Abstract: A novel three-dimensional article of manufacture provides a viewer with a three-dimensional, statue-like view, including being able to see details from both hemispheres of a statue when viewed off-normal. The article of manufacture at least includes a background region and a statue image region. The statue image region is an inverted view of a view of a three-dimensional statue (i.e., a concave outline when viewed from a positive plane). In a preferred embodiment, the statue image region depicts an interpretation of the face of a religious icon, and the effect produced by the novel configuration is that of a normal (i.e., frontal) view being produced even though a viewer's vantage point is lateral to the horizontal normal plane, or azimuthal to the vertical plane.

Abstract: A multi-image display device. Some embodiments include an alignment mechanism for correcting misalignments of an indicia, an image selector and a motion train, which form parts of the display device.

Abstract: A marking assembly for the marking of particular traffic situations and objects comprises a front row of viewing openings, which are separated from one another by view obstacles (5), at least one back row of view obstacles (6), which are provided at a distance from one another, the view obstacles (5) of the front row contrasting with respect to the view obstacles (6) of the back row. Distances between the viewing openings in the front row and distances between the view obstacles (6) of the back row are so small that a plurality of viewing openings in the front row and a plurality of view obstacles (6) of the back row lie within the field of view of the traffic participant. The field of view of the traffic participant at the same time offers a view, via the plurality of viewing openings in the front row, of an interference pattern of contrasting view obstacles (6), which are covered to a greater or lesser extent by the view obstacles (5) of the front row, of at least one of the back rows.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying still images to viewers in motion relative to those images, such as passengers on a subway train, includes a plurality of images mounted on a surface, and a slitboard mounted between that surface and the viewer. As the viewers pass by, the slitboard acts like a shutter, creating an animation effect. In addition, there is a stretching or widening effect that enlarges the images, allowing images to be “preshrunk,” thereby allowing a large number of images in a small space, increasing the available frame rate of the animation. The stretching effect depends on the distance between the image surface and the slitboard.

Abstract: A picture matte for framing one or more pictures that also presents two or more composite graphic images or sets of images for viewing with the picture or pictures. The matte may framed or unframed. In an unframed embodiment, the matte serves as a picture frame or other display device. The invention thereby provides an entertainment or enjoyment value, or commercial value (e.g., advertising, marketing, promotional) in addition to the value(s) presented by the picture or pictures. The two or more graphic images or sets of images in a same field of view as a picture, or in an overlapping field of view with that of the picture. A matte comprises at least two interleaved series or sets of sections that are arranged in a wave-like manner such that each series presents a composite image or a set of images, in addition to the matte presenting at least one picture.

Abstract: Enclosures, containers and 3-dimensional novelty items and toys that present two or more composite graphic images or sets of images when viewing an item from different directions. The novelty items can also perform another function, such as pencil holder, drinking cup, building block, paper weight, notebook, etc. The invention thereby provides an entertainment or enjoyment value, or commercial value (e.g., advertising, marketing, promotional) in addition to any other utility of the item. For example, the graphic images can be those of licensed characters, such as those available from The Walt Disney Company and Warner Brothers, for example, or text or a message. An observer can view a first image or set of images on the novelty item from a first direction and second image or set of images on the novelty item from a second direction.

Abstract: A display device for large scale billboard displays comprises a set of image carriers each defining a respective sequence of image frames and each having directional properties such that different image frames are viewable from different viewing directions relative to the image carrier. A support device supports the image carriers such that they together form a composite display and an adjustment device is provided operable to adjust the orientation of the image carriers relative to the support device such that corresponding frames of each image carrier are simultaneously viewable by an observer at a predetermined position relative to the display apparatus. The image carriers may be lenticular members in which lenticular lenses overlay interdigitated strips of image elements.

Abstract: An assembly for displaying pictures, photographs, painting, drawings and similar articles which includes a frame supporting the article so as to be concavely oriented along a central vertical axis toward a front of the frame housing and wherein a compound lens system is mounted forwardly of the article having a first picture glass surface having a plurality of non-uniform distortions provided therein which function as a plurality of miniature lenses and wherein an opposite surface of the compound lens system includes a magnification lens oriented on a line extending transversely to the central vertical axis such that images viewed through the frame are given the illusion of movement.

