2D -> 3D conversions in Photoshop/Lenticular License Legalities

[P3D Adam L. Beckerman <adam@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

FYI, this was printed in Image Club magazine distributed by 
Adobe (www.imageclub.com) as a Photoshop Trick:

How to create 3D images in Photoshop

Step 1--Open your image in Photoshop go to Mode>RGB.  Save 
your image as <name>.  (It is important to save your image 
now and not again until the end.)

Step 2--Choose Window>Show Channels and select only the 
red channel.

Step 3--Go to Filter>Other>Offset and choose a value of -4 for 
both horizontal and vertical entries.  Make sure to select repeat 
edges as well.

Step 4--Choose Winodw>Show Channels and view all channels 
together by clicking on the RGB channel.  This will reveal your 
offset red channel.  (Remember only to save your document at 
the beginning!)

Step5--Double Click on the eraser tool to reveal the eraser option 
control box.  Select the "erase to saved" button and your desired 
brush size.

Step 6--Erase the areas that you wish to appear in the foreground.  
(Using different opacities, you can acheive various levels of depth).  
Save in RGB mode for use on the web or electronic medium, and 
in CMYK mode for use in print projects.
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By experimenting with this a bit, I've discovered that this seems 
like an OK and fun, but crude way to do 2D to 3D conversions into 
anaglyph format.  Has anyone done this before?  The vertical offset 
that is done seems to enhance the effect.  I know none of us would 
intentionally introduce vertical misalignment in our anaglyphs, but 
since this method seems to only rely on perceived disparity and not 
separate views of the same image, I guess it's acceptable.

On a separate note, I received a catalog in the mail for a company 
called 360 North or something like that, and they sold radar detectors 
and other intelligence/counterintelligence items.  One item was a 
lenticular license plate cover that displays nothing from any angle 
but behind (at which angle, the proper license plate is seen).  Although 
it says this may be illegal in some states, it is used to prevent cameras 
from taking pictures of the speeding or red light running user.  These 
cameras, it claims, typically take pictures at a 20 degree angle.  
Interesting use of lenticular plastic!

FWIW,

Adam

I have no affiliation with Adobe, Imageclub, or 360 North (if that's their 
name).


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