Fab Academy 2025 – Week 19

Invention, Intellectual Property, and Income

Invention

Invention is the process of creating something new that has never existed before—an original idea, method, device, or product developed to solve a problem or improve life. It is driven by curiosity, necessity, or the desire to enhance existing solutions. Invention is important because it fuels progress in technology, society, and daily life, often leading to innovations that shape industries and improve how we live. Inventions can come from anyone—scientists, engineers, artists, students, or even hobbyists—because invention is not limited by profession, but inspired by observation, creativity, and the courage to try something different.

Type of Invention Description
Scientific Invention Based on scientific principles (e.g., microscope, X-ray machine).
Technological Invention Tools or machines that perform tasks or solve problems (e.g., computer, engine).
Mechanical Invention Physical devices with moving parts (e.g., bicycle, clock, gear systems).
Electrical/Electronic Uses electricity or circuits (e.g., radio, smartphone, microcontroller).
Digital/Software Programs or systems for data processing (e.g., apps, operating systems).
Medical Invention Devices or methods to diagnose or treat health issues (e.g., pacemaker, MRI).
Process Invention

Invention – Fantasy Flair Fantasy Flair is a DIY wearable kit designed to add artistic, mechanical, or illuminated features to costumes and photo booth props. The invention combines simple mechanical systems, creative design, and user-friendly assembly to enable users—such as photographers, hobbyists, and event organizers—to create immersive fantasy experiences.

This product stands out by offering:
Modular, pre-cut components that are easy to assemble
A blend of mechanical movement (like wing flapping) and visual effects (LEDs, themed decor)
Customizability for different fantasy characters like angels, dragons, or sci-fi personas
Compatibility with photo studios, theme events, and creative DIY markets
Why It’s Inventive:

Unlike conventional costume props or photo booth accessories, Fantasy Flair merges the functionality of animatronics and DIY crafts into a wearable kit that's both educational and entertaining. It introduces mechanical interactivity (such as servo-driven motion) to everyday fantasy props, which makes the user experience more engaging and fun.

Intellectual Property

What Can You Protect?

Component Type of Protection Notes
Mechanical design (wings, joints, actuators) Patent / Utility Model If it's novel and has an inventive step
Custom 3D models or designs Design Patent / Industrial Design Protects appearance, not function
Control system (circuit, PCB) Patent / Trade Secret You could also release it as open hardware
Code (Arduino/firmware) Copyright / Open-source license Use MIT, GPL, or Apache
Project documentation & media Creative Commons License Like CC BY or CC BY-SA
Branding/logo/name Trademark For a name like “FlappyBirdX”

Protection Options

Protection Method Description Notes
1. Patent
(for Novel Mechanisms)
Consider applying for a utility or provisional patent if your bird’s flapping mechanism is truly unique.
  • Pros: Legal protection for novel inventions
  • Cons: Costly and time-consuming
  • Alternative: Defensive publishing (e.g., blog post, documentation)
2. Open Source Hardware Licensing Assign specific licenses to different components of your project.
  • CERN OHL v2.0: Hardware designs
  • MIT or GPL: Firmware and software
  • CC BY-SA: Documentation and visuals
3. Creative Commons
for Documentation
Apply a Creative Commons license CC BY-SA 4.0 to your written and visual documentation.
  • Allows reuse and remix with attribution
  • Promotes open sharing with same-license terms

My Recommendation

Aspect License/Protection
Mechanical Design CERN OHL v2.0
Firmware/Code MIT License
Documentation Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0
Unique Mechanism Publish a blog/paper for prior art
Future Commercial Use Consider a trademark for brand identity

Types of Creative Commons (CC) Attribution Licenses

License Type Abbreviation What It Allows
Attribution CC BY Allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they give credit to the creator.
Attribution-ShareAlike CC BY-SA Same as CC BY, but derivative works must be licensed under identical terms (ideal for open projects).
Attribution-NoDerivs CC BY-ND Allows for redistribution, commercial and non-commercial, as long as it is unchanged and in whole, with credit to the creator.
Attribution-NonCommercial CC BY-NC Allows others to remix, adapt, and build upon the work non-commercially, with attribution. Derivatives don't have to be licensed the same way.
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike CC BY-NC-SA Non-commercial use only, with attribution and share-alike requirement for derivatives.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs CC BY-NC-ND The most restrictive license: only allows downloading and sharing with credit, but no changes or commercial use.

