Computer Unit 5 Notes
Computer Unit 5 Notes
Bundle Adjustments
Bundle Adjustment (BA) is an iterative optimization technique that refines the 3D
coordinates of a scene and the camera parameters (like position and orientation) to minimize
reprojection error.
It’s called “bundle adjustment” because light rays from the 3D points to the cameras form a
“bundle” — and the method adjusts this bundle for the best fit.
Where is it used?
Structure from Motion (SfM)
3D reconstruction
Panoramic image stitching
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
Augmented reality
Optimization Process
1. Initialize 3D points and camera parameters (e.g., from triangulation).
2. Compute reprojection errors.
3. Adjust 3D points and camera parameters to minimize reprojection error.
4. Repeat until convergence.
Why is it Important?
Increases accuracy of 3D reconstructions
Reduces accumulated error drift
Aligns multi-view geometry precisely
Essential in autonomous driving, robotics, and AR
✅ Summary Table
Aspect Description
Goal Minimize reprojection error
Adjusts 3D points, camera poses (and intrinsics)
Used in SfM, 3D mapping, panorama, SLAM
Algorithm Nonlinear least squares (e.g., Levenberg–Marquardt)
Benefits Accurate reconstruction, better alignment, realistic rendering
Example Step-by-Step
Step 1: Capture & Feature Matching
Image 1 Image 2
Feature point: (x₁, y₁) = (120, 80) Feature point: (x₂, y₂) = (100, 75)
Applications:
Techniques Used:
Image stitching
Feature detection (e.g., SIFT, SURF)
Homography estimation
Blending and warping
Steps Involved:
2. Rotational Panorama
Characteristics:
This is valid when the camera rotates around its center and the scene is distant (planar).
3. Gap Closing
Definition: Gap closing refers to the process of removing visual seams, misalignments, or
empty regions (gaps) in the stitched panoramic image.
Causes of Gaps:
Parallax errors
Inaccurate camera calibration
Poor feature matching
Exposure differences
Street-level image stitching where lamp posts or moving vehicles create parallax —
seam optimization and mesh warping help smoothen the final panorama.
Definition: Cylindrical projection maps image pixels onto a virtual cylinder wrapped around
the camera. The unwrapped cylinder gives a panoramic image.
Advantages:
Use Cases:
A stadium panorama captured from the center using a wide-angle cylindrical lens and
stitched using cylindrical warping.
Definition: Spherical projection maps image points onto a sphere centered at the camera’s
optical center. The final image is created by unwrapping this sphere.
Advantages:
Use Cases:
Example:
360° camera capturing interior of a car — spherical projection ensures full vertical
and horizontal coverage with minimal distortion.