Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
  • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
  • G09F19/00—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for
  • G09F19/02—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for incorporating moving display members

Definitions

• the present invention is directed to an audio-visual display apparatus and, in particular to a modular dynamic dialogue animated display device for recreating an animated cartoon.
• the type of timing and coordination required for this type of dynamic interaction of sound and movement is qualitatively, as well as quantitatively different than that provided by conventional mecnanical and electrical tableau.
• the elements must simulate varied and complex movements such as pacing and startled reactions m order to realistically recreate dramatic effects.
• the dynamic display device it is desirable for the dynamic display device to be modular for mass-production at a relatively inexpensive cost of manufacture yet still be adaptable to depict a variety of storylines.
• the present invention relates to a modular dynamic dialogue animated three-dimensional display for realistically recreating an animated cartoon.
• the animated cartoon is a narration of a storyline having a beginning, a development phase, a climax and a denouement that is reliably and autonomously replicated each time the display is activated.
• the storyline is divided into a stored sequence of storyline events comprising playing of a selected audio block, movement of a moveable display element and/or lighting a lamp element and/or timing a pause or delay element .
• a central processor sequences through the storyline events and initiates performance of tne corresponding event . Randomly accessible blocks of stored audio data are retrieved m response to control signals generated by the central processor.
• the control signals produced by the central processor initiate movement of moveable display elements synchronized with the playing of the audio blocks .
• a first illustrative example movement of tne display elements is restricted between electronic switches disposed along a path of travel.
• the second example depicts a different storyline but using a simplified construction which requires less switches and includes universal gear boxes co move the moveable display elements.
• This example is suitable for a storyline m which the movements are continuous and periodic.
• the construction shown m the first and second examples may be combined as desired to recreate a particular storyline. It is beneficial to increase the modularity of the display device whenever possible, as for example by using universal gear boxes or reducing the number of switches, m order to reduce the overall time and cost of manufacture of the display.
• Another embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of modular dynamic dialogue animated display devices arranged one after another m sequence to recreate several different scenes of a single storyline.
• Each of the display devices includes some type of means for actuating the display devices m series such as by electrical wires or by wireless communication, as for example, radio or IR waves.
• Fig. 1 is a plan view of a first example of the modular dynamic animated display according to the present invention
• Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view m the display of Fig. 1 along line II -II;
• Fig. 3 is a left-side view m the display of Fig. 1 along line III-III;
• Fig. 4 is a detailed view of the worm gear and planetary idler gear for the motor 45 m the display of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 5a is a partial cross-sectional view of the display of Fig. 1 with the Hunter tilted- forward at position C and tne rabbit at position A
• Fig. 5b is a partial cross-sectional view of the display of Fig. 1 with the hunter tilted- forward at position C and the rabbit at position B;
• Fig. 5c is a partial cross-sectional view of the display of Fig. 1 with the hunter springing from a tilted- forward position to an upright position while at position C and the rabbit at position C;
• Fig. 5d is a partial cross-sectional view of the display of Fig. 1 with the hunter m a leaning backwards position during retrace and the rabbit at position D with the glove extended from the cannon;
• Fig. 6a is a circuit diagram of the control unit m the display of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 6b is a timing diagram for the watchdog/sleep circuit m Fig. 6;
• Figs. 7a through 7g are operational flowcharts of the display of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 8a is a detailed back view of the glove actuating mechanism the display of Fig. 1 ;
• Fig. 8b is a partial front view of the rack driving the rabbit m the display of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 8c is a partial side view of the rack of Fig. 8b;
• Fig. 9 is a plan view of a second example of the modular dynamic animated display according to the present invention.
• Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the display of Fig. 9 along line X-X;
• Fig. 11 is a side view of the swinging assembly of the bird sub-assembly of Fig. 10;
• Fig. 12a is a detailed view of the gear box 150 of Fig. 10;
• Fig. 12b is a partial back view of the weights 225 h2 and 255 h3 of the cat sub-assembly of Fig. 10;
• Figs. 13a-13g are operational flowcharts of the display of Fig. 9;
• Fig. 14a is another embodiment of the present invention including a plurality of modular dynamic dialogue display devices arranged horizontally;
• Fig. 14b shows a vertical arrangement of modular dynamic dialogue display devices m accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• the modular dynamic dialogue animated display comprises a mam assembly including a housing 10 which may be hung on a wall or free standing on a substantially flat surface supported by one or more supporting members, such as feet 23 rotatable from underneath the housing 10.
• the housing is an open faced box having an interior surface 10a opposite its open face.
• Housing 10 is preferably formed from a moldable material such as plastic and includes an integral raised lattice 10b that extends over a portion of the interior surface 10a with apertures 10c at the points of intersection of the lattice.
• the mam assembly also includes a control unit 26 comprising a central processor Ul and an audio processor U2 , each with a corresponding memory or storage device for storing a sequence of storyline events and randomly- accessible audio blocks, respectively, a speaker 27, an audio unit 28, a power source 19, a power switch or button 20 for providing power to the device, and a start switch or button 24 to initiate performance of the storyline.
• the mam assembly is generic, in that its construction is the same regardless of the storyline being depicted, and thus may be inexpensively mass produced.
• one or more substantially planar stationary scenery layers specific to the storyline being depicted are arranged m the housing 10 and overlaid by a framing mat 18 and a transparent cover such as plexiglass or glass all of which are secured m the housing by a frame 22 appropriately sized to fit around the outside perimeter of the open face of the housing 10.
