Patent ID: 7420732

Claim:
A method for making a real image of an object appear and disappear, comprising: providing a curved container having an opening into an internal space therein and an object in the space within the curved container, the container having a curved mirrored internal surface; providing a first polarizer including a first transmissive axis for polarizing light over the object in the internal space; providing a second polarizer including a second transmissive axis for polarizing light over the opening into the container; directing incident light toward the first polarizer and the second polarizer through the opening; changing the angular relationship between the first transmissive axis and the second transmissive axis relative to each other thereby making a real image of the object appear and disappear above the opening; and maintaining substantial true color of the real image of the object while transitioning from the appearance of the real image of the object to disappearance of the real image of the object.