Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display driving control circuitry
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-07
2001-06-19
Hjerpe, Richard (Department: 2774)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display driving control circuitry
C040S415000, C040S455000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06249278
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an audio-visual display apparatus and, in particular to a modular dynamic dialogue animated display device for recreating an animated cartoon.
2. Description of Related Art
Mechanical-action tableau have been around for centuries. Early displays were individually handcrafted by skilled artisans and typically included three-dimensional mechanical figurines such as jousting knights or dancing bears that provided entertaining backgrounds for town hall clocks and other mechanical devices. Similar displays were also manufactured on a smaller scale for use at home in music boxes and clocks. The action imparted to the figurines was provided by mechanical gears that were wound by hand or moving sand. Often times action of the figurines was accompanied by background music provided by a pin-programmable mechanical music box.
Thereafter, electric motors replaced the mechanical elements used to drive the early tableau and phonographs and taped audio loops replaced pin-programmable music boxes as a sound source for the audio-visual displays. These devices, however, fail to provide highly synchronized action and sound and thus, like their earlier mechanical counterparts, do not produce a realistic story.
Thereafter, cartoon animation involving precisely synchronized audio-visual entertainment was developed to simulate more realistic actions and associated sounds than previous mechanical or electronic tableau. Animated cartoons are created from a sequence of individual two-dimensional still frame images called “cells”. The individual frames or cells are sequentially arranged and flipped through quickly to create animated action or, alternatively, the cells can be selectively printed as individual still photos or “story boards”.
It is desirable to develop a modular dynamic animated display device for realistically recreating animated stories. Such a display requires precisely synchronized distinctive voices, characteristic sound effects and dramatic actions which are essential to the overall quality and entertainment value of an animated cartoon. The type of timing and coordination required for this type of dynamic interaction of sound and movement is qualitatively, as well as quantitatively different than that provided by conventional mechanical and electrical tableau. In particular the elements must simulate varied and complex movements such as pacing and startled reactions in order to realistically recreate dramatic effects. Furthermore, it is desirable for the dynamic display device to be modular for mass-production at a relatively inexpensive cost of manufacture yet still be adaptable to depict a variety of storylines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular dynamic dialogue animated three-dimensional display for realistically recreating an animated cartoon. Typically, the animated cartoon is a narration of a storyline having a beginning, a development phase, a climax and a denouement that is reliably and autonomously replicated each time the display is activated. The storyline is divided into a stored sequence of storyline events comprising playing of a selected audio block, movement of a moveable display element and/or lighting a lamp element and/or timing a pause or delay element. A central processor sequences through the storyline events and initiates performance of the corresponding event. Randomly accessible blocks of stored audio data are retrieved in response to control signals generated by the central processor. The control signals produced by the central processor initiate movement of moveable display elements synchronized with the playing of the audio blocks.
In a first illustrative example movement of the display elements is restricted between electronic switches disposed along a path of travel. The second example depicts a different storyline but using a simplified construction which requires less switches and includes universal gear boxes to move the moveable display elements. This example is suitable for a storyline in which the movements are continuous and periodic. Alternatively, the construction shown in the first and second examples may be combined as desired to recreate a particular storyline. It is beneficial to increase the modularity of the display device whenever possible, as for example by using universal gear boxes or reducing the number of switches, in order to reduce the overall time and cost of manufacture of the display.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of modular dynamic dialogue animated display devices arranged one after another in sequence to recreate several different scenes of a single storyline. Each of the display devices includes some type of means for actuating the display devices in series such as by electrical wires or by wireless communication, as for example, radio or IR waves.
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Cummings Jerry
Parker Steven
Segan Marc H.
Strauss Gary
Cohen & Pontani, Lieberman & Pavane
Hjerpe Richard
Laneau Ronald
The Animated Animations Company LLC.
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