Light Field Rendering using Matrix Optics

Abstract

This paper presents a light field rendering framework based on matrix optics. Matrix optics, in contrast to intersection-based methods such as ray-tracing, has the advantage that a generic series of optic operators can be combined into a single matrix. This enables us to realize a “virtual optical bench” where different setups can be easily tested. We introduce the theoretical foundation of matrix optics and define a set of operators suitable for light fields. We then discuss a wavelet compression scheme for our light field representation. Finally we introduce a real-time rendering approach based on matrix optics suitable for both uncompressed and compressed light fields.