MK Panorama Systeme PanoMachine MultiRowPlan User manual

PanoMachine Panorama Calculator 6.8.1
(25.September.2009)
MultiRowPlan
Spherical
Operators Manual
Developer of Program and Documentation
Copyright by: Josef Ehrler, CH-6032 Emmen, Schweiz
[e-mail]

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Copyright by Josef Ehrler 2
Contents
1INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................4
1.1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................................4
1.2 MULTIROW PANORAMA ............................................................................................................5
1.3 SPHERICAL-PANORAMA............................................................................................................6
1.4 CALIBRATING THE PIVOT POINT.................................................................................................6
1.5 DEAD ANGLE IN NADIR..............................................................................................................7
2MMI (MACHINE MAN INTERFACE) .........................................................................................8
2.1 MAIN MENU..............................................................................................................................8
2.2 MULTIROW CALCULATOR .........................................................................................................9
2.2.1 PARAMETER INPUTS.............................................................................................................10
2.2.1.1 Camera Model ................................................................................................................10
2.2.1.2 Min. Overlap between Columns (H) ................................................................................10
2.2.1.3 Overlap between Rows (V) .............................................................................................10
2.2.1.4 Focal length [mm] ...........................................................................................................10
2.2.1.5 Vertical Shift [°] ...............................................................................................................10
2.2.1.6 Pano Angle of View (H) ANGLE......................................................................................10
2.2.1.7 Pano Angle of View (V)...................................................................................................11
2.2.1.8 Numbers of images (H) NPos .........................................................................................11
2.2.1.9 Numbers of images (V)...................................................................................................11
2.2.1.10 Button “Auto Portrait” ......................................................................................................11
2.2.1.11 Button “Manual Portrait”..................................................................................................11
2.2.1.12 Button “Auto Landscape” ................................................................................................11
2.2.1.13 Button “Manual Landscape”............................................................................................11
2.2.2 PARAMETER OUTPUTS .........................................................................................................12
2.2.2.1 Pano Angle of View Pano (H) [°].....................................................................................12
2.2.2.2 Pano Angle of View Pano (V) [°] .....................................................................................12
2.2.2.3 Overlap (H) [°].................................................................................................................12
2.2.2.4 Overlap (V) [°].................................................................................................................12
2.2.2.5 Step size (H) [°]...............................................................................................................12
2.2.2.6 Step size (V) [°]...............................................................................................................12
2.2.2.7 Angle of View for 1 image (H) [°].....................................................................................12
2.2.2.8 Angle of View for 1 image (V) [°].....................................................................................12
2.2.2.9 No. of Pixel (H/V) ............................................................................................................12
2.2.2.10 Number of Pixel for the whole panorama ........................................................................12
2.2.2.11 Elevation values [°] .........................................................................................................12
2.2.3 NAVIGATION /FUNCTION KEYS..............................................................................................13
2.2.3.1 “Calculate” buttons..........................................................................................................13
2.2.3.2 „Create/Save Script“ button.............................................................................................13
2.2.3.3 „Back to Main Menu“ button............................................................................................13
2.2.4 SUMMARY:...........................................................................................................................14
2.3 SPHERICAL PANORAMA CALCULATOR.....................................................................................15
2.3.1 INPUTS ................................................................................................................................16
2.3.1.1 Camera Model ................................................................................................................16
2.3.1.2 Focal length [mm] ...........................................................................................................16
2.3.1.3 Min. Overlap between Columns (H) ................................................................................16
2.3.1.4 Min. Overlap between Rows (V)......................................................................................16
2.3.1.5 Optimizer for no. of Columns in Rows.............................................................................17
2.3.1.6 Mode to calculate vertical parameters (rows)..................................................................17
2.3.2 CONSIDERATIONS OF VERTICAL OVERLAP FOR A SPHERICAL PANORAMA ..................................18

