DE102009054706A1 - Device for spatial representation and method for its production - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for spatial representation and a method for producing such a device. The apparatus comprises an image display unit (1) with pixels x (i, j) arranged in a grid with rows (j) and columns (i). Information from at least two views A (k) with k = 2,..., N and N of a natural number can be represented on the picture elements x (i, j). In the viewing direction of a viewer (3) in front of the image display unit (1) a lenticular disk (4) is arranged side by side along a main direction, alternately and periodically arranged lenticular (5) and separation regions (6). By means of the lenticular areas (5), light propagation directions are given for light coming from the picture elements x (i, j). As a result, the observer (3) from a multiplicity of viewing positions in front of the grid of picture elements x (i, j) at least predominantly sees one selection from views A (k) with one eye and at least predominantly a second selection with the other eye the views A (k), so that for the viewer (3) creates a spatial visual impression. In the viewing direction of the observer (3), an optical barrier structure (7) is additionally arranged in front of the image display unit (1) with which the spatial visual impression can be improved.
In such a device, the barrier structure (7) consists of side by side, before or behind the lenticular disk (4) arranged opaque areas with the effect of a strip-shaped barrier. Each opaque area covers at least partially a separation area.

Description

The invention relates to a device for spatial representation. Such a device comprises an image display unit with picture elements x (i, j) arranged in a grid with rows (j) and columns (i) and on which information from at least two views A (k) with k = 2,. .., N and N of a natural number can be represented. In the direction of a viewer in front of this image display unit, a lenticular disk is arranged. This lenticular disk has along a main direction, which is usually the horizontal, but in general may also include all directions that deviate from the vertical, lenticular and separation areas, which are arranged side by side, alternately and periodically. Each lenticular area is thus surrounded by two separation areas and vice versa.

Usually, lenticular discs made of lenticular lenses or grids are constructed of such lenticular lenses, ie, lenses having the shape of a half-cylinder, the convex surface facing outward of the observer. In this case, the separation areas are very small, substantially line-shaped. For the purposes of the invention, the term "lenticular disk" is to be understood not only such arrangements of lenticular lenses in the classical sense, but also such arrangements, which can achieve substantially the same effect, but not from strictly cylindrical lenses with linear separation areas but from - with respect to the viewing direction of a viewer - convex shaped lenticular and other, for example, concave shaped and noticeably extended separation areas. Such arrangements can be, for example, with the non-prepublished German patent application DE 10 2009 019 762 - Whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference - described method very inexpensive manufacture. In this case, convex lenticular areas and concave separation areas alternate, the transitions between lenticular areas and separation areas are smooth, ie, a surface descriptive function is continuously differentiable at least once at each location.

By means of the lenticular areas, light propagation directions are predetermined for light coming from the picture elements x (i, j), whereby the observer from a plurality of viewing positions in front of the grid of picture elements x (i, j) in each case at least predominantly uses a first selection from the Views A (k) and with the other eye at least predominantly sees a second selection from the views A (k), and thus creates a spatial visual impression for the viewer. At least predominantly means that some of the views may appear in both the first and second selections, but the selections are otherwise different. However, at least predominantly means that one part of the views can be found exclusively in the first selection and another part of the views only in the second selection, as is the case, for example, with the stereoscopic presentation based on only two views.

In addition, the device also comprises an optical barrier structure arranged in front of the image display unit in the direction of the viewer in order to improve the spatial visual impression. Such an optical barrier structure, for example, in the DE 10 2007 049 238 A1 described. The barrier structure is referred to there as an optical element and is arranged between the image display unit and the lenticular disk, ie behind it. The barrier structure acts as a filter, it can be designed as a diffuser with randomly arranged optical structures, or as a filter array containing randomly or regularly arranged optical structures in the form of transparent or opaque filter elements with polygonal outlines. The size and the dimensions of the filter elements or of the optical structures of the optical element are determined as a function of the size of the picture elements x (i, j), the optical structures in the case of DE 10 2007 049 238 A1 serve to reduce visual beat frequencies - moiré effects.

When using lenticular discs, which according to one of the in the DE 10 2009 019 762 Thus, where the separation areas are not exactly line-shaped, but have a certain finite extent, the spatial visual impression disturbing effects occur because make the corresponding concave portions in the separation areas disturbing, the collective lensing effect of the adjacent lenticular disturbed the visualization of spatial images. An obvious possibility would be to reduce the extent of the separation areas. However, this also leads to a reduction of the convex radius of curvature of the lenticular areas and even enhances the effect of the concave separation areas. Even with such lenticular discs, which are composed of real cylindrical lenses, the - never exactly linear - separation areas can cause problems, albeit to a lesser extent.

The invention is therefore based on the object to eliminate these disadvantages in the prior art and to further improve the spatial visual impression.

This object is achieved in that the barrier structure consists of side by side, in front of or behind the lenticular disk arranged opaque areas with the effect of a strip-shaped barrier, each opaque area each covers a separation area at least partially.

In contrast to the filter-based devices known in the art, d. H. without lenticulars, in which the arrangement of the filter arrays or barriers always orients itself to the position and size of the picture elements x (i, j), barrier structures are proposed according to the invention, which are based on the position and the size of the separation areas. The opaque areas thus essentially cover the separation areas and in this way prevent the light propagation scattering through the concave separation areas from being disturbingly noticeable and essentially suppressing them. While the opaque areas commonly used in connection with filter structures for constructing stereoscopic 3D screens have a very wide extent and pass only little light, the opaque areas here can be chosen so that they are imperceptible to the naked eye.

