U.S. patent application number 11/047036 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-03 for spin art apparatus and method for producing and illuminating a decorative image.
Invention is credited to Thomas P. Hamilton, Paul B. Weingard.
Application Number | 20060170157 11/047036 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36755702 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060170157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weingard; Paul B. ; et
al. |
August 3, 2006 |
Spin art apparatus and method for producing and illuminating a
decorative image
Abstract
An apparatus and a method of producing a decorative image are
provided. The apparatus may include a rotatable platform, an
upstanding wall extending around a perimeter of the platform, and
an illumination source configured to illuminate the platform. The
platform may secure an activity surface, and a motor may be coupled
to the platform to rotate the platform. The illumination source may
be an ultraviolet illumination source, may emit intermittent
illumination, and may be part of a stroboscopic illumination
device. A controller may be operatively coupled to the illumination
source, and may cause the illumination source to illuminate the
rotatable platform at a first strobe rate and at a second strobe
rate. The controller may also cause the motor to rotate the
platform. The method may include rotating a surface, receiving
decorations on the rotating surface, and illuminating the rotating
surface with a stroboscopic illumination device.
Inventors: |
Weingard; Paul B.;
(Rehoboth, MA) ; Hamilton; Thomas P.; (Cranston,
RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
233 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 6300
SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
36755702 |
Appl. No.: |
11/047036 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/236 ;
273/280 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/22 20130101;
B44C 5/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/236 ;
273/280 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00 |
Claims
1. A game apparatus comprising: a rotatable platform; an upstanding
wall extending around a perimeter of the rotatable platform; and an
ultraviolet illumination source configured to illuminate the
rotatable platform.
2. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a
motor coupled to the rotatable platform and configured to rotate
the rotatable platform; a rotation input device; and a controller
operatively coupled to the motor and the rotation input device, the
controller being programmed to receive rotation control data from
the rotation input device, and the controller being programmed to
change the speed of the motor rotating the rotatable platform in
response to the rotation control data.
3. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the rotatable
platform is configured to receive an activity surface.
4. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the rotatable
platform is configured to receive one or more decorations on an
activity surface, and wherein the ultraviolet illumination source
is configured to illuminate the one or more decorations.
5. A game apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein the one or more
decorations comprise one or more decorations that phosphorescently
react to the illumination of the ultraviolet illumination
source.
6. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising: an
illumination input device; and a controller operatively coupled to
illumination input device and operatively coupled to the
ultraviolet illumination source, the controller being programmed to
receive illumination control data from the illumination input
device, and the controller being programmed to cause the
ultraviolet illumination source to illuminate the rotatable
platform at a strobe rate in response to the illumination control
data.
7. A game apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein the controller
is programmed to cause the ultraviolet illumination source to
change the strobe rate at which the ultraviolet illumination source
illuminates the rotatable platform in response to the illumination
control data.
8. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising: an
illumination input device; and a controller operatively coupled to
illumination input device and operatively coupled to the
ultraviolet illumination source, the controller being programmed to
receive illumination control data from the illumination input
device, and the controller being programmed to change a duty cycle
of the illumination source in response to the illumination control
data.
9. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet
illumination source comprises a light emitting diode.
10. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
control device operatively coupled to the ultraviolet illumination
source and configured to change the strobe rate of the ultraviolet
illumination source.
11. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising a
control device operatively coupled to the ultraviolet illumination
source and configured to change the duty cycle of the ultraviolet
illumination source.
12. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a
motor coupled to the rotatable platform and configured to rotate
the rotatable platform; and a control device operatively coupled to
motor and configured to cause the motor to change the rate of
rotation of the rotatable platform.
13. A game apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising: an
audible output device; and a control device operatively coupled to
the audible output device and configured to cause the audible
output device to generate one or more sounds.
14. A game apparatus comprising: a rotatable platform; an
upstanding wall extending around a perimeter of the rotatable
platform; and an illumination source disposed along the upstanding
wall and configured to emit intermittent illumination on the
rotatable platform.
15. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein the rotatable
platform is configured to receive an activity surface.
16. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein the
illumination source comprises a light emitting diode.
17. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein the
illumination source comprises one of the following: an ultraviolet
illumination source, a white light illumination source or a red
light illumination source.
18. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, further comprising: an
illumination input device; a controller operatively coupled to the
illumination input device and operatively coupled to the
illumination source, the controller being programmed to receive
illumination control data from the illumination input device, and
the controller being programmed to change the strobe rate of the
illumination source in response to the illumination control
data.
19. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, further comprising: an
illumination input device; a controller operatively coupled to the
illumination input device and operatively coupled to the
illumination source, the controller being programmed to receive
illumination control data from the illumination input device, and
the controller being programmed to change a duty cycle of the
illumination source in response to illumination control data.
20. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, further comprising: a
motor coupled to the rotatable platform and configured to rotate
the rotatable platform; a rotation input device; a controller
operatively coupled to the rotation input device and operatively
coupled to the motor; the controller being programmed to receive
rotation control data from the rotation input device, and the
controller being programmed to cause the motor to change the speed
of the motor rotating the rotatable platform in response to the
rotation control data.
21. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, further comprising a
control device operatively coupled to the illumination source and
configured to change the strobe rate of the illumination
source.
22. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, further comprising a
control device operatively coupled to the illumination source and
configured to change the duty cycle of the illumination source.
23. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, further comprising: a
motor coupled to the rotatable platform and configured to rotate
the rotatable platform; and a control device operatively coupled to
motor and configured to cause the motor to change the rate of
rotation of the rotatable platform.
24. A game apparatus as defined in claim 14, further comprising: an
audible output device; and a control device operatively coupled to
the audible output device and configured to cause the audible
output device to generate one or more sounds.
25. An apparatus for producing a decorative image comprising: a
platform configured to secure an activity surface; a motor coupled
to the platform and configured to rotate the platform; an
upstanding wall extending around a perimeter of the platform; at
least one illumination source disposed along the upstanding wall
and configured to emit intermittent illumination on the platform;
one or more controllers, at least one of the one or more
controllers being operatively coupled to the motor and at least one
of the one or more controllers being operatively coupled to the at
least one illumination source, at least one of the one or more
controllers being programmed to cause the illumination source to
illuminate the platform at a plurality of rates of intermittent
illumination, and at least one of the one or more controllers being
programmed to cause the motor to rotate the platform.
26. An apparatus as defined in claim 25, wherein at least one of
the one or more controllers is programmed to cause the motor to
rotate the platform at a plurality of rates of rotation.
27. An apparatus as defined in claim 25, wherein the at least one
illumination source comprises one of the following: an ultraviolet
illumination source, a white light illumination source or a red
light illumination source.
28. An apparatus as defined in claim 25, further comprising one or
more input devices operatively coupled to at least one of the one
or more controllers, wherein at least one of the one or more
controllers is programmed to receive illumination control data from
the one or more input devices, wherein at least one of the one or
more controllers is programmed to cause the at least one
illumination source to change the rate of intermittent illumination
at which the at least one illumination source illuminates the
platform in response to the illumination control data, wherein at
least one of the one or more controllers is programmed to cause the
at least one illumination source to illuminate the platform at the
second rate of intermittent illumination in response to the
illumination control data.
29. An apparatus as defined in claim 25, further comprising an
audible output device operatively coupled to at least one of the
one or more controllers, wherein at least one of the one or more
controllers is programmed to cause the audible output device to
generate one or more sounds.
30. A method of producing a decorative image comprising: rotating a
surface; receiving one or more decorations on the rotating surface;
illuminating the rotating surface with a stroboscopic illumination
device.
31. A method as defined in claim 30, further comprising changing
the strobe rate of the stroboscopic illumination device to
illuminate the rotating surface.
32. A method as defined in claim 30, further comprising changing
the rate of rotation of the rotating the surface.
33. A method as defined in claim 30, wherein illuminating the
rotating surface with a stroboscopic illumination device comprises
illuminating the rotating surface with an ultraviolet stroboscopic
illumination device.
34. A method as defined in claim 30, wherein receiving one or more
decorations on the rotating surface comprises receiving one or more
decorations on the rotating surface while the rotating surface is
illuminated with the stroboscopic illumination device.
35. A method as defined in claim 30, wherein receiving one or more
decorations on the rotating surface comprises receiving one or more
decorations on the rotating surface that phosphorescently react to
the illumination of the stroboscopic illumination source.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The patent is directed to a game apparatus and method of
producing a decorative image, and more particularly to a game
apparatus and method that illuminates a rotating image, and varies
the illumination pattern and rotation rate.
[0002] Various games relating to applying paints or other colored
substances to a rotating surface have been previously described.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,496 to Handy discloses a spinning
platen paint set with a spinning platform and a containment wall. A
push rod operated drive mechanism coupled to the spinning platform
provides the spinning motion. The containment wall is disposed
around the spinning platform. A paint medium, such as paper,
cardboard or other paint receiving medium is supported by the
platform. A plurality of paints are also disclosed. The paints can
be dripped onto the spinning paint medium to produce various
designs.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,057 to Engel also discloses a device for
creating spin art having inflatable components. An inflatable
spinning platform is coupled to the shaft of a motor. A workpiece
(e.g., the item to be decorated) is supported by the spinning
platform. An inflatable container encloses the spinning platform
and motor to prevent paint from splashing from the rotating
workpiece onto nearby objects. Paints may be poured or dripped onto
the workpiece through an open top in the inflatable container.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,550,679 to Pipa et al. discloses a device
for producing decorative patterns on clothing. The device has a
variable speed motor connected to a clothing carrier. The clothing
carrier holds and rotates the clothing. A cover is provided with
self-closing ports, through which paint may be applied to the
rotating clothing. The cover protects the operator from inadvertent
paint thrown off the rotating clothing.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,643 to Goldfarb et al. discloses an
apparatus and method for rotating an enclosed container and
introducing different materials into the container during rotation
to produce multi-aspect designs. A support holds the container
during rotation, and a drive mechanism rotates the container. The
materials can be sands or gels of different colors or
appearances.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a game apparatus
which may include a rotatable platform, an upstanding wall
extending around a perimeter of the rotatable platform, and an
ultraviolet illumination source configured to illuminate the
rotatable platform.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a game
apparatus which may include a rotatable platform, an upstanding
wall extending around a perimeter of the rotatable platform, and an
illumination source disposed along the upstanding wall and
configured to emit intermittent illumination on the rotatable
platform.
