Abstract: An improved object projection system provides an observer with a surrounding background that has adjustable contrast levels relative to an object. A transmissive polarizer and a reflective polarizer change relative orientations. The change in orientation causes the level of light passing through the transmissive polarizer to change. In one system, the transmissive polarizer is placed in front of an object. A light source is placed in front of the object and behind the transmissive polarizer. A reflective polarizer is placed behind the object. The reflective polarizer provides the surrounding background for the object. A light source illuminates the object and the reflective polarizer. The object emits reflected light, which travels through the transmissive polarizer. Light from the reflective polarizer is transmitted to the transmissive polarizer. The level of light transmitted depends on the orientation of a transmissive axis of the transmissive polarizer to a reflective axis of the reflective polarizer.

Abstract: A device displaying a polychromatic effect, comprising a light source a first linear polarizing layer optically coupled to said light source a first bi-refringent layer a second linear polarizing layer a motor coupled to said first linear polarizing layer so that said first linear polarizing layer rotates, varying the polarizing angle between said first linear polarizing layer and said bi-refringent layer.

Abstract: In order to provide comprehensive and multi-purpose security, an optical security device comprises a substrate (10), and at least a first optically structured layer (14) which is such as to provide first, second and third optical inspection levels, namely a first inspection level (2) where a first optical property can be discerned with the naked eye, a second level (4) in which an object can be discerned with the aid of an optical inspection tool (26), and a third level (6) in which an encrypted object can be discerned with a decrypting optical inspection tool (20). The first layer (14) is constructed as a retarder plate of LCP material, having an array of elemental areas having different predetermined orientations.

Abstract: The present invention comprises of an enclosure with an opening wherein a 3-dimentional translucent picture is attached to said opening. Multiple pieces of polarized film are attached behind various portions of the 3-dimentional translucent picture. The enclosure contains a light source, a polarized film, and means for moving said polarized film within the enclosure. The 3-dimentional translucent picture will appear to have motion when the polarized film is moved relative to the pieces of polarized film attached behind the 3-dimentional translucent picture.

Abstract: A toy or novelty article including an image located thereon, having a reflective "mirror" mode and a transmissive mode, such that a generally opaque material is viewable in the transmissive mode. One preferred embodiment includes a generally opaque material, a first polarizer and a second polarizer. In another aspect, a preferred embodiment, in a first orientation, the first and second polarizers interact to be reflective, and in a second orientation, the first and second polarizers are collectively translucent such that the generally opaque material is viewable therethrough.

Abstract: Toy or novelty including a first polarizer and a second polarizer movable relative to the first polarizer. In a first mode, the first and second polarizers interact to be reflective, and in a second mode, the first and second polarizers is transmissive. The toy may further include an object or image located adjacent the second polarizer, wherein the object or image is viewable through the first and second polarizers in the second mode.

Abstract: The present invention is summarized as a method of manufacturing a design carrier which is featured in that a desired pattern is drawn on a polarizing plate by heating and another polarizing plate is superposed thereon to constitute one design carrier.

Abstract: Undesirable visual effects, such as blinking, observed when an animated image produced by means of polarized light is viewed by means of a color television camera or a similar device which is sensitive to the angle of polarization of light which it views, are avoided by use of animating lamination which includes, between the layer of polarmotion material and the artwork transparency, an intermediate depolarizing layer of vellum-parchment drawing paper.