US2307202A - Projecting kaleidoscope device - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 5, 1943.

W. C. EDDY Filed Jan. 27, 1940 Bl ACAJZREEW 3 Sheets-Sheet l I JMOTOR FILM DRIVE MOTOR 3 F1 2 Sal/ND DEV/CE MUTUR FILM SPROCKET sHAFr 8.9 SOUND FILM DRIVE SPROC'KET INVENTOR.

wllzM C. EDDY 77% 441% A TTORN E Y.

Jan. 5, 1943. w. c. EDDY PROJECTING KALEIDOSCOPE DEVICE Filed Jan. 27, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. LLIAM C. EDDY ATTORNEY.

Jan. 5, 1943. w. c. EDDY PROJECTING KALEIDOSCOPE DEVICE Filed Jan. 27, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Illlllf/l/IIIIII INVENTOR. WILLIAM C. EDDY A TTORNE Y.

Patented Jan. 5, 1943 2,307,202 PROJ ECTIN G KALEIDOSCOPE DEVICE William C. Eddy, Port Washington, N. Y.,

or to Radio Corporation of America, a corporation of Delaware Application January 27. 1940, Serial No. 315,934

6 Claims.

My invention relates, in general, to apparatus for the display of abstract figures. These figures may be of the geometric or non-symmetrical type. More particularly, the invention relates to a kaleidoscope projection system associated with other apparatus for producing the combination of real and abstract figures.

At the present time, program material for television usually requires a definite time value to be properly understood. That is to say, every sequence exhibited, to be properly appreciated, must have a beginning and an end which delineates a definite time limit. The present invention provides television program material which does not necessarily have such adefinite time element. This best can be accomplished by the use of abstract designs formed so as to be pleasing to the eye. The design may be of interesting monochromatic shades, and also may incorporate such movement of the pattern as may be required to maintain the interest of the viewer. It is a well known fact that the human eye is exceptionally appreciative of the perfection found in geometric figures. A Kaleidoscopic pattern has been found to be particularly satisfying and applicable to this particular usage. Accordingly, it is one of the objects of my invention to provide program material which may be used in conjunction with television apparatus and which will be pleasing, interesting, and yet abstract in nature, and which may form a satisfactory program with out the necessity of material which is sequentially related.

Projection kaleidoscopes have been known heretofore, but these devices of the prior art have been either impractical or inapplicable to the demands of television programs, as will hereinafter become apparent. Accordingly, it is another of the objects of my invention to provide a satisfactory projecting kaleidoscope which, when associated with other projecting apparatus. will provide material which is highly satisfactory for use as television program material.

Where it is necessary to exhibit static printed messages, such for instance as advertising material, instruction material, characteristic symbols and the like, it has been found that a dynamic background enhances the effectiveness of the aforementioned material and definitely contributes to maintaining the interest of the viewer. Accordingly, it is another of the objects of my invention to provide an apparatus which not only may exhibit a static printed or otherwise formed message, but will supply also a of an abstract In order to system capable of projecting a characteristic symbol which may serve for instance as a medium for identification. Accordingly, it is another of the objects of my invention to provide a projection kaleidoscope which, with associated apparatus, will successfully demonstrate such characteristic symbols either as an advertising message or as an identification of the particular transmission then in operation.

In order to introduce and remove from the field of view the aforementioned charactertistic symbol, it is preferable that eradication of the symbol from the field of view be done substantially instantaneously in so far as the viewer is concerned. It the symbol is not removed instantaneously in so far as the viewer is concerned, then it is preferable that the symbol gradually fade from the field of view. This symbolic material may be replaced by other characteristic material if so desired, and accordingly it is another of the objects of my invention to provide an apparatus for successfully carrying out the aforementioned functions, and in which the material such as the characteristically symbolic ma terial may be changed automatically or successfully introduced or removed from the field of view.

This device is contemplated for use with television apparatus but is not necessarily limited thereto, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In television practice the optical view to be transmitted is effectively divided into a number of lines, and these lines are linearly and sequentially scanned so as to interpret the optical values thereon and to develop signals representative of these optical values. This is done by a tube known as an "Iconoscope" which includes among other elements a photoelectric mosaic comprising a. great number of discrete photoelectric cells onto which the view to be transmitted is projected and a developed beam of electrons is moved linearly across this mosaic, the beam being necessarily deflected in order to contact the mosaic and in efiect measure on each element thereof. Reference should be had to the article entitled "Theory and Performance of the Iconoscope by Zworykin, Morton & Flory, printed in the proceedings of the I. R. E. for

the charge areas in the lower section of the picture. In a way, this can be overcome by use of additional apparatus known specifically, as rim lighting, but i in this invention it is proposed to circumnavigate this particular objection by furnishing a white or light border about the picture whichwill be produced on the o ope plate. but byre oa "doscopic'images. Investigations with this appa- "tem. To this end my apparatus embodies not only the production of projected kaleldoscopic or limitation in the scanning sweep of the elec-:

tron beam, will not be reproduced in the transmitted picture) Accordingly, it is another of'the objects of my invention to provide an apparatus which will not be subjected to the aforementioned type oi aberrating influence.

