Abstract: An artistic presentation in the form of a shadow box is disclosed where the shadow box has been augmented with various dynamic visual effects. One such dynamic visual effect is the movement of water across the shadow box, simulating rain droplets, waterfall, sheets of water, or aerosolized water such as fog or mist. When combined with various lighting effects, the combined dynamic visual presentation permits a constantly changing visual appearance that can recycle and go on indefinitely.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting images on mirrored displays are provided. A cover layer having a surface area is positioned in front of an electronic display having a viewing area. A reflective material is located at the cover layer and is less than fully reflective where the cover layer is located above the viewing area. The mirrored display is configured to operate in a low power mode until a sensor detects a person proximate to the mirrored display and then operate in a normal power mode.

Abstract: A display element having a display symbol arrangement, includes a carrier layer on a visible side, at least one display layer arranged on the side facing away from the visible side and one cover layer arranged on the carrier layer and the display layer. The transitions between the display layer and the cover layer are laminated in such a manner that the different layers form a common surface having the same optical effect and without hard edges at their transitions.

Abstract: A display assembly having a first backlit display including a first panel with a first color image formed thereon, the first color image including a first transparent portion of a first color and a second transparent portion of a second color, a second panel including a first transparent portion of a first color and an opaque portion so that light from the light source does not pass through a corresponding portion of the first panel, and a light source that emits at least a first color light and a second color light, wherein the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel is a different color than the first color of the first transparent portion of the second panel, and light from the light source passes through the first transparent portions of both the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A display assembly having a first backlit display including a first panel with a first color image formed thereon, the first color image including a first transparent portion of a first color and a second transparent portion of a second color, a second panel including a first transparent portion of a first color and an opaque portion so that light from the light source does not pass through a corresponding portion of the first panel, and a light source that emits at least a first color light and a second color light, wherein the first color of the first transparent portion of the first panel is a different color than the first color of the first transparent portion of the second panel, and light from the light source passes through the first transparent portions of both the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a housing formed with a front opening, a display unit disposed in the housing, and a lighting unit disposed in the housing for illuminating the display unit. The display unit includes a light-transmissive front display screen exposed through the front opening, and a light-transmissive rear screen disposed spacedly parallel to the front display screen. The rear screen is operable to have a first light transmittance, and a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance.

Abstract: A multi-planar image display system includes an insert having sheets being held in alignment at opposite edges. The sheets have particularly predetermined widths such that when aligned and affixed to each other, the sheets form predetermined curve profiles with equal spacing between the sheets, allowing a sharp, realistic 3D image to be produced from 2D images printed on the sheets. The system may further include a frame to securely hold the insert in tension without requiring additional fasteners. The frame may hold one or more inserts and allow easy insertion and removal of each insert. The frame may accommodate a cover, a board, a light panel, a cap, a casing, and/or other feature(s) to protect or otherwise accompany the 3D image produced by the insert.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include one or more light emitting panel members each having at least one pattern of optical deformities that may be varied in size, shape, density, placement, angle, rotation and/or type to obtain at least one light output distribution having a form or shape of at least one of text, graphics, logo or image. At least some of the optical deformities may be shaped or oriented preferentially to cause different colored light propagating through the panel member in different directions to create a multi-colored light output distribution. Also, a plurality of panel members each having a different light output distribution may be placed in overlying relation to one another to produce a composite output distribution when viewed through the panel members or a display overlying the panel members.

Abstract: A panel or reel strip of a gaming device that includes halftones. The panel or reel strip includes a medium and a photographically created multicolor image on one side of the medium. A silkscreen ink layer is provided on the other side of the medium. The ink defining at least one halftone producing hole array. The multicolor image and the hole array are both computer created and downloaded to a photo imager. The photo image of the hole array is used to create a screen that produces a wash layer of ink on the back of the colored image. The wash layer defines selectively made hole arrays that enable a desired amount of light to shine through the colored image, providing a glow effect.