As a rule, each opaque area at least partially covers a separation area. In the simplest case, a uniform width of each strip-shaped opaque area can be selected for differently shaped separation areas, which reduces the manufacturing costs. Preferably, however, the lateral extent of each opaque area, ie the width of each strip, relative to its position relative to the separation area to be covered by the opaque area is determined relative to the main direction. This serves, on the one hand, to better compensate for different concave radii of curvature, but on the other hand, in particular, a higher flexibility of the arrangement of the barrier strips, the opaque areas in relation to the separation areas, can be achieved in this way. So it is quite possible to apply the barrier structure directly on the separation areas, so that they are not irradiated with light or can not be penetrated by the light. However, it is simpler in terms of manufacturing technology to apply the barrier to a substantially planar substrate, such as the back of the lenticular disk or a separate barrier substrate or a cover, such as a cover glass. The dimensions of the barrier structure are then calculated and arranged such that the light coming from the image display unit - transmitted or emitted - is incident as exclusively as possible in the convex lenticular areas and is correspondingly imaged into the viewing space in the direction of a viewer.

Another effect of applying a barrier structure is that the image contrast is increased. This is due to the fact that the brightness of the screen is reduced by the use of an opaque barrier structure. In contrast to autostereoscopic arrangements, which are based not on the lenticular lens technique, but on the pure filter technique, the brightness losses are very small, since the proportion of the opaque areas on the total area is comparatively smaller. Another positive effect is that displayed images appear smooth compared to a representation without barrier structures. Since lenticular systems image the picture elements x (i, j) in a coarser and enlarged structure, objects and their edges, in particular in the case of jump points and poor channel separation, often appear grid-shaped, these structures are smoothed. Finally, the spatial impression or the depth effect is perceptibly increased for the human eye, since a so-called "zero level" is formed by the integration of this barely perceptible periodic, opaque structure.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the period of the lenticular areas is selected as a function of a lateral extent of the picture elements x (i, j). Additionally or alternatively, the lenticular disk can also be arranged rotated by a predetermined angle to the grid of picture elements x (i, j). The barrier strips are then positioned accordingly. The coordination of the lenticular areas with respect to the lateral extent of the picture elements x (i, j) allows a further improvement of the spatial representation insofar as disturbing moiré patterns can be largely eliminated. The cause of such moiré patterns is the superposition of at least two non-congruent or non-identical geometric structures, which leads to visual beat effects, similar to interference patterns, for example. While interference patterns can be caused by light having slightly different wavelengths, the cause of the occurrence of moiré patterns lies in different lattice constants or periods for the distance of the picture elements x (i, j) from each other or the lenticular areas from each other. Even with the same lattice constants, a moiré pattern can occur if the two structures are twisted against each other. By adapting the lattice constant or the angle of rotation of the periodic structure on the lenticular disk-corresponding to the distance of the lenticular or separation areas from each other and a predetermined angle of rotation-the perceptible moire fringes can be extinguished by making the spacing of the fringes too small or too small too large for the optimum viewing distance. Alternatively or in addition, a second Lenticular disk can be used to reduce the moiré pattern.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the lenticular disk has an antireflection coating on its side facing the observer. While conventional image display devices for displaying two-dimensional image contents are often provided with an antireflection coating, this is not currently practiced in the case of lenticular wafers since the brightness is reduced by up to 20% compared to the use of the lenticular disk. However, devices based on lenticular discs have strong surface reflections that can be annoying to a viewer. The inventive antireflection coating reduces these disturbing effects. For example, the front side of the lenticular disk, that is to say the lenticular structure itself, can be anti-glare-coated and provided with at least one antireflection coating. Also, the flat back of the lenticular disk or the back of a barrier substrate, on which the lenticular disk can be applied, can be mirrored. In this case, the properties of the antireflection coatings are preferably adapted to the differences in the refractive indices of the various media. Thus, for example, air has a refractive index of n = 1, so-called float glass has a refractive index of n = 1.52, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is frequently used for the production of lenticular disks, has a refractive index of n = 1.49.

Another possibility is a chemical anti-reflection of the front by this is roughened, for example by means of hydrofluoric acid. The surface reflections are then diffused and reduced to a viewer. However, the surface of the lenticular disk may only be roughened to such an extent that the channel separation is not canceled out or is impaired too much. Of course, both variants of the antireflection coating can also be combined with one another and can also be used in lenticular imaging systems without the barrier structures according to the invention.

In a further preferred embodiment, the barrier structure is formed as a strip-shaped filter structure, preferably as a photographic film. Thicker barriers are not necessary, rather thinner ones are advantageous for reasons of accuracy. The barrier structure may, for example, be applied to a barrier carrier substrate, onto which the lenticular disk is then applied in order to make the construction as compact as possible. The application of the barrier structure on the barrier substrate can be done for example by cold or hot lamination, digital reproduction, etc. If the barrier structure is formed as a photographic film, for example, in the not previously published German patent application DE 10 2009 019 761 apply application methods described. The barrier structure is preferably applied to a barrier carrier substrate, particularly preferably between the image display unit and the lenticular pane. In this case, as mentioned, the lenticular disk can be applied directly to the barrier carrier substrate, whereby the barrier structure is still located between the lenticular disk and the barrier carrier substrate.

