Stationary Light Source Aperture Modulation for Noise-Free Motion Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light projection devices for children often rely on gear motors for motion effects, resulting in noise, increased complexity, and cost, while static light effects can be boring, failing to engage viewers effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device using a stationary light source and aperture with electronically controllable light sources and interceptors, such as an array of pixels or segments, to create time-changing light effects without moving parts, allowing for motion and twinkling patterns by controlling light source activation, fading, and interception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gear motors are used to produce motion effects, then motion effects are achieved, but noise, complexity, cost, and points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical motion systems (gear motors, linkages) with electronic control of stationary light sources. Multiple stationary light sources are controlled electronically to create the perception of motion through light intensity modulation and selective activation, eliminating mechanical moving parts entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies or representations of motion effects by controlling the intensity and activation of stationary light sources in sequences that simulate movement. The light sources remain stationary while their controlled activation patterns create the visual illusion of motion on the projection surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gear motors are used to produce motion effects, then motion effects are achieved, but noise is generated in silent environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical motion systems that generate noise by using electronically controlled stationary light sources. The control circuitry operates silently, modulating light intensity and activation patterns to create motion effects without any mechanical movement or associated noise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to create motion effects, then light effect versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light projection system into multiple independent, controllable light sources arranged in arrays or patterns. Each light source can be independently controlled to create different motion effects, allowing versatile light displays while maintaining modular simplicity in the control architecture.
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 engaging, noise-free, and cost-effective time-changing light effects on a projection surface, enhancing viewer interest without the need for gear motors or other moving parts, suitable for children's environments.
Implementation Method 1
a stationary light source, a stationary aperture between the light source and a projection surface
Implementation Method 2
controlling light passing from the light source to the surface so that the pattern on the surface changes over time
Implementation Method 3
an interceptor that can be caused to intercept or not to intercept light that passes through the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, there is a stationary light source, a stationary aperture between the light source and a projection surface, and a device to modulate light from the light source that passes through the aperture and strikes the projection surface to cause a light effect on the projection surface. In some cases, projected motion and/or twinkling effects are produced in a simple, low-cost and durable manner.