Abstract: A series of related consecutive still images are mounted along a surface. A vehicle capable of rapid movement with respect to the surface carries passengers who view the images normal to the direction of the movement of the vehicle. Such passengers traveling in the rapidly moving vehicle see consecutive still images that create a continuously changing visual image.

Abstract: A static display system mounted to an underground tunnel wall exhibits movie style images to passing passengers. Trip means control lighting of each image as the passenger carriages pass by. Extended lighting circuit means control duration of the lighting of each image for optimum contrast and viewability from the passengers point of view. The images are displayed by film reel means attached to framework means having guides which simplify changing the reels. Each reel segment contains about five image frames.

Abstract: An assembly for displaying pictures, photographs, painting, drawings and similar articles which includes a frame including means for supporting the article so as to be concavely oriented along a central vertical axis toward a front of the frame housing and wherein a compound lens system is mounted forwardly of the article having a first picture glass surface having a plurality of non-uniform distortions provided therein which function as a plurality of miniature lenses and wherein an opposite surface of the compound lens system includes a magnification lens oriented on a line extending transversely to the central vertical axis such that images viewed through the frame are given the illusion of movement.

Abstract: A customized application of index tabs to dividers and other types of indexing material includes a releasably attachable alignment tool. The alignment tool includes a plurality of indicia printed thereon for guiding the placement of a desired number of index tabs. The indicia indicate by positioning of both numerals and lines where an index tab is to be placed on an indexing material, depending on the number of index tabs that are to be placed. The alignment tool may also be positioned on a sheet and removable from the sheet to align index tabs on different documents. Multiple alignment tools may also be positioned on a sheet and removable to align index tabs on documents of different sizes.

Abstract: A display device for simulating motion from a two-dimensional image is provided. The image may be in two-point or three-point perspective. A first planar surface and a second planar surface with a single image imposed thereon are angularly disposed to each other. The vertical intersection of the first and second planar surfaces is coincident with the foreground of the image.

Abstract: An article of commerce comprising a product having an outer label and/or packaging bearing a hologram, the hologram depicting a first image when viewed from one angle and a second image when viewed from a second angle, the first image depicting a problem or task associated with the use of the product and the second image depicting the effect of using the product.

Abstract: A sign board for displaying an image so that the image can be viewed from various viewing angles without appearing distorted is disclosed. The sign board includes a first layer of material having light transmitting portions and light blocking portions arranged over a second layer of material bearing multiple distorted copies of the image. The copies are distorted by being compressed near their edges. The first layer is arranged over the second layer so that the image is visible to a viewer through the light transmitting portions substantially idependently of the angle at which the sign board is viewed.

Abstract: A visual display device for providing a continuous, non-reversing animated sequence of displayed images to an observer with a separation member; a plurality of interposed coded images fixed to a first surface of the separation member to form an image member; a plurality of shutter elements fixed to the second surface of the separation member, and a plurality of viewing elements interposed between the plurality of shutter elements to form a shutter member. The coded images, the plurality of shutter elements, and the plurality of viewing elements can share a common orientation and a given pitch. The image member may be transparent except for the plurality of coded images. A strand of flexible material may be provided for suspending the visual display device for continuous rotation.

Abstract: A system that allows static posters set in subway or train tunnel to be seen as a movie short through the combination of a moving train traveling at a constant or different speeds and a set of posters set on the tunnel walls.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-powered display unit for displaying at least two consecutively changing images to be viewed by a viewer, the unit comprising a housing, at least one wall portion of the housing being made of an array of linear lenses having a lenticular front face and a flat rear face; at least one displaceable, light-weight, substantially planar indicia carrier disposed inside the housing at a distance from the rear face at most equalling the focal length of the lenses, and a high efficiency, low energy consumption, battery-powered DC drive means for periodically displacing the indicia carrier for a distance at least equalling the distance between two adjacent lenses of the array.

