Patent Publication Number: US-7210257-B2

Title: Device for displaying lenticular displays

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/021,872, filed Dec. 7, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,624,947, which is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/800,969 filed Mar. 6, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,980. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to a method and device for displaying signage systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvement in displaying lenticular images. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   A lenticular lens as used in this field is a sheet of transparent material having one side composed of a contiguous array of cylindrical lenses known as lenticules, and the other side being generally flat. U.S. Pat. No. 5,757,545 issued to Wu et al. discusses the structure of a lenticular lens. Lenticular images that are typically used in conjunction with the lenticular lenses are composite images composed of several different independent images interlaced into the same space. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,364,274 and 5,494,445 issued to Sekiguchi discuss the process of making a lenticular image. 
   Viewing a lenticular image through a lenticular lens, collectively known as a lenticular display, is well known in the prior art. A lenticular display allows a viewer to perceive multiple images appearing individually within the same dimensional space or plane. It is also possible for a person viewing a lenticular display to perceive a three dimensional visual effect within the same plane due to the parallax shift associated with the distance between the viewer&#39;s eyes viewing a slightly different image presented by the lenticular display. 
   A lenticular image is typically either imprinted directly to the back side of the lenticular lens or fixedly mounted to the back side of the lens to form the lenticular display. U.S. Pat. No. 5,710,666 issued to McDonald discloses a viewer that holds a lenticular image behind a lenticular lens. Similarly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,850,913 and 5,941,382 issued to Fantone et al. discloses a display box utilizing a lenticular image viewed through a lenticular lens. In order to perceive the different images presented in lenticular displays of this type, the angle at which the viewer observes the lenticular display must be changed. Thus, as the viewer&#39;s angle of observation changes, the discrete images contained within the lenticular image are seen as different images or a sequence of related images as animations or morphs. To allow a stationary viewer to perceive the different images presented in a lenticular display of this type, the lenticular display must be moved in order to achieve the necessary angle change. Alternatively, the movement of the viewer can be relied upon to change the angle of observance of a stationary lenticular display of this type.  FIG. 1  illustrates a lenticular display of this typical prior art type where the lenticular image is fixedly attached to the lenticular lens. Thus, a signage display system utilizing a typical lenticular display for advertising or other such purposes, must therefor be moved if one desires to display the different lenticular images to a stationary viewer. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,118,879 issued to Simons discloses an animated display device having illuminating means in which shutter film and program film are continuously maintained in complete contact. To accomplish this, a rigid platen having a convex surface that carries the shutter film is mounted within a housing disposed in facing contact with the convex surface of the platen. Tensioning springs are used to hold the shutter film against the convex platen. Drive means are provided for moving the program film relative to the platen so as to alter the alignment of the shutter film and program film to change the image projected by the device. This display device is of rather complex structure consisting of many expensive parts, is rather cumbersome to install, and is not adaptable for use with existing standard signage display systems and light box displays. 
   Therefore, there exists a need for an effective self-actuating lenticular display assembly that can be used with existing and standard signage display systems and light box displays. It is the primary object of this invention to fill this need. 
   Another objective of the claimed invention is to provide a self-actuating lenticular display that is less expensive and complex to manufacture. 
   Another objective of the claimed invention is to provide a self-actuating lenticular display that is relatively light and has a thin profile. 
   Another objective of the claimed invention is to provide a self-actuating lenticular display that provides means to reduce “soft spots” which may occur during operation of a self-actuating lenticular display. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The claimed invention is directed to providing a solution to the problem of complex lenticular display devices that are expensive to manufacture and are not adaptable to existing standard signage display systems and light box displays, as well as other problems associated with the effective presentation of lenticular displays. 
   The claimed invention provides a self-actuating lenticular display assembly that places the lenticular image in intimate contact with the lenticular lens while maintaining the lenticular image separate from the lenticular lens to form the lenticular display. Since the lenticular image is separate from that of the lenticular lens, the position of either the lenticular image or the lenticular lens can be moved while the other can remain stationary. The lenticular display assembly utilizes the independent nature of the lenticular image by moving a smaller lenticular image in a parallel plane to that of the lenticular lens while allowing an existing standard signage display system to hold the lenticular lens in a stationary position. This independent relationship forms an effective lenticular display capable of displaying the different images of a lenticular image that can be used in an existing stationary signage display system or display light box. With the lenticular lens remaining stationary, and the lenticular image moving in a parallel plane behind the lenticular lens inside the signage display system or display light box, the lenticular display appears to remain stationary to the viewer while the displayed images change. 
   The lenticular display assembly further comprises a rigid back plate placed behind the lenticular display so that the lenticular image moves in a parallel plane between the lenticular lens and the rigid back plate. Ordinarily, the rigid back plate is smaller than the lenticular lens so that the outer profile of the lenticular display assembly has a thickness equal to the thickness of the lenticular lens. However, the rigid back plate may also be larger than the lens if the particular application so dictates. Consequently, whenever the back plate and lens happen to be of different sizes, the outermost profile may be reduced to the thickness of whichever plate is largest. 
   The rigid back plate is preferably made of a transparent material when the lenticular display assembly is constructed to be used in a light box display that provides light from behind the lenticular display assembly. The rigid back plate can however be made of many other types of non-transparent material if the lenticular display assembly is anticipated to be used in a setting that will not use back lighting, such as hanging the lenticular display assembly directly on a wall. 
   The resulting structure of the claimed self-actuating lenticular display assembly provides an assembly with a light-weight as well as slim profile that can be used in existing standard signage display systems with little or no modification. 
   To accomplish the movement of the lenticular image in relation to the lenticular lens, a motor located in proximate relation to the top or bottom center of the lenticular image is used. The motorized movement of the lenticular image behind the lenticular lens provides the self-actuating effect of the lenticular display assembly. 
