Juggling apparatus

The present invention relates to a device for juggling or artful Spinning (twirling) useful as a form of entertainment is indicating that visual light effects, including repeating patterns, graphic images and alpha-numeric Text.

These visual effects of the public as a result of retinal inertia perceived, and are the result of multiple light sources at the facility, the switching on and off are caused, and in a color change be made to exact points in time, by a built-in control system.

On the art of juggling are often objects (Sticks, clubs, bars or Pois) that around an axis turning, inserted perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis runs when they are either thrown or swung. The speed of this rotation is determined by the performer, and is typically 1-4 revolutions per second.

It have been various improvements in prior art constructions made of juggling equipment to the impression in the public strengthen, through impressive making the maneuver. Such a development, which has become known since 1980 and thereafter is, is to provide a light source in the device (Originally phosphorescent material, and more recently Time electrically powered light sources such as light emitting diodes) (See for example "club for juggling with interior lighting": <patcit><text>FR 2716628</text></patcit>), So that, when a juggling or handling in a dark environment takes place retina inertial properties the illusion cause a track, when the object through the air emotional.

persistence of vision (Retina inertia) relates to the apparent positive afterimage, if the visual system of a human being exposed to moving light sources is due to the fact that each retina cell few hundred Milliseconds needed in from their active state return an idle state. If there is an object moved through the field of view of a viewer, therefore, the Visual processing system is not the viewer at any time exposed only to the retina signals representing the instantaneous position of the object within the field of concern, but also a range of signals on the position of the object the previous few hundred milliseconds concern, which occur these signals in retinal cells that are still in the process is to return to its idle state. It is the effect of these remaining signals above the described illusion of afterimage behind a moving generated object. The effect is particularly clear when the Subject is brightly lit, moves very quickly, and the Observer is in a darkened environment, and therefore a having increased visual sensitivity.

Of the Prior art includes juggling devices in which two or three different colored channels Light emitting diode (for example, a red channel, a blue channel and a green channel) are used. By changing the intensity of the output power of each channel, the overall perceived color of the object to be prompted that changes color. While this is visually in terms effect on the perception by the public, but takes the Limitation on that the entire total of the subject looks as if it had only a single color.

A further development arranges the light sources in such a way that beams with different colors to each other within a Juggling article addressed, and a graded color mixing there occurs where the light onto the surface of the article incident. In this way, some interesting, abstract consideration effects are produced. However, were images and graphics that are not abstract, not by a juggling device according to the state of the art.

Eyes inertial effects have been used in various other categories of devices, to a desired output, alphanumeric text, symbols display or other graphics. The basic principle is, a number of light sources (often light emitting diodes) to be attached to an object, which undergo a movement can. Each light source is turned on in a predetermined order on and off, which is exactly timed to commission the Illu to generate a predetermined output, which in the space field is represented, which has been moved over the object. (See, for example "display means that persistence of vision uses "; <patcit><text>US 5748157</text></patcit>).

An extremely useful improvements in existing constructions Juggling objects would consist in a group provided by light sources which eyes inertial effects advantageously could use to predetermined graphic designs or patterns display, while the juggler the article in the handled Presentation. However, a difficulty occurs because the juggler can not ensure that a specific part the counter&lt;?page 3?&gt;stands facing the audience, while the Object is in motion. Although the juggler has a significant Influence on the control during rapid rotation of the article to the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, however it is impossible the rapid rotation to control the longitudinal axis. The Degree of inertia about this axis is relatively low, and when the subject of the hands of the juggler is released, the object rotates quickly freely around this axis.

It are no existing eye inertial device which juggles can be, while showing continuous graphics, without significant gaps or dark spots in the resultant image that is perceived by the public. These Gaps are not illuminated parts of caused means extending between the light sources and the observer move, due to the rapid rotation of the device about its longitudinal axis, and may of the Juggler are not controlled. Even eyes inertial devices, in which light sources within the device both backwards as are directed forward, this disadvantage is not overcome, since these light sources for an observer outside their emission angle are not clearly perceptible.

hitherto outlined eyes inertial devices include motion detection switch in order to control the frequency of the output of light sources, and therefore the timing of the changes from one image to a others who are successively depicted as follows. The effect the use of this type of an input system for controlling light sources would juggling and object-Hantierungseinrichtung lead to significant limitations: due of juggling the device does not move quickly, however, always in a regular exercise cycle; a typical juggling presentation includes a large number of different Tricks that are performed by the artist. Some of these tricks involve similar movements of the device, while others very different movements include. About that also can include a trick that a juggler an object operated in a certain way, while he simultaneously another article or various other Objects operated in different ways. It would be preferable that the juggler could select, which pattern or which graphics by any means at different Times will be displayed during the show, regardless of the type of movement which each object at this time performs.

