Abstract:
An image positioning device includes surface elements having front and back sides and images on the front and/or the back sides. An end of a first surface element and a front side of a second surface element are turnably coupled along a first axis of rotation and an end of the second surface element and a front side of a third surface element are turnably coupled along a second axis of rotation. The first and second rotational axes are approximately parallel with one another. Successive flipping of the surface elements animates the images.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to an image positioning device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     With an image positioning device, the spatial aspect of images can be varied. In the following, the term “image” is to be understood as a flat presentation either transparent or opaque, being made, for instance, by photography or printing. 
     An image positioning device for example, can be used for the flipping through plates of books, photo albums and the like. Especially however, it is employed for moving picture animation. In the case of a moving picture animation, the observer undergoes the effects called up by a continually changing image, i.e., an animated picture. For this purpose, a plurality of images which are non-changing during a time period (motionless images) is used. Such images are exhibited to the observer in quick sequence. Images in sequence differentiate themselves respectively only infinitesimally from one another, but from the view point of an observer, the impression of fluid motion arises. 
     An image positioning device has been disclosed by WO 93144-85. This proposes to employ a plurality of strips superimposed on one another running over a pair of rollers. Each strip exhibits a rapid sequence of images, each being a still-image, but providing a sense of motion. Seen from the exposed surface, there arises the impression of a combined moving image, which composes itself from the aligned, visually superimposing, single moving images of the sequence of still-images of each strip. Among other things, the complicated manipulation and the considerable expense of the associated device are disadvantageous. 
     A less expensive image positioning device is, for example, a so-called “Thumb-movie”. In this case there are several flat surface elements, for instance several paper pages, arranged one above the other and rotatably coupled at one end with each other. In each case, the front sides, and/or the rear sides of the paper plates carry images, that is, still-images for a moving image animation. The complicated circumstances of handling this arrangement is also a disadvantage. 
     DE-PS-9 21 734 discloses an expensive image positioning device, in which image carrying, zig-zag prefolded strips, with the help of a pulling roller, are unfolded and again refolded together. 
     DE-OS 15 22 271 brings into common knowledge an equally expensive image positioning device where the ends of a plurality of surface elements, each carrying an image and coupled on a carrier band, are run over a roller and a guide bar. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention makes available a completely new image positioning device or animation device, which creates further advantages, among which it is easily manipulated and is of small expense. 
     This favorable state is arrived at by an image positioning device possessing surface elements wherein the front sides and/or the rear sides carry images and respectively one end of a first surface element and a front side of a second surface element are turnably coupled along a first rotational axis. Then, one end of the second surface element and one front side of a third surface element are turnably coupled along a second rotational axis. The said first and the second rotational axes are, essentially, parallel. 
     Further, one end of the third surface element and one front side of a fourth surface element are coupled along a third rotational axis, and so on. 
     The surface elements are advantageously relatively thin and essentially are comprised of two flat surfaces, which are parallel to one another, which form the front and back sides of the surface elements. 
     Each surface element has also two rotational axes: a first rotational axis on its lead end (which is turnably coupled to a previous surface element) and a second rotational axis on one of its ends (by which it is turnably coupled on the lead end of an immediately following surface element). Particularly advantageously, the combined rotational axes of the image positioning device are parallel. 
     In a start-position of the image positioning device, the front and rear sides of the respective coupled surface elements are at rest. All front sides are directed then, in a first direction, and all rear sides in a second, opposite direction. Particularly advantageously, the surface elements are coupled in such a manner, that in this start-position, all rotatably coupled ends lie on the respective same side of the surface element. 
     The image positioning device can then be advantageously operated in the following described manner: 
     In the start-position, for instance, the front sides preferably of the stacked surface elements face upward and the undersides downward. If a force acts horizontally upon the first element, that is, the surface element lying on top, then this first element rotates about the rotational axis at its end (by which end the lead end of the second surface element is coupled). This second surface element remains motionless. The rotational motion of the first surface element ends, when it has turned over, almost 180°. At this point, the front side of the first surface element faces downward, and the back side upward. 
     If the force continues, then the first surface element slides itself in a horizontal direction and transmits the force to the second surface element. This leads to a rotation of the second surface element about its axis of rotation at its end by which it is coupled to the front side of the next sequential surface element, and so on. The force acts in this way to effect a successive flipping of the surface elements. 
