A precise method for correcting stereo pairs collected by a new binocular device

Purpose – The paper seeks to develop a stereo vision system based on a new binocular device. It aims to present an explicit‐implicit correction method to correct radial and tangential distortion of image synchronously. It also aims to propose a step‐rotation rectification method to rectify epipolar error between stereo pairs. Design/methodology/approach – Least squares technique was used in solving the explicit‐implicit correction model. When the step‐rotation rectification method was implemented, the technology of rotating image space was used. Findings – The paper finds that the stereo vