Validation of Stereo Matching Algorithms

In order to meet increasing demands of the customers, stereo systems are used for the environment recording. Due to use for safety critical applications the precision and the reliability of such systems must be validated sufficiently. A particularly critical place is the implemented matching algorithm. The determination of the quality of the image pixel assignment is carried out via a comparison of reference objects or reference scenes. There are merely reference data till now which were taken under idealized conditions. Typical effects, how specular reflecting surfaces and glass panes are not taken into account.

An approach which makes a validation of stereo systems possible by means of virtually stationary street scenes was implemented by the HU-Berlin. The 3D reference data were acquired with a very exact terrestrial laser scanner. The comparison is carried out directly on the disparity image.

The HU-Berlin is the only facilities which have implemented such an approach. With the acquired stereo data and the reference scenes from laser scanner data an absolute comparison of the different matching algorithms can be carried out efficiently and fast.