Augmented reality using high fidelity spherical panorama with HDRI

This paper presents an experimental method and apparatus for producing spherical panoramas with high dynamic range imaging (HDRI). Our method is optimized for providing high fidelity augmented reality (AR) image-based environment recognition for mobile devices. Previous studies have shown that a pre-produced panorama image can be used to make AR tracking possible for mobile AR applications. However, there has been little research on determining the qualities of the source panorama image necessary for creating high fidelity AR experiences. Panorama image production can have various challenges that can result in inaccurate reproduction of images that do not allow correct virtual graphics to be registered in the AR scene. These challenges include using multiple angle photograph images that contain parallax error, nadir angle difficulty and limited dynamic range. For mobile AR, we developed a HDRI method that requires a single acquisition that extends the dynamic range from a digital negative. This approach that needs least acquisition time is to be used for multiple angles necessary for reconstructing accurately reproduced spherical panorama with sufficient luminance.