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Definition
The focal length has different, related, meanings. In optics, the focal length of a lens or optical system is the distance from the center to the point on the optical axis where a bundle of incoming rays parallel to the optical axis get focused to. In geometric image formation models such as the pinhole model, the focal length usually represents the distance between the center of projection and the image plane.
Background
The concept of focal length stems from the area of optics. The focal length of a lens is generally defined as the distance from the center of the lens to the point where a set of incoming parallel light rays that are parallel to the optical axis get focused. It is thus related to the magnification operated by an optical system.
In computer vision, the image formation process carried out by the optics and electronics of a...
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References
Wikipedia (2011) Focal length. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focal_length. Accessed 3 August 2011
Hecht E (2001) Optics. 4th edn. Addison, Wesley
Geissler P (2000) Imaging optics. In: Jähne B, Haußecker H (eds) Computer vision and applications. Academic, San Diego, pp 53–84
HyperPhysics (2011) Light and vision. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/ligcon.html#c1. Accessed 4 August 2011
Wikipedia (2011) Lens (optics). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_(optics). Accessed 4 August 2011
Wikipedia (2011) Thin lens. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_lens. Accessed 4 August 2011
Willson R, Shafer S (1993) Modeling and calibration of zoom lenses. In: Gruen A, Huang T (eds) Camera calibration and orientation determination. Springer, Verlag, pp 137–161
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Sturm, P. (2014). Focal Length. In: Ikeuchi, K. (eds) Computer Vision. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-31439-6_464
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-31439-6_464
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