• the scenery layers serve a dual purpose that they provide depth to tne diorama and, at times, conceal at least a portion of the suD-assembly from view.
• the scenery layers shown m Figure 1 comprise a background layer 16a, an intermediate layer 16b and a foreground layer 16c (including the rabbit hole and the tree) . Although three scenery layers are shown, any number of one or more scenery layers may be provided depending on the storyline.
• one or more interchangeable sub-assemblies are mounted, preferably via plates 5, to the raised lattice 10b of the housing 10 m accordance with the storyline being depicted.
• the mterchangeablity of the sub- assemblies withm the universal main assembly provides a further degree or level of modularity to the overall device.
• a variety of sub-assemblies may be mass produced each depicting a different storyline and then secured and electrically connected to the framework of the universal mam assembly. This is advantageous m terms of reducing overall time and cost of manufacture.
• Each dedicated sub-assembly includes one or more moveable display elements, as for example a character (such as a person or animal) and/or an object (such as a chair or a table) , and an associated electromechanical driving mechanism for driving the moveable display element in a substantially planar path of travel substantially parallel to the scenery layers.
• the entire moveable display element itself may be moved between the scenery layers, for example to depict a clown walking into a circus ring. It is also withm the scope of the invention, however, to provide motion to only a portion of the moveable display element, as for example a dog raising its paw or shaking its head.
• the illustrative example snown m Figure 1 includes two sub-assem_Dlies hereinafter referred to as the "hunter sub-assembly" which includes a hunter 12 moveable display element and the "rabbit sub- assembly” which includes a rabbit 14 holding a cannon 15 moveable display element.
• the direction and speed of motion imparted to each moveable display element 12 , 14 by the electromechanical driving mechanism is precisely controlled m a time-dependent manner by control signals from the control unit 26 accordance with the storyline events m order to realistically recreate a cartoon animation storyline Action of the moveable display elements is synchronized with the playing of selected au ⁇ io clocks response to the control signals generated by the control unit 26.
• the hunter and rabbit moveable display elements are moved separately.
• two or more display elements may be moved m concert, as for example wnere two moveable display elements are connected to one another so that movement of one produces a corresponding movement m the other.
• Most actions may be simulated by moving the moveable display element in a single direction such as a horizontal or vertical direction or, perhaps, radially in a trajectory path or arc.
• the hunter 12 travels along a horizontal path and the rabbit 14 travels along a vertical path.
• realistic and more complex movements may be simulated such as by moving the moveable display element in a series of horizontal and vertical transitions. Any desired movement may be recreated limited only by the construction constraints on the electromechanical driving mechanism required to simulate such movement.
• the control unit 26 comprises a central processor Ul including a storyline memory such as a read only memory (ROM) which stores the storyline events.
• a storyline memory such as a read only memory (ROM) which stores the storyline events.
• Each storyline event for example, may comprise action of one of the moveable display elements, lighting of a lamp, and/or playing of a selected audio block of a sound effect, music and/or a segment of speech.
• Central processor Ul sequences through the stored storyline events and generates appropriate control signals that initiate performance of each event in sequence.
• the storyline events are sequentially performed. A first storyline event is initiated in response to actuation of the start button 24.
• Subsequent storyline events are initiated, depending on the particular storyline, upon the passing of a predetermined period of time after initiating the previous storyline event, upon the completion of playing of a selected audio block or upon a moveable display element reaching a predetermined destination position along its path of travel as indicated by actuation of an electronic switch.
• the central processor Ul operates at clock speeds between approximately 32 kHz and 1 MHz and includes 2 kbytes of 16-bit ROM for storing the sequence of storyline events and approximately 64 bytes of 4 -bit scratch-pad RAM for the stacks and working registers used by the software.
• Control unit 26 also comprises an audio processor U2 including an audio memory which stores randomly-accessible blocks of audio data such as segments of speech, sound effects and/or music.
• the audio memory is a ROM with approximately 512 kbits of stored audio data corresponding to approximately 21 seconds of audio.
• the audio processor may store any number of seconds of stored audio provided a sufficient number of bits of ROM is provided.
• the audio processor U2 receives control signals and transducer parameters from the central processor Ul and in response thereto selects a particular block of audio data. Sound is provided by a speaker 27 connected via an audio unit 28 to the audio processor U2. Audio unit 28 provides volume-control and converts digital audio data selected from memory by the audio processor U2 to an analog signal for driving the speaker 27.
• Sound generated by the speaker 27 is output through a grating 21 in the housing 10, as shown in the side-view in Figure 3.
• the storyline memory of the central processor Ul and the audio memory of the audio processor U2 are pre-programmed for the particular storyline to be depicted.
• processors Ul and U2 are two integrated circuits on a single dual integrated package, as for example chip W52184 or 52188 manufactured by inband Electronics.
• processors Ul and U2 may be separate chips such as 74110 and W52542 also manufactured by Winband Electronics .
• Action of the moveable display elements is initiated by the central processor Ul and, depending on the pre-programmed sequence of storyline events, is terminated upon actuation by a moveable display element of an electronic switch mounted to the plate of the respective sub-assembly in the path of travel or upon the completion of the playing of a selected audio block.
• switches SI, S2 , S3 sense the position of the hunter 12 and trigger events as the hunter travels in a horizontal direction.
