A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of
non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a
synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a
multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic
magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers
(5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of
image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its
planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a
periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis
of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry
being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A
number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and
motion effects, can be provided by the present system.