Light Projection Animation in Translucent Toy Bodies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating the illusion of animation in toy characters are often expensive and prone to breakage due to the use of complex displays, necessitating a more cost-effective and durable solution.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a screen, an intermediate body, and a plurality of lights positioned relative to each other, where the lights project unique outlines of the intermediate body onto the screen in a selected order or combination to create the illusion of animation, with a controller operating the lights to achieve this effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small displays are used to create the illusion of animation in toy characters, then the animation effect is achieved, but the cost increases and the toy becomes more complex and prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a translucent body with projected silhouettes as a simplified copy representation of animated characters, replacing complex electronic displays. The translucent body acts as a visual copy that can be manipulated through light projection to create animation effects without requiring fragile display components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic display systems with an optical system using translucent materials and light projection. This substitution eliminates fragile electronic components while maintaining the animation effect through optical manipulation of silhouettes.
2Reliability
If small displays are used to create the illusion of animation, then animation is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive translucent bodies and simple light projection mechanisms instead of costly electronic displays. These components are durable, easy to manufacture, and can be replaced if needed, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining the animation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent body with projected silhouettes serves as a low-cost visual copy that reproduces animation effects without requiring expensive display technology. This copying approach allows for simplified manufacturing processes and reduced material costs.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and durable means to generate the illusion of animation, allowing for the creation of animated appearances in toys and other devices without the need for complex displays, enhancing user experience while reducing the risk of breakage.
Implementation Method 1
each light in the plurality of lights is operable to project a unique outline of said intermediate body onto said screen
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, an apparatus and method are provided for creating an illusion of animation of a subject shape. The apparatus includes a screen, an intermediate body, a plurality of lights, and a controller in electronic communication with the plurality of lights. The controller is operable to turn the plurality of lights on and off in at least one of: a selected order, a combination, and a simultaneous operation of all of the lights. The intermediate body and the plurality of lights are positioned relative to said screen such that the intermediate body is positioned between the screen and the plurality of lights and such that said plurality of lights are operable to project a plurality of unique outlines of at least portions of the intermediate body onto the screen to generate an illusion of animation of the subject shape.