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![[IMAGE]](vari4.jpg)
USES OF LENTICULAR TECHNOLOGY
By Frank Didik
Copyright 1986-1993
There are many areas where lenticular imaging technology is
particularly well suited. They include:
1. 3-D IMAGES. 3-D images produced using lenticular technology
have superb depth, excellent color saturation and can be produced
in almost any size and sharpness. In the 1950's, full sized bill
boards were produced using this technique. In the 1960's, Vari-
Vue and some of their licensees flooded the market with low priced
3-D post cards which fascinated the public. Higher quality
lenticular 3-D images can be produced which offer unsurpassed
sharpness as well us true to life depth. It must be noted that
lenticular images offer far better quality and visual impact then
mass produced holographic (silver) images, which are common today.
2. ANIMATION. Lenticular images not only offers true 3-D, but
can also offer excellent animation...sometimes at the same time!
With proper photographic techniques, up to five distinct images
(or countless overlapping images) can be incorporated into a print.
For example, in an advertisement, you can have the models eyes
follow the viewer, or you can have wheels rotating or birds flying
or even a small cartoon skit! The possibilities are endless--as
is the visual impact and retention time of the viewer. At a
recent display of the animated lenticular's at a show, large crowds
formed around the lenticular animated prints. Each person wanted
(had?) to see exactly what each animated print did!
4. ADVERTISING. For many years some of the leading high profile
companies have used lenticular images in their most important
advertisements. Almost all of the consumer related fortune 1,000
companies have employed this technique at one time or the other.
We have many examples of the leading fashion, soft drink,
automobile, tobacco and other companies use of these images in
their point of sale displays.
5. "CONVERSION TOOLS". You may be surprised to learn that
approximately 25% of all lenticular's ever produced fall into the
category of conversion tools. Because of the unique property of
a lenticular images ability to store multiple distinct image, one
on top of the other, it is a simple matter to offer conversion
tools. Most of these conversion tools are printed in the form of
rulers or postcard size. Some examples of conversion tools are
cards which change form fahrenheit to celsius, metric to SAE, feet
to miles, cups to ounces, English to a foreign language and
countless others.
6. GRAPHIC IMAGES AND PATTERNS. A combination of animation and
depth gives lenticular 3-D images unique visual properties which
does not necessarily mean only photographs. Extremely interesting
"space age" moving patterns can be produced to almost any size.
These patterns in themselves can be used in many industries
including fashion, jewelry, decorating, security, art and
advertising, to name just a few. For example, the known "Op-
Artist" AGAM produced a number of his well known moving graphics
using this technology. In Paris, a room was completely covered
using lenticular patterns as a type of wallpaper. The effect was
stunning. A shoe manufacturer used flexible lenticular pattern
images to create stunning new lustrous shoes. Several clothing
manufacturers have incorporated lenticular patterns in their
clothing including coats, jackets, dresses and belts. In one
case, a manufacturer created a belt with people appearing to run
around the waist!! Again, the potential for this technology is
endless.
7. POLITICAL AND OTHER BUTTONS. The lenticular images are ideal
for buttons. In fact, every president from Eisenhower on (except
Bush and Clinton) have had such buttons produced as part of their
publicity campaign.
8. SECURITY. Reproduction of the lenticular image appears to
be a simple matter to the casual observer...however nothing can be
farther from the truth.
It is very difficult to reproduce an existing lenticular since the
following factors must be taken into consideration:
A. Refractive index of the plastic or glass lens
B. The focal length of the lenticular lens in
relation to the image.
C. The viewing distance that the image was
designed for
D. The extreme difficulty and initial high cost of
producing the linear lens
E. Various technical problems (trade secrets)
related to the production of lenticulars.
A study made in the mid 1980's by the Secret Service
stated that lenticular images are the most difficult to
reproduce of all images tested including holograms. At
the time, they recommended that lenticular images be used
to produce their security badges and ID cards.
9. ALBUM COVERS, BUSINESS CARDS, BILLBOARDS, TOYS, BASEBALL
CARDS...THE EXISTING AND POTENTIAL USES ARE ENDLESS.
Frank Didik has been active in the field of 3-D for over 20
years. In the Mid-1970's, Mr. Didik produced several
experimental 3-D films demonstrating various 3-D motion techniques.
Some of these techniques were rather innovative and, to the best
of our knowledge, have not been used or recognized by others.
In the late 70's and early 80's, Mr. Didik worked on various 3-D
television systems which were publicized around the world in
numerous magazines, though the systems were never put into
production.
In 1986, the Vari-Vue company, which popularized the lenticular
process from the late 1930's to the mid 1980's closed its doors and
Mr. Didik purchased almost all of Vari-Vue's lenticular production
capability, client lists, raw materials, technical files and many
filing cabinets detailing the development of the Vari-VUe company
and the historic aspects of the development of the lenticular
product. Also purchased were some of the oldest and some of the
rarest 3-D lenticular samples including some experimental
lenticulars from the 1940's, optical art pieces from the 1960's,
rare 3-D and animated portraits from the 50's and 60's of famous
people and other pieces. We presently own or have manufactured
a variety of professional lenticular ("auto-stereo", using the
1930's term) cameras which use film formats ranging from 8" x 10"
to 20" x 24". We also have almost all variety of amateur
lenticular cameras such as the Nimslo and similar cameras, though
we do not use these in professional applications.
If you would like additional information, please send an e-mail
message detailing your interest and include your name, postal
mailing address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address.
Thank you again for your interest.
Mass Production of Lenticular Images for Advertisers
Lenticular Mass Production PRICE LIST
Professional Lenticular Photography for Advertisers
Lenticular Lenses, Optical Cement and Lenticular Supplies
DIDIK 3-D Television Systems from the 1970's & 80's
DIDIK and Vari-Vue Lenticular Technology
A brief history of VariVue
DIDIK Lenticular Technology Book
DIDIK main stereo 3-D menu
Lenticular Licensing Information for Manufacturers
and Resellers
Press Kits
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