[0008] In a further aspect, the invention is directed to an
apparatus for producing a decorative image which may include a
platform configured to secure an activity surface, a motor coupled
to the platform and configured to rotate the platform, an
upstanding wall extending around a perimeter of the platform, at
least one illumination source disposed along the upstanding wall
and configured to emit intermittent illumination on the platform,
and one or more controllers. At least one of the one or more
controllers may be operatively coupled to the motor and at least
one of the one or more controllers may be operatively coupled to
the at least one illumination source. At least one of the one or
more controllers may be programmed to cause the illumination source
to illuminate the platform at a plurality of rates of intermittent
illumination, and at least one of the one or more controllers may
be programmed to cause the motor to rotate the platform.
[0009] In an additional aspect, the invention is directed to a
method of producing a decorative image which may include rotating a
surface, receiving one or more decorations on the rotating surface,
and illuminating the rotating surface with a stroboscopic
illumination device.
[0010] Additional aspects of the invention are defined by the
claims of this patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a game
apparatus having an adjustable rotation and illumination in
accordance with the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the game apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic components of
the game apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a main routine
that may be performed during operation of the game apparatus;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a rotation control
routine that may be performed during operation of the game
apparatus;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of an illumination
control routine that may be performed during operation of the game
apparatus;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a sound control
routine that may be performed during operation of the game
apparatus; and
[0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a game routine
that may be performed during operation of the game apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Although the following text sets forth a detailed
description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it
should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is
defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this
patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary
only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the
invention since describing every possible embodiment would be
impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments
could be implemented, using either current technology or technology
developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still
fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.
[0020] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `______` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a
similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that
term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or
ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be
limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this
patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that
any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is
referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single
meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse
the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited,
by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally,
unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word "means" and
a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended
that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the
application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth paragraph.
[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates one possible embodiment of a game
apparatus 10 for producing a visual design or decorative image in
accordance with the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the
game apparatus 10 may include a housing 12. The housing 12 may
include an upper housing 14 and a lower housing 16. The upper and
lower housing 14, 16 may be coupled to each other via various
fastening mechanisms, such as screws, rivets, plastic spring tabs
and corresponding slots, adhesive, etc. The upper housing 14 may
include an opening 18. A rotatable platform 20 may be disposed
within the housing 12 and visible and accessible through the
opening 18. As indicated in FIG. 2, the rotatable platform 20 may
be coupled to, and centered on, a shaft of a motor 19 to allow
rotation of the rotatable platform 20. The rotatable platform 20
may be coupled to the shaft of the motor 19 via a rotation mount
21.
[0022] The rotatable platform 20 may include a plurality of
fasteners 22 which may be utilized to temporarily affix an activity
surface (not shown) to the rotatable platform. Although four
fasteners 22 are shown, with one fastener 22 for each edge or
corner of a rectangular activity surface, it should be understood
that the number and positioning of the fasteners 22 may vary. As
shown, the fasteners 22 may be provided as tab portions defining a
spacing thereunder approximately the thickness of the activity
surface. The tab portions may extend inward toward the center of
the rotatable platform 20 or extend tangentially along an edge of
the rotatable platform 20. The activity surface may be securely
affixed to the rotatable platform 20 via the fasteners 22 such that
the activity surface does not become detached from, or sit loosely
in, the rotatable platform 20 during rotation. In particular, the
activity surface may be slid beneath each of the tabs at a corner
or edge of the activity surface to be friction-fitted beneath each
tab portion. Although tabs have been disclosed, it should be
understood that different fasteners may be utilized, including, but
not limited to, spring-biased clips, snaps or adhesive. The
activity surface may any surface that may be decorated including,
but not limited to, paper, cardboard, plastic, fabric or another
surface which may be decorated. The activity surface may also be
disposable, washable or reusable.
[0023] An upstanding containment wall 24 may be provided around the
perimeter of the rotatable platform 20. Although shown in FIG. 2 as
separate from the upper and lower housing 14, 16, it should be
understood that the containment wall 24 may be integrally formed
with the upper housing 14 and/or the lower housing 16. The
containment wall 24 may be of sufficient height surrounding the
rotatable platform 20 to prevent paint or other decorations from
discharging outside the containment area as the rotatable platform
20 rotates. The containment wall 24 may include one or more
openings 26 disposed along the containment wall 24. Each of the
openings 26 may receive an illumination source 28 such that the
illumination source 28 illuminates the upper surface of the
rotatable platform 20 and/or the activity surface thereon. The
illumination sources 28 may be provided as light emitting diodes,
though it should be understood that alternative illumination
sources may be utilized. The illumination sources 28 may include,
but are not limited to, ultraviolet illumination sources that emit
an ultraviolet light, white light illumination sources that emit a
white light, or red illumination sources that emit a red light.
