How to predict the shape of the circle from any point of view

AI Thread Summary
A circle viewed at an angle appears as an ellipse, with the orientation of its major and minor axes determined by the angles ө, ∞, and €. The discussion explores predicting the ellipse's axis ratio (b/a) based on these angles, independent of the ellipse's size. It also draws parallels to a circle on a hinge casting a shadow that transforms from a circle to an ellipse as it rotates, with the horizontal axis remaining constant while the height changes based on the angle phi. The relationship between the angles and the shadow's dimensions is emphasized, suggesting that the shadow's behavior mirrors the camera's rotation. A formula to apply these principles in practical scenarios is sought for further exploration.
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As we know a circle view at an angle appears as an ellipse ,
as you see in the picture, the center of the camera aim to the center of the circle ,
the angle between the circle axis and the camera is ө,
the azimuth between mojor axis(a) and the camera is ∞,
the rotation of the camera is €,

1. How to predict an orientation of major and minor axis and the ratio of its axes(b/a) ,if we only know these ө,∞,€ angle, regardless of size of ellipses

2. Is there any theory to apply this example?

attachment.php?attachmentid=46615&d=1335275106.png
 
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consider the simpler problem of a circle on a hinge along its horizontal diameter. The circle is oriented so that initially its plane is vertical. Let phi be the angle the plane of the circle makes with the vertical axis as we rotate it around the hinge.

now suppose we have a light source (at infinity) and look at the shadow cast by the circle on a nearby vertical plane. Initially (phi=0) the shadow is a circle of the same radius as the circle. As we rotate the circle on its hinge, the shadow changes to an ellipse in the same manner as the camera in your diagram viewing the circle from different angles.

The horizontal axis of the shadow corresponds to a in your diagram. It is constant and always equal to the radius of the circle. The height of the shadow (b) changes with phi and a simple diagram will show you that its value is

b=a\cos\phi

I will leave you to relate phi back to the angles in your diagram.
 
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Hi,

We can apply the light source(at infinity) theory in case a camera rotating,
Thus the shadow of ellipses will rotate the same as the camera rotation(€) right?

One thing that i concern is how to find formula to apply this circumstance?


Thank you very much
 
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