   One critical aspect of displaying lenticular images is the physical alignment of the linear axis of the lens (or lenticules) with the linear axis of the lenticular images. Alignment and positioning between the lenticular image and lenticular lens must be maintained for a viewer to observe the multiple images as the lenticular image moves in a direction perpendicular to the linear axis of lenticular lens. The claimed invention maintains this critical relationship by employing alignment mechanisms that allow the lenticular image to be incrementally adjusted in relation to the lenticular lens. 
   Another important aspect pertaining to employing a lenticular image separate from the lenticular lens is maintaining the “intimacy of the relationship” between the lenticular image and the lenticular lens. If the lenticular image is not maintained in an intimate relationship with the lenticular lens, “soft spots” occur in the displayed image. A “soft spot” describes the blurred lenticular display or portion of the lenticular display that is produced when the intimacy of the relationship is not maintained and the image resides outside of the focal length of the lens. The “soft spot” is an undesirable condition that detracts from the presentation of an effective lenticular display. The claimed invention claims different means for maintaining intimacy between the lenticular image and the lenticular lens, thus eliminating undesirable “soft spots” that may occur. 
   One embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in  FIG. 2 , is directed to a signage display system utilizing the claimed lenticular display assembly with the means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship comprising a sealed bladder that is formed by attaching a flexible material such as thin plastic sheeting to the rigid back plate. The sealed bladder is inflated with air by way of a hose connected to a motorized pump mounted to the back side of the back plate that pushes the lenticular image toward the lenticular lens. As the sealed bladder inflates, it pushes against the back side of the lenticular image. Due to the lenticular image being printed on a pliable medium such as plastic film, the sealed bladder pushes the lenticular image toward the lenticular lens as the rigid back plate resists deflection. The internal pressure of the sealed bladder can then be increased or decreased to control the intimacy of relationship between the lenticular image and the lenticular lens. A preferred technique for pressure control is the use of a pressure control valve such as a Johnson Controls Model Number P32 AF-2, having an adjustable pressure threshold from 0.05 to 5 inches of water. A small cooling fan, similar to the type used to ventilate a personal computer housing, may be mounted over an opening in the back plate as a substitute for the motorized pump that inflates the bladder. 
   Another embodiment of the claimed invention shown in  FIG. 4  is directed to a signage display system utilizing the claimed lenticular display assembly with the means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship comprising a sealed chamber between the lenticular lens and the rigid back plate. A motorized pump by way of a hose evacuates the sealed chamber to form a vacuum within the sealed chamber. The vacuum pulls the lenticular lens and lenticular image toward the rigid back plate. As the sealed chamber is evacuated, the lenticular lens and the lenticular image are drawn together to attain the desired intimacy between the lenticular image and the lenticular lens. The evacuation rate can be altered to vary the intimacy of the relationship between the lenticular lens and the lenticular image. 
   Yet another embodiment of the claimed invention shown in  FIG. 3  is directed to a signage display system that utilizes the claimed lenticular display assembly with the means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship utilizing the sealed chamber concept to deflect the lenticular lens toward the lenticular image. This embodiment forms a sealed chamber between the lenticular lens and a rigid protective glass or cover that protects the lenticular lens. The sealed chamber is pressurized with air by way of a hose connected to a motorized pump mounted to the back side of the rigid back plate. As the sealed chamber pressurizes, the lenticular lens deflects toward the lenticular image to attain the desired intimacy between the lenticular image and the lenticular lens. 
   As discussed above, one embodiment of the present invention contemplates a self-contained display system utilizing a lenticular lens and graphic in which a motor displaces the graphic to bring the appropriate portions of the artwork into alignment with the lens segments. In order to minimize the “soft spot” phenomenon that plagues known displays of this type, one of the illustrative embodiments utilizes a pressurized bladder to ensure the requisite degree of intimacy of contact between the display surface of the graphic and the lens through which the images are viewed. 
   Although the bladder system represented an innovation in this type of display, construction of a properly operating system based upon this technology has proven to be a bit touchy as well as a bit expensive. Since the thin, inflatable bladder requires an internal pressure only slightly greater than ambient to function properly, a pressure regulating system of the necessary sensitivity and accuracy is an expensive item that is difficult of construction and installation. It may also add a measure of fragility to the overall system that is considered something of a drawback, considering the field environment in which these display systems are regularly used. 
   To overcome this difficulty, an alternative embodiment is described in which a transparent conductive coating is applied to either or both the lenticular lens and the graphic sheet, and an electrical charge is then applied. The electrical charge attracts the graphic sheet to the lens relatively firmly and uniformly, eliminating the need for the bladder or other alternatives for achieving intimacy of contact as described above. Of course, the charge cannot be too great, or the graphic sheet will adhere so firmly that the standard drive motor may no longer be capable of moving it smoothly. 
   It is also worth noting that the lenticular lens described hereinabove serves the purpose of resolving a particular image (among a set of images that have been applied to the graphic image plate) for the benefit of an observer at a distance. Other means for resolving an image, other than a lenticular lens, have also proven to be advantageous. Chief among these is the so-called “barrier strip” or “shutter film” comprising an alternating series of parallel, laterally extending regions of an opaque and transparent nature. A barrier strip may be substituted for the lenticular lens plates recited in the specification. 
   In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an improved self-actuating display assembly, adapted for insertion onto an existing visual display system, includes a light-transmissive back plate that is removably attached to the means for resolving image information. An easily removable and re-attachable back plate makes it much easier for a user to update the image information for the display system. In a further improvement, the means for maintaining intimacy of contact between the means for storing image information and the means for resolving image information comprises a flexible envelope having exterior dimensions approximating the exterior dimensions of the means for storing image information. A fan disposed proximate an opening in the envelope provides sufficient static pressure, absent a unique pressure-regulating device, to maintain the envelope in an inflated condition. 
   A further enhancement of the self-actuating display device includes the introduction of a time delay near the central portion of image excursion. This delay momentarily stops the drive motor and prevents the center portion of the image plate from going by too quickly. This delay feature allows the viewer a good look at the center image, then starts up the drive motor once again. In yet another operational enhancement, the integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism includes an eccentric cam mechanism that permits the image information storage means to be aligned at a desired initial position. 
   Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG.  1 —Illustrates a prior art lenticular display with a lenticular image fixedly mounted to a lenticular lens. 
     FIG.  2 —Illustrates a side view of one exemplary embodiment of the lenticular display assembly with an inflated sealed bladder. 
     FIG.  3 —Illustrates a side view of the lenticular display assembly with a second sealed chamber. 
     FIG.  4 —Illustrates a side view of the lenticular display assembly utilizing a sealed chamber. 
     FIG.  5 —Illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the lenticular display assembly with an inflated sealed bladder. 
     FIG.  6 —Illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the lenticular display assembly. 
     FIG.  7 —Illustrates a back view of one embodiment of the lenticular display assembly. 
     FIG.  8 —Illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the first alignment means integrated with the moving means. 
     FIG.  9 —Illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the first alignment means integrated with the moving means. 
     FIG.  10 —Illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the second alignment means. 
     FIG.  11 —Illustrates the slider, off-center cam, and drive pin. 
     FIG.  12 —Illustrates a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a display assembly utilizing electrostatic means for intimacy of contact between the graphic image plate and lenticular lens plate. 
     FIG.  13 —Illustrates a partial front view of an alternative means for image resolution. 
     FIG.  14 —Illustrates a side section view of the means for image resolution depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
     FIG.  15 —Illustrates a side section view of an extrusion suitable for attachment to the lens plate and back plate. 
     FIG.  16 —Illustrates a perspective view of an alignment means adapted to provide tensioning for a graphic image plate. 
     FIG.  17 —Illustrates a perspective view of the alignment means of  FIG. 16 , partially disassembled. 
     FIG.  18 —Illustrates yet another embodiment of a lenticular display assembly in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG.  19 —Illustrates a front view of an integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism suitable for use with the lenticular display assembly of  FIG. 18 . 
     FIG.  20 —Illustrates a side elevational view of an adjustment mechanism included in the integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 19 . 
     FIG.  21 —Illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 19 . 
     FIG.  22 —Illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 19 . 
     FIG.  23 —Illustrates a portion of the integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism of  FIG. 19  that stops the drive motor near the center of its lateral excursion, if desired. 
       FIG. 24(   a )—Illustrates the adjustment of the fixed mounting plate with respect to the adjustment plate to set the relative position of the image with respect to the image resolving plate near one extreme. 
       FIG. 24(   b )—Illustrates the adjustment of the fixed mounting plate with respect to the adjustment plate to set the relative position of the image with respect to the image resolving plate near its central position. 
       FIG. 24(   c )—Illustrates the adjustment of the fixed mounting plate with respect to the adjustment plate to set the relative position of the image with respect to the image resolving plate near its opposite extreme. 
     FIG.  25 —Illustrates an exploded view depicting the technique used to mount the integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism to the display assembly. 
     FIG.  26 —Illustrates a spring-loaded engagement means disposed distally from the integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism for providing an appropriate tension throughout the means for storing image information. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in may different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several embodiments of the invention. The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated. 
     FIGS. 2 through 11  show one embodiment of the lenticular display assembly  10  that provides a self-actuating lenticular display capable of being used with existing signage display systems that typically implement graphic images having a thickness of up to 0.25 inches at the graphic image&#39;s perimeter. 
     FIGS. 2 through 5  show the lenticular display assembly  10  comprises a lenticular lens plate  12 , a lenticular image plate  14 , means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship  16  between the lenticular image plate  14  and the lenticular lens plate  12 , and a rigid back plate  18 . The lenticular image plate  14  is smaller than the lenticular lens plate  12  and is enclosed between the lenticular lens plate  12  and the rigid back plate  18 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  5 , these two plates  12 ,  18  are preferably separated by a thin, narrow spacer  25  at their perimeter. This spacer  25  secures the relative positions of the lens  12  and back plate  18  and allows a minimum but adequate space for the graphic  14  to reside. The spacer  25  may be constructed from a closed-cell foam material, perhaps backed by adhesive for ease of installation. The rigid back plate  18  is illustrated as being slightly larger than the lenticular image plate  14  and slightly smaller than the lenticular lens plate  12 , although the back plate  18  may actually be larger than the lens  12 , as discussed previously. In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , foam rubber stripping  22  is installed around the perimeter  20  of the rigid back plate  18 , held in place by adhesive or other suitable means, and spaced apart laterally from the image plate  14  by an appropriate amount, so that the foam rubber stripping  22  does not interfere with movement of the image plate  14 . The foam rubber stripping  22 , or other structure capable of maintaining a relatively tight seal, forms a sealed chamber  24  where the lenticular image plate  14  can move in a parallel plane with the lenticular lens plate  12  and the rigid back plate  18 . The foam rubber stripping  22  is attached to the lenticular lens by an adhesive, or other means of attaching such material that will maintain a relatively tight seal. A sealant, such as silicon sealant, is used at the joints to help attain the relatively tight seal of the sealed chamber  24 . 
   Means for moving  26  the lenticular image plate  14  are placed away from the perimeter  28  of the lenticular display assembly  10  so as not to interfere with the installation of the lenticular display assembly  10  into existing signage display systems. The object is to minimize the thickness  30  of the lenticular display assembly  10  so that the lenticular display assembly  10  can be incorporated as any other “graphic image” and thereby fit into existing signage display systems. The means for movement  26  are preferably compact and do not obstruct the backlight capability of the image.  FIGS. 7–9  show the preferred embodiment. 
