This invention relates to image viewing apparatus and to a method of use diereof, and particular to a customisable movable image viewing apparatus and a method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to image viewing apparatus in the form of a toy image viewing apparatus for use by a child, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the apparatus need not be a toy and could be used by any user for any suitable application.

The general concept of providing moving images in a toy apparatus for viewing by a user or child is known. For example, US5611694 discloses an interactive talking picture machine which provides a pre-determined and set picture story belt which is rolled between spools in the machine to present a series of images to a user for viewing. Audio can be sounded from the machine as the images move in front of the user. US5944574 discloses an audio-visual interactive toy with a base unit into which an AV cassette can be placed. A picture scroll is included in the AV cassette which can be rolled between spools for viewing via a transparent screen via a user. A user can change the AV cassette to provide different pre-determined and set stories.

Although the abovementioned toy apparatus provide a degree of entertainment and interest for a user or child, the pictures and audio are pre-defined and are chosen by the manufacturer. Once the user has watched and listened to the pictures and audio they may lose interest in the toy apparatus and there is little, if any, replay value in the toy. In addition, the user watches the images or listens to the audio being played via the apparatus in use but there is very litde interaction required by the user in order to operate the apparatus and so the apparatus provides only limited play value. The toy apparatus also provides only limited educational value to a user.

US3109250 discloses a toy display mechanism comprising a mechanism for rotating a pair of spool members so that a strip of film or scroll may be wound around the same and moved from one spool member to another spool member. The user has to manually determine, using a forward or reverse scrolling mechanism, when to stop the film or scroll in front of a viewing window, thereby providing increased user interaction with the toy. However, although the entire strip of film or scroll can be interchanged, each strip or film or scroll appears predefined with respect to its content. Thus, this toy mechanism also has limited user interaction and play value. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide toy apparatus that overcome the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using toy apparatus.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a customisable motion image viewing apparatus and/or a method of use thereof.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide image viewing apparatus and/ or a method of use thereof.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided image viewing apparatus, said apparatus including image location means for locating one or more images therewith in use, viewing means provided on the apparatus for allowing a user to view the one or more images and/or the image location means directly through the viewing means in use, movement means for allowing movement of the image location means with respect to the viewing means provided in or associated with the apparatus, and wherein the image location means are arranged such that one or more of the images locatable with the same in use are insertable, removable, customisable and/or interchangeable.

Thus, the present invention provides image viewing apparatus which allows a user to select, customise, interchange, insert and/or remove one or more of the images that are locatable with the image location means in use, and thus allows user selection of one or more of the images that can be viewed directly by a user using the viewing means. This allows the image viewing apparatus to be customisable by the user, thereby providing greater interest to the user of the apparatus. The user can select their own images to create a story and/or the like to provide a greater educational value of the apparatus to the user. Furthermore, since the user is required to locate the images with the image location means in use, this provides greater interaction of the user with the apparatus, thereby also providing greater interest to the user, improving the motor skills of the user and/or the like. The present invention, in contrast to the prior art, allows individual images within the image location means to be inserted, removed, customisable and/or interchangeable.

Preferably each image, or at least one image, are independently insertable, removable, customisable and/or interchangeable relative to one or more other images that may be provided in or associated with the image location means in use. In one embodiment the image location means includes any means or device which allows an image to be locatable therewith in use. Thus, in one example, the image location means includes any means or device that allows an image to be insertable therein, removable therefrom, attached to and/or detachably attached thereto.

In one embodiment the image location means includes any or any combination of a frame means for supporting one or more images therein, therewith or therebetween, a sleeve means or member or pocket means or member into which at least part of an image can be inserted and/or removed therein/ therefrom in use.

Preferably with an image associated with the image location means, the resulting combination is considered to be an image frame. A story or film can be created by combining a plurality of images frames together in a user selected or predetermined sequence. The user is able to detei niiie the content or image content of each frame of the story, film or series of frames.

Preferably at least part of the frame means, sleeve member or pocket member has an opening to allow one or more images to be inserted therein, attached thereto or located therewith.

In one embodiment an opening is provided along a top or upper edge of the frame means, sleeve member or pocket member. Preferably a base edge or edge opposite to the top or upper edge of the frame means, sleeve member or pocket member is closed so as to retain the one or more images therein in use. Further preferably a base of the image is located on a base edge of the frame means, sleeve member or pocket member in use.

