Abstract: A lenticular lens array for creating a visual effect for an image viewed through the lenticular lens array comprises a plurality of lenticules disposed adjacent to each other. Each lenticule comprises a lenticular lens element on one side and a substantially flat surface on an opposite side. Each lenticular lens element has a vertex and a cross section comprising a portion of an elliptical shape. Alternatively, the cross section can comprise an approximated portion of an elliptical shape. The elliptical shape comprises a major axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the substantially flat surface of each respective lenticular lens element. The vertex of each respective lenticular lens element lies substantially along the major axis of the elliptical shape.

Abstract: Producing a tool for creating a mandrel for forming elliptically-shaped lens elements of a lenticular lens array comprises the steps of providing a base member having a radius b corresponding to a minor axis of an elliptical shape, the elliptical shape corresponding to a desired elliptical shape for each lens element of the lenticular lens array, and cutting the base member along a plane that forms an angle k with the minor axis of the desired elliptical shape. The elliptical shape comprises a major axis perpendicular to the minor axis, a vertex of the desired elliptical shape lies at a point a along the major axis, and the angle k is given by the formula cosine(k)=b/a.