The rapidly changing patterns which it is possible to produce with such a kaleidoscopic device as will be hereinafter described necessarily at times have a rapidly changing light content that is to" say, that the change in total light flux emahating from the pattern during a short period of time may be considerable. It is both necessary and desirable that some automatic integrating device be incorporated in the system to maintain the balance in the electrical characteristics of the system during the rapid changes which take place under these conditions. Such may be done, for instance. by developing a variable signal which may be used to bias the amplifiers in the television system so as to determine and control the amplifying characteristics at' any particular time. Accordingly, it is another of the objects of my inventionto provide an arrangement wherein automatic balancing of the transmission apparatus may be accomplished during rapid changes in the light value of the pattern produced in the apparatus. Since the focal plane on which the material is formed may vary in position, and further since there may be other desirable changes to be made for the purpose of meeting varying conditions of operation, the lens systems hereinafter disclosed are separately adjustable. The combination of these adjustments allows variation of the size and intensity of various sections of the overall pattern. Accordingly, it is another of the objects of my invention to provide a Kaleidoscopic projection system in which the lenses are separately and relatively adjustable.

The particular apparatus which in actual practice has been used utilizes a pattern recorded on standard 35 mm. film as objective material for the kaleldoscopic' portion of the system. Since a great deal of light is lost in any projection system, it is necessary that a fairly intense lamp be used in the projector. It is apparent that such film material must film at a very slow speed past the .light source and at considerably slower speed than is true in normal motion picture practice. Due to the intensity of the light source and the relatively slow speed of the film past the light source, some means must be provided for preventing destruction of the film by the intense heat. In actual practice I have provided an air jet which will prevent the film on which the objective material is recorded from absorbing the radiant heat of the light source. This system is preferred to a filter system which would reduce images, but also produces in conjunction therewith auditory-materlal, the production of which is synchronized with the production of the kaleiratus have shown that the addition of. this oral material fortiiles ,the program value .of an; abstractpatternjpr"'jectgir evice. Accordingly, it is another of 'the'pbiects ilniy inventionrto pro.- vide a device which ,willprolect abstract patterns. and i'urttier',td pi'ov lde 'silppiementar'y m1, material to be used inconlunction therewith, and further to synchron'iaeltheflisplay ot tlie abstract material and theoral material.

I Due to theJactithat'lsaleidoscoplc pictures are truly geometrir': infi'orm,.and the standardized frame of a television image is inthe form of a rectangle having anaspechratlo of 4 to 3, git is necessary to select-horn a purely geometricpat tern whichinay'beproducedthe portion which is desired to b transniit'ted within the standardized television image frame' In doing this; the dimculties encountered,by..pther kaleidoscopic projection systems, inbalancing or compensating the brightness otthe variol-ls sectors-ls circumnavigated by selecting anequally balanced fan shaped portion as the pattern for the projector. This sectiong'enrallv incorporates asIthe locus of the pattern thelower center of the television frame], I, I

The projection kaleidoscope hereinafter to be described speciflcallyin detail comprises in general a source'of light which, through suitable condenser lens meanais caused to produce at an objective aperture a light of such intensity as will cause kaleldoscopic material passed by the objective aperture,"bet ween the aperture and the source 'of light, to be reflected and re-reflected through a triangular arrangement of mirrors at such intensities as will allow the image so formed to be projected through a lens system used in conjunction with the mirrors onto a plane of projection. Since the triangular arrangement of mirrors and the associated lenssystem have a definite line of projection, this will be referred to hereinafter as the axis" of projection.

A secondary projection system is positioned as closely to the center line of the kaleidoscope mirrors as is practical, and projects onto the same plane of projection or screen as"do the kaleido scope mirrors. The image projectedfrom this secondary lens system will naturally be from an oblique angle if the plane of projection or screen is perpendicular to the axis oi projection of the kaleidoscope mirrors. Since this is true there will be formed on the screen or plane of projection an image which is keystoned," or in other words, slightly distorted. To compensate for this phenomenon the material used in the secondary projection system and projected therefrom usually is recorded on a film or slide and is photographed i'rom an angle which is complementary to the angle formed between the projector and the.screen or plane of projection, thus causing the exhibited image to be correct when viewed along the axis of projection of the kaleidoscope mirrors.

A third projector with associated apparatus is positioned so that its line of projection is substantially at right angles to the axis of projection of the kaleidoscope mirrors. This latter-projector is particularly useful for theexhibition of static images such as characteristic symbols. All of these arrangements will, of course, be explained more in detail hereinafter in the specification.

It has been explained hereinbefore that the third projector has its line of projection substantially at right angles to the axis of projection of the kaleidoscope mirrors. These lines then must of necessity intersect. In the apparatus which will be hereinafter described there has been positioned a semi-transparent partially reflecting surface in the form of a half silvered mirror, with the approximate center thereof located at the point of intersection of the two axes hereinbefore referred to and positioned substantially at an angle of 45 degrees both with respect to the line of projection of the third projector and the axis of projection of the kaleidoscope mirrors.