   Preferably, the moving means  26  comprises an adjustable, off-center cam  32  residing within an elliptical opening  34  of a slider plate  36 , the slider plate  36  having a drive pin  38 . The off-center cam  32  translates the rotational travel force of the moving means  26 , preferably a continuous or step motor, to the desired linear movement. The distance of travel necessary to display all the images is the width of one lenticule  40 . The off-center cam  32  is designed to be adaptable to and cooperate with the specific dimensions of the lenticular lens plate  12  used. Thus the off-center cam  32  is capable of being changed depending upon the physical characteristics of the lenticular lens plate  12 , i.e., the width of lenticule  40 . The moving means  26 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , is integrated with an adjustment plate  42  that includes a first alignment means  44 , that confine the motion of the lenticular image plate  14  to the desired range. 
   Critical to the quality of the lenticular display presented, the lenticular display assembly  10  must ensure proper alignment of the lenticular lens plate  12  and the lenticular image plate  14  to perfect the presentation of the “first” and “last” image seen from a “head on” view. The first alignment means  44  is capable of adjusting the alignment of the moving means  26  along the axis of motion  46 . See  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
   A preferred embodiment of the first alignment means  44  is shown in  FIG. 8 . An adjustment housing  48  rides against a motor mounting plate  50 . The slider plate  36  is adapted to the motor mounting plate  50  wherein the off-center cam  32  cooperates with the slider plate  36  and the drive pin  38  for motion of the lenticular image plate  14  along the axis of motion  46 . The motor mounting plate  50  is attached to the rigid back plate  18 . 
   In addition, the lenticular lens plate  12  and lenticular image plate  14  must be alignable along the axis  56  perpendicular to the motion of the lenticular image plate  14 . A second alignment means  58 , preferably similar to the first alignment means  44  shown in  FIG. 10 , adjusts the lenticular image plate  14  in relation to the lenticular lens plate  12 . In one configuration, a second alignment means  58  is located on the motor mounting plate  50  with the drive pin  38  ( FIG. 8 ). In a second configuration, the second alignment means  58 , i.e., pin  60  is on a separate plate assembly  62  ( FIG. 10 ). 
     FIG. 9  shows the drive pin  38  and alignment pin  60  protrude through the rigid back plate  18  of the chamber  24  so that the lenticular image plate  14  is mounted via the drive pin  38  and alignment pin  60 . The lenticular image plate  14  has a hole and grommet  64  that receives the drive pin. Similarly, the lenticular image plate  14  has alignment slot  66  that receive the grommet  68  and alignment pin  60 . The alignment slot  66  restricts movement of the lenticular image plate  14  in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the alignment slot  66 . The adjustment of the alignment pin  60  is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the alignment slot  66 . 
   An important aspect of the self-actuating lenticular display assembly  10  is maintaining the “intimacy of the relationship” between the lenticular image plate  14  and the lenticular lens plate  12 . If the lenticular image plate  14  is not maintained in an intimate relationship with the lenticular lens plate  12 , “soft spots” occur in the displayed image. A “soft spot” describes the blurred lenticular display or portion of the lenticular display that is produced when the intimacy of the relationship  16  is not maintained and the image resides outside of the focal length of the lens. The “soft spot” is an undesirable condition that detracts from the presentation of an effective lenticular display. 
   Means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship  16  of the lenticular lens plate  12  with the lenticular image plate  14  is provided to prevent soft spots from occurring. The object is to maintain the lenticular image plate  14  and the lenticular lens plate  12  together so that the intimacy of the relationship  16  is maintained. See  FIGS. 2–4 . 
   Preferably, the means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship  16  comprises an inflated sealed bladder  72  made of flexible material such as thin plastic sheeting attached to the rigid back plate  18  by adhesive or other means that will maintain a relatively tight seal between the flexible material and the rigid back plate  18  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . The flexible material must be transparent when the lenticular display assembly  10  is constructed to be used in a light box display that provides light from behind the lenticular display assembly  10 . The sealed bladder  72  can however be made of non-transparent material if the lenticular display assembly  10  is constructed to be used in an application that will not utilize back lighting. The sealed bladder  72  is inflated by way of a hose  74  connected to a motorized air pump  76  that pumps air through the hose  74  and into the sealed bladder  72 . The motorized air pump  76  can be mounted to the back of the rigid back plate  18 , or the motorized air pump  76  may be placed in a remote location from the lenticular display assembly  10 . 
   Due to the flexibility of the sealed bladder material, the pressure that is produced within the sealed bladder  72  expands the sealed bladder  72  into the chamber  24 . The rigid back plate  18  maintains the original size and volume of the chamber  24  so that as the sealed bladder  72  inflates, the volume within the chamber  24  decreases. Accordingly, as the sealed bladder  72  inflates, it pushes the lenticular image plate  14  toward the lenticular lens plate  12  to attain the desired intimacy of the relationship  16 . The internal pressure of the sealed bladder  72  can be altered to control the intimacy of the relationship  16  between the lenticular image plate  14  and the lenticular lens plate  12  thereby effectively eliminating any soft spots that may occur. The amount of pressure is critical to the operation of the lenticular display assembly  10 , as too little pressure will not prevent soft spots from forming, and too much pressure will prevent the lenticular image plate  14  from moving in intimate relationship with the lenticular lens plate  12 . Typically, less than 3 p.s.i. is required to maintain the intimacy of the relationship  16  between a lenticular lens plate  12  measuring 48″×36″ and a lenticular image plate  14  that measures 45″×33″. 
   The clearance area  78  between the holes and the drive pin  38  and alignment pin  60  that protrude through the holes are sealed by placing adhesive tape around the drive pin  38  and the alignment pin  60 . Rubber O-rings or other like structures can also be used around the drive pin  38  and alignment pin  60  to maintain the seal. 
   Alternatively, the means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship  16  comprises using the sealed chamber concept to deflect the lenticular lens plate  12  toward the lenticular image plate  14 . A second sealed chamber  80  is formed between the lenticular lens plate  12  and a rigid protective cover  82  that may be employed to protect the lenticular lens plate  12  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Foam rubber stripping  22 , or other structure capable of maintaining a relatively tight seal, is adhered to the rigid protective cover  82 , and is in turn adhered to the outside of the lenticular lens plate  12 . A sealant, such as silicon sealant, is used to help attain the relatively tight seal within the second sealed chamber  80 . 
