FR2732642A1 - METHOD FOR FORMING A GRAPHIC IMAGE TAPE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming a graphic image on a surface (32), where a portion of the graphic image has the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration. It comprises: a printer which prints on part of the surface a three-dimensional precursor image (34); and a delivery system which applies a flowable material to the three-dimensional printed precursor image (34) so as to form (70) above it a lenticular layer (36) to thereby produce the portion of the graphic image. . Preferably, the distribution system comprises: a distribution head which includes a manifold with several outlets; a metering device and a movement device both connected to the dispensing head; a pressure source, acting on the flowing material; and a system controller. The invention also relates to a corresponding method of implementation.

Description

The present invention relates generally to methods for

  create the illusion of a three-dimensional configuration of a graphic image in the form of a printed ribbon or the illusion of a three-dimensional configuration of a graphic image on which a lenticular material is applied

by points.

  It is known in the art to make generally planar display devices which include an image sheet and a lenticular lens sheet which, in combination, give the image and appearance of a three dimensional configuration. The lenticular lens sheet and the image sheet should be aligned appropriately to avoid image distortion. The components are made so far in the form of sheets because the process of combining these elements is usually manual to ensure

necessary alignment.

  The illusion of a three-dimensional configuration requires that the image is originally produced using a special three-dimensional, or stereoscopic camera, which photographs the desired object from several offset angular positions. Such a camera typically uses a photosensitive film placed behind a lenticular screen. The lenticular screen is positioned near the photosensitive film so that the focal point of each lenticle

  generally coincides with the front surface of the film.

  Thus, the image of the object is focused in a narrow band of the image which is exposed in the film. As the camera is shifted to the next angular position, the lenticular screen is also slightly shifted. A subsequent image of the representation of the object which comes from the new angular position is then exposed in an image strip separated from the film, adjacent to the previous image strip. Each time the camera is moved to a new angular position, the object is photographed and the image is exposed in the film in the form of a narrow band of similar image, adjacent to the previously formed image band, until a series of image bands are created which represent different views of the object. To avoid overlapping of the image strips, the lenticular screen is only displaced by a distance equal to the width of a single lenticle as the camera is moved over its entire angular range. This collection of image strips which is formed under a single lens can be called an image element. The width of each picture element is approximately that of a single lens and

  it includes all the condensed views of the object.

  Cameras of this type are described in US Patent No. 3,380,360 to Stockbridge et al. Of April 30, 1968 and in US Patent No. 2,508,487 to Bonnet of May 23, 1950. These two patents describe three-dimensional stereoscopic cameras used to photograph objects from many angular positions, the photograph taken at each position being exposed on

  a film in the form of a linear image strip.

  Once the object has been photographed from various positions, the film can be developed in the same way as any other photograph, but the resulting image is a compilation of the many adjacent bands of image. Each image strip represents the object from a given angle,

  even if it is a focused or compressed form.

  This can, with the naked eye, impart a somewhat distorted appearance to the overall picture. On the other hand, the image observed through the screen becomes clear to an observer when the developed image is combined with a lenticular screen or a sheet provided with lenticles whose same dimensions and focal length are approximately the same as those of the lenticular sheet used for

exhibit the film.

  The lenticular sheet should be placed

  above the picture elements in such a way that the focal point of each lenticular lens coincides

  with the front surface of the image sheet.

  The image appears three-dimensional because the viewer sees the image through the lenticular sheet at a slightly different angle, due to the lateral spacing between his eyes. In fact, this allows each eye to focus on a different image strip, which represents different views of the object photographed from different angles and which gives the viewer the illusion.

of a three-dimensional image.

  So far, the lenticles and the picture elements are relatively large and each lenticule must be perfectly aligned above each picture element to obtain a clearly defined three-dimensional image. With current methods, it is difficult to obtain precise alignment and it is impossible to mass produce these images.

  three-dimensional efficiently and economically.

  Typically, the lenticular sheet is positioned manually over the image sheet and is then carefully adjusted to eliminate moiré or interference lines. This is a job

  ineffective and expensive, which takes time.

  In some situations, it is desirable that the three-dimensional image only occur on part of the printed surface. In this case, the lenticular material should only be present above the three-dimensional precursor image, and not over the entire printed surface, since the lenticles would otherwise distort the part of the image that does not should not be viewed in three dimensions. Up to now, it is necessary to form a lenticular sheet of appropriate dimensions and to apply this sheet by hand to the three-dimensional precursor image. This is also a

  inefficient and expensive work, which takes time.

  Other difficulties arise in the mass production of three-dimensional sheets for use in publications such as magazines, due to the dimensions of the lenticles and the thickness of the resulting lenticular lens sheet. However, the focal lengths of larger lenses are longer, and a thicker lens covering is required so that the focal point of the lenticle is approximately adjacent to the picture elements of the picture sheet. This obviously leads to a relatively thick composite sheet which is unsuitable for magazines or other printed media which require relatively thin sheets. Making the sheet thin enough for use in magazines requires extremely small lenticles, which makes it more difficult to form the lenticular lens sheet and to properly align that sheet with the image sheet. The necessary precision made it difficult to use

efficient machines with high throughput.

  It has long been desirable, but hitherto impossible, to make both the image sheet and the lenticular lens sheet in a continuous form and combine them at a rapid rate in precise alignment to produce a finished product of a photographically acceptable quality. Standard printing methods could then be used to produce the images in continuous form. Although techniques have been developed to create a lenticular lens in a continuous form, and certain methods and devices have also been used in an attempt to combine an image ribbon and a continuous lenticular lens, none of these devices can produce a thin, flexible composite with a lenticular image, to be used economically to produce, for example, magazines, while maintaining the precision necessary to produce quality images which offer the illusion of a three-dimensional configuration without lines

  interference and no apparent distortion.

  In three Conley patents, U.S. Patent No. 4,420,502 dated December 13, 1983, U.S. Patent No. 4,414 36 dated November 8, 1983 and U.S. Patent No. 4,420,527 dated December 13, 1983 are described apparatus and method for manufacturing a composite sheet material. A basic transparent tape is directed over the surface of a first roll and is advanced along a curved path around the first roll and then through a narrow gap between the first roll and the second roll. Before the basic transparent tape passes between the first and second rolls, a flowing, uncooked, thermosetting resin with actinic radiation curing is directed onto the tape behind the narrow gap. In the second roll, grooves are made so that lenticular formations are formed in the flowing resin as the resin-covered ribbon crosses the narrow gap and rotates around the second roll. Ultraviolet radiation is directed through the base transparent tape and penetrates into the layer of flowing resin while it remains in contact with the second roller. So the flowable resin is baked into a composite sheet

of lenticular lens.

  Such a process can produce small, well-defined lenticular lenses. However, there remains the difficulty of suitably assembling such a lenticular lens with a corresponding image ribbon in a manner which avoids image distortion. Typically, it is necessary to cut the lenticular lens into sheets and then align them carefully by hand with a corresponding image sheet. It would be advantageous, and this would meet the long-felt need summarized above, that such a lenticular lens could be precisely aligned and combined with the corresponding images while the image sheet and the lenticular lens would remain one and the same. other in continuous form. This would greatly increase the yield and throughput of finished ribbon and it

  the result would be a very economical product.

  Other patents describe methods and devices for manufacturing lenticular lens products, but none provide the accuracy or precision that would allow the finished product to be used in typical publications such as magazines. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,264,164 to Jerothe et al. of August 2, 1966 describes a device which produces a laminated, flexible material, of the fabric type, which offers interesting characteristics of color and depth. However, no precise accuracy is necessary in this case since one of the aims of the patented device is to produce moiré effect images. In addition, this approach uses colored lines and various colored patterns placed at different depths between cumulative flexible sheets. In the device by Jerothe et al., It is a relatively thick sheet which is used to form the lenticular lens. The lenticular lens sheet is laminated with various films, and the resulting laminate is passed between a pressure roller and an etching roller where surface ribs or lenticular lens type ribs are formed by compression, against the etching roller, of the relatively thick leaf that forms the lenses. These devices cannot, however, be precisely controlled to make extremely small, precise lenses in alignment with the image strips of an image ribbon so as to produce a

  photographically acceptable image quality.

  US Patent No. 3,565,733 to Leach, February 23, 1971, describes an apparatus for manufacturing a composite tape, formed from a paper tape combined with molten plastic. According to the Leach patent, a paper tape which can include an image is passed between a pressure roller and a coating roller and then around a cooled profiling cylinder. A molten plastic is poured onto the coating roll, which brings the molten plastic into contact with the paper tape. This combination of a ribbon of paper and molten plastic is immediately brought into contact with the surface of the cooled profiling cylinder, which solidifies the molten plastic by producing lenticular plastic formations of the lens type. A problem with the Leach apparatus is that it does not allow the lenticular lens formations to be precisely aligned with the picture elements of the picture ribbon. This prevents constant replication of high-quality images that offer the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration without distortion. In addition, a fusible plastic does not retain its own configuration under the rigorous conditions to which a magazine is subjected, during use and shipping, which can tend to subject the formation of lenses to severe conditions of pressure and temperature. lenticular. As soon as the lenticular lenses degrade, the three-dimensional effect is lost. It is also appropriate to take into account the United States patent N 3 607 340 of

September 21, 1971 Stroupe.

  U.S. Patent No. 3,146,492 to Lemelson of September 1, 1964 describes an apparatus which produces on a continuous basis a display with multiple image sheets. According to the Lemelson patent, an impressionable sheet is laminated with several sheets and then passes between two rolls. One of the rollers is a profiling roller which creates lenticular formations in one side of the impressionable sheet. The apparatus is similar to those mentioned above in that it is difficult to form precision lenticles in the solid ribbon without which an image of photographically acceptable quality cannot be reproduced reliably. and repeated. In addition, there is no method in the machine for achieving precise alignment of the elements.

image with the lenticles.

  It is the object of the present invention to remedy the above drawbacks and to produce an image ribbon of precision lenticular lenses which offers image characteristics.

  three-dimensional photographic quality.

  According to a first aspect, the invention realizes an apparatus intended to form a graphic image on a surface, where part of the graphic image offers the aspect of three-dimensional configuration, characterized in that it comprises: a printer which prints on part of the surface a three-dimensional precursor image; and a dispensing system which applies a flowable material to the three-dimensional printed precursor image so as to form a lenticular layer on top of the three-dimensional printed precursor image to thereby produce the portion of

the graphic image.

  The flowable material can be chosen from the group consisting of a polyester, a vinyl, a polycarbonate, resins hardenable by ultraviolet rays or by electron beam, thermosetting resins, thermoreactive resins, and

catalyzed resins.

  Preferably, the distribution system includes a distribution head which includes a manifold in which are provided several distribution outlets

flowable material.

  In this case, the distribution system can also include a metering device connected to the dispensing head and intended to metering the quantity of flowable material applied to the three-dimensional precursor image, and / or a control device which controls the actions and synchronization of the distribution system, this control device can in particular be a computer, and / or a movement device, connected to the distribution head, which is capable of moving the distribution head in the lateral, proximal and distal directions relative to the surface, and / or a pressure source, selected from the group consisting of pumps, pistons and impellers, the pressure source acting on the flowable material so as to force it to flow through the distribution head and to come on the three-dimensional precursor image; and / or either a valve, contained in the dispensing head, which prevents an excess of flowing material from flowing over the three-dimensional precursor image, or a source of negative pressure chosen from the group consisting of pumps, pistons and impellers, the source of negative pressure acting on the flowable material to prevent an excess of flowable material from flowing on the three-dimensional precursor image. According to a second aspect, the invention provides an apparatus intended to form a graphic image on a surface, in which a part of the image offers the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration and in which the image is printed on the surface, a part of the image being a three-dimensional precursor image, characterized in that it comprises: a dispensing head which includes a collector in which are provided several dispensing outlets for distributing a flowable material over the part of the image which is a three-dimensional precursor image and forming on the part of the image a lenticular layer; a metering device connected to the dispensing head and intended for metering the quantity of flowable material applied by the dispensing head to the three-dimensional precursor image; a movement device connected to the dispensing head and capable of moving the dispensing head in the lateral, proximal and distal directions relative to the surface; a pressure source, selected from the group consisting of pumps, pistons and impellers, the pressure source acting on the flowable material so as to force it to flow through the dispensing head and to come onto the 'three-dimensional precursor image; and a control device, connected to the dispensing head, the metering device and the pressure source, which controls the actions and the

  distribution system synchronization.

  According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method for forming a graphic image on a surface, in which part of the graphic image offers the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting to: arrange a surface: print an image on the surface, part of the image being a three-dimensional precursor image; and applying by means of a pressure distribution system a flowable material to the three-dimensional precursor image so as to form a lenticular layer and thereby produce a graphic image. The step of applying the flowable material may include extruding the flowable material onto the three-dimensional precursor image using a dispensing head which includes a manifold in which are

provided several outings.

  The method can then also include the step of: aligning, before applying the flowable material, the distribution system with the three-dimensional precursor image using a

movement device.

  In this case, the method can also include the step of: stopping the application of flowable material to the three-dimensional precursor image using an apparatus selected from the group consisting of a

  valve and a negative pressure source.

  According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method intended to form a package, where part of the package offers the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in: arranging a surface d packaging: printing an image on the packaging surface, part of the image being a three-dimensional precursor image; and applying by means of a pressure distribution system a flowable material to the three-dimensional precursor image so as to produce a

graphic image.

  According to a fifth aspect, the invention realizes an apparatus intended to form a graphic image, where part of the graphic image offers the aspect of three-dimensional configuration and where an image is printed on a surface, part of the image being a three-dimensional precursor image characterized in that it comprises: a collector; an inlet inside the collector; an outlet inside the manifold, in fluid communication with the inlet; a cylindrical applicator in which are circumferential grooves for forming lenticles, in fluid communication with the inlet; and a drive coil, connected to the applicator and capable of rotating the latter between an open flow position and a

  closed position which prevents flow.

  The lenticular formation grooves may extend over approximately one half of the circumference

of the applicator.

  The drive coil can be driven by

  a motor and controlled by a control device.

  The collector may further comprise a recess in fluid communication with the inlet, the outlet and the applicator, the applicator being fixed so as to close the inlet sealingly when the applicator is rotated by the spool. training

  to the closed position which prevents flow.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in

  examining the detailed description, the claims

and the following drawings.

  The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which similar reference numerals designate similar elements and in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an object being exposed on a photographic film through a lenticular sheet; Fig. 2 is a front elevational view showing the formation of a graphic image ribbon by combining a precursor image ribbon and a lenticular lens ribbon, FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view which shows the paths of movement of the precursor image ribbon and the lenticular lens ribbon while they are being combined; Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the relief cutting roller which forms the lenticles in the lenticular lens ribbon; Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a printing unit used in a ribbon offset press; Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a printing plate; Fig. 7 is a side view of the graphic image ribbon which includes the precursor image ribbon combined with the lenticular lens ribbon; Fig. 8 is a front elevational view showing the formation of a graphic image ribbon by combining a precursor image ribbon and a lenticular coating; Figs. 9 and 10 are front elevational views showing the formation of a graphic image ribbon by combining a precursor image ribbon and a point lenticular coating; Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a graphic image ribbon on which a form of point lenticulation is formed; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 is a perspective view, partly in broken lines, of an embodiment of the collector of FIG. 12 fig. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13; and Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of

  side taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 14.

  The present invention generally relates to methods of producing a printed graphic image which provide the illusion of a three-dimensional configuration and, more specifically, methods of achieving this illusion in which the components are ribbon or

continuously supplied.

  It is their ability to produce a finished graphic image of photographically acceptable quality that characterizes the methods of the present invention. While the photographic quality of a printed image is a complex function of many production variables, which include the quality of optical equipment, grain sizes and film speed, the quality and type of equipment printing and the printing process selected, this quality can be reduced to a more subjective level. The quality can be linked in a more suitable way to the possibility offered to the observer to differentiate the structure in the finished printed image; for example, the ability to distinguish qualitatively and quantitatively facial features in portraits, branches and foliage of trees in panoramic views, and the like. In the context of the present invention,

  and in the description which follows, we will therefore designate by

  photographically acceptable quality a benchmark measure of clarity in the finished three-dimensional view, which does not present any material, qualitative distortion with respect to the precursor image. This is different from the methods of the prior art capable of being adapted to operation with a tape or coating feed; these processes cannot achieve an acceptable quality, this quality having been achieved only by manual operations requiring a lot of hand

  using sheet components.

  Referring now to the drawing figures, a method of forming a graphic image ribbon will be described. As generally shown in FIG. 1, a three-dimensional or stereoscopic camera is used to create an image which, after development, will give the illusion of a three-dimensional configuration when combined with a lenticular lens ribbon of the appropriate optical geometry. An image field 12 includes an object 14 to be photographed. A single object 14 is used for the present illustration, but this should not be considered as limiting the image field 12 to a single object. For example, many objects could be included in the image field, to the point that the image field is filled with various objects, as would be the case when photographing certain scenes. However, it is often desirable that the object or objects are in a relatively narrow plane or lateral field of view, when creating a stereoscopic image, in order to create a

increased three-dimensional effect.

  A stereoscopic camera 10 is mounted on a device (not shown) which makes it possible to move it to several spatially separate positions, shown in dashed lines, to obtain spatially distinct views of the object 14. Each of these spatially distinct views is exposed through a assembly 16 of lenticular film which includes a photographically sensitive element 18, for example a photographic film, combined with a superimposed lenticular lens 20. When the light reflected by the object 14 enters the camera 10, it passes through the lenticular lens 20 and is focused in narrow condensed bands, exposing a photosensitive member 18 along narrow bands 24 of image. In the preferred embodiment, the lenticular lens 20 and the photosensitive member 18 are

  movable laterally with respect to each other.

  The photosensitive element 18 is preferably mounted in a mechanism (not shown) which moves it in proportion to the movement of the camera 10. Thus, as the camera 10 moves from one position to the next, the element Photosensitive 18 moves slightly along the length of the lenticular lens 20, as shown in broken lines. Under the effect of the displacement of the element 18, the light reflected from the object 14 at each adjacent camera position is focused by the lenticular lens 20 in narrow bands adjacent to the narrow image bands 24 which have been exposed. on the photosensitive element 18 in the previous position of the camera. An image of the object is thus formed at each of the different locations along the photosensitive element 18, each exposure location corresponding to one of the spatially distinct views of the object obtained at one

camera positions.

  More particularly, the lenticular lens 20 includes several lenticles 22, each of a given focal length, preferably similar, which depends on the dimensions of the curvature of the lenticle 22. When the object 14 is photographed, the light reflected by object 14 enters the

  camera 10 and hits the lenticular lens 20.

  Each lenticle 22 focuses the light towards its focal point. Preferably, the photosensitive element 18 is disposed approximately in line with the focal points of the series of lenticles 22. This ensures that a light which strikes each lenticle 22, converges on a narrow strip to the photosensitive element 18, creating several narrow condensed bands 24 image where the light focused by each lens exposes

item 18.

  The stereoscopic camera 10 is then moved to an adjacent position which gives a spatially distinct, or separate, view of the object 14. As the camera 10 is moved to the next position, the lenticular lens 20 is slightly moved relative to the photosensitive element 18 so that this view of the object 14 is focused on the element 18 by lenticles 22 along narrow bands of image 24 adjacent to the preceding bands 24 of image. Preferably, as the camera 10 is moved throughout its range of positions, the lenticular lens is moved relative to the photosensitive element 18 over a distance approximately equal to the width of a lenticle 22. This ensures that the image strips 24 created at each position of the camera 10 appropriately expose the entire surface of the photosensitive element 18 while preventing overlapping of the image strips 24 formed under a lenticle 22 with those formed on the

adjacent lenticle 22.

  When the photosensitive member 18 is fully exposed, it includes a series of picture elements 26. Each image element 26 is of a width approximately equal to the width of each lenticle 22 and includes a series of image bands 24 which represent various spatially distinct views of the object 14 taken from the different

  camera positions 10 and corresponding to these

  this. In the particularly preferred embodiment, the camera 10 moves continuously in its range of positions, its shutter being kept open. Simultaneously, the lenticular lens 20 is continuously displaced laterally with respect to the photosensitive element 18 by a distance approximately equal to the width of a lenticle 22. This allows an uninterrupted exposure of the object 14, as regards the image, on the photosensitive element 18 so that there is no discernible break or gap between bands 24 of image. On the contrary, each image element 26 comprises the focused composite of spatially distinct views obtained when the camera 10 is moved within its range of movements while the object 14 is

  continuously exposed along element 18.

  If the camera 10 is moved within a sensitive range of positions, it is preferably moved along a curved path so that the distance

  between the object 14 and the camera 10 remains constant.

  However, if the spatially distinct views of the object 14 are created for minimal movement of the camera 10, the camera 10 can be moved in a straight line, i.e., a rope, as shown in FIG. 1. Since the difference between the arc and the length of the string is slight, this does not appreciably affect the quality of the three-dimensional latent image exposed on the photosensitive element 18. After the exposure of the image elements 26 on the photosensitive member 18, the latent image can be developed by normal methods used to develop photographic films or other light-sensitive emulsions. The developed image is then printed on a ribbon, which will hereinafter be called the precursor image ribbon 34 and replicas are made along the longitudinal length of the ribbon 34 using conventional printing techniques. The tape 34 may be of various materials, including, for example, paper

  says refined, typically used for magazines.

  Image elements 26 are generally aligned longitudinally with the tape 34 or, in other words, are generally aligned in the machine direction. As previously described, however, it is preferable that the picture elements are arranged at a slight angle to the actual direction.

of the machine.

  The interleaving method, preferred for creating precursor image ribbon 34, can also be used. Instead of taking multiple representations through a lenticular lens 20 on a single photographically sensitive element 18, it is possible to take multiple separate representations on multiple photographically sensitive elements and interleaving them into a three-dimensional precursor image

unique 162.

  Exactly in the same way as for the photographic process described above, it is preferable to take, for the interlacing process, the separate representations coming from adjacent positions on an arc or on a cord of a circle which surrounds the image field 12. These separate representations are then digitized, for example by

  parsing to enter them into a computer.

  The digitized representations are then recorded on a single pivot point so as to adjust the amount of correct parallax necessary for the lenticles 22 to be used in the final graphic image ribbon 32. The recorded representations are then combined by the analog method or, preferably, by the method by

computer.

  In the computer process, the aligned representations are "sliced" numerically into tabs parallel to the line that the lenticles 22 will take in the ribbon 32 of graphic image. These tabs of each representation are then combined by interlacing by the computer and printed to form the three-dimensional precursor image 162. If there are four representations A to D, the interlaced representation will consist of multiple tabs in the order A, B , C, D, A, B, C, D, etc. Since the representations have been recorded and the tabs are sized for the width and focal length of the lenses 22, the combination of this three-dimensional precursor image 162 and the lenticular lens ribbon 36 produces a graphic image ribbon 32 or the perceptible three-dimensional image offers photographic quality

acceptable.

