Computer Vision (15)

Now that we know triangulation can give us depth, how do we replicate this behavior in our computer based system? As I have mentioned earlier, the camera sensors that we use are not like our retina which has high density only in the region of the macula and less elsewhere. These sensors have a uniform density of pixels and so the object of interest need not be placed at the center of it, it only needs to be captured somewhere in its area. This eliminates the need to move the camera over an axis as done in the case of our eye. The complexity comes after the images are captured. An example of a stereo image pair is shown in the image below.

In order to get a triangle out of an object or a point we have to find the corresponding matches of that point in the two images. This process is called stereo correspondence. The one reason I love this field is because it has no standards restricting you in any way. You just need to understand the problem and then you are free to come up with solutions and techniques to solve it. The problem in front of you is; for each and every point in one image how do you find the corresponding point in the other. I want to keep your minds fresh and open for new ideaz, so I won’t be detailing on the currently available techniques, because there are not one or two, but many! I strongly believe that to solve the problems of nature you just need to have an open mind to think in new ways. I want you all to give a deep thought on this problem before even trying to google for what’s already been cooked. I can assure that you still have a chance to come up with your own perfect recipe even though it’s been worked out since ages.

This was the end of my introduction to “depth perception through stereo imaging”. As I dive much deeper into this problem, try to think about different ways in which you can solve it. As you go on reading my posts from now on you will find that a lot of good techniques that you had thought about wouldn’t really work in many cases. I will reveal the different dimensions to solving this problem along with the merits and demerits of each of them. Also open up a parallel thread and try to know what all people have been able to think of till now (You will get to know that you are not far off).

After having thought of it for so many years, I am just waiting for my brain to answer its own call!