The barrier structure does not necessarily have to be applied to the surface of the barrier carrier substrate facing the lenticular disk; an arrangement on the backside of the barrier carrier substrate is also possible, in which case the width of the stripes must be adjusted somewhat in order to cover the separation areas as completely as possible.

The lenticular disk may also be applied to a lenticular substrate, but the lenticular substrate may also be part of the lenticular disk, in which case the lenticular substrate and lenticular disk assembly is made in one piece. The lenticular support substrate can also be a very thin layer, which only has to be so thick that it prevents a breakup of the lenticular disk at the thinnest points, the low points of the valleys of the separation areas, under normal mechanical stress such as transport, measurement or assembly.

In another preferred embodiment, the barrier carrier substrate and the lenticular carrier substrate are provided with alignment markings for aligning the lenticular disk and the barrier structure relative to one another. For this purpose, the two substrates are expediently made in their geometry slightly larger than the actually optically active structures. On the margins of both substrates, on which there are no optically active structures, markings are applied, such as points, crosses or lines. These markings are superimposed exactly as possible, as a result, the lenticular disk and the barrier structure are aligned with one another. This alignment can be done by hand, semi or fully automated, for example with the help of control cameras, the naked eye or even a microscope. After adjustment, both substrates can be permanently fixed and bonded to one another, for example by means of adhesives, UV-curing monomers, etc. The excess substrate with the markings can be mechanically separated from the actual structures, for example by sawing or cutting. In this way, a high accuracy in the channel separation is achieved.

In addition, it is also possible to attach the barrier structures on the front of the lenticular disk and a viewer. The simplest option is to provide the separation areas on the lenticular disk with an opaque cover layer. Another possibility is to arrange a transparent cover from the direction of a viewer in front of the lenticular disk. The barrier structure can then be applied to these, both on the side facing the observer, and on the side facing away from the observer. The latter possibility is to be preferred, since this promises a higher protection of the barrier structure from mechanical damage.

The cover may be, for example, a conventional cover glass of a few millimeters thickness of glass or plastic, but also a stretched film can be used as such cover. The cover can of course be provided on one or both sides with a reflection-reducing layer.

In a further embodiment is located between the cover and the lenticular disk, an optically active liquid whose optical properties can be manipulated by energy input. The optically active liquid may, for example, contain liquid crystals in which the refractive index can be varied by introducing energy into the liquid. For example, by applying a voltage, irradiating the liquid with light of a UV wavelength which is not radiated from the image display unit but which manipulates the corresponding optical property in the liquid, or by heating the liquid, the refractive index of the liquid can be changed so that Switching between spatial representation and two-dimensional representation is possible when the refractive index corresponds to the refractive index of the material used for the lenticular disk. In this way, it can be ensured that light emitted by the separation regions is also perceived by a viewer, which - especially in the presence of barrier structures - cancels the channel separation and thereby forces a two-dimensional vision. In a corresponding design of the liquid, it is also possible, the barrier structure, which may be, for example, but not exclusively, be arranged on the inside of the cover in their effect, or to produce the barrier effect only. In this case, a separate barrier structure can even be dispensed with. The switching between spatial and two-dimensional representation can of course also be used in lenticular systems without barrier structures.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a device for spatial representation, as has been described above. Such a method comprises, among other things, the following steps: Firstly, a lenticular disk is provided which is arranged on a lenticular carrier substrate, wherein the lenticular disk and the lenticular carrier substrate can be produced in one piece-as a rule the lenticular disk is produced from the substrate. In particular, the provision also includes the production of the lenticular discs. In addition, a barrier structure is provided on a barrier substrate. Again, the provision again comprises the production, in particular the application of the barrier structure on the barrier carrier substrate. Finally, a picture display unit is provided.

Subsequently, the barrier structure is positioned relative to the lenticular disk. In this case, the barrier structure and the lenticular disk are aligned with one another by marking the lenticular and the barrier substrate at predetermined positions and aligning the markings with one another during the positioning of the barrier structures relative to the lenticular disk. After alignment, the barrier structure and the lenticular disk are first fixed to each other and then this assembly is first positioned on the image display unit and then fixed, whereby possibly before a trimming of the substrates must be made to the dimensions of the image display unit. The fixation of barrier structures and lenticular disk on each other can be done by adhesive techniques, if they are arranged without air distance from each other. Between the image display unit and the assembly of barrier support substrate, barrier structure and lenticular disk is often an air gap, so that these elements must be fixed to each other at a distance.

Instead of providing both substrates with markings and aligning them, alignment using moiré effects is also possible. For this purpose, both substrates are positioned one above the other and illuminated with light from the side of the barrier carrier substrate, which is opposite to the image display unit. They are then shifted against each other and / or twisted until a pattern to be observed is displayed correctly.