Preferably at least part of the frame means, sleeve member or pocket member has a window defined therein, is transparent and/or substantially transparent to allow an image to be viewed therethrough when located in or with the same in use.

In one embodiment two or more images can be provided in a single image location means.

In one embodiment one image only is locatable in a single location means.

Preferably a plurality of image location means are provided, thereby allowing a plurality of images to be provided in or associated with the apparatus in use.

Preferably the plurality of image location means are integrally formed, joined, connectable in an end to end or side to side manner to provide an elongate image location member. In one embodiment one or more of the plurality of image location means may have a pre-determined or pre-defined image or images associated with the same, one or more of the plurality of image location means can be left blank or empty and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the one or more images that are locatable in or with the image location means include one or more pre-determined or pre-prepared images. Thus, the user can select one or more pre-determined or pre-prepared images for location with the image location means in a user selected order or pre-determined order to allow the user to create a pre-determined story, to create their own story and/or to create their own series of images.

In one embodiment the user creates their own one or more images for location with the image location means. For example, a user can draw or paint their own picture or pictures for location with the image location means to create their own story, their own series of images and/or to create a pre-determined story.

The provision of allowing a child or user to create their own story, own series of images and/or to recreate a pre-determined story provides greater interest for the child or user, provides educational value and/ or the like.

In one embodiment one or more image support means or panels are provided for location in or adjacent the image location means. The image support means or panel can support one or more images thereon or relative thereto in use. For example, the image support means can include any or any combination of sheet material, plate member, paper, board or cardboard, plastic, wood, metal and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the size, shape and/ or design of the image support means or panel is such that it can fit in and be maintained in place in or with the image location means in use.

In one embodiment the image support means or panel is provided externally of the image location means but adjacent to the same, such as for example at a rear of the image location means or viewing means to support an image or image location means as is moved past the viewing means in use (or between the viewing means and the image support means).

For example, the image support means or panel can include a sheet of paper of a pre-determined size and shape that a user draws or creates their own image on and which can then be inserted into a sleeve member or located with the image location means in use. In one embodiment the image support means, the image location means and/or the one or more images is/are formed from a flexible or substantially flexible material.

In one embodiment at least the image support means is formed from a rigid or substantially rigid material.

Preferably the one or more images and/or image support means could include any or any combination of a user prepared image, a pre-prepared image, one or more numbers, letters, symbols, shapes, pictures, photographs, collages, patterns, text and/or the like.

Preferably the one or more images can be formed from any or any combination of materials, such as for example ink, paint, pencil, pen, glue, staples, tape, objects and/ or the like.

Preferably the one or more images are provided on a substrate which could be formed from paper, acetate, plastic, board, cardboard and/or the like.

In one embodiment the image location means is flexible or substantially flexible in form. This allows, in one example, the image location means, the image support means and/ or the images to be wound and/ or unwound around a spindle, drum, rotatable member and/or the like in use.

In one embodiment the image location means is rigid, substantially rigid or includes at last one rigid member to provide rigidity to at least part of the image location means. This allows the images to be supported and displayed in a required manner in use.

In one embodiment an image support means or panel is arranged such that it is opposite the viewing means and to a rear of the image location means. Thus, the image location means is moveable between the viewing means and the image support panel in use. The image support means or panel ensures the image in the image location means remains relatively flat or planar during movement of the image location means and/ or image past the viewing means in use.

In one embodiment illumination means can be provided in the apparatus for iUuminating the one or more images, image location means and/ or image support means or panel in use. Preferably the illumination means are arranged in the apparatus so as to "back light" the one or more images, image location means and/or image support means or panel in use. For example, the illumination means could be provided at or adjacent a rear of the one or more images, image location means and/or image support means or panel, at or adjacent a location opposite or substantially opposite the dewing means and/ or the like.

Preferably the illumination means includes any or any combination of one or more lights, light bulbs, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and/ or the like.

In one embodiment linking means or a linldng mechanism is provided on or associated with the image location means to allow two or more image location means to be joined or linked together. This typically allows two or more image location means to be viewed and/ or arranged in a pre-determined or user selected sequence, series and/ or the like.

Preferably a plurality of image location means are joined together in a side by side or end to end manner via the linking means or mechanism to form an elongate member or strip.

In one embodiment the linking means or mechanism includes one or more inter- engaging members, clips, VELCRO (hook and loop fastening), adhesive, welding and/ or the like.

In one embodiment up to 250 frame means, sleeve members or pocket members are provide for use with the apparatus.

