Device for displaying multiple scenes animated by sequences of light
US6377780B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09B5/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device suitable for use as a child's toy includes a housing having a window through which is visible a medium on which are displayed changing scenes. A plurality of lights are positioned behind the medium and selectively illuminated to provide animation effects. Different portions of the medium may be selectively illuminated as the scenes are changed in order to vary the animation effects. The medium may be in the form of an at least partially translucent scroll, on which is printed a series of different scenes and which may be moved by a motor, spring, or other winding mechanism arranged to advance the scroll so that a different complete scene appears in the window each time the scroll is advanced. In addition to activating different sequences of individual lights sources each time the scenes are changed, multiple animation effects for a particular scene can be selected by the user, for example by pushing a button in response to narration coordinated with the particular scene, thereby adding a level of interactivity to the display device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.