     During the first half of this inversion, the rear side of the last surface inverted respectively faces upward, as does the front side of the following about-to-be inverted surface element. During a second half of the inversion, the rear side of the now inverted surface element, and the front side of the immediately following surface element face upward. 
     To an observer, then, the images appear sequentially, one after the other, front and back sides. If the force works in the reverse direction, then the above procedure is likewise reversed. The last flipped surface element is tipped back, and then the subsequent surface element is reversed, etc. 
     The image positioning device has, in summary, the advantages of simple construction and simple manipulation. 
     Particularly advantageously, in the case of the image positioning device, the front sides and/or the rear sides show still-images to be combined for a moving animation. When the image positioning device is operating, an observer would be shown in alternating rapidity the front and back sides. The observer has, as was mentioned above, the impression of a continually self-changing moving image. 
     Where the image animation is concerned, by the reversal of the force acting on the surface elements, in a simple way, the animation direction is likewise reversed. Besides this, the flipping frequency and thus the animation tempo can be changed by the degree of force exerted. 
     Particularly advantageous is an embodiment, which is shown by respectively the front side and the rear side of coupled surface elements of an entirely still-image. As above described, upon the operation of the image positioning device in accordance with the invention, respectively, a rear side of a surface element and a front side of a thereupon following, coupled surface element, face upwards. This can also indicate at times, a part of a complete still-image. 
     Contrary to conventional moving images, it can be pointed out that for the same cost, the surface of the entire moving image is larger and for the same area of the entire moving image, the expense is less. 
     Particularly advantageously, the respective rotational axes of the surface elements are placed close to one another or adjacent to one another. 
     In the initial condition, the image positioning device takes up relatively little room. Moreover, by means of the positional displacement of the rotational axes, the tempo of the animation can also be altered. The closer the rotational axes are to each other, just so much faster is the tempo of the animation. 
     The rotational axes can, essentially, be located at a large spatial interval from one another. By variation in the spatial difference—with a constant force—the animation tempo can be varied in this additional manner. 
     In an advantageous embodiment, the surface elements can be of paper, cardboard, or plastic. This leads to a lower cost of manufacture and lightness in weight. 
     Advantageously, the image-positioning device of the invention is principally comprised, respectively, of the said paper, cardboard, or plastic, all folded in an accordion-like manner. Especially, the said device can be fashioned out of strips of paper, cardboard or plastic with generally parallel folds. By means of the folds, the said strips are subdivided into sections. Every two sequential sections are coupled to a section pair, for instance, by adhesive. Each section pair forms a functional surface element. The fold between every two sequential section pairs leads to the fact, that these—in a very simple way—are rotationally attached to one another. This leads again to low manufacturing costs. 
     It is particularly advantageous to manufacture the strips, so that one page, for instance, is made of paper, cardboard or plastic and that the pages are separated along parallel lines in such a way, that a meandering strip results and then the strips are folded in alternating manner as above. 
     The advantage is that standard page formats can be used, whereby the manufacturing costs are further diminished. 
     Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating seven embodiments of the invention, of which there are  13  sheets. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment image positioning device constructed in accordance with the invention and shown in a start condition; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating initial operation of the device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating further operation of the device of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 illustrating a final plastic plate of the assembly; 
     FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating a plastic plate of the assembly shown in FIG.  1  and plastic plates of a second embodiment and a third embodiment image positioning device constructed in accordance with this invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment image positioning device constructed in accordance with this invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment image positioning device constructed in accordance with this invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment image positioning device constructed in accordance with this invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating withdrawal of a paper strip end from a guide ring of the image positioning device of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating operation of the image positioning device of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating reverse operation of the image positioning device of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment image positioning device constructed in accordance with this invention; and 
     FIG. 13 is a top view of a plate or sheet of paper illustrating a method of manufacturing paper strips for use in the image positioning device shown in FIG. 8 or FIG.  12 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The image positioning device or animation device shown in FIG. 1 is comprised of a plurality of thin, rectangular plastic plates  1   a ,  1   b  and  1   c . The plastic plates  1   a ,  1   b  and  1   c  are essentially all of the same size. An end or edge  2   a  of the first plastic plate  1   a  is coupled to front side  3   b  of the second plastic plate  1   b  along a first rotational axis  4   a  and an end or edge  2   b  of the second plastic plate  1   b  is coupled to a forward side  3   c  of the third plastic plate  1   c  along a second rotational axis  4   b , and so on. 
