Patent ID: 8085218

Claim:
A method for generating a floating image, comprising: moving a reflective element through a path of motion; and selectively pulsing on/off one or more light emitting elements in an array of one or more light emitting elements, based on a location of the reflective element, to generate the floating image when light emitted by the one or more light emitting elements, when pulsed on, is reflected by the reflective element as it is moved through the path of motion, wherein the reflective element is moved at a speed such that it is not perceived by an outside viewer as being present in a same location as the floating image, and wherein the one or more light emitting elements are stationary, wherein the reflective element is a reflective sphere, having a reflective exterior surface, coupled to an actuator such that the reflective sphere is rotated through the path of motion in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane of the array of one or more light emitting elements, and wherein the path of motion is a circular path of motion having a radius greater than a radius of the reflective sphere.