Abstract: A method and a medium for laser imaging is herein disclosed. The medium incorporates one or more types of microstructures having a predetermined heat or radiation modifiable optical characteristic such as color, scattering, diffusion, diffraction, interference and iridescence. Associated intimately with the microstructures is a radiation antenna that acts to absorb radiation from a radiation source. The radiation antenna and source are attuned to one another to efficiently transfer energy therebetween and subsequently to the microstructures; this transfer of energy results in the modification of an optical characteristic of the microstructures to form an image on the medium. The medium has one or more layers that may include both the radiation antenna and the microstructures. Alternatively, the microstructures and radiation antenna may be included in separate layers. Coatings that incorporate one or more layers that include distinct microstructures and radiation antennae are also contemplated.

Abstract: A method of producing Lenticular images and a system for carrying out the method, in which photosensitive material is placed in contact with a Lenticular sheet and exposed through the Lenticular sheet lenses. An additional lens-array is placed between the optical imaging system and the Lenticular sheet, with lenses having power only in one direction.

Abstract: A method of producing Lenticular images and a system for carrying out the method, in which photosensitive material is placed in contact with a Lenticular sheet and exposed through the Lenticular sheet lenses. An additional lens-array is placed between the optical imaging system and the Lenticular sheet, with lenses having power only in one direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light sensitive photographic element suitable for image capture followed by machine reading to produce a single perspective two-dimensional color image, said element comprising a two-sided support (a) having disposed on one side of said support a red light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer unit, a green light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer unit, and a blue light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer unit, and (b) having disposed on the opposing side of said support a convergent micro-lens array located and sized to be sufficient to concentrate the image light of a single perspective of an image incident on an area of a micro-lens onto a smaller area of the emulsion layer units. Such elements provide improved latitude in image recording.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light sensitive photographic element suitable for image capture followed by machine reading to produce a single perspective two-dimensional color image, said element comprising a two-sided support

Abstract: Disclosed is light sensitive element comprising a support, at least one light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, and a micro-bead layer comprising micro-beads a wherein the quantity of binder in the micro-bead layer is such that the micro-beads are not fully enclosed by the binder, thereby enabling the beads to function as microlenses. The invention also provides a camera combination and imaging method. Embodiments of the invention provide improved sensitivity and latitude in scene exposure range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light sensitive photographic element comprising a support, a convergent micro-lens array, and an interposed light sensitive silver halide emulsion layer unit. Also disclosed is a camera combination and imaging method. Embodiments of the invention provide improved sensitivity and latitude in scene exposure range.

Abstract: A direct positive silver halide photographic light-sensitive material is used for forming a light-absorbing layer of a lenticular lens sheet that includes a film-form substrate and a plurality of light input lenses provided on a light input side of the substrate, the light absorbing layer (black stripes) being provided on a light output side of the substrate in a region other than a condensing region of each of the light input lenses, the silver halide photographic light-sensitive material including a support, and at least one light-sensitive layer having light-sensitive silver halide grains with a grain size of 1 &mgr;m or less at a silver coat weight of 1.5 g/m2 or more on one side of the support, wherein on the side of the support opposite the light-sensitive layer there is no light absorbing layer, and by developing after exposing, from the side opposite the light-sensitive layer via the light input lenses, the light absorbing layer is formed based on a silver image.

Abstract: A diffusion resistant lenticular element comprising a support having a lenticular array thereon, the element having thereon an acidic mordanting layer containing a laser-induced, cationic dye image, the mordanting layer being on the side of said support which does not contain said lenticular array.

Abstract: Optical diffusing structures can be fabricated from photopolymerizable material by directing light through a transparent or translucent substrate and then through the photopolymerizable material for a period of time sufficient to photopolymerize only a portion of the material. The resultant structure can be utilized as a diffuser, a viewing screen, and in other applications, and can be combined with other light-directing structures such as arrays of tapered optical waveguides.

Abstract: A cylindrical lenticular image is made possible by the interlacing of multiple views of an object. The interlaced views are then printed on a substrate and the substrate formed into a cylinder. A lenticular lens is then properly aligned with the substrate. The result is a three dimensional image that can be rotated to reveal a full three-hundred and sixty degree perspective of the imaged object.

