Module 1: Roots of Animation
1.4 Early Animation Devices
Animation is so apparent in our daily lives most of us take it for granted. Before television, movies, video games, and computers, animations were delivered using much simpler devices. In this section we will take a look at some of these devices and observe how they worked.
The Thaumatrope
The thaumatrope was invented in 1825. Depending on the source, the invention is credited to three different people: Peter Roget, also the creator of Roget's Thesaurus, Dr. John Ayrton of Paris, and Dr. Fitton of London.
The thaumatrope is a simple device with two different images, one on the front and one on the back. A piece of string is attached to each side. By quickly rolling the string between your fingers, the two images appear to blend together making one image.
Figure 1.4 The Thaumatrope
Click on Play button to see the thaumatrope in motion.
Used with permission form A.M.P.A.S.
The Phenakistoscope
Developed in 1833 by Joseph Plateau in Brussels, the phenakistoscope is actually one of the oldest motion picture devices. The device consists of a cardboard disc with evenly spaced slots cut along the outside edge. The face of the disc is divided into pie shaped sections containing a series of images. The center of the disc is attached to a stick or dowel so it may spin freely. By holding the image side up to a mirror, spinning the disc, and looking through the slots, the images create a motion picture.
Figure 1.5 The Phenakistoscope
Used with permission form A.M.P.A.S.
The Zoetrope
Although an unknown Chinese inventor discovered an early version of the zoetrope in 180, the invention was credited to William George Horner in 1834. The zoetrope is based on the same principles as the phenakistoscope. The zoetrope consists of paper bands of pictures or images placed inside a revolving drum. To view the zoetrope movie, the viewer looks through slots on the outside of the drum while it rotates. You can change the band of pictures to vary your viewing pleasure.
Figure 1.6 The Zoetrope
Used with permission form A.M.P.A.S.
Just imagine—if videos were never invented, we would be going to "Hollywood Zoetrope" to rent the latest bands of images!