  In the analog process, the recorded representations are printed as transparent copies. These transparent copies are used to create a negative representation of the three-dimensional precursor image 162 using a barrier tab 28, not shown. The tongue

  28 barrier is a black coating that adjusts

  above each transparent copy of the representation recorded and which cuts out, that is to say deletes, the whole of the transparent copy with the exception of multiple parallel tabs. The dimensions and the spacing of the tabs vary as a function of the number of transparent copies which are combined and of the width and the focal length of the lenticles 22. As each transparent copy is covered by the barrier tab 28, a light passing through the transparent copy exposes a photographically sensitive element 18. For each transparent copy, the barrier tab is moved relative to the photographically sensitive element in such a way that the photographically sensitive element 18 has been fully exposed when all transparent copies will have been used, but there is no overlap

tongue exhibits.

  The exposed photographic element 18 is used to form a positive image, which is the three-dimensional precursor image 162, of the interlaced representations. When making this positive image, it is important that the dimensions and proportions of the tabs remain constant. Some films may expand or contract during processing. The preferred film for this process is DuraclearTM, although other films also have

  acceptable quality characteristics.

  To create the illusion of the three-dimensional configuration, the precursor image ribbon must be optically combined with a lenticular lens. The lenticles of the lenticular lens are aligned with the picture elements 26 in such a way that an observer of the images on the precursor image ribbon perceives them as being three-dimensional. The formation of the lenticular lens and its alignment with the image elements 26 of the precursor image ribbon constitute a precision operation carried out with a ribbon apparatus 30 generally represented in FIGS.

Figures 2 and 3.

  The ribbon apparatus 30 is used to combine a precursor image ribbon 34, which includes picture elements 26, with a congruent lenticular lens ribbon 36, which can be left blank, or bear prints, either ordinary two-dimensional images or either of picture elements. The precursor image ribbon 34 includes a black side 38 and a three-dimensional, or 3-D, printed side 40 which is placed in alignment with the ribbon 36 of

lenticular lens.

  In the preferred embodiment, generally shown in Figure 2, a printed roll 42 of precursor image tape 34 is mounted in the tape apparatus 30. The precursor image ribbon 34 is moved in translation through a tensioning assembly 44 and then through a cover 46 o is applied an adhesive 48, for example a pressure-sensitive adhesive such as the adhesive Morton International Blend 2359. The precursor image ribbon 34 may also pass through an optional lateral alignment assembly 50 which slaves precursor image ribbon 34 to lenticular lens ribbon 36 so that they are in lateral alignment, in other words transverse, suitable when combined to form the graphic image ribbon 32. The alignment assembly 50 is optional because it is found that no lateral alignment is required in

some applications.

  Once the precursor image ribbon 34 and the lenticular lens ribbon 36 are properly aligned, with or without the aid of the alignment assembly 50, the ribbons are pressed against each other between a base roller 52 and a roller 54 urged by pressure. Pressing the tape 34 and the tape 36 against the base roll 52 allows the adhesive 48 to transform the two tapes into one

single ribbon 32 of graphic image.

  In the preferred mode of forming the lenticular lens tape 36, a flexible tape 56 is combined with a flowable resin 58. The flowable resin 58 is formed into a series of lenticles 60 and is baked in such a way that the lenticles 60 hold their configuration, as shown in Figure 4. The flexible tape 56 preferably comprises a transparent plastic material, for example polyester, although other flexible, relatively transparent materials can also be used. A plastic roll 62 of flexible tape 56 is mounted in the tape apparatus 30 and provides the flexible tape 56 to combine it with the resin 58. When the tape apparatus 30 is in operation, the tape 56 passes through a tensioning assembly 64, surrounds itself around several guide rollers 68, and enters a lenticular formation station 70 described below. After passing through the forming station 70, the flexible tape 56 rotates around additional guide rollers 72 and then comes into contact with the precursor image tape 34,

base roller 52.

  As mentioned above, it is important that the precursor image ribbon 34 and the lenticular lens ribbon 36 are optically aligned when combined between the base roller 52 and the pressure stressed roller 54. Preferably, the dimensions of the lenticles 60 in cross section and their focal lengths are approximately the same as those of the lenticles 22 of the assembly 16 of lenticular film. This allows each lens 60 to be in linear alignment with a single image element 26 of the precursor image ribbon 34. If the cross section of the lenticles 60 is large, a better three-dimensional effect is obtained by aligning laterally a single lenticle 60

  directly above each picture element 26.

  However, as the lenticles 60 and the corresponding picture elements 26 are made narrower, it has been determined in the development of the present invention that the requirement for precise lateral alignment is reduced. A desired three-dimensional effect is produced by laminating the precursor image ribbon 34 on the lenticular lens ribbon 36 in such a manner that the lenticles 60 are in linear alignment with the image elements 26. Proper linear alignment prevents distortion due to crisscrossing

  between the lenticles 60 and the picture elements 26.

  In a preferred embodiment, the number

  lenticular 60 is at least 100 per inch, that is

  i.e. about at least 40 per centimeter. At this density of lenticles, a desired illusion of three-dimensional configuration can be achieved without using a lateral alignment assembly 50. In the most particularly preferred embodiment, the density of the lenticles is at least 300

  per inch, or about at least 120 per centimeter.

  This eliminates any need for the alignment assembly 50 and further achieves a short focal length of lenticle to facilitate an extremely thin tape 32

graphic image.

  In some cases, it may be desirable to modify the orientation of the lenticles 60 relative to the picture elements 26 so as to optically align them in a manner which produces moire patterns. However, it is usually desirable to avoid any moiré pattern formation. When lateral alignment is required, the alignment assembly 50 preferably includes an ultrasonic guidance assembly 73. The ultrasonic guidance system 73 uses a pair of ultrasonic sensors 74 and 74 'which each produce an electron beam which follows the edge of the ribbon he is watching. The sensor 74 monitors an edge of the precursor image ribbon 34 while the sensor 74 'monitors the edge of the flexible ribbon 56. The frequency of the electron beam varies as it passes through different materials. The frequency of the beam passing through a ribbon is different from the frequency of this beam when it passes through the atmosphere. Thus, the ultrasonic beam can pass completely through the atmosphere, pass completely through the ribbon, or partially pass through them both, which allows the sensors 74 and 74 'to read precisely the lateral position of each ribbon. The preferred guidance system is the Model A9H manufactured by FIFE

Corporation.

  Since it has been determined that the flexible ribbon 56 tends to retain its lateral position, it is preferable to adjust the lateral position of the precursor image ribbon 34 to laterally align the lenticular lens ribbon 36 and the image ribbon 34 precursor before laminating them to form the single ribbon 32 of graphic image. To obtain this lateral alignment, the sensors 74 and 74 ′ send an output signal to a control device which itself sends output signals which control a set 76 of guide rollers. The guide roller assembly 76 is preferably hydraulically controlled to adjust the position of the precursor image ribbon 34 in the lateral direction. Such sets of guide rollers are known and conventionally used in the printing industry. Other types of guide system 73 can also be used to achieve precise lateral adjustment of the ribbons. A laser guidance system 73, which uses a laser beam to track the

  edge of each ribbon, can for example be used.

  In addition, a stylus guide system 73 could be used. In such a stylus guide system 73, a stylus cooperates with a sensor to follow a rib or a groove disposed along the edge of one of the ribbons, preferably the ribbon 36 of lenticular lens. For all these guide systems 73, it is important to note that the groove, the rib or the edge to be followed must be straight so that the ribbons

  can be aligned and combined with precision.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the precursor image ribbon 34 is slaved to the lenticular lens ribbon 36. However, the alignment assembly 50 could be connected so as to slave the ribbon 36 of lenticular lens to the ribbon 34 of precursor image. In both cases, the lateral alignment of the ribbons 34 and 36 occurs during the translation of each ribbon before the lamination of the ribbons 34 and 36 to form 32 of graphic image. This process enables efficient production of commercially viable lengths of graphic image ribbon 32

  when precise lateral alignment is required.

  In order to facilitate efficient production of the graphic image ribbon 32, the lenticular lens ribbon 36 is created during the translation of the

  flexible tape 56 through the tape apparatus 30.