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2.3.2.1 Calculations vertical parameters (rows)...........................................................................18
2.3.2.2 “Calculation in fixed step sizes“.......................................................................................19
2.3.2.3 “Optimize Zenith/Nadir“...................................................................................................19
2.3.2.4 “Take into account dead angle“.......................................................................................19
2.3.2.5 Determine the dead angle...............................................................................................20
2.3.3 OUTPUTS HORIZONTAL .........................................................................................................21
2.3.3.1 No. of Images horizontal .................................................................................................21
2.3.3.2 Overlap horizontal [%]...................................................................................................22
2.3.3.3 Step size horizontal [°] ....................................................................................................22
2.3.3.4 Overlap in the horizontal plain [%] (with optimizer).........................................................22
2.3.3.5 Total no. of images in rows .............................................................................................22
2.3.3.6 Horizontal Angle of View of a single image [°].................................................................22
2.3.4 OUTPUTS VERTICAL .............................................................................................................23
2.3.4.1 Parameter List.................................................................................................................23
2.3.4.2 Field of View (FoV) of 1 picture vertical [°].......................................................................23
2.3.5 NAVIGATION /FUNCTION BUTTONS ........................................................................................24
2.3.5.1 „Calculation“ Button.........................................................................................................24
2.3.5.2 „Create and Save Script“ Button .....................................................................................24
2.3.5.3 „Back to Main Menu“ Button............................................................................................24
2.4 PARAMETER DATABASE OF CAMERA MODELS .........................................................................25
3BRACKETING CALCULATOR ...............................................................................................26
4CALCULATION EXAMPLES ..................................................................................................29
4.1 EXAMPLE MULTIROW PANORAMA ...........................................................................................29
4.2 SPHERICAL-PANORAMA..........................................................................................................33
5CLOSING WORDS..................................................................................................................38
6WARRANTY............................................................................................................................39
7MUTIROW: ROWS, COLUMNS, OVERLAPS, ANGLE OF VIEW (AOV)................................40
8CAD CHECKED CALCULATION...........................................................................................41

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1 Introduction
1.1 General
The information in this operator’s manual is related to the following two types of pano-
rama calculators: “MultiRow” and “Sperical Panorama”. The only limitations are the
format of a single picture and it should be a rectangle (no fisheye lenses) and for
spherical panoramas the single photographs should be taken in portrait format.
Nowadays digital photo technique allows the creation of panorama photographs with a
previously unknown resolution. I think the first photographer breaking the Gigabyte
boundary was Max Lion with his MultiRow panorama from the Bryce Canyon taken in
2003. When taking into account a professional SRL camera, e.g. the Canon EOS 1Ds
Mark III with its 21 Mega pixels, the MultiRow technique opens up new possibilities.
A panorama photograph whether it is a MultiRow or a Spherical Panorama must be
taken on a fixed position not to be confused with mosaic e.g. Satellite photographs
which are taken from different positions.
Also Spherical Panoramas are delighting the professional promotion sector (real es-
tate properties and tourism market) and are also very popular in the semi professional
community.
As you assume, to take MultiRow and Spherical panoramas, it will require a minimal
knowledge to calculate the relevant parameters for a specific equipment combination
as:
- Sensor size (depending on the camera model used)
- Focal length of the lens used
- Horizontal/vertical step size between two pictures
- Horizontal/vertical overlap between two pictures
- Numbers of columns and rows
- Camera format (portrait / landscape)
To get good results, of course appropriate equipment, not necessarily expensive, is a
requirement.
The suggested panorama calculator should support photographers in the preparation
phase before taking the pictures. In chapter 2 and 3 the functionality and the use of
the panorama calculator will be explained in more detail.

