within an inflatable balloon toy. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partially exploded side view of the lighting animation device of FIG. 1 that can be secured within a plush toy. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the lighting animation device of FIG. 1 secured within a pumpkin housing and attached to a strap. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the electronic functionality of the lighting animation device that can be secured within the inflatable balloon toy shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial exploded view of the light animation device of FIG. 1 in which the microcontroller unit includes various additional electronic features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] 1-3 show a lighting animation device 10, and 4a, 4b, and 5-9 show various toys to which the lighting animation device can be fixed. The toys shown should not be construed as limiting, as the animation device can advantageously be attached to the interior or surface of any structure. As shown in 1-3 and 5-6, one way to fix the device to the interior or surface of another structure is via a bracket system with an upper bracket 33 and a lower bracket 34, which are fixed or soldered to the exterior surface of the wall 22. The device can be fixed by any suitable method specific to the toy in which it is intended to be fixed, for example, via screws or adhesives. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described herein for the standalone animation device are also construed as applying to the embodiment of the animation device when fixed to the interior or surface of another structure. Although the placement of certain features or elements, e.g., the location of the power source, may vary when the device is secured within or to another structure, it should be understood that the disclosure herein applies to all embodiments, particularly the electronic functions and features of the device.

[0008] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the light animation device 10 comprises a cylindrical housing 20 with a cylindrical cover 30 secured to its front surface 23 and a cylindrical base 21 secured to its rear surface 26. Between the cover and the base is a cylindrical wall 22 that runs from the base to the cover. The walls run between the front and rear surfaces to form a housing compartment 25 in which the various internal parts of the device are secured. The cylindrical cover includes an internal slot 31 which fits tightly against the film 28 when slid therein.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, and particularly in Figure 2, the device 10 comprises a cover 30 secured to the wall 22 around the front 23 of the device. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cover comprises a notch 37 which corresponds to a clasp 27 forming part of the wall so that the cover can be easily snapped onto the wall. The cover comprises a slot 31 into which the film 28 fits snugly. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the cover is entirely open so that when the film is positioned in the slot, it surrounds the central opening of the cover. In an advantageous embodiment, the film is tightly secured within the cover so that it does not slide out even if the device is turned upside down. Moreover, the film is easily removable and replaceable with another film having a different image. The film is, for example, an opaque black acetate sheet with a matte finish, with an image die-cut onto the film. In this embodiment, the film includes a first image 29 engraved therein, which is an image of a smiley face with two eyes and a mouth. Any image can be engraved or cut into the film according to the user's specifications. Additionally, if desired, the film forms the outermost portion of the front face and includes a fastening mechanism for connecting to a wall (see FIG. 11).

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, and particularly in Figure 2, the walls 22 extend from the base 21 to the cover 30 to form a housing section 25 in which the various internal components are fixed. The housing section is divided into a first chamber 38 and a second chamber 40 by a chamber divider 36. The divider is fixed or soldered to two opposing internal surfaces of the wall. As the first image 29 is a smiley face, the divider is curved to correspond to the U-shape of the mouth. The divider is advantageously positioned so that any image that includes a mouth takes advantage of the desired animation effect, i.e., the effect of the device talking (see animated images 12, 14 in Figures 4a and 4b). The number of chambers varies depending on the image to be etched in the film 28, the size of the device 10, and / or the desired animation effect. As shown in Figure 3, the film is fixed adjacent to the first and second chambers such that both eyes and the upper part of the mouth are located in the first chamber and the lower part of the mouth is located in the second chamber. This particular location of the first image adjacent to the first and second chambers helps to create the desired talking animation effect of the first image (see animated images in Figures 4a and 4b).

[0011] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first chamber 38 has a first LED 44 fixed therein and the second chamber 40 has a second LED 46 fixed therein. These LEDs may be of one color and / or may vary in color and / or luminosity. The number of LEDs varies depending on factors such as the number of chambers present in the housing 20, the images engraved in the film 28, and the desired animation effect. Both LEDs are fixed and electrically connected to a printed circuit board ("PCB") 42, which is fixed in the rear 26 of the housing by, for example, screws 43. As shown in Figure 2, the base 21 of the device is manufactured to include a compartment 47 in which the PCB and LEDs are fixed. The LEDs are fixed to the PCB using surface mount technology. Advantageously, the inventors have found that the exact distance of the first and second LEDs to be fixed away from the film to produce a clear animation image, regardless of whether the image is projected on or in another surface. Specifically, the distance from the LEDs to the film is important to control the size and position of the image projected through the film to produce a clear and readable image. The distance from the LEDs to the film is about 5mm to about 15mm, which produces a crisp and accurate animated image that is easily discernible by the eye.