   The second sealed chamber  80  is pressurized by way of a hose  74  connected to a motorized air pump  76  that pumps air through the hose  74  and into the second sealed chamber  80 . As the second sealed chamber  80  pressurizes, the lenticular lens plate  12  deflects toward the lenticular image plate  14  as the rigid protective cover  82  resists deflection. The deflection of the lenticular lens plate  12  toward the lenticular image plate  14  attains the intimacy of the relationship  16  that is necessary to eliminate soft spots and provide an effective lenticular display. 
   This embodiment of the means for maintaining the intimacy of the relationship  16  does not require sealing of the clearance area  78  between the holes in the rigid back plate  18  and the drive pin  38  and alignment pin  60  that protrude through the holes due to the second sealed chamber  80  being located on the opposite side of the lenticular lens plate  12 . The overall thickness  30  of the lenticular display assembly  10  is increased due to the second sealed chamber  80 , however, the rigid protective cover  82  can be sized such that it does not interfere with the intended goal of providing a lenticular display assembly  10  that is capable of being used in an existing signage display system or light box display. 
   As noted above, alternative embodiments that also ensure the requisite degree of intimacy between the lenticular lens and the underlying graphic image plate are also possible.  FIG. 12  shows a system in which a transparent conductive film  84  is applied to the back surface of the lenticular lens plate  12 . A D.C. (direct current) power supply  86  having output current limiting, as is well-known in the applicable art, is coupled via an insulated electrical conductor  88  to the surface of the conductive film  84  at a connection point  90 . The connection of the electrical conductor  88  at the attachment point  90  may be achieved in a number of ways, such as by application of a conductive adhesive, for example, that forms a conductive bond between the film  84  and the conductor  88 . Of course, the conductor  88  should have an insulating portion surrounding it, except at and near the connection point  90 , for the sake of safety. 
   Naturally, since the power supply  86  is current limited, any safety issues involved are nearly insignificant. When the power supply  86  is energized, there is an inrush current to the conductive film  84  that represents transport of electric charge to the initially uncharged conductor  84 . Because of the current limiting in the power supply, it may take from several seconds to several minutes for an adequate charge to be delivered to the conductive film  84 . The voltage maintained at the output of the supply  86  (to which the conductor  88  is coupled) may be quite high, on the order of 500 to 5000 volts, for example. As the conductive film  84  becomes fully charged, the need for charging current decreases. 
   After charging is successfully completed, the charge distribution on the conductive film  84  is believed to be substantially uniform. This charge attracts the underlying graphic image plate  14  into intimate contact with the conductive film  84 , while still allowing the drive assembly  26  to move the graphic  14  with respect to the lens  12  in order to achieve the desired image animation. It is thought that some charge leakage occurs, and therefore it is necessary to maintain the connection between the power supply  86  and the conductive film  84 . 
   Experiments have indicated that modifications may be made to the illustrative configuration without adversely impacting operation. For example, electrical contact between the power supply  86  and the conductive film  84  may be made at multiple points to ensure a uniform charge distribution. It is also theoretically possible to charge both the graphic image plate  14  (after applying a transparent conductive film to the image plate  14  as well) and the lens  12  to further encourage intimacy of contact, although this is not illustrated in the drawings. Experiments have also shown that adding a second electrode, either grounded or supplied with an opposite charge, applied to either the graphic or the back plate, can substantially increase the pull of the image to the lens, or can supply the same pull while requiring less voltage to do so. 
   It has also been observed that the graphic image plate  14  may not adhere uniformly to the lens plate  12  under all circumstances using the electrostatic technique described above. To ensure uniform adherence, and proper intimacy of contact, a stiffener strip  92  may be attached laterally to the back surface of the graphic image plate  14 . This stiffener  92  may simply be a strip of plastic, such as polycarbonate, that can be attached to the graphic  14  by taping, for example, or through use of an appropriate adhesive. It is also possible to employ a second stiffener strip, in a similar lateral configuration, near the opposite end of the graphic image plate  14 , although this configuration is not illustrated in the drawings. 
   As noted previously, the lenticular lens  12  serves the purpose of resolving the images stored on the graphic image plate  14  for the benefit of a distant observer. Another means for image resolution may also be incorporated in any of the illustrative embodiments discussed above.  FIG. 13  is a partial front view of a barrier strip  94  that may be substituted for the lenticular lens plate  12  in any of the embodiments discussed above. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the barrier strip  94  employs a collection of laterally extending opaque regions  96  alternating with transparent regions  98 . The effect is that of a series of “bars” running across the face of the barrier strip  94 ; hence its name. Both a barrier strip or a lenticular lens may serve as a means for resolving an image. Because of this functionality, both a barrier strip and a lenticular lens may be termed an image resolving plate, or a means for resolving an image. 
   The barrier strip geometry permits selected regions of the underlying graphic image plate to become visible through the transparent portions  98  as the image plate is moved. This serves essentially the same purpose as the lenticular lens plate  12  described in conjunction with the several embodiments of the present invention. It is worth considering that, in addition to simple “morphing” (metamorphosing), in which an image changes its character as it is moved with respect to the overlying resolving means, the system described can also be utilized for purposes of animation. Of course, a number of disparate images may be stored on the graphic image plate, and proper resolution of the images depends upon the appropriate image “lines” being properly aligned with the transparent regions of the barrier strip. By adapting the “cam” used to regulate the movement of the drive pin that moves the image, an animation sequence can be displayed, and the graphic restored to its “start” position by an abrupt “flyback” movement of the drive pin. The animation sequence can then be repeated. 
