How to Autocalibrate Cameras using Visual Features in Intel® SceneScape#

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to calibrate cameras in Intel® SceneScape using markerless methods with raw RGBD data from Polycam. By completing this guide, you will:

  • Capture and export valid Polycam datasets.

  • Set up markerless camera calibration in Intel® SceneScape.

  • Validate and adjust camera pose via 3D UI.

This task is essential for developers who want to simplify calibration by using RGBD scans rather than physical markers.

Prerequisites#

Before You Begin, ensure the following:

  • Device Requirements: Use an iOS device with LiDAR (iPad Pro 2020+, iPhone 12 Pro+).

  • Polycam Requirements: Use LiDAR or ROOM mode in Polycam.

  • Developer Mode: Enable Developer Mode in the app settings to expose raw data export.

  • SceneScape Installation: Installed and running on the host machine.

Steps to Calibrate Using Markerless Camera Calibration#

1. Generate Polycam Dataset#

  1. Open Polycam and switch to LiDAR mode or ROOM mode.

  2. Enable Developer Mode in settings to allow raw data export.

  3. Capture a scan of the scene. After completion, export the dataset in Raw format.

The exported ZIP will contain:

  • raw.glb

  • thumbnail.jpg

  • polycam.mp4

  • mesh_info.json

  • keyframes/ (with images, cameras, depth, and confidence maps)

2. Configure Scene in Intel® SceneScape#

  1. Copy the Polycam ZIP dataset to the Intel® SceneScape host machine.

  2. Open Intel® SceneScape and either:

    • Update an existing scene, or

    • Create a new scene using the raw.glb file in the Map field.

  3. On the Scene configuration page:

    • Set Calibration Type to Markerless

    • Upload the ZIP file in the Polycam_data field

    • Click Save

Camera Calibration Strategy Switch

Figure 1: Switch Calibration Type to Markerless.

Upload Polycam Dataset

Figure 2: Upload the raw dataset ZIP from Polycam.

3. Perform Calibration in 3D UI#

  1. Add and configure cameras in the Scene.

  2. Go to the 3D UI.

  3. Select a camera, then click Auto Calibrate.

    • The camera pose will update upon completion.

Auto Calibration Button 3D UI

Figure 3: Click the Auto Calibrate button in the 3D UI.

  1. Enable Project Frame to verify pose visually.

  2. Adjust manually if needed, then click Save Camera.

Save Camera and enable project frame

Figure 4: Visualize and save calibrated camera pose.

Note: Markerless calibration does not work in the 2D UI.

Note: Markerless calibration has only been tested with pinhole camera models. Use narrow-FOV cameras with minimal distortion. See Live Scene README for supported camera types.

Customizable Parameters#

Parameter

Purpose

Expected Values/Range

Calibration Type

Specifies the calibration method

AprilTag, Markerless

Polycam_data

Raw Polycam dataset ZIP used for markerless calibration

Valid Polycam ZIP file with RGBD data

Camera Model

Defines the camera projection model

Pinhole (recommended)

Intrinsics

Camera lens parameters (fx, fy, cx, cy)

Positive floating-point numbers

Project Frame

Overlay camera view frustum on 3D scene

Enabled, Disabled

Future Enhancements#

  • Intel® SceneScape will support more dataset formats beyond Polycam.

  • Dataset registration and calibration will be optimized for speed.

Supporting Resources#