[0012] However, in other embodiments, this distance will vary depending on the fixture the device is fixed inside, the size of the device, the number of LEDs, and the image etched into the film. For example, when the device 10 is fixed within a housing 100, 101, 114 as shown in Figures 4a, 4b through 6 and 9, the image cut into the film will expand when illuminated against the inner surface of the housing, so that the image 29 will appear larger than the size of the film projected onto it. As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the device is fixed within the housing and is smaller in size than the housing. However, the device is also positioned at a precise distance from the inside of the housing so that the face projected onto the inner surface of the housing is legible while appearing much larger through the front of the housing. The housing is of the correct opacity that allows light to refract through the housing and be clearly visible. For example, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the mouth appears to be speaking based on the illumination of the first and second LEDs. Additionally, to aid in the creation of the desired animation effect, the housing includes a silhouette of a face 105 on the front of the housing. Amazingly, when the face is projected through the film onto the silhouette, the animated image is enlarged and perfectly aligned with the silhouette, which has the advantage of creating the illusion of a face larger than its size as it exists on the film.

[0013] 2 and 11 show different embodiments of the microcontroller unit 50 of the device 10. These various possible orientations and combinations of the microcontroller unit should not be construed as limiting. The microcontroller or PCB combines all the features and structures / electronics / circuitry. In other embodiments, such features are implemented separately. The PCB 42 is electrically connected via wires 39 to the microcontroller unit 50, which includes various control circuits. Such circuits include, for example, an integrated circuit chip 52, a microphone 56, and a switch 54. The switch is located on the microcontroller unit on the opposite side from the microphone and other control circuits. The circuits are used to control the desired animation effects and other features of the toy, such as sound, functional control of LED intensity, color temperature, color, lighting duration and timing. Such circuits also control various other features when the device is mounted within other toys, such as control of bubble generation for the bubble generating toy 110 shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the control of the light pattern of the first and second LEDs 44, 46, and / or other LEDs present may be random or regular, or the control of the LEDs may be a continuous sequence or pattern, a custom sequence or pattern, and / or a sequence or pattern incorporating fixed timing, variable timing and / or dimming.

[0014] 11, in one embodiment, electrically connected to the microcontroller unit 50 via wires 41 is a speaker 62, other audio device, and / or vibration device. The microcontroller unit further includes an amplifier 90, a receiver 91, a relay 92, and a media player 93. Thus, such circuitry also includes control modulation, such as, for example, frequency or amplitude modulation.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 11, the microcontroller unit 50 includes a switch 54 and / or other circuitry to activate or deactivate the device. The switch or other circuitry for activating or deactivating the device may be mechanical, such as a toggle switch, a push switch, a multi-position switch, such as a three-position switch, and other similar mechanical activation assemblies. In one embodiment, the switch or other circuitry incorporates activation via embedded instructions and / or reception of an activation signal received by the circuitry. For example, the microcontroller includes a receiver 91 for receiving a signal to activate a light, sound, or vibration feature of the device and / or other features of the device. The switch or other circuitry incorporates a proximity detection device, such as, for example, an RFID or other type of electronic device, that senses, for example, location, proximity, or other wireless instructions indicating and / or commanding activation of the light, sound, and / or vibration. Such a device may include, for example, instructions and circuitry operable to detect location relative to a transmitted beacon. For example, the device may automatically activate when approaching a display, feature, attraction, or other location within an amusement park that is transmitting a unique beacon, causing the device to light up and / or emit sounds and / or perform a predetermined action when the device receives the beacon.

