Abstract: A faux fireplace having synchronized lighting. The faux fireplace includes a firebox having a video display generating a colored faux flame at the back of the firebox, a faux ember bed with lighting having user selectable colors along a bottom of the firebox and in front of the video display, and down-lighting generating user selectable colors. A user input allows a user to synchronize the colors of the faux flame, the faux ember bed lighting, and the down-lighting in a setting. The user input allows the user to save a plurality of settings such that the controller generates the synchronized colors upon a single user touch. The firebox has a shallow depth such that it can be mounted in many settings, such as on the ground or inserted in a wall.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) display system may include a peg array of multiple pegs. Each peg may be individually addressable and designed to move along one or more axes. The 3D display system may also include an induction array having multiple electromagnetic coils to generate electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic fields may induce magnetic forces upon at least one peg to cause the peg to move along an axis into an actuated position. The 3D display may also include a display screen to be distended into a 3D topography via contact with at least one peg in the actuated position.

Abstract: A vehicle input-operation assistance device includes: a traveling state detection section that detects a traveling state of a vehicle; an operation state detection section that detects an operation state of an operation member gripped by an occupant during operation; a support section that is capable of being stowed in an interior component of the vehicle, and that is capable of projecting from the interior component to a support position where the support section is capable of supporting an elbow of the occupant when the occupant is operating the operation member; and a controller that determines whether or not the elbow of the occupant operating the operation member needs to be supported based on information detected by the traveling state detection section and the operation state detection section and, in cases in which support is determined to be needed, controls the support section to project to the support position.

Abstract: Electric candles are described having a candle-shaped housing, a flame element extending from the housing and one or more projectors disposed within the candle-shaped housing such that a media file can be projected on to a first surface of the flame element using the pico projector. The flame element could be fixed or move with respect to the housing. The flame element could be transient and only exist when the candle is on.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying traffic control devices from images, and systems and methods for assessing the retro reflectivity of traffic control devices. The identification of traffic control devices can be accomplished using a lighting-dependent statistical color model. The identification of traffic control devices can be accomplished using an active contour or active polygon method.

Abstract: The device for simulating a flame effect includes a mist generator having a housing with an outlet aperture for mist; at least one ultrasonic sprayer of a liquid for generating mist, which is arranged in the housing; a mechanism for pulse supply of a liquid onto the ultrasonic sprayer of the mist generator; a mechanism for outputting of mist via the outlet aperture of the mist generator; at least one light source arranged so as to be able to illuminate a mist current escaping from the outlet aperture of the mist generator for simulation of the flame effect. The technical effect is improved uniformity of a formed mist current, reduced dimensions of the device, simplified construction, improved operational stability, and less contamination of the generator.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a gift box for presenting a gift or other item to a recipient. The gift box contains various electronic components contained in some portion of the box which are used to effect, movement, sound, light or other special effects. The box may have one or more special effects which can be triggered automatically or by interaction with a user or gift box recipient.

Abstract: A display system enables auto-multiscopic 3D viewing of both static images and video productions. It includes a parallax barrier defining a front surface of the display system. The parallax barrier is non-transparent except for an array of transparent spots or holes. A transparent OLED display is located behind the parallax barrier. It has color pixels and an array of clear spots aligned with the array of transparent spots. The transparent OLED display sends light away from the viewer towards an array of concave mirrors, one for each transparent spot. Each concave mirror reflects the light back through the alignment of clear spot with transparent spot and out into the space in front of the display system. Each concave mirror may be part of an enclosure that surrounds the transparent spot, in order to prevent light originating in one enclosure from being reflected off the concave mirror in another enclosure.

Abstract: An emergency simulation device has a housing, at least one light, a smoke machine, and a controller for controlling the light and the smoke machine. The housing has a divider with a generally enclosed area underneath for holding the smoke machine. The divider has a hole and is angled so that water sitting on the divider flows in at least one direction. The housing extends upwardly beyond the divider, and apertures positioned in the housing dispel water from atop the divider. The housing has a duct extending upwardly from the hole in the divider. The light is mounted to a mounting plate separate from and positioned above from the divider and the duct and below a top end of the housing. The smoke machine outputs smoke through the hole in the divider and the duct. The mounting plate causes the smoke to billow outwardly around the light.

Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop-up feature includes a pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop-up element. In a first position, the pop-up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop-up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia, a mobile object or a gift card attached thereto. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording.

Abstract: Exemplary perspective display systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes a perspective display system acquiring visual data representative of a camera view of a user space associated with a display screen, determining, based on the visual data, a position of a user within the user space, identifying, based on the position of the user, a viewable region of an image, and displaying, on the display screen, the viewable region of the image, the displayed viewable region of the image representing a perspective view of the image based on the position of the user. In certain examples, the method further includes the perspective display system detecting a movement of the user to another position within the user space and updating the display on the display screen in real time in accordance with the movement to display another viewable region of the image on the display screen.

Abstract: This invention is a surface sign that is seen by the driver as raised vertically improving the readability by the driver, and as for the surface signs with an optical illusion effect that can aid the driver in driving safely due to the tendency of being able to capture the gaze of the driver printing onto the road surface creating surface signs that provides information to a far off above driver using copy or shapes, from the standard distance between the above driver and the above surface sign, where the roadside prints are formed longer than the wayside prints for random waysides and roadsides reflected at the same distances form in the periphery of the above driver, and the surface of the road is painted in order for the two nearby roadsides to form a mutually acute angle, which is the feature of this invention.

Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording.

Abstract: An apparatus for repetitively lifting and lowering objects to create visual patterns having a plurality of units each with a motor, a rotary member, a cord attached at its distal end to the circumferential edge of the rotary member, an attaching mechanism affixed to the proximal end of the cord, and an object removably connected to the attaching mechanism. A computer or microprocessor is provided and programmed to selectively rotate the rotary members to move the objects between selected pre-determined positions along a generally vertical path of travel to establish a geometric pattern of repetitive elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a warped or curved surface with an image visible from a reference point which is not an element of the said surface, where the reference point has fixed position with respect to the said surface, and the image on the said surface is distorted in a way to provide an undistorted view on the said image from the said reference point.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a trompe-l'oeil skylight in a ceiling where a light emitting image of the sky is provided in a structure configured to emulate a skylight frame, including an embodiment of a unified non-rectangular sky image area in a substantially rectangular fixture which mount as a single unit into a substantially rectangular hole in a ceiling.

Abstract: A display device and a display method using magnetic particles are disclosed. The display method includes: applying a first magnetic field to a plurality of particles in a state where the plurality of particles having a magnetic property and a certain color are dispersed in a solvent so that the plurality of particles are aligned in a direction parallel to a direction of the first magnetic field, and thus a plurality of particle chains are formed; and applying a second magnetic field to at least a part of the formed plurality of particle chains so that at least a part of the plurality of particle chains moves in a direction close to a display surface in an area to which the second magnetic field is applied, and thus the certain color is displayed on the display surface.

Abstract: Mask display systems, sales and display systems, and related methods are shown and described. In one example, a mask display system comprises a head portion, a pair of hands attached to the head portion, and a suspension system, serving as a novelty simulation of a peeping tom.

Abstract: An illuminating electronic gift or souvenir device a case in the shape of a small telescope, binocular or monocular and an internal electronic circuit including a type of integrated circuit and luminescent elements such as LEDs or similar lights which cause, upon actuating a switch on the outside, multiple and diverse lighting effects that lead to a visual effect that simulates a starry sky or galaxies in motion, inspiring the imagination of the user of the device. The circuit can be programmed to present lighting effects in its interior that are static or changing.

Abstract: An apparatus for repetitively lifting and lowering objects to create visual patterns having a plurality of units each with a motor, a rotary member, a cord attached at its distal end to the circumferential edge of the rotary member, an attaching mechanism affixed to the proximal end of the cord, and an object removably connected to the attaching mechanism. A computer or microprocessor is provided and programmed to selectively rotate the rotary members to move the objects between selected pre-determined positions along a generally vertical path of travel to establish a geometric pattern of repetitive elements.

Abstract: A method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.

Abstract: Diorama made from a two-dimensional image having a background panel in which a background section of the image appears and a plurality of additional panels on which additional sections of the image appear. The additional panels extend forwardly from the background panel, with edges of adjacent ones of the panels coming together and the image flowing continuously between the panels.