The light does not necessarily have to come from the image display unit, but can also come from another light source. If a bright, especially a white light source is used, brightness modulations appear, so-called light / dark moiré stripes. Based on these moiré strips, the two structures can be adjusted to each other. Correct alignment is done when over the entire surface mainly either a completely white or transparent surface or a substantially black or opaque surface is visible. In this way, it is also possible to check whether the period of the lenticular areas coincides with that of the barrier structure: In the case of deviating periods or even if the viewing distance is wrong, several moiré strips are constantly visible.

In a particular embodiment of this method, both substrates are positioned on the image display unit and transilluminated by light emitted by the image display unit. For this purpose, however, a matched with respect to the lenticular disk test image is generated. This is preferably combined from two views, one of which is an image held in light of a single wavelength, such as red, blue or green, and the other view is black only. This test image is displayed on the image display device or, equivalently, on another suitable imager used in manufacturing. The light which is emitted by the image display unit during the display of the test image is used to transilluminate the lenticular disk and the barrier structure. Again, an alignment is done using moiré patterns. A correct alignment is achieved if there are only whole, continuous color moiré streaks. A non-congruent alignment of the two structures leads to double stripes in moiré pattern, d. H. to intensity fluctuations within a moiré strip. In contrast to the method described above, the adjustment does not have to take place at the optimum viewing distance to the lenticular screen.

In all three methods, the alignment can be done by hand and with the naked eye. However, a more accurate adjustment can be achieved with the help of a microscopic imaging optics, in which case the images can be evaluated again by an observer and made accordingly by these twists or shifts. However, it is particularly preferred to use image processing and control algorithms in combination with a camera which records the observed image, for example a CCD or CMOS camera, so that the alignment of the lenticular disk and the barrier structure with one another can take place automatically with a corresponding design of the production system.

As already described, lenticular disks can be produced, for example, from a light-curing, optically transparent plastic, wherein the light is structured locally and / or temporally, for example, by means of an exposure mask is introduced into the plastic. This is for example in the not previously published German patent application DE 10 2009 019 762 described. With this method, very good results can be achieved, in particular, it is also suitable for the production of small batches. However, the production is still comparatively complex, which is why in a particular embodiment of the invention, the lenticular discs are not directly produced as a so-called positive mold, but first a negative mold is produced. This is done by a still liquid plastic layer is applied from a hardening on energy input, transparent plastic on a substrate, and energy is entered into the plastic, wherein the amount of energy to be entered per unit time is given differentiated locally and / or temporally, so that after End of the energy input at different locations of the surface of the plastic layer different amounts of cured and not yet cured plastic are present, the not yet cured plastic - for example, by washing - is removed. The negative mold thus has correspondingly shaped concave areas at the locations where the lenticular areas are to be found in the positive form, and correspondingly shaped narrow convex areas at the locations where the separation areas are to be found.

This negative mold can then be used for producing positive forms in medium to large numbers. One simple way is to use it as a mold insert for casting or spraying appropriate plastic or glass lenticular discs. Another possibility, in turn, is the use of light-curing plastic. For this purpose, the negative mold is in turn filled with a transparent, still liquid material, this material is brought to complete curing and then separated from the negative mold, wherein the resulting positive shape corresponds to the lenticular disk.

In the context of this so-called "digital reproduction", therefore, the production of positive forms or of lenticular discs is considerably simplified, since the time-consuming and / or spatially differentiated exposure through masks must be carried out only once in order to produce the negative mold. Subsequently, the positive impressions can be produced therewith, and if a similar material curing under the influence of light is used, no consideration must be given to local or temporal differentiation. The energy input can then be made over a large area and with higher energy.

As the material for the positive mold, for example, liquid glass or other material that does not interfere with the plastic used for the negative mold can be used became, connects. In principle, it is also possible to use the same plastic or other material which would possibly combine with the plastic of the negative mold before or during the curing process, if no additional measures are taken. In order to prevent such a connection, the negative mold is therefore expediently coated with a separating layer before. This release layer is ideally thinner than 0.1 mm in order not to impair the subtleties of the surface profile, which is necessary for the lenticular effect or spatial vision, too much by distortion, distortion or occlusion.

The separating layer can be applied or deposited on the surface of the negative mold, for example, by vapor deposition or sputtering from a metal in the appropriate layer thickness. The separation of a separating layer from a chemical solution is also possible, this can also be done for example by means of appropriate immersion baths, from which then a corresponding separation layer remains as a residue from the immersion bath on the surface of the negative mold. Finally, it is also possible to use foils of small thickness, for example of metal or of a plastic which meets the requirements.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the specified combinations but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention will be explained in more detail for example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which also disclose characteristics essential to the invention. Show it:

1 a possible embodiment of a device for spatial representation,

2 a second embodiment of such a device,

3 A third embodiment of such a device

4 A fourth embodiment of such a device

5 Markings on substrates to align the components with each other,

6 and 7 two possible illumination settings that can be used in the production of negative molds for the production of convex and concave areas, and

8th a negative mold for the production of a lenticular disk.

In 1 First, the general structure of a device for spatial representation is reproduced, with only the most important components that are essential for the spatial representation, are shown. The device comprises an image display unit 1 with pixels x (i, j) arranged in a raster with rows j and columns i. Information from at least two views A (k) with k = 2,..., N and N of a natural number can be represented on the picture elements x (i, j). The image playback unit 1 is with a cover slip 2 provided, which is in the direction of an observer 3 in front of the image display unit 1 is arranged. The use of the cover glass 2 is optional. The individual picture elements x (i, j) can be designed, for example, as full-color pixels or as red, green and blue subpixels of a raster-shaped liquid crystal display (LC panel). You can either be designed to be self-luminous or illuminated by a further light source, not shown from the back.