[0016] Additionally, the device 10 includes a sound chip and / or media player 93 that contains various pre-recorded or pre-programmed sounds or audio or video files. These sounds are pre-programmed in conjunction with the LED lighting, for example, so that when the device approaches the display, a pre-recorded sound is played from the speaker and the LEDs 44, 46 light up accordingly, so that the animation appears to talk or blink. Other automated instructions such as emitting colors, playing pre-defined audio stored in the device's memory or received by the device's receiver, playing signals streamed and received by the integrated receiver, etc. are further implemented. For example, the device includes proximity detection with a Bluetooth beacon receiver. Upon receiving a unique beacon signal, the device is programmed by instructions stored in the memory to wake up in a particular way and / or play specific pre-recorded or streamed audio signals, which are programmed in conjunction with the LED lighting so that the device's mouth appears to be singing or talking in sync with the audio playback. In another embodiment, the device incorporates an RFID detector, where upon recognition of a particular RFID signal, the device begins emitting a predetermined sequence of signals. Other implementations, such as GPS location detection and determination, may also be implemented.

[0017] The illumination of the first and second LEDs 44, 46 and / or other LEDs present in the device are independently activated and / or illuminated via sound activation. For example, when the microphone 56 detects sound, it sends this signal to the PCB 42 to activate the LEDs to move through the ambient sound detected in the environment. The integrated circuit chip 52 controls the LEDs to coordinate the light with the ambient sound detected. Sound activation is also accomplished via a speaker 62 that plays audio and / or sound stored on a sound chip in the device. The microphone is activated by sound played through the speaker, which initiates the illumination of the sound-activated LEDs. Additionally, the speaker can have a pre-recorded or pre-programmed song or audio pre-programmed to illuminate the LEDs. This allows the device to animate in sync with the sound played through the speaker. Additionally, if the switch 54 is a multi-way switch, one mode option for the device is to turn the microphone off and turn the speaker on. The LED light animation feature, like the second LED lighting, is pre-programmed to play according to a sound file.

[0018] For example, in use, the switch is a multi-way switch, e.g. a bi-directional switch. When the user presses the switch and / or the switch is remotely activated, the first LED 44 fixed in the first chamber 38 remains constantly on. Thus, the portion of the first image 29 illuminated through the first chamber, i.e. the eyes and the upper part of the mouth, is illuminated all the time. The second LED 46 fixed in the second chamber 40 is not always on, but is programmed to be sound-activated through the microcontroller unit 50 and the circuitry of the PCB 42. Sound activation is via ambient sounds and / or sounds emitted from the speaker 62, or by vocalizations from the microphone 56 through a programmed sequence. Thus, the illumination of the portion of the first image illuminated through the second chamber, i.e. the lower part of the mouth, switches on and off, so that the mouth appears to be speaking in sync with the sounds (see contrast between the first animated image 12 in FIG. 4a and the second animated image 14 in FIG. 4b). The above description should not be construed as limiting, as the illumination of the first and second LEDs may both be turned on and off in response to signals received from the PCB, for example, the illumination of the first LED may be made to appear as if the device is blinking.

[0019] If the switch is, for example, a three-way slide switch, when the switch is turned to the right, the switch is in infrared mode. The device 10 receives a signal from the transmitter to unlock audio files stored in a sound chip in the device. The number of stored audio files pre-recorded and programmed into the sound chip is multiple, for example, five. When the user interacts with the transmitter, a particular stored audio is unlocked, and the unlocked audio activates the illumination of the LEDs (44, 46) and / or other LEDs on the device in a pre-programmed manner to animate the device to speak in sync with the voice or audio. The microphone is turned off so that the LEDs react to the pre-stored audio, and the blinking or lighting sequence of the second LED is pre-programmed according to each audio file to create a talking animation. Advantageously, the device appears to be speaking or singing as soon as the microphone is turned off, so that no environmental noise will cause sound activation. When the switch is turned to the left, the microphone is activated so that environmental noise will sound activate the illumination of the LEDs. Additionally, in one embodiment, the device includes a number of other LEDs within it, so that in addition to the talking animation, a unique light show is achieved that is activated when the user presses down the switch. In one embodiment, the device further includes a push button, which unlocks the stored memory function of the device and continues to play the unlocked audio file around.

[0020] In another embodiment, for example, in addition to the switch 54, the device includes a button and various LEDs in addition to the first and second LEDs (44, 46). When the user presses the button, the device's lights, sounds, and projections are automatically activated. Holding the button cycles through a variety of different lighting, projection, and sound effects (see flow chart in FIG. 10). After flashing through the various effects, the effects automatically turn off. Additionally, when the user presses the button for a set period or time, for example about 3 seconds, the device changes modes. For example, the color or LEDs change, the microphone turns off, etc.