Abstract: A space-dividing apparatus for a single-leaf section, a divider etc. A division plate section constitutes a single-leaf screen device and divides a space. On a front surface of the division plate section, nine TV receiving sets are arranged in a matrix shape and an attachable/detachable manner. On a back surface of the division plate section, nine image pickup elements are mounted to, for example, positions that correspond to the TV receiving sets respectively, when each are detached. An imaging direction of each of the image pickup elements can be automatically aligned with a line of sight of the user based on a position of the user (position of a remote controller). An image due to a video signal obtained by each of the image pickup elements can be displayed on the TV receiving sets, thereby permitting the user to observe the other side of the division plate section easily.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose hand-held spinnable sign are disclosed. According to one aspect, a multipurpose, hand-held spinnable sign includes a sign body having a front surface and a rear surface, the front and rear surfaces adapted to display a message, text, image, or other indicia, and means, centrally positioned within front surface of the sign body, to allow a holder of the sign to spin the sign.

Abstract: An alternating sign assembly includes a sheet of light permeable material comprising a front surface and a rear surface; a front design that includes a front design layer; a silhouette pattern including light-restricting imaging material, said front design being superimposed on or forming a part of the silhouette pattern, said silhouette pattern subdividing said sheet into a plurality of discrete areas of said imaging material and/or a plurality of discrete areas devoid of said imaging material; a switchable front source of artificial illumination of said front design; a rear design disposed rearwardly of the front design; and a switchable rear source of artificial illumination of said rear design. The sources of illumination may be alternately turned on to make the front and rear designs alternately visible to an observer in front of the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for repetitively lifting and lowering objects to create visual patterns having a plurality of units each with a motor, a rotary member, a cord attached at its distal end to the circumferential edge of the rotary member, an attaching mechanism affixed to the proximal end of the cord, and an object removably connected to the attaching mechanism. A computer or microprocessor is provided and programmed to selectively rotate the rotary members to move the objects between selected pre-determined positions along a generally vertical path of travel to establish a geometric pattern of repetitive elements.

Abstract: An attachable flame simulating apparatus includes a coupling appendage, having a distal end and a proximal end, a housing adjacent the proximal end of the coupling appendage, the housing comprising one or more light sources, and a projection surface extending from the housing. Furthermore, the distal end of the coupling appendage is removably attachable to a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a warped or curved surface with an image visible from a reference point which is not an element of the said surface, where the reference point has fixed position with respect to the said surface, and the image on the said surface is distorted in a way to provide an undistorted view on the said image from the said reference point.

Abstract: An integrated mirror and graphics display system includes a sheet of substantially transparent material, the sheet having a front and a back, the back having a silvered or reflective region and at least one primary non-silvered region. Also included is a sheet of translucent material, having printed on or embedded in it a graphic of interest to a system user, the translucent sheet secured or painted upon the back of the transparent sheet against the non-silvered region. The system further includes an illumination element defining an area smaller, equal to or greater than that of the non-silvered region and secured in optical communication with the translucent sheet. A secondary non-silvered region may be used to provide owner-specific personalized information.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.

Abstract: An illuminating electronic gift or souvenir device a case in the shape of a small telescope, binocular or monocular and an internal electronic circuit including a type of integrated circuit and luminescent elements such as LEDs or similar lights which cause, upon actuating a switch on the outside, multiple and diverse lighting effects that lead to a visual effect that simulates a starry sky or galaxies in motion, inspiring the imagination of the user of the device. The circuit can be programmed to present lighting effects in its interior that are static or changing.

Abstract: A road sign that is intended to create a perception of movement and/or modification in the road sign, when a distance of perceptor (usually a driver, but may also be implemented for other people) from the road signs is changing—for example, when a drivers drives towards the road sign. The road sign utilizes various optical means, techniques and effects to create a perception of motion, movement, or modification in the road signs, when perceived by an external viewer.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a decorated dispensing container. The container is substantially transparent and has a decoration on the front and/or rear surface. The dispensing unit comprises a pump mechanism with a dip tube at one end and a dispensing channel at the other end. The dip tube has an identifiable shape formed in the dip tube. This identifiable shape can be a land, sea or air animal, or an inanimate object. Colors are applied to the identifiable shape by hand painting or the use of a shrink label or an in mold label. By the use of a decorated identifiable shape and a coordinating label on the front and/or rear surface of the container a 3-D effect is imparted to the container and product.