According to a first aspect of the invention is a juggling or hand held provided means for artful Spinning available which comprises an elongated body having a plurality of Light sources has, arranged along its length, and a control system for sequentially ordering said intensity states the light source over eyes inertial effects represent a non-abstract graphic image to an observer when the Means about a rotation axis juggling or is spun, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, wherein the light sources are arranged in several groups, each group has two or more light sources uniformly spaced apart from the same end of the device is provided are, and each light source in close proximity to the other is arranged, however, in a different direction with respect to the other is directed within the group, so that light from at least one light source within the group for the Viewer is visible, regardless of the rotational phase of the Means about its longitudinal axis, and wherein the control system is designed such that it controls the light sources so that the Light sources in the same group is constantly in the same Lighting condition are.

According to a second aspect of the invention is a system available provided, are provided wherein: more facilities according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the Control system of each device one or more micro-controller , whose output signals so connected to the light sources are that the output signal of the light sources by performing is determined by program instructions that the micro-controller expire, or microcontrollers, and continue each facility comprises a radio frequency receiver to receive signals from a to transmit external source to the micro-controller in the device; and a Control unit for transmitting signals to more than one of these devices to trigger this device so that a display sequence is started simultaneously.

According to a third aspect of the invention is a system available provided, are provided wherein: more facilities according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the Control system of each device one or more micro-controller having their outputs connected to the light sources so are that the output signal of the light sources by performing is set of program instructions that the micro-controller expire or the micro-controllers, and each device over also having a wired communication interface to Signals from an external source to the micro-controller in the Means by &lt;?page 4?&gt;transfer cable; anda Control unit for transmitting signals to more than one of the means to cause these devices to that they start a display sequence simultaneously.

embodiments the present invention relate to a juggling device, which is defined below as an object, the handling in a juggling discipline concerned is established, and which is rod-shaped in essence, or a substantially having rod-shaped or tubular member can, including, but not limited to, Sticks, rods, Pois (items that be swiveled and swirled at the end of ropes), juggling clubs, bars for cheerleaders and facilities for martial arts.

in the Use rotates an embodiment of the present Invention quickly in the air around an axis perpendicular to their Longitudinal axis, and is a result of the eye inertia effect the Effect, which is observed by an audience so that a virtual image or a graphic is perceived that from virtual Pixels. The graphics can be an alpha-numeric message, a repeating pattern, or a number of individual logos or images.

at one embodiment, each virtual pixel, the result of light sources with one or more color channels, the are mounted within the device, and light on the inner Surface of the device project. The material of a Outside of the device is translucent, so that the projected light perceived by an observer can be. More than one area is illuminated at the same time, and the light is through the light-permeable outer Housing diffusely. The areas which together illuminated, located at parallel locations on respect the length of the device, so that when the device quickly rotates around the rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis runs, all such areas by same room pass. These areas emit diffuse light in several directions, so that the displayed graphic visible is independent of the phase of rapid rotation of the Means about its longitudinal axis at any time. This provides a significant advantage of embodiments of the present invention compared to eyes inertial effect devices according to the prior art is.

at one embodiment is a control system in the device provided, and determines the state of each light source to each Time. The control system includes a micro-controller, on which an exact sequence control program is run, and a Storage unit. Several consequences of different graphics are encoded and stored in this memory unit. An extremely accurate clock source such as a crystal oscillator, may in be the control system is provided so that graphics accordingly may be restricted to an exact time schedule. This allows a juggler, before an idea to programmed so that certain images, patterns or messages to selected times are displayed in the presentation, an effect evoke the best of the background music or is adapted to the manner of presentation.

