DE19804858A1 - Methods and devices for producing lenticular alternating images - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and devices for the affordable and variable production of lens-grid alternating images on two-dimensional surfaces. To this end, a graphical pattern is deposited on one side of a two-dimensional transparent substrate, and a transparent, liquid material is deposited on the other side at a defined position relative to the graphical pattern. The liquid material is deposited in such a way that after the hardening thereof, lens-grid-shaped light refracting surfaces result which are located at exact relative positions with regard to the graphical pattern. A graphical pattern and a transparent liquid material are deposited on the substrate by two inkjet printing heads which are arranged on opposite sides of the substrate and which are rigidly connected to one another. The rigid connection of both inkjet printing heads guarantees the exact positioning of the light refracting surfaces relative to the printing pattern.

Description

The invention relates to methods and devices for manufacturing of lenticular interchangeable images.

Lenticular interchangeable images pose when viewed from different directions different images, for example phases of a sequence of movements. A change in the viewing direction can be done by tilting a lenticular grid. Alternating image or by passing a fixed one Lenticular grid alternating image arise.

Is a lenticular grid interchangeable in the direction of the right and the left The respective stereoscopic view of a spatial scene becomes visible, lenticular alternating images create the illusion of a spatial depth of this scene.

Lenticular interchangeable images are used as postcards, advertising media, as displays and used to visualize three-dimensional scenes.

Due to the difficult manufacturing technology compared to static images and the high attention value also find lenticular alternating images as Security features on ID cards, tickets or for product security application.

The principle of alternating lenticular images is based on the refractive effect a lenticular surface between a graphic information and is arranged for the viewer.

Fig. 1 shows the principle of lenticular changing images based on the cross-section of a transparent substrate 2 whose upper surface 46 illustrating two cylindrical lens-shaped strip 37 a, b and includes graphical pattern 47 on the underside 34 a-f applied. For example, the patterns 34 a-f in color 1 ( 34 a and 34 d), color 2 ( 34 b and 34 e) and color 3 ( 34 c and 34 f) can be printed on the back 47 of a transparent substrate 2 with a front 46 embossed in the form of a cylindrical lens will.

If the distance 48 corresponds approximately to the focal length of the lenticular surfaces 37 , light incident from the direction 50 is focused by the cylindrical lens-shaped strips 37 onto the patterns 34 b and 34 e. An observer looking from direction 50 and from a greater distance therefore perceives the stripes 37 in color 2.

Light incident from the direction 49 is directed from the surfaces 37 onto the patterns 34 c and 34 f, so that the stripes 37 appear in color 3 to an observer looking from this direction. The stripes 37 appear in the color 1 analogously to an observer looking from the direction 51. The change in the viewing direction therefore changes the color of the two stripes 37 .

If all the graphic patterns have 34 different colors, an observer sees from the directions 49 to 51 two differently colored strips 34 c and 34 f or 34 b and 34 e or 34 a and 34 d.

By using further lens strips analogous to 37 , a planar structure can be realized which represents three different images from three observation directions, each of which is composed of the strips located under the center points of the lenses or the strips to the right or left thereof.

The three images to be displayed must therefore be broken down into a number of strips corresponding to the number of lens strips and arranged on the right, in the middle or on the left of the center points of the lens strips. Since the graphic content of the strips 34 appears to be widened to the width of the lens strips 37 , the information of the original image must be transformed into the width of the strips 34 .

An alternating lenticular image made up of lens strips changes the displayed image only when the viewing direction changes from 49 to 51 , ie in the plane perpendicular to the substrate 2 and perpendicular to the lens strips 37 . A change in the direction of observation in the plane perpendicular to the substrate 2 and parallel to the lens strips 37 does not change the image view, because no curved, refractive surfaces are effective in this plane.

