A versatile camera calibration technique for high-accuracy 3D machine vision metrology using off-the-shelf TV cameras and lenses

TLDR

The paper reviews existing 3D camera calibration methods. The study introduces a new 3D camera calibration technique for machine vision using standard TV cameras and lenses. The method employs a two‑stage approach that computes camera pose, focal length, radial distortion, and scanning parameters, supported by a theoretical framework with proofs. Experimental results demonstrate that the technique outperforms state‑of‑the‑art methods in accuracy and speed and can be adapted for real‑time calibration.

Abstract

A new technique for three-dimensional (3D) camera calibration for machine vision metrology using off-the-shelf TV cameras and lenses is described. The two-stage technique is aimed at efficient computation of camera external position and orientation relative to object reference coordinate system as well as the effective focal length, radial lens distortion, and image scanning parameters. The two-stage technique has advantage in terms of accuracy, speed, and versatility over existing state of the art. A critical review of the state of the art is given in the beginning. A theoretical framework is established, supported by comprehensive proof in five appendixes, and may pave the way for future research on 3D robotics vision. Test results using real data are described. Both accuracy and speed are reported. The experimental results are analyzed and compared with theoretical prediction. Recent effort indicates that with slight modification, the two-stage calibration can be done in real time.