An Image-Based Model for Realistic Lens Systems in Interactive Computer Graphics

Many applications, such as realistic rendering, virtual and augmented reality, and virtual studios, require an accurate simulation of real lens and camera systems at interactive rates, including depth of field and geometric aberrations, in particular distortions. Unfortunately, camera models used in Computer Graphics are either too simple to describe these effects or too expensive to simulate for interactive use. In this paper, we introduce an image-based lens model that is powerful enough to simulate sophisticated properties of real lens systems, yet fast enough for interactive graphics. By exploiting coherence, common graphics hardware can be used to yield high frame rates.