WO1990012337A1

WO1990012337A1 - Polarization visual effect system

Info

Publication number: WO1990012337A1
Application number: PCT/CA1990/000099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cyril Redford
Original assignee: Cyril Redford
Priority date: 1989-03-30
Filing date: 1990-03-22
Publication date: 1990-10-18
Also published as: AU5411790A

Abstract

A polarization visual effect system comprising a light source (1) for generating a beam of unpolarized light, a first transparent polarization layer (3) for polarizing the light beam in a first polarization plane, apparatus for rotating the first polarization plane about an axis colinear with the beam (9), and a visual object for receiving the polarized beam (13). The object includes a reflective surface and a second transparent polarization layer overlying the reflective surface for polarizing the received beam in one or more further predetermined polarization planes. The object reflects the light beam when the first polarization plane is rotated so as to be parallel with respective ones of the further polarization planes, and the object absorbs the light beam when the first polarization plane is rotated so as to be orthogonal to respective ones of the further polarization planes.

Description

POLARIZATION VISUAL EFFECT SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to polarizing materials and more particularly to a polarization visual effect system for realizing illusions of motion and other visually dramatic effects.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Prior art visual effects include systems such as "blacklight" (i.e. ultraviolet) lamps, lasers, strobe lights, etc. These systems have been used extensively for creating unusual visual effects which are useful for entertainment or advertising purposes.

However, the above-mentioned and other prior art systems have been found to be visually overpowering with the result that the observer is usually unable to direct his or her attention to any other visual stimuli. Many observers find the effect of such overpowering bombardment of visual stimuli to be objectionable, and some have even indicated that they have developed headaches or sore eyes as a result of the prior art visual effects.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

According to the present invention, a polarization visual effect system is provided for creating a dramatic visual effect without bombarding an observer's visual sense. The system is essentially passive and includes a visual object comprising a reflective surface and a stationary Polaroid™ film overlying the reflective surface. The Polaroid™ film may include a plurality of patterns defining one or more planes of polarization. A light source is provided for generating a beam of unpolarized light, and a polarizing spinner is included for polarizing the light beam in a polarization plane which is constantly rotating relative to the stationary polarization planes of the Polaroid,™ film of the visual object.

The result of polarizing the light beam in a rotating polarization plane relative to the stationary polarization planes of the reflective object, is a visual dramatic effect whereby the object appears to flash on and off or move in a distinctive manner with no visible internal or back lighting. However, a casual observer is not bombarded with visual stimuli and may direct his or her attention to other surrounding visual objects at will. Hence, the system of the present invention provides a dramatic visual effect which is easy on the observer's eyes.

In general, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a polarization visual effect system, comprising: means for generating a beam of unpolarized light; means for polarizing said beam in a first predetermined polarization plane; means for rotating said first polarization plane about an axis colinear with said beam; and a visual object comprising a substrate, a first layer of reflecting material carried by said substrate, and a second layer of polarizing material oriented in one or more stationary polarization planes, said second layer overlying said first layer, said object being adapted to receive and reflect said beam when said first polarization plane is rotated so as to be parallel with said one or more stationary polarization planes, and to absorb said beam when said first polarization plane is rotated so as to be orthogonal with said one or more stationary polarization planes. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided in a polarization visual effect system including a source of light polarized in a rotating polarization plane; a visual object, comprising a substrate, a first layer of reflective material carried by said substrate, and a second layer of polarizing material oriented in one or more stationary polarization planes, said second layer overlying said first layer, said first layer and said second layer being adapted to reflect said light when said rotating polarization plane is parallel with said one or more stationary polarization planes and to absorb said light when said rotating polarization plane is orthogonal to said one or more stationary polarization planes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more detailed description of the present invention will be obtained with reference to the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the system according to the present invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a visual object in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning to Figure 1, the visual effect system is shown comprised of a light bulb 1 for generating a beam of unpolarized light, wherein reference numeral 3 designates a cross-section of the unpolarized light beam. A mechanical spinner 5 supports and rotates a layer of Polaroid™ film 7. The direction of rotation of the polarization plane of film 7 is given by reference numeral 9, and a cross-section of the polarized light beam is designated by reference numeral 11.

Thus, the polarization plane of the light beam transmitted through the film 7 is seen from Figure 1_βto rotate in a clockwise manner about the axis of the beam.

A visual object 13 is provided with a second Polaroid™ film 15 affixed thereto. Although the object 13 is shown as an ornament in the shape of a star, the object can of course be made to any other shape (e.g- reindeer, number, word or words, picture, etc.) , or can be in the form of a poster or display panel, ? cylinder, a globe, or virtually any other configuration.

Turning to Figure 2, the object 13 is shown in cross-section comprised of a substrate 17 (e.g. heavy cardboard backing) , an adherent reflective foil 19, a Letraset™ pantone colour film 21, and overlying Polaroid™ film 15.

In operation, the polarized light transmitted through film 7 impinges upon the additional Polaroid™ film 15. In the event that the polarization planes of films 7 and 15 are colinear, the light beam is transmitted through the film 15 without attenuation.

However, in the event that the respective polarization planes are offset, the light beam is attenuated, with 100% attenuation (i.e. absorption of light) occurring when.the polarization planes are orthogonal to one another.

The light transmitted through film 15 is then transmitted through colour film 21 and reflected off the surface 19 through films 21 and 15.

A person 23 viewing the reflected polarized light from the object 13 will observe the object apparently flashing on and off as the polarization planes are rotated, relative to one another. In particular, the observer will see an object which changes from a predetermined colour defined by the colour of film 21 (e.g. gold, green, blue, red, etc.) when the polarization planes are substantially parallel, into an entirely black object when the polarization planes are substantially orthogonal.

In summary, the polarization visual effect system of the present invention is characterized by a striking and appealing visual effect having applications in such diversed fields as advertising and Christmas tree decorations.

Other variations and modifications of the invention are contemplated. For example, the substrate 17 may be in the form of pages in a book, to which layers 15 and 19 are applied by lamination or printing. The polarization planes of the film 15 may be oriented such that patterns within the book appear to move. The substrate 17 may be of glass. The object may be patterned into a jig-saw puzzle, etc.

All such modifications and variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FOR WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. In a polarization visual effect system including a source of light polarized in a rotating polarization plane; a visual object, comprising a ^" substrate, a first layer of reflective material carried by said substrate, and a second layer of polarizing material oriented in one or more stationary polarization planes, said second layer overlying said first layer, said first layer and said second layer being adapted to reflect said light when said rotating polarization plane is parallel with said one or more stationary polarization planes and to absorb said light when said rotating polarization plane is orthogonal to said one or more stationary polarization planes.

2. A visual object as defined in claim 1, further including a further layer of transparent colour film intermediate said first layer and second layer, for colouring said light reflected by said first layer and said second layer.

3. A visual object as defined in claim 2, wherein said first, second and further layers are configured in the shape of one of either a star, a reindeer, a number, a word, a plurality of words or a picture.

4. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said first layer and said second layer are printed on said substrate.

5. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said substrate is in the form of a page from a book, and said first layer and said second layer are printed thereon.

6. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said substrate, said first layer and said second layer are patterned to form pieces of a jig-saw puzzle.

7. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said substrate, said first layer, and said second layer are spherical shaped.

8. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said substrate, said first layer, and said second layer are planar.

9. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said substrate, said first layer, and said second layer are cylindrical shaped.

10. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said first layer and said second layer are laminated onto said substrate.

11. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said first layer is a coating of silver applied to said substrate.

12. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said substrate is glass.

13. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said substrate is cardboard.

14. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said substrate is paper.

15. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said second layer is comprised of Polaroid™ film.

16. A visual object as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said first layer is a layer of foil.

17. A polarization visual effect system, comprising: a) means for generating a beam of unpolarized light; b) means for polarizing said beam in a first predetermined polarization plane; c) means for rotating said first polarization plane about an axis colinear with said beam; and d) a visual object comprising a substrate, a first layer of reflecting material carried by said substrate, and a second * layer of polarizing material oriented in one or more stationary polarization planes, said second layer overlying said first layer, said object being adapted to receive and reflect said beam when said first polarization plane is rotated so as to be parallel with said one or more stationary polarization planes, and to absorb said beam when said first polarization plane is rotated so as to be orthogonal with said one or more stationary polarization planes.

18. A polarization visual effect system as defined in claim 17, wherein said means for polarizing said beam in said first polarization plane further comprises a first transparent polarization layer in the path of s,aid beam.

19. A polarization visual effect system as defined in claim 18, wherein said means for polarizing and said second layer are each comprised of Polaroid™ film.