Preferably each image location means is passed in front of the viewing means in use in sequence or in series to allow the one or more images located in the plurality of image location means to be viewed via the viewing means.

In one embodiment the linldng means or mechanism includes a sealed plastic strip.

In one embodiment the viewing means includes at least one screen, window, opening and/ or the like to allow a user to view the image location means or one or more images therethrough or directly therethrough in use.

Preferably the screen or window is made from a transparent or substantially transparent material, such as glass, plastic and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the viewing means has magnification means formed therewith, provided thereon or associated therewith to allow magnification of one or more images visible therethrough.

In one embodiment the movement means are arranged such that the image location means can be moved relative to the viewing means so that the image location means and/or an images located in, with or associated with the image location means can be viewed directly through the viewing means in use. In the embodiment where there are a plurality of image location means, the movement means are arranged such that each image location means and/ or images located in, with or associated with the image location means can be moved in such a manner relative to the viewing means that each image or image location means can be viewed in a pre-determined or user determined order by a user of the apparatus.

In one embodiment at least part of the movement means are arranged to as to undergo rotational, sliding and/ or hinged movement in use, and/ or to allow the image location means to undergo rotational, sliding and/ or hinged movement in use.

In one embodiment the movement means includes any or any combination one or more spooling means, rotatable drums, pulleys, spindles, cables, gears, cogs, joining means or members, chains, ties, ropes and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the image location means are provided directiy on, attached to, detachably attached to, integral with, indirectly associated, and/or associated with at least part of the movement means.

In one embodiment the image location means are indirecdy associated with the movement means via one or more intermediate members.

In one embodiment drive means or a drive mechanism are provided that drives the movement of at least part of the movement means, and thus movement of the image location means, in use.

In one embodiment the drive means can be manually driven or actuated by a user.

In one embodiment the drive means is or includes a motor or an electric motor. The motor drives movement or rotation of one or more parts of the movement means. In one example, the motor drives rotation of a shaft that moves one or more pulley cables associated therewith.

In one embodiment the drive means are powered to allow automatic movement of the movement means and thus the image location means in use.

Preferably the power for the apparatus is typically electrical power and can include any or any combination of one or more batteries, mains electrical power, generator power, solar power, wind generated power and/ or the like. Preferably the power means can be provided in the apparatus or can connectable thereto on use.

In one embodiment the manually activated drive means includes handle means which a user grips and moves in order to move at least part of the movement means in a requited direction and/or through a required distance in use. For example, the handle can be provided on an external part of the apparatus. Movement of the handle by a user allows movement of the drive means and/or movement means, such as for example via rotation, to allow the image location means to move relative to the viewing means in use.

In one embodiment the drive means and/ or the movement means can include any suitable mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic mechanism and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the image location means are attached or detachably attachable to movement means, a spindle or spindle means in use. Preferably the image location means are detachably attached to the movement means, spindle or spindle means using attachment means.

Preferably the attachment means can include any or any combination of one or more clips, adhesive, ties, inter-engaging members, friction fit, welding, screws, nuts and bolts, hook and loop fastening (VELCRO) and/or the like.

In one embodiment at least two movement means, spindles or spindle means are provided. The image location means are unwound from one movement means or spindle and wound onto the other movement means or spindle in use. Preferably the two or more movement means or spindles are located a spaced distance apart and further preferably are located either side of the viewing means.

In one embodiment the image spindles can be attached or detachably attached to or with respect to at least part of the movement means. With the image spindle attached to at least part of the movement means, movement of the movement means causes the image spindles to move or rotate, which in turn causes the image location means to be wound or unwound from the spindles.

In one embodiment the spindle means are attached or detachably attached to spindle support means.

Preferably the spindle support means are fixedly mounted in or to the apparatus housing.

Preferably the spindle means move relative to the spindle support means in use.

Preferably friction reducing means are provided on or associated with the movement means and/or spindle support means to allow the at least part of the movement means or spindle to rotate freely with respect to another part of the movement means or the spindle support meansin use. In one example, the friction reducing means can include one or more ball bearings, oil and/ or the like. In one embodiment the spindle support means, or at least part of the movement means, are direcdy or indirectly movably mounted in the apparatus housing to allow the movement means or spindles to be attached or detachably attached to the spindle support means or movement means in use.

