Linear perspective projection has served as the dominant imaging model in computer vision. Recent developments in image sensing make the perspective model highly restrictive. This paper presents a general imaging model that can be used to represent an arbitrary imaging system. It is observed that all imaging systems perform a mapping from incoming scene rays to photo-sensitive elements on the image detector. This mapping can be conveniently described using a set of virtual sensing elements called raxels. Raxels include geometric, radiometric and optical properties. We present a novel calibration method that uses structured light patterns to extract the raxel parameters of an arbitrary imaging system. Experimental results for perspective as well as non-perspective imaging systems are included.
Michael D. Grossberg, Shree K. Nayar