Abstract: A display apparatus with a scent disperse device includes a display, a stalk-shaped member, at least one leaf-shaped member, a vibrator and a sensor switch, in which the display is composed of a screen and at least one screen cover, the stalk-shaped member is disposed on the display to disperse scent outward, the leaf-shaped members are positioned around the stalk-shaped member and the vibrator is disposed in the stalk-shaped member and used for driving the leaf-shaped members to sway, and the sensor switch controls the opening and closing of the at least one screen cover and transmitting a starting signal. Whereby, a user is allowed to smell a flavor matching the appearance of the display or prefer scent.

Abstract: A device which simulates natural flowering actions, including growth and efflorescence, is actuated by partial immersion of a stem into a liquid. An aperture through the stem base admits the liquid into the stem. A piston slidably disposed within the stem is driven downwardly by the bias force of a resilient spring while an agent which impedes the piston motion dissolves in the liquid. Growth is simulated by a sleeve outside the stem which descends in relation thereto to push the flower upwardly. A simulated corolla is attached to the stem and gradually rotates and opens during the ascent thereof. A cam controls the pivotal position of lifters which open and close the corolla. The petals of the corolla vibrate before opening and open with variations in starting time. As the corolla opens, a surprise gift, gradually ascending on a presentation platform, is revealed. The device may be reused.

Abstract: System and methods for providing synchronized ornamental displays in a presentation zone that is at least partially containing a fluid, which include a support structure, a decorative object supported by the support structure, a light disposed on the object, a plurality of cables coupled to the support structure at their respective first ends; a plurality of cable tensioning devices, wherein one cable tensioning device is engaged with the second end of a respective cable of the plurality of cables, and the plurality of cable tensioning devices are positioned spatially about the periphery of the presentation zone, wherein the spatial arrangement defines a range of desired movement for the object, and a control device operatively associated with the tensioning devices and light.

Abstract: An automatic rotating decoration includes a rotating body, a support, a driving device connecting the support, and a transmission member connecting the driving device and the rotating body. The support, the driving device and the transmission member all are received in the rotating body. An opening is defined in the rotating body. The support is exposed to the opening. The driving device includes a driving body and an output shaft extending from the driving body. The driving body includes a motor body and a battery seat electrically connecting the motor body. The automatic rotating decoration of the present invention may automatically rotate around the support on another object without additional housing thereby simplifying the structure of the automatic rotating decoration, increasing fun of the automatic rotating decoration and facilitating the handling.

Abstract: Assembly for repelling birds from a selected area and method of making it. A rotor is assembled from a plurality of identical fin panels and rotatably mounted on a supporting pole within the selected area. Graphic designs comprising bird scaring holographic and/or diffractive images may be placed on the pole and/or rotor to simulate movement even when the rotor is stationary. The fin panels may be transparent and reflective to project light beams between and away from rotor surfaces. Outwardly projecting fin segments and a rotor barrel with vents are responsive to wind currents to rotate the rotor and generate bird repelling noises and visual effects.

Abstract: A 3-D image retainer is configured to have a plurality of perforated retainer plates and a retainer assembly displaceable to lock selectively impressed pins, which traverse the retained plates, in the desired position corresponding to the 3-D contour of the applied load.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention discloses a method for animating an advertising device. The method comprising multiple steps such as providing a track system and a tower that is operatively coupled to the track. The tower can comprise one or more substantially transparent sections. The method further comprises providing a base support system that is operatively coupled to the tower. The base can be operatively coupled to a facade with one or more substantially non-transparent sections. The method further includes providing a vehicle system comprising a passenger-carrying vehicle that is operatively coupled to the track. Finally, the method includes animating the advertising device by transporting the vehicle between the substantially transparent section of the tower and the substantially non-transparent section of the facade. The vehicle movement can, for example, simulate fluid movement between the tower and the facade.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for producing a fire special facilitates a more compact device. In one embodiment, the device comprises a steam curtain generator for directing received steam to an outlet slot that directs the steam into the ambient atmosphere such that the steam is flowing in a substantially a first direction to produce a curtain of steam, fan that is oriented so as to produce a flow of air in a direction that is substantially parallel to the flow of a steam curtain, a deflector for redirecting the flow of air produced by the fan towards the steam curtain, an adjustable agitator for causing turbulent flow in the stream of air directed towards a steam curtain, and an LED light for producing light that is projected onto a steam curtain.