For example, the spindle support means could be provided on a movable platform that is moved between a spindle lock or closed condition, wherein the spindle is locked in place in the apparatus, and a spindle unlock or open condition, wherein the spindle can be removed from or inserted in the apparatus.

In one embodiment one or more walls of the apparatus housing are detachably attached to or movably mounted to allow user access to the spindle support means, the image location means and/or the like in use.

In one embodiment sensing means or a sensing mechanism is provided in or associated with the apparatus, viewing means, movement means and/or image location means to allow the apparatus to determine the position of the image location means relative to a point in the apparatus, such as for example the viewing means; whether there is an image location means adjacent or in front of the viewing means or some other location in the apparatus; which image location means of a plurality of image location means is adjacent the viewing means or some other location in the apparatus; to determine the first and/ or last image or image location means of a plurality of image location means and/ or whether there is any image located with a particular image location means at any particular point in time.

In one embodiment the sensing means or mechanism includes a light sensing means or mechanism.

In one example light emitting means can provided at one or more locations in the apparatus and light sensing means can be provided at one or more spaced apart locations to the light emitting means. This allows detection of an object or image moving between the light sensing means and the light emitting means in use. The object or image typically blocks the light from the light emitting means when it passes in front of the same, which is sensed by the light sensing means.

In one example, the light emitting means includes one or more LEDs, infra-red light and/ or the like.

Preferably the one or more Ught sensing means and the one or more light emitting means are located opposite or substantially opposite to each other in the apparatus. Preferably the light sensing means and the light emitting means are located a spaced distance apart.

In one embodiment at least first and second light sensing means or light sensors are provided in the apparatus.

In one embodiment at least first and second light emitting means or light emitters are provided in the apparatus.

Preferably the sensing means or light sensing means are located on one side or both sides of the movement path which the image location means are arranged to move along in use and/or the viewing means. For example, if the light sensing means detects light from the light emitting means, it can determine that no image is located in an image location means and/or that a space or transparent section between image location means have been detected. If the light sensing means does not detect any light from the light emitting means, it can determine that an image is located in the image location means.

Preferably one or more light blocking means or strips can be provided with one or more of the image location means and/ or the joining means for the image location means to prevent light from passing from the light emitting means to the light sensing means.

In one embodiment at least first and second light blocking means or strips are provided.

In one embodiment one or more opaque and/or transparent portions are provided on or associated with the image location means to allow light to pass through the same in order to stop the image location means in front of and/or as to be viewable via the viewing means in use.

In one embodiment the light sensing means and light emitting means are used to detect the start and/or end of the image location means and/or the start and/or end of each individual image location means from a plurality of image location means.

Preferably the light blocking means or strips are used to define a pre-defined position, such as for example the start and/or end, of the image location means and/or a pre-defined position, such as for example the start and/or end, of each individual image location means from a plurality of image location means.

In one embodiment identification means are provided on or associated with each image and/ or the image location means. Preferably the identification means are unique for each or one or more of the images and/or image location means.

In one embodiment the identification means can include any or any combination of one or more bar codes, magnetic strips, codes, words, letters, symbols, numbers, colours, shapes, wireless door entry technology, contactiess card technology, magnetic audiotape, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, QR codes, and/ or the like.

Preferably identification reading means are provided to allow reading, detection and/or processing of the identification means. The apparatus can then determine which image and/ or image location means is in a particular location, such as at or adjacent the viewing means at any point in time. The identification reading means can also be used to allow correct positioning on an image and/ or image location means with respect to the viewing means and/or one or more other location points in the apparatus as required. It can also be used to associate other data items with the uniquely identified image, such as for example audio data and/ or the like.

Preferably the identification reading means includes any or any combination of a bar code reader, magnetic strip reader, code reader/decipher, wireless door entry technology reader, contactiess card technology reader, magnetic audiotape reader, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader, QR code reader and/ or the like.

Preferably the identification means are provided on or associated with a front of the image location means, frame means, sleeve member or pocket member in use.

Preferably the identification reading means is provided adjacent the viewing means and faces towards the surface of the image and/or image location means which has the identification means associated with the same.

In one embodiment audio means are provided on or associated with the apparatus. The audio means allows one or more audio signals and/or audio data to be recorded and/or sounded via the same in use. Thus, in one example, a user can record and/ or play music, a user's voice, one or more noises and/ or the like. This audio data can be used to play alongside the moveable images in use.

Preferably the audio means includes microphone means or a microphone to allow one or more audio signals to be recorded in use.

