Technique to Generate Depth Maps from Real Scenes without Manual Calibration

Abstract

This paper proposes a technique for the generation of a disparity map from a real scene, captured by a stereo vision system. The underlying motivation for this work is to develop a system not requiring the use of a calibration pattern, which usually involves manual intervention. This is a well desired feature to allow its use in the design of aid devices for people with severe visual impairment or blindness. Experimental results showed that the developed technique has a level of effectiveness similar to other two well established techniques found in the literature, making it a promising alternative to be employed in situations where the calibration step becomes a burden to the user.