embodiments of the present invention comprise a communication interface that may be wired or wireless formed so that signals from an external source by the control system can be received and processed in the device. The communication system is designed more point-like, so that a computer or a remote control unit control commands at the same time more than can send a juggling device. In this manner and example, several embodiments of the present invention be triggered so that it has a sequence start at the same time, and then therefore synchronized Show graphics or text-based messages. At least two Juggling devices are used simultaneously by a juggler, and in some cases this number may considerably higher be; it is not uncommon for individual jugglers doing consider that they handle five lobes, or that Juggler groups with several jugglers multiple devices simultaneously Insert. The effect on a Betrach ter several institutions, what exactly change the display at the same time, without that the jugglers change the flow of their handling, is obviously very impressive.

The Control system receives information via the communications interface for the following processes: <ul><li>- Selection, which sequence of preprogrammed graphics to be displayed, and triggers the device to the display of this sequence begin.</li><li>- Loading a new sequence of images in a memory in the device.</li><li>- Operating controls, for example, for the purpose of to put the device into a standby state, or it with from the standby state from a standby state wake low energy consumption.</li></ul>

By Employing a wireless communication interface, the control system process instructions in real time, and receive data, which the Colors describe which of the light sources&lt;?page 5?&gt;should indicate to display graphics, while the device is in operation is. An advantage of this system is that the output signal shown the device can be controlled by a third person, which enables the presentation and visual effects to improve: While the juggler on stage is an auxiliary person can constantly select graphics, which are displayed on the basis of the music process, the reaction of the public, or even in response to the tricks of the Juggler be selected.

embodiments the present invention can an electronically erasable programmable read only memory or a flash memory use, which are easily removed from the device by a user can, in order to program data describing graphics. Formats for secure digital data (SD), MMC, XD, USB flash memory and other such formats are all functionally equivalent for this purpose, and provide the advantage of an extremely High capacity available, and comprising widespread compatibility with computers over readily available memory card reader and USB adapter. On Another advantage is that the micro-controller will not must handle the communication with a computer, as all Programming of graphics data directly from the computer to the memory card is carried out from before the card into the device is inserted.

embodiments the present invention provide the advantage available, that they are capable of displaying graphics, which is approximately the fill the entire area through which, in use, the device moves, while the number of light sources is reduced to a minimum, so that problems are avoided, associated with an increase in power consumption; with higher production costs due to increased reduced number of components and the increased total weight may be, that may lead to could that means difficult by the juggler is to be handled. This is achieved in that light to areas the inner surface of the device is projected to to illuminate an area of ​​the outer surface, looks much larger than a single Point light source. The light sources are spaced from each other arranged along the length of the device without Spaces between the illuminated areas of the outer surface are present, the other hand, dark streaks in the resultant Image would cause, which is displayed.

Complicated multicolor images and graphics can be displayed, when the device is in operation, by using of light sources of more than one color. This output colors can be mixed in different proportions, either by Impulsbreitenmodulierung each color channel or by changing the electrical current through each color channel, which makes it possible that each of the specified areas on the visible outer surface the object as any of a number of possible colors is set.

embodiments of the present invention are given below by way of example only with Described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

<figref idrefs="S36">1</figref> a general representation of a device according to a juggling Embodiment of the present invention, wherein a residual image is shown, which is generated by the device in use;

<figref idrefs="S37">2</figref> a Cross section through a device according to a juggling Embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idrefs="S38">3</figref> a schematic representation of the electronic circuitry within the device;

<figref>4</figref> four different embodiments of the invention, including their axes of rotation, wherein:

<figref idrefs="S39">4a</figref> a Embodiment comprising a Poi;

<figref idrefs="S39">4b</figref> a Embodiment showing a juggling stick;

<figref idrefs="S39">4c</figref> a Embodiment having a pivoted Stock;

<figref idrefs="S39">4d</figref> a Embodiment showing a juggling club;

<figref>5</figref> the illuminated areas of the outer surface the device in two orientations, wherein:

<figref idrefs="S40">5a</figref> the Means displays so that light sources directly to the viewing angle point;

<figref idrefs="S40">5b</figref> the Means displays so that it is perpendicular to point light sources for Viewing angle is aligned;