• switches S4 , S5 sense the position of the rabbit 14 and trigger events as the rabbit travels in a vertical direction.
• central processor Ul polls an Nx matrix of switch lines, where N is the number of switches in order to monitor the position of the moveable display elements.
• a main-loop pulse operating at approximately 100 kHz is used for polling the switches to determine the location of the moveable display elements.
• the first storyline event is initiated in response to the user actuating the start button. Subsequent storyline events are initiated, depending on the pre-programmed sequence of storyline events, after a predetermined delay period has elapsed, upon the completion of the playing of a selected block of audio data, after a predetermined period of time since initiation of the previous storyline event, and/or movement of the moveable display element to a predetermined position along the path of travel as indicated by closure of a switch at the predetermined location.
• Each sub-assembly has an electromechanical driving mechanism for driving the moveable display element using one or more motors. It will be appreciated, however, that the electromechanical driving mechanisms described with reference to the examples shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes only. Each electromechanical driving mechanism may be uniquely constructed based on such design factors as the direction and/or speed of movement necessary to recreate a desired action.
• the hunter 12 travels between three positions A, B, C and corresponding electronic switches SI, S2 , S3, respectively.
• Hunter 12 is attached to a cam follower 32 which, in turn, is mounted about a pivot 33 to a carriage 34.
• Carriage 34 and hunter 12 travel as a single unit on a support rail 38 and are driven by a drive belt 39.
• the carriage 34 includes an actuation member Al projecting from the carriage 34 such that the actuation member engages switches SI, S2 , S3 as the carriage moves along the path of travel.
• the cam follower 32 is preferably Y-shaped with the pivot 33 positioned at the intersection of the "Y" .
• the hunter 12 in reset position B with the actuation member Al engaging switch S2. Then the hunter is driven by bidirectional motor 45 and a pulley 45a to position A (concealed from view behind foreground scenery layer 16c) with the actuation member Al engaging switch SI. The direction of motor 45 is reversed and the hunter 12 is moved back to reset position B. As the moveable display element travels along the support rail 38 from position B to position C at switch S3 the lower portion of the Y-shaped cam follower follows, in contact with, an undulating cam 36 arranged below the support rail 38.
• the undulating cam 36 is rippled and thus as the carriage 34 moves along the support rail 38 the cam follower 32 traces the shape of the undulating cam and causes the hunter 12 to "rock" or "wobble" back-and-forth about pivot 33 in the direction of travel. This rocking action realistically simulates the hunter trudging through the forrest in search of the rabbit .
• An upper portion of the Y-shaped cam 32 follower comprises two resilient restrictive arms 40a, 40b. As the hunter 12 travels from the left-hand-side of the display towards the rabbit hole the restrictive arm 40a contacts a stop member 42a mounted to the carriage 34 and limits the pivotal rocking action of the hunter 12 in order to maintain contact between the cam follower 32 and the undulating cam 36.
• a multi-purpose bumper spring 46 is disposed proximate the right end of the support rail 38.
• the bumper spring is multi- functional in that it: (1) allows continued motion of the hunter 12 at the right-hand- side of the display without damage due to overrun after the motor 45 has been switched off, (2) exerts an opposite force to maintain the motor 45 in an engaged state with the hunter in a "leaning forward" position, and (3) pushes the hunter upright when motor 45 is reversed.
• a leaning stop 48 preferably tilted at an angle of 45° relative to a horizontal axis, is arranged below the support rail 38 and adjacent to the right end of the undulating cam 36.
• Motor 45 preferably includes a worm gear drive so that when the carriage reaches position C and the motor 45 is stopped, the hunter remains in a leaning forward position.
• a detailed view of the motor 45 and worm gear is shown in Figure 4. As the motor 45 moves the hunter 12 in a forward direction from the left-hand-side
• Reverse or return movement of the hunter 12 from position C (at switch S3) back to position B (at switch S2) is achieved using a uni-directional motor 54, higher in speed relative to motor 45, and a pulley 54a. More complex action of the moveable display elements may therefore be realized by using motors operating at different speeds to drive the hunter 12 depending on the direction of travel. During this return action the restrictive arm 40b contacts a stop member 42b that limits how far the hunter tilts backwards, as shown in Figure 5d.
• the rabbit sub-assembly Positioned to the right of the hunter sub-assembly is the rabbit sub-assembly which comprises the rabbit 14 moveable display element mounted to a carriage 52b that travels on a support rail 53.
• the rabbit 14 is shown throughout the figures as holding a cannon 15.
• a vertical rack 52a is disposed above the carriage 52b.
• Figures 8b and 8c show front and side views, respectively, of the vertical rack 52a.
• the rack 52a and carriage 52b are connected to one another by a coil spring 49 and together they move in a vertical direction along the outside of the support rail 53 driven by a pinion gear 50 and a bi-directional motor 51.
• the coil spring 49 allows the rack 52a to rise vertically upwards even after the carriage 52b is stopped.
• the rabbit 14 travels between four positions A, B, C,
• the rabbit 14 is shown in Figures 5a through 5d at positions A,
• rack 52a and carriage 52b are in reset position B with switch S5 engaged by actuation member A5 wherein only the rabbit's head is visible from behind the scenery layers.
• the rack 52a and carriage 52b together are moved downward by motor 51 to position A, as shown in Figure 5a, with switch S4 engaged by actuation member A2 so that the rabbit is concealed from view by the foreground scenery layer 16c.
