CCD camera calibration and noise estimation

The variation in digitized pixel values that is due to sensor noise and scene variation is quantified, using physical models for CCD (charge-coupled device) video cameras and material reflectance. This analysis forms the basis of algorithms for camera characterization and calibration and for surface description. The use of these techniques for estimating a measure of scene variation is described. This measure is independent of image irradiance and can be used to identify a surface from a single sensor band over a range of situations. Experimental results verify the models presented