Abstract: Disclosed is a transparency, a method for forming it and a photographic mask having variations in optical density corresponding to deviations of a surface contour from a plane of an original surface. The transparency is a composite two layer, transparent, preferably resinous structure with a contoured interface between the layers. The transparency may be made by forming a first conformed transparent layer on the contoured surface of a substrate. A second conformed transparent layer is then formed on the contoured surface of the first transparent layer. One of said first or second transparent layers is uniformly colored, the other of said layers may be uncolored, or have a less intense, uniform, similar, or different color. Each of the layers has a refractive index substantially equal to that of the other layer at all points. Light may be passed through the transparency in substantially unrefracted rays, and in amounts related to the thickness of the most intensely colored layer.

Abstract: An article which has utility as a surface covering for materials such as resilient flooring, furniture, walls, ceilings, counter tops and the like is produced by aligning and embedding a plurality of hollow fibers or metallic fibers on or near the surface of a translucent medium. The article is typically in the form of a film, sheet, or board.