Animation method and device

Abstract

There now has been discovered a simple, straight-forward apparatus and method for animating figures. The apparatus and method in one embodiment employs a plurality of collapsible, fluid chambers, and associated structures for controlling the fluid pressure in each of the chambers. At least two of the chambers are physically arranged so that the inflation of one such chamber and deflation of the other complimentary chamber causes all or a part of the figure to assume a different spatial position, dependent upon the level of inflation of each of the chambers. In another embodiment, a single, inflatable chamber is employed, the chamber having a section of one wall which is less elastic than the remaining portion of the wall. Due to the differential in elasticity, upon inflation the chamber assumes a shape or configuration which is different from the noninflated chamber. In a third embodiment, two collapsible, fluid chambers, and associated structures for controlling the fluid pressure in each of the chambers are provided. The chambers are each helically wound in opposite directions and placed substantially parallel to one another. Upon application of fluid pressure to either chamber, rotation of that chamber occurs, causing the helical windings of that chamber to unwind while commensurately causing the other chamber to be more tightly, helically wound. The partial or complete inflation of either chamber causes all or a part of the figure to assume a different spatial position, dependent upon the level of inflation of each of the chambers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.