Abstract: A diffusion resistant lenticular element comprising a first support having thereon a lenticular array, the element having thereon a protective element comprising a second support having thereon an adhesive layer of an acidic polymer having a Tg less than about 80° C., the adhesive layer of the protective element being on the side of the first support which does not contain the lenticular array, the adhesive layer containing a laser-induced, cationic dye image.

Abstract: The method for positioning an array with periodic structures, for forming an image thereon, comprises the following steps: (a) providing a first beam of light by a first light source; (b) passing this first beam of light through the array; (c) forming a light line corresponding to the first light source with the first beam of light after the first beam of light passes through the array such that the light line is perpendicular to long axes of the periodic structures; (d) rotating the array to rotate the light line across a first detector; (e) producing a signal when the light line sweeps across the first detector; (f) determining when maximum signal is produced by the first detector; and (g) rotating the array to a proper position based on angular position corresponding to this maximum signal.

Abstract: A method for positioning an array with periodic structures, for forming an image thereon, comprises the following steps: (i) producing a light beam along fast-scan axis; (ii) translating the array in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fast-scan axis; (iii) detecting the light beam alternatively by a pair of detectors, the detectors being located near opposite edges of the array along the fast-scan axis; (iv) providing substantially periodic signals by the pair of detectors in accordance with their detection of the light beam; (v) determining relative phases of the periodic signals, the relative phases corresponding to misalignment of the array; (vi) sensing phases of the periodic signals and rotating the array such that the long axes of the periodic structures are substantially parallel to the fast-scan axis.

Abstract: A flash device includes a micro-optic array for concentrating light from the flash lamp on a radiation-absorbing dye carrier, thereby sublimating or vaporizing the dye from the radiation-absorbing dye carrier onto a receiver element, e.g. a glass plate or the like.

Abstract: A lenticular image product is formed from a lenticular material having an array of cylindrical lenses and a photographic emulsion coated thereon, by scanning the lenticular material with an intensity modulated first beam of light in a direction parallel to the long axes of the cylindrical lenses to form a latent lenticular image in the photographic emulsion. A second beam of light having a wavelength outside of the range of sensitivity of the photographic emulsion is focused into two distinct spots or a line both with a width smaller than the pitch of the cylindrical lenses onto the lenticular material. The lenticular material is moved through the beam in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the cylindrical lenses to provide a page scan motion of the lenticular material and to modulate the angle of reflection or refraction of the second beam of light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lenticular support comprising a polymer sheet having a lower lenticular surface, wherein said lower lenticular surface has a uniform coating of an antistat comprising clay or metal containing particles.

Abstract: A process for printing an image (I.sub.C) on a lenticular lens material (12) with a printing press (10). A separate film negative (B, C, Y, M) is prepared for each color used in printing the image. One of the negatives (B) is selected and each of the other negatives, and the lens material, is registered with the selected negative. Each of negatives is adjusted to the selected negative so all of the negatives and the lens material are in registry with each other. Separate printing plates (18) are prepared from each of the negatives. The plates are mounted on the press at respective printing stations and the lens material is run through the press with each of the plates being used to print on the material. The plates are adjusted, as necessary, to align the plates and register the color dot patterns printed by each plate to the color printed by the plate made from the selected negative.

Abstract: A method for forming an integral image on an image receiving medium which image is aligned or alignable with an integral lens sheet having a back side and a plurality of separate lens elements on a front side, and apparatus which can perform such a method. The method includes: directly sensing the location of each of a plurality of reference elements on the lens sheet which reference elements are separated in a same direction the lens elements are separated; and writing portions of the lenticular image on the image receiving medium each of which is associated with a corresponding lens element, in accordance with the sensed positions of the reference elements; wherein each of a plurality of image portions is written at a position which is a function of the directly sensed location of at least one selected reference element, the functions for at least some of the plurality of image portions being based on at least one different reference element.

