Lenticular Viewing Distance

Because lenticular images utilize a lens, there is an optimal viewing distance. For 3D images (those on vertical lenticules) a viewer significantly beyond the optimal viewing distance will not see any effect because the relative distance between the two viewing angles (the eyes) is null. For animation effects viewing beyond the viewing angle will significantly increase (or reduce to null) the amount of movement required to see the complete animation.

Depending on the type of display this becomes very important. Where viewers will be standing signifcantly far away (such as large billboard displays) there is no reason to create a lenticular as the effect will be lost and the cost and time associated with the medium will be wasted. The same goes for simply large displays, regardless of where the viewer is it may be impossible to get the same vantage point on the entire image. For larger displays such as movie posters this should be taken into consideration.

Other considerations regarding viewing distance will help to dictate the type of lens used. Lens sheets with a narrow viewing angle, typically saved for 3D effects to help give each eye a separate view, are more reliable for distance viewing as they reduce the amount of movement required to achieve the animation or 3d result. Large animation displays with narrow viewing angles can be placed strategically where viewers are apt to move through the complete range required, this can mean mounting an image above a ramp, stairwell, or escalator.


For more about lenticular see 3dEngr’s 10 things lenticular.

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