[0021] In one embodiment, the device 10 comprises an interactive hub including a transceiver (walkie-talkie). The microphone of the transceiver picks up sounds emitted from nearby smart devices. The sounds are coded into radio frequency and transmitted via the antenna of the transceiver to another transceiver fixed in the toy. The signal is decoded from the radio signal and drives a speaker in the toy. The toy further comprises a microphone that detects the sounds and sends a signal to an integrated circuit that controls the illumination of various LEDs fixed in the toy. The LEDs light up in sync with the sounds and animate a face on the surface of the toy so that the toy appears to be talking.

[0022] Advantageously, the device 10 is easily fixed in or on anything. For example, as shown in figures 4a to 6 and 9, the device is bracketed inside a further housing 100, 101, 114. This housing is made of a thermoplastic material, for example acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, with an opacity of about 50% to 80%, preferably about 70%. To better reflect the image generated by the illumination of the film 28, the color of the housing is white or beige. The above opacity is ideal because it allows the ideal amount of light to be reflected on the inner surface of the housing and projected through it, so that the animated image is well visible. The image cut on the film expands when illuminated, so that when the image is projected on the inner surface of the housing, the image 29 appears larger than the size of the film. Furthermore, to help generate the desired animation effect, the housing is provided with a silhouette 105, for example in the shape of a face, onto which the illumination is projected through the film and is magnified. This has the advantage of creating the illusion of a face larger than the size of the smiley face present on the film. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the housing includes various LEDs 102 that cooperate with and illuminate the device to create an animated light show.

[0023] The user may wear the device 10, for example, around the neck using a strap 103 or on a wristband, as shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the device includes a magnet fixed to the base 21, which is attracted to the free-standing magnet, so that the device can be secured around the user's clothing.

[0024] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the device 10 is secured within a bubble-generating toy 110, such as a bubble-generating wand manufactured by the applicant and disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 335,447, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, for example, a three-way slide switch 111 is located behind a handle 112 to change modes. When the switch is turned to the right, bubbles are released from the top of the toy and the device lights up, creating an animation that is projected on the inner surface of the spherical housing 114. Beside the three-way slide switch is a separate push button 116 that plays and stops the music. The mouth of the device's face creates an animation that accompanies or is synchronized with the music. When the music stops, the light show returns to the pre-programmed light show. When the slide switch is turned to the left, another function is activated, where the mouth animation is triggered by external sound waves.

[0025] Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the device 10 is mounted within a balloon toy 200. In this embodiment, the back side of the inflatable balloon 210 is printed with foil or reflective material, while the front side of the balloon is left blank to allow accurate projection of animated images. A button 212 is located on the handle 214 of the toy. Pressing this button automatically activates the light, sound and projection functions of the toy. Holding the button cycles through six different light effects, projections and sounds, and automatically turns off after flashing all the different effects. (See flow chart in FIG. 10). If the button is held down for a certain length of time, such as about 3 seconds, the mode changes and the animation function is deactivated, for example on the shaft 218 of the toy. Instead, various LEDs 216 light up the inside of the inflatable balloon and illuminate the surface of the balloon. As the button is held down, the LEDs change color and luminosity. After the preprogrammed color sequence has flashed, the toy automatically powers off. Additionally, the handle includes an IR signal button 219, which transmits an IR signal for a fixture or toy.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 8, the device 10 can also be fixed in a stuffed toy 300. In this embodiment, the stuffed toy comprises a projection box 302, which is a closed box containing the lighting animation device 10, and the image is sewn around the projection opening of the stuffed toy. Additionally, the stuffed toy comprises a cutout 304 on the stuffed toy within which the projection box is fixed.

[0027] In one embodiment, the animation effects are created in a different way - for example, film is a much thicker material, so the mouth can only be seen as light, so light is used to create the shadows that cause the animation.