There is positioned adjacent this half silvered mirror and on the side thereof remote from the third projector. an integrating device in the form of a photoelectric cell. It will be appreciated that a part of the light from the kaleidoscope image will pass through the half silvered mirror and thence onto the plane of projection while a portion will be reflected onto the photocell depending upon the reflecting and transparent characteristics of the half silvered mirror. Similarly, a portion of the light from the third projector will pass through the mirror while a portion will be reflected onto the exhibiting plane or screen. Similarly, the light from'the secondary projector may be made to pass through the half silvered mirror and a portion reflected therefrom, or since the secondary projector is used for static messages in general, when so used the amount of light projected remains fixed and can be allowed for in setting the integrating device. This integrating device comprises a photoelectric cell and the cell may be with associated apparatus for developing a potential representative of the total amount of light on the plane of projection. Since rapid changes may occur in the overall amount of light, and further since these changes may unbalance the television transmission system if they are very rapid and of large values. the potential developed by the photocell may be used in the form of a bias for determining the operating level of the equipment and thus compensating for rapid changes and inequalities in the total light of the images transmitted.

Since in actual practice the material forming the kaleidoscopic figures has been recorded'on a standard 35 mm. moving picture film, and further since the change in the Kaleidoscopic figures is comparatively slow compared to the normal rate of projection of a moving picture, and further since the projection lamp associated with the kaleidoscopic mirrors is comparatively intense in value due to the necessity of projecting anlimage having good light characteristics and also due to losses within the lens system, some means must be provided to prevent burning of the film by the intense heat from the projection lamp. Accordingly, I provide an air jet immefor instance, in the case diately adjacent the film and closely adjacent the objective aperture for cooling the film and preventing burning. a

My invention will be understood best by reference to the figures in which- Fig.'1-ls a schematic-showing of the energizing circuits,

Fig.=-2 shows an alternative mechanical synchronizing arrangement for sound and" image transmission.

Fig. 3 is an isometric sketch of the projection apparatus,--

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the projection apparatus partially cut away,

Fig. 5 is a cross-section of one of the elements ofFig.4,and I l g Fig. 6 is a more detailed view of one of the parts of Fig. 4.

Referring to Fig. 1,-there is shown the'energizing circuit for the'multiple projector systems. A source of alternating current, usually volts, is broughtinto thee'qui'ment through a double pole-single throw switch ID. A pilot light i l acts as an indicator of the power being applied to the entire system. The motors in the apparatus are separately energized. 1

A film" drive motor device is energized through a double pole, double throw switch I2; This brings power to the primary of an autotransformer l3 across whose secondary is connected 9. pilot light l4, indicative of the degree of transformation accomplished through the variable autotranstormer "i3; and the motoiflor motors necessary as drive the film and complementary sound sews. These'mqtors in this figure are indicated as a film drive'motorl5 and a sound device motor IS. The latter-motor can be used. where sound is recorded either on film or aseparate record, and it is desired tohave a sound accompaniment. This will be explained more fully hereinafter.

The pcwer fertile kaleidoscope projection system is furnished'through another double polesingle throw switch H which brings power into the primary of the variable autctr'ari'sfoimer l8. Across the secondary of this transformer is connected a pilot light I! and projection lamp 20 of the kaleidoscopicprojection system.

There will be explained hereinafter that. the device includes not onlya kaleidoscope projecting device but two independent projectors which are associated therewith and which will be de-. scribed more fully hereinafter. For this reason the allusion is made to the black screen, the slide. and the kaleidoscope.

For energizing the slide device I provide a double pole-single throw switch 2| energizing the primary of a variable autotransformer. 22. Across the secondary" are positioned a pilot light 23 and a double pole-double throw switch 2|. when this latter switch contacts the terminals identified as 25, a magnetic or thermal flasher 26 which 'islnterposedin one leg of the circuit causes the A. C. power to be interrupted at preset intervals;

This flasher is connected serially with one pole of the switch. Also connected seriallywiththe flasher .25 is the armature 21 of a magnetic relay 28. I'I'his' armature normally contacts with a contact point 29, completing the circuit back through the light source projection system. -With the double pole-double throw switch 24 thrown in the opposite position, power is brought to contacts designated as 3|, and by reason of an equivalent armature 32, solenoid 33 and secondary contact 34, this self-same 30 of the' light source 30 of this self-same projection system is caused to be energized provided the serially connected and manually operated switch 35 is in a closed position. It is evident that opendug of this particular switch will break the circuit causing light source 30 to be extinguished.

A secondary or separately excited portion of this projection system consists of two slide actuating devices with their attendant pilot light system and solenoid control of the aforementioned light source 30. The winding 28 of the relay which is associated with the armature 31 is connected serially with a pilot light 36 and the center tap 31 of the battery, or other equivalent form of energizing means 38. The latter has as sociated therewith two switches 39 and 40. The switch member 39 is thus connected serially with the winding 28 and a portion of the battery or other energizing means 33. It will be noted that the pilot lamp 36 is shunted directly across this section of the battery and the switch 39. The same arrangement holds true with respect to the winding 33 and the switch member 40, and an additional pilot lamp 4|. Shunted directly across the pilot lamp 3i and thus in parallel with the switch and battery section 39 and 38 respectively, and also in shunt with the winding 28 is the actuating winding 42 of a solenoid horizontal motor.

