Camera Calibration

The determination of the significant camera parameters is often referred to as camera calibration. There are basically two approaches. While in some cases the actual object information and the camera parameters can be simultaneously determined with corresponding models (simultaneous calibration), the camera systems are first calibrated separately in other applications. The camera parameters are then assumed to be constant in the latter measurement. Approaches combining both methods are used as well. In addition, the methods of camera calibration can also be used to obtain quality information of a camera system or information about the measuring accuracy that can be reached by a measuring system. All parameters required for calibration and orientation may be obtained by means of photogrammetric bundle adjustment. Bundle adjustment allows simultaneous determination of the unknown object coordinates, exterior orientation, and interior orientation with all relevant system parameters of the imaging system.