How Good Do 3D Graphics Replicate The Human Vision?

3D computer generated images constitute a diversified and strongly booming industry. Their market potential is far not exhausted. The ability of Emulating the real world as faithfully as possible has emerged as the most decisive criteria in the fierce battle among competitors. Hence the concept of Realism that can be broken down into several components.

In a paper titled “Distortion in Perspective Projection” published in Autumn 2008, Prof. Robert P. Kelso Sr. demonstrates that “…a perspective projection onto a spherical surface of projection is analogous to light rays into the eye, which rays are similarly perpendicular to the spherical-shaped retina, and reproduces thereon and thereby the image beheld by the eye…there is no remedy available to correct for the intrinsic distortion in perspective projection because it is impossible to rectify onto a planar surface, without distortion, an image on a sphere”. He concluded the paper with following statement:

From the above the paper concludes that if, in graphical/photographic perspective projection, it were possible to project an image onto a spherical surface and then to perfectly rectify the sphere into a planar surface the result would be a perspective projection image without distortion. However, this is not possible because it is impossible, geometrically, to perfectly rectify a sphere, e.g., the globe, into a plane, as especially cartography confirms. Therefore, all standard, perspective projection images are necessarily distorted.

Perspective distortions represent a big hindrance to the full enjoyment of 3D CGI products. This very fact has been unnoticed overlooked by the actors of the industry. The EPRAT project starts there, committed to develop new algorithms that make renderings looking more natural and the action flow more seamless during animations.