Abstract: There is provided a self-powered display unit for displaying at least two consecutively changing images to be viewed by a viewer, the unit including a housing having at least one window-like opening; at least one lenticular panel mounted in the housing behind the window-like opening, the lenticular panel having front and rear faces, the focal length of the lenses being substantially equal to their width; at least one displaceable, lightweight, substantially planar indicia carrier in the form of a replaceable film or sheet disposed inside the housing; an edge of the indicia carrier at least indirectly freely abutting against a cam; a high-efficiency, low-energy consumption, battery-powered DC drive including a DC motor coupled to the cam for periodically displacing the indicia carrier for a distance at least equalling the distance between two adjacent lenses of the panel, and a guide facilitating smooth reciprocating movement of the indicia carrier in juxtaposition with the rear face of the lenticular panel, w

Abstract: A collapsible double image poster which utilizes a sheet material base which is formed of a series of pleats. Observing of the front surface of the poster in one oblique direction gives the appearance of a first single intact image and observing of the poster in a second oblique direction, which is at a right angle to the first oblique direction, gives the appearance of a second single intact image. The base is collapsible with the pleats go located in an abutting position. The base is also expandable with the pleats located in an expanded or spaced apart position. When in an expanded position, a crossed elongated member arrangement is mounted on the back side of the poster to retain the poster in the expanded position.

Abstract: A dual view display is described which displays two images, but wherein each image is visible to the exclusion of the other when the display is viewed from particular angles. A sheetlike picture inset bearing interleaved sections of the two images is situated between two transparent frame members having an accordion-folded or "zig-zag" configuration. The frame members are thus each formed of an array of planar sections wherein each planar section is at an angle to adjacent planar sections, and wherein every other planar section is parallel to a common view plane. When the display is viewed from a line of sight normal to one of the two viewing planes, the viewer sees only a single image, whereas image sections from both images are visible if the viewer sees the display from intermediate lines of sight.

Abstract: A educational and play kit allows the user to place panel strips in staggered array so that different pictures are seen from different angles. The panels are attached in a sheet and can be colored or drawn on; then they are separated; then they are mounted in sequential order (1A, 2A, . . . ; 2A, 2B . . . ) in slots (125) in side (120) of a box frame (100). There are two panel sets (B and C), so when viewed at an angle from the left or right different pictures are seen. In addition, the base (110) of the box frame can have its own picture drawn or mounted under the panels. Assembly markings may be placed on the panels and sides to aid children in placing the panels in order, and the markings may be color-coded for the two panel sets.

Abstract: A method and materials for screen printing a substrate with raised designs. The raised designs allow for a lenticular effect through the printing of substantially parallel lines with varying heights in differing portions of the lines. The lenticular effects achieved include anticounterfeiting markings in bar codes and in the appearance of different colored images depending on the angle of view.

Abstract: A floor mat is provided which has a message assembly comprising a plurality of triangular shaped members with each member having one substantially inclined side and an opposite side formed at a substantially right angle. An exit message is formed on a series of adjacently located inclined sides of a series of elements making the message readable from about three feet from the mat to the mat itself when facing these inclined elements. An entrance message is formed on a plurality of adjacent right angle sides making the entrance message visible from about ten feet to within three feet of the mat when facing the right angle side of the mat. When either the entrance or exit message is being viewed, the other message is hidden from view.

Abstract: The creation of computer generated lenticular images involves the computer manipulation of at least a first and second image. The images can be sequential in time of the same object or sequential in spatial perspective, or completely unrelated. The images are scanned into a computer memory and then digitally interlaced. The input can be any source of image. Likewise, the output can be manipulated to any resolution. The output interlaced image is then printed onto a substrate, such as the back surface of a lenticular lens. The resolution of the interlaced image can be matched to the geometry of the lenticules. Thus, the viewer will see the first image from a first viewing perspective and the second image from a second viewing perspective.