     In the depicted start-condition of FIG. 1, the front sides  3   b ,  3   c  of the plastic plates  1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c  face upwards, and the rotationally coupled ends  2   a ,  2   b  lie to the left. The rotational axes  4   a ,  4   b  and a rotational axis  4   c  at the end of the plastic plate  1   c  are parallel. The respective two rotational axes  4   a ,  4   b ;  4   b ,  4   c  of each plastic plate  1   b ;  1   c , lie nearly next to one another, in each case at the same distance a. 
     The rotational coupling between the two plastic plates  1   a ,  1   b ;  1   b ,  1   c  is accomplished by means of a turnable linkage or hinge (not shown here) wherein one plastic plate  1   a ,  1   b , for instance carries a bolt and the other plastic plate  1   b ,  1   c , for instance, carries a hinge bushing of the rotatable linkage. 
     The front sides  3   b ,  3   c  and the back sides  5   a  of the plastic plates  1   a ,  1   b ,  1   c  exhibit images thereon (not shown here). These can be images, for example, relating to animation, whereby respectively the front side  3   b  of one of the plastic plates  1   b  and the back side  5   a  of the previous plastic plate  1   a , carry corresponding, associated parts of a composite still-image. 
     If, in accord with FIG. 1, a pulling force is exerted in a horizontal direction and perpendicular to the rotational axes  4   a ,  4   b , and  4   c  on the first plastic plate, then as shown in FIG. 2, this plate is turned about the rotational axis  4   a , until it reaches the position shown in FIG. 3, that is, the plate has been rotated through 180°. 
     The pulling force b then extends its action to slide the first plastic plate  1   a  in the shown direction of the force and the pulling force is then transferred to the second plastic plate  1   b  (force b′). This plate starts to turn itself around the rotational axis  4   b  and so on. The plastic plates  1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c  are also turned 180°, one after the other. 
     Now, facing upward, are the back side  5   a  of one of the plastic plates  1   a  and the front side  3   b  of the sequentially next plastic plate  1   b . This means that sequentially respective, associated parts of an entire still-image face upward. If these, in the manner of FIG. 1 are observed by a beholder or observer “c” from above, the said observer will have the impression of a constantly moving and changing image. 
     If the direction of the pulling force is reversed (not shown), then the above described procedure runs in the opposite sequence: one after the other, the plastic plates  1   b ,  1   c  are turned back around one of the axes of rotation  4   b ,  4   c , until the start position depicted in FIG. 3 is attained. Finally, the first plastic plate  1   a  turns itself back around the rotational axis  4   a  in accord with the FIGS. 3,  2 ,  1  to reach the start position. The animation will run backwards. 
     FIG. 4 shows the device of the FIGS. 1 to  3  with additionally a final plastic plate  1   d , which possesses a greater extension in the horizontal direction than the other plastic plates  1   e  and  1   f  possess. 
     The observer “c” sees from above, respectively, the back side  5   e  of the plastic plate  1   c , a front side  3   f  of the thereupon following plastic plate  1   f,  the non-covered section  30   c, d , of the upward facing back side  5   c, d , as well as a non-covered section  31  of the final plastic plate  1   d.    
     FIG. 5 shows the plastic plate  1   b . Besides this, as a second embodiment is shown a plastic plate  1 ″, triangular in shape, and as a third embodiment, is demonstrated another triangular plastic plate  1   b ″′ this time with a semicircular cutout. The end  2   a  of the plastic plate  1   a  shown in FIGS. 1-4 (not shown in FIG. 5) is coupled along the rotational axis  4   a  to the front side  3   b  of the plastic plate  1   b . Along the rotational axis  4   b  is the end  2   b  of the plastic plate  1   b  shown in FIGS. 1-4 (not shown in FIG.  5 ), coupled to the front side  3   c  of the plastic plate  1   c . In the same manner, ends of the previous plastic plates (not shown)are coupled onto the front sides  3   b ″,  3   b ′″ of the plastic plates  1   b ″,  1   b ′″ along the rotational axes  4   a ′,  4   a ″. Along the rotational axes  4   b ′.  4   b ″ are ends  2   b ′,  2   b ″ of the plastic plates  1   b ″,  1   b ′″ coupled to the front sides of the sequentially following plastic plates (not shown). 
