LILi User Guide – Version 0.1.1

Previewing * Interlacing * Output * FAQ * Glossary



Introduction

This guide is intended to introduce LILi – the Linux Lenticular Interlacer – and show new users how to use the software.

For technical and practical information about how lenticular imaging works, please see the appendix.

About LILi

LILi is provided as a free collection of unsupported software tools which ease the creation of lenticular images. It's also a complete, supported hardware/software package supplied as a ready to use “turnkey” system for professional photographers.

The software provides three modules, Preview, Interlace and Output. They are normally used in sequence.

The software is built with free libraries and programming tools and is licenced under the GNU General Public Licence (GPL), a copy of which is supplied in the LILi package.

LILi uses ImageMagick for image manipulation. The interface and program logic is built using Gambas, the Linux graphical Basic IDE. In order to use LILi, you must have these installed. If you purchased a LILi package from us, then the system is already set up and ready to use.

We also supply consumables for use with LILi – inks, print media and dry-mountable lenticular sheet. LILi is designed specifically to work with our materials and hardware, but as it's Linux and Free software a little effort will make it work with other setups.

Capabilities

LILi accepts bitmap images in most formats and from most digital sources. Almost any digital still camera, scanner or rendering package can provide suitable source images. Those not using our hardware should be aware that final image quality will be greatly affected by the quality of source images.

The user may interactively preview the 3D/animation effects and make adjustments to the alignment and scale of the individual source images. Sequences of up to twelve frames may be used, depending upon the lenticular sheet type and printing hardware available.

The time taken for the interlacing process depends upon the size and number of images used and the hardware available. As a rule of thumb, expect LILi to take between five and twenty minutes. A status panel provides real time progress information.

The final interlaced composite can be printed straight to our supplied hardware, or any other suitable device (see list). Alternatively, it may be output to file as PostScript or PDF for printing by most commercial printers with suitable hardware.

Freedom and responsibility

LILi is Free software, in the GPL sense of “freedom of speech”. The source code is provided so that you can examine it and make any alterations or improvements you wish. If you do so, your improvements are also subject to the GPL should you wish to distribute them.

With this freedom comes responsibility. If you modify your copy of LILi making it unusable, it is your responsibility to fix it. The current version can be downloaded free of charge from Sourceforge if you are really stuck and need to reinstall. If you want our assistance to repair your system, or advice on using LILi then please remember that we will charge for this service.


Last changed: 03/29/2004, 15:03:20