Since its first proposal in 2020, Neural Radiation Field (NeRF) technology has quickly attracted widespread attention in computer graphics and content creation.Through deep learning, NeRF can reconstruct the three-dimensional representation of scenes from 2D images from multiple angles, and then apply it to diverse tasks such as novel perspective synthesis, scene geometric reconstruction and reflection characteristic acquisition.This technological breakthrough has made many interesting applications feasible, such as virtual reality, medical imaging, and robotics.So, why can multi-view points significantly improve image quality?
In the training process of NeRF, integrating images from different perspectives not only helps to build more complete scene information, but also effectively reduces blur and distortion in the image generation process.
NeRF operates with the principle of representing a scenario as a radiation field parameterized by a deep neural network.When this network receives inputs from the spatial position (x, y, z) and viewing angle (θ, Φ), the intensity and volume density emitted from the position can be predicted.This process requires the gradual adjustment of the network parameters under the guidance of many viewpoint images to achieve the best reconstruction effect.
To make the most of the potential of NeRF, it is crucial to collect images from multiple angles.These images do not require professional photography equipment, they only need to take pictures of the general camera, as long as they must be tracked to the position and posture of the camera.This technology is called Structure from Motion (SfM), which is usually achieved by combining instant positioning with mapping (SLAM), GPS or inertial measurement.
Researchers often use synthetic data to evaluate NeRF and its related technologies, which can provide repeatable and error-free image and camera posture.
This process can provide all-round visual information for neural networks, which is the key to improving image quality.Once the data is collected, the training phase can be entered, and the model is optimized by minimizing the error between the predicted and actual images.
NeRF training is a fully differentiable process that encourages the network to develop consistent scenario models by performing gradient descent between multiple viewpoints.Given a sparse viewing angle (image and its camera posture), the camera light passes through the scene, generating a 3D set of points with a specific radiation direction.For these 3D points, the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) is used to predict their volume density and radiation intensity, and finally generate images.
The key to this process is to use images from different perspectives to capture the diversity of the scene, so that NeRF can build a more realistic three-dimensional model, avoiding the generation of blurred or distorted images.
As the research continues to deepen, NeRF technology is also constantly improving. For example, Fourier Feature Mapping is introduced to improve training speed and image accuracy. This technology helps the model quickly converge to high-frequency functions, thereby improving Image quality.
With the continuous evolution of NeRF technology, various variants have emerged. Among them, technologies such as "beam adjustment neural radiation field" (BARF) are designed to improve the stability of camera posture estimation and greatly improve the final rendering quality.In addition, the "mip-NeRF" technology has also been proposed to improve image sharpness at different viewing distances.
These innovative technologies not only expand the scope of use of NeRF, but also solve the difficulties encountered by traditional methods when facing dynamic scenarios.More importantly, these optimizations allow the practicality of NeRF technology to be extended from the processing of single static images to a wider range of applications such as medical imaging, interactive content, and robotics.
With the gradual maturity of NeRF technology, various potential applications are emerging one after another.NeRF can not only achieve instant high-fidelity scene generation in content creation, but also create a more immersive experience in virtual reality and games.In addition, the application of NeRF in the fields of medical imaging and autonomous robotics has also shown great potential, such as the use of NeRF to reconstruct 3D CT scan data to assist with safer diagnosis.
NeRF developers are becoming more and more curious. With the continuous advancement of technology, what level will their applications in real life reach in the future?