Image projection apparatus, image processing apparatus, image projection method, image processing method, and image projection system

An image processing method, comprising:

• calculating a direction of polarization for each viewpoint of a plurality of viewpoints based on a plurality of polarization images, wherein the plurality of polarization images is obtained based on capture of a plurality of images of a surface of projection at the plurality of viewpoints;
• converting the calculated direction of polarization, for each viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints, into a pixel value;
• generating a reconstructed image for each viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints based on the pixel value;
• and
• generating surface-of-projection information based on the reconstructed image for each viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints, wherein the surface-of-projection information is associated with the surface of projection.

An image projection system, comprising:

• an image projection apparatus and an image processing apparatus, wherein the image projection apparatus includes first circuitry configured to:
• set a polarization state of unpolarized light based on a superimposed image, wherein the unpolarized light indicates a projected image;
• and
• generate projection light based on the polarization state, and the image processing apparatus includes second circuitry configured to:
• calculate a direction of polarization for each viewpoint of a plurality of viewpoints based on a plurality of polarization images, wherein
• the plurality of polarization images is obtained based on capture of a plurality of images of a surface of projection at the plurality of viewpoints, and
• the projection light is projected onto the surface of projection;
• convert the calculated direction of polarization, for each viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints, into a pixel value;
• generate a reconstructed image for each viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints based on the pixel value, wherein the reconstructed image indicates the superimposed image;
• and
• generate surface-of-projection information based on the reconstructed image for each viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints, wherein the surface-of-projection information is associated with the surface of projection.