Pattern generating entertainment device
First Claim
1. A pattern generating entertainment device for projected images comprising:
- a collimmated light source producing a beam;
a plurality of mirrors positioned to intercept and reflect said beam in seriatim;
each said mirror being rotatable about a central axis in a plane generally normal to said beam;
each said mirror having its reflecting face inclined at an angle in the range of 1°
to 5°
to said normal plane;
said mirrors being positioned and sized to intercept and reflect both said beam and patterns generated upon rotation of one or more of said mirrors;
motor drive and precise speed control means for each said mirror, whereby any mirror can be rotated at a precisely controllable speed;
one said drive means including rotational-direction-reversing means whereby any generated pattern may be inverted; and
beam-clipping means capable of intercepting said beam at a controllable frequency prior to reflection by any of said mirrors, whereby line-chasing patterns may be generated.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A collimated light source, preferably coherent, is directed at an optical system comprising a plurality of controllably rotatable mirrors, the source going from one to the next in seriatim, and each mirror being mounted a small number of degrees "off" the optical axis, so as to oscillate upon rotation. With the rotational speed of each mirror individually controllable, a substantially infinite number of patterns can be generated. Further variations in pattern generation can be achieved with a beam clipper, pulse modulation by an analog (e.g. audio) signal, and/or other known beam-modifying devices. A preferred embodiment is adapted for entertainment purposes and employs a low-power laser and three mirrors. Other applications include pattern-recognition testing of individuals for optometric or psychological purposes.
40 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A pattern generating entertainment device for projected images comprising:
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a collimmated light source producing a beam; a plurality of mirrors positioned to intercept and reflect said beam in seriatim; each said mirror being rotatable about a central axis in a plane generally normal to said beam; each said mirror having its reflecting face inclined at an angle in the range of 1°
to 5°
to said normal plane;said mirrors being positioned and sized to intercept and reflect both said beam and patterns generated upon rotation of one or more of said mirrors; motor drive and precise speed control means for each said mirror, whereby any mirror can be rotated at a precisely controllable speed; one said drive means including rotational-direction-reversing means whereby any generated pattern may be inverted; and beam-clipping means capable of intercepting said beam at a controllable frequency prior to reflection by any of said mirrors, whereby line-chasing patterns may be generated. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification