Eye animation device and method to show eye expression in 2D and 3D lighted displays

An illuminated display device simulative of an eye or eyes that can be fitted to a non-virtual character, comprising:

• an LED matrix with an outer dimension representing the largest area possible for visualizing the eye or eyes;
• a processor disposed in optical communication with individual LEDs in the LED matrix enabling the individual LEDs to be individually illuminated within a programmed display;
• wherein the processor creates uniquely shaped sections within the LED matrix and illuminates LEDs in each of the uniquely shaped sections;
• wherein the processor may also select additional LED or LEDs from within the LED matrix for illumination alongside the illumination of the uniquely shaped sections;
• wherein each of the uniquely shaped sections combined with the additional LEDs when those are used, represents a view of a distinct emotive response and wherein reconfigurable combinations of the uniquely shaped sections combined with the additional LEDs when those are used, can yield possible views of eight or more of the distinct emotive responses, which responses can include a varied speed in a fast fade with on/off illumination as blinking for differing animating effects and varied fade-down timing in a specifically programmed row-by-row illumination as blinking for different expressive effects;
• wherein the processor causes the uniquely shaped sections combined with the additional LEDs when those are used, to illuminate in a pattern;
• wherein one or more of the illuminated display devices is used to simulate the eye or eyes fitted to the non-virtual character and the uniquely shaped sections within the LED matrix of the display device are, in their aggregate, capable of showing a whole shape of the eye or eyes and wherein the individual LEDs of the LED matrix can be turned OFF or illuminated at lesser brightness and/or different color than other LEDs in the LED matrix to thereby establish negative space(s) within the whole shape of the eye or eyes such that the negative space(s) detract from an overall illuminated shape of the eye or eyes simulative of a perceived change in shape of the eye or eyes shown when demonstrating one of the eight or more distinct emotive responses.