Abstract: A furniture ornament comprised of a plurality of parallel and spaced-apart double-layered planar sheets of transparent material, e.g. rigid plastic. The sheets contain designs usually having repeating patterns thereon wherein all of the designs on the sheets are visually superimposed on one another to create a composite design when looking perpendicularly at the sheets, and wherein a view from the side at an angle shows fewer of the sheets superimposed on one another, providing an unusual three-dimensional visual effect. In an embodiment for a ceiling lamp, the viewer looks up toward the light placed between the uppermost sheet and the ceiling and sees the superimposed designs as one design. Chains hanging from the ceiling maintain the sheets in spaced-apart relation to one another with attachment member Other embodiments include a design for a table and for the front of a door that may not have an independent source of light.

Abstract: An image assembly for backlit display includes a display image on a display medium and a masking image disposed at a back side of the display image and adjacent thereto. The masking image has a pattern of light transmittance which is at least partially determined as a function of the pattern of light density of the display image. The pattern of light transmittance of the masking image and the pattern of the light density of the display image are spatially correlated such that the display image has an improved backlit appearance.

Abstract: A photograph album system (10) has a spine (14) with an internal lateral groove (30) at one end and a removable retainer (42) having a plurality of internal retaining fingers (44) within the groove. A plurality of pages (52) are defined by a plurality of signatures (54). Each signature is defined by a plurality of page sets (56). Each page set consists of an interior support sheet (58) with a central fold (60) and a pair of exterior cover sheets (64). The exterior cover sheets are folded around an individual outer edge of an interior support sheet with each having a central fold defining an outer bend (66). The exterior cover sheets are adhered to the interior support sheet so that two pages are formed with separate pockets (72) on each side of each page. Posts (36) couple the pages to the spine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sign having multiple light translucent layers are adjacent one another with such translucent layers being broken to form in one or more areas indicia (i.e. letters, numbers, etc.) meant to be visualized by an observer. These areas include a mid-layer, which is preferably colored and may be florescent, and a forefront layer. A transparent substrate or void layer is located between the mid-layer and the forefront layer, the forefront layer being closest to the observer. The forefront layer is comprised of a base color layer, which may be reflective, and an outer color layer which is closest to the viewer. The base color layer and the outer color layer, like the mid-layer, are in the shape of letters and indicia to be communicated. At least one milky white background layer forms the back of the sign. Other milky white layers having breaks in their integrity may be located adjacent to the rear most milky white layer and resulting in a soft background design.

Abstract: A shadow display device including at least two semi-transparent panels having images thereon which are positioned in front of or behind a light source casting images onto one or more of the panels. An embodiment of the device also includes a panel having an image which casts a shadow behind the light source which is enlarged on a wall or panel behind the device. The device may also include a switch to turn the light source on and off at the user's discretion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an illusion of depth from a flat image. The apparatus includes a plurality of sheets, each being at least partially transparent and reflective and a light source. A design media having at least one of relatively thin linear and curvilinear design elements cut therein is positioned between the plurality of sheets and the light source. A frame is provided for holding the plurality of sheets therein and forms a slot therebehind for holding the design media. When the light source is illuminated an illusion of depth is produced for the at least one of relatively thin linear and curvilinear design elements cut into the design media. A display media including a plurality of color sectors separated by a plurality of sector lines is rotatably positioned between the design media and the light source.

Abstract: A sign has multiple light translucent layers that are adjacent one another with such translucent layers being broken to form in one or more areas indicia (i.e. letters, numbers, etc.) meant to be visualized by an observer. These areas include a mid-layer, which is preferably colored and may be florescent, and a forefront layer. A large transparent void area is located between the mid-layer and the forefront layer, the forefront layer being closest to the observer. The forefront layer has a base color layer, which may be slightly reflective, and an outer color layer which is closest to the viewer. The base color layer and the outer color layer, like the mid-layer, are in the shape of letters and indicia to be communicated. At least one milky white background layer forms the back of the sign. Other milky white layers having breaks in their integrity may be located adjacent to the rear most milky white layer and resulting in a soft background design.

Abstract: A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.

Abstract: A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.

Abstract: A multi-layer three-dimensional display has three layers which are spaced apart in a common frame, with the front two being semi-transparent. Each layer is painted with a portion of an image, with the foreground details being on the front panel and the background on the back panel, etc. The central panel is a solid transparent sheet with the illustration applied thereto, and also being provided with a series of opaque, closely spaced light stripes. The front panel is preferably made of a screen similar to a window screen but could alternatively be a transparent sheet with or without a single grid of parallel lines. The display has an interior illumination means which cooperates with the visual effect of the front panel over the striped central panel in front of the opaque background panel to give the display a special shimmering effect and enhance its three-dimensional appearance.

