Computer-generated autostereography method and apparatus

An apparatus for making autostereographic images of an object, comprising:

• means for generating a predetermined number of planar images of the object, each planar image being a view of the object from one of a predetermined number of different viewpoints;
• a computer, the computer interleaving the predetermined number of planar images;
• and
• a high-resolution output imaging device, the output imaging device being in communication with the computer and having a preferred printing direction, for printing the interleaved images on a transparent spacer with selected edges of the images being aligned with the preferred printing direction.

An autostereograph comprising:

• a transparent spacer;
• a predetermined number of computer-generated planar images, the planar images being views of an object from a predetermined number of different viewpoints and being interleaved in strips and printed in alignment with a preferred printing direction on a side of the spacer;
• and
• means for viewing predetermined ones of the strips according to an observation position, the viewing means being disposed in a registered relationship to the strips on the opposite side of the spacer.

A method of making autostereographs using a digital computer and a high-resolution printer having a preferred printing direction comprising the steps of:

• storing an image of an object in the computer;
• generating a predetermined number of off-axis perspective projection images of the object from the stored image;
• interleaving the projection images;
• orienting the interleaved images in accordance with the preferred printing direction;
• printing the interleaved images on a transparent spacer with the high-resolution printer;
• generating a barrier strip;
• and
• positioning the barrier strip with respect to the spacer in a registered relationship with the printed, interleaved images.