• the rack 52a carriage 52b return to reset position B, as shown in Figure 5b.
• the motor 51 drives the rack 52a and carriage 52b upwards along the support rail 53 to position C, as shown in Figure 5c, with switch S5 engaged by actuation member A4 wherein the rabbit and cannon are fully visible to the viewer.
• the motor 51 continues to drive the rack 52a upwards to a position D, as shown in Figure 5d, with switch S5 engaged by actuation member A3, whereby the glove is extended out from the cannon 15a.
• the carriage 52b is held at position C by carriage stopping members 55 disposed along the inside of the rails 53 and the coil spring 49 is extended.
• the glove assembly shown in Figure 8a, comprises a front plate 60 mounted to the carriage 52b, and a back plate 65 attached substantially parallel to the front plate.
• a slot 75 is defined in the back plate 65 which receives a pin 70 projecting from a vertically displaceable gear 80.
• the pin 70 extends through the slot 75 of the back plate 65 and is received by a hole 85 defined in a displacing member 90 of the rack 52a, as shown in Figures 8b and 8c.
• an intermediate rotating gear 95 Interposed between the front and back plates 60, 65 is an intermediate rotating gear 95, having a first set of teeth 100 disposed along an outer circumference of the gear and a second set of teeth 105 arranged on a raised smaller inner circumference.
• the vertically displaceable gear 80 engages the second set of teeth 105 while the first set of teeth 100 engage an angled rack 110 on which the picture of the glove is mounted.
• motor 51 includes a worm gear, which substantially prohibits backwinding of the gear 50 when the motor 51 is not energized so that the glove remains in an extended position, and a clutch to allow overrunning of the motor 51 beyond the rack's 52a upper limit when traveling between position C and D, as shown in Figure 5d, without damaging the mechanism.
• the worm gear is similar to that shown in Figure 4 with respect to motor 45 and, therefore, will not be described further.
• the electronic circuitry for the control unit 26 is shown in Figure 6a including the central processor Ul and audio processor U2. Movement of the hunter 12 and rabbit 14 moveable display elements is achieved by motors 45, 51, 54 actuated by the central processor Ul and limited by the switches positioned along the path of travel of the moveable display elements.
• Central processor Ul has 3 pins A, B, C which control the motors 45, 51, 54, respectively.
• a low output at pin A of central processor Ul to control transistor Ql drives motor 45 and, in turn, the hunter 12 forward, while a low output at pin A to control transistor Q3 reverses motor 45 and freewheels its planetary gear, shifting the hunter's pulley 45 to a neutral position.
• a low output at pin B of central processor Ul drives bi-directional motor 51 and, in turn, the rabbit 14 forward, while a low output at pin B reverses motor 51.
• a low output at pin C of central processor Ul enables uni-directional high-speed drive motor 54, which freewheels while bi-directional drive motor 45 drives the hunter 12, and moves the hunter 12 to a reset position A and then returns the hunter to reset position B.
• a motor may be damaged if the processor fails to cut off power after an extending period of time.
• the control unit 26 includes a dual purpose watchdog/sleep circuit, as shown in Figure 6a.
• the watchdog aspect of the circuit removes the supply voltage V + input to all motors and/or lamps when the control unit 26 malfunctions to prevent further damage to the system.
• the sleep feature of the circuit cuts off power supplied to the motor and lamps between storylines to extend the life of the battery.
• Transistor Q 36 supplies power to the motor drive transistors. If the program and microprocessor are properly working a pulse is continuously transmitted to keep transistor Q 36 turned on and power supplied to the motor drivers.
• the watchdog pulse is a polling pulse provided on the output MPX, which the watchdog/sleep circuit shares with the multiplexed lamp driver circuit to thereby eliminate WD as a single-purpose output pin. This arrangement maximizes the number of ports available and, therefore, increases the number of control options available for implementing different storylines.
• the central processor Ul is shown in Figure 6a, by way of example, as also providing two lamp-control lines and a lamp test line. Alternatively, more than two lamp control lines may be provided. Specifically, the sensor input lines can be programmed to produce control signals, with the addition of a resistance RM and a capacitance CM to each multiplexed lamp driver. A preferred example of the multiplexed lamp driver is shown in Figure 6a, in phantom.
• the RC smoothing increases the duty cycle of the pin beyond the pulses polling the switch matrix and provides a control signal to the lamp driver circuit .
• the audio processor U2 responds to audio block addresses transmitted by central processor Ul by setting high a busy flag on the STPA line to the central processor Ul .
• Central processor Ul retrieves the selected audio blocks from the ROM as serial digital data and transmits the digital data to audio processor U2 which converts the data to an analog signal using a digital-to- analog converter.
• the analog signal is transmitted to the base of driver transistor Q15 in speaker driver 28 which amplifies the signal and activates the speaker 27.
• the busy flag to the STPA line goes low when the playing of the selected audio block is finished.
• step 710 If the audio processor U2 fails to operate or falsely indicates that it is still in the "ready" state while playing the audio data then some type of warning signal is enabled in step 710, as for example by flashing an array of lamps 29.
• steps 715-750 the motors 45, 54, 51 are run and a check is made to verify that the switches are operating properly, e.g. open and close in response to action by the moveable display elements along the path of travel. If the result of the sound or switch check is that one or both are not properly working then the processor is disabled in step 760 while the operator corrects the problem.