Abstract: A decorative display panel is formed by spaced transparent panes defining a space containing preferably water. A porous tube at the bottom of the space is supplied preferably with air under pressure to generate a curtain of bubbles moving upward in the water. The assembly is illuminated by edge lighting. The unit can be either free-standing, or incorporated in a partition system.

Abstract: A visor assembly for a pedestrian traffic signal, which is intended to be mounted across the face of the signal and which serves to screen the signal from sunlight. The visor assembly of the invention includes a frame, and a grating mounted in the frame. The grating is formed of a plurality of zig-zag strips and straight strips interposed between one another, and adhesively attached to one another, so as to provide a solid grating which is locked into the frame, and which cannot be pried out of the frame by vandals.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a viewing device which incorporates a viewing console that receives replaceable visual cartridges and a microcomputer for generating game functions. The visual cartridges are automatically opened upon insertion into the viewing console to reveal a three-dimensional scene. When the visual cartridge is opened, its cover swings into alignment with a plurality of light emitting elements. These elements are operative to selectively illuminate various regions of the cover and to project indicia located on the illuminated region onto the scene provided by the viewing cartridge. Each viewing device can be provided with a plurality of different cartridges with covers bearing different symbols to produce a variety of visual effects useful in implementing game devices, particularly microcomputer controlled game devices, and visual displays such as advertising displays and the like.

Abstract: A visor assembly for a pedestrian traffic signal, which is intended to be mounted across the face of the signal and which serves to screen the signal from sunlight. The visor assembly includes a frame, and an "egg-crate" grating mounted in the frame, the grating being composed of a multiplicity of intersecting webs which provide a plurality of rectangular openings. The invention, the grating is locked in the frame to prevent vandalism by plastic strips which receive the ends of the webs, and which are secured to the frame.

Abstract: A point of purchase advertising display device has a front element and a rear element which are spaced a short distance apart and back illuminated. Primary copy is transparent or translucent on the front element and is repeated on the rear element in translucent form in register with that on the front element. A front fine pattern of transparent and opaque areas occupies the rest of the front element and defines the margins of each character in the primary copy. Translucent secondary copy on the rear element is viewed through parts of the front pattern, and the rest of the rear element consists of a rear fine pattern of translucent and opaque areas which is dissimilar from the front pattern but cooperates with the front pattern to produce a field of changing visual effects as a person moves relative to the display device. The rear fine pattern defines the margins of each character in the copy on the rear element.

Abstract: A three dimensional viewing device which creates the illusion of objects moving in space by utilizing a plurality of illuminated foreground scenes having cutouts through which a moving background scene illuminated with ultraviolet light is visible to provide depth and motion. The device includes a housing, a plurality of upwardly extending side walls, a rear wall, a removable top and a front wall with a large opening therethrough for viewing the displays. The entire device forms a viewing chamber. Provision is made in the front of the chamber for a plurality of vertically oriented picture members to be secured in guide tracks along the side walls and behind the viewing opening. These picture members, having a plurality of cutouts therethrough, are illuminated by a light mounted near top of the front panel.

Abstract: A multiplicity of preferably coherent light sources are disposed along a common axis and are separated from one another by interposed opaque shields in the form of disks of progressively increasing diameters transverse to that axis. Each source confronts an associated screen with an annular light-receiving zone, which (except in the case of the last screen) may be integral with the respective shields, illuminated by light from all the preceding sources. The light sources may be individually modulated by external signals, e.g. oscillations derived from sound waves, to provide a visual pattern thereof.

Abstract: A rear illuminated fascia apparatus for mounting on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus has a support structure comprising support brackets, top and bottom edge frame members, and corner members which tension and hold in place a flexible, translucent sheet material. Metal halide lights are used to illuminate the sheet material. A light dispersion member is positioned between the lights and the sheet material to uniformly distribute and disperse the light through the sheet material. Access members in the apparatus and access openings in the light dispersion member allow convenient changes of the lights.