Accuracy evaluation and robustness validation of polarization-based 3D reconstruction: a quantitative error model

Polarization is closely correlated with surface morphology, so polarization information has been increasingly integrated into stereo imaging technologies. Nonetheless, the lack of a systematic, unified, and intuitive framework for assessing the accuracy of polarization-based stereo imaging hinders a reliable quantitative evaluation of imaging performance and limits performance assurance and controllability in future engineering applications. This paper proposes a quantitative evaluation method for polarization-based 3D imaging accuracy that takes both imaging device conditions and imaging quality into consideration. The validity and robustness of the proposed method are verified through simulations and experiments. Our method provides a solid foundation for the design, optimization, and engineering deployment of polarization stereo imaging systems, facilitating the transition of polarization-based 3D imaging from laboratory research to controllable engineering applications.