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1.2 MultiRow Panorama
The MultiRow technique nearly eliminates the sensor resolution limitations of a
digital camera. Taking photographs represented in a number of columns and rows
is the base for a stitch program to assemble the single images into a giant seam-
less panorama.
To secure a fix horizontal and vertical step size over an entire panorama a tripod is
strongly recommended to adjust the tripod head in its horizontal and vertical axis.
Depending on the demanded precision a wide palette of tripod and panorama
heads are available such as:
- A simple tripod with its common 3-way panorama head. This kind of pano-
rama heads is recommended for MultiRow panoramas only.
- A panorama head which can be locked in any position, horizontally 360° and
vertically ±90°. Additionally this head has a gimmick to adjust the “Pivot
Point” to avoid parallax distortion between single images. For MultiRow
panoramas it is not mandatory, for Spherical panoramas it is a must. More
about that in chapter 1.4.
- A panorama head with different raster rings or mechanically programmable
to adjust horizontal positions for a specific panorama. Vertical positioning is
done on a special elevator unit e.g. Manufacturer: Manfrotto 300N (pro-
grammable) and Kaidan (different rings for fix step sizes). It is important to
know the sensor sizes and the focal length which is required for a specific
horizontal raster ring. The vertical positions are adjusted on a mechanical
elevator by hand.
- A motorized panorama head to adjust computer controlled horizontal posi-
tion. Vertical positioning is done on a special elevator unit. As an example
for these kind of panorama heads are the „PanoMachine“ from MK Pano-
rama, Deutschland"and the Roundshot VR Drive from Seitz, Switzerland.
In this documentation I describe the PanoMachine from MK Panorama.
- A fully motorized panorama head as the RODEONmodular from Dr. U.
Clauss, Germany, to adjust computer controlled horizontal and vertical posi-
tions. The panorama head control is done with a PDA (Personal Digital As-
sistant) via Bluetooth.
When all images for the panorama are taken and saved on to the memory card the
stitching process on the PC can start. Special stitching software allows the user to
define control points between two adjoining images to fit them seamlessly into a
single high resolution panorama. Most of the actual programs also provide an
automatic stitching process to stitch dozens or hundreds of images into a giant sin-
gle panorama. To generate control points between columns and rows an adequate
overlap is required. With overlap values between 25 … 35%, stitch programs will
deliver good results.

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When a MultiRow Panorama is photographed with the camera in portrait orienta-
tion, the overlap between rows is referenced to the long side of the image format,
between columns to the short side.
The relevant parameters for a MultiRow Panorama which should be known or cal-
culated before taking the first image are:
- Chosen horizontal and vertical Angle of View (AoV) for the whole panorama
in degrees [°]. These parameters are normally estimated at the place the
panorama has to be taken or from a map.
- The number of columns and rows for the whole panorama. These two pa-
rameters depend on the focal length of the lens used, the sensor size of the
camera, the chosen overlap and as a result the step size between columns
and rows and finally on the requested resolution for the printed panorama.
Note: Big values for focal length will result in higher panorama resolution and a
higher number of images for the whole panorama.
Reading all this stuff probably you expect a lot of technical work before shooting
the first image. Actually this is wrong. After estimating the necessary horizon-
tal/vertical angle of view for the whole panorama, the focal length for the lens and
the minimum horizontal/vertical overlap, the panorama calculator will do the rest
automatically with a few mouse-clicks.
1.3 Spherical-Panorama
Compared to the MultiRow Panorama, the Spherical Panorama is not a plane surface.
It is as if the viewer is inside a globe and viewing the panorama horizontally 360° and
vertically ±90° (+90° up to Zenith and -90° down to Nadir). The Spherical Panorama is
viewed with a special viewfinder e.g. “Quick Time Viewer” from Apple. It is also possi-
ble to create just a part of a spherical panorama. In this case the panorama is cropped
in the horizontal and/or vertical dimension to see just a part of the panorama.
The dispositions of the single images are like a MultiRow Panorama, a structure of a
number of columns and rows. The panorama calculator defines a specific number of
columns for each row. When the camera is levelled horizontally the maximum of col-
umns are calculated. For rows lined up between the horizon and Nadir/Zenith, the The
number of columns or images are reduced. To cover the areas (holes) in Zenith and
Nadir two additional single images has to be taken. Depending on the stitch software,
the whole sequence of images can be bonded manually or automatically to a seam-
less panorama.
1.4 Calibrating the Pivot Point
Especially for Spherical panoramas some objects are very close to the lens. To over-
come perspective/parallax distortion, the point of rotation to take all the pictures has to
be adjusted exactly to the Pivot Point which is inside the optical path of the lens sys-
tem. Special panorama heads provide mechanical arrangements to adjust the Pivot
Point on its horizontal and vertical axis.