   The number of different images that can be included on a graphic image plate usable with the present invention is to some degree dependent upon resolution concerns. For the barrier strip implementation, for example, three distinct images can be reproduced using a barrier strip aspect ration of 4:1 (that is, the width of the opaque bars is four times greater than the width of the transparent bars). Needless to say, resolution of the resulting image will suffer if the aspect ratio were extended to 8:1 for the purpose of displaying more different images. An 8:1 ratio would increase the resolving power of the barrier and would allow more images to be seen, but such an increase in aspect ratio also reduces the light output substantially (⅞ of the light would be held back) and the resulting image output would appear relatively dark. One reason that three images can be used effectively at the 4:1 ratio is that the stroke of the motor-driven motion does not cover the full width of a lenticular. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates one form of the barrier strip  94  in section view. It is both economical and fully functional to manufacture the barrier strip  94  as a laminate film, in which a dimensionally stable carrier, layer  100 , has printed on one side the alternating region of opaque and transparent bars  102 , and a transparent conductive layer  104  is bonded to the opposite laminate surface. Adding a layer of optically clear adhesive over the conductive layer would make the assembly all the more efficient in construction. The actual order in which the layers appear is not particularly important in application; it is simply their combined presence that is significant. This construction of a barrier strip laminate reduces the cost of the resultant display system, allows the use of electrostatic adherence technology for intimacy of contact, and would even permit “upgrade kits” to be prepared economically for the purpose of adapting existing display systems to the instant technology. 
   An alternative arrangement for achieving proper alignment of the graphic image plate with respect to the lenticular lens plate or other suitable image resolving device is illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , generally depicted by the numeral 300. The alignment device  300  is preferably constructed of metal, although plastic of suitable structural integrity would also serve in this application. The device  300  includes a front plate  301  that is firmly affixed with respect to the back plate of the display device. Of course, since one will recognize that alignment of the graphic with respect to a lens or barrier strip is the ultimate goal, it is only necessary that the front plate of the alignment device remain stationary with respect to the lens or barrier strip. Since the construction of the display devices in accordance with the present invention generally contemplates that the lens (or barrier strip) is fixed in position with respect to the back plate, affixing the front plate  301  so that it is stationary with respect to the back plate of the display device is sufficient. This suggested arrangement should not be interpreted to exclude affixing the front plate  301  to the lens in some operationally appropriate fashion, however. 
   The front plate  301  further includes an opening  302  therein. The opening  302  is illustrated as being generally square in shape, although it will become apparent that the opening  302  need only be large enough to accommodate a useful range of adjustment. In addition to providing an alignment capability, the alignment mechanism  300  is designed to introduce a prescribed tension to the graphic image plate in order to encourage smooth and unencumbered movement of the graphic image plate with respect to the lens, barrier strip, or other image resolving mechanism. 
   To realize this tensioning capability, a helical spring  308  of suitable stiffness is installed within two mating sleeves  305 ,  306 . One of the sleeves  306  is slightly smaller in outside diameter than the inside diameter of the other sleeve  305 , so that that sleeve  306  fits within sleeve  305 , leaving ample room for relative reciprocal motion. In the preferred form, the smaller sleeve includes an opening therethrough to accommodate a pin  307 . The pin is adapted and arranged to engage a grommet in the graphic image plate in much the same way as described above with reference to the moving and aligning devices of  FIGS. 8 through 11 . 
   When the sleeve arrangement  305 ,  306  and its enclosed spring  308  are assembled, top and bottom plates  304  secure the sleeve arrangement within a recess in the back cover  303 , and allow the pin  307  to protrude through an elongated opening  309  that communicates with the recess. Once assembled, when the pin  307  moves in the direction of arrow A ( FIG. 16 ), the spring  308  compresses further, providing an appropriate bias opposite the direction of arrow A. Once the alignment mechanism  300  is appropriately installed, rotation of knurled knob  310  adjusts the pin  307  from side to side, in the direction of arrow B (or opposite arrow B, as desired). This lateral adjustment capability is achieved in much the same manner as described above with respect to  FIGS. 8 through 11 . 
   In the present alignment mechanism  300 , the knurled knob  310  is coupled to a threaded shaft that rotates within a nut (not shown) that is affixed to the back cover  303  of the alignment mechanism  300 . The back cover is slidably coupled to the front plate by known means, such as the provision of elongated mounting holes in the back cover or a tab and slot arrangement, although the specific method is not illustrated in the drawings. This allows the back cover (and the enclosed pin  307 ) to move laterally with respect to the front plate  301 , thus effecting the desired lateral adjustment. It should be noted that providing tension for the graphic image plate may well obviate the need for additional stiffeners attached to the graphic image plate, thus streamlining the installation procedure when graphics are replaced in existing signage. 
   For ease of assembly of the lenticular display system describe above, an extrusion such as the one illustrated in  FIG. 15  may be employed. As can be appreciated from an examination of the Figure, the extrusion  200  is designed to “snap” onto the perimeter of the lens plate and back plate. The extrusion  200  includes an integrally formed extension  201  that overlaps the perimeter of the lens plate to provide a seal against the environment. The lens plate is held in place within first cavity  202 , while the back plate perimeter fits within second cavity  203 . An integrally formed intervening portion or flap  204  provides the required spacing between the lens plate  12  and back plate  18 , and thereby creates the space where the graphic resides. The extrusion  200  also features a thin protrusion  205  from its perimeter that creates the thin profile required to fit existing fixtures. Ease of assembly, disassembly, and re-assembly are key features of a useful and economically viable display assembly that allows easy replacement of graphic images and that is completely compatible with existing display enclosures. 
   Although not suggested above in the discussion of the preferred forms of the invention, it is also contemplated that both the drive mechanism and the alignment mechanism could be moved to the front of the display unit, instead of being mounted to the back side of the back plate. This arrangement has an immediate advantage when used in conjunction with the bladder arrangement of  FIG. 2 . One of the reasons for installation of grommets in the graphic image plate is to allow for motion of the graphic image plate induced by the bladder. In other words, the bladder tends to push the graphic away from the drive and alignment pins, necessitating the use of grommets to permit graphic travel without disengaging the pins. This difficulty would be eliminated by front mounting of the drive and alignment mechanisms, since the action of the bladder would now tend to further engage the pins with the graphic image plate instead of pushing the image plate away. Furthermore, rear installation of the drive and alignment mechanisms requires that slots be provided in the bladder to accommodate the pins, adding to the fabrication cost of the bladder. This necessity of slots in the bladder is also eliminated by front installation of the drive and alignment mechanisms. 
