Nonlinear projection: using deformations in 3D viewing

We present techniques for achieving nonlinear projections and distortions and use these techniques to generate distorted panorama and fish-eye virtual views, environmental texture mapping, and other special visual effects. Past experiments on nonlinear distortions primarily focused on 2D distortion or abstract mathematical camera models for noninteractive ray tracing. We developed and tested an experimental system based on these methods that lets one navigate a 3D virtual world with nonlinear perspective projection in real time. Our methods have many applications in conceptual design, computer games, and scientific visualization.