Demonstrates the persistence of vision phenomenon, where the brain blends static images into one fluid animation.
To try this
simulation:
Left-click and hold to spin the mutoscope, sliding the mouse upward to spin the device forward or downward to spin it in reverse. This motion also controls the device's speed.
Right-drag to rotate the assembly.
What's Going On?
The Mutoscope is a device used to display a series of pictures in succession. Inside it is a circular bundle of pictures (much like a desktop Rolodex). As you turn the crank, a picture is snapped in front of the viewer. Each picture is made slightly different than the one before it. When the pictures are displayed in rapid succession, your brain assembles all of the individual pictures into a continuously moving show. This effect is called persistence of vision. The pictures flash quicker than the brain can register a single image. Your brain then combines the individual shots into a smoothly changing image.
There's More!
You can make a mini-movie! Purchase a small note pad from a stationery store. On the top page, draw a little stick figure. On the next page, draw the stick figure in a slightly different position (such as starting to sit down, starting to walk, etc.) On each succeeding page, draw another figure slightly changed from the previous one. When you think you've drawn enough, flip through the pages as if you are flipping through a book and watching the figure on the pages. It will look as though the figure has come to life!