<figref idrefs="S40">6</figref> the optimum spacing of light sources so illuminated areas have no gaps between them, and also not overlap each other;

&lt;?page 6?&gt;

<figref idrefs="S41">7</figref> on Flow chart describing the program in the micro-controller expires at the facility;

<figref>8th</figref> is a schematic representation which two different embodiments explains which various communication interfaces are running, said:

<figref idrefs="S42">8a</figref> a Embodiment of the present invention to a wired Communication interface displays;

<figref idrefs="S42">8b</figref> a Embodiment of the present invention with a wireless Communication interface displays;

<figref idrefs="S43">9</figref> a schematic diagram showing an embodiment the plurality of micro-controllers which operate in parallel;

<figref idrefs="S44">10</figref> the Means, in use, which has been programmed so that they alphanumeric representing characters.

<dl><dt>1</dt><dd>Residual image, seen by a viewer</dd><dt>2</dt><dd>direction of rotation the device</dd><dt>3</dt><dd>translucent outer housing</dd><dt>4</dt><dd>lit Area of ​​the surface: color 1</dd><dt>5</dt><dd>lit Area of ​​the surface: color 2</dd><dt>6</dt><dd>lit Area of ​​the surface: color 3</dd><dt>7</dt><dd>handle</dd><dt>8th</dt><dd>battery</dd><dt>9</dt><dd>Micro-controller</dd><dt>10</dt><dd>light source</dd><dt>11</dt><dd>Light source; Color 1 (<figref>11a</figref> and <figref>11b</figref> two light sources for the same color, which are directed in different directions)</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>Dashed Lines show the emission angle of light</dd><dt>13</dt><dd>endcap</dd><dt>14</dt><dd>socket</dd><dt>15</dt><dd>memory</dd><dt>16</dt><dd>Light source: color 2</dd><dt>17</dt><dd>Light source: color 3</dd><dt>18</dt><dd>of the Box shows all light sources which virtual to include pixels 1</dd><dt>19</dt><dd>of the Box shows all light sources which virtual to include Pixel 2</dd><dt>20</dt><dd>of the Box shows all light sources which virtual to include pixels 3</dd><dt>21</dt><dd>of the Box shows all light sources which virtual one include pixels</dd><dt>22</dt><dd>longitudinal axis</dd><dt>23</dt><dd>axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis</dd><dt>24</dt><dd>button</dd><dt>25</dt><dd>emission angle</dd><dt>26</dt><dd>surface of the outer housing</dd><dt>27</dt><dd>Remote control unit</dd><dt>28</dt><dd>cable</dd><dt>29</dt><dd>Plug, which is inserted into the socket in the device</dd><dt>30</dt><dd>Plug, connecting the cable to the remote control unit</dd><dt>31</dt><dd>RF receiver and antenna in the device</dd><dt>32</dt><dd>Laptop computer</dd><dt>33</dt><dd>Radio frequency transmitter and antenna in laptop computer</dd><dt>34</dt><dd>power source</dd><dt>35</dt><dd>Master microcontroller</dd><dt>36</dt><dd>Slave microcontroller</dd><dt>37</dt><dd>clock source</dd><dt>38</dt><dd>virtual pixel</dd><dt>39</dt><dd>center PCB</dd><dt>40</dt><dd>border between two adjacent light areas</dd><dt>41</dt><dd>lamp the Juggling Club</dd></dl>

<figref idrefs="S36">1</figref> shows An embodiment of the invention in use. The illustrated Embodiment is that of a Pois (a juggling device with a handle (<figref>7</figref>) Attached to a thread or a cord is attached, and is thereby rotated quickly that the juggler the handle holds). The figure also shows a residual image (<figref>1</figref>), Which is perceived by an audience when the Means fast in by the arrow (<figref>2</figref>indicated) Direction is rotated. (The grid lines in the figure were real imperceptible, but were for purposes of illustration shown.) Each pixel (<figref>38</figref>) Of the image is the result a group of parallel light sources is that actuates be to allow a specific color occurs for a period, which is required to the fact that these light sources by move the area of ​​the visual field of an observer. The residual image is clearly shown, even if the device indefinitely rotates about its longitudinal axis, as a result of the plurality of parallel Light sources, as the below with reference to <figref idrefs="S40">5a</figref> and <figref idrefs="S40">5b</figref> explained becomes.

The Embodiment has an outer housing (<figref>3</figref>), Which from a light transmissive material exists which is sufficiently resilient to shock loads to resist, by collisions with other Facilities at normal use occur. In some embodiments, (<figref idrefs="S39">4a</figref>. <figref idrefs="S39">4b</figref>. <figref idrefs="S39">4c</figref>) is This outer housing is substantially a pipe that has been formed so, that handles (<figref>7</figref>) Buttons (<figref>24</figref>), End caps (<figref>13</figref>) And additional weights were mounted so that it is suitable for juggling. An alternative embodiment is in <figref idrefs="S39">4d</figref> shown, in which the outer Housing a molded plastic piston (<figref>41</figref>) and a handle (<figref>7</figref>) Which are assembled, that formed a substantially lobe-shaped object becomes.

&lt;?page 7?&gt;

Of the Cross section of the device in <figref idrefs="S37">2</figref> shows an electrical circuit within the outer Housing is mounted. The circuit comprises a microcontroller (<figref>9</figref>), Whose outputs of light sources (<figref>10</figref>) are connected, preferably more colored light-emitting diodes are, and each having a red emitter, a green emitter and have a blue emitter, within a housing (Hereinafter referred to as RGB-LED). A battery (<figref>8th</figref>) is securely mounted in the device, and thus to the circuit connected to the microcontroller and the light sources with Refuel.

The Circuit comprises a programmable memory unit (<figref>15</figref>) that is preferably from one or more EEPROM chips (electrically erasable, programmable read only memory chips) whose content can be read and written by the micro-controller. This memory is used to store data on the can be accessed by the microcontroller, and can transmitted in different arrangements of outputs in order to generate various graphic images. As alternative to an external EEPROM chip or in addition to , embodiments of the invention, a flash memory or use an EEPROM memory in the microcontroller is incorporated.

The Circuit further comprises a communication interface, which in a preferred embodiment, an electrical socket (<figref>14</figref>) Is the in the outer housing the Einrich attached device. The terminals of the socket are at connected input and output pins of the microcontroller. cable (<figref>28</figref>) Can by a user between more devices and an external source, such as a computer or a remote control unit (<figref>27</figref>), Connected be as shown in <figref idrefs="S42">8a</figref> is shown. Once connected, the user can send control signals to the means, or the memory reprogram. Once communication has been completed, puts its users, the cable (<figref>28</figref>) Before it with Means juggling. Various protocols for this type of communication suitable, including, but not limited to, RS485 and universal serial Bus (USB).

A alternative embodiment is a wireless communication protocol a, so that the device can receive control signals, or can be re-programmed with new data, which graphics and sequences of graphics describe, without the required is to insert a line in the establishment. such Embodiment, a radio frequency receiver and an antenna, which in the device (<figref>31</figref>) provided are, and are connected to the micro-controller. A separate Transmitter unit (<figref>33</figref>) Is used, control signals or Data indicating the desired output of the light sources encoding from an external source to the device to send. The transmitter can be connected to a computer (<figref>32</figref>connected) be or may be part of a special remote control unit. Various Wireless radio protocols are suitable for this purpose, including, but not limited to, Bluetooth (connection from one point to multiple points) and serial Communication via amplitude modulation or frequency modulation radio. <figref idrefs="S42">8b</figref> shows two embodiments pivoted expectant sticks according Off of the present invention, each of a radio frequency receiver and include an antenna that receive signals from a laptop computer, which has a built-in radio stations.

The schematic representation in <figref idrefs="S38">3</figref> shows how the microcontroller (<figref>9</figref>) To the memory (<figref>15</figref>) is connected to the communications socket (<figref>14</figref>), And the light sources (<figref>11a</figref>. <figref>11b</figref>. <figref>16</figref>. <figref>17</figref>) in groups (<figref>18</figref>. <figref>19</figref>. <figref>20</figref>. <figref>21</figref>) are arranged so that they form each virtual pixel. power sources (<figref>34</figref>) Are used to operate the LEDs. In the preferred Embodiment, all red emitter (<figref>11a</figref> and <figref>11b</figref>) connected at a virtual pixel in series to a power source, which is connected to a micro-controller output pin. correspondingly are all green emitter (<figref>16</figref>) at a virtual pixels connected in series to a second current source, which is connected to a second micro controller output pin, and so on until the blue emitters of this virtual pixel and about addition, for each emitter of each other virtual pixel. The clock source (<figref>37</figref>) Is preferably a crystal oscillator, and is used to exact timings of output sequences ensure.

Although the preferred embodiment of RGB LEDs in a single Housing is used as the light sources, can also separate, single-color LEDs are used instead. In this case, the LEDs arranged in groups, each group at least one LED of each color, and each LED in a group is aimed at the same area of ​​the surface of the device.

The Light sources are provided so that each light to an area the inner surface of the tube is projected, wherein in sequence the light transmittance of the surface of this Light from the outside of the tube as a diffuse area an illumination color (<figref>4</figref>) Is visible, while the point light source itself is not visible. Light sources are attached to parallel places (Where parallel means that equal distances from one End of the device are available) to light on parallel regions of the &lt;?page 8?&gt;projecting the inside surface of the tube. In a preferred Embodiment, as shown in <figref idrefs="S37">2</figref> shown, an RGB LED (<figref>11a</figref>) On a surface of a printed circuit board perpendicular at an angle to the surface of the circuit board attached, while another RGB LED (<figref>11b</figref>) On the opposite Surface of the board at an angle perpendicular to the surface the circuit board is mounted. These two LEDs have therefore in opposite directions, but always be operated simultaneously.

While a region is formed so that it in a specific color appears, by the light emitting diodes, projecting the light on him, be the other illuminated areas, parallel to the first region are arranged, also prompted in the same color to appear. For example, in<figref idrefs="S39">4a</figref> point both with (<figref>4</figref>) Of this is always the same Color, and form when the device is in use, this two areas together form a virtual pixel from. correspondingly , the two with (<figref>5</figref>) Of this is always the same Color, and together form a second virtual pixels.

A alternative embodiment, side emitting Light sources, the optical properties, by which the main portion of the light at an angle of about 80 degrees with respect to the normal surface is emitted. These side emitting Light sources are aligned with the length of the device mounted so that light emitted from their sides, a larger area of ​​the surface the device illuminates the light of a single, normal Light source, which as shown in <figref idrefs="S37">2</figref> is attached. This brings the advantage that a smaller number of components available is a lower energy consumption is present, and a increased apparent brightness of the remaining image results.

In the <figref idrefs="S39">4a</figref>. <figref idrefs="S39">4b</figref>. <figref idrefs="S39">4c</figref> and <figref idrefs="S39">4d</figref> show the dashed lines, the longitudinal axis of rotation (<figref>22</figref>) and the vertical axis (<figref>23</figref>) On to which the juggler intentionally setup quick turns. <figref idrefs="S39">4a</figref> shows an embodiment which shows a Poi, which through a Handle is turned quickly, the device attached to the is,. by a cord, a rope or a cable <figref idrefs="S39">4b</figref> shows an embodiment showing a juggling stick, which is offset in the center, and is rotated around its center point is, and <figref idrefs="S39">4c</figref> shows an embodiment having the one revolving floor, dominated by a button (<figref>24</figref>) is pivoted at its end. <figref idrefs="S39">4d</figref> shows a juggling club that has a handle, the conical or is cylindrical with a diameter which does not exceed 40 mm. The juggling lobe rotates rapidly about a vertical axis passing through its center of gravity when it is cast, but can also be pivoted by the button, which is attached to the end of its handle. The illustrated Embodiment of the juggling club in <figref idrefs="S39">4d</figref> has Groups of four parallel light sources (<figref>5</figref>) With any Color for each virtual pixel in the piston end (<figref>41</figref>) on the figure for each virtual pixel, a light source directly directed toward the viewing point of the drawing; is a second directed upward; is a third ge downwardly directed, and is the fourth directed downward, away from the view point of Drawing from, and is therefore not visible in the illustration.

The <figref idrefs="S40">5a</figref> and <figref idrefs="S40">5b</figref> show Embodiments of the invention in two different Rotation phases - <figref idrefs="S40">5a</figref> is a consideration from the viewpoint of an observer from when a Surface of the board has directly to the viewer, so that the illuminated areas forming each virtual pixels, are directly facing the viewer. In<figref idrefs="S40">5b</figref> Has the device rotated 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis, so that the LEDs now at an angle perpendicular to point to the viewing angle, and the illuminated areas forming the virtual pixel, are not directly facing the viewer. In both of these Orientations, and indeed any other orientation the device about its longitudinal axis, are sufficiently illuminated Regions of the surface of the device which virtual every Pixels form, clearly visible to an observer, so that the residual image is still clearly to the viewer is visible.

The Resolution of the virtual image is determined by three factors certainly <ul><li>- the size and number of illuminated areas along the length of the means;</li><li>- The frequency with which the control system, the virtual pixel refreshes;</li><li>- The speed of rotation of the object when it is spun by the juggler. The faster the rotating object, the greater appears each virtual Pixels for an audience, since the object a greater distance has traversed within the time unit for which a Pixel displays.</li></ul>

The Distance between each parallel set of light sources critical in this respect to ensure that the device can display photos and graphics clearly. If the light sources to are arranged close to each other, then light overlaps from a source of light from an adjacent source. this leads to a blurred area of ​​a mixed color between the virtual pixels So that clear images not shown in the remaining image can be. If the light sources are too far apart are spaced apart, there are &lt;?page 9?&gt;Spaces between adjacent, lit areas, which are perceived as dark stripes, when the article is in use. The optimal arrangement is in <figref idrefs="S40">6</figref> shown. There is no space between the two adjacent lit areas available, nor an overlap on the border (<figref>40</figref>). Distance (d) between the light sources depends on the inner radius of pipe (r) from the height the emitter (h) above the center of the tube (<figref>39</figref>) and from the light emission angle (a) of the light emitting diode, and determined by the following formula: <st32:df xmlns:st32="http://lighthouseip.com/">d = 2 (r - h) × tan (a / 2)</st32:df>in which: <dl><dt>d</dt><dd>= Distance between LEDs,</dd><dt>r</dt><dd>= The inside Radius of the tube,</dd><dt>H</dt><dd>= The height the emitter above the center of the circuit board, </dd><dt>a</dt><dd>= The emission angle the LED's.</dd></dl>

A alternative embodiment, opaque Locks that are mounted in the device, to prevent that the light which is emitted from a source, overlaps with the light, that of an adjacent source on the surface of Device is emitted, thereby allowing the closer to arrange light sources to each other without the edges smearing between virtual pixels.

Of the Micro-controller can run a program as it in the flowchart of <figref idrefs="S41">7</figref> is shown. The communication interface is monitored, and when data is received, which Vector (patterns, images, text, etc.) describe, then this Data stored in the EEPROM memory. When a "trigger control signal" is received by the microprocessor is then proceed, that a series of graphics, as described below, appears becomes. Otherwise, the microcontroller continues to monitor the input (standby mode loop).

After triggering initializing the microcontroller its internal timer and the registry with regard to EEPROM locations of graphics data. The microcontroller retrieves data with respect to a row of pixels from the EEPROM back, and then enters a loop in which this series is represented by pixels, by configuring the output one, which are connected to the LEDs.

While the time interval in which the current row of pixels shown is the microcontroller through a pulse width modulation routine (PWM) routine. He refreshes alisiert each of the colors (Red / Green / Blue in the case of the preferred embodiment), each virtual Pixel for a fraction of the time interval of for needs the required intensity of that color becomes. In this manner, a range of colors for each virtual pixels are determined.

when the time interval has expired, the next row presented to pixels. checked in each run of the loop the microcontroller timer. If the current time unit expires, the data for the next row are of pixels retrieved, and is continued so that Loop, as described above, to perform, being first noted that it is not the end of the Sequence is.

If the end of the sequence is reached, checks the micro-controller, a register that specifies whether this sequence only once should be shown, in which case all LEDs are turned off, and a state with low power takes place. Alternatively, the microcontroller sets the display of the sequence continue indefinitely, by re-initializing the timer and of the EEPROM type and by passage through the entire sequence.