• step 765 a lamp and battery check is performed in step 765. If any of the lamps need replacement a warning "Request for replacement" is played in step 770, the processor is disabled and power is turned off in step 775. Each time the display is powered on, the resistance across the lamps 29 is checked using the FDBK line of the central processor Ul connected to each lamp. If the central processor Ul detects a burned out lamp, the processor is disabled and power is cut off until the appropriate bulbs are replaced. At a later time when power is resupplied the display automatically repeats the self-testing and reset processing to verify that all of the lamps are working properly.
• the central processor Ul Upon receipt of the low BAT signal the central processor Ul disables the processor and cuts off power to the display. This circuit thus prevents operation of the display when the power supply is so low so to possibly effect the overall quality of the audio and/or action of the moveable display elements.
• the display 10 repeats the self-testing and reset routines before initiating the storyline. In steps 780-810 the positions of moveable display elements 12, 14 are checked to see if they are in reset position B.
• the moveable display elements are not in reset position B then they are moved to position A and then to position B.
• a timeout check is performed in steps 790, 805 to prevent damage to the motor in the situation where the electromechanical driving mechanism is stuck. If the moveable display element does not reach position B within a predetermined timeout processing period following initiation of movement, then the processor is disabled and power is cut off. As a last step in the self -test routine if all of the moveable display elements are in their reset position B then the display is powered down and awaits activation of the start button or switch 24.
• step 815 of Figure 7c in response to the user actuating the start button or switch 24 a check is made in step 820 to verify that the moveable display elements 12, 14 are in reset position B. If the moveable display elements 12, 14 are not in reset position B then reset processing is performed in steps 825-835 in which the moveable display elements are moved to position B; otherwise, if the moveable display elements are in position B then the audio unit 28 is repeatedly checked in step 840 until it is "ready” to play the first block of audio data. When the audio unit 28 is "ready” in step 845 "intro" music is played.
• Reset processing is important for precisely synchronizing action of the moving elements because the movable display elements, each with their corresponding range of possible positions, might be displaced when the display is moved or dropped. Also, since the start button or switch 24 may be actuated while a previously- initiated storyline is still in progress, the central processor Ul verifies that the audio unit 28 is "ready" to play the first block of audio data.
• the power-on self-test routine and the reset processing is a self-correcting feature of the display in that movement of the moveable display elements and actuation of the switches during this processing may dislodge small particles and/or dust which has accumulated since last operating the display that might otherwise interfere with proper operation of the display.
• step 850-865 of Figure 7c while the "intro" music plays, the rabbit 14 is moved downward from the reset position B with actuation member A5 engaging switch S5 to a position A with actuation member A2 engaging switch S4 wherein the rabbit 14 is concealed behind the rabbit hole foreground layer 16c.
• the next action is not initiated until in step 870 the audio block is finished playing as indicated when the audio unit 28 is "ready” to play the next audio block.
• Block 860 is a timeout processing check that is performed each time a moveable display element is moved between two positions.
• the timeout processing check is used detect when a moveable display element is stuck in order to interrupt movement prior to the motor overheating.
• a check is made to determine whether or not a predetermined timeout processing period has elapsed since the initiation of movement of the moveable display element, e.g. movement of the rabbit 14 from position B to position A. If the time period since initiating a given movement of a moveable display element (e.g. the time since initiating movement from position B towards position A) exceeds the predetermined timeout processing period then movement of the moveable display element is interrupted, the processor is disabled and power is cut off.
• a similar check is performed for each action of the moveable display element and thus will not described with respect to each particular action.
• the hunter 12 is driven by motor 45 to position C at switch S3 while audio unit 28 plays travel music and a voice of the hunter mumbling to himself about the rabbit.
• the cam follower 32 of the hunter 12 follows the undulating cam 36 and causes the hunter 12 to rock forwards and backwards as if "trudging" along towards the rabbit hole. Because the friction produced as the cam follower 32 follows along the undulating cam 36 results in considerable variability in travel time, the music and mumbling sounds simultaneously played while the hunter 12 is moved from position B to position C are preferably stored as a continuously looped audio block.
• step 885 when the intermediate processing period elapses movement of hunter 12 is interrupted and an intermediate "startled" sound effect is played to indicate that the hunter has seen the rabbit 14.
• step 900 the processor once again resumes movement and audio where it left off.
• This intermediate processing period check is advantageous in that it provides another means aside from the electronic switches for controlling the action of the moveable display elements and synchronized audio.
• An intermediate processing period check may be performed in a similar manner for any given movement of a moveable display element.
• step 880 when the hunter 12 reaches position C at the right -hand- side of the support rail 38, the bumper spring 46 is compressed by the carriage 34 and the continuous loop of mumbling sounds and traveling music is interrupted.
• the motor 45 is dengergized and the worm gear 45b holds the carriage 34 against the bumper spring 46 and the hunter 12 against the leaning stop 48 in a tilted- forward position as if peering down into the rabbit hole, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b.