Each of the illumination sources 28 may be spaced equidistant along
the containment wall 24, as indicated by the openings 26, to
provide uniform and complete illumination of the upper surface of
the rotatable platform 20 and any activity surface thereon.
Although four openings 26 and illumination sources 28 are shown
equidistant along the containment wall 24, it should be understood
that the number of openings 26 and illumination sources 28, and
their placement may vary.
[0024] The game apparatus 10 may further include one or more input
devices or controls 30, 32, 34. The controls 30, 32, 34 may be
provided as one or more buttons, including a "sound control" button
30, an "on/off" button 32 and a "strobe control" button 34. As used
herein, the term "button" is intended to encompass any device that
allows a player to make an input, such as an input device that must
be depressed to make an input or another input device which may
include a remote control, audible control, etc. For example, each
of the buttons 30, 32, 34 may include a cover 30a, 32a, 34a and a
switch 30b, 32b, 34b disposed behind or beneath the cover 30a, 32a,
34a, and pressing/depressing the button 30, 32, 34 may trigger the
switch to activate or deactivate a function of the game apparatus
10. Each switch 30b, 32b, 34b may be provided as a single-mode or
multi-mode switch. Although depicted as electrical push button
switches 30b, 32b, 34b, each switch 30b, 32b, 34b may be provided
as any type of input device that may be actuated by a user,
including, but not limited to, a magnetic switch, a photosensitive
switch or a proximity switch. Further, each of the switches 30b,
32b, 34b may be provided as a digital switch to provide a digital
input to the controller 100, or as an analog switch. For example,
one or all of the buttons 30, 32, 34 may be replace with a
potentiometer and corresponding knob.
[0025] The "sound control" button 30 may be activated to cause the
game apparatus 10 to emit one or more sounds via one or more
speakers 36. The sounds may include words, phrases, noises, music,
etc. Repeated activation of the "sound control" button 30 may cause
the game apparatus 10 to emit different sounds following each
activation of the button 30 and/or cease sounds altogether.
[0026] The "on/off" button 32 may be activated when a user decides
to activate or deactivate the game apparatus 10. If activated, the
game apparatus 10 may begin rotation of the rotatable platform 20
by activating the motor. In addition, activation of the game
apparatus 10 may cause the illumination sources 28 to illuminate
the rotatable platform 20. Alternatively, activating the "on/off"
button 32 once may cause the game apparatus 10 to rotate the
rotatable platform 20, whereas a subsequent activation of the
"on/off" button 32 may cause the illumination sources 28 to
illuminate the rotatable platform 20. The illumination sources may
illuminate the rotatable platform 20 with steady illumination or
intermittent illumination. Repeated activation of the "on/off"
button 32 may cause the game apparatus 10 to vary the speed of
rotation of the rotatable platform 20 and/or vary the strobe rate
of the illumination sources 28 following each activation of the
button 32 and/or cease operation of the game apparatus 10
altogether. In another example, activation (or a subsequent
activation) of the "on/off " button 32 may cause the game apparatus
to automatically vary the speed of rotation and/or the strobe rate
of the illumination sources 28 without further activation of the
"on/off" button 32. Subsequent activation of the "on/off" button 32
may terminate the variation of speed of rotation and/or strobe
rate.
[0027] The "strobe control" button 34, may be activated when a user
decides to activate, deactivate or vary the strobe effect of the
illumination sources 28. If activated, the game apparatus 10 may
cause the illumination sources 28 to emit illumination onto the
rotatable platform 20 and the activity surface. The initial
illumination may be a steady illumination or intermittent
illumination according to a particular strobe rate. Repeated
activation of the "strobe control" button 34 may cause the
illumination sources to emit illumination at different strobe rates
for each activation of the "strobe control" button 34. A subsequent
activation of the "strobe effect" button 34 may also cause the
illumination to cease altogether.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a number of components that may
be incorporated in the housing 12 of the game apparatus 10.
Referring to FIG. 3, the game apparatus 10 may include a controller
100 containing the sound generation logic, illumination generation
logic and/or rotation control logic implemented via circuitry
contained on a conventional printed circuit board, with the sound
generation data, illumination generation data and/or rotation
control data being stored directly on the printed circuit board. It
should be appreciated that although the controller 100 may be
implemented on a printed circuit board, more complex
implementations of the game apparatus 10 may be implemented wherein
the controller 100 may comprise, among other components, a program
memory which may be a read-only memory (ROM) or alterable memory, a
microcontroller or microprocessor (MP), a random-access memory
(RAM), and an input/output (I/O) circuit, all of which may be
interconnected by a address/data bus. It should be appreciated that
the controller 100 may include multiple microprocessors. Similarly,
the memory of the controller 100 may include multiple RAMs and
multiple program memories, depending on the complexity and
requirements of a specific implementation. It should also be
appreciated that the I/O circuit may include a number of different
types of I/O circuits, such as sound generation circuits,
illumination generation circuits, and the like. The RAM(s), ROM(s)
and program memories may be implemented as semiconductor memories,
magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories,
for example.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates that the controller 100 may be
operatively coupled to the motor 19, the illumination sources 28,
an activation switch corresponding to the "sound control" button
30, an activation switch corresponding to the "on/off" button 32,
an activation switch corresponding to the "strobe control" button
34, and a power supply 102, each of those components being so
coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional, single-line or
multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the
component that is used. The power supply may be provided as
disposable or rechargeable batteries, or as an electrical cord
pluggable into an electrical wall outlet. The speaker(s) 36 may be
operatively coupled to a sound circuit 104, which may comprise a
voice- and sound-synthesis circuit or that may comprise a driver
circuit. The sound-generating circuit 104 may be coupled to the I/O
circuit.