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A well adjusted system to its Pivot Point will ensure that the stitch software can fit all
the images into a final panorama without any problems.
How to adjust the Pivot Point for a specific camera/lens combination is explained in
countless very good descriptions in the “World Wide Web”.
In the World Wide Web many articles are misinterpreting the Pivot Point as the Nodal
Point.
1.5 Dead angle in Nadir
In the area to Nadir (-90°) the field of view is covered by the panorama head and the
tripod, thus called the dead angle in Nadir. Depending on the construction, each pano-
rama head has got its own specific dead angle. While rotating the camera to take the
pictures in the lowest row to Nadir, it is possible that parts of the lower row are hidden
by the panorama head. The covered parts are wasted (unusable) information. The
panorama calculator is able to correct this nuisance. The smaller the dead angle the
easier it is to cover each Nadir with a single picture. More about this issue later.

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2 MMI (Machine Man Interface)
2.1 Main Menu
Main menu of the Panorama Calculator
Functions of the main menu bar:
File:
- Exit (terminating the program) ^x (ctrl x)
Program:
- Open the MultiRow Panorama Calculator ^m (ctrl m)
- Open the Spherical Panorama Calculator ^s (ctrl s)
- Open the Bracketing Calculator ^b (ctrl b)
Extras
- English ^e (ctrl e)
- German ^d (ctrl d)
Help:
About
- Author of the Programs / Copyright F1
- Data’s of the licensee

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2.2 MultiRow Calculator
The MultiRow panorama calculator is designed to take images in camera format Por-
trait and Landscape 21/22/2(,24. The calculator has an input- “Parameter Inputs” 3 and
an output field “Parameter Outputs” 25.
Changes in the input masks “Parameter Inputs” 3 can be done by pressing the arrows
adapted to the masks by increasing and decreasing the values. Changing the focal
length 10 is done by overwriting the given or default value. The decimal separator is
accepted as a comma (,) and point (.) as well. Also values like 88, without decimal
separator and fraction are accepted.
After using one of the calculation buttons “Auto Portrait”, “Auto Landscape”, “Manual
Portrait” or “Manual Landscape” 23/24 the program will calculate all the necessary Mul-
tiRow parameters and are displayed in the “Parameter Outputs” field 25.
The selected ANGLE (H) 13 in 45°-steps and the calculated NPos (H) 17 are the pa-
rameters to be entered into the PanoMachine.
In “Auto Portrait” and “Auto Landscape” 21/22 the “NPos (H)” 17 and the “No. of im-
ages (V)” 19 are calculated automatically. In “Manual Portrait” and “Manual Land-
scape” 23/24 the “NPos (H)” 17 and “No. of images (V)” 19 can be changed using the
arrow keys 18/20.
After activating the “Select” button 5, the database for the “Camera Parameter” opens.
In there, the camera model, sensor size, number of pixels x/y and also the dead angle
of the panorama head can be chosen, activated or changed. The parameters in the
database can be saved permanently to hard disk by pressing the “Save Database”
button in the database window. More about this issue in chapter 2.4.
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2.2.1 Parameter Inputs
2.2.1.1 Camera Model
On the top of the input field the actual camera model 4 is displayed. While pressing
the “Select” button 5 the camera database opens to display up to 100 camera models
with their parameters. More about this issue can be found in chapter 2.4.
2.2.1.2 Min. Overlap between Columns (H)
The "Min. overlap between columns (H)" is given in the input mask 6. The default
value is 25% and can be changed with the arrows 7 attached to the mask. With the
defined "Min. Overlap between Columns (H)" 6 and a given " ANGLE (H) "13, the cal-
culated horizontal overlap in the output field "Calculated Parameter" 26 will be equal or
a bit larger as defined in 6. This happens when rounding the “NPos (H)” 17 for a given
ANGLE (H) 13.
2.2.1.3 Overlap between Rows (V)
The overlap between rows is given in this input mask 8. The default value is 30% and
can be changed with the arrows 9 attached to the mask. The calculated overlap be-
tween rows in the output field "Calculated Parameter" 26 is always exactly as defined
8.
2.2.1.4 Focal length [mm]
The value for focal length 10 complies with the value engraved on the lens body used.
When using zoom lenses without engraved values between minimum and maximum
focal length, it is a good idea to use either the min or max value. Misrepresentation of
the input values may result in difficulties while stitching the panorama. An incorrect en-
tered focal length 10 will calculate incorrect AoV of a single image, step size between
images and overlap between images in 26.
Changing the focal length 10 is done by overwriting the given or default value. The
decimal separator is accepted as a comma (,) and point (.) as well. Also values like
88, without decimal separator and fraction, are accepted.
2.2.1.5 Vertical Shift [°]
When the natural horizon is not in the centre of the panorama, the “Vertical Shift” 11
allows defining an offset to the natural horizon. When this is the case, the Panorama
Calculator will calculate the elevation values in consideration of the selected “Vertical
Shift”.
When photographing a panorama on the top of a mountain, the horizon for the pano-
rama is very close to the skyline. With “Vertical Shift” 11 set to 0° the calculator will
calculate the elevation values symmetrically to horizontal levelled panorama head (0°).
In this case the upper part of the panorama just sky and the lower part is maybe
cropped out – maybe we don’t want.
2.2.1.6 Pano Angle of View (H) ANGLE
The desired or necessary horizontal angle of view of the panorama “ANGLE (H)” 13
should be set by using the attached arrows 14 or by marking the value and using the
keyboard arrow keys. The entered value complies with the desired Angle of View of
the panorama in 45° steps.

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2.2.1.7 Pano Angle of View (V)
The desired or necessary vertical angle of view of the panorama “Pano Angle of View
(V)”15 should be set by using the arrows 16 or by marking the value and using the
keyboard arrow keys. The entered value complies with the desired vertical angle of
view of the panorama 26.
2.2.1.8 Numbers of images (H) NPos
In the calculation mode “Auto Portrait” and “Auto Landscape” 21/22 the “NPos (H)” 17
will be calculated automatically and displayed in the mask.
In the calculation mode “Manual Portrait” and “Manual Landscape” 23/24 “NPos (H)”
17 can be changed after a calculation in “Auto” mode. Changes should be set by using
the attached arrows 18 or by marking the value and using the keyboard arrow keys.
Increasing or decreasing the number of columns in a row has direct influence to the
horizontal overlap “Overlap (H)” 26. Increasing number of columns increases the hori-
zontal overlap and on the other side decreasing the number of columns will reduce the
horizontal overlap. The smallest input value is 2. While calculating the output values it
is possible to get as result just 1 column. This is the case when the selected horizontal
Angle of View is smaller than Angle of View of a single image.
2.2.1.9 Numbers of images (V)
In the calculation mode “Auto Portrait” and “Auto Landscape” the number of rows “No.
of images (V)” 19 will be calculated automatically and displayed in the mask.
In the calculation mode “Manual Portrait” and “Manual Landscape” the No. of rows can
be changed after a calculation in “Auto” mode. Changes should be set by using the
attached arrows 20 or by marking the value and using the keyboard arrow keys.
Increasing or decreasing the number of rows has direct influence to the vertical Angle
of View “Angle of View (V)” of the entire panorama. Increasing number of rows in-
creases the vertical Angle of View and on the other side decreasing the number of
rows will reduce the vertical Angle of View. The smallest input value is 2. While calcu-
lating the output values it is possible to get as result just 1 row. This is the case when
the selected vertical Angle of View is smaller than Angle of View a single image.
2.2.1.10 Button “Auto Portrait”
This button 21 is for automatically calculating the output parameters in cameras por-
trait orientation.
2.2.1.11 Button “Manual Portrait”
This button 23 is for manually calculating the output parameters in cameras portrait
orientation.
2.2.1.12 Button “Auto Landscape”
This button 22 is for automatically calculating the output parameters in cameras land-
scape orientation.
2.2.1.13 Button “Manual Landscape”
This button 24 is for manually calculating the output parameters in camera landscape
orientation.