Preferably the audio means includes speaker means or speaker to allow one or more audio signals to be sounded or transmitted from the apparatus in use. In one embodiment the apparatus includes micro-processing means for processing one or more audio signals, sensing signals, identification signals, data and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes memory means or data storage device for allowing one or more data items and/ or signals to be stored thereon in use. For example, a memory or data storage device slot can be provided in or associated with the apparatus to allow a memory or data storage card or device to be inserted in or used with the apparatus in use. Recorded audio data could be stored in one example on the data storage device

In one embodiment a display means are provided, such as a display screen, LCD screen and/ or the like to allow a user to view one or more functions or data items, input data items and/or the like. For example, the user can display the identification of the image being viewed at the viewing means, whether the apparatus or image location means is scrolling forwards or backwards and/or the like.

In one embodiment control means or control device are provided to allow control of one or more features of the apparatus, such as for example, moving the apparatus between "on" and "off conditions, scrolling one or more images and/or image location means, playing, stopping, rewinding, fast-forwarding one or more images and/or image location means, adjusting the speed at which the movement means moves the images and/or image location means past the viewing means, adjusting the direction at which the movement means moves the images and/or image location means past the viewing means, recording and/or sounding one or more audio signals and/ or the like.

The control means can include any or any combination of a remote control device, one or more buttons, switches, dials, levers, touch screen display, keyboard, joystick and/or the like.

In one example the control means can include one or more numerical and/or lettered buttons.

In one embodiment projection means or projector are provided on or associated with the apparatus in use. The projection means allows one or more images located with the image location means in use to be projected onto a surface remote from the apparatus in use. Thus, in one embodiment, the projected image can be viewed by a user in addition to or instead of a user viewing the image through the apparatus viewing means. In one example the projection means includes or is an opaque projector.

In one embodiment engagement means are provided on or associated with the apparatus and/ or projection means to allow the projection means to be engaged or releasably engaged with the apparatus in use.

Preferably the projection engagement means includes any or any combination of one or more nuts, bolts, screws, welding, inter-engaging members, clips, projecting members, channels, recesses, slots, slidable locking members and/or the like.

Preferably the projection engagement means are provided on or associated with a front wall, a rear wall, a base wall, a side wall and/or top of the apparatus or apparatus housing.

In one embodiment the projection means sits over the viewing means of the apparatus.

In one embodiment power supply means are provided on or associated with the apparatus to allow power to be supplied to the apparatus in use. For example, electrical power supply means can be provided on or associated with the apparatus to power the light emitting means, the movement means and/ or the like.

Preferably the power supply means includes one or more batteries, rechargeable batteries, solar power, wind powered, mains electrical powered, generator powered and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the apparatus is movable between an "on" condition, wherein power can be supplied and/or utilised by the apparatus, and an "off condition wherein power is not supplied and/ or utilised by the apparatus.

Preferably control means and/ or switch means are provided to allow the apparatus to be moved between the "on" and "off conditions in use.

Preferably the image viewing apparatus includes a housing in which or on which the one or more apparatus components are located and/ or associated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using image viewing apparatus, said method including the steps of locating one or more images with image location means, moving the image location means with respect to viewing means for allowing a user to view the one or more images and/or image location means directly through the viewing means, and wherein the image location means are arranged such that the one or more images locatable with the same in use are insertable, removable, customisable and/ or interchangeable. According to further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided a customisable motion image viewing apparatus, toy image viewing apparatus and/ or a method of use of any of the above thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

Figures la and lb show a top plan view and a front view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2a and 2b shows a top plan view and a front view of the apparatus in figures la and lb with the top wall and the front wall removed respectively;

Figures 3a and 3b shows a cross sectional views taken from the top of the apparatus and from a front of the apparatus in figures la and lb respectively;

Figures 4a and 4b show a cross sectional view taken through a side of the apparatus with the spindle support platform in a closed condition and an open condition respectively;

Figures 5 a and 5b show how an image is located into the image location means in use, and a view of part of an image location means according to one embodiment respectively;

Figure 6 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention resting on its rear surface 12 with projection means associated with the same; and

Figure 7 shows a side view of the apparatus in Figure 6.