[0030] Although one controller 100 is shown, it should be
understood that multiple controllers may be utilized, and may be
operatively interconnected via an address/data bus. For example, a
controller may be provided and operatively coupled to the sound
circuit 104 and the speaker(s) 36. Such a controller may execute
sound generation logic and control the sound circuit 104. In
addition, a stroboscopic illumination device may be provided that
may include a controller operatively coupled to the illumination
sources 28. Such a controller may execute illumination generation
logic and control a strobe rate of the illumination sources 28.
Likewise, yet another controller may be provided and operatively
coupled to the motor 19 and the rotatable platform 20. Such a
controller may execute rotation control logic and control the
rotation of the rotatable platform 20 via the motor 19. Each of the
above provided controllers may be provided with a program memory, a
microcontroller or microprocessor (MP), a random-access memory
(RAM), and an input/output (I/O) circuit, all of which may be
interconnected by a address/data bus, as above with the controller
100. Although the routines disclosed below are described in
relation to the controller 100, it should be understood that
various aspects of the routines may be executed by one or more
corresponding controllers, if multiple controllers are provided. It
should also be understood that a single controller may perform
multiple aspects of the routines, such as executing a combination
of the sound generation logic, illumination generation logic and/or
rotation control logic.
[0031] As previously discussed, an activity surface may be secured
to the rotatable platform 20, and the controller 100 may receive
input signals from the activation switches 30b, 32b, 34b
corresponding to the "sound control" button 30, the "on/off" button
32 and the "strobe control" button 34. The input signals may cause
the controller 100 to process the sound generation logic,
illumination generation logic and/or rotation control logic. Paints
or other decorations may be applied to the activity surface either
prior to activation of the game apparatus 10 and/or during
operation of the game apparatus 10. Additional and/or different
decorations may be applied throughout operation of the game
apparatus 10. For example, the paints may include transparent or
translucent flowable viscous gels tinted with different colors. The
paints may further include solid particles such as glitter of
various colors or appearances dispersed within the gel. In one
example, the paints may include florescent paints of one or more
colors that are visibly reactive to ultraviolet light. If provided
as florescent paints, the game apparatus 10 may be operated in a
darkened area with minimal ambient light so as to maximize the
visual effect of the florescent paints. Further, the florescent
paints may phosphoresce when ambient light is low, and particularly
when illuminated with the illumination sources 28. Additional
decorations or decorating utensils may include, but are not limited
to, pens, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, stickers or markers,
any or all of which may be florescent, removable or washable.
Materials may also be secured to the activity surface, including
but not limited to, paper, molding compounds, fabric. Such
materials may also be florescent, removable or washable, and may be
secured using an adhesive.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main operating routine 200 that
may be stored in the memory of the controller 100. The main
operating routine 200 may being operation at block 202, wherein the
controller may receive an input to activate the game apparatus 10.
Such an input may be accomplished by, for example, activating the
"on/off " button 32. If such an input is received, the controller
100 may cause the game apparatus to activate at block 204.
[0033] Activation of the game apparatus 10 may activate the power
supply 102 to supply power to the motor 19, the illumination
sources 28, the speaker(s) 36 and the controller 100. Activation of
the game apparatus 10 may further cause the motor 19 to rotate the
rotatable platform 20. If multiple rates of rotation are provided,
the rotation of the rotatable platform 20 may begin at a first
rotation rate, which may be the lowest rate of rotation. Rotation
of the rotatable platform 20 may cause decorations, such as paints,
deposited on the activity surface to spread into various image
patterns. Activation of the game apparatus 10 may further include
emitting a sound from the speaker(s) 36 and/or activating the
illumination sources 28 to illuminate the rotatable platform 20. If
provided with multiple sounds, the speaker(s) 36 may emit a sound
corresponding to a default sound initiated when the game apparatus
10 is activated, or a sound selected by the controller 100 at
random, sequentially or by any other selection method. As part of
activating the game apparatus 10 at block 204, the illumination
sources 28 may illuminate the rotatable platform 20 with constant,
uniform illumination or intermittent illumination according to a
strobe rate. The initial illumination may be predetermined, such as
the slowest strobe rate, or may be selected by the controller 100
at random, sequentially or by any other selection method.
[0034] At block 206, the controller 100 may detect an input, which
may be the result of a subsequent activation of the "on/off "
button 32. If such an input is received, the controller 100 may
cause the illumination sources 28 to change the illumination of the
rotatable platform 20 with a different illumination pattern than
initial the illumination pattern of block 204. The new illumination
pattern may include a constant, uniform illumination, intermittent
illumination at a strobe rate, intermitted illumination at a
different strobe rate, etc. However, it should be understood that
if activation of the game apparatus at block 204 involved
activating the illumination sources 28, block 208 may result in
activating the illumination sources 28 according to an initial
illumination pattern (e.g., a constant, uniform illumination or
intermittent illumination according to a strobe rate).