• steps 950-955 the hunter 12 and rabbit 14 engage in an interactive dialogue. Then, in steps 960-975 the rabbit 14 is moved from position B with actuating member A5 engaging switch S5 to position C with actuation member A4 engaging switch S5 thereby revealing to the hunter 12 that the rabbit 14 is holding a cannon 15a. At the moment the hunter 12 "sees” the cannon 15a a dramatic “startle” reaction is achieved as motor 45 is abruptly reversed releasing the bumper spring 46 which, in turn, pushes the hunter
• step 960 by releasing the worm gear that holds the hunter 12 in the leaning position shown in Figures 5a and 5b also prepares the hunter 12 for his subsequent high-speed return trip back to position A at switch SI, driven by uni-directional motor 54.
• a sufficient amount of time is provided for the planetary gear 45d to rotate a sufficient distance away from the pulley 45a to allow freewheeling.
• an adequate amount of delay must be provided to reverse the direction of the spring- loaded cam- follower 32 from leaning towards the rabbit hole to the opposite slant, depicting headlong retreat. If a sufficient amount of time is not allowed the cam- follower 32 will jam against the surface of the undulating cam 36 during retreat. Precise processor control of the motor operation in this manner realistically expresses the hunter's surprise while preventing or substantially reducing the occurrence of jamming, which might otherwise result when the hunter 12 is pulled backward at relatively high speed from the tilted-forward position.
• step 980 before moving further upwards to position D, the rabbit 14 remains for an extended period of time, preferably approximately 0.2 seconds, in position C with actuation member A4 engaging switch S5.
• steps 985-1005 the rabbit 14 is moved by motor 51 from position C with actuation member A4 engaging switch S5 to position D with actuation member A3 engaging switch S5.
• the carriage 52b is stopped by the carriage stopping members 55 but the rack 52a continues to rise past the pinion gear housing 50 until reaching position D with actuating member A3 engaging switch S5 thereby actuating the glove out from behind the cannon.
• the glove is actuated from the cannon in steps 1010-
• steps 1020-1035 the bidirectional motor 45 free-wheels and a uni-directional clutch on the high-speed pulley 54a, which previously allowed that pulley to free-wheel while the hunter 12 was driven by the bi-directional motor 45, is engaged.
• step 1040-1055 pulse-width modulation is employed by central processor Ul in order to slow the retrace of the hunter 12 at the end of his trajectory, after passing position B and actuating switch S2.
• actuation of switch S2 causes the central processor Ul to vary the power supplied to the high-speed retrace motor 54 to 500 Hz with a 30% duty cycle in order to slow the rotation of the high speed pulley 54a and, in turn, reduce the speed of retrace of the hunter 12.
• the hunter 12 disappears behind the foreground layer 16c and upon reaching position A at switch SI, in steps 1060-1065 the audio unit 28 plays a "crash" sound effect. After the crash the hunter 12 recites an epilogue in steps 1070-1075 and "finale” music is played in step 1080.
• step 1085-1100 the motor 51 returns the rabbit 14 to position A where the rabbit disappears away from sight into his hole concealed behind the foreground layer 16c. Thereafter, in steps 1105-1120 the motor 51 moves rabbit 14 back to position B for his curtain call. After a dignified pause of preferably 0.5 seconds in step 1125, the hunter 12 likewise is returned to position B for his curtain call by motor 45 in steps 1130-1150. The storyline is now complete and the display is powered-down awaiting the next actuation of the start switch or button 24 in step 1155.
• FIG. 9 A second illustrative example of the modular dynamic dialogue animated display in accordance with the invention is shown in Figures 9 and 10.
• the storyline depicted in this second example is of a bird swinging in a cage while a cat on a pogo stick appears in the window to catch the bird.
• a universal main assembly similar to that in the first example is used in this second example.
• the main assembly includes a housing 10, a control unit 26 comprising a central processor Ul and an audio processor U2 each with a corresponding memory or storage device for storing a sequence of storyline events and randomly-accessible audio blocks, respectively, a speaker 27, an audio unit 28, a power source 19, a power switch or button 20, and a start switch or button 24.
• the only difference in the main assemblies of the first and second examples being that the storyline and audio memories in the central processor Ul and audio processor U2 have been programmed for the particular storyline being recreated.
• the second example has two scenery layers, e.g. an intermediate scenery layer 115 of a portion of a room in a house including a birdcage hanging from the ceiling near a window, and a background scenery layer 120 of the houses in the distance as seen through the window.
• Four moveable display elements are provided, i.e. a first cat face moveable display element 125 h , a second cat face moveable display element 125 b , a bird moveable display element 135, and an umbrella moveable display element 140.
• Three sub-assemblies are used to move the four moveable display elements. Specifically, a single sub-assembly is used to move the two cat face moveable display elements 125 h , 125 b . As a result, of this streamlined construction the overall cost of manufacturing the display device for this storyline is reduced.
• Each sub-assembly comprises a universal gear box 150, as shown in Figure 12a.
• the universal gear boxes are referred to as 150 c , 150 b , 150 u , for the cat, bird and umbrella sub-assemblies, respectively.
• the universal gear box 150 includes a motor 155 for driving a first pulley 160.
• a belt 165 is disposed about the first pulley 160 and about a second pulley 170 having a larger diameter than the first pulley.
• Second pulley 170 includes a coaxial pinion 172 that engages a series of gears 175. As the gears 175 rotate they, in turn, engage an idler gear 180 that transmits output power from the universal gear box 150.
• the components comprising the universal gear box are enclosed in a housing 151 that provides both protection and a support structure to which additional components may be mounted.
• the output power produced by the universal gear box may be modified in order to achieve a particular action in accordance with the storyline being depicted by operatively connecting additional components such as gears to the idler gear 180.
