Depth image printing method on precoated lenticular material

Abstract

A method and apparatus for printing lenticular pictures includes imposing lines of information in the form of segmented images of a scene onto a light sensitive material. Alternate segments or lines are provided from different perspective views of the same scene to be printed. The light sensitive material has a transparent lenticular material attached thereto. The light sensitive material is exposed, from the side opposite the lenticular material, by light from an illuminated image. The exposure may be effected by optical projection or by contact printing or by CRT image projection or other device. A reference grid, having a pitch slightly different from the pitch of the lenticular material, is positioned on the lenticular material and is effective to cause a Moire pattern to become visible when the lenticular material is moved relative to the light sensitive material. The Moire pattern is used to adjust the position of the lenticular material or the negative, prior to exposure of the light sensitive material. After exposure, a reflective material is applied to the side of the light sensitive material opposite the side to which the lenticular material is attached, to provide a three dimensional print. In another example, several reference grids are used for additional accuracy of alignment.