[0035] If provided as a constant, uniform illumination, the user
may observe a spinning image resulting from the rotating design
pattern. If provided as intermittent illumination, the user may
observe various images of the design pattern during the resulting
brief periods illumination. Generally, the rate of rotation of the
rotatable platform 20 may remain constant, whereas the illumination
of the rotatable platform 20 may vary, thereby resulting in
different visual effects for different rates of illumination.
However, the rotation control logic of the controller 100 may
further cause the rotatable platform 20 to rotate at a particular
rate of rotation, and the illumination generation logic may cause
the illumination source 28 to illuminate the rotatable platform 20
at a strobe rate corresponding to the rate of rotation. As a
result, the user may observe an interesting visual effect caused by
the design pattern, the rotation of the rotatable platform 20 and
the illumination sources 28. For example, the rate of rotation and
the strobe rate may be synchronized such that a rotating image on
the activity surface appears stationary. Alternatively, the rate of
rotation and the strobe rate may correspond such that the rotating
image appears to rotate slower than the rate of rotation or to
rotate in the reverse direction as the physical direction of
rotation. In yet another example, the rate of rotation and the
strobe rate may be completely unsynchronized, thereby resulting in
a random visual image seen when the activity surface is illuminated
by the intermittent light. As a result, different combinations of
rotation and illumination may result in different images being
observed, and these combinations may be preprogrammed in the
controller 100 as part of the rotation control logic and
illumination generation logic. Changes in the illumination pattern
may thereby be automatically accompanied by changes in the rate of
rotation to provide different visual effects for each combination.
However, it is also contemplated that the rotation of the rotatable
platform 20 may vary whereas the illumination pattern of the
rotatable platform 20 remains the same (e.g., constant or
strobe).
[0036] As discussed above, different images may be observed by
varying the illumination pattern of the illumination sources 28
and/or the rate of rotation of the rotatable platform 20. Referring
again to FIG. 4, subsequent activation of the "on/off " button 32
at block 206 may cause the illumination sources 28 to activate or
change the illumination pattern at block 208. In particular, the
subsequent activation of the "on/off" button 32 at block 206 may
cause the game apparatus 10 to automatically vary the illumination
of the rotatable platform 20 without further input from the user.
At block 210, the controller 100 may increment a count. Initially,
the count may correspond to the illumination pattern of block 208.
If the count reaches a predetermined number, as determined at block
212, the count may be reset at block 214 and begin incrementing
again at block 210. If the count has not reached a predetermined
number, the illumination pattern may be incremented at block 216.
As such, various illumination patterns may be executed by the
controller 100, with a new illumination pattern corresponding to
each count. The routine 200 may cycle through each illumination
pattern, and begin again when the count is reset at block 214. The
new illumination pattern may correspond to an incrementally faster
or slower strobe rate, or a constant illumination. Alternatively,
the new illumination pattern may correspond to a random
illumination pattern, such as a random strobe rate. As mentioned
above, rates of rotation may correspond to different illumination
patterns. As such, variations in the rate of rotation may
automatically accompany each change in the illumination pattern.
Further, variations in the illumination pattern and/or rate of
rotation may be accompanied by variations in the sounds emitted
from the speaker(s) 36.
[0037] If the illumination sources are provided as light emitting
diodes, a change in strobe rate may be accompanied by a change in
the brightness, or duty cycle, of the light emitting diodes. In
particular, when a light emitting diode is "on," the light emitting
diode may emit light according to a blink rate, which is generally
faster than can be observed by the human eye. The "brightness" of
the light emitting diode may be adjusted by varying the duty cycle.
When the duty cycle is increased, the light emitting diode emits
light for a longer period of time for each pulse of the blink rate,
thereby appearing brighter. Decreasing the duty cycle causes the
light emitting diode to appear less bright. During a strobe pulse
where an illumination source 28 is "on," the light emitting diode
emits light according to the blink rate and duty cycle. However, if
the light emitting diode is too "bright" for the strobe rate (e.g.,
the duty cycle is too high), the activity surface may receive too
much illumination and the image may appear blurry. Conversely, if
the light emitting diode is not "bright" enough (e.g., the duty
cycle is too low), the activity surface may receive too little
illumination, and the image may appear dull or nonexistent.
Variations in the strobe rate may also cause the image to be
distorted, if unaccompanied by a corresponding change in the duty
cycle. Therefore, for each change in the strobe rate, the
controller 100 may vary the duty cycle, or "brightness" of the
illumination sources. For example, an increase in the strobe rate
may result in a decrease in brightness. Likewise, a decrease in
strobe rate may result in an increase in brightness.
