Image Formation: Understanding 2D Projections from 3D Scenes

This lecture covers the fundamental concepts of image formation, detailing how 3D scenes are transformed into 2D images. It begins with the basic principles of light projection, explaining how light interacts with surfaces and is captured by sensors. The instructor introduces the pinhole camera model, illustrating how it serves as a simplified representation of image formation. The lecture progresses to discuss the digitization of images, emphasizing the transition from continuous light intensity functions to discrete pixel values. The differences between black and white images and color images are explained, highlighting the role of RGB channels. The geometry of camera systems is explored, including coordinate systems and the effects of focal length on image perception. The lecture also addresses common optical phenomena such as depth of field, lens distortion, and the importance of calibration in achieving accurate image representation. Overall, the session provides a comprehensive overview of the processes involved in capturing and processing images in digital photography.