License Declaration

License Declaration

This bird flapping animatronic project is licensed as follows:

  • Documentation: Creative Commons Attribution- CC BY-SA 4.0
  • I believe in the power of open-source development and welcome collaborators. However, any commercial use should credit the original creator and maintain the same open terms.

    License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

    Business Plan-Fantasy Flair

    -

    Fantasy Flair is a wearable animatronic flapping wing mechanism designed for cosplay, stage performance, and educational demonstration. Inspired by nature and fantasy aesthetics, the project integrates mechanical design, electronics, and digital fabrication.

    The wings flap realistically using a custom-designed linkage system driven by a DC motor, all controlled via a microcontroller. The structure was built using lightweight materials, and components were fabricated using CNC, 3D printing, and laser cutting techniques.

    The electronics were developed using KiCad and programmed to offer smooth motion with adjustable parameters. Throughout the development, iterative prototyping was used to improve the mechanical motion and aesthetics.

    This project showcases skills in mechanical design, embedded programming, and digital fabrication while serving as a foundation for future animatronics applications. Fantasy Flair demonstrates how Fab Lab tools can bring imaginative concepts to life and inspire creative engineering in education, entertainment, and the maker community.

    .

    Business Model Expansion (B2B + B2C)

    Segment Target Audience Use Case
    B2C
    (Direct-to-Customer)
    • Families
    • Hobbyists
    • DIY enthusiasts
    • DIY art & craft activity
    • Fun family bonding kits
    • School projects for kids
    • Festival and cosplay wear
    B2B
    (Business-to-Business)
    • Photo Studios
    • Tourist Photo Vendors
    • Mall Owners / Cinema Chains
    • Event Planners
    • Schools / Workshops
    • Bulk kits for themed photo shoots
    • Reusable props for tourists
    • Fantasy photo booths in malls/cinemas
    • Themed parties and cultural events
    • Creative STEAM education activities

    Fantesy Flair kit information

    Kit Type Includes Ideal For Price
    Basic Kit
    • Pre-cut mechanical or structural components
    • Basic electronics (LEDs, switch, battery setup)
    • Assembly manual and video guide (via QR code)
    • Decorative materials (basic finish)
    • Photo studios
    • Cosplay hobbyists
    • Schools/colleges for creative workshops
    • DIY users who want ready-to-assemble kits
    ₹7,500
    Advanced Kit
    • Everything in the Basic Kit
    • Custom features (servo motion, sound, remote control, sensors)
    • Personalized design based on theme (dragon, angel, steampunk, etc.)
    • Theme parks
    • Cinema booths
    • Event companies
    • Art installations
    Starts at ₹9,500
    (varies with complexity and volume)

    Growth Plan

    Phase Action Plan
    Phase 1:
    Pilot & Feedback
    • Partner with 2–3 photo studios or tourist photographers
    • Offer kits for free or at discounted rates
    • Collect feedback and photo content for marketing
    Phase 2:
    Social Proof & Content
    • Document testimonials and customer photos
    • Use real stories on social media and website
    Phase 3:
    Online Presence
    • Launch an online store (Shopify/Wix)
    • Promote via Instagram and YouTube
    • Post assembly videos and fantasy shoot demos
    Phase 4:
    Revenue Sharing Model
    • Collaborate with mall kiosks or photo booths
    • Set up per-use income model (you supply kits, they operate)
    Fantesy Flair © 2025 by Gayatri Prasad.S.A.V is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

    Project Slide

    Capacitive Touch Sensor

    Project Video