Seeing Depth: Stereo Vision for Accurate Distance
Seeing Double: How Stereo Vision is Revolutionizing Distance Estimation We humans take distance estimation for granted. A quick glance tells us how far away that parked car is, or whether we're close enough to reach out and touch that flower. But teaching machines this seemingly simple skill has proven a challenge. Enter stereo vision, a powerful technology inspired by our own binocular vision, which is changing the game in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and beyond. Stereo vision relies on capturing two slightly different images of the same scene from two distinct viewpoints – just like our two eyes do. By comparing these images, algorithms can calculate the disparity between corresponding points, essentially measuring how much they differ in position. This disparity...