     In the case of the image positioning device or animation device of FIG. 6, are rectangular plates  23   a ,  23   b ,  23   c ,  23   d , and  23   e —here preferably of plastic or metal—corresponding to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 coupled along parallel rotational axes  24   b ,  24   c  and  24   d . A first plate  23   a  is coupled with a second plate  23   b , the second plate  23   b  is coupled with a third plate  23   c , and so on. A plate next to the last  23   d  is coupled with the last plate  23   e . The plates  23   a ,  23   b ,  23   c ,  23   d ,  23   e  exhibit images which are not shown here. The band which arises from the couplings, is led over a rectangular cross-section first bar  22   b  lying in the direction of the rotational axes  24   b ,  24   c  and  24   d , so that said band undergoes a directional change of 180°, and returns over a like rectangular cross sectioned, second bar  22   a  which bar lies in the direction of the rotational axes  24   b ,  24   c  and  24   d  wherein the said band experiences another 180° turn. The first plate  23   a  is coupled along rotational axis  24   a  with the last plate  23   e  in accord with FIGS. 1-4 along rotational axis  24   a , so that an endless band is created, running over the bars  22   a ,  22   b . By means of turning the said bars,  22   a ,  22   b , the plates  23   a ,  23   b    23   c ,  23   d ,  23   e  can be turned 180°, one after the other. 
     In the case of the image positioning device or animation device in accord with FIG. 7, rectangular plates  23   a ′, preferably made of plastic or metal, are coupled in accord with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 and FIG. 6 along the parallel rotational axes  24 ′, thus forming again an endless band  25   a.    
     This band  25   a  is led over a bar  22   a ′ (to the left as shown in FIG. 7) and over a bar  22   b ′ (to the right as shown in FIG.  7 ). Correspondingly, rectangular plates  23   b ′ are coupled into a second endless band  25   b  and led over a bar  22   a ″ (to the left) and over a bar  22   b ″ (to the right). The endless bands  25   a ,  25   b  are arranged one over the other. The left lying bars  22   a ′,  22   a ″ and the right disposed bars  22   b ′,  22   b ″ are respectively placed at a distance “v” from each other. The front and back sides of the plates  23   a ′ of the first endless band  25   a  and the plates  23   b ′ of the second endless band  25   b  carry (single) still images  26   a ′,  26   b ′ and  26   a ″,  26   b ″. Because of the offset of the bars  22   a ′,  22   a ″ or  22   b ′,  22   b ″, there becomes visible a combined still-image comprised of the single still-image of the first and the second endless bands  25   a ,  25   b . Sequentially following one another (combined) still-images  26 ′″ produce a combined image movement of an image animation. 
     The image positioning device or animation device shown in FIG. 8 is comprised of paper strips  16 ″ of constant width d, a guide sheet  9 ′ and an encompassing guide ring  7 ′, the latter being likewise of effective width d and made of paper. A left paper strip end  161 ′ is located on a left guide sheet end  91  and is coupled with this, for example, by means of adhesive. 
     The guide ring  7 ′ encircles a right paper strip end and a right guide sheet end  9   r ′. The right paper strip end  16   r ′ is thus slidingly extendable in direction b″, relative to guide sheet  9 ′. The paper strip  16 ′ is folded in an accordion-like fashion, with parallel lying folds  10 ′. 
     In FIG. 9 the right paper strip end  16   r ′ is withdrawn from the guide ring  7 ′ and is shown rotated to the left. The folds  10 ′ subdivide the paper strip  16 ′ into sections on image sections  12   a ′,  12   b ′,  12   c ′,  12   d′.    
     On a right side r are shown respectively two sections  12   b ′ and  12   d ′, which are coupled pair-wise. Even so, also on left side  1 , respectively two sections  12   a ′,  12   c ′ are coupled pairwise. On the right side r, in a longitudinal extension, is respectively an end area x of one of the coupled pair of sections  12   b ′,  12   c ′, protruding about a distance a′ beyond the coupled pair of sections just above. In the same manner, on the left side, extends an end area of one of the coupled pairs of sections  12   a ′,  12   b ′, likewise by a distance a′ beyond the pair lying thereunder, i.e. sections  12   c ′ and  12   d′.    
     On the right side r, an adhesive band or tape  8 ′ fastens together each end area x and an end area y pairwise. Each coupled pair of sections  12   a ′,  12   b ′,  12   c ′,  12   d ′ located pairwise on the left side  1  beyond the folds  10 ′ form, in accord with FIG. 10, functionally a surface element  1   a ′,  1   b ′, with respectively the sections  12   a ′  12   c ′ as a front side  3   a ′,  3   c ′ and the sections  12   b ′,  12   d ′ as a back side  3   b ′,  3   d ′. The pair of sections  12   a ′,  12   b ′and  12   c ′,  12   d ′ can be coupled, i.e. by adhesives (not shown here). 
     Each of the surface elements  1   a ′  1   b ′ carry images for image animation on the front sides  3   a ′,  3   c ′ and on the back sides  3   b ′  3   d ′, in accord with FIG.  11 . At the same time, the front sides  3   c ′ and back side  3   b ′ carry parts which belong together of a composite still-image for an animation. 
     If one moves the paper strip end  16 ′ in accord with FIG. 8 in direction b″, then the surface element  1   a ′ rotates about the rotation axis  4   a ′, until this reaches the FIG. 10 position. Then additionally, the surface element  1   b ′ rotates about the axis of rotation  4   b ′. The surface element  1   a ′ turns itself further, until it is in the position shown in FIG.  11 . In this position, relative to FIG. 8, it has turned about 180°. 
     In this way, one after another, are exposed upward respectively, the back side  3   b ′,  3   d ′, of one of the surface elements  1   a ′,  1   b ′,  1   c ′ and the front side  3   a ′,  3   c ′ of the next surface elements  1   a ′,  1   b ′,  1   c ′ and then the back side thereof  3   b ′,  3   d ′ and the front side  3   a ′,  3   c ′ of the next-but-one surface elements  1   a ′,  1   b ′,  1   c ′. This means, that, one after the other, mutually belonging parts of a combined still-image will face upward. If this is observed from above, the impression arises of a continually changing composite moving image. 
     If one moves the paper strip end  9   r ′ in accord with FIG. 11 in the reverse direction b′″, then the above described procedure is run backwards. The image positioning device run through, one after the other, the positions shown in FIGS. 11,  10 ,  8 , and the animation is reversed. 
     The depicted image positioning device or animation device shown in FIG. 12, corresponds, essentially, to that of FIGS. 8 to  11 . The function of the guide ring  7 ′ was taken over from an envelope, that is, in this embodiment the guide ring is formed as an envelope  27 . The envelope  27  encompasses a guide strip  28 . The guide strip is inserted into the envelope as sown in FIG.  12 . This guide strip  28  is slidable in relation to the envelope  27  in the direction k. A right paper strip end  29   r  is coupled with the envelope, i.e. affixed thereto with adhesive. 
     The paper strips  16 ′ in accord with FIGS. 8-12 can be made in a very simple way from the page paper  17  shown in FIG.  13 . This is printed with pictures (not shown) for a motion image animation. 
     In a first step the page paper  17  would be separated along the dotted lines  18 ,  19 , so that a meandering strip is formed. In a second step, the meandering shaped strips would be folded along the thin lines  20  to the front, and along the thick lines  21  to the back. The paper strips  16 ′ arising from this operation would be, in a third step, united with the guide strip  9 ′ or  28 , the guide ring  7 ′ or envelope  27 , and the adhesive band  8 ′ to form the image positioning devices shown in FIGS. 8-12. 
     The invention now makes available a mechanical image positioning device or animation device, simple in construction and easy to manipulate, which can be economically manufactured. 
     While I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is understood that these embodiments are capable of modification, and I therefore do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth, but desire to avail myself of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.