  As generally shown in Figure 4, the lenticle forming station 70 includes a coating roller 77 around which the flexible tape 56 moves in a curved path. The flexible tape 56 includes an interior surface 78 which will later adhere to the three-dimensional printed side, i.e., the image side, 40 of the precursor image tape 34. The flexible tape 56 also includes a receiving surface 80 on which is deposited the flowing resin 59 to be cooked. The flowable resin 58 can be applied directly to the receiving surface 50, but the resin 58 is, according to a preferred embodiment, applied to a coating roller 77 which then rotates in cooperation with the receiving surface 80 as shown generally in Figure 4. The flowable resin 58 is applied by an applicator 82 which creates on the surface of the coating roller 77 a reservoir 84 of flowable resin 58. However, other methods of applying the flowable resin 58, for example by spray on the coating roller 77, can be used without deviating from the

part of the invention.

  As the flexible tape 56 enters the lenticle forming station 70, it is conveyed around a tension roller 86 of the contact line type, then comes into contact with the coating roller 77 in close proximity to the applicator 82 and on the downstream side thereof. A reservoir 84 is therefore maintained between the contact line roller 86 and the coating roller 77 so that the receiving surface 80 of the flexible tape 56 is uniformly wetted by the flowable resin 58. As soon as the surface 80 is wetted, the desired surface optical configuration is formed in the resin

  flowing 58 on flexible tape 56.

  The coating roller 77 is cut in relief according to a predefined surface optical configuration. This optical surface configuration is preferably a hollowed out configuration of lenticles which communicates a convex lenticular configuration to the flowable resin 58. The desired configuration is maintained as the flexible tape 56 passes through the lenticle formation station 70 and is cooked before any leveling which would materially influence the desired lenticular configuration. The lenticular configuration is maintained by holding the flexible tape 56 in contact with the coating roller 77 until it comes close to the tensioning roller 88 disposed downstream from the coating roller 77. In the preferred embodiment, the flowable resin 58 is an ultraviolet or UV curing resin and is cured before the flexible tape 56 ceases to be in contact with the coating roller 77. Several ultraviolet ray radiators 90 are arranged around the coating roller 77, in such a way that the ultraviolet rays are directed through the base of the transparent flexible tape 56 and enter the resin 58 while the latter is held in the desired lenticular configuration against

  reliefs cut from the coating roll 77.

  The relief cut configuration extends along a curved path around the circumference of the coating roller 77. The configuration may be a configuration of the helical screw type in which a continuous groove cut in relief, which corresponds to the desired physical configuration of each lenticle, is wound continuously around

  of the coating roller 77, like the thread of a screw.

  Thus, the groove cut in relief has a given angle of pitch which depends on the dimensions of the groove and the diameter of the coating roller 77. Such a continuous rib requires a coating roller 77 of sufficient dimensions so that the pitch of the groove is negligible. This ensures that the lenticular configuration formed in the flowable resin 58 is almost in linear alignment with the direction of

  lenticular lens roller 36 machine.

  The roll 77 is cut in relief so as to correspond to the desired number of lenticules 60 and to their desired configuration, the number and the configuration being able both to vary appreciably according to various parameters of manufacturing of the ribbon of image and following the desired three-dimensional effect. In order for the image ribbon 32 to be thinner, it is desirable that the number of lenticles is 100 or more per inch, i.e. about forty or more lenticles per centimeter, so that the focal length convex lenticle 60 is short and the thickness of the lenticular lens strip 36 is minimized. As mentioned above, a high density of lenticles reduces or even eliminates the need for alignment

precise lateral.

  The preferred configuration of lenticles 60 is a longitudinally divided half-cylinder, as generally shown in Figure 7. However, the configuration of lenticles 60 can be adjusted to facilitate shorter focal lengths without requiring as many lenticles 60 per centimeter. The curvature of each lens 60 may be greater at its apex than elsewhere in the lens 60: the focal length is then shorter for a wider cross section of the lenticle. An example of such a lenticle 60 is

  a hyperbolic cross-section lenticle.

  To obtain a special alignment allowing the greatest three-dimensional effect, the images of the precursor image ribbon 34 may be slightly inclined relative to the machine direction of the ribbon 34. The inclination of the images corresponds to the pitch of the lenticles 60 so that 26 picture elements

  are in linear alignment with the lenticles 60.

  In the embodiment shown, the tilted images can be created on the precursor image ribbon 34 using a ribbon offset press, although other types of press, for example engraving presses or flexographic presses can

they also be used.

  A ribbon offset press uses a printing unit 92 shown schematically in Figure 5. Ink is applied to an image carrier, for example a board 94 which wraps around a board cylinder 96. The board 94 is engraved according to the desired image and transfers the ink contained by the engraved image to a cover cylinder 98 which itself transfers the image to the ribbon 34 of precursor image. Images can be printed on both sides of the precursor image ribbon 34 as shown in Figure 5. Usually a series of printing units 92 is required since only one color is applied to each

printing unit 92.

  To obtain optical alignment, the images are printed on the precursor image ribbon 34 at an angle which matches the pitch angle of the threads of the propeller formed on the coating roller 77. This is preferably achieved by one of the following two methods. According to the first method, the plate cylinder 96 is rotated so as to cease to be perpendicular to the machine direction of the precursor image ribbon 34. The angle of rotation, with respect to the perpendicular, approximates approximately the angle of the pitch communicated to the lenticules 60. Consequently, the turned cylinder 96 of plank transfers the image to the cylinder of cover 98 at the same angle so that the image elements 26 and lenticles 60 are therefore in linear alignment when the precursor image ribbon 34 and the

  36 lenticular lens ribbon are combined.

  According to the second method, the images are engraved on the board 94 at the desired pitch angle, as shown in Figure 6. The board 94 includes an axis 100 which is aligned with the

  Ribbon 34 machine direction of precursor image.

  However, when an image 112 is engraved in the board 94, it is oriented at an angle relative to the axis 100. This angle corresponds approximately to the angle of the pitch of the hollow helical threads formed on the coating roller 77. Thus, the lenticles 60 are in linear alignment, as before, with the picture elements 26 aufur and as the ribbon 34 of precursor image is laminated on the ribbon 36 of

lenticular lens.

  After the baking of the flowable resin 58 and the formation of the lenticular lens ribbon 36, the lenticular lens ribbon 36 rotates around the guide rollers 72 and comes into contact with the precursor image ribbon 34 where it is caused to adhere to the ribbon 34 of precursor image so as to form ribbon 32 of graphic image as described above. As generally shown in Figure 7, the graphic image ribbon 32 typically includes a layer of printing paper 106 on which the image elements 26 are printed creating a printing layer 108. A relatively adhesive layer transparent 48 is disposed on the printing layer 108 and fixes the inner surface of the flexible ribbon 56 on the precursor image ribbon 34, which includes the paper 106 and the printing layer 108. A predefined topography 110 is formed from baking resin 58 and is disposed on the receiving surface 80 of the flexible tape 56. In the preferred embodiment, the predefined topography 110 is formed according to the configuration of lenticles 60 which offers the desired configuration and optical qualities, such as the illusion of the three-dimensional configuration is created when the picture elements 26 are observed through the lenticles 60 and the flexible tape 56. From this point In view, it is desirable that the width of each lens 60 is generally the same as that of each image element 26 and that the focal length of each lens coincides with its distance from the printing layer 108. Many materials can be used to create the various layers which are combined to form the graphic image ribbon 32. For example, the flexible tape 56 and the lenticles 60 may be made of polycarbonate or may be laminated to a precursor image tape 34 of polycarbonate. In another case, it may be advantageous to use Tyvek, a material manufactured by the DuPont Company, as the precursor image tape 34. A wide variety of materials, including synthetic and non-synthetic, woven or non-woven fiber material, and oriented or non-oriented fiber material, can be used to form one or more of the following: ribbon 34 precursor image, the ribbon

  flexible image 56 or lenticles 60.