Referring initially to figures la- lb, there is illustrated customisable movable image viewing apparatus 2 comprising a housing 4 having a top wall 6, base wall 8, front wall 10, rear wall 12, and end walls 14, 16. A power switch 11 is provided on the end wall 14 to allow the apparatus 2 to be moved between an "on" condition wherein power can be supplied and/ or used by the apparatus to allow operation of one or more functions of the same in use, and an "off condition wherein power is not suppEed and/or used by the apparatus and operation of one or more functions of the apparatus is prevented.

Viewing means in the form of a transparent screen 18 is provided in front wall 10 to allow one or more images located in the apparatus to be viewed by a user located on the exterior of the apparatus.

Audio means in the form of a microphone 20 and speakers 22 are provided in front wall 10 to allow audio data to be recorded and sounded respectively by the apparatus. Control means in the form of forwards and backwards scroll buttons 24 are provided on front wall 10 to allow the images located in the apparatus to be moved in a forwards or clockwise direction and a backwards or and- clockwise direction in use, to play the images and/or stored audio data in a forwards or backwards direction, to navigate through audio files stored in the apparatus, to navigate through letters of the alphabet to create a name for a particular story, audio file, and/or the like. The control means also includes a plurality of further buttons 26 provided on front wall 10 which can be used to provide any suitable control function of the apparatus in use. These buttons can, for example, be numbered buttons and/ or lettered buttons and/ or the like. A liquid crystal display (LCD) 28 is provided on front wall 10 to display the frame number selected by the user and/or any other data relating to the apparatus. The control means also includes a frame speed adjustment dial 30 provided on front wall 10 which allows the user to adjust and control the speed at which the frames or images are moved past the viewing screen 18.

Referring to figures 2a and 2b, there is illustrated views taken from a top of the apparatus and a front of the apparatus respectively with the outer walls removed.

Image location means in the form of a transparent plastic sleeve 32 is provided in the apparatus to allow one or more images or pictures to be located and supported therein in use. In particular, the plastic sleeve 32 has closed ends and sides with an opening along a top edge 34 thereof which allows a picture 36 to be inserted into and/or removed the sleeve 32 in use, as shown in figure 5a. The picture is provided on image support means in the form of paper. The picture can be drawn by a user or can be a pre-prepared image that the user has chosen. The sleeve 32 represents a single frame of the motion picture apparatus. Typically, a plurality of these frames are located together to form a motion picture series in use, as will be explained in more detail below.

Adjacent the base edge 38 of the sleeve 32, and preferably in a central location, is identification means which are unique to the particular frame or sleeve 32. When a plurality of frames or sleeves 32 are provided, the apparatus can use the unique identification means to determine which of the plurality of frames or sleeves is currently being viewed by a user and/or whether audio needs to be sounded in relation to the particular frame or sleeve. In this example, the identification means are in the form of a unique magnetic strip or bar code 40 provided adjacent base edge 38. An identification means reader in the form of a magnetic strip reader or bar code reader 42 is provided in the apparatus adjacent the viewing screen 18 to allow reader 42 to determine which frame or sleeve 32, of a plurality of frames or sleeves, is currently being shown in viewing screen 18. The bar code or magnetic strip reader 42 faces the bar code in use to allow reading of the unique identification means. The bar code reader or magnetic strip reader 42 also allows correct positioning of the sleeve 32 with respect to the bar coder or magnetic strip reader. In one example, the position data, can be signalled to a control device within the apparatus that allows audio data and image position data to be associated together, such that pre-recorded audio can be sounded in association with a pre-determined image.

Another portion of the sleeve 32 adjacent the base edge 38 can be provided with a dark or light blocking strip 44. Optionally a second light blocking strip 51 can be provided. Light sensors 43, 48 are provided in the interior of the apparatus adjacent front wall 10 and to a side of the viewing screen 18. A first light emitting device in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) 46 is provided in the apparatus directly opposite to the light sensor 48, as shown in figure 3a. Optionally a second light emitting device in the form of a LED 41 is provided in the apparatus directly opposite to the light sensor 43. The LED 46 is a spaced distance apart from the light sensor to allow the sleeves 32 to move between the same in use. When light from LED 46 shines onto the light sensor 48, the apparatus can detect that there is no light blocking strip 44 associated with a sleeve 32 in front of the same. When light from LED does not shine onto the light sensor 48, the apparatus can detect that there is a light blocking strip 44 associated with a sleeve 32 in front of the same. The light sensor and LED 48, 46 therefore act as a means for determining a first blank sleeve and/or a last blank sleeve of a plurality of sleeves so that the apparatus can detect the start and end of a story, film and/or the like. It could also be used to detect the start and end of each individual sleeve of the plurality of sleeves. It could further be used to allow correct positioning of a frame or sleeve 32 in front of the viewing screen 18 in use, in one example.