Similarly, an additional solenoid winding 43 is connected in shunt with the pilot lamp 4i and also connected in shunt with a section of the battery 38 and the switch 40, and also in shunt with the winding 33 of the relay winding associated with the armature 32. Positioned so as to operate in the field of the windings 42 and 43 is solenoid armature 44. Connected to the member 44, and in pivotal relationship thereto, is a fulcrum arm 45 which is pivoted at the point 43 and connected in driven mechanical relationship with the solenoid arm 44 at the point 41. By reason of this mechanical advantage, this arm will cause a slide member 50 to move horizontall in its guide when horizontal actuation of the solenoid armature 44 is accomplished. A pivotal point 5! is the locus of transmission of its horizontal movement to the slide member 50. It will be noted that the slide member has been shown in one position thereof and in dotted lines to show the other position thereof when the armature 44 moves in the opposite direction. This slide member in general comprises a guided member having two apertures into which may be placed fixed slides or other exhibiting material, and will be explained more fully hereinafter.

The preferred operation of this device is as follows: If by reason of the subject-matter selected, it is desired to have static material exhibited intermittently at predetermined intervals, the double pole-double throw switch 32 is thrown in contact to energize points 25, thus causing the flasher to automatically extinguish and light up the projection light 30 on its particular system. If it is required by reason of the material selected to exhibit only this material as needed, the switch 24 is thrown to contact points 3| and the manually operated switch 35 is then used to extinguish and light the projection lamp 39 as and when desired. If it is required to shift the exhibited material positioned in the slide holder 50, the switch 39 or 40 may be closed depending upon the motion desired and indicated by the red and green color pilot lights 35 and 4|. Energizing of this switch causes the following sequence.

w The windings of solenoid 28 and 42 and the filament of the pilot light 36 are energized. The energizing of the winding 42 causes the armature 44 to move to the left resulting in a movement of the slide 50 and its exhibiting material. In order not to have this exhibiting material wiped across the picture. at the instant of closing the switch the solenoid operated switch 21 is attracted, causing the illumination device 30 on this projection system to be extinguished. The action of the opposed movement being in all respects a concentric system is similar in all respect to the sequence hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that any or all of these devices may be normally operated either singly or in multiple with each other.

For television applications in which it is required or desired to project a light surface frame on the picture or any other applications where it is desired to mat our certain portions of the design, a projector is energized through double pole-single throw switch 66 and is designated as the black screen projection system. Power is brought to variable autotransformer GI and thence to the secondary to the projection light source 63 and its pilot light source 52. The theory of the black screen projector will be more fully explained with reference to Fig. 3.

Also shunted across the power line is a further switch member 10 connected serially with a pilot light H. The light II is used in a fashion which is similar to the dash light on an automobile for instance, the reason being that this equipment is usually operated in a darkened projection room, and since there are many adjustments to be made during the course of a projection sequence, a lamp of this nature or its equivalent is required on the operating board.

It will be noted that there has been described hereinbefore the power systemfor energizing the motors I 5 and I6, and these motors have been referred to hereinbefore as the film drive motor and the sound device motor. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that it is desirable to complement this abstract video picture provided by kaleidoscopic projection and the associated projectors with a sound equivalent. To do this there are shown two motors l5 and I6. Motor l5 drives a serrated film sprocket wheel through a worm and gear arrangement at a speed satisfactory for normal display of kaleidoscopic images. Motor IB running synchronously with motor i5 drives through a suitable worm and gear arrangement, a turntable on which can be placed a transcription, and the soundtrack of this transcription is suitably cued for starting with the film being driven synchronously by motor l5. By use of proper indicating marks on both transcription and film it is possible and entirely feasible to run these two devices synchronously throughout a full film sequence.

It will be appreciated that the tempo of the music may be gauged so as to augment the flgures shown kaleidosoopically. For instance, if the pattern is changing slowly the music may have a. slow tempo, and conversely, if the pattern is changing quickly the music may have a fast tempo. Similarly, ii the design consists of heavy sections, the music may emphasize the bass notes. This type of musical synchronization with changing lighting and figures is known to musicians as exemplified by the so-called color organ. Slight variations from a normal speed of recording will not seriously aifect the use of such an arrangement as hereinbefore described.

Referring to Fig. 2, there is shown an alternative arrangement whereby sound and abstract kaleidoscopic figures may be synchronized where the sound is recorded on a recording medium such as a film, and may be reproduced therefrom by well known methods such as the projection of a light beam therethrough working co-operatively with a photoelectric cell and associated amplifier circuits such as are known to the prior art. As the relative speed of the film on which the kaleidoscopic material is recorded is considerabiy less than the speed of a film on which sound representations are recorded, two distinct films have been used in actual practice. In this figure there is shown a power source 88, a double pole-single throw switchlli feeding the primary of a variable autotransformer 82 across which. and connected in shunt therewith, is a pilot light 88 indicative of the degree of transformation accomplished through the aforementioned varia- 84. Mechanically motor 84 is the worm 85, and gear 86, the latter which may be directly connected to the slow moving film sprocket shaft on which the kaleidoscopic material is recorded. Also serially connected on the same shai't as the worm gear 85 is a series of spur gears 86, driving its complementary spur gear 88, the latter of which drives the gear member 88 which meshes with gear 88, the latter being connected to the sprocket iii in which is driven the film on which the sound is recorded. For purposes of simplicity. the film and its associated light and photocell system are not shown, as such systems per so are well known.

