A Technology to Synthesize 360-Degree Video Based on Regular Dodecahedron in Virtual Environment Systems

Abstract

The paper proposes a new technology of creating panoramic video with a 360-degree view based on virtual environment projection on regular dodecahedron. The key idea consists in constructing of inner dodecahedron surface (observed by the viewer) composed of virtual environment snapshots obtained by twelve identical virtual cameras. A method to calculate such cam-eras’ projection and orientation parameters based on “golden rectangles” geometry as well as a method to calculate snapshots position around the ob-server ensuring synthesis of continuous 360-panorama are developed. The technology and the methods were implemented in software complex and tested on the task of virtual observing the Earth from space. The research findings can be applied in virtual environment systems, video simulators, scientific visualization, virtual laboratories, etc.