In Figure 5b in one embodiment, it can be seen that a clear strip or light passage strip 49 can be provided adjacent one end of a sleeve 32 or adjacent the end of a series of sleeves 32 so that the light sensor 48 can detect the end of a sleeve or the end of a series of sleeves 32. The clear strip or light passage strip 49 is used to detect the first and last sleeve 32. This allows the apparatus to know when to start or stop movement of the sleeve members to prevent damage to the sleeves, spindles or any other moving part in the apparatus. The clear strip or light passage strip 53 can be used to stop each sleeve in front of the viewing screen. Each frame or sleeve 32 is joined to an adjacent frame or sleeve via linking means in the form of a sealed transparent plastic strip 50, as shown in figures 5a and 5b. This allows a plurality of sleeves 32 to be joined together in a side by side orientation, with a sealed plastic strip 50 provided between adjacent sleeves. The strips 50 are sealed in that there is no opening in a top edge of the same to allow an image or picture to be located in the same in use. This provides a clear distinction between each sleeve or frame in the series in which a picture or image can be located.

When a plurality of frames or sleeves 32 are joined together in a side by side orientation via the joining strips 50, they provide an elongate strip or film 32 of frames or sleeves. The frames or sleeves are preferably made from flexible material to allow them to be wound around part of a pulley system or image spindle in use, as will be explained in more detail below.

Image support means in the form of a rigid support panel 32A is provided opposite to and a spaced distance apart from the viewing screen 18, as shown in figure 2a. This keeps the image and sleeve 32 relatively flat against the support panel and/or allows a frame or sleeve 32 to be supported relative to or against the same as it passes between the viewing screen 18 and the support panel 32A in use.

Illumination means in the form of one or more LEDs or an illumination panel 52 is provided opposite the viewing screen 18 to allow back lighting of the images or sleeves 32 as they pass in front of the illumination panel 52 in use.

Movement means are provided in the apparatus to allow the plurality of frames or sleeves 32 to be moved past the viewing screen 18 in a user determined order. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement means includes a pulley system comprising two pulleys 54, 56 which are located a spaced distance apart in the apparatus. Gears can be provided on or associated with the pulleys 54, 56 to help the pulleys and/or one or more spindles associated with the pulleys to rotate in use. Each pulley 54, 56 is attached to the rear interior wall of the apparatus via a pulley support 58. A pulley cable 60, 62 is located around each pulley 54, 56 respectively and drive means including a central rotatable shaft 64. Thus, each of cables 60, 62 form a continuous loop. However, it will be appreciated that other movement mechanisms could be used to provide the same function.

The drive means further includes a motor 66 that is powered by a battery 68 or via mains electricity. The apparatus is movable between an "on" condition, wherein the motor can be actuated and/or one or more other functions of the apparatus can be performed, and an "off condition, wherein the motor is not operable and/ or one or more other functions of the apparatus cannot be performed.

With the motor 66 in an "on" condition, the motor 66 drives rotation of the central rotatable shaft 64. This causes rotation of each of the pulley cable loops 60, 62, which in turn causes rotation of the pulleys 54, 56 and the image spindles 70, 72 located with each pulley 54, 56 respectively. More particularly, image spindles 70, 72 are located between pulleys 54, 56 provided adjacent the top wall 6 of the apparatus and a spindle support 74, 74' located on movable platforms 76a, 76b within the apparatus towards the base wall 8 of the apparatus, as shown in figure 2b. One or more gears can be provided on or associated with the spindles or spindle supports to help the spindles rotate in use. The elongate series of frames or sleeves 32 are initially wrapped around spindle 72 with a leading edge of the first sleeve of the series 32 joined to the opposite spindle 70. On movement of the drive means in a first direction, this moves the series of frames or sleeves in a forwards direction such that the sleeves are unwound from spindle 72 and wound onto spindle 70. In doing so, each sleeve 32 is moved past the viewing screen to be viewed by a user. The drive means can be driven in reverse or in a second direction which moves the frames or sleeves the other way (i.e. unwound from spindle 70 and wound onto spindle 72) . The path taken by the moving sleeves 32 is shown by the reference numeral 77 in figure 3a.

Friction reducing means, such as one or more ball bearings 78 can be provided on or associated with the spindle supports 74 to allow the spindles 70, 72 to rotate freely at the base end thereof.