[0038] Returning to FIG. 4, the controller 100 may detect a further
input at block 218 corresponding to activation of the "on/off"
button 32. If no such input is received, control may pass back to
block 210 where the controller 100 may again increment the count to
initiate a new illumination pattern (and/or rotation rate). If an
input is received at block 218, the controller 100 may deactivate
the game apparatus 10 at block 220 by deactivating the power supply
102 or otherwise terminating operation of the motor 19, the
rotatable platform 20 and the illumination sources 28.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a rotation routine 300 that may be
stored in the memory of the controller 100 to provide manual
control over the rate of rotation of the rotatable platform 20. The
rotation routine 300 may be provided in conjunction with, or as an
alternative to, the main operating routine 200. The rotation
routine 300 may begin operation at block 302 where the controller
100 may receive an input. The input may correspond to activation of
the "on/off" button 32, though it should be understood that a
separate button may be provided to control the rotation of the
rotatable platform 20. If received, the controller 100 may cause
the motor 19 to rotate the rotatable platform 20 at block 304.
Blocks 302 and 304 may correspond to the activation of the game
apparatus 10 at blocks 202 and 204 of FIG. 4.
[0040] At block 306, the controller 100 may increment a count,
which may initially correspond to the initial rate of rotation at
block 304. Each count may correspond to a different rate of
rotation of the rotatable platform 20. At block 308, the routine
300 may determine whether the user has activated the "on/off"
button 32 again. If so, the controller 100 may determine whether
the count has reached a predetermined number at block 310. The
predetermined number may correspond to deactivation of the motor 19
to stop rotation following a number of times a user activates the
"on/off" button 32. If the count has not reached the predetermined
number, the rate of rotation may be incremented at block 312, and
control may pass back to block 306 where the count may be
incremented again. The new rate of illumination may correspond to
an incrementally faster or slower rotation rate. Alternatively, the
new rate of rotation may correspond to a random rotation rate. If
the count reached the predetermined number, as determined at block
310, the game apparatus 10 may deactivate the motor 19 to stop
rotation of the rotatable platform at block 314.
[0041] The rotation routine 300 depicts an example of a manual
control over the rate of rotation of the rotatable platform 20. The
user may activate the "on/off" button 32 once to activate the game
apparatus 10, thereby causing the rotatable platform 20 to rotate.
Subsequent activations of the "on/off " button 32 may cause the
controller 100 to cycle through each of the various rates of
rotation, and repeated activation of the "on/off" button 32 may
eventually cause the rotation to stop. In one example, the count
may be set to "1," whereby a subsequent activation of the "on/off"
button 32 causes the rotation to stop rather than change rotation.
However, as mentioned above with respect to the main operating
routine 200 if FIG. 4, the controller 100 may automatically cycle
through the various rates of rotation, which may correspond to
changes in the illumination patterns.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an illumination routine 400 that
may be stored in the memory of the controller 100 to provide manual
control over the illumination pattern emitted by the illumination
sources 28. The illumination routine 400 may be provided in
conjunction with, or as an alternative to, the main operating
routine 200. The illumination routine 400 may begin operation at
block 402 where the controller 100 may receive an input. The input
may correspond to activation of the "strobe control" button 34. If
received, the controller 100 may cause the illumination sources to
activate at block 404. Blocks 402 and 404 may correspond to the
activation of the game apparatus 10 at blocks 202 and 204 of FIG.
4. Alternatively, the illumination sources 28 may have been
previously activated upon activation of the "on/off" button 32,
whereby activation of the "strobe control" button 34 at block 402
may cause the illumination pattern to change at block 404.
[0043] At block 406, the controller 100 may increment a count,
which may initially correspond to the initial illumination pattern
at block 404. Each count may correspond to a different illumination
pattern. At block 408, the illumination routine 400 may determine
whether the user has activated the "strobe control" button 34
again. If so, the controller 100 may determine whether the count
has reached a predetermined number at block 410. The predetermined
number may correspond to deactivation of the illumination sources
28 following a number of times a user activates the "strobe
control" button 34. If the count has not reached the predetermined
number, the illumination pattern may be incremented at block 412,
which may be a uniform constant illumination or a new strobe rate
which may be incrementally faster or slower. Control may then pass
back to block 406 where the count may be incremented again.
Alternatively, the new illumination pattern may correspond to a
random illumination pattern. If the count reached the predetermined
number, as determined at block 410, the game apparatus 10 may
deactivate the illumination source 28 to stop illumination of the
rotatable platform at block 414.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a sound routine 500 that may be
stored in the memory of the controller 100 to provide manual
control over the sounds emitted by the speaker(s) 36. The sound
routine 500 may being operation at block 502 where the controller
100 may receive an input. The input may correspond to activation of
the "sound control" button 30. If received, the controller 100 may
cause the speaker(s) 36 to activate at block 504. Blocks 502 and
504 may correspond to the activation of the game apparatus 10 at
blocks 202 and 204 of FIG. 4. Alternatively, the speaker(s) 36 may
have been previously activated upon activation of the "on/off "
button 32, whereby activation of the "sound control" button 30 at
block 502 may cause the illumination pattern to change at block
504.
[0045] At block 506, the controller 100 may increment a count,
which may initially correspond to the initial sound at block 504.