Referring to Fig. 3, an isometric sketch of the general'arrangement oi the multiple projection apparatus is positioned the film gate 94 and the film actuating device 95.

mounted concentrically with respect thereto is the focussing lens assembly I88 which section can be moved forward and back along the kaleidolar to that supporting the main iraleldoscopic barrel 81. Mirrors. or reflecting members, for creating the ka eldoscopic image from a planar image will be illustrated more fully hereinafter in Fig. 4. and particularly in Fig. 5. Continuing along the self-same optical center line of the kaleidoscoplc mirror assembly, there is positioned a semi-transparent mirror IM or its optical equivalent mounted Within a member I82, which is in itself attached to the operating board by screw I83. The normal posiiion of this semi-transparent reflecting device is supporting frame substantially 45" oil the normal kalcidoscopic center line in a horizontal elevation.

Positioned 90 oil the optical center line of the kaleidoscopic mirrors is the characteristic symbol or static design projecting system which comprises in part a light source with its attendant reflecting and condenser lens system contained within a housing I88. Directly continuing down the center line of this optical system which is 90 on the kaleidoscopic center line. there is posiextremity oi the slide holder. The slide guide I has mounted thereon two cam-shaped membcl's I88 which are adjustable. These members act as stops to limit transverse movement of the slide holder I88, and it will be readily apparent that. an adjustment of the members I88 allows a varying latitude of movement of the slide to satisfy any particular set of co 'ditions. is also indicated in the drawings part of the mechanizing apparatus for driving the slide holder, in particular a solenoid winding II8 with an associated armature Iii.

Continuing on the center line oi this projector is positioned the focussing lens system H2 mounted in an angular adjustable support 3, and the length of the required optical system, we have adiustable ring support He and its associated pedestal I I1.

Continuing on down its optical center line through the semi-transparent mirror, there is positioned an adjustable housing II8 containing therein, but now shown, insuitable condensing lens system and a photoelectric cell or its electrical equivalent. Electrical connections to this device or apparatus are indicated at I IS.

A third projector is shown mounted slightly oii one side of the original or kaleldoscopic center line. This projector known as a black screen projector consists in part of a light housing I28 containing an associated reflector, and lens system. Along this established center line is a housapparatus another adjustable ring gear I23 and its pedestal I24 are indicated.

The normal operation of the anism disclosed in this figure is as follows:

focussed on an objective screen at some point along the optical center line I38. This image traverses a transparent mirror positioned substantially at 45 with respect to the center line of the kaleidoscopic mirrors. and by reason oi the reflective co-eiliclent oi this particular optical device, a portion of this image is reflected into the photoelectric control device contained in housin lit.

Positioned substantially 90 oi! the kaleidoscopic center line ISO is the static display material projector with its attendant mechanical shifting device. Objective material placed within one or two of the holders is successfully projected and focussed on the objective screen along optical'line I30. being reflected 90 during this procass by the semi-transparent mirror Ml. It will be seen that a portion of this projection image traverses the transparent mirror "H and is also collected upon the cathode of the photoelectric cell mounted in housing i it.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this will cause a superimposition of the two Projected images on the objective screen positioned normal to the optical line illl. It will be further seen that in superposition the optical images will register upon the cathode of the photoelectric cell mounted in housing i It.

It is desirable to superimpose two images of like or unlike characteristics on the final objective screen in order that we might successfully identify the transmission. particularly for use of television. The projection device with its optical center 90 08 the optical center line It! allows us to superimpose static material which may be illustrative, printed or otherwise indicative. It further allows us by utilization of the control device hereinbefore described for automatically or manually transferring the material contained within the slide holders of this projection device to satisfactorily shift this subject-matter by reason of extinguishing its light source or by further resort to the control device of blending or dissolving the particular material into a complete picture created on the objective screen positioned along optical center line I30. It will be apparent that in the particular application of television, we usually are forced to transmit a frame having an aspect ratio of 4 to 3. It will be further seen by those versed in the art that therefore it will be necessary to choose a portion of a poly on sided figure created by the kaleidoscopic device to be transmitted.

To allow this to be done in the most feasible manner, a third projector or black screen projector has been mounted adjacent the kaleidoscopic mirrors holder 91. By use of a negative having an aspect ratio of 4 to 3 and projecting this negative mat upon the next scanned portion along optical line I30, it is possible to obliterate a portion of the polygon sided kaieidoscopic figure so that only the required subject matter is successfully reproduced. Furthermore, by use of this particular type of projection of a black negalive 4 by 3 area, we can allow the necessary white border to be projected on the Iconoscope plate for electrical adjustment purposes of the iconoscope camera, even though this particular border will not be a part of the transmitted television image.