A rear end of the movable platforms 76a 76b are hingedly mounted to rear wall 12 of the apparatus via hinges 80, as shown in figures 3a, 4a and 4b. The movable platforms 76a and 76b are located towards the base wall 8 of the apparatus but a spaced distance above thereof. A front end 82 of the movable platform is provided with hinged support legs 84. Handle means in the form of levers 86 are provided on hinged support legs 84 to allow a user to hingedly move legs 84 from an erect position where they are perpendicular to movable platforms 76a, 76b and are in contact with base wall 8, to a collapsed position where the legs are moved towards rear wall 12 and are provided at an acute angle to platforms 76a, 76b and a spaced distance apart from base wall 8. Removal of the legs 84 from base wall 8 in turn causes movable platforms 76a, 76b to move from a closed position, where it is perpendicular to rear wall 12, to an open position, where it is at an acute angle to rear wall 12.

In use, in one example, a user takes the elongate series of joined together and empty sleeves 32. They draw a plurality of pictures on sheets of paper and then insert one picture into each sleeve via the opening of each sleeve. Each sleeve represents a frame of a film or story created by the user. The pictures are located in a user selected order such that the series of pictures in the elongate row can show a story when each one is viewed in turn. The front wall 10 of the apparatus 2 is removed to allow access to be gained by the user to the interior of the apparatus, the movable platform is moved from a closed position to an open position, to allow removable of the spindles 70, 72. A user then takes the rear edge of the last frame or sleeve of the series and joins it to spindle 72 via suitable attachment means, such as a clip or similar. The user then winds the sleeves onto the spindle 72. The user attaches the spindle 72 at one end to pulley 56. The user then takes the leading edge of the first frame or sleeve of the series and joins it via suitable attachment means, such as a clip or similar to spindle 70. The user attaches the spindle 70 at one end to pulley 54. The user then moves the movable platforms 76a, 76b from the open condition to the closed condition, thereby engaging the spindle supports 74 with the spindles 70, 72. The front wall 10 of the apparatus is fitted back onto the apparatus.

Frame or sleeve positioning means in the form of foam or resiliently biasing support members 88 can be provided in the apparatus adjacent spindles 70, 72. This provides a resilient biasing force against the wound sleeves members when on the spindles to prevent the same from accidentally unravelling.

Micro-processing means and memory means can be provided on or associated with a printed circuit board (PCB) 90, as shown in figure 3b to allow processing and/or storage of one or more signals and/or data items in use. For example, the micro-processing means may process data signals from the light sensing means and the identification bar readers to determine when the motor should work to move the images, when to play audio in association with particular images and/or the like.

With the images in place in the apparatus, a user can then record audio for association with one or more of the images using the microphone 20. The audio data can be stored in the memory means. For example, a user can record a story that is to be played via speakers 22 in combination with the images as they are moved from one spindle to the other spindle. The numbered buttons 26 on the apparatus allows a user to associate a recorded packet of audio data with each uniquely identified frame or sleeve 32. Thus, the unique identification code of the sleeve or frame is associated with a numbered pack of audio data. As the images are moved past the viewing screen 18 in use, the reader 42 detects the unique identification code and plays any audio that has been associated with that unique identification code. A user can record over previously recorded audio as often as they like. The images can be played without audio data if required.

Thus, a user can use the apparatus of the present invention to create a film, motion picture, moving images and/or the like. The user can draw and/or write their own stories to play via the apparatus.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the apparatus 2 is shown with projection means 23 attached to the housing 4 to allow an image viewable in the transparent screen 18 to be projected onto a surface remote from the apparatus 2. In the illustrated example, the projection means 23 is in the form of an opaque projector 23. In use, the apparatus 2 is located on its rear wall 12 on a suitable surface. The projector sits over the viewing window 18 on the top 6 of the housing. A lens housing 25 protrudes outwardly from a top 6 of the housing 4 to allow projection of an image located in the viewing window 18 onto a suitable surface remote from the apparatus 2 and projection means 23.

The projector 23 is engaged to the front wall 10 of housing 4 via projections 17a which are slidably engaged in projection channels 17b to allow the same to be locked together in use.

The projector 23 is provided with support legs 27 to support part of the weight of the projector in use. A separate "on"/"off" switch 29 can be provided for projector 23 to allow the same to be moved between "on" and "off operational conditions in use.