Disney patents display trick that swaps images using polarized light
Disney has patented a system that uses polarized light to show different images depending on the viewer's perspective. The setup includes a screen with a graphic layer that has tiny holes, allowing light to pass through in a specific way. A separate polarizer filter then reveals a second, hidden image that is different from the one visible without the filter.
In the filing’s own words
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.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
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.
Facts
- Company
- Disney (DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.)
- Official title
- Selective visualization of an image using second pass-through of polarized light
- Patent number
- US12754439B2
- Application number
- 18770753
- Filed
- Jul 12, 2024
- Granted
- Oct 6, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 18
Classified under
G02B 27/021 Physics & computingG02B 27/022 Physics & computingG02B 27/024 Physics & computingG02B 27/28 Physics & computingG02B 27/283 Physics & computingG09F 13/04 Physics & computingMore from Disney in AR, VR & displays
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.