Patent ID: 6651365
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: G09F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for producing a continuous animated motion of combinations of two or more combined images within a defined area utilizing time sequenced color changing illumination patterns of groups of optical fibers comprising the steps of:a. providing illumination to first ends of one or more groups of optical fibers being contained in a plurality of fiber optic bundles by a plurality of light sources arranged in juxtaposition against a corresponding number of said plurality of optic fiber bundles; b. mounting second ends of said one or more groups of optical fibers to and through a planar surface in a plurality of pre-determined arrays forming a plurality of image segments; c. illuminating said plurality of image segments forming two or more combined images across the defined area on said planar surface by receiving said illumination by said first ends of said one or more groups of optical fibers and transferring said illumination to said second ends of said optical fibers, the improvement characterized by the steps of: d. accessing one or more memory devices of a controller to obtain pre-programmed illumination sequences, coloration and related timings for each of the plurality of image segments; e. independently controlling each of said plurality of light sources for causing the illumination of said pre-determined arrays while simultaneously controlling, in time-overlapping synchronization, the changing illumination of said plurality of image segments of each of said two or more combined images in accordance with the pre-programmed illumination sequences, coloration and related timings permitting the illumination of said plurality of pre-determined patterns to form said image segments in a simultaneous synchronous progression of two or more of said plurality of image segments; and, f. combining each of said plurality of image segments in said defined area in said simultaneous synchronous progression thereby producing one or more animation techniques imparting continuous animated motion to the two or more combined images.