Coded Image Display and Animation System

A coded image display and animation system comprising:

• an image decoding panel;
• a coded image panel retained in facing juxtaposition with the image decoding panel;
• wherein either the image decoding panel or the coded image panel comprises an actuated panel;
• a progressive drive mechanism operative to advance the actuated panel progressively in a first, longitudinally advancing direction over an advancing distance wherein the progressive drive mechanism periodically frees the actuated panel to move in a second, longitudinally retracting direction substantially opposite to the first, longitudinally advancing direction;
• and
• a rapid-return mechanism operative to retract the actuated panel in a second, longitudinally retracting direction over a retracting distance approximately equal to the advancing distance wherein the rapid-return mechanism comprises a biasing member operative to bias the actuated panel to move in the second, longitudinally retracting direction and wherein the rapid-return mechanism retracts the actuated panel at a speed greater than a speed at which the progressive drive mechanism advances the actuated panel when the progressive drive mechanism frees the actuated panel to move in the second, longitudinally retracting direction.