[0028] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative embodiments to those disclosed herein are also encompassed by the present disclosure, provided they are foreseeable alternatives. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed as limiting the embodiments or otherwise excluding such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] 10 Lighting animation equipment 12,14 Animation images 20. Housing 21 Base 22 Wall 23 Front 25 Housing Lots 26 Back 28 Film 29 images 30 Cover 36 Partition 38,40 Chamber 42 PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 44,46 LED 50 Microcontroller Unit 52 Integrated Circuit Chip 54 Switch 56 Microphone 62 Speaker 91 Receiver 100, 101, 114 Case 103 Strap

Claims

1. a housing section comprising a base and a film secured together with a wall extending therebetween, the film including an image cut into the film; a divider secured within the housing compartment dividing the housing compartment into first and second chambers; a printed circuit board secured to the base within the compartment, the printed circuit board including first and second LEDs, the first LED being secured within the first chamber and the second LED being secured within the second chamber; a microcontroller unit secured to the base and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, the microcontroller unit including a microphone; a power source electrically connected to the microcontroller unit; Equipped with The cropped image extends across the first and second chambers.

2. and a bracket fastening system secured to an exterior surface of the wall. The lighting animation device according to claim 1 .

3. the image is a smiley face having a mouth and eyes, and the partition is curved to correspond to a U-shape of the mouth of the face, such that the eyes and an upper part of the mouth of the face are illuminated by the first LED and a lower part of the mouth is illuminated by the second LED; The lighting animation device according to claim 1 .

4. The first LED is continuously lit when the power supply is turned on. The lighting animation device according to claim 1 .

5. a speaker secured to the base and electrically connected to the microcontroller unit; The lighting animation device according to claim 1 .

6. The device is attachable to a strap. The lighting animation device according to claim 1 .

7. and at least one additional LED secured within the compartment and electrically connected to the microcontroller unit. The lighting animation device according to claim 1 .

8. the microcontroller unit further comprises a receiver for remote activation of the lighting animation device; The lighting animation device according to claim 1 .

9. Illumination of the first and second LEDs is voice activated via sound detected by the microphone. The lighting animation device according to claim 1 .

10. A lighting animation device comprising a housing, The housing includes: a housing section comprising a base and a film secured together with a wall extending therebetween, the film including an image cut into the film; a divider secured within the housing compartment dividing the housing compartment into first and second chambers; a printed circuit board secured to the base within the compartment, the printed circuit board including first and second LEDs, the first LED being secured within the first chamber and the second LED being secured within the second chamber; a microcontroller unit secured to the base and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, the microcontroller unit including a microphone; a power source electrically connected to the microcontroller unit; Equipped with The cropped image extends across the first and second chambers.

11. The opacity of the housing is about 50-80% opacity, preferably about 70% opacity; The lighting animation device according to claim 10.

12. the image is a smiley face having a mouth and eyes, and the partition is curved to correspond to a U-shape of the mouth of the face, such that the eyes and an upper part of the mouth of the face are illuminated by the first LED and a lower part of the mouth is illuminated by the second LED; The lighting animation device according to claim 10.

13. the first LED is continuously illuminated when the device is powered on; The lighting animation device according to claim 10.

14. and a speaker electrically connected to the microcontroller unit, wherein illumination of the first and second LEDs is voice-activated via sounds detected by the microphone or the speaker. The lighting animation device according to claim 10.

15. the microcontroller unit further comprises a receiver for remote activation of the lighting animation device; The lighting animation device according to claim 10.

16. and at least one additional LED secured within the compartment and electrically connected to the microcontroller unit. The lighting animation device according to claim 10.

17. A lighting animation device comprising a housing, The housing includes: a housing section comprising a base and a film secured together with a wall extending therebetween, the film including an image of a smiley face having a mouth and eyes cut into the film; a divider secured within the housing compartment dividing the housing compartment into first and second chambers; a printed circuit board secured to the base within the compartment, the printed circuit board including first and second LEDs, the first LED secured within the first chamber and the second LED secured within the second chamber, the partition curved to correspond to a U-shape of a mouth of the face, such that the eyes and an upper part of the mouth of the face are illuminated by the first LED and a lower part of the mouth is illuminated by the second LED; a microcontroller unit secured to the base and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, the microcontroller unit including a microphone; a speaker electrically connected to the microcontroller unit; a power source electrically connected to the microcontroller unit; Equipped with the segmented smiley face facial image includes a segmented mouth image; The cut-out mouth image extends across the first and second chambers.

18. the first LED is continuously illuminated when the device is powered on; 18. A light animation device according to claim 17.

19. Illumination of the first and second LEDs is voice activated via sound detected by the speaker or the microphone.

18. A light animation device according to claim 17.

20. and at least one additional LED secured within the compartment and electrically connected to the microcontroller unit.

18. A light animation device according to claim 17.

Images