   An additional advantage of front alignment is that the requirement for space within a display housing to accommodate the drive motor is also eliminated. When the drive mechanism is moved to the front, it can be enclosed within a housing or cowling to protect it from the environment, but it would no longer require a space allocation within the display housing. This would allow easier retrofitting of existing signage with the self-actuating displays of the present invention. 
   Yet another embodiment of a lenticular display assembly in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 18  and generally depicted by the numeral 400. In a fashion very similar to the operation described previously in conjunction with other embodiments of the present invention, the display assembly  400  provides a means  407  for resolving images stored on a graphic image plate  14  for the benefit of a relatively distant observer. The means  407  may be a lenticular lens as described above, or a barrier strip  94  as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , for example. 
   The assembly  400  further includes a back plate  402  that may be formed from a plastic material similar to that used for the image resolving plate  407 , although a range of suitable materials exists for the back plate  402 . The material selected should demonstrate a reasonable flexibility and durability, since a completely rigid back plate is unnecessary in this embodiment. The back plate  402  may be as thin as approximately 10 mils (0.010 inch) in thickness. 
   Of course, since the display assembly  400  is designed for backlighted applications, the back plate  402  should be relatively transmissive of visible light, and, if the graphic  14  is self-diffusing, is preferably completely transparent. Something needs to diffuse the image of the bulbs in the light source provided at the rear of the enclosure, otherwise the lighting may be rather uneven. In the preferred form of the invention, the imaging material from which the image plate  14  is fabricated has a diffuser built in. If the graphic did not have this feature, one of the other layers (either the stiffener plate or the back plate  402 ) should provide it. A transparent back plate  402  maximizes visibility of the graphic. 
   Preferably, the back plate  402  is removably attached to the image resolving plate  407  by Dual Lock™ reclosable fastener material manufactured by 3M of St. Paul, Minn. In the preferred form of the invention, mating regions of the Dual Lock™ material are secured to facing perimetric portions of both the back plate  402  and image resolving plate  407 , allowing the display unit to be assembled and disassembled with relative ease. The Dual Lock™ material is hermaphroditic, so it is unnecessary to select a particular type of fastening material for each mating surface. It is also an advantage that the Dual Lock™ material is a bit easier to engage and disengage than other known reusable fastening systems, and it is thus easier to change the image. 
   In the alternative, the removable securement of the back plate  402  to the image resolving plate  407  may be accomplished by using mating regions of hook-and-loop fastener material, such as the material commonly called VELCRO™. Preferably, strips carrying the hook-type material  406  are attached by adhesive to an interior, perimetric (disposed near the perimeter) area of the back plate  402 , while mating strips of the loop-type material  405  are secured to interior regions of the perimeter  28  of the image resolving plate  407 . Of course, the hook-type material  406  may be attached to the image resolving plate  407 , and vice versa. 
   A means  401  for maintaining intimacy of relationship between the image plate  14  and the image resolving plate  407  is also included in this embodiment. Preferably, the means  401  for maintaining intimacy comprises a plastic bag having exterior dimensions that closely approximate the size of the image plate  14 . The plastic bag  401  is maintained in an inflated condition through the use of a fan  403 . It is preferred that the fan  403  be of a conventional design suitable for ventilation applications, such as a TA150DC cooling fan manufactured by Nidec Corporation of Kyoto, Japan. In this application, the fan  403  has a sufficient airflow rating to keep the bag  401  inflated without the need for pressure regulating devices. In the preferred form of the invention, the fan  403  provides a static air pressure of about 0.05″ (pressure equivalent to a 1″ diameter column of water 0.05 inch tall). 
   Unlike the prior air bag implementation described above, in the present embodiment the air flow allows the bag to expand into the available space between the back plate  402  and the image plate  14 . If the back plate  402  is tensioned (that is, not too stretchy) along the back, the air bag expands into the space provided and creates the slight pressure on the image plate  14  that is necessary to maintain proper intimacy between the image plate  14  and the image resolving plate  407 . 
     FIGS. 19 through 21  illustrate the integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism  404  supported proximate one end of the assembly. The drive motor  420  is secured to fixed mounting plate  422 . A torsion spring  421  provides suitable bias between the fixed plate  422  and transit plate  423  that moves along a groove  429  machined into movable plate  424 . The drive motor  420  is constructed and arranged to produce linear motion of a drive pin  430  between a first position and a second position. This linear motion is what moves the image plate  14  with respect to the image resolving plate  407  ( FIG. 18 ) such that the images on the image plate  14  are sequentially resolved for the benefit of a relatively distant observer. 
   As can be appreciated from an examination of  FIGS. 20 and 21  in particular, movable plate  424  is also laterally adjustable with respect to base plate  425  through the use of adjustment bolt  428 . This adjustment “tilts” the image plate slightly, if necessary, to ensure that the lines of the stored image are registered properly with the openings in the image resolving device; in most cases, a barrier strip, but the image resolving device could also be a lenticular lens as suggested above without loss of efficacy. In this embodiment, it is noteworthy that both adjustments have been located to the same mechanism, rather than having them at different ends of the assembly, as described with respect to previous embodiments. Although not illustrated in the drawing figures, the end of the image plate  14  opposite the drive and adjustment mechanism is preferably just a fixed peg or post that is inserted through the image resolving plate  407 . 
   It may also be possible to produce the display system described herein without providing a specific adjustment for registration of the image with the image resolving device. Of course, in order to accomplish this, the display system itself would have to be manufactured with close tolerances, and the attachment point (or points) in the image plate itself would have to be positioned very accurately. It is estimated that a grommet (or simply an opening in the image plate) designed to accommodate the motor drive pin may have to be located to an accuracy of about 0.010 inch in order for the registration adjustment to be eliminated altogether. 