The projecting of the aforementioned black area onto the objective screen is done by means of the projector positioned immediately adjacent the kaleidoscopic mirrors in Figures 3 and 4. This projector plays a very important part in the proper forming of the kaleidoscopic image on the objective screen. It has been mentioned hereinbefore thatonly a portion of the kaleidoseopic image is used for the purpose of having a balanced light content for all sections thereof. It also has been mentioned that the locus of the kaleidoscopic image is at the bottom of the H ace-mos Since the entire kaleidoscopic image is formed by the kaleidoscopic devic the only way of getting the eflect mentioned hereinbei'ore, viz. that of providing the locus of the image at the bottom of the frame, is to effectively frame the produced image. This is not feasible and it is impractical to place a physical frame member adjacent the screen, since in the case of television usage the screen is inside an Iconoscope tube. Also, due to the focal lengths involved it is impractical to place such an arrangement between the kaleidoscope mirrors and the objective screen. Accordingly, this is done by projecting the black background with the white surrounding border so that the image is allowed to form on one section of the background and is eifeotively wiped out in the other section. hence an optical equivalent of masking is accomplished.

Since the projector which produces the socalled black screen arrangement is positioned at an angle with respect to the optical axis of the kaleidoscope, and further since the objective screen usually is at right angles to the objective axis of the ,kaleidoscope, the frame projected onto the screen would be slightly distorted or "keystoned. To prevent this the slide or film material on which the frame is produced and projected by this projector is photographed from an actual frame member at an angle which is compensatory to the angle that its own optical axis forms with the optical axis of the kaleidoscope.

It is evident that a continuously changing combination of light and dark areas as is normally produced by the kaleidoscopic projector and as generally produced by the static display material projector. would necessitate the making of frequent adjustments of the average brightness control of the pick-up of the television pick-up device. In order to facilitate such adjustments, there is positioned the photocell in the holder III adjacent the semi-transparent mirror and this photocell is equipped with such a lens that the relation of light and dark area will be integrated on the surface of the cathode directly as is caused to occur by change of either or both of the main projectors. Variation of the reflective and transmission coefiicient of the semi-transparent mirror or similar optical equipment can be compensated by prior adjustment of the variable auto-transformers supplied for each light projection unit allowing the operator of this particular apparatus to balance the values of any or all of his projected images.

Referring to Fig. 4, there is shown a plan view partially cut away of the complete apparatus. In this figure similar parts to the parts of the same apparatus shown in Fig. 3 are identified by the same numeral. This view shows more clearly the internal arrangement of the kaieidoscopic projector. The lamp It has positioned immediately therebehind a reflecting member 200 such as a mirror. which is mounted in the threaded member 98 hereinbefore referred to. The chamber 92 being similarly threaded, the member I! can be moved inwardly or outwardly, thus moving the mirror closer or further away from the lamp 80. Positioned at the end of the chamber in remote from the member as is a threaded holder 20! into which are mounted two projection lenses 202 and 203. The member Ill also is threaded on the periphery thereof and the chamber 92 is threaded to accommodate this element, Hence, the position of the projection lenses may be varied with respect to the lamp and the kaleidoscopic mirrors.

Light from lamp 00 passes through the lens members Zilfand 203, and thence through the film member 00 on which the kaleidoscopic material is recorded. This film is moved slowly across the aperture positioned between the holder 2M and the chamber 01 and by multiple reflection from the kaleidoscopic mirrors 201 and 205 the image formed passes through lens members 206 and 201 along the axis I00. Theaperture has consisted of a plate covering the end of the barrel in which is mounted the kaleidoscopic mirrors and having a small triangular opening in the plate. The lens members 200 and 201 are mounted in a holder 200, the periphery of which is screw-threaded, and the chamber "I0 is similarly screw threaded to accommodate the holder. Thus. it will be seen that it is possible to adjust these lenses in three ways. First by moving the chamber I00; secondly. by rotating the member 200; and thirdly, by a combination of the two methods outlined above. Interception of the plane mirrors with the optical image to be projected and kaleidoscopically formed takes place at the optical center of the associated lens systems.

Since the traversal of the film on which the kaleidosoopic image is recorded is rather slow. and the heat developed by the lamp member 90 is fairly intense, means should 'be provided for avoiding injury to the film. For this purpose, in actual practice there have been provided two tube members 2l|l and III which join together and are supplied by a single member 2. Air is forced through the member 2|! and. accordingly, a jet of air will emerge from the end of each of the tubes H0 and Ill. The tube 2|! is positioned with its end adjacent the P Olection lamp 90 and the tube III has the tip thereof positioned near the film 90 and near the point thereof where the beam of light from the lamp 80 strikes the film and is projected therethrough.

Also. in this figure there is brought out somewhat more clearly the action of the solenoid motor which actuates the slide holder I05 in the static projector, use of which is made to project fixed material comprising static images such as characteristic symbols and the like. This motor comprises the windings H0 having a solenoid armature H I positioned so as to have both of its extremities actuated by the windings. Joined to the armature III is a pin ZIS, the other extremity of which is co-operativcly associated with a lever arm 2H5, this arm being pivotally fastened by the member 2 l I and pivotally connected to the slide member I06 by the pin member 210. Hence, it will be seen that when the armature is actuated, the lever arm tends to turn about the pin 2", thus forcing the slide member along in the guideway associated therewith. Movement of the slide holder is limited by the impingement of the pin member I01 with one of the cam shaped stop members I00. the latter being adjustabie in position by means of bolt and nut arrangement 220.