• universal gear boxes may be used to provide action to a plurality, or all, of the moveable display elements and because of its universal design may be mass-produced by a single tooling thereby reducing the overall cost of manufacture of the display device .
• the umbrella sub-assembly including the umbrella moveable display element 140 will now be described in detail.
• a snail -shaped cam 185 Operatively connected to the idler gear 180 u of the universal gear box 150 u is a snail -shaped cam 185 with a notch 190 defined in its circumference.
• the umbrella moveable display element 140 is mounted to a wedge-shaped pivoting member 195 that includes a rib 205 disposed so as to fit in the notch 190 of the snail-shaped cam 105 as it rotates.
• the bi-directional motor 155 in the universal gear box 150 is energized in a first direction and rotates the snail-shaped gear 190 in a counter-clockwise direction.
• the snail-shaped gear 190 rotates it pushes against the rib 205 of the wedge-shaped pivoting member 195 and causes it to pivot from position B (where the umbrella moveable display element is concealed from view behind the intermediate scenery layer 115) to position A (where the umbrella comes into view as if to hit the cat) .
• position B where the umbrella moveable display element is concealed from view behind the intermediate scenery layer 115
• position A where the umbrella comes into view as if to hit the cat
• the motor 155 is reversed causing the snail-shaped cam 185 to rotate in a clockwise direction causing the wedge-shaped pivoting member 195 to engage switch S6.
• Motor 155 may be damaged when its direction is rapidly switched in this manner.
• the cam 185 is preferably configured in a snail-shape to provide a dwell time that allows the motor 155 to overrun.
• the bird sub-assembly like the umbrella sub-assembly, also includes a universal gear box 150 b .
• a universal gear box 150 b Operatively connected to the idler gear 180 b of the universal gear box 150 b is a bell crank 215.
• a rod 220 is attached at one end to the bell crank 215 and the other end is attached to a swing arm 225.
• the swing arm is preferably U-shaped, as illustrated in the side view of Figure 11, with the bird moveable display element mounted to one side of the "U" . As the swing arm swings back-and-forth it engages a switch S7.
• This sub-assembly includes delicate components which may be damaged during shipping and thus in a preferred embodiment additional support structures are provided.
• the sub- assembly preferably includes a clutch to allow the swing arm to swing back-and- forth during shipping without moving the rod 220.
• a support bar 235 interposed between the two sides of the U-shaped swing arm to prevent displacement of the swing arm in a direction either towards or away from the open face of the housing, which might otherwise damage the sub-assembly components.
• the last sub-assembly to be described is the cat sub- assembly that provides motion for the first and second interchangeable cat face moveable display elements, i.e. the first of a cat on a pogo stick with a hungry face 125 h (hereinafter "hungry cat face”) and the second of a bruised cat 125 b with the pogo stick wrapped around its body (hereinafter "bruised cat face”) .
• the hungry and bruised cat face moveable display elements are driven using a single universal gear box 150. Similar components are used to drive the two cat face moveable display elements and for notation purposes they are denoted by the same reference number accompanied by an "h” or a "b” for the hungry and bruised cat face moveable display elements, respectively.
• Rods 245 b , 245 h are attached at one end to bell cranks 240 b , 240 h , respectively, and at the opposite end to bars 250 b , 250 h , respectively.
• the ends of the rods 245 b , 245 h are slotted at their connection to the bars 250 b , 250 h in order to provide a dwell time, which is necessary since according to the storyline being depicted the first and second cat face moveable display elements are not in view at the same time.
• Counterweights are disposed at opposite ends of each of the bars 250 b , 250 h which serve to balance the bars about a pivot point P in response to movements during shipping to prevent damage to the delicate sub-assembly components.
• a first weight 255 hl is disposed on one side of the bar 250 h and two weights 255 h2 , 255 h3 are disposed on the opposite end of the bar.
• a four bar 260 h Arranged substantially parallel to the bar 250 h is a four bar 260 h which is attached at one end to a supporting member 262 and at the opposite end is mounted to a second weight 255 h2 .
• the hungry cat face moveable display element 125 h is mounted to the second weight 255 h2 .
• Second weight 255 h2 is pivotally mounted to the bar 250 h and attached to the four bar 250 h so that it remains in a substantially erect position irrespective of the radial movement of the bar 250 h .
• a third weight 255 h3 smaller in size than the second weight 255 h2 , is positioned between the second weight 255 h2 and the back of the housing 10 of the display.
• the third weight 255 h3 is mounted to the bar 250 h at an angle of approximately 90 degrees so that the third weight moves radially with the bar.
• the slots allow for a dwell time when the weights 225 h2 , 225 h3 are positioned at their lowest point.
• Figure 12b shows a back view of a preferred embodiment of the weights 255 h2 and 255 h3 .
• the second weight 255 h3 has a tilted ridge 270 disposed along its rear surface adjacent the front surface of the third weight 255 h3 that prevents displacement of the weights towards and away from one another.
• These delicate components of this sub-assembly may become displaced and damaged during shipping. Damage to the sub-assembly is prevented by positioning the bars 250 b , 250 h between a double slotted support structure which restricts displacement of the bars towards and away from one another.
• engaging member 265 b is moved between two positions, i.e. position B (with the hungry cat face concealed behind the intermediate scenery layer 115) when rib Rl closes switch S9 and position A (with the hungry cat face in view in the window) when rib R2 engages switch S10.