On Computer use is as an input of a display on a screen a graphic inserted in a grid, each square a virtual pixel represents. The application translates the Content of the grating in the data structure of the micro-controller is used. Then, a transmission takes place via the communication interface to the microcontroller, which the writes data into a memory.

Data, describing separate sequences of graphics, can are stored in different locations. The user selects which of the stored sequences Enable is used, by transferring a certain "trigger control signal" whereby the other possible "trigger control signals" alternative graphic sequences affect.

at a further embodiment is a bushing provided, accessible to users, to a memory card introducing on the basis of a flash memory. terminals this connector are connected to the micro-controller, so the is programmed to graphic data from the memory to flash basis read. If a user wishes to program new graphics, the flash memory is removed from the device, and it directly connected to a computer. Once the data from the computer been written into the device, the memory is again inserted into the device.

&lt;?page 10?&gt;

Although in the above description, a pulse width modulation for displaying different intensities of each color channel is used, different intensities also be shown that the current is adjusted, of the light sources in each color channel of each virtual pixel operates. In this case, encode the data in the memory are stored, in respect of each virtual pixels, the configuration the output signals of the microcontroller, which, as in <figref idrefs="S38">3</figref> illustrated power sources (<figref>34</figref>) Are connected, via a range of output currents.

A Another embodiment allows a single Occurrence of a repeatable graph to set at one Location to be coded in the memory. The micro-controller, which uses the address of this location, gets the Data back, describing this a graph, and then performs a loop in relation to the display of this Artwork by. In this manner, the available Memory used efficiently because data repeatedly be, must be encoded only once, and so a large Number can be encoded in graphics, including full alphanumeric typefaces. The program, running on the micro controller, a sequence control include which preselected graphics to certain Times indicates. The data describing these points in time, and the list of appropriate locations for graphics, which are represented at any time, may also be coded in the memory. Since the memory via the Communication interface is overwritten again, can new sequences for the device depending on user's request to be charged. Text-based messages can in the memory as a sequential chain encoded by values, each value by the microprocessor transferred to the location of the complete data may be describing an alpha-numeric character.

<figref idrefs="S44">10</figref> shows the device which has been programmed to an alphanumeric displaying message. Graphics that appear in the correct orientation must be, for example, text, two times are stored in the memory: once in orientation "forward" and once in the opposite orientation. The juggler chooses, which one should be used in this sequence, in dependence depen of the direction of rotation of the device (clockwise or in the counterclockwise direction) from the viewpoint of the audience. The Direction of rotation is set, whereby the juggler points, and thereby performs at this time tricks or patterns.

A Another embodiment, shown schematically in <figref idrefs="S43">9</figref> illustrated is, has a plurality of micro-controller (<figref>36</figref>), Which parallel work. Each micro-controller sets the state of a subset of Light sources fixed. Each micro-controller can be connected to a single EEPROM memory connected. The advantage of this embodiment is that each micro-controller a minor amount of processing of information, and therefore, the states of the virtual pixels with greater frequency can brush up, resulting in a higher resolution Vector results. Moreover, the number of possible is virtual pixels not on the number of available output one limited by a single microcontroller. furthermore can be added to groups of light sources, each group being connected to another micro-controller , wherein the maximum number is only limited by the current which can be provided by the battery. To ensure that all micro-controllers are properly synchronized, can a common external clock source to all micro-controller be connected and shared between them. As in<figref idrefs="S43">9</figref> shown, a master-slave arrangement is used, wherein a microcontroller the role of the "Masters" (<figref>35</figref>) Assumes, and the time points the sequence specifies. This microcontroller then communicates the "slave" -Mikro controllers (<figref>36</figref>) Whenever a unit of time has expired, and it is time for it, the next column virtual pixel display in the graph. The communica tion between the microcontrollers can a serial Peripheral interface bus (SPI) are running, an internally integrated Circuit (I²C), or a proprietary Protocol.

&lt;?page 11?&gt;

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list the documents cited by the applicant has been automated created and is exclusively to inform the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes no liability for errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

<ul><li>- FR 2716628 <b>[0004]</b></li><li>- US 5748157 <b>[0008]</b></li></ul>