In the drawings there has been shown a fixed projector which is located immediately adjacent the Kaleidoscopic mirrors and identified in the drawings, and particularly in Figure 4, as having the elements I20, III, II! and I23. Also there is shown a projector having its optical center line positioned substantially at right angles with respect to the optical axis of the kaleldoscopic projecting device and this projector is shown as having a device for accommodating slides. the slide members being actuated by a solenoid type of motor. It should be appreciated that these are preferred embodiments in the actual device as it has been used, but that this showing should in no wise comprise a limitation since two fixed projectors could be used. or two projectors having devices for accommodating slides, the projector shown merely being exemplary of the actual arrangement used. The fixed projector hereinbeiore in this specification has been referred to as the black screen projector and the other projector has been identified as the slide projector.

Referring to Fig. 5, there is shown a cross-section of the Kaleidoscopic projector taken through the barrel member 01. Parts of this figure corresponding to the same parts in Figs. 3 and 4 have been identified by the same numeral. In this case. only the ring member 00 with the associated adjustable screw members has been shown, and the particular part of the support which is fastened to the base has been omitted for purposes of simplicity. It will be seen that the barrel 01 is supported by the three screw threaded members 00, the latter being positioned 120 apart. In the particular apparatus shown, two kaleldoscopic mirrors are used although it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the arrangement is not so limited. The two mirror members are identified as 204 and 205 respectively, and the mirror is supported by being held against the mirror 204 at one extremity thereof and being joined to a support member 232 at the other extremity thereof. The mirror 200 is supported at one extremity thereof by the support member 231 and abuts the member 234 at, the other extremity thereof. The member 234 in this particular illustration and in actual practice has comprised a dark light-absorbing non-reflecting member. This member in turn abuts the member 200at one extremity thereof and is held by support member 235 to the barrel 91 at the other extremity thereof.

While the arrangement for producing the kaleidoscopic image has been shown as a plurality of mirrors angularly positioned each with respect to the other so that the optical image intercepted will be reflected and re-refiected, it should be appreciated that this is not the only manner of accomplishing this result. A prism having the outer faces thereof silvered could be substituted for the mirrors and interception of the image would take place at an end thereof positioned adjacent the aperture through which the image from the kaleldoscopic film is projected. Such an arrangement would have the advantage that formation such as dust would have no effect. since the image would be reflected and re-refiected entirely within the prism. Such an arrangement also could be mounted easily and there would be no overlapping of edges as in the case of the kaleidoscopic mirrors since it is practically impossible to fit the mirrors together perfectly.

Referring to Fig. 6. there is shown a cross-section of the means for guiding the film onto which the Kaleidoscopic material is recorded past the mirrors and the light projected from lamp 90. This particular guide in general is made in two sections comprising the sections 280 and Ill. The section 200 has an aperture 202 out therein through which the light projected from the lamp may pass to the kaleidoscopic mirrors, and the member III has a similar aperture 203 for the same purpose. The member III has a slot ut in the lace thereof which fits against the member 280, etc. The film is shown in cross-section as the member 96. Adjacent the light apertures 282 and 283. the face of both of the members 280 and 28! which face each other are cut in a fashion which allows and insures the easy passage of the film thercthrough. In actual practice, the member 28! is held in place by two spring members, one of which is shown here as the member 285. This spring is fastened by the screw member 286 in a manner whereby it may be rotated about the nut at least for a portion of a cycle of rotation. This holds the member adequately and yet resiliently in place.

The slot through which the film passes in its movement past the objective aperture is so formed that the plate member 28f contacts the plate member 280 in a manner best illustrated in Fig. 6. wherein there is shown that the film does not necessarily contact the metallic sides of the slot but can touch only at a portion of the fllm adjacent the edges thereof and on which there is no recorded material for kaleidoscopic projection. This allows fllm to be used for several successive 'traversals of the aperture without mechanic scratches being imposed upon the sensitive emulsion deposited upon the film. Lightening of the clearance of the slot formed between plate HI and 280 allows the film to move freely through the film guide without the intermittent motion which any restriction on this fre movement would impose.

There has been referred to hereinbefore a lens positioned between the photoelectric member mounted in the holder H8 and the partially transparent reflecting member IOI. This lens plays a very important part as it is so selected that its characteristics are such that it may in effect search the illuminated surface of the par' tially transparent reflecting member. and its focal length is so chosen that it focuses the light so I obtained from the partially transparent reflecting member onto the cathode of the photoelectric tube, and produces a true electrical integration of the light variations impinged on or transmitted through this mirror. This, of course. prevents interference from light sources and illuminations which are not directly impinging on the half silvered reflecting mirror and may be termed spurious or non-essential illuminants to the controlling device.

It will be appreciated, of course, that the partially reflecting transparent member Hll which has been referred to hereinbefore as being a half silvered mirror need not necessarily be such a mirror, but can be replaced by any other optical equivalent which will allow a percentage transmission and reflection of an optical image thereon and therethrough.