• position B with the hungry cat face concealed behind the intermediate scenery layer 115
• position A with the hungry cat face in view in the window
• the hungry face cat display element comes into view at two different levels, e.g.
• engaging member 265 h is moved between position B (with the hungry cat face moveable display element concealed from view behind the intermediate scenery layer 115) when the rib R3 closes switch S8 and either position A (the first level) when the rib R5 engages switch Sll or position C (the second level) when the rib R4 closes switch Sll.
• Springs 275 b , 275 h are attached to bars 250 b , 250 h , respectively, to limit radial movement .
• Operation of the second exemplary storyline is similar to that previously described in Figures 7e and 7f with respect to the first example in that when power is provided to the display a series of processing checks are performed to ensure that the moveable display elements are operable, that the switches are working properly and to clear the mechanism from small debris. After completion of this self -correcting procedure the display is sleep disabled to conserve energy and awaits actuation of the start button 24.
• Figures 13a-g show the flow chart for the second storyline. Once the start button 24 is pressed another check is made in step 1310 to ensure that the moveable display elements are all positioned in reset position B and are moved to reset position
• gear box 150 b moves the bird moveable display element 135 in step 1340 so that it swings back-and-forth while playing an audio script of a bird singing to a song and in the background an occasional "PONG" background sound effect is played.
• gear box 150 c moves the hungry cat face moveable display element 125 h from position B to position A where it is concealed from view behind the intermediate scenery layer 115.
• a timeout processing check is performed in steps 1350-1360 in which it is determined whether or not the hungry cat face moveable display element 125 h has reached position A within a predetermined timeout processing period.
• This timeout processing check is similar to that described above with respect to the first example. If the moveable display element has not reached the destination point before the timeout processing period has elapsed then the motor is presumed stuck, the processor is sleep disabled and the power is cut off in step 1360 to prevent the motor from becoming damaged. Similar processing is performed each time the moveable display element is moved and thus will not be further described.
• gear box 150 b is interrupted so that the bird moveable display element 135 stops swinging and a bird script is played in which the bird states that it believes that it has just seen the cat.
• gear box 150 c moves the hungry cat face 125 h to the second level at position C while a cat script is played in which the cat addresses the bird.
• gear box 150 C moves the hungry cat face moveable display element 125 h back to position B while a script is played of the bird acknowledging that it has in fact seen the cat .
• gear box 150 b in steps 1445-1460 moves the bird moveable display element 135 back-and- forth in the birdcage while playing an audio sound effect of the bird screaming for help.
• gear box 125 c moves the hungry cat moveable display element 125 h to a second level at position C, higher than the first level at position A, so that the pogo stick on which the cat is jumping is now visible in the window.
• gear box 150 u moves the umbrella moveable display element 140 to position B so that it appears to knock the cat in the head.
• gear box 150 u moves the umbrella moveable display element 140 back to position B and gear box 150 C moves the hungry cat moveable display element 125 h back to position B so that both are concealed from view behind the intermediate scenery layer 115.
• Gear box 150 c then moves the bruised cat face moveable display elements 125 b to position A in steps 1525-1540 and upon reaching position A in steps 1545-1550 plays a script of the cat astonished by what has just occurred. Then in steps 1555-1580 the gear box 150 c moves the bruised cat face moveable display element 125 b back to position B and upon reaching position B plays an audio sound effect of a crash. The cat is no longer a threat and in steps 1585-1590 the gear box 150 b moves the bird moveable display element 135 back-and- forth in the birdcage while playing a bird script in which the bird comments about the cat. In steps 1595-1645 finale music is played while the hungry cat face moveable display element 125 h moves to position A for a curtain call and then returns back to position B. The storyline is now completed and the display is powered down and awaits restart in step 1650.
• the modular dynamic dialogue animated display device in accordance with the invention has been shown as a single device, it is also within the intended scope of the invention to provide a plurality of individual display devices, arranged one after another, whereby a previous display device actuates performance in a next display device in order to depict different scenes from a single storyline.
• the plurality of display devices may be actuated by signals transmitted between adjacent display devices, for example, using electrical wires or a wireless communication means such as radio or infrared waves. In the preferred embodiment wireless communication between adjacent devices is accomplished using IR waves.
• Figures 14a and 14b show, by way of illustrative example only, three display devices A,B,C, however, any two or more display devices may be used as desired.
• the IR transmitters 275 are preferably positioned midway along the right-hand-side and bottom side of the perimeter of each display device.
• the corresponding IR sensors 280 of any two adjacent display devices are disposed at alternating diagonal corners. Specifically, in display device A the sensors 280 are positioned along the upper-left and lower-right corners, in display device B the sensors are positioned along the lower- left and upper-right corners, and the sensors in display device C are arranged the same as those in display device A.
• This configuration is desirable since it requires the minimum number of sensors yet accommodates arrangement of the plurality of display devices one after another in either a horizontal or vertical direction.
• Alternative arrangements of the transmitters and sensors are also within the intended scope of the invention.
• a display device may continue its performance even after successive devices are actuated such that several scenes of the storyline are performed simultaneously.

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• 1998
  • 1998-01-07 AU AU60214/98A patent/AU6021498A/en not_active Abandoned
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  • 1998-01-07 JP JP53201898A patent/JP2002513477A/ja active Pending
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