Abstract: Optical, printing, and fabrication arrangements are provided by which observers of flat containers or display boxes, such as video and audio tape cassettes or compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, can be presented with different information when looking at one of the box's surfaces from different angular perspectives. Advantageously, parallax effects are compensated where the size of the observable images and the viewing distance create undesirable visual artifacts. Horizontally and vertically oriented lenticulated panels are used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differently coded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes as in the past to see equivalent information. Printed informational inserts or box surfaces are provided with interlaced images and reference surfaces for alignment purposes which is achieved either with control of fit or via resiliently flexible arrangements for urging the images and optics into positions of proper alignment.

Abstract: A number of non specific, preexisting images are combined using an optical process of masking that (for purposes of clarity the following assumes 3 images are used) removes 2/3 of the first image in a sequential/lenticular pattern, replacing the removed image segments with 1/3 of each of the other two images also sequentially. These combined images are then separated by thin black separation lines using a special burning mask. This series of images and black lines is then visually decombined through the use of a clear thickness of material sandwiched together with the combined transparency and, using a non opaque adhesive, to a decombining mask in registration. This product is then able to be trimmed down and inserted into any preexisting light box. The product when back lit and viewed from the front creates the illusion of 3 complete, separate and sequential, non ghosting images that appear separately depending upon the viewers angle in relationship to the horizontal plane of the standing image.

Abstract: A device and technique for the passive real-time control of effective emivity, color, and camouflage, the device utilizing surfaces which are interposed between a target and an observer at a viewing position with a predetermined angular resolution. Effective surfaces are utilized, including at least one set of movable surfaces, the effected surfaces having a predetermined surface characteristic, such as emissivity, color, or camouflage pattern. An assembly contains all surfaces relative to each other such that the front and back surfaces are seen by the viewing position as stationary. A drive assembly allows movable surfaces to move.

Abstract: A lenticular device comprising: a sheet of lenticular material; and a printing on a viewing surface of the lenticular material with said printing representing a number of consecutive still images and a number of motion images.

Abstract: An efficient economical process is provided to produce an impressive display with outstanding marketing and advertising appeal. In the process, multiple images are formed, such as on a central processing unit, the images are striped or manipulated, eliminating rows of pixels and replacing them with pixels from other images, and portions thereof are superimposed. The superimposed images can be printed on a viewable surface of the display. A lenticular lens, fresnel lenticular lens plate, lens with a textured surface, plate lens, ultraviolet cured resinous lens, lens with an undercut, cluster of anamorphic lenses, transparent rods, or grid, can be placed in front of the images to provide a special display which has the illusion of animation, morphing or movement as the angle of sight changes. The images can also be printed directly on the back surface of the lens to provide self-contained lenticular graphics.

Abstract: A basketball backboard aiming device. The device includes a backboard member for attachment to a standard basketball hoop. The backboard has a front, planar surface. A linear array of indicia are disposed along the backboard, the array including a plurality of individual targets. Each of the targets is selectively viewable by a shooter disposed along a unique axis forming a preselected angle with respect to the plane of the backboard. One side of the angle is defined by a line of sight extending from the shooter to the target and the second side by the plane of the backboard. The selectively viewable target provides an aiming point for a shooter disposed anywhere along the line of sight when said player attempts a bank shot.

Abstract: A multi-item display unit includes two separate pictures or display items, such as photographs, each of which is segmented into elongated strips. The elongated strips are mounted to a flexible support film in an alternating fashion so that the strips forming one item are mounted in the same sequence that the strips would be in before the item is segmented. A sequential strip from the second item is located between adjacent pairs of the elongated strips of the first item. The resulting laminate is mounted to a corrugated rigid support member with the laminate being bent along the contact lines of the elongated strips so that one item in its entirety would be solely viewed when viewed at an angle generally perpendicular to the elongated strips of that item and the other item would be viewed solely and in its entirety when the angle of view is generally at a right angle to the elongated strips of the second item.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices comprise at least a pair of electrodes and a lithium ion conductive electrolyte provided between the pair of electrodes. At least one of the electrodes comprises a lithium nitride-metal compound having a one-dimensional chain structure. By this, the number of end groups which greatly take part in characteristic degradation of the device can be reduced significantly, ensuring good characteristic properties. The devices include lithium secondary cells, electric double-layer capacitors, and electrochemical display devices.

