Periscopic stereo for virtual world creation

Virtual reality-interaction with simulated models of “scenes” or “worlds”- is an area that is undergoing rapid development. Representing a real scene as a three-dimensional model is a time-consuming process if created manually. However, there is a variety of image analysis techniques that can be used to aid, and even automate, virtual world creation. For acquiring individual objects, well-established approaches include stereo cameras and laser range-finding. We concentrate upon stereo systems, since they are typically much less expensive. For acquiring a 3D model of, say, the inside of a room, a single stereo image is insufficient. One must introduce ego-motion to view all parts of the room, perhaps by panning the camera. Although there has been much good work on the solution of this general problem, ego-motion remains a factor that significantly complicates subsequent computations. This paper explores the use of an unusual stereo configuration to side-step ego-motion problems, producing imagery that can be used directly for computational stereo over an entire 360° panorama. Potential applications of the technique include building virtual shops whose layouts match real ones, capturing archaeological sites for virtual heritage, and so on