A grid of dome-shaped lenses can be used to implement image changes in any direction. Fig. 2 shows an arrangement of such lenses 24 on a transparent substrate 2. Colored circles or circular rings 25 are applied centered under the lenses 24 on the back of the substrate 2 . A viewer looking vertically from above onto the substrate 2 sees a pattern according to FIG. 3, while depending on the deviation Θ of the viewing direction from the vertical, the colors of the first or the second circular rings become visible. If the circular rings were subdivided into different colored sectors, the visible image would also change if the viewing direction ϕ were varied.

The images visible from different viewing angles result from the laws of geometric optics. The image content depends on the content the graphic patterns, the structure of the lenticular grid, the refractive index and the Thickness of the lenticular material and the positions of the graphic patterns relative to the refractive surfaces.

For these relative positions 52 , with the exception of FIG. 15, centered arrangements of graphic stripe systems for cylindrical lens-shaped refractive surfaces or of graphic points for refractive domes are always selected. Only FIG. 15 shows an example of an arrangement of graphic dots 45 and a cylindrical lens-shaped strip 44 , in which the dots are shifted towards the edge of the strip.

The relative positions 52 between the graphic pattern and the refractive surfaces, which are predetermined by the intended effect of the lenticular alternating image, are referred to as the “defined” relative position.

Also for distances 48 different from the focal length of the lenses of the grid, there are image angle-dependent image changes.

In Fig. 1 it can be seen that high demands are placed on the accuracies 52 of the alignment of the patterns 34 a-c relative to the overlying lenticular strip 37 a, b of the substrate 2 . Since the thickness 48 of an alternating lenticular image should generally not exceed a few 100 μm, the patterns 34 a-c must be positioned relative to the substrate 2 with an accuracy of less than 100 μm.

This applies analogously to all graphic patterns and the associated ones refractive surfaces.

In the case of printing processes, the gripping device of the printing machine must grip a substrate sheet 2 and position it to an accuracy of less than 100 μm relative to the printing plate or to the printing roller, which the graphic patterns 34 apply. In the case of multi-colored interchangeable lenticular images, these tolerances must be observed for each color separation.

Similar high requirements arise when the graphic patterns 34 are applied to the light-sensitive rear side of a substrate sheet 2 using exposure or laser processes.

Two methods are known for the printing production of lenticular alternating images. In one method, transparent foils 2 , provided on the upper side 46 with lenticular screens, are printed on the rear side 47 . The lenticular base material is produced in a separate production step. Because of the tight tolerances explained above, reject prints occur when setting up the printing press or when the substrate feed is adjusted to the printing plate or printing roller. These not exactly printed lenticular films have become unusable. Disadvantages of the process are therefore that an expensive lenticular base material has to be used as the starting material and that parts of this material are lost as rejects in the installation and production process.

In order to avoid these disadvantages, the front side 46 of a transparent thermoplastic substrate 2 is embossed in a lenticular pattern in a second known method simultaneously with the printing on the rear side 47 . Since the position of the embossing and printing rollers can be kept constant better relative to one another than the positioning of a prefabricated lenticular film relative to the printing plates or rollers, the accuracy of the positioning of the printing patterns 34 relative to the lenticular strips 37 can be ensured more precisely.

Disadvantages of this method are, however, that expensive special embossing and printing machines are required, as well as two different processes with different ones Requirements for parameters such as speed, contact pressure, temperature and. a. must be coordinated.

Methods are also known for exposing the graphic information 34 to the rear side 47 of a substrate 2 provided with a light-sensitive coating. Exposure methods have the advantage that colored graphical information can be applied in one exposure step. Therefore, the position inaccuracies of the individual color separations of printing processes as a source of error are eliminated. Disadvantages of exposed lenticular image changes are the additional price of a light-sensitive layer, the need for development and fixing processes, and the high demands on the positioning accuracy of the substrates 2 relative to the exposure image 34 .

For special applications, methods are also known for generating the graphic information 34 with laser-induced color conversions on the back or in the depth of a substrate 2 . However, these methods are limited to individual colors if the systems are expensive. The positioning 52 of the graphic patterns 34 relative to the lenticular strips 37 must also be precisely controlled when producing lenticular alternating images with lasers.

Except for the embossing printing process, all known processes for the production of Lenticular interchangeable images are expensive, lenticular shaped foils as the starting material.

Also the reproduction processes for applying the graphic information of a Lenticular grid change image require highly accurate and correspondingly expensive printing or Exposure machines.

Due to the high demands on the positioning accuracy of the graphic information relative to the lenticular base material, lenticular alternating images are only made by worldwide manufactured by a few companies and have not been able to economically with variable content, d. H. with content that is specific to each lenticular alternating image (Names, passport photos, etc.).

Due to the lack of variability, the manufacture of individual is also Lenticular interchangeable images or from short runs of such images are not economical. Up to now, lenticular alternating images can only be embossed on substrates that are lenticular or are cast. This complicates their integration into normal tarpaulins Print products, for example as a changing logo in a letterhead or as a security feature in a value document.

Starting from the prior art, the invention has for its object a simple Methods and devices for the production of alternating lenticular images specify with which both the refractive lenticular surfaces as well the graphic samples can be produced in one production step, that both are in a precisely defined position relative to each other.

The process does not require lenticular films, but uses flat substrates as Source material. It is therefore suitable to be integrated into conventional printing processes  and enables the easy application of lenticular interchangeable images on flat, flexible or rigid media.

Another object of the invention is the inexpensive manufacture of variable Lenticular grid change images, d. H. of lenticular alternating images with varying content like numbering, names or personnel information or the making of Lenticular interchangeable images in single copies or short runs.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that a plan on a surface transparent substrate a graphic pattern and on the other hand in a defined Position to the graphic pattern a transparent, liquid substance is applied, which after it has solidified, the lenticular, refractive surfaces, which are in exact relative positions to the print pattern.

The device for carrying out the method is a preferred one Embodiment of two on the opposite sides of a flat, transparent Inkjet printheads arranged and rigidly connected to one another, of which one who applies the transparent, liquid substance, the one after solidification forms the refractive surfaces, while the other applies the graphic pattern. Due to the rigid connection of both inkjet printheads, the exact positioning is possible of the refractive surfaces relative to the print pattern.

An inkjet printhead can print variable graphic patterns. Therefore, with the Method according to the invention variable in size and content lenticular alternating images getting produced.

Since the lenticular grid itself is created in the proposed manufacturing process, no prefabricated lenticular substrates are required.

Because the starting material of the manufacturing process according to the invention is flat substrates the application of lenticular alternating images in conventional printing processes to get integrated. For example, one printed in any printing process Sheet also received a logo in the form of a lenticular alternating image.

Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The lenticular array can be an array of dome-shaped or spherical lenses or are generated as an array of cylindrical lens-shaped strips and in combination with concentric or striped graphic patterns a variety of optical effects when viewed from different perspectives.

In a simple embodiment, the jets implement continuous cylindrical lens and color strips in accordance with the explanations for FIG. 1 in the introduction and thus produce a lenticular alternating image that appears in different colors from different viewing directions. Such an effect can be used as a security feature on tickets or other value documents that can be verified without any aids.

With the manufacturing method according to the invention, lenticular image changes can be made any surface can be applied by using the graphic pattern and the transparent, liquid substance, which forms the lenticular grid after solidification, directly one above the other be applied to the top of an object.

As an alternative to an inkjet printhead, you can also use it to create the graphic pattern other reproduction methods are used. For example, the graphic Patterns also arranged from an exact position to the lenticular inkjet print head Thermal print head or can be realized by an exposure head.

The subject matter of the present invention results not only from the Subject of the individual claims, but also from the combination of individual claims among themselves.  

All information disclosed in the documentation, including the summary and Features, in particular the spatial training shown in the drawings claimed as essential to the invention, insofar as they are used individually or in combination the state of the art are new.

In the following, the invention will be illustrated by means of only a few possible ways Drawings explained in more detail. Here go from the drawings and their description further features and advantages of the invention essential to the invention.

Show it:

Fig. 1 Structure and principle of operation of a lenticular screen alternating image based on cylindrical lens-shaped strips.

Fig. 2 Structure and principle of operation of a lenticular image change image based on dome-shaped lenses.

Fig. 3 When looking vertically at the lenticular alternating image according to Fig. 2 visible image.

Fig. 4 Preparation of lenticular changing images:
Apply a graphic pattern to a transparent substrate.

Fig. 5 Preparation of lenticular changing images:
Applying a transparent, liquid material in a defined position relative to the graphic pattern.

Fig. 6 lenticular alternating image:
Fixed light-refractive, transparent bodies in the defined position above the graphic pattern.

Fig. 7 basic shapes for the graphic patterns and the refractive surfaces.

Fig. 8 Further basic shapes for the graphic patterns and the refractive surfaces.

Fig. 9 combination of stripe-shaped graphic patterns and a cylindrical lens-shaped, refractive surface.

Fig. 10 combination of several cylindrical lens-shaped, refractive surfaces with stripe-shaped graphic patterns.

Fig. 11 combination of radially symmetrical, graphic patterns and a dome-shaped, refractive surface.

Fig. 12 Device for producing lenticular alternating images with inkjet nozzles.

Fig. 13 device for producing lenticular alternating images with rigidly connected inkjet arrays.

Fig. 14 Device for one-sided application of lenticular alternating images.

Fig. 15 device for application of lenticular changing images on conventional printed printing products.

FIG. 4 shows the first method step for the production of lenticular alternating images, the application of graphic patterns 3 on side 1 of a substrate 2 . Circular points 3 are shown as an example of the graphic pattern.

Fig. 5 shows the second step of applying a transparent liquid substance 5 in a defined position relative to the graphic patterns 3 on the side 4 of the substrate 2. In FIG. 5, has been selected the position above the centers of the circular dots 3 for this relative position, which is defined by the erwünschtem change image effect.

Fig. 6 shows the result of the process of solidification of the transparent liquid substance. 5 Due to the surface tension, the transparent, liquid material 5 has deformed into domes 6 which, centered over the circular points 3 , form light-refracting surfaces. The details of the dome shape such as its radius of curvature and size depend on the properties of the material 5 , on the properties of the substrate surface 4 and on the solidification conditions.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show possible basic shapes 12, 13, 14, for graphic patterns, as well as basic molds 8, 10 of the solidified liquid substance. 5 These basic shapes can be easily produced, for example, with inkjet print heads moved relative to the substrate 2 , by droplets or continuous streams of color or material being emitted onto the substrate.

Of course, other than inkjet technology are also suitable Reproduction process for the production of graphic patterns.

A wide variety of lens raster alternating images can be realized from the basic shapes shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Examples are shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 7-11. The strip-shaped graphic patterns of FIGS. 9 and 10 can each be monochrome or consist of rastered partial graphics which, as explained in the introduction to FIG. 1, come together from different viewing directions to form different flat images. The color areas 21 a-c can be generated, for example, with three inkjet nozzles which deliver droplets of different sizes in succession to the same point. First, point 21 a and then points 21 b and 21 c are generated with decreasing droplet volumes. The differently colored areas 21 d-h can be emitted onto the substrate simultaneously, for example, through a nozzle array consisting of five inkjet nozzles. When viewed at the corresponding angles Θ and ϕ through the refractive surface 23 , this structure appears in five different colors.

FIG. 12 shows a preferred embodiment of a device for realizing the production method for lenticular alternating images.

An inkjet nozzle 26 generates the graphic patterns 3 on the underside 1 of a transparent substrate 2 , which is continuously transported in the direction 40 . On the other side and in the direction of movement 40 behind the nozzle 26 , the nozzle 27 is arranged, which releases droplets of a liquid, transparent substance 28 onto the upper side 4 of the substrate 2 . The fixed nozzles 26 and 27 are synchronized in such a way that the substance 28 strikes the substrate 2 , for example, directly above point 3 b, so that the light-refractive dome formed during solidification lies directly above point 3 b.

The nozzles 26 and 27 can also lie directly opposite one another and can be synchronized in such a way that the droplets emitted by the two nozzles reach the substrate 2 at the same time. Such an arrangement would be insensitive to fluctuations in substrate speed 40 .

Any other combinations of the nozzle movements 30 and 31 and the substrate movement 32 are of course also possible. For example, a printhead consisting of 26 and 27 can also move transversely to the stationary substrate, which is transported a certain length after each line.

It is only essential for the invention that all movements 30 , 31 and 32 as well as the times of delivery of the substances through the inkjet nozzles 26 and 27 are synchronized in such a way that the graphic patterns and the refractive surfaces correspond exactly to the optical concept of the lens grid Alternating image predetermined position can be realized relative to each other. The simplest way to do this is with nozzles 26 and 27 which are rigidly connected to one another and are opposite one another.

For the production of large-area and colored interchangeable lenticular images, it is advisable to combine several nozzles into arrays. An example is shown in FIG. 13, where each strip 34 of the graphic pattern is generated by 6 nozzles 33 combined into an array 35 . In the depth of FIG. 13 there could be further nozzles or nozzle arrays which, for example, produce the basic colors of a color image. Corresponding arrangements are known from inkjet printing technology.

The nozzles 36 for producing the lens array 37 are also advantageously combined to form inkjet arrays 38 . 39 represents the expediently rigid connection of the two nozzle arrays.

Lenticular grids are suitable as transparent liquids after they have solidified in particular the "phase change" substances known from inkjet technology, which are used in are in a solid physical state. "Phase change" substances are only added shortly before Firing a droplet liquefied by heating. Immediately after hitting the They solidify the substrate into dome-shaped bodies. Due to the rapid solidification the formation of the lenticular dome cannot be caused by interference be disturbed during the solidification process. The speed of solidification can be done by cooling the substrate as well as regulating the droplet size and temperature to be regulated.

As transparent liquids for the generation of the lenticular grid can also be physical drying fabrics are used. The course of the drying process can be Parameters such as temperature, ambient pressure and the like a. regulate.

Also substances or mixtures of substances, possibly under the influence of radiation or polymerizing from other physical or chemical processes are suitable. Such substances are available in a wide variety in single or multi-component form.

For reproducible lenticular screens, flat substrate surfaces are advantageous so that the Lenticular liquids during solidification on the surface run reproducibly. Rough substrates such as papers should be treated with Lenticular alternating images can be smoothed with filler coatings.

With sufficiently viscous substances in the liquid state, however, uneven ones can also be removed Coat surfaces with reproducibly curved lenticular grids.

Polymer films, transparent papers, glasses, Crystals and a. The terms "transparency", "graphic pattern" or "color" are in the other not to be understood limited to the visible spectral range. For example, lens raster alternating images can also be detected with infrared detectors realizable, their substrates in the infrared, but not necessarily in the visible, transparent have to be. The graphic patterns of such lenticular alternating images can also un "visible". Such lenticular alternating images are suitable, for example as hidden security features.  

Fig. 14 illustrates that lenticular alternating images can also be applied to arbitrary, even non-transparent surface by the graphic pattern 45, and the refractive surfaces 44 are stacked. However, due to the small distance between the graphic patterns and the refractive surfaces, the variety of optical effects when changing the viewing direction is limited.

The distance of the curved, refractive surfaces from the graphic pattern can, however, be increased by increasing the outflow quantity of the substance 44 in the case of a nozzle array, which results in a transparent base layer with modulated, curved refractive surfaces.

Fig. 15 shows an example of a device with a transparent sheet-shaped substrate 2 is first printed on the back in a conventional printing process having an imaged printing roller 53. 54 and 55 , the counter-pressure roller represents the inking unit for the printing roller 53. 56 regulates the web tension of the substrate 2 rolling off the roller 57 and rolled onto the roller 58 . After the back has been printed, the substrate 2 passes through a device for the partial application of a lenticular image. The module consists of the inkjet arrays 35 and 38 rigidly connected by 39 and is identical to the device explained in FIG. 13. The back is then overprinted by a printing device 59 with a background color 60 , so that the information printed by printing roller 53 is visible against a background in color 60 . In addition, the substrate 2 is provided with a lenticular alternating image in partial areas. Of course, the printing of a background color 60 can also be omitted, so that the printed product contains printing information on a clear background and a lenticular image.

In this way, so-called "No Label Look" labels can be used for packaging Lenticular interchangeable images are provided. "No Label Look" labels are on clear Printed labels on substrates, which, when applied to clear containers, give the impression the print information would be printed directly on the container.

The process can also be done with printed sheets or with rigid media and printing plates, for example for printing on the inner, transparent sector of blank CDs or from CD, MC or MD packaging.

Lenticular alternating images can be created using the proposed methods and devices can also be partially applied to a transparent substrate, which will later be cold or hot is laminated onto a printed product. When laminating, it should be noted that the refractive surfaces due to pressures or temperatures that occur during lamination not be deformed.  

The graphic patterns can also be used instead of inkjet nozzles or inkjet nozzle arrays other reproductive processes. It is essential for the invention only that the positions of the reproduction results exactly with the positions of the transparent, liquid material, which after solidification the curved, refractive Forms surfaces, lets them synchronize.

The easiest way to do this is to use the inkjet nozzles to apply the refractive surfaces and the device for the reproduction of the graphic Information is rigidly interconnected at the shortest possible distance. Furthermore both must have sufficiently short response times and constant delays between control impulse and reproduction result.

For the creation of graphic patterns, for example, are also suitable on lasers or Exposures based on thermal light sources, laser or thermally induced Material discoloration or transfers, as well as electrostatic or electrophotographic Printing process.

Laser-induced material discoloration can also be realized in the depth of the transparent substrate 2 , which protects the graphic patterns from damage or manipulation.

Reproductive processes that require thermal energy must be arranged so that the refractive surfaces are not affected by heat, as well as any necessary development or burn-in processes for exposures or electrical printing processes must not damage the lens grid.  

Reference list

1

Bottom of the transparent substrate

2nd

2nd

transparent substrate

3rd

ad punctiform graphic pattern

4th

Top of the transparent substrate

2nd

5

af drops of a transparent, liquid substance

6

a-d solidified dome made of transparent fabric

5

7

curved, refractive surface of the dome

6

8th

Stripes of transparent, liquid fabric

9

curved, light-refracting surface of the strip

8th

10th

Dome made of a transparent fabric

11

curved, refractive surface of the dome

10th

12th

line graphic pattern

13

Line segment graphic pattern

14

punctiform graphic pattern

15

a-f Strip division of the area below the transparent fabric

17th

16

af striped graphic pattern

17th

cylindrical lens-shaped, transparent body

18th

refractive surface of

17th

19th

Array of cylindrical refractive surfaces

20th

ac striped graphic pattern

21

ac / eh circular and punctiform graphic patterns

22

Dome made of transparent, liquid fabric

23

curved refractive surface of

22

24th

Domes made of transparent, liquid fabric

25th

dot and circular graphic patterns

26

Inkjet nozzle for the creation of graphic patterns

27

Inkjet nozzle for the application of a transparent liquid substance

28

Drop made of transparent, liquid fabric

29

from dome made of transparent, liquid material

30th

Direction of movement of the inkjet nozzle

26

31

Direction of movement of the inkjet nozzle

27

32

Direction of movement of the substrate

2nd

33

Inkjet nozzles for the creation of graphic patterns

34

af web-shaped graphic pattern

35

Array of inkjet nozzles

33

36

a, b Inkjet nozzles for the application of a transparent liquid substance

37

a, b cylindrical refractive stripes

38

Array of inkjet nozzles

36

39

rigid mechanical connection of the inkjet nozzle arrays

35

and

38

40

linear direction of movement of the substrate

2nd

41

Reproduction device for the graphic patterns

45

42

Inkjet nozzle for the application of a transparent, liquid substance

44

43

surface

44

Cylindrical lens-shaped, transparent, liquid material

45

a-d punctiform graphic patterns on the surface

43

46

Bottom of the transparent substrate

2nd

47

Top of the transparent substrate

2nd

48

Thickness of the substrate

2nd

49

Viewing direction from left to right

2nd

50

vertical viewing direction

2nd

51

Viewing direction from right to

2nd

52

Position accuracy of the strips

34

a-c relative to the cylindrical lens-shaped strip

37

a

53

illustrated pressure roller

54

Counter pressure roller

55

Inking unit for the printing roller

53

56

Device for regulating the web tension

57

Unwinding roll for the substrate

2nd

58

Winding roll for the substrate

2nd

59

Application roller for the background color

60

60

Background color

61

Drying device

Claims (24)

1. A method for producing lenticular alternating images characterized in that

• (a) that graphic patterns ( 3 ) are generated on the surface ( 1 ) of a transparent substrate ( 2 )
• (b) a transparent, liquid substance ( 5 ) is applied to the opposite surface ( 4 ) of the substrate ( 2 ) in a defined position relative to the graphic patterns ( 3 )
• (c) the transparent, liquid substance ( 5 ) solidifies on the surface ( 4 ) and forms bodies ( 6 ) with curved, refractive surfaces ( 7 ),
• (d) which are in the defined position relative to the graphic patterns ( 3 ).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the solidification of the transparent, liquid substance ( 5 )

• (a) by solidification or
• (b) by a drying process or
• (c) by polymerizing.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in

• (a) a transparent, liquid substance ( 8 ) is applied in line or line segment form on the surface ( 4 ) and
• (b) after solidification, forms strips ( 8 ) with curved, refractive surfaces ( 9 ).

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in

• (a) that a transparent, liquid substance ( 10 ) is applied in a punctiform manner on the surface ( 4 ) and
• (b) after solidification forms domes ( 10 ) with curved, refractive surfaces ( 11 ).

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the graphic pattern on the surface ( 1 )

• (a) as lines ( 12 ) or
• (b) as line segments ( 13 ) or
• (c) are executed as points ( 14 ).

6. The method according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in

• (a) that the surface ( 1 ) of the transparent substrate ( 2 ) is divided into strip-shaped webs ( 15 ) onto which graphic patterns ( 16 ) are applied
• (b) that a transparent and liquid substance ( 17 ) is applied to the surface ( 4 ) in strips in a defined position relative to the graphic patterns ( 16 )
• (c) the transparent, liquid substance ( 17 ) solidifies on the surface ( 4 ) and forms a curved, refractive surface ( 18 ),
• (d) which is in the defined position relative to the graphic patterns ( 16 ).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in

• (a) that has several curved, refractive surfaces ( 19 ) on the surface ( 4 )
• (b) with graphic patterns ( 20 ) underneath on the surface ( 1 )
• (c) placed side by side.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the graphic patterns ( 20 a) or ( 20 b) or ( 20 c) are strip-shaped parts of different images, which are visible when viewing the lenticular alternating image from different viewing directions. 9. The method according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in

• (a) the graphic pattern ( 21 ) is applied to the surface ( 1 ) of the transparent substrate ( 2 )
• (b) a transparent and liquid substance ( 22 ) is applied to the surface ( 4 ) in a defined position relative to the graphic patterns ( 21 )
• (c) the transparent, liquid substance ( 22 ) solidifies on the surface ( 4 ) and forms curved, refractive surfaces ( 23 ),
• (d) which are in the defined position relative to the graphic patterns ( 21 ).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that on the surface ( 2 ) a plurality of curved light-refracting surfaces ( 24 ) with underlying graphic patterns ( 25 ) are arranged side by side. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the graphic patterns ( 25 ) result in the observation of the lenticular alternating image from different observation directions related images. 12. A method for producing lenticular alternating images characterized in that

• (a) that graphic patterns are generated on a surface
• (b) that a transparent and liquid material is applied over the graphic pattern in a defined position relative to the graphic pattern
• (c) the transparent, liquid substance solidifies and forms curved, refractive surfaces,
• (d) which are in defined relative positions above the graphic patterns.

13. Device for producing lenticular alternating images,

• (a) consisting of at least one inkjet nozzle ( 26 ) with which the graphic patterns ( 3 ) are applied to the surface ( 1 ) of the substrate ( 2 ) in an inkjet process
• (b) consisting of at least one inkjet nozzle ( 27 ) with which a transparent, liquid substance ( 28 ) is applied to the surface ( 4 ) in an inkjet process
• (c) consisting of a device for realizing a relative movement between the substrate ( 2 ) and the nozzles ( 26 ) and ( 27 )
• (d) consisting of a control device which controls the movement ( 30 ), ( 31 ) of the nozzles ( 26 ) and ( 27 ), the movement ( 32 ) of the substrate ( 2 ), and the times of the ejection of the paint ( 3 ) and of the transparent liquid substance ( 28 ) so synchronized
• (e) that the colored areas ( 3 ) and the refractive surfaces ( 29 ) lie in a defined relative position to one another.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the inkjet nozzles ( 26 ) or ( 27 )

• (a) Eject individual droplets electronically controlled
• (b) eject a continuous stream of droplets and prevent unnecessary drops from reaching the substrate ( 2 ).

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in

• (a) that the inkjet nozzles ( 26 ) or ( 27 ) emit continuous liquid flows,
• (b) which can be switched on and off.

16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in which is the volume of dye droplets ejected from the inkjet nozzles can be regulated. 17. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that regulate the flow rate of continuous liquid flows can.   18. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the nozzles ( 33 ) for applying the graphic pattern ( 34 ) are combined to form at least one nozzle array ( 35 ). 19. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the nozzles ( 36 ) for applying the transparent, liquid substance ( 37 ) are combined to form at least one nozzle array ( 38 ). 20. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 18 or 19, characterized in that the nozzles or nozzle arrays ( 33 ) or ( 35 ) with the nozzles or nozzle arrays ( 36 ) or ( 38 ) by a mechanical connection ( 39 ) rigidly together are connected. 21. The device according to claim 13, characterized in

• (a) that the substrate ( 2 ) is moved in direction ( 40 )
• (b) that the nozzles ( 26 ) and ( 27 ) are arranged on a line parallel to the direction of movement ( 40 )
• (c) and rest relative to the device.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in

• (a) that the substrate ( 2 ) is moved in direction ( 40 )
• (b) that the nozzles ( 26 ) and ( 27 ) on the sides ( 1 ) and ( 4 ) of the substrate ( 2 ) face each other
• (c) and rest relative to the device.

23. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that for the generation of the graphic pattern ( 3 ) on the surface ( 1 ) of the substrate ( 2 ) instead of inkjet nozzles:

• (a) a thermal printhead and thermal printing process, or
• (b) an electrostatic print head and an electrostatic printing process, or
• (c) an electrophotographic printhead and an electrophotographic printing process, or
• (d) an exposure head and a photosensitive surface of the substrate or
• (e) a laser head and laser-induced color changes on the surface of the substrate are used.

24. The device according to claim 13 and 23, characterized in that the devices ( 41 ) for generating the graphic pattern ( 45 ) and the inkjet nozzles ( 42 ) with which the transparent, liquid substance ( 44 ) on the no longer necessary transparent surface ( 43 ) is applied, are arranged on the same side of this surface.