Abstract: An efficient economical process is provided to produce an intricate impressive display with outstanding marketing and advertising appeal. In the process, multiple images are formed, such as on a central processing unit, the images are masked and striped, and portions thereof are superimposed. The superimposed masked images can be printed on an underlying back rearward web. Transparent rods, a plate lens, lenticular lens, a cluster of anamorphic lenses, or a grid, can be placed front of the back web to provide a special display which has the illusion of animation as the angle of sight changes.

Abstract: An efficient economical process is provided to produce an intricate impressive display with outstanding marketing and advertising appeal. In the process, multiple images are formed, such as on a central processing unit, the images are masked and striped, and portions thereof are superimposed. The superimposed masked images can be printed on an underlying back web. Transparent rods, a plate lens, a cluster of anamorphic lenses, or a grid, can be placed in front of the back web to provide a special display which has the illusion of animation as the angle of sight changes. The special display can be used to provide an attractive container, cup, glass, mug, bottle, package, box, lampshade, magazine, comic book, paper back book, hard bound book, cover, page, envelope, greeting card, compact disc case, laser disc case, brochure, or pamphlet.

Abstract: A decorative glass body for viewing objects that are disposed on the base surface of the decorative glass body but seem to be floating inside the glass.

Abstract: An efficient economical process is provided to produce an intricate impressive display with outstanding marketing and advertising appeal. In the process, a grid and multiple images are formed, such as on a central processing unit, the images are masked and striped, and portions thereof are superimposed. The grid can be printed on a front web. The superimposed masked images can be printed on an underlying back web. The display produced by the special process can be used to form an attractive sign, billboard, educational game, toy, box, wrapper and other packaging.

Abstract: An efficient economical process is provided to produce an intricate impressive display with outstanding marketing and advertising appeal. In the process, multiple images are formed, such as on a central processing unit, the images are masked and striped, and portions thereof are superimposed. The superimposed masked images can be printed on an underlying back web. Transparent rods, a plate lens, a cluster of anamorphic lenses, or a grid, can be placed in front of the back web to provide a special display which has the illusion of animation as the angle of sight changes. The special display can be used to provide an attractive sign, billboard, educational game, or toy.

Abstract: A traffic light timed advertising center includes an advertising display device, such as an electronic message center or other visual display device for displaying alpha-numeric and symbolic advertising messages, in which the advertising messages can be made selectively visible and invisible to drivers, is positioned adjacent a traffic control signal device having alternative signal phases for sequentially stopping and permitting the flow of traffic.

Abstract: An efficient economical process is provided to produce an intricate impressive display with outstanding marketing and advertising appeal. In the process, multiple images are formed, such as on a central processing unit, the images are masked and striped, and portions thereof are superimposed. The superimposed masked images can be printed on an underlying back web. Transparent rods, a plate lens, a cluster of anamorphic lenses, or a grid, can be placed in front of the back web to provide a special display which has the illusion of animation as the angle of sight changes. The special display can be used to provide an attractive sign, billboard, educational game, or toy.

Abstract: An efficient economical process is provided to produce an intricate impressive display with outstanding marketing and advertising appeal. In the process, a grid and multiple images are formed, such as on a central processing unit, the images are masked and striped, and portions thereof are superimposed. The grid can be printed on a front web. The superimposed masked images can be printed on an underlying back web. The display produced by the special process can be used to form an attractive sign, billboard, educational game, toy, box, wrapper and other packaging.

