Check out this cool Orthographic Projection Illusion!
The shape in the Orthographic Projection Illusion is curved, but the shadow it casts is perfectly square.
If you are interested in learning more about how it works, scroll down to read more about it.
Table of Contents
- What is a Orthographic Projection Illusion?
- How does the Orthographic Projection Illusion work?
- Some Similar Illusions
- Discovery of the Orthographic Projection Illusion
- References and Resources
What is the Orthographic Projection Illusion?
When a curved object creates a straight shadow, it is called “orthographic projection” or “parallel projection.” When it creates an illusory effect, it is called an Orthographic Projection Illusion.
This is in contrast to a perspective projection, where the lines from the object to the light source converge at a vanishing point, resulting in a shadow with curved sides.
Orthographic projection is commonly used in technical drawing and engineering to show an object’s shape and dimensions accurately.
How does the Orthographic Projection Illusion Work?
The Orthographic Projection Illusion is a type of projection where all the lines from the object to the light source are parallel, resulting in a shadow that is the same shape as the object but with straight sides.
The straight shadow created by a curved object in an orthographic projection could be considered an illusion, since it is not an accurate representation of the object n reality.
In reality, a curved object would generally create a shadow with curved sides, but in an orthographic projection, the shadow is represented with straight sides due to the way the projection is created.
Orthographic projections are a useful tool in technical drawing and design because they provide a simplified, accurate representation of an object’s shape and dimensions from a specific viewpoint, even if the resulting shadow may not be realistic.
Some Similar Illusions
Orthographic projection is a type of geometric or mechanical illusion, which creates a representation of a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface, such as a sheet of paper or a computer screen. There are several other types of illusions that share some similarities with orthographic Projection Illusion
- Isometric projection: This is a type of projection that creates a three-dimensional representation of an object by showing all three axes (x, y, and z) at the same time. Isometric projection is often used in technical drawing to create a more realistic representation of an object than orthographic projection.
- Oblique projection: This is a type of projection that creates a three-dimensional representation of an object by showing one face of the object in its true shape and size, while the other faces are shown at an angle. Oblique projection is often used in architectural and furniture design to create a more realistic sense of depth and perspective.
- Anamorphic illusion: This is a type of illusion that creates a distorted image that appears to be three-dimensional when viewed from a specific angle or perspective. Anamorphic illusions are often used in street art or advertising to create eye-catching images that appear to jump off the page.
- Trompe l’oeil illusion: This is a type of illusion that creates a realistic image that appears to be three-dimensional, but is actually a flat, two-dimensional painting or drawing. Trompe l’oeil illusions are often used in art and interior design to create the illusion of depth and realism.
Overall, each of these illusions creates a sense of depth and perspective on a two-dimensional surface, much like orthographic projection, but each achieves this effect in a slightly different way.
Discovery of the Orthographic Projection Illusion
Orthographic projection like what is seen in this Orthographic Projection Illusion has been used for many centuries by artists, architects, and engineers, and it is difficult to credit any one person with its discovery or study. However, the use of orthographic projection as a standardized method of technical drawing can be traced back to the Renaissance era, when artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer developed methods for representing objects with accurate proportions and perspectives.
In the centuries that followed, orthographic projection became an essential tool for architects, engineers, and designers in a wide range of fields, including mechanical engineering, architecture, and product design. In the 20th century, the development of computer-aided design (CAD) software made orthographic projection even more widely used and accessible.
Orthographic projection remains an important technique in technical drawing and design, and it is taught in many schools and universities as a fundamental skill for engineers and designers. While many individuals have contributed to the development and popularization of orthographic projection over the centuries, it is primarily considered a collective achievement of the fields of art, architecture, and engineering.
References and Resources
In addition to the Orthographic Projection Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions.
