Optics: image projectors – Miscellaneous
Patent
1986-08-21
1988-02-16
Haroian, Harry N.
Optics: image projectors
Miscellaneous
353119, 353 1, 352 85, G03B 3700
Patent
active
047251352
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to an entertainment or amusement device, and to a building structure in accordance with such device, which enables an optical effect somewhat similar to that of a kaleidoscope.
The kaleidoscope, an optical device invented by David Brewster in 1817, has retained its standing as a favourite children's toy. It also is said to have provided a source of inspiration for creators of decorative designs, in forming patterns suitable for textiles, jewellery and the like.
In its simplest form, a kaleidoscope includes a cylinder in which two reflective strips extend longitudinally, with the strips being at an angle of which 360.degree. is a multiple. One end of the cylinder has a cover provided with a central eye-hole; while the other end of the cylinder is closed by two spaced discs between which small coloured objects are loosely located. The innermost and outermost disc respectively is transparent and translucent, such that light can enter the other end of the cylinder. When the kaleidoscope is held to the eye with the other end of the cylinder pointed to a light source, coloured objects between the discs and within the angle between the reflective strips are viewed direct as a primary image, but simultaneously with an angular array of images. Rotating or shaking the kaleidoscope results in changes of the images.
A device according to the invention has an elongate chamber bounded along its length by at least three elongate, substantially planar walls with at least two adjacent ones of those walls having a reflective surface. The structure also includes an image generating means by which a primary image can be formed across one end of the chamber so as to result in secondary images being generated by reflection of the primary image by the reflective surfaces. Additionally, the structure is adapted to enable viewer access for simultaneous viewing of the primary image and the secondary images.
The building according to the invention is in the form of such device. The building most conveniently is on a substantial scale; the chamber for example having a length of about 40 to 80 feet, and a width and height of the order of one quarter to half, preferably about one-third, of its length. The chamber most preferably is of substantially symmetrical, constant sectional form transversely of its length; a triangular section, such as an equilateral triangular section, being preferred. However, other polygonal sections, preferably regular or equi-sided, can be used.
The principal difference between a device according to the invention and a structure according to the invention is the scale on which each is built. The device most conveniently is substantial in size compared with a conventional kaleidoscope, the chamber for example preferably having a length of from about three feet to about ten to fifteen feet, with the ratio of length to width being for example as detailed in the preceding paragraph. The building on the other hand preferably is massive in comparison; the building for example preferably enabling a number of viewers to view simultaneously the primary and secondary images at the one end, from the other end, whereas the device may enable only one or two viewers to have access to the other end at a time.
Most conveniently all wall surfaces bounding the chamber having substantially planar, reflective surfaces. In this regard, "wall surface" is used for convenience to designate both those surfaces which extend upwardly, as well as those which extend horizontally so as to constitute what normally would be referred to as a ceiling or flooring surface.
The reflective surfaces each may be defined by a layer of glass mirror. Alternatively, it may be defined by a smooth metal layer, such as polished sheet metal, or a deposited film of metal provided over a substrate of sheet glass, plastic sheet or the like. In a further alternative, the reflective surfaces may be defined by metallized plastic film provided over such substrate or over a substrate of ceramic, wood or other stiff board material.
The refle
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patent: 3482896 (1969-12-01), Bogosian
patent: 3502402 (1970-03-01), Markson
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Concorde St. George Productions Pty. Ltd.
Haroian Harry N.
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