Projector Linear Motion Mask for Straight Image Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional projectors that use a rotatable disk to project moving images result in images moving along a curved path, causing discomfort to viewers, especially when projecting animal figures or words, as the motion does not align with the natural straight-line movement of real animals or text.

Innovation Solution

A projector design featuring a rotating device with a transparent film base, a Fresnel lens, and a detachable film holder, allowing patterns to rotate along a straight line while maintaining a stationary perspective for the viewer, using a driving device and power supply circuit board to control the rotation and light emission for clear image projection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotatable disk with patterns is used to project moving images, then the images can be animated and changed, but the images move along a curved path which causes discomfort to viewers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage animation capabilityVSAvoidviewer discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the patterns around a center point (conventional approach), this patent inverts the approach by using a linearly moving mask that selectively blocks light to create the illusion of linear motion. The mask moves back and forth in a straight line, and through optical projection, creates animated images that appear to move along a straight path rather than a curved path, thereby eliminating viewer discomfort while maintaining image animation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If patterns rotate around the center of the rotatable disk, then image positions can be changed dynamically, but the motion path becomes curved instead of straight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic image positioningVSAvoidmotion path shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

This patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical projection system using a linearly moving mask. Instead of physically rotating patterns around a center, a mask with patterned openings moves linearly back and forth, and a light source projects the patterns through the mask to create the dynamic positioning effect. This substitution of mechanical rotation with optical projection and linear motion achieves dynamic image positioning while maintaining a straight motion path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If words are projected using a rotatable disk, then the words can be displayed dynamically, but the curved motion path makes it difficult for viewers to read

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic text displayVSAvoidtext readability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

For text projection, this patent applies the inverted approach by using a linearly moving mask instead of rotating patterns. The mask moves back and forth in a straight line, projecting words that appear to move horizontally across the screen in a natural reading direction. This linear motion path aligns with how readers naturally scan text, making dynamically displayed words much more readable compared to the curved motion path of conventional rotating disk projectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables images to move along a straight line, enhancing viewer comfort by aligning the motion with natural paths, and allowing for versatile use with different background patterns and adjustable lighting, ensuring clear and comfortable image projection.

Implementation Method 1

The Fresnel lens is mounted in the lower housing, extends into the holding space in the film base, and is located in front of the light unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFresnel lens: Fresnel Lens

Data Source

PatentUS10042238B1Projector

Publication Date: 2018.08.07 GEMMY IND CORP

AI summary

A projector has a body, a rotating device, a projection device, and a supporting device. The body has a lower housing, an upper housing, and an operation chamber. The rotating device is mounted in the operation chamber, is located in the upper housing, and has a driving device, a rotating axle, a power supply circuit board, and a film base. The projection device is mounted in the operation chamber of the body and has a light unit, a Fresnel lens, a film holder, and a lens assembly. The supporting device is mounted on a bottom of the lower housing.