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2.2.2 Parameter Outputs
2.2.2.1 Pano Angle of View Pano (H) [°]
This field displays the calculated horizontal Angle of View of the whole panorama in [°]
26. This calculated angle is at least the value as defined.
2.2.2.2 Pano Angle of View Pano (V) [°]
This field displays the calculated vertical Angle of View of the whole panorama in [°]
26. This calculated angle is at least the value set as the input parameter.
2.2.2.3 Overlap (H) [°]
This field displays the calculated horizontal overlap between each column in the pano-
rama 26. The horizontal overlap cannot be set in the PanoMachine. So the Panorama
Calculator calculates a "Min overlap between Columns (H)" of 30% as defined in the
input field 6.
2.2.2.4 Overlap (V) [°]
This field displays the calculated vertical overlap between each row in the panorama
26. The vertical overlap cannot be set in the PanoMachine. So the Panorama Calcula-
tor calculates an "Overlap between Rows (V)" which is exactly 30% 8 between rows.
2.2.2.5 Step size (H) [°]
This field displays the calculated and constant horizontal step size between each col-
umn 26.
2.2.2.6 Step size (V) [°]
This field displays the calculated and constant vertical step size between each row 26.
2.2.2.7 Angle of View for 1 image (H) [°]
This field displays the calculated horizontal Angle of View of a single image 26. In por-
trait orientation this angle is referenced to the small side of the format and in land-
scape orientation to the long format side.
2.2.2.8 Angle of View for 1 image (V) [°]
This field displays the calculated vertical Angle of View of a single image 26. In portrait
orientation this angle is referenced to the small side of the format and in landscape
orientation to the long format side.
2.2.2.9 No. of Pixel (H/V)
In this output field, the number of horizontal and vertical pixels for the whole panorama
is displayed 26. The overlaps are taken into account.
2.2.2.10 Number of Pixel for the whole panorama
This output field shows the number of pixels for the whole panorama 27. The overlaps
are taken into account.
2.2.2.11 Elevation values [°]
The field “Elevation values [°]” 28 displays the vertical angles to adjust each row on the
panorama head elevator. As default the level of the horizon is defined by 0° and can
be adjusted in the input field “Vertical Shift”.

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2.2.3 Navigation / Function Keys
2.2.3.1 “Calculate” buttons
After each change of a parameter in the “Parameter Inputs” field 3, a calculate button
has to be pressed to calculate the output parameters for the new configuration.
- „Auto Portrait“ 21
- „Auto Landscape“ 22
- „Manuell Portrait “ 23
- „Manuell Landscape “ 24
2.2.3.2 „Create/Save Script“ button
The „Create/Save Script“ button 29 opens the save dialog to save the script perma-
nently to hard disk. A printed out script is very helpful to program and adjust the
PanoMachine out in the field.
2.2.3.3 „Back to Main Menu“ button
The „Back to Main Menu“ button 30 is self explanatory.

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2.2.4 Summary:
In consideration of the camera used and the focal length of the lens and the chosen
AoV 6/8 in the “Parameter Inputs” field, the calculator determines all output parame-
ters 26/27/28.
The calculated "Angle of View Pano" (H/V) 26 and the calculated overlap (H) 26 are
always at least as the values defined in the “Parameter Inputs” 6/8 field. In any case
the result of the calculation will always be on the safe side. It gives the photographer
also the flexibility to crop the panorama at the end of the stitching process.
In chapter 4.1 I will explain the simple workflow to calculate the parameters for a
MultiRow panorama in a short time.
When close objects are part of a MultiRow Panorama, a correctly adjusted Pivot Point
is a must. Remember different focal length of fixed lenses or zoom lens needs neces-
sary readjustments to the Pivot Point.
When using zoom lenses, the risk of unintended readjustment to the focal length of
the lens is high. This will have a direct impact on the calculated values.
In the status line messages are displayed:
- When calculated number of rows in are larger than 21
- When Pano AoV (H) is smaller than AoV (H) of one picture. In this case just
one column is needed for the panorama.
- When Pano AoV (V) is smaller than AoV (V) of one picture. In this case just one
row is needed for the panorama.
- When Pano AoV (H/V) is smaller than AoV (H/V) of one picture. In this case
just one column and one row are needed for the panorama. That means one
image.
- The calculated AoV (V) is smaller than it should be.
Note: The input masks are designed to allow inputs or changes to white colored fields
only.

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2.3 Spherical Panorama Calculator
The Spherical panorama calculator is designed to take pictures in camera format “por-
trait” 2 only. The user interface is divided in to three fields. The “Parameter Inputs”
field 3, the “Outputs Horizontal” field 13 and the “Outputs Vertical” field 18. As long as
the camera parameters including the dead angle of the panorama head are entered
correctly, the only parameters needed to calculate all the output panorama parameters
are the Focal Length 6in [mm], the "Min. Overlap Columns (H)" 7 and the "Min. Over-
lap Rows (V)" 9. After a first calculation the “Min. Overlaps” (H/V) can be changed too.
A special feature is the three calculation modes 12 and an optimized calculation of the
number of images in each row 14.
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2.3.1 Inputs
2.3.1.1 Camera Model
The “Camera Model” 4field displays the active camera model with its hidden parame-
ters from the internal database. While pressing the “Select” button 5, the camera
model parameter database window will come up to select a new camera model, add a
new camera, delete a camera or change the parameters of a camera model. You will
find more about this issue in chapter 2.4.
2.3.1.2 Focal length [mm]
The value of focal length 6complies with the value engraved on the lens used. When
using zoom lenses without engraved values between minimum and maximum focal
length, it is a good idea to use either the min. or max. value. Misrepresentation of the
input values may result in difficulties while stitching the panorama (wrongly calculated
horizontal/vertical AoV for one picture, step size from one picture to the other and
overlaps) 14/19.
Changing the focal length 6can be done by overwriting a given or the default value.
The decimal separator is accepted as a comma (,) and point (.) as well. Also values
like 88, without decimal separator and fraction, are accepted.
The Panorama Calculator is supporting 10 vertical rows for spherical panoiramas. For
SLR cameras focal length listed below are convenient.
Sensor/Rows 5 Rows 10 Rows
APS 30mm 55mm
Full Format 45mm 90mm
2.3.1.3 Min. Overlap between Columns (H)
The "Min. Overlap columns (H)" is given in 7. The default value is 25% and can be
changed with the arrows 8 attached to the mask. With the defined "Min. Overlap Col-
umns (H)" 7, the calculated overlaps in "Output Horizontal" 26 are at least equal or a
bit larger as defined in 7(with some exceptions). While rounding the "No. of Pic. (H)"
for a given row, sometimes the overlaps can be slightly less than defined.
Note: Are the calculated overlaps in a row not as expected (to small), just increase the value
in the input field 7until they match your specification. Possibly at the same time the number
of rows will be increased too.
2.3.1.4 Min. Overlap between Rows (V)
The overlap between rows (P/P [%]) 19 in "Outputs Vertical", are at least equal or a bit
greater as defined 9. The default value is 25% and can be changed with the arrows 10
attached to the mask. The overlap (P/L [%]) is sometimes smaller than defined in 9.
Note: While changing the min. overlap vertical in the input field 9, possibly the horizontal
overlaps and the horizontal number of images in a row will change too.

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2.3.1.5 Optimizer for no. of Columns in Rows
When the tick 11 is set, the number of columns in a row are reduced the more a row is
located closer to Zenith/Nadir. More about that later.
2.3.1.6 Mode to calculate vertical parameters (rows)
Three modes 12 are available to calculate vertical overlap between rows, row to Nadir
and row to Zenith. You will hear more about this feature in the next chapter.

