Patent ID: 6249278
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: G09F

Abstract:
An animated display device simulating a movable two-dimensional picture for presenting a viewable, self-contained story, said display device comprising:a housing having a front viewing opening defining a plane and simulating in said plane a frame for a two-dimensional picture, said housing having a predetermined height and width and a relatively shallow depth;at least one substantially planar scenery layer disposed in said housing substantially parallel to said plane of said viewing opening and viewable through said front opening, said scenery layer comprising part of said two-dimensional picture;at least one subassembly disposed in said housing and comprising:a substantially planar moveable display element comprising part of said two-dimensional picture and movable along a substantially planar path of travel, said path of travel being substantially parallel to said scenery layer; andan electromechanical driving mechanism for moving said moveable display element along said substantially planar path of travel, at least a portion of said at least one subassembly being concealed from viewing through said front viewing opening in said housing by said substantially planar scenery layer;a storyline memory device for storing data corresponding to a plurality of storyline events specific to said self-contained story, the plurality of storyline events comprising at least a movement of said moveable display element; anda processor electrically connected to said electromechanical driving mechanism and to said storyline memory device for retrieving said data corresponding to said storyline events and for generating corresponding control signals for transmission to said electromechanical driving mechanism for moving said at least one moveable display element in its substantially planar path of travel such that sequential execution of said storyline events by said processor presents said self-contained story through said front viewing opening in said housing.