In the direction of the view 3 in front of the image display unit 1 is a lenticular disk 4 arranged. This lenticular disc 4 has along the main direction next to each other, alternately and periodically arranged lenticular areas 5 and separation areas 6 , The main direction may be, for example, the vertical, but also a tilted directions, unless it is horizontal. By means of the lenticular areas 5 light propagation directions are given for light coming from the picture elements x (i, j), whereby the viewer 3 from a multiplicity of viewing positions in front of the grid of picture elements x (i, j), one eye at least predominantly sees a first selection from the views A (k) and the other eye at least predominantly a second selection from the views A (k) , Thus arises for the viewer 3 a spatial visual impression.

Finally, the device still surrounds a viewing direction of the viewer 3 in front of the image display unit 1 arranged optical barrier structure 7 to improve the spatial visual impression. The barrier structure 7 consists of juxtaposed opaque areas with the effect of a strip-shaped barrier. The opaque areas may be in front of or behind the lenticular disk 4 be arranged, in the case of execution according to 1 they are in relation to the viewing direction of the viewer 3 behind the lenticular disk 4 arranged. The effect of a strip-shaped barrier is most easily achieved if the opaque areas are physically designed as strips, but devices are also conceivable in which the effect is achieved only by external action, for example by a switchable barrier in the form of filters or a liquid. Each opaque area covers a separation area 6 at least partially, thus achieving the best results in improving the spatial visual impression.

By using the optical barrier structure 7 is prevented from the separation areas 6 the lenticular disk 4 disturbing light is emitted. Whereas in the case of lenticular discs which are produced directly from half cylinder lenses or from a correspondingly large substrate, the concave-shaped separation regions are cut out 6 in comparison to the lenticular areas having a convex half cylinder shape 5 are only very slightly extended, so that the disturbances of the spatial visual impression tend to be low, if no optical barrier structure 7 is used, so is the improvement in lenticular discs, where the separation areas 6 production-related have a greater extent, clearly noticeable when using the optical barrier structures. This is for example in such lenticular discs 4 the case, which is made by means of special exposure techniques of liquid, curing under the action of light curing plastic, either directly as a positive mold, or on the intermediate step of a negative mold. In both cases, the extent of the concave separation areas 6 not to neglect the optical barrier structure 7 brings here a noticeable improvement.

The barrier structure 7 is in the case of in 1 shown device on a barrier carrier substrate 8th applied. This is advantageous, for example, when the optical barrier structure is a thin film, for example an exposed film. This can be done by appropriate laminating techniques, for example on the barrier substrate 8th be applied. Between the barrier substrate 8th and the coverslip 2 the image display unit 1 there is also an air layer 9 , this too is optional. Basically, the cover glass 2 also the function of the barrier carrier substrate 8th take over, ie the film with the barrier structure 7 Can directly on the cover glass 2 be applied, in this way can possibly save space. Because the opaque areas of the barrier structure 7 in addition to such opaque areas, as are used for filter structures in the context of spatial representation, if no lenticular disk 4 are used, are very narrow, their presence makes little sense, positive even by a slight increase in contrast.

The opaque areas of the barrier structure 7 can therefore be kept very narrow. The improvement is optimal when the lateral extent of each opaque area with respect to the main direction is dependent on its position relative to the separation area to be covered by the opaque area 6 is fixed. It plays a role, whether the opaque areas in front of or behind the lenticular disk 4 Moreover, their distance to a reference point, for example, the lowest point in a valley of a separation area 6 important. Also the extent of the separation areas 6 in the lateral direction plays a role in determining the width of the opaque stripes. The effect is best when the opaque areas, in 1 characterized by the black rectangles covering the entire concave separation area, possibly even slightly more, at an angle to the image display unit 1 also effectively block incoming light.

The lenticular disk 4 can on her the viewer 3 facing side have an antireflection coating, not shown. In this way, the otherwise occurring surface reflections, which may prove to be disturbing to the viewer, can be suppressed. The lenticular disk 4 For this purpose, for example, it can be anti-glare on its front side. Also on its back, the generally flat surface, such an anti-reflection layer can be applied. Preferably, an adaptation of the optical properties of the anti-reflection layer with respect to the refractive indices of the immediately adjacent media in order to achieve the best effect. Another possibility for anti-reflection consists in a chemical antireflection, for example by hydrofluoric acid or a similar acting substance. The antireflective coating in this case is intrinsic in the lenticular disk 4 contained, it is formed on its surface, for example by means of a roughening by the hydrofluoric acid. Care must be taken, however, that the channel separation is not reduced too much or even canceled. The roughening of the surface provides for a diffuse scattering of surface reflections, thereby creating for the viewer 3 appear diminished. Of course, both can be combined with each other, so for example, a roughened surface can also be provided with an anti-interference optical layer, whereby the effect is further improved.

The lenticular disk 4 may be applied to a lenticular support substrate. This lenticular substrate may be mounted on its image display unit 1 facing side also be as described above anti-reflective, so have an anti-reflection layer. As a rule, lenticular disc 4 and lenticular support substrate form an integral unit, since the lenticular disc 4 is made from the lenticular carrier substrate.

