Robust Pose Estimation and Calibration of Catadioptric Cameras With Spherical Mirrors

Catadioptric cameras broaden the field of view and reveal otherwise occluded object parts. They differ geometrically from central-perspective cameras because of light reflection from the mirror surface. To handle these effects, we present new pose-estimation and reconstruction models for imaging through spherical mirrors. We derive a closed-form equivalent to the collinearity principle via which three methods are established to estimate the system parameters: a resection-based one, a trilateration-based one that introduces novel constraints that enhance accuracy, and a direct and linear transform-based one. The estimated system parameters exhibit improved accuracy compared to the state of the art, and analysis shows intrinsic robustness to the presence of a high fraction of outliers. We then show that 3D point reconstruction can be performed at accurate levels. Thus, we provide an in-depth look into the geometrical modeling of spherical catadioptric systems and practical enhancements of accuracies and requirements to reach them.