It should be borne in mind also that the synchronization of the audible material with the kaleidoscopic pattern need not be exactly as hereinbefore described. For instance, it can be any variation or combination of audible sounds which might be considered complementary to the visual material portrayed. For instance, the exact sequence of musical tempo with relationship to the kaleidoscopic pattern which has hereinbeforc been set out in this specification may be varied from widely in a manner which will be considered appropriate by person; skilled in the art to which this belongs. In fact it has been found that th s kaleidoscopic material lends itself satisfactorily to combination or augmentation of the spoken word or the spoken word and a musical background.

Herelnbeiorc there also has been reference made to the projection of thc so-calied static image, and it should be appreciated that this static image may comprise any desirable fixed image in addition or as a substitute for characteristic symbols which have been referred to hereinbefore. In fact, for a sequential exhibition of fixed material it is sometimes necessary to employ this projector as one of the sources of this material allowing the operator :1 transfer function between this projector and a similar projector which may be substituted for the background projector which is positioned immediately adjacent the kaleidoscopic mirrors. This in fact gives the operator a wide latitude of operations in the way of dissolves, wipes, and the like. Of coursc,such devices could be interlocked by well known mea'ns so that their actions were complemcntary.

In addition it should be understood that this device is not limited to the production of black and white kaleidcscopic patterns with the associated fixed material that has been referred to hercinbefore, but comprehends the full use of the color spectrum in creating optical images in any combination of colors which it may be found to be desirable or feasible to be used.

It should be understood also that this device is not limited for use with television apparatus.

It also should be borne in mind that the background projector may be utilized to project any background effect of any desired configuration,

and is in no way limited to the projection of a background having an aspcctratio of 4 to 3 as herelnbefore referred to.

In addition itshquld be understood that this invention is in no wise limited to the use of kaleido'scopic material recorded on film, but may use physical objects and othermaterial which will allow images to be directed onto the mirror surfaces for reflection and rc-reilcctlon by any means.

It will beappreciated that there may be departures from the particular arrangement shown herein which will fall fairly within the spirit and scope of my invention and, therefore, no rights are waived to such equivalents, but I feel myself to be entitled to all apparatus which falls within the scope of the invention as defined in the hereinafter appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A projecting kaleidoscope system comprising means for reflecting and re-retiecting optical images, a source of optical images, means for moving said source of optical image and said reflecting and re-reflecting means relative each to the other, illuminating means for directing the optical images onto said reflecting and re-reflecting means whereby a kaleidoscopic pattern is formed, means for focusing said pattern onto an image plane, and means for combining a static image with the kaieidoscopic pattern on the plane of projection,"said latter means comprising means positioned angularly with respect to the axis of projection 01' the kaleldoscopic pattern developing means for projecting said static pattern, and reflective means positioned adjacent said latter means to project the static patterrrfor reflecting said static pattern onto the plane of projection.

2. A projecting kaleidoscope apparatus comprising means for reflecting and re-reflecting optical images, optical image source means. means ior directing the optical images from said source tern onto an image plane, and means for comonto said means for reflecting and re-reflecting, a bining a static image with the kaleidoscopic patsource of static optical images, means associated tern on the plane of projection, said latter means with said source 101 static optical images for comprising means positioned angularly with rechanging the static image, and means for comspect to the axis of projection of the kaleidobining the static image with the kaleidoscopic scopic pattern developing means for projecting image formed by reflection and re-reflection. said static pattern, and reflective means posi- 3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2, tioned adjacent said latter means to project the wherein said means for changing the static imstatic pattern for reflecting said static pattern age comprises a slide holder for holding a plu- 10 onto the plane of projection.

rality of slide members, and meansforchanging 6. A projecting kaleidoscope system comprising the position of the slide holder with respect to means for reflecting and re-reflecting optical imthe static image source whereby static images ages, a source of optical images, means for movmay be changed. ing said source of optical images and said reflect- 4. A projection kaleidoscope apparatus com- 15 ing and re-reflecting means relative each to the prising a plurality of reflecting surfaces anguother, illuminating means for directing the oplarly arranged each to the other for reflecting tical images onto said reflecting and re-reflectand re-reflecting optical images, housing means ing means whereby a kaleidoscopic pattern is for holding said reflecting and re-reflecting surformed, means for focusing said pattern onto an faces, and a plurality of ring shaped members 20 image plane, and means for combining a static embracing said housing, each of said ring shaped m e with th k l id opi p rn on th members having a plurality of adjustable supplane of projection, said latter means comprising port members held thereby, whereby the position means positioned angularly with respect to the of said housing may be altered in two co-ordiaxis of projection of the kaleidoscopic pattern nates of movement. 5 developing means for projecting said static pat- 5. A projecting kaleidoscope system compristern, reflective means positioned adjacent said ing prismatic means for reflecting and re-reflectlatter means to project the static pattern for reing optical images, a source of optical images, fleeting said static pattern onto the plane of means for moving said source of optical images projection, and a third image producing means and said reflecting and re-reflecting means rela- 30 positioned to direct an optical image upon the tive each to the other, illuminating means for image plane of the other 01 said images and directing the optical images onto said reflecting thereby to define and limit the viewed area 01' and re-reflecting means whereby a kaleidoscopic said first images.

pattern is formed, means for focusing said pat- WILLIAM C. EDDY.

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