Polarizing Camera Array System Equipment and Calibration Method

In the field of polarization detection, obtaining polarization information from different depths is a challenging task. To address this issue and enable hierarchical detection of the scene, we propose and construct a polarization camera array system. However, the varying positions of the cameras in the array result in disparities at different depths, making it impossible to perform layered polarization computational imaging. To overcome this challenge, we develop a mobile calibration device for the polarization array system and propose a camera array view relation model for disparity calibration. We verify the accuracy of the model through numerical calculation, iterative regression, and statistical methods and determine the optimal depth–disparity relationship model. Utilizing the calibrated model, we achieve computational imaging of a polarized array at unknown depths. Furthermore, we propose a generalized camera array model, which extends camera array imaging to higher dimensions and provides a foundation for parameter deduction for object perception in unknown environments. Our polarization array system is highly flexible and adaptable, enabling polarization information characterization and object perception at different depths.