Abstract: The invention discloses that a photograph with a 3-dimensional image results when the non-angular reflector (of mercury) used in the Lippmann process of color photography is replaced by an angular reflector; the preferred form of the angular reflector is a retro-reflector.A photographic system is described which produces photographs with 3-dimensional images. The photo-sensitive element records the interference patterns of light waves, and the system is an improvement over the Lippmann process of color photography which produces photographs with 2-dimensional images. A photographic system is also described that produces a photograph with a 3-dimensional image from 2-dimensional cross sections of a subject; the system is useful in medical imaging. During exposure, motion of more than one wavelength of light is permissible between the subject and lens or the lens and the photo-sensitive element.These improvements result from the use of a particular type of angular reflector which is a retro-reflecting sheet.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns with a method of producing 3D print materials and the structure thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the 3D print material consists of a lenticular screen, an image forming layer and an anti-halation layer coated on the image forming layer opposite from the lenticular screen. When the thickness of the lenticular screen reaches a certain amount, it renders the coating of an image forming layer onto the lenticular screen too difficult or impractical. With such a thickness, it is advantageous to coat the image forming layer and the anti-halation layer on a clear polymer base, and then securely attach the coated polymer base to a bare lenticular screen with the aid of a bonding layer. Similarly, a parallax barrier plate can be used in lieu of a lenticular screen for producing 3D print materials.

Abstract: A method of exposing an integral imaging element having: an integral lens sheet with opposed front and back surfaces; and a light sensitive layer positioned behind the back surface;the method comprising the steps of:exposing the light sensitive layer with light from behind the back surface;wherein the element additionally has an anti-halation layer on at least a portion of the front surface of the lens sheet which anti-halation layer, during exposure, reduces the amount of exposing light which would otherwise be reflected back toward the light sensitive layer from the front surface.A system which can use the above method, and an integral image element of a type which can be produced by it, are also described.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image is produced using an imaging medium having a lenticular screen, the lenticles of the screen dividing the opposed surface of the imaging medium into a plurality of elongate image areas, the imaging medium having on the opposed side thereof a radiation-sensitive layer, the radiation-sensitive layer comprising a color-forming composition adapted to undergo a change of color upon increase in the temperature of the radiation-sensitive layer above a color-forming temperature for a color-forming time.

Abstract: The invention discloses that a photograph with a 3-dimensional image results when the non-angular reflector (of mercury) used in the Lippmann process of color photography is replaced by an angular reflector; the preferred form of the angular reflector is a retro-reflector.A photographic system is described which produces photographs with 3-dimensional images. The photo-sensitive element records the interference patterns of light waves, and the system is an improvement over the Lippmann process of color photography which produces photographs with 2-dimensional images. A photographic system is also described that produces a photograph with a 3-dimensional image from 2-dimensional cross sections of a subject; the system is useful in medical imaging. During exposure, motion of more than one wavelength of light is permissible between the subject and lens or the lens and the photo-sensitive element.These improvements result from the use of a particular type of angular reflector which is a retro-reflecting sheet.

Abstract: An integral image element, comprising:an integral lens sheet with opposed front and back surfaces, the front surface carrying convex surfaces of a plurality of lens elements;an integral image positioned behind the back surface; anda non-specular reflective layer positioned behind the integral image which layer reflects more than 80% of visible light reaching the reflective layer from in front of the layer, before penetrating the reflective layer a distance of 10 microns.A method of making the foregoing type of integral image element is also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses that a photograph with a 3-dimensional image results when the non-angular reflector (of mercury) used in the Lippmann process of color photography is replaced by an angular reflector; the preferred form of the angular reflector is a retro-reflector.A photographic system is described which produces photographs with 3-dimensional images. The photo-sensitive element records the interference patterns of light waves, and the system is an improvement over the Lippmann process of color photography which produces photographs with 2-dimensional images. A photographic system is also described that produces a photograph with a 3-dimensional image from 2-dimensional cross sections of a subject; the system is useful in medical imaging. During exposure, motion of more than one wavelength of light is permissible between the subject and lens or the lens and the photo-sensitive element.These improvements result from the use of a particular type of angular reflector which is a retro-reflecting sheet.

Abstract: The invention discloses that a photograph with a 3-dimensional image results when the non-angular reflector (of mercury) used in the Lippmann process of color photography is replaced by an angular reflector; the preferred form of the angular reflector is a retro-reflector.A photographic system is described which produces photographs with 3-dimensional images. The photo-sensitive element records the interference patterns of light waves, and the system is an improvement over the Lippmann process of color photography which produces photographs with 2-dimensional images. A photographic system is also described that produces a photograph with a 3-dimensional image from 2-dimensional cross sections of a subject; the system is useful in medical imaging. During exposure, motion of more than one wavelength of light is permissible between the subject and lens or the lens and the photo-sensitive element.These improvements result from the use of a particular type of angular reflector which is a retro-reflecting sheet.

Abstract: A method for the photolithographic production of structures in the submicron range including the following steps:- a photoresist layer comprising a polymer containing carboxylic acid anhydride and carboxylic acid tert. butyl ester groups, a photoinitiator which releases an acid when exposed, and a suitable solvent is applied to a substrate;- the photoresist layer is dried;- the photoresist layer is exposed in an imagewise manner;- the exposed photoresist layer is subjected to temperature treatment;- the photoresist layer treated in this way is subjected to liquid silylation;- the silylated photoresist layer is dry-developed in an anisotropic oxygen plasma;where the temperature treatment is handled in such a way that the photoresist becomes hydrophilic in the exposed areas.

Abstract: A substrate (10) is formed having first and second opposite flat surfaces. Photolithographic masking and etching is used to form on the first surface of the substrate at least one lens (25) having a central axis. Photolithographic masking and etching is also used to form on the second surface of the substrate an optical fiber guide (23). The fiber guide is then used to mount an optical fiber(27) on the second surface of the substrate such that the central axis of the optical fiber is substantially coincident with the central axis of the lens, thereby giving the desired alignment.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image is produced using an imaging medium having a lenticular screen, the lenticles of the screen dividing the opposed surface of the imaging medium into a plurality of elongate image areas, the imaging medium having on the opposed side thereof a radiation-sensitive layer, the radiation-sensitive layer comprising a color-forming composition adapted to undergo a change of color upon increase in the temperature of the radiation-sensitive layer above a color-forming temperature for a color-forming time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for patterning areas of a radiation absorbent film material. In the preferred embodiment, the film material is at least partially electrically conductive. The radiation is focused onto the film by a lenticular lens having a plurality of optically active elements to provide a radiation pattern on the film and remove or displace portions of the film to form a corresponding pattern, preferably a conductive pattern. The film may have one or more layers or regions, but at least one region must be radiation absorbent in order to allow the formation of patterns in the film in accordance with the present invention. The areas of the film affected by the phenomenon of radiation absorption are non-conductive voids which may separate the film into a plurality of conductive grid lines whereby the film is useful with a conductive lens film to increase the apparent efficiency of a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A one-part coating composition for the backside of photographic prints and photographic prints so coated are described. The white coating is reflective, flexible, and water resistant.

Abstract: A method and article providing different images from differing viewing angles. The image side of a lenticular sheet is printed with radiation curable inks and cured using a collimated radiation source located at a viewer position with respect to the lenticular surface. Uncured ink is removed from the printed surface, and the resulting clear region of the imaging surface may be processed further in a variety of ways. The clear region may be left unprinted, or printed with a second image different from the first, or a stereoscopic image that combines with its pre-printed mate to form a three dimensional image. The clear region also may be vacuum metallized or chemically plated to form a highly reflective surface.

Abstract: A method and article providing different images from differing viewing angles. The image side of a lenticular sheet is printed with radiation sensitive image layer and cured using a collimated radiation source located at a viewer position with respect to the lenticular surface. Uncured imaging material is removed from the printed surface as by rinsing, and the resulting clear region of the imaging surface may be processed further in a variety of ways. The clear region may be left unprinted, or printed with a second image different from the first, or printed with a stereoscopic image that combines with its pre-printed mate to form a three dimensional image. The clear region also may be vacuum metallized or chemically plated to form a highly reflective surface. The method permits use of relatively thin lenticular sheeting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating an aperture between the lenslets of a lenslet array, which lenslet array has been produced by a process that leaves at least partially opaque barriers between the lenslets, comprising utilizing a photoresist over the entire surface of the lenslets and the spaces therebetween and shining ultraviolet light from the back of the array so that light exposes the photoresist in the lenslet portions and not in the areas therebetween.

Abstract: The invention discloses that a photograph with a 3-dimensional image results when the non-angular reflector (of mercury) used in the Lippmann process of color photography is replaced by an angular reflector; the preferred form of the angular reflector is a retro-reflector.A photographic system is described which produces photographs with 3-dimensional images. The photo-sensitive element records the interference patterns of light waves, and the system is an improvement over the Lippmann process of color photography which produces photographs with 2-dimensional images. A photographic system is also described that produces a photograph with a 3-dimensional image from 2-dimensional cross sections of a subject; the system is useful in medical imaging. During exposure, motion of more than one wavelength of light is permissible between the subject and lens or the lens and the photo-sensitive element.These improvements result from the use of a particular type of angular reflector which is a retro-reflecting sheet.

Abstract: A diffusion plate useful for capturing a real image in an optical system. The plate has a roughened semi-transparent surface for diffusing incident radiation. The surface is comprised of cones etched therein for form a roughness. The cones have a geometry and average center-to-center distances which are precisely predetermined to correspond with either a desired angle of divergence or with a desired diffusion intensity.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a record of an object field in which substantially perspective change in one direction only is recorded. The apparatus comprises elongate aperture means (35) and an array of lens elements (34) which extends in two dimensions and is disposed in an image field. Each lens element (34) is convergent in all planes orthogonal to the array. Recording means are so arranged that each lens element (34) forms an image thereon. Each recorded image (36) is derived from rays from a range of perspectives of the object field in one direction and a substantially smaller range in an orthogonal direction and each recorded image (36) is distinct from each other recorded image. Reproduction apparatus allows an autostereoscopic image to be formed on conventional lenticular material from an intermediate record produced by the recording apparatus.

Abstract: A sheet containing an integrated-directional, half-tone image. Each sheet may contain one or more such images. Also a method for forming such images in microlens sheetings comprising directly a highly collimated light through an interposed half-tone mask.

Abstract: A method is shown in which a black, light-absorbing matrix is formed on the viewing surface of a rear-projection polymethyl methacrylate TV viewing screen in which there is use of a negative working photoresist composition comprising an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol, a water-soluble dichromate and acetone as essentially the sole wetting agent.

Abstract: A coating composition for the backside of photographic prints and photographic prints so coated are described. The white coating is reflective, flexible, and water resistant.

Abstract: A lenticular array suitable for CCD stripe filters is made by anisotropically etching a V-shaped groove in a 100 silicon wafer wherein the walls of the V-grooves are made by intersecting 111 planes, replicating the V-grooves in metal to form an inverted V-master and spin coating a hardenable resin thereon to form a uniform array of lenses between the peaks.

Abstract: A lenticular array in silicon is made by anisotropically etching a V-shaped groove in a 100 silicon wafer wherein the walls of the V are made by intersecting 111 planes and exposing the surface having the V-grooves therein to a polishing etch whereby a series of lenses is formed between the V-grooves.

Abstract: Articles having on one surface thereof a linear prism array and a diffraction grating on the opposite surface are provided which are suitable for the preparation of projection transparencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible composite sheet material having a thermoset patterned relief surface of high quality and definition which is particularly useful for producing high quality optical sheet components such as a lenticular screen sheet for producing three-dimensional pictures and photographs. The composite sheet comprises a flexible base film having front and rear surfaces and a layer of a cured thermosetting polymer overlying the front surface of the base film. The cured thermosetting polymer layer has a nonplanar outer surface defining a predetermined desired relief pattern of high quality and durability and of fine definition in the thermosetting polymer layer.

Abstract: Photographic elements, multicolor filters and receivers are disclosed having supports providing microvessels for materials such as radiation-sensitive materials, imaging materials, mordants, silver precipitating agents and materials which are useful in conjunction with these materials. Processes of forming microvessels and introducing materials therein are also disclosed. Processes of forming images are disclosed employing microvessel containing elements. Image transfer processes are disclosed for producing one or a combination of silver and multicolor subtractive primary images alone or in combination with multicolor additive primary images.

Abstract: Photographic elements, multicolor filters and receivers are disclosed having supports providing microvessels for materials such as radiation-sensitive materials, imaging materials, mordants, silver precipitating agents and materials which are useful in conjunction with these materials. Processes of forming microvessels and introducing materials therein are also disclosed. Processes of forming images are disclosed employing microvessel containing elements. Image transfer processes are disclosed for producing one or a combination of silver and multicolor subtractive primary images alone or in combination with multicolor additive primary images.

Abstract: A process for printing an image (IC) on a lenticular lens material (12) with a printing press (10). A separate film negative (B, C, Y, M) is prepared for each color used in printing the image. One of the negatives (B) is selected and each of the other negatives, and the lens material, is registered with the selected negative. Each of negatives is adjusted to the selected negative so all of the negatives and the lens material are in registry with each other. Separate printing plates (18) are prepared from each of the negatives. The plates are mounted on the press at respective printing stations and the lens material is run through the press with each of the plates being used to print on the material. The plates are adjusted, as necessary, to align the plates and register the color dot patterns printed by each plate to the color printed by the plate made from the selected negative.