Abstract: A flame effect assembly is described. By using an adhesive to secure a fabric to at least one track and then defining a plurality of flag elements within the fabric by forming two or more slits in the fabric it is possible to substantially optimise the assembly process.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a decorated dispensing container. The container is substantially transparent and has a decoration on the front and/or rear surface. The dispensing unit comprises a pump mechanism with a dip tube at one end and a dispensing channel at the other end. The dip tube has an identifiable shape formed in the dip tube. This identifiable shape can be a land, sea or air animal, or an inanimate object. This inanimate shape is molded into the dip tube and colors are applied by hand painting or the use of a shrink label or an in mold label. By the use of a decorated identifiable shape and a coordinating label on the front and/or rear surface of the container a 3-D effect is imparted to the container and product.

Abstract: A 3-D image retainer is configured to have a plurality of perforated retainer plates and a retainer assembly displaceable to lock selectively impressed pins, which traverse the retained plates, in the desired position corresponding to the 3-D contour of the applied load.

Abstract: A sound device includes a sound module including a switch electrically connected to the sound module such that when the switch is “on” the sound module produces a sound and when the switch is “off” the sound module is silent. The sound device also includes apparatus for securing the sound module to a gift container or package, a switch actuator such as an elongated strip adapted to toggle the switch “off” to “on”, the elongated strip including an adhesive applied to a distal end of the elongated strip, and a housing that houses the sound module. The housing includes a slot through which the elongated strip extends such that the distal end of the elongated strip is disposed on the outside of the housing and a proximal end of the elongated strip, which is remote from the distal end, is disposed on the inside of the housing, and the elongated strip toggles the switch “off” to “on” by sliding out of the housing through the slot. Other configurations for toggling the switch are also disclosed.

Abstract: A merchandising system, including: a consumer product. The merchandising system includes at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system includes indicia and/or an image that relates, or is analogous to, an attribute and/or targeted benefit of the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system further includes a micro-optic structure capable of controlling the scatter of light impinging thereon so that the micro-optic structure reflects and/or transmits light in a field of view over which at least a portion of the indicia and/or image appears brighter relative to that outside the field of view.

Abstract: A decorative device enabling ornaments to sway back and forth inside a crystal ball amidst fluttering, shiny disc snowflakes, which uses a device structured from a motor mechanism, a gear mechanism, a rocking mechanism and a crystal ball so that when a motor drives and rotates transmission gears of the gear mechanism, apart from using mutually repelling of two double-sided magnets to drive and rotate a magnet impeller wheel, and thereby cause whirling of water and fluttering of shiny disc snowflakes within the crystal ball, moreover, rotating of a main transmission shaft causes rotating of rocking horse swaying back and forth.

Abstract: A sign assembly 10 that implements electronic paper to display an animated image. The sign assembly includes a controller 12, a power supply 14, a pair of substantially transparent, electrically conductive sheets 16, 18, and a sheet of electronic paper 24, which is sandwiched between sheets 16, 18. Image layers 20, 22 are imprinted on the sheets 16, 18, or are alternatively held frictionally adjacent to sheets 16, 18 by a frame assembly 56. Image layers 20, 22 include substantially transparent regions 36, 38, 40 and 42 in which sheet 24 is visible. The conductive sheets 16, 18 are connected to controller 12 which provides an electronic signal which is varied over time resulting in the display of an animated or changing image which may be visible when viewed from one or both sides of the sign assembly 10.

Abstract: The present invention represents a breakthrough in advertisement tools. The liquid sign uses a system of chambers and electrically powered pumps to produce a dynamic and visually appealing advertising sign. The advertising sign of the invention uses a liquid in motion contained in a front chamber of the sign to highlight the color and other visual characteristics of a beverage or any liquid product being advertised. The liquid in motion highlights and showcases any given characteristic of a product being advertised, including bubble or foam producing capacity, color, brightness, or a logo or symbol placed on the background of the liquid in motion. It also provides for a visually attractive, electrically or battery powered and affordable advertising tool which can be used indoors or outdoors in many different settings.

Abstract: A transportable police vehicle decoy having a life-like, life-size visual image of a police vehicle mounted onto a trailer for transportability, the wheels of the trailing appearing to be the wheels of the police vehicle shown in the image. Operational emergency lights are positioned in the proper location on the visual image and can be activated by speed detection devices when a speeding vehicle approaches.