System and Method for Providing a Floating Alphanumeric/Graphical Display without Moving Electronics

A system and method for providing a floating display without moving electronics is provided. The mechanisms include a stationary array of light emitting elements and a moving reflective element. As the reflective element rotates, oscillates, or otherwise moves in a path relative to the array of light emitting elements, a controller controls the illumination, i.e. the pulsing on and off, of the light emitting elements based on a timing of the movement of the reflective element so as to achieve a desired image, alphanumeric message, graphical display, animated display, or the like. In this way, the electronics used to generate the floating display are kept stationary while the reflective element is moved along a path of motion to generate the floating image. This reduces the complexity and cost of the electronics needed to generate a floating image.