   The exploded view of  FIG. 25  is illustrative of the technique used to mount the drive mechanism to the display assembly. The base plate  425  is secured to the image resolving plate  407  using rivets  501  as shown. Of course, the base plate  425  may be mounted using alternative means, such as, for example, screws and nuts, a powerful adhesive, or even ultrasonic welding, as long as the base plate  425  is retained securely in position. Portions  405  of the selected removable attachment means described above are visible along the perimeter of the image resolving plate  407 . It should be noted that a gap in the attachment material  405  is provided to accommodate the base plate  425 . 
   The movable plate  424  is secured to the base plate  425  beyond the perimeter of the image plate  14 , with only the drive pin  430  making contact with the image plate  14  through opening  502 . Of course, a grommet may be inserted in opening  502  to minimize wear of the opening  502  caused by interaction with the drive pin  430 , although in some applications this grommet may be omitted so the drive pin can interact directly with the sides of the opening  502  in the image plate  14 . 
     FIG. 23  depicts adjustment mechanism  450  in greater detail. A switch  453  includes a delay relay connected in series with the drive motor  420  ( FIG. 22 ). Whenever there is a dramatic change in switch circuit current, the relay de-energizes and interrupts power to the drive motor  420 , while starting a timer to re-energize the motor  420 . The delay is adjustable, and in the preferred form of the invention the delay is set for about three seconds. This three-second delay is suitable for use with the ten-RPM (revolutions per minute) drive motor  420 . In the preferred embodiment, the delay timer is a Model 427 Timer manufactured by Automatic Timing &amp; Controls of Lancaster, Pa. Of course, other delay devices may also by suitable in this application. A pin is provided on transit plate  423  ( FIG. 21 ) on the opposite end from the drive pin  430 . This second pin, of course, moves back and forth along with the transit plate  423 . 
   During the course of its travel, when the pin comes into contact with pivoting arm  452 , it drives the arm  452 , and the switch  453  that is mounted to it, into contact with adjustable actuating screw  454 . The actuating screw  454  comes into contact with switch actuator  455 , which interrupts power to the drive motor  420  and starts the timer. After a time delay, the drive motor  420  is restarted and continues to drive the image plate  14 . 
   The effect of the mechanism  450  is to stall the image plate  14  near the center position. Without a way to momentarily stop the drive motor  420 , the center portion of the image plate  14  tends to go by quickly. The mechanism  450  allows the viewer a good look at the center image, then starts up the drive motor  420  once again. 
     FIGS. 24(   a ) through  24 ( c ) are illustrative of the range of adjustment of plate  422  with respect to plate  424 . As can be appreciated from the several views, plate  422  moves in the direction of arrow A, [ FIG. 24(   a )] then reverses, returning to a central location [ FIG. 24(   b )] before traveling in the direction of arrow B [ FIG. 24(   c )]. The plate  422  then reverses direction and continues as described. The drive mechanism provides a reciprocal motion of the graphic image plate  14 . This motion creates a visual image cycle for the observer. The adjustment of plate  422  with respect to plate  424  is necessary to set the relative position of the image  14  with respect to the image resolving plate  407  and therefore effect the correct image sequence for the viewer. A round shaft  461  is provided whose central axis is held in place by an opening in plate  424 . The shaft  461  has a screw head on one end and an off-center cam on the other end. This off-center cam fits into a matching slot in plate  422 . As the screw head is turned, plate  422  moves in response to the off-center cam and the image cycle is thereby altered. When the correct position is attained, a lock down screw  462  is tightened to set the relationship, and the adjustment is complete. 
   An interesting operational anomaly arises when a display system as described above is rotated 90 degrees, so that the image plate reciprocates from side to side instead of vertically. When the drive mechanism is run on its side, all the weight of the graphic image plate  14  is supported by the edge of slide  423  where it meets slot  429 , and where the stud meets the graphic slot as shown in  FIG. 25 . This is a high friction situation and puts a great deal of destructive stress on the motor and bearing surfaces. The mechanism spring-load (designed to prevent “crumpling” of the graphic) has a difficult time overcoming it as well, and does not help in solving the friction problem. 
   A low friction slider bar assembly oriented 90 degrees to the drive motion (i.e., at the top of the graphic image plate) can be employed to support the graphic image plate from a plurality of points. Such a slider bar is commercially available through Igus® inc. of Providence, R.I., as a “DryLin® N Low Profile Linear Guide System”. This slider bar suspends the weight of the graphic and frees the bearing surfaces of the motor drive. The slide itself is specially designed to reduce friction of such motion to a minimum. With a slider bar in place, the spring on the drive mechanism is then able to do its job. 
     FIG. 26  illustrates a spring-loaded engagement means disposed distally from the integrally constructed drive motor and adjustment mechanism for providing an appropriate tension throughout the means for storing image information. Screw  604  is secured through the front of plate  405  in a threaded hole and protrudes out the back. The thumbscrew  602  threads onto it. The graphic  14  has a precision slot  614  punched in it. The size of the slot is matched to the shaft of the thumbscrew  602 . This provides a fixed point at the base of the graphic for the x direction while allowing free movement of the graphic in the y direction. To spring-load the assembly, two precision holes  608  are punched in the graphic on either side of the slot  614 , and grommets  610 , with a very thin lip, are placed in the holes  608 . A torsion spring  606  is positioned on the thumbscrew shaft so that the arms of the spring  606  are tensioned against the grommets  610  when the system is at rest. When the drive motor pulls the graphic  14  toward it, the torsion spring  606  exerts a force in the opposite direction. When the drive motor cycle returns the graphic  14 , it is done so under tension, as the spring  606  pulls it back. This arrangement smoothes the motion, reducing visual sticking and stutters. 
   As various possible embodiments may be made in the above invention for use for different purposes and as various changes might be made in the embodiments and methods above set forth, it is understood that all of the above matters here set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.