Lenticular printing
From Free net encyclopedia
Lenticular printing is a multi-step process consisting of creating a lenticular image from at least two existing images, and combining it with a lenticular lens. This process can be used to create various frames of animation (for a motion effect), offsetting the various layers at different increments (for a 3d effect), or simply to show a set of alternate images which may appear to transform into each other. Once the various images are collected, they are flattened into individual, different frame files, and then digitally combined into a single final file in a process called interlacing.
From there the interlaced image can be printed directly to the back (smooth side) of the lens (this is the ideal method) or it can be printed to a substrate (ideally a synthetic paper) and laminated to the lens. The combined effect can be used to show two or more different images simply by changing the angle one views the print from. If you use more images, taken in a sequence (30+), one can even show a short video of about one second. Alternatively, one can use several images of the same object from slightly different angles and then create a lenticular print, which will then result in a three-dimensional effect. 3D effects can only be achieved in a side to side (left to right) direction, as your left eye needs to be seeing a slightly diiferent angle as your right to achieve the stereoscopic effect. Other effects, like morphs, motion, zooms work better (less ghosting or latent effects) as top-to-bottom effects but can be achieved in both directions.
There are several film processers that will take two or more pictures and create lenticular prints for hobbyists, at a reasonable cost. For slightly more you can buy the equipment to make your own from scratch. This is in addition to the many corporate services that provide high volume lenticular printing.
All you need to get started are two or more photographic negatives/digital files. Any two photographs can achieve the 'morphing' effect. Use photos taken in quick succession to achieve the short video effect (frames from a video camera work nicely). Two or more (more results in a better appearance, many cameras use 3 or 4 lenses) photos taken side-by-side, you can achieve the 3d-effect. Special cameras designed to do this exist (the film ones even use regular 35 millimeter film - or you can buy mechanical frames that hold two different film/digital cameras together closely. The frames have a button that will (by lever) press both of the normal cameras's shutter/activation button.
See also
- lenticular print
- lenticular lens
- lenticular
- Lenticular by World3d
- New Art Illusion, Germany lenticular software and material for everybodyTemplate:Tech-stub