Bridges 2012 Short Paper

In this paper, we will explore the connections between the mathematical and artistic formulations of anamorphosis. The goal of this project is to provide an artist with the tools that can assist in the creation of an anamorphic image. These tools are mathematical formulas that are used to form printable grids which can allow the artist to focus on a more precise image formation. These formulas describe bijections between the points on the surface and the points in the horizontal plane where the distorted image is placed. This paper provides a general set-up for using any parametric surface as a reflecting object. We then look at a specific example using the surface of a cylinder.