Generalized B-spline Camera Model

Johannes Beck, Christoph Stiller

Abstract: Previously proposed camera calibration methods either use a local camera model in a complex, cumbersome, time consuming and often manual calibration process or a lens specific global camera model, which can be automatically calibrated by simply recording images of chessboards. The drawback of using a global hand crafted camera model is its limited capability of modeling distortions caused by the mounted lens or optical devices in front of the lens like windshields. Therefore, we propose a local camera model based on B-splines which can handle various distortions. Moreover, it will be shown how such a model can be calibrated in an easy-to-use calibration process which were up to now only applicable to global camera models. We demonstrate the benefit of using the proposed local camera model by an extensive evaluation using single and multi-camera setups with different types of lenses, some mounted behind a windshield.