Animation System Using Sequential LED Projection and Angled Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animation systems with moving parts are noisy, bulky, costly, and inefficient, particularly in battery-operated applications, and lack the use of individual light sources and whole-image projecting lens systems.
Innovation Solution
An image animation system utilizing multiple individual light sources, such as LEDs, that sequentially illuminate still images to create animations, integrated with sound through a sound card and speaker, and employing angled optics or prisms to direct light onto a single area, allowing for compact and low-energy moving image displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motorized film or image wheel systems are used to project moving images, then continuous animation can be achieved, but the system becomes noisy, bulky, and costly with many moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the animation sequence into multiple discrete still images (first still image, second still image, third still image, etc.) that are projected sequentially rather than using a continuous moving film or image wheel. This segmentation eliminates the need for motors and moving parts while maintaining the animation effect through rapid succession of static frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the motorized components (film mechanisms, image wheels, etc.) from the projection system. By taking out these complex moving parts and replacing them with a static array of still images controlled by a microprocessor, the system achieves animation without the noise, bulk, and cost associated with traditional motorized systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If LCD screens or LCD projectors are used for moving image display, then high-quality images can be produced, but the cost becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inexpensive still image projectors into a single animation system. By merging the output of several low-cost projection units (each projecting a still image) onto the same display area and controlling their sequential operation via microprocessor, the system achieves moving image display without requiring expensive LCD screens or LCD projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic activation of individual light sources corresponding to each still image. The microprocessor controls the sequential illumination of still images at specific time intervals, creating the perception of motion through rapid succession. This periodic action enables high-quality moving image display using simple, low-cost still image projection rather than expensive continuous display technologies.
3Productivity
If traditional projection systems are used, then moving images can be displayed, but the system is bulky and not suitable for compact applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial animation (requiring physical movement of film or image wheels in one dimension) to temporal animation (achieving motion through sequential display of still images in time). By using a microprocessor to control the timing and sequence of still image projection, the system eliminates the need for bulky mechanical animation mechanisms while maintaining full moving image display capability.
4Duration of action of moving object
If motorized systems are used for animation, then continuous motion can be achieved, but energy consumption limits performance in battery-operated applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical motorized systems with an electronically controlled array of light sources. Each light source is individually controllable by a microprocessor, allowing for precise timing and sequencing of still image projection. This substitution eliminates the continuous power consumption of motors while enabling extended animation duration through efficient control of individual light-emitting elements, making the system suitable for battery-operated applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, reliable, and cost-effective moving image display system suitable for toys and novelties, with integrated sound capabilities, using low-energy light sources and minimizing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention utilizes multiple light sources, that each may illuminate individual still images in an electrically or mechanically dictated sequence to create an animation. Low-energy light sources, such as LEDs, may be used as the light source for the animation.
Implementation Method 2
Each light source may be individually controlled to project onto a common area on the projection surface or medium to produce an animation of a moving image.
Data Source
AI summary
An image animation system having a plurality of individual image projectors focused onto a single focal area on a projection surface or medium. Angled optics, or a prism, may be used to direct the projections onto the single focal area. Individual still images are projected in a sequence to created a projected motion animation.