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2.3.2 Considerations of vertical overlap for a spherical panorama
2.3.2.1 Calculations vertical parameters (rows)
As mentioned in chapter 1.5 the lowest row to Nadir will probably cover parts of the
dead angle of the panorama head. In this case the photographer is wasting precious
information which is missing as overlap between rows and the row to Zenith.
In panorama photography it is very common to use fix step sizes between rows, row to
Nadir and row to Zenith. As an example the elevation values for a spherical panorama
with 5 rows and Nadir/Zenith are +90° / +60° / +30° / 0° / -30° / -60° / -90°. This com-
plies with a fix step size of 30°. While photographing in camera format portrait (this is
the format supported by the panorama calculator) the rows will overlap on the smaller
side of the camera format. For rows overlapping with Nadir and Zenith the photogra-
pher has to be aware of the following: While turning the camera 360° around the hori-
zontal axis, the row to Nadir/Zenith will overlap with the short format side of the Na-
dir/Zenith image and with the long format side also. In this case overlap [%] between
row and Nadir/Zenith will in some parts be much smaller than expected. The following
figures demonstrates this very clearly. The graph (a) shows the maximum overlap [%]
and complies with the calculator output mask column P/P [%] (Portrait/ Portrait) 19. The
graphs (b) shows the reduced overlap [%] and complies with the calculator output
mask column P/L [%] (Portrait/Landscape) 19.
(a) (b)
The symbol above in the vertical output mask P/P [%] and P/L [%] should illustrate the
calculated overlap especially between rows and Zenith.
Picture in Zenith/Nadir
Picture rows: Overlap between rows and rows to Zenith/Nadir (P/P and P/L)
19
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The above mentioned circumstances inducted me to find a way to overcome this prob-
lem. The next three sub-chapters will describe the available modes to calculate a
spherical panorama.
2.3.2.2 “Calculation in fixed step sizes“
This mode 12 calculates the elevation values 19 by adding vertical fix step sizes start-
ing from Zenith to Nadir. As an example the elevation values for a spherical panorama
with 5 rows and Nadir/Zenith are +90° / +60° / +30° / 0° / -30° / -60° / -90°. The calcu-
lated overlaps between rows and also between row and Nadir/Zenith are referenced to
the long side of the picture format. The disadvantage of this mode is that by turning
the panorama head on its vertical axis by 360°, some of the overlaps are much
smaller than the requested preset value in the input field . This is the case when a pic-
ture of a row overlaps with the long side of the Nadir/Zenith image format.
Despite the disadvantages this mode, it is the most used – why? – it is very simple to
understand and to use.
2.3.2.3 “Optimize Zenith/Nadir“
This mode 12 goes a step further and calculates overlaps between rows which is ref-
erence to the long side of the image format. On the other hand between the rows to
Nadir/Zenith the calculated overlap is referenced to the short side of the image format.
This expands the overlap in Nadir and Zenith H/Q [%] 19. However, thereby the over-
laps between rows will be reduced.
2.3.2.4 “Take into account dead angle“
In the last step the calculation will eliminate an overlap between the row to Nadir and
the dead angle of the panorama head. This overlap is wasted information which can
be used to increase the overlaps between rows and the row to Zenith. In case the row
to Nadir is partly hidden by the panorama head the calculator will move up the row to
Nadir until the row is fully visible. After that the calculator will place the elevation val-
ues to get regular percentage segmentation. Again between rows the overlaps are
referenced to the long side of the image format and between row and Zenith the over-
lap is referenced to the short side of the image format.
When in the calculation modes 12 “Calculation for fix step sizes” and “Optimize Ze-
nith/Nadir” the row to Nadir is hidden by the panorama head, a message (warning) will
come up in the vertical status bar.
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2.3.2.5 Determine the dead angle
The dead angle of a panorama head depends on construction of the panorama head.
To determine the dead angle of a specific panorama head is quite easy.
Procedure:
- Establish the tripod, camera with lens and Pivot Point adjusted
- Swing the elevator upward to bring the camera view to Nadir -90°
- The camera viewing centre should be adjusted to look exactly to the horizontal
rotating point of the PanoMachine.
- While rotating the panorama head 360° around the horizontal axis, check which
parts of the panorama head are permanently covers the view to Nadir.
- Now rotate the elevator downward till the panorama head isn’t visible in the
cameras angle of view.
- On the PanoMachine read on the elevator scale the difference angle to Nadir -
90°.
- Multiply this angle by two an insert this value and insert it in the database to
row in the very right field “Dead Angle [°].
When measuring a difference angle of 10°, the value to insert into the database is 20°.