Abstract: A cassette for a photo-stimulable storage phosphor plate has a visual feedback feature for indicating whether the cassette is upside down or right side up. The cassette preferably has a cavity bounded by upper and lower walls, closed side walls a closed end wall and an open end wall. A storage phosphor plate is supported in the cavity and includes a raised rib which closes off the open end wall. A visual feedback feature is located on a closed side or end wall. The feature may include a horizontally corrugated edge texture with different color on the top versus the bottom corrugations. An alternate visual feedback feature may include an adhesive strip of grating or lenticular material showing different colors or differnet visual indicia or messages when viewed from the top and from the bottom.

Abstract: A picture display assembly for displaying two different pictures includes a wavelike picture display member having two interleaved series of display sections disposed in different respective directions. Whole pictures are divided into picture segments which are attached or glued to the display sections for each picture to be displayed. The wavelike picture display member with two sets of picture segments attached is made by alternately feeding and gluing picture segments of the two different whole pictures one after another onto a web-like mounting sheet, forming folding lines between the picture segments. Thereafter the mounting sheet with picture segments glued is cut to a length sufficient to include the two sets of the two different whole pictures. Finally, the mounting sheet with the picture segments attached is folded in zigzags to form the two interleaved series of picture segments.

Abstract: A novelty or advertising display device is disclosed which has a base optical prism with polished surfaces on clear acrylic material with a top surface spaced above a bottom surface and a slanted viewing front face between them together with messages printed on the prism top and bottom surfaces or alternatively on a substrate sheet captured at the bottom surface with the messages so located in either instance, that some messages appear directly and in appearing and disappearing mirror image and other messages appear and disappear from view to a person moving relative to the device resting upon a table or countertop so as to draw attention to the display.

Abstract: A new art form providing a plurality of optical images and illusions by the novel coaction of at least two diverse line and curve patterns disposed in spaced generally parallel relationship to each other, preferably with a frame.

Abstract: An indicia display characterized by indicia units, either letters or numbers, which, when assembled, create a different visual image depending upon the viewing angle. In addition to direct viewing at a preselected angle, the direct viewing of the reflected image is available through use of a mirror or reflecting surface (where the reflected image is the backside of each indicia unit). The indicia units may be grouped either horizontally or vertically, where the number of indicia units involved is not limited. Virtually all letters, for example, are combinable, i.e. so that each indicia unit presents a different pair of letters, depending upon viewing angle. The indicia units may be carved from wood, cast from metal or molded from a plastic resin.

Abstract: An illuminated information display including a standard planar active display, such as an LCD display, covered by a rigid transparent plate with fixed graphics on its rear surface illuminated by light transmitted laterally through the plate.

Abstract: A picture display panel is provided having an envelope with internal reinforcement partitions formed onto a display window. The display window is provided with substantially V-shaped grooves on the outside opposite to contact surfaces with the reinforcement partitions. The reinforcement partitions thus become substantially invisible from the outside. The outermost edges of these V-shaped grooves are preferably rounded, and the picture display window surface between juxtaposed grooves may be convexly curved into cylindrical lenses to make the reinforcement partitions even more invisible.

Abstract: The document of value is provided with a safety design extending on one portion or the whole of its surface. The entire surface of the safety design consists of juxtaposed groups of segments of raised parallel lines of two different heights forming high reliefs and low reliefs portions. The segments of two adjacent groups are parallel to two predetermined directions, preferably substantially perpendicular. The assembly of segments parallel to one of the directions and consisting of high reliefs on the whole or part of their length define a transitory image visible when the document is illuminated or observed parallel to a direction perpendicular to said segments and forming an acute angle with the plane of the document of value. A second transitory image is formed in a similar manner by high relief segments parallel to the other direction. The low raised segments or segment fractions constitute the background of the safety design.

Abstract: A magnetic note holder incorporates a hologram or xogram as the artwork of choice. A standard note holder structure is disclosed which includes a clear laminate adhered to the surface of the artwork, a section of stainless steel tape adhered to the underside of the artwork, a double-sided tape tape adhered to the underside of the stainless steel tape, and a section of magnetized rubber sheet adhered to the underside of the double-sided tape. A base note holder structure is disclosed which has no section of stainless steel tape. A special note holder structure is disclosed which has two separate sections of stainless steel tape.