Anamorphic Panorama Projection on Cylindrical Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anamorphic representation techniques fail to accurately project 360° panorama images on three-dimensional cylindrical or conical objects, resulting in incomplete or distorted views, particularly due to issues with image deformation and shadow representation.
Innovation Solution
A method for acquiring and post-producing images that involves taking HDR photography shots with specific overlap and editing using software to generate a ring-shaped image, which is then deformed and transformed into polar coordinates for correct reproduction on a cylindrical three-dimensional medium with a mirroring surface, ensuring optimal graphical results and correct image representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If anamorphic distortion is applied to project images on three-dimensional cylindrical or conical objects, then the image can be displayed on curved surfaces, but the image reproduction becomes distorted and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by pre-distorting the image in the opposite direction of the expected distortion from the cylindrical surface. Instead of applying anamorphic distortion to the projection, the image is pre-warped during post-production so that when reflected on the curved surface, it appears correct to the observer. This inversion principle resolves the contradiction by transforming the distortion problem into a pre-compensation solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the image from rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates during post-production. This coordinate transformation, combined with specific distortion parameters tailored to the cylindrical or conical surface geometry, allows the image to adapt to the curved surface while maintaining accurate reproduction. The parameter changes enable the image to conform to the three-dimensional medium without losing fidelity.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional anamorphic techniques are used, then partial views or frontal views can be displayed, but complete 360° panorama reproduction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 360° panorama into multiple overlapping photographs taken at different angles and positions. These individual images are then stitched together during post-production to create a complete panoramic view that can be accurately projected onto the three-dimensional medium. The segmentation allows comprehensive coverage while maintaining precision through controlled overlapping and systematic assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image projection to three-dimensional immersive display by wrapping the panorama around cylindrical or conical surfaces. This dimensionality change enables complete 360° viewing coverage while maintaining accuracy through the use of mirrored surfaces that reflect the distorted image back into its correct spatial relationship, allowing observers to view the complete panorama from multiple angles.
3Ease of manufacture
If image distortion is applied for anamorphic effect, then the optical illusion is created, but shadows and lighting information are lost or misrepresented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing multiple photographs with controlled lighting conditions and shadow information during the image acquisition phase. During post-production, these pre-captured lighting and shadow data are preserved and integrated into the distorted panorama, ensuring that the optical illusion is created without losing critical visual information about the scene's lighting and depth.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method allows for the accurate projection of 360° panorama images on cylindrical three-dimensional objects, providing a complete and undistorted view, enhancing the surprise effect for observers and enabling applications on various objects from small souvenirs to large-scale installations.
Implementation Method 1
said mirroring outer surface of said three-dimensional medium is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical and it is suitably configured for mirroring the ring-shaped image reproduced on the two-dimensional medium
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
Anamorphic system for the acquisition, post-production and reproduction of 360° panorama images on three-dimensional objects, suitable for the representation of panorama images (1) that are deformed according to the principle of anamorphosis on a two-dimensional medium (10), said image (1) being adapted to be reflected on the outer surface (2) of a three- dimensional medium (20) positioned centrally with respect to the two-dimensional medium (10); said system consisting of: (A) acquisition: wherein 360° photography shots are taken around the object to be reproduced; said photography shots being equidistant from the object to be reproduced and being provided with focals, preferably 35 mm; said photography shots also being provided with a mutual superimposition comprised between 30% and 40% of the image and being captured preferably in HDR mode; said acquisition (A) step occurring several times during the day or over multiple days, for acquiring photography shots of the entire object to be reproduced hit by sunlight or artificial night lighting; (B) post-production: wherein said photography shots are edited in order to generate the deformed image (1); (C) reproduction of the image (1) on a two-dimensional medium (10); said image (1) being provided with a central hole (11); (D) positioning a three-dimensional medium (20) at said central hole (11).