In the 2 . 3 and 4 Further embodiments of a device for spatial representation are shown. In the device according to the 2 to 4 is the lenticular disk 4 directly onto the barrier substrate 8th with the barrier structure 7 applied. The dimensions are shown here exaggerated, so is the barrier structure 7 usually only a photographic film of extremely small thickness. Also the conditions of the lenticular areas 5 to the separation areas 6 are not reproduced to scale. They serve only to illustrate the mode of action. Opposite the execution in 1 this results in the advantage that the opaque strips of the barrier structure closer to the valleys of the separation areas 6 are arranged so that they can be made narrower overall. The width of the opaque strips is approximately of the order of magnitude of a few 10 μm, for example 50 μm.

A similar device is in 3 shown, here is a barrier structure 10 on the back, ie the viewer 3 remote side of the barrier carrier substrate 8th arranged. Because the opaque areas in this case are a bit further away from the valleys of the separation areas 6 are arranged, they must be kept wider than in the two embodiments described above.

Another arrangement is in 4 shown here is from the direction of a viewer 3 in front of the lenticular disk 4 a transparent cover 11 arranged on which the viewer 3 side away a barrier structure 12 is applied. As a cover 11 For example, glass, transparent plastic or a stable, tensioned film may be used; on the bottom of the cover 11 is the barrier structure 12 appropriate. Again, the opaque strips of the barrier can be kept relatively narrow in the range of about 50 microns, since they are relatively close to the separation areas 6 can be positioned, whose disturbing light scattering they suppress. In any case, they are barely visible to the naked eye. The cover 11 offers the additional advantage that the structure at any time is easy to clean, as the outside, the viewer 3 facing surface of the cover 11 can be made smooth. It can also be provided on one or both sides with a corresponding anti-reflection layer. For such a protective function is the use of a cover 11 also possible without the barrier structure 12 is arranged at the bottom, but is also a combination of pure cover 11 with barrier structures 7 and 10 as related to the 1 to 3 described were possible.

Regardless of whether on the side facing away from the viewer of the cover 11 a barrier structure 12 is arranged or not, results from the use of such a cover 11 In addition, the possibility between the lenticular disk 4 and the cover 11 to include an optically active liquid. The optical properties of this liquid, for example the refractive index, can then be manipulated by external action, such as the application of voltage, heating or irradiation with light of specific wavelengths, for example UV light. For example, if the refractive index of the liquid under external action is that of the material used for the lenticular disk 4 was used, the effect is the lenticular disk 4 lifted and a viewer can perceive a two-dimensional image. To switch for a spatially perceptible representation of the external influence is switched off and the calculation index then changed accordingly, preferably reduced, so that the spatially imaging properties of the lenticular disk 4 come to fruition again.

For an improvement of the channel separation or an effective functioning of the barrier structure 7 it is important that these and the lenticular disk 4 correctly positioned and fixed to each other, so that the barrier structure 7 their optimal effect with respect to the separation areas 6 can unfold. In the manufacture of a device for spatial representation, as described above, this step is therefore essential. In the production, first a lenticular disk 4 on a lenticular carrier substrate 13 provided as well as a barrier structure 7 on a barrier substrate 8th , Further, an image display unit 1 provided. The image playback unit 1 can already use a coverslip 2 be provided. The positioning of the barrier structure 7 and the lenticular disk 4 each other can be done in different ways.

One possibility is to use the lenticular carrier substrate 13 with markings 14 and the barrier substrate with markers 15 to provide. These are both substrates 13 and 8th dimensioned slightly larger than those on you, optically effective structures. This is exemplary in 5 shown. Disability support substrate 8th and lenticular carrier substrate 13 are then aligned by moving or twisting each other, so that the markings come to lie congruent.

Another possibility is the barrier structure 7 and to position the lenticular disc one above the other - the positioning should be in accordance with the installation to be made later, with respect to the arrangement of the barrier structure 7 in front of or behind the lenticular disk 4 regarding the viewing direction of the viewer 3 , From the side of the barrier carrier substrate 8th , which is the image display unit 1 opposite - or from the corresponding side of the lenticular substrate 13 or the lenticular disk 4 - Both components are illuminated with light, then become barrier structure 7 and lenticular disc 4 shifted against each other and / or rotated until a pattern to be observed is displayed correctly. As the structures almost exactly match each other, brightness modulations become visible, so-called light or dark moiré stripes. Based on these strips both structures can be adjusted to each other. The adjustment is correct if over the entire structure surface either substantially completely white or transparent surface, or a substantially completely black or opaque surface appears. However, this only applies if the periods of the barrier structure 7 and the separation areas 6 matches and the viewing distance is correct.

In addition, it is also possible to use the two substrates 8th and 13 or the barrier structure 7 and the lenticular disk 4 on the image display unit 1 to position and a corresponding on the lenticular disc 4 represent a coordinated test image, which preferably consists of two views. One of the two views is in a single color, for example, red, blue or green held and the other view only in black. Both substrates 13 and 8th are then with light, which when displaying the test image from the image display unit 1 is radiated, transilluminated. In this case, no light or dark moiré stripes are produced, but entire, continuous Farbmoiré stripes. The alignment is correct if there are only whole, continuous Farbmoiréstreifen. A non-congruent orientation of the two structures would lead within a Moiréstreifens to a splitting into two strips, which may be parallel or twisted depending on the angle of rotation to each other. If this is the case, an alignment, ie a shift or rotation must be done until both structures are aligned correctly to each other, ie only uniform Farbmoiréstreifen are visible.

Here, as in the other cases, after adjustment both substrates 8th and 13 permanently fixed together and, for example, by adhesive or curing under the action of light curing monomers and interconnected.

The alignment can already be done with the naked eye, or even for example with the help of a microscope. If the alignment is carried out with the aid of a microscope, the two substrates are preferably illuminated in transmitted light by a white light source. The separation areas 6 and the barrier stripes of the barrier structure 7 are usually visible at about fifty times magnification. To achieve a congruent overlay, at least two full periods should be visible. The opaque stripes of the barrier structure 7 If the alignment is successful, the separation areas must be exactly the same 6 cover, so do not twist or parallel lie next to it.

However, it is also possible to perform the alignment with the help of markers and - or Moiré patterns with microscopic help. Particularly preferred is the use of a microscopically imaging optics together with a digital camera with sufficiently high resolution. If the image is displayed on a screen, an operator may be able to make the alignment easier than if he had to look through the eyepiece all the time. The camera or the corresponding sensor chip-for example a CCD or a CMOS chip-can also be connected directly to an evaluation unit, on which image processing and control algorithms are implemented, with the aid of which the image is evaluated and corresponding control commands for automatic positioning of the two substrates 8th and 13 be offset against each other, which can be implemented by robotic arms or other positioning tools.

While the production of lenticular discs using classical methods based on diamond tools and nickel molds for replication is only worthwhile in very large numbers, the production of lenticular discs based on curing under the action of light plastics forms with appropriate exposure in small and medium quantities in the range of a few 10 bis to some 100 lenticular discs an alternative. In this case, a still liquid plastic layer of a curable upon energy input, transparent plastic is uniformly applied to a substrate in a correspondingly sufficient thickness of for example 100 microns on a substrate such as glass or a thick film. Subsequently, an energy input into the plastic takes place, for example an exposure with UV light, wherein the amount of energy to be input per unit time is given differentiated locally and / or temporally, for example with the aid of one or more exposure masks and illumination with different wavelengths. After completion of the energy input different amounts of cured and not yet cured plastic are present at different locations of the surface of the plastic layer. At the exposed areas, the photosensitive material becomes solid on the substrate, for example, a photosensitive monomer is polymerized, it hardens. On the other hand, the monomer remains viscous and flexible at the unexposed areas, where it is removed by washing, for example.

By controlling the exposure, the structure to be formed may be applied to assume a desired surface texture, such as a lenticular shape. This is exemplary in the 6 and 7 shown. Here is one on a substrate 16 located plastic layer 17 through a plastic layer 17 spaced exposure mask 18 irradiated with light. While the plastic layer 17 in 6 is irradiated with parallel light, it is in the regime, which in 7 shown is irradiated with divergent light. The corresponding curing areas are within the plastic layer 17 represented by the dashes. As exposure mask, for example, a photographic film of appropriate size can be used, as used for example in a laser exposure system for the production of high-precision printed circuit boards. It is quite possible during the exposure process to replace the masks, to lock some places on the masks, to make others transparent, as well as to change the lighting properties to the desired lenticular disk 4 with lenticular areas 5 and separation areas 6 to create.

This method is still relatively expensive and is only suitable for small series. For series of medium quantities, it is therefore advantageous if using the exposure technique is not directly a positive form, so the lenticular disk 4 itself, but initially a negative form 19 as exemplified in 8th is shown. On the basis of this negative form can then be any number of positive forms, ie lenticular discs 4 This negative mold is simply used to mold lenticulars.

The negative mold can then be used as a mold insert, so that the corresponding lenticular disk 4 is only poured; but it is also possible, the lenticular discs 4 again on the basis of curing under light curing plastics. If material is used which would connect to the negative mold during the production of the lenticular disk or the positive mold, in particular before or during the curing process, the negative mold is preferably provided with a thin separating layer, not shown. This must be so thin, usually less than 0.1 mm, that the optical properties of the lenticular structure are not impaired.

By means of the methods described above, the devices for spatial representation also described above can be inexpensively manufactured, which are particularly suitable for medium-sized quantities, since their production does not cause too high costs, and also provide a very good quality of spatial visual impression.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Image reproduction unit

2

cover glass

3

observer

4

lenticular

5

lenticular

6

separation area

7

barrier structure

8th

Disability support substrate

9

layer of air

10

barrier structure

11

cover

12

barrier structure

13

Lentikularträgersubstrat

14, 15

marks

16

substratum

17

Plastic layer

18

exposure mask

19

negative form

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009019762 [0002, 0005, 0027]
• DE 102007049238 A1 [0004, 0004]
• DE 102009019761 [0014]

Claims (16)

Device for spatial representation, comprising - a picture display unit ( 1 ) with picture elements x (i, j) arranged in a grid with rows (j) and columns (i) and on which information from at least two views A (k) with k = 2, ..., N and N of a natural number can be represented, - one in the direction of a viewer ( 3 ) arranged in front of it lenticular disk ( 4 ) with a main direction next to each other, alternately and periodically arranged lenticular ( 5 ) and separation areas ( 6 ), whereby by means of the lenticular areas ( 5 ) Light propagation directions are given for the light coming from the picture elements x (i, j), whereby the observer ( 3 ) from a plurality of viewing positions in front of the grid of picture elements x (i, j), each with one eye, at least predominantly a first selection from the views A (k) and with the other eye at least predominantly a second selection from the views A (k) looks and to the viewer ( 3 ) thus creating a spatial visual impression, - one in the direction of the viewer ( 3 ) in front of the image display unit ( 1 ) arranged optical barrier structure ( 2 ) for improving the spatial visual impression, - characterized in that - the barrier structure ( 7 ) from side by side, in front of or behind the lenticular disc ( 4 ) arranged opaque areas with the effect of a strip-shaped barrier, - each opaque area each having a separation area ( 6 ) at least partially covers. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lateral extent of each opaque area, which is lateral relative to the main direction, is dependent on its position relative to the separation area to be covered by the opaque area ( 6 ). Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the period of the lenticular areas ( 5 ) is selected as a function of a lateral extent of the picture elements x (i, j) and / or the lenticular disk ( 4 ) is arranged rotated by a predetermined angle to the grid of picture elements x (i, j). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lenticular disc ( 4 ) on her the viewer ( 3 ) facing side has an anti-reflection layer. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the barrier structure as a strip-shaped filter structure, preferably as a photographic film, is formed, wherein the barrier structure ( 7 ) preferably on a barrier support substrate ( 8th ), preferably between the image display unit ( 1 ) and the lenticular disk ( 4 ) is applied. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lenticular disc ( 4 ) on a lenticular support substrate ( 13 ), preferably on a lenticular support substrate ( 13 ), which on its the image display unit ( 1 ) facing side has an anti-reflection layer. Apparatus according to claim 6, when dependent on claim 5, characterized in that the barrier carrier substrate ( 8th ) and lenticular support substrate ( 13 ) with alignment marks ( 14 . 15 ) for aligning the lenticular disk ( 4 ) and the barrier structure ( 7 ) are provided to each other. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the lenticular disc ( 4 ) on the barrier support substrate ( 8th ) is applied. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that from the direction of a viewer ( 3 ) in front of the lenticular disc ( 4 ) a transparent cover ( 11 ) on which the viewer ( 3 ) side facing away from the barrier structure ( 12 ) is applied. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that between cover ( 11 ) and lenticular disc ( 4 ) is an optically active liquid whose optical properties, preferably the refractive index, are manipulated by energy input, whereby the device between two-dimensional and spatial representation is switchable. A method for producing a device for spatial representation according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps: - providing a lenticular disc ( 4 ) on a lenticular support substrate ( 13 ), - providing a barrier structure ( 7 ) on a barrier support substrate ( 8th ), - providing a picture display unit ( 1 ), - positioning of the barrier structure ( 7 ) relative to the lenticular disk ( 4 ), - positioning and fixation of the barrier structure ( 7 ) and the lenticular disk ( 4 ) on the image display unit ( 1 ), - characterized in that - in the positioning of the barrier structure ( 7 relative to the lenticular disc ( 4 ) are aligned with each other by the lenticular ( 13 ) and the barrier substrate ( 8th ) at predetermined positions with markings ( 14 . 15 ) and in the positioning of the barrier structure ( 7 ) relative to the lenticular disk ( 4 ) the markings ( 14 . 15 ) are aligned with each other. Method according to the preamble of claim 11, characterized in that in the positioning of the barrier structure ( 7 ) relative to the lenticular disk ( 4 ) are aligned with each other by being positioned one above the other and from the side of the barrier substrate ( 8th ), which the image display unit ( 1 ), are transilluminated with light and both substrates are shifted against each other and / or rotated until a pattern to be observed is displayed correctly. Process according to claim 12, characterized in that both substrates ( 8th . 13 ) on the image display unit ( 1 ), one with respect to the lenticular disc ( 4 ) matched test image, preferably from two views, one of which is exclusively red, blue or green and the other exclusively black, on the image display unit ( 1 ), and the two substrates ( 8th . 13 ) with light which, when the test image is displayed by the image display unit ( 1 ) is radiated, be screened. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the alignment by means of a microscopically imaging optics, preferably by means of image processing and control algorithms automatically takes place. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that for the production of the lenticular disc ( 4 ) a negative form ( 19 ) is generated by a still liquid plastic layer ( 17 ) from an energy input curing, transparent plastic on a substrate ( 16 ) is applied, and energy is entered into the plastic, wherein the amount of energy to be entered per unit time is specified locally and / or time differentiated, so that after completion of the energy input at different locations of the surface of the plastic layer ( 17 ) different amounts of cured and not yet cured plastic are present and the not yet cured plastic is removed, and - the negative mold ( 19 ) is filled with a transparent, still liquid material, brought this material to complete curing and then from the negative mold ( 19 ), the resulting positive shape of the lenticular disc ( 4 ) corresponds. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the negative mold ( 19 ) is applied with a release layer, if material is used, which with the negative mold ( 19 ) before or during the curing process would otherwise connect.

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