Abstract: In this invention, animation effects have been obtained in a device containing a light source illuminating a linear polarizer (3) producing plane polarized light which is rotated in an electro-optical cell/cells (2) such as a modified TN or STN Liquid Crystal or PLZT cell. The angle of the plane is changed at the required speed by a voltage applied to the electrodes (6) of the cell; this voltage being generated in an electronic circuit (8) or obtained from the output of transducer or a manual voltage controller. The rotated plane polarized light is shining through a stationary set of at least two linear polarizers (1) placed side by side and oriented at different angles and then through a screen containing the art work (7). The emerging lighted image is perceived by the viewer (5) as a change or as an animated movement of the art work. Color effects can also be obtained when a seocnd electro-optical cell with a chromatic polarizer is used in a serial arrangement with the above device.

Abstract: In this invention, animation effects have been obtained in a device containing a light source illuminating a linear polarizer producing plane polarized light which is rotated in an electro-optical cell/cells such as a Liquid Crystal or PLZT cell. The angle of the plane is changed at the required speed by a voltage applied to the electrodes of the cell; this voltage being generated in an electronic circuit or obtained from the output of a transducer or manually. The rotated plane polarized light is shining through a stationary set of at least two linear polarizers oriented at different angles and then through a screen containing the art work. The emerging lighted image is perceived by the viewer as a change or as an animated movement of the art work. Color effects can also be obtained when a chromatic polarizer or a chromatic retardation plate is used. In the prior art, the change of the angle of the plane polarized light was achieved by mounting the linear polarizer on a mechanically rotated wheel.

Abstract: In a display device, planar or curved, panel or colored pane it is known that the image or the colors do not change noticeably with the angle of viewing or angle of illumination. In this invention drastic changes in the image and colors can be obtained using cholesteric or other chiral liquid crystal coatings or polymers with liquid crystalline properties. In addition the colors are more intense than feasible with other colorants. These two properties are value in applications where it is desired to attract the viewers attention such as in advertising and signage. In a colored pane consisting of ornamental or stained glass parts it is known that the process of achieving the desired image effects is not simple and limited in scope. Using liquid crystal coatings the process of achieving such effects is greatly simplified and less expensive.

Abstract: A method for detecting, monitoring or measuring visible and ultraviolet radiation exposure wherein a liquid crystal element covered with a coating layer transparent to the radiation is placed in the path of the radiation to be monitored and then the shift of the spectral reflectance or transmittance of the element is measured, this shift being a measure of the radiation dosage. This shift may be measured using reference liquid crystal elements or a spectrophotometer or similar measuring devices.