Physical modeling of a microlens array setup for use in computer generated IP

One of the most promising techniques for visualizing three-dimensional objects is Integral Photography (IP). Two of the most common methods used in Computer Generated IP involve the development of simplified ray tracing algorithms for elementary 3D objects or the realization of pinhole arrays. We present an alternative technique based on the POV-Ray software package for ray tracing to generate synthetic, high quality and photorealistic integral images, by accurately modeling all the optical elements of the capturing setup. Our work constitutes a straightforward approach for translating a computer generated 3D model to an IP image and a robust method to develop modules that can be easily integrated in existing ray-tracers. The proposed technique simulates the procedure of a single stage IP capture for producing orthoscopic IP images, real or virtual. Full control is provided over geometry selection, size and refractive index of the elementary microlenses. Specificall y our efforts have been focused on the development of arrays with different geometries (square or hexagonal) that demonstrates the parameterization capabilities of the proposed IP setup. Moreover detailed benchmarking is provided over a variety of sizes and geometries of microlens arrays.