A single-camera method for three-dimensional video imaging

• Published in: Journal of neuroscience methods 2002-10, Vol.120 (1), p.65-83
• Main Authors: Eian, J., Poppele, R.E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Biomechanics; Cats; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gait; General aspects. Models. Methods; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - instrumentation; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Kinematics; Models, Theoretical; Reconstruction; Robotics - instrumentation; Robotics - methods; Three-dimension; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Video; Video Recording - instrumentation; Video Recording - methods
• ISSN: 0165-0270; 1872-678X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0165-0270(02)00191-7

We describe a novel method for recovering the three-dimensional (3D) point geometry of an object from images acquired with a single-camera. Typically, multiple cameras are used to record 3D geometry. Occasionally, however, there is a need to record 3D geometry when the use of multiple cameras is either too costly or impractical. The algorithm described here uses single-camera images and requires in addition that each marker on the object be linked to at least one other marker by a known distance. The linkage distances are used to recover information about the third dimension that would otherwise be lost in single-camera two-dimensional images. The utilities of the method are its low-cost, simplicity, and ease of calibration and implementation. We were able to estimate 3D distances and positions as accurately as with a commercially available multi-camera 3D system. This method may be useful in pilot studies to determine whether 3D imaging systems are required, or, it can serve as a low-cost alternative to multi-camera systems.