Each count may correspond to a different sound. At block 508, the
sound routine 500 may determine whether the user has activated the
"sound control" button 30 again. If so, the controller 100 may
determine whether the count has reached a predetermined number at
block 510. The predetermined number may correspond to deactivation
of the speaker(s) 36 following a number of times a user activates
the "sound control" button 30. If the count has not reached the
predetermined number, the sound may be incremented at block 512,
which may be the next sound on a playlist of sounds stored in a
memory of the controller 100. Control may then pass back to block
506 where the count may be incremented again. Alternatively, the
new sound may correspond to a random sound. If the count reached
the predetermined number, as determined at block 510, the game
apparatus 10 may deactivate the speaker(s) 36 at block 514.
[0046] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a game routine 600 which may be
performed by the game apparatus 10 to produce a decorative image.
The game routine 600 may begin operation at block 602, whereby the
game apparatus 10 may rotate the rotatable platform 20, which may
be in response to a user activating the "on/off" button 32 or a
rotation control button. Prior to rotation, the rotatable platform
20 may have been provided with a activity surface, as disclosed
above. At block 604, the game apparatus may receive one or more
decorations on the activity surface. However, it should be
understood that the decorations may be applied at any time prior to
or during the routine 600. Rotation of the activity surface may
cause decorations, such as paints, to spread along the activity
surface. Excess paint or other decorations may be prevented from
spreading beyond the opening 18 to the surrounding area by the
containment wall 24.
[0047] During the game routine 600, the game apparatus 10 may
receive one or more inputs relating to an illumination pattern, a
rate of rotation and/or a sound. Such inputs may be the result of
the user activating one or more of the buttons 30, 32, 34, as
disclosed above. Each input may be made manually (e.g., activating
a button for each change in illumination pattern, rotation rate
and/or sound) or automatically by the controller 100. For example,
at block 608, the game apparatus 10 may receive an input relating
to the illumination pattern, in response to which the game
apparatus 10 may change the illumination pattern at block 610. The
illumination pattern may illuminate the rotating surface with
constant, uniform illumination or intermittent illumination,
resulting in an interesting visual effect on the rotating surface.
In particular, the illumination may include ultraviolet
illumination and the decorations may include florescent paints or
markings, thereby resulting in an interesting, phosphorescent image
when ambient light is low. However, different decorations and
different illumination, such as white light illumination or red
light illumination, may also be utilized to produce interesting
visual effects.
[0048] At block 612, the game apparatus 10 may receive an input
relating to the rotation rate of the rotatable platform 20. If so,
the game apparatus 10 may change the rotation rate of the rotatable
platform 20 at block 614. At block 616, the game apparatus 10 may
receive an input relating to the sound emitted from the speaker(s)
36, in response to which the game apparatus 10 may change the sound
at block 618. At block 620, the game apparatus 10 may receive an
input relating to deactivation of the game apparatus 10. Such an
input may be a subsequent activation of the "on/off" button 32 or
activation of a dedicated power switch. If no such input is
received, the game apparatus 10 may continue to receive inputs
relating to changes in the illumination pattern, the rotation rate
and/or the sounds. Otherwise, the game apparatus may deactivate by
discontinuing power to the controller 100, the motor 19, the
illumination sources 28 and the speaker(s) 36.
[0049] Although the above examples describe a game apparatus 10
with a controller 100 and associated sound generation logic,
illumination generation logic and/or rotation control logic for
controlling the sound, illumination and/or rotation of the game
apparatus 10, respectively, it should be understood that one or
more functions of the game apparatus 10 may be performed using
different control devices, other than a controller 100 associated
logic. For example, the controller 100 and each of the buttons 30,
32, 34 may be replaced with potentiometers and corresponding knobs.
A potentiometer for controlling sound may be operatively coupled to
the sound generation circuit 104 and the speaker(s) 36. Adjustment
of the sound potentiometer may change the sound being generated by
the sound generation circuit 104 and the speaker(s) 36. A
potentiometer for controlling the illumination may be operatively
coupled to the illumination sources 18, and adjustment of the
potentiometer may adjust the illumination from the illumination
sources 28. Further, the potentiometer for controlling illumination
may be operatively coupled to an illumination circuit such as a
counter, and adjustment of the potentiometer may cause the
illumination circuit to vary the strobe rate of the illumination
sources 28 by varying the input to the counter and causing the
counter to count at various rates to produce an output
corresponding to the strobe rate which may be inputted to the
illumination sources 28. Although the illumination circuit may
provide automatically compensate the brightness of the illumination
source in response to a change in strobe rate, a separate
potentiometer may be provided and operatively coupled to the
illumination sources 28 to manually adjust the brightness of the
illumination sources 28. A potentiometer for controlling the
rotation rate may be operatively coupled to the motor 19, whereby
adjustment of the rotation potentiometer may adjust the speed of
the motor 19 by varying the power supplied thereto, and hence the
rate of rotation of the rotatable platform 20. A user may adjust
the potentiometers as desired to control the strobe rate, the
brightness and/or the rotation rate to produce different visual
effects, as described above.
[0050] While the preceding text sets forth a detailed description
of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it should be
understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the
words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The
detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does
not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since
describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not
impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented,
using either current technology or technology developed after the
filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope
of the claims defining the invention.
* * * * *