Method and apparatus for printing large format lenticular images

Abstract

A method and apparatus for printing large format lenticular images on a lenticular sheet ( 902 ) having a plurality of generally parallel lenticules ( 903 ) on a front side of the lenticular sheet ( 902 ). A sensor ( 209 ) senses a beginning of each lenticule ( 903 ). A printhead ( 102 ) prints interleaved image information on the lenticular sheet ( 902 ) in a series of swaths ( 220 ). A width of each of the swaths ( 220 ) is less than a width of the lenticular sheet ( 902 ). Each of the swaths ( 220 ) is printed in a direction parallel to the lenticules ( 903 ) and each of the swaths ( 220 ) is printed in a direction perpendicular to the lenticules ( 903 ).

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for printing a large format lenticular image on a lenticular sheet having a plurality of generally parallel lenticules on a front side of said lenticular sheet comprising the steps of: 
 moving a printhead across a surface of said lenticular sheet;    detecting a reference mark which indicates a beginning of each of said lenticules; and    printing interleaved image data in a series of swaths wherein a width of each of said swaths is less than a width of said lenticular sheet.    
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1  wherein said printhead moves in a direction parallel to said lenticules.  
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 1  wherein said printhead moves in a direction perpendicular to said lenticules.