Ray Tracing with Extended Cameras

Abstract

This paper discusses an extended camera model for ray tracing. As an alternative to standard camera modules an abstract camera machine is presented. It represents a framework of extended cameras which is based on standard mapping functions. They are integrated within the abstract camera machine to complete the camera function, which generates rays out of image locations (pixels). Modelling the camera function as an abstract camera machine in combination with standard mapping functions opens a wide field of applications and the specification of extended cameras is greatly simplified. By using extended cameras it is easily possible to produce special and artistic effects, e.g. a local non-linear zoom of especially interesting regions while still retaining an overview of the whole scene. Overviews of given scenes can be modelled and several views of the same object can be integrated into one picture. Several examples of extended cameras designed with the abstract camera machine are discussed and colour plates made with these cameras are presented.