Determination of Geometric Parameters for Stereoscopic Panorama Cameras

Abstract

This paper proposes an approach for solving the parameter determination problem for a stereoscopic panorama camera. Image acquisition parameters have to be calculated under given constraints defined by application requirements, the image acquisition model, and specifications of the targeted 3D scenes. Previous studies on stereoscopic panorama imaging, such as [IYT92, MB95b, WHK99b, PPB00, SKS99, HWK01, Sei01, WP01], pay great attention on how a proposed imaging approach supports a chosen area of application. The image acquisition parameter determination problem has not yet been dealt with in these studies. The lack of guidance in selecting image acquisition parameters affects the validity of results obtained for subsequent processes [WHK00]. Our approach towards parameter determination allows to satisfying commonly demanded 3D scene visualization/reconstruction application requirements: proper scene composition in resultant images; adequate sampling at a particular scene distance; and desired stereo quality i.e. depth levels) over a diversity of scenes of interest. The paper details the models, constraints and criteria used for solving the parameter determination problem. Some practical examples are given for demonstrating the use of the formulas derived. The study contributes to the design of stereoscopic panorama cameras as well as to manuals for on-site image acquisition. The results of our studies are also useful for camera calibration, or pose estimation in stereoscopic panoramic imaging.