Selective visualization of an image using second pass-through of polarized light

Number: 12754439
Published: 2026-10-06
Filed: 2024-07-12
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Joseph; Daniel Mark, Klouda; Jessica Anne
CPC: G02B27/021; G02B27/022; G02B27/024; G02B27/28; G02B27/283; G09F13/04; G09F13/06; G09F19/12; G02B27/0101; G03B21/26; G03B21/604; G03B35/26; G09F13/42
Verdict: Medium Hardware
First reported: 2026-W41 (2026-10-08)
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

A sign with two polarizing filters and a perforated image layer shows a different picture depending on which polarizer the viewer looks through -- a hidden-image effect useful for props or displays.

Abstract

A system may include a first polarizer to create polarized light having a polarization, a substrate that maintains the polarization and allows a first pass-through of the polarized light, and a graphic layer that maintains the polarization and allows a second pass-through of the polarized light, the graphic layer including a first image. The system may include a second polarizer separate from the substrate and the graphic layer and configured to enable a visualization of a second image different than the first image. The graphic layer may include perforations to allow the second pass-through of the polarized light. The first polarizer and substrate may be embodied in a display. The graphic layer may be placed on the display, such as on the substrate.

Background

FIELD (1) The present application relates to a display system, such as a system to generate selectively invisible imagery. BACKGROUND (2) Signage (e.g., within amusement parks, on cruise ships, etc.) is generally printed or includes a backlit graphic. In some cases, digital displays are used, such as to display different images or videos, as desired. In general, these signs and graphics are informational and only have one read. BRIEF SUMMARY (3) In one example, a system includes a first polarizer configured to create polarized light having a polarization, a substrate configured to maintain the polarization and allow a first pass-through of the polarized light, a graphic layer configured to maintain the polarization and allow a second pass-through of the polarized light, the graphic layer comprising a first image, and a second polarizer separate from the substrate and the graphic layer, the second polarizer configured to enable a visualization of a second image from the polarized light. (4) Optionally, openings are defined in the first image to allow the second pass-through of the polarized light. The graphic layer may include perforations that define the openings of the first image. (5) Optionally, the graphic layer is placed on the substrate. The system may include a display, wherein the display includes the first polarizer and the substrate. The display may backlight the graphic layer to highlight the first image. (6) Optionally, the second image is different than the first

Claims

1. A system comprising: a first polarizer configured to create polarized light having a polarization; a substrate configured to maintain the polarization and allow a first pass-through of the polarized light; a graphic layer configured to maintain the polarization and allow a second pass-through of the polarized light, the graphic layer comprising a first image; and a second polarizer separate from the substrate and the graphic layer, the second polarizer configured to enable a visualization of a second image from the polarized light, wherein the second image is different than the first image. || 7. A system comprising: a display comprising: a first polarizer configured to create polarized light having a polarization; and a substrate configured to maintain the polarization and allow a first pass-through of the polarized light; a graphic layer comprising perforations to allow a second pass-through of the polarized light, the graphic layer comprising a first image; and a second polarizer separate from the substrate and the graphic layer, the second polarizer configured to enable a visualization of a second image from the polarized light. || 13. A system comprising: a display comprising: a first polarizer configured to create polarized light having a polarization, and a substrate configured to maintain the polarization and allow a first pass-through of the polarized light; a graphic layer on the substrate and comprising a first image, the graphic layer configured to maintain the polarization and further comprising perforations to allow a second pass-through of the polarized light; and a second polarizer separate from the display and the graphic layer, the second polarizer configured to enable a visualization of a second image from the polarized light.