Optically anisotropic micro lens window for special image effects featuring periodic holes

摘要

An optical device that modifies a conventional anisotropic lens array to enable the viewer to perceive a repertoire of preselected images over a first range of angles of regard or to see through the device to a scene beyond the device without distortion. The preselected images in one orientation gives the illusion of a repertoire of images at differing depths. The preselected images at a second orientation can produce a set of optical effects wherein one image gradually transforms to another, or the repertoire of images are unrelated and change suddenly one to another or the repertoire of images are frames of a motion scene or finally, the repertoire of images represent a scene at differing magnifications. The optical device provides distortion-free windowing and a reasonably rich repertoire of images. The device may also be applied to applications requiring optical anisotropy such as privacy filtering.