  Referring to Figure 8, we will now describe an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the lenticular lens is formed by applying a coating to the precursor image ribbon 34. It should be understood that the prior art has mainly focused on the formation of the lenticular lens without correspondingly treating the optical alignment of the lenticular lens with the base film or the ribbon.

  34 forerunner image on which it is assembled.

  In order to minimize the distortions which occur when a base film or a precursor image ribbon 34 is inclined obliquely or is badly oriented in its travel path, the invention incorporates the combination of an image ribbon 34 specially treated precursor and lens coating

lenticular to cook.

  According to the present invention, the precursor image ribbon 34 is formed and processed in the manner described above, the picture elements being slightly inclined relative to the machine direction of the ribbon 34. The ribbon 34 passes through a tensioning device 72 which surrounds a coating roller 114 where a fluid coating 116 is directly applied from a source 118. A wiper squeegee 120 is used to wipe from the roller 114 while

  coating 116 in excess. The ribbon 34 then passes over

  below a forming element 122, for example a knife or a rotary bar, cut in relief according to the desired lenticular configuration at a pitch which corresponds to the angle of inclination of the image elements printed on the ribbon 34, as described above. When the lenticular coating has been formed, the ribbon 34 is illuminated by an ultraviolet lenticle, or is cooked in another way, for example by chemical cooking, drying, infrared or ultrasonic beam. A composite ribbon 32 of graphic image is thus formed continuously in such a way that the lenticles 60 of the coating 116 are in alignment with the inclined elements 26

  image of the precursor image ribbon 34.

  It is to be understood that the precursor image ribbon 34 can be coated with a lenticular lens 20 in various ways, including direct etching and flexographic methods, and in combination with various laminations. Another particular form of the invention envisages an improved punctual, or selective, lenticulation on the precursor image ribbon. According to such an arrangement represented in FIG. 9, a rotating roller 126 for coating is used, in other words a rotating roller called anilox roller 126, that is to say a roller carrying a particular surface configuration which is here an engraved surface configuration. This roller transfers from a reservoir 130 or a collector 132 a resin or a coating 128 to the segments 134 of a plate cylinder 136 which is cut in relief according to a lenticular configuration which here also agrees with the angular orientation of the image elements 26 of the precursor image ribbon 34. A rotation of the plate cylinder 36 therefore transfers a segmented, or punctual, lenticulation to the ribbon 34 of precursor image conveyed between a support of a mobile support cylinder 138 and the plate cylinder 136. When the lenticular coating 126 has been deposited. on selected areas of the tape, a baking source, for example an ultraviolet radiator or the like, is used to bake the lenticular coating 128. Here too, a squeegee 142 is used to remove any coating from the roller 126

128 in excess.

  FIG. 10 represents another embodiment in which the coating 144 which comes from a manifold 146 controlled by a synchronization control 146a is applied directly to an engraving cylinder 136a cut in relief before the

punctual transfer to the ribbon 32.

  Segments 134 located on the board cylinder 136 are made of urethane, rubber, copper or stainless steel and are interchangeable to achieve various tapered effects on the lenticular coating. It is possible to use any number of coating stations or decks, with segments 134 of various dimensions so as to produce the ribbon 32 by accumulating a point lenticulation in layers, such as that represented in FIG. 11, in which a coating 148 in three layers causes a point lenticulation with a substantially frustoconical or trapezoidal cross section, with sides 150 sloping downwards to

achieve some effect.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, the lenticular material is applied or extruded directly onto a surface 160 on which is printed the three-dimensional precursor image, or 3-D, 162. The surface can consist either of flat surfaces 160 such as a ribbon or a sheet of material, either on a non-planar surface 160, for example the outside of an already formed packaging, such as a drink can, a

  glass bottle, box or other container.

  After printing, the lenticular material or the flowable resin 58 is applied to the three-dimensional precursor image 162. The material of the flowable resin 58 can be a polyester, a vinyl, a polycarbonate, a baking resin by ultraviolet or by electron beam, in other words: by UV or EB, a thermosetting resin, a thermoreactive resin, a catalyzed resin, or any other material to be formed whose properties

optics are acceptable.

  The flowable resin 58 is distributed on the surface 160 by a pressure distribution system 164. Preferably, a pressure of between 1.4 and 140 kg / cm 2, that is to say between and 2,000 pounds per inch 2, is used. The preferred pressure depends, for any specific embodiment, on the temperature and viscosity of the flowable resin 58, the more viscous flowable resins 58 requiring higher pressures to

  achieve satisfactory flow rates.

  The distribution system 164 includes a source 166 of flowable resin 58, a pressure system 168 which applies the pressure necessary to cause the flowable resin 58 to be applied to the surface, a distribution head 170, and a control device not shown. 178. The distribution system 164 may optionally include a so-called sniffer, or withdrawal device, to prevent burrs or leaks of excess flowable resin 58. The distribution system can also optionally include a movement device 180 for moving the distribution head 170 or all of the

distribution system 164.

  Pressure system 168 can be based on compressed air, gravity, or mechanical pressure, mechanical pressure including pressure created by impellers, pistons, and peristaltic pumps, among other devices. The pressure system 168 includes a pressure source 174 which is connected, in some embodiments, to the rest of the distribution system 164 by a connector or pipe 176. The pipe 176 can connect to the distribution system at various locations. It can connect to the source 166 of flowable resin 58, thereby applying pressure to all of the flowable resin 56. It can also connect to a point between the source 166 and the dispensing head, or to a position located at inside the dispensing head 170. In certain embodiments, the pressure system 168 and the metering device 186, described above, form a single element, which can be a plunger, a syringe,

or another versatile device.

  The distribution system 164 must include at least one distribution head 170 and may include large numbers of distribution heads. Each dispensing head 170 includes at least one manifold 182 and may include more than one. Each manifold 182 has at least one outlet 184 and preferably comprises approximately 0.4 to 12 outlets per millimeter of width, that is to say between approximately 10 and 300 outlets 184 per inch. The width of the collector 182 is preferably the same as the width of the three-dimensional precursor image 162. The configuration of each outlet 184 is arbitrary, but its cross section is preferably round. Other preferred configurations include half-rounds,

  pyramids, ellipses and trapezoids.

  The dispensing head 170 may also include a metering device 186. The metering device 186 controls the amount of flowable resin 58 which is placed on the surface 160, so as to apply as much as possible the desired amount of flowable resin 58. The device metering device 186 can carry out volumetric measurements of the specific quantity of flowable resin 58 by allowing the filling of a known volume of flowable resin 58 and then discharging it by the pressure system 168 onto the surface 160. Preferably, the dosing system 186 is a timed device which allows the discharge of the flowable resin 58 to take place during a specific period of time while the pressure system 168 applies a specific pressure. By controlling both time and pressure in this manner, a controlled amount of flowable resin 58 is discharged onto the surface 160. In a particularly preferred manner, the metering device 186 is a metering valve like those produced by the

DOPAG Corp. from Round Lake, N.Y.

  The dispensing head 170 is preferably close to the surface 160 when the pouring resin 58 is being dispensed. The dispensing head 170 can be located either above or below the surface 160, and it can be perpendicular to the surface 160 or form any angle with it. If multiple dispensing heads 170 are desired, they may be on the same side of the surface 160, or on opposite sides of the

  surface, which is then located between them.

  When the flowable resin 58 is applied to the surface 160, there may be a problem of excess of the flowable resin applied to parts of the surface 160 other than the three-dimensional precursor image 162 if an excessive amount of flowable resin 58 is discharged by the distribution system 164. In addition, even if there is no excessive discharge of flowing resin 58, there can still be a problem of forming unrepresented wires 190 of flowing resin 58. This occurs when the current stops, that the dispensing head 170 and the surface 160 move away from each other and that the mass of flowing resin 58 applied to the surface 160 does not immediately separate from the mass of flowing resin 58 which is still inside the dispensing head 170. When the forces which connect these two masses of flowing resin 58 are not overcome, an excess of flowing resin 58 can be removed out of the dispensing head 170, forming a long thin wire 190, as the displacement takes place, and this wire 190 is then applied, either on the unsuitable parts of the surface 160 while reducing the quality of the product, or on the components of the distribution system 164, which poses a cleaning problem and can cause fouling. The sniffer, or withdrawal, device 172 serves to prevent this problem by exerting, on the mass of flowing resin 58 located inside the dispensing head 170, an additional force capable of withdrawing the resin towards the interior of the dispensing head 170, thereby causing it to separate from the mass of flowing resin 58 already applied to the

surface 160.

  The withdrawal device 172 can comprise a vacuum source 192 which can momentarily act on the flowable resin 58 situated inside the dispensing head 170 in order to withdraw the flowable resin 58 away from the outlet 184 and to interrupt the connection between this flowable resin 58 and the mass of flowable resin 58 already applied to the surface 160. The withdrawal device 172 may also be a mechanical plunger or syringe device which mechanically withdraws from the dispensing head 170 the

flowable resin 58.

  Unlike the above methodology, the removal device 172 can operate by directly cutting the connection between the flowable resin 58 carried on the surface 160 and the flowable resin 58

  located inside the dispensing head 170.

  The withdrawal device 172 can be a rotary valve which is close to the outlet 184 which forms part thereof, and which is in an open position when the flowable resin 58 is being applied to the surface 150 and which rotates towards a position closed when the application should stop. In this embodiment, there may or may not remain, inside the dispensing head, a small amount of residual flowing resin 58 which is not cut from the flowing resin 58 which has been applied to the surface 160, and this small amount of flowing resin 58 may or may not be sucked out of

  the dispensing head 170 towards the surface 160.

  However, if it is present and is not aspirated, this quantity is so small that it does not affect in a disturbing way the quality of the final graphic image and that it does not present any danger.

fouling of equipment.

  The control device 178 directly or indirectly controls the effects of all the moving components of the distribution system 164. For example, the control device 178 controls the movement and synchronization of the metering device 178, the movement and synchronization of the movement device 180, the pressure of the pressure system 168, and the displacement of the surface 160. In a particularly preferred manner, the control device 178 is a computer which is electrically or mechanically connected to the various components

distribution system 164.

  The movement device 180 can be used to move the dispensing head 170 or the entire dispensing system 164. This is desirable in many applications where it is preferable to move the dispensing head 170 to its aligned position above the the three-dimensional precursor image 162 of the surface 160 rather than moving the surface 160 in alignment with the dispensing head 170. The movement of the movement device 180 is preferably controlled by the control device 178 in such a way that movement is precisely linked to the rest of the components controlled by the switch device 178. Preferably, the movement device 178 is a mechanical arm, for example a robotic arm, at the end of which is disposed the head 170 which is connected to the rest of the system by pipes and electrical connectors. The movement device 178 is particularly preferably a linear multi-directional device, for example the device called a compumotor, manufactured by Thomson Industries, Inc. of Port Washington, N. Y., or that which is manufactured by Parker-Hannifin Corp. According to another embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 13 to 15, the manifold 182 includes an applicator head 202. The applicator head 202 rests in a specially dimensioned recess 214 of the manifold 182. This recess 214 is in fluid communication with an inlet 210 which is connected to the source 166 of flowable resin 58. The recess 214 is also in fluid communication with an outlet 212 which receives the excess flowable resin 58 and which can at will either recycle it towards the source 166, that is to say

* towards waste.

  The configuration of the applicator head 202 is preferably cylindrical. The grooves 204 cut in relief run on the periphery around a part of the applicator head 202. The grooves 204 are dimensioned and configured so as to produce lenticles 22 whose dimensions and configuration depend on the final product. The smooth part 206 comprises the rest of the surface of the applicator head 202. It is through the grooves 204 that the flowable resin 58 flows from the distribution system 164 to the surface 160 in the manner

set out below.

  The applicator head 202 is mounted on a drive coil 208. The drive coil 208 is motorized and causes the applicator head 202 to rotate inside the recess 214 according to the orders of the control device 178. When the flowable resin 58 is not being applied to the surface 160, the drive coil 208 rotates the applicator head 202 towards the closed position in which the smooth part 206 is flush with the recess 214 and sealingly isolates the inlet 210 and the outlet 212 from the external environment. In this position, the inlet 210 and the outlet 212 are preferably still in fluid communication with one another, but are no longer with the

surface 160.

  When it is time to apply the flowable resin 58, the controller 178 causes the drive coil 208 to rotate the applicator head 202 to the open position. This is preferably achieved by rotating the applicator head 202 in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the surface 160. As soon as the grooves 204 are in contact with the inlet 210, the inlet 210 is no longer closed tightly since the grooves 204 do not flush with the recess 214 as was the case for the smooth part 206. The flowable resin 58 can descend into the grooves 204 and come into contact with the surface 160. Since the flowing resin 58 tries to stick to the surface 160, and the applicator head is preferably made of a non-sticky material, the flowing resin 58 descends from

  uniformly in the grooves 204.

  Preferably, the flowable resin 58 descends on the upstream side of the applicator head 202, relative to the displacement of the surface 160. It is also preferable for the applicator head 202 to be in contact with the surface 160. From this way, as the flowable resin 58 reaches the three-dimensional precursor image 162 on the surface 160, it must pass between the surface 160 and the grooves 214 of the applicator head 202 and it takes force the configuration of the groove 204, that is to say the configuration desired for the lenticles 60. The immediately following operation of the process is the baking of the flowable resin 58, to permanently convert the resin 58 into

lenticles 60.

  If the rotation of the applicator head 202 is continued, it returns to the closed position. The smooth part 206 seals the inlet 210 and the outlet 212, preventing the flow of flowing resin 58. Any flowing resin 58 residual in the grooves 204 is sucked out of the grooves 204 towards the surface 160 due to the non-sticky nature of the grooves 204 and the sticky nature of the flowable resin 58 on itself and on the surface

160.

  By the effect of a synchronization of the rotation of the applicator head 202 with the displacement of the surface 106, the flowing resin does not reach the surface until the start of the three-dimensional precursor image 162. By re-ordering the rotation of the applicator head 202, the flow of the flowable resin can be stopped at the end of

  the three-dimensional precursor image 162.

  The grooves 204 must extend far enough to reach between the inlet 210 and the surface 160, because the flowable resin 58 would be applied, on the contrary, to the surface 160 from the smooth part 206 and would not retain not the configuration communicated to it by the grooves 204. It is also necessary that the smooth part 206 is long enough to seal the inlet 210 and the outlet 212 when it is in the closed position. Preferably, the grooves 204 extend around approximately half of the

  circumference of the applicator head 202.

  According to another alternative embodiment, the ribbon offset press of FIG. 5 is used to print directly on a ribbon of the lenticular film. More particularly, the ribbon offset press is used for printing on a lenticular film on which the lenticles 60 are preformed. However, other methods such as flexographic printing, engraving and galvanic deposition can be used. The lenticular film is made of a transparent material, for example a polyester, a vinyl, or a polycarbonate, on which the precursor image is printed on the back on the flat or non-lenticular side. The transparent material is preferably extruded. The image

  noticeable is seen from the lenticular side.

  The same absolute alignment requirements as those described above in the present invention apply to this embodiment, for example an inclination of the image, printing plates or of the cylinder, according to the angle or not lenticles, which can be either a helical pitch

  continuous, or a "repetitive step".

  This form of printed material would greatly reduce the total thickness of the finished product, allowing its use in a wider range of applications. The finished product can be applied in a wide variety of products. For example, the finished product can be used in textbooks, such as medical textbooks, without causing undesirable thickness. The finished product can be applied in the automotive industry, for example to provide an illusion of depth in a set of instruments, in dashboards or in other elements of the interior of an automobile. The finished product has applications in packaging materials, for example packaging that is displayed on store shelves. The finished product also has applications in magazine covers. Other applications

will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  Printing could be carried out by any printing process, for example, without this list being limiting, ribbon offset, flexographic printing, engraving, stochastic filing or electronic filing, the latter being a form currently used for high speed labeling, color production, etc. Some forms of electronic filing include laser printing, videojet, and inkjet. Whatever process is used, a high precision press should be used. In the preferred embodiment, a ribbon offset process is employed using a high precision press, for example a Harris M-1000. An example of a flexographic press

  high precision is a Stevens Graphics 2000.

  After printing an image on the lenticular lens ribbon 36, an opaque coating is used to cover the image printed on the lenticular ribbon 36. The density of opaque coating is sufficient to allow printing thereon without the printing of the coating is only visible on the side of the lenticular film which carries the lenticles 60. A white coating can be used to cover the image which is printed on the lenticular ribbon 36, and a normal two-dimensional image can be printed on the white coating . This is useful for magazine covers with three-dimensional outside covers and two-dimensional inside covers. Alternatively, a three-dimensional image can be formed on the coating

  white by methods described above.

  The locations of the image ribbon in relation to the machine configuration are similar to the

  descriptions presented earlier in this

patent application.

  The lenticular tape 36 is prefabricated at the correct pitch and thickness to give the viewer the illusion of a three-dimensional configuration. The process for manufacturing the lenticular ribbon is an extrusion, coextrusion, casting, profiling or coating so as to provide a suitable platform for performing reverse printing thereon.

  a three-dimensional image ribbon 32.

  This process offers significant savings.

  Eliminates printing on the precursor tape, the lamination process and the mentioned process

  above casting or coating.

  The manufacturing of the cylinder used in the preforming (casting operation) of the lenticular ribbon 36 on which the printing will be carried out is carried out either by the configuration of continuous helical pitch, or by a process of repetitive steps, a preformed tool being immersed in the middle which constitutes the roll surface, then retracted and moved to the next position determined by the lenticular screen, that is to say 135 lines per inch or 200 lines per inch, or approximately 53 lines or 79 lines per centimeter. It is imperative that the displacement or indexing of the tool exactly complies with the requirements of the printed communication which must be observed through the formed surface. The term "tool" used in this last sentence can be used to describe a massive device like a carbide diamond, or another device for removing material, for example a laser or a

  EDM or EDM machining.

  We understand that the above description

  relates to a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example, and that the invention is not limited to the specific form shown. For example, the configurations or dimensions of lenticles 60 may be different, different types of baking resin 58 may be used, and the arrangement of the various components in the tape apparatus may be changed. These and other modifications can be made in the production and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention as

  that it is set out in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

  1. Apparatus intended to form a graphic image on a surface (32, 160), where part of the graphic image offers the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration, characterized in that it comprises: a printer which prints on a part of the surface (32, 160) a three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162); and a distribution system (164) which applies a flowable material (58) to the three-dimensional printed precursor image (34, 162) so as to form (70) a lenticular layer (36) above the printed precursor image three-dimensional (34, 162) so   thus producing the part of the graphic image.   2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the flowable material (58) is selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a vinyl, a polycarbonate, resins curable by ultraviolet rays or by electron beam, thermosetting resins, thermoreactive resins, and catalyzed resins.   3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution system (164) includes a distribution head (170), which includes a manifold (182) in which are formed several outlets (184) of   distribution of the flowable material (58).   4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the dispensing system (164) further includes a metering device (186) connected to the dispensing head (170) and intended to meter the amount of flowable material (58) applied in the precursor image three-dimensional (34, 162).   5. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the distribution system (164) further includes a control device (178) which controls the actions and synchronization of the system distribution (164).   6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device (178) is a computer.   7. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the distribution system (164) further includes a movement device (180), connected to the distribution head (170), which is capable of moving the distribution head ( 170) in the lateral, proximal and distal directions relative to the surface (32, 160).   8. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the distribution system (164) further includes a pressure source (168, 174), selected from the group consisting of pumps, pistons and impellers, the pressure source (168, 174) acting on the flowable material (58) so as to force it to flow through the dispensing head (170) and to come to the precursor image three-dimensional (34, 162).   9. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the dispensing head (170) further comprises a valve (172) which prevents an excess of flowing material (58) from flowing over the precursor image three-dimensional (34, 162).   10. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the distribution system (164) further includes a source of negative pressure (192) selected from the group consisting of pumps, pistons and impellers, the source of negative pressure (192) acting on the flowable material (58) to prevent an excess of flowable material (58) from flowing on   the three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162).   11. Apparatus for forming a graphic image on a surface (32, 160), in which part of the image has the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration and in which the image is printed on the surface (32, 160 ), part of the image being a three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162), characterized in that it comprises: a distribution head (170) which includes a collector (182) in which several outlets (184) are provided distributing for distributing a flowable material (58) on the part of the image which is a three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162) and forming (70) on the part of the image a lenticular layer (36); a metering device (186) connected to the dispensing head (170) and intended to meter the quantity of flowable material (58) applied by the dispensing head (170) to the three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162); a movement device (180) connected to the dispensing head (170) and capable of moving the dispensing head (170) in the lateral, proximal and distal directions relative to the surface (32, 160); a pressure source (168, 174), selected from the group consisting of pumps, pistons and impellers, the pressure source (168, 174) acting on the flowable material (58) so as to cause it to flow by force through the distribution head (170) and into the three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162); and a control device (178), connected to the dispensing head (170), the metering device (186) and the pressure source (168, 174), which controls the actions and synchronization of the delivery system distribution (164).   12. Method for forming a graphic image on a surface (32), in which a part of the graphic image offers the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in: placing a surface (32, 160): printing an image on the surface (32, 160), part of the image being a three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162); and applying by means of a distribution system (164) under pressure a flowable material (58) on the three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162) so as to form (70) a lenticular layer (36) and thus producing a graphic image.   13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the step of applying the flowable material (58) includes an extrusion of the flowable material (58) on the three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162) using a head distribution (170) which includes a collector (182) in which several outputs (184).   14. The method of claim 13, characterized in that it further includes the step of: aligning, before the application of the flowable material (58), the distribution system (164) with the three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162) in   using a movement device (180).   15. The method of claim 14, characterized in that it further includes the step of: stopping the application of flowable material (58) on the three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162) using an apparatus selected in the group consisting of a valve (172) and a source of negative pressure (192).   16. Method for forming a package, where part of the package has the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in: disposing a packaging surface (32, 160): printing an image on the packaging surface (32, 160), part of the image being a three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162); and applying by means of a distribution system (164) under pressure a flowable material (58) on the three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162) of   way to produce a graphic image.   17. Apparatus for forming a graphic image, where part of the graphic image has the appearance of a three-dimensional configuration and where an image is printed on a surface (32, 160), part of the image being a three-dimensional precursor image (34, 162) characterized in that it comprises: a collector (182); an inlet (210) inside the collector (182);   an outlet (212) inside the manifold (182), in fluid communication with the inlet (210); a cylindrical applicator (202) in which are circumferential grooves (204) for forming lenticles, in fluid communication with the inlet (210); and a drive coil (208), connected to the applicator (202) and capable of rotating the latter between an open flow position and   a closed position which prevents flow.   18. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the grooves (204) for forming lenticles extend over approximately one half of the   circumference of the applicator (202).   19. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the drive coil (208) is driven by a motor and controlled by a control device (178).   20. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the collector (182) further comprises a recess (214) in fluid communication with the inlet (210), the outlet (212) and the applicator (202), and in that the applicator (202) is fixed so as to close the inlet (210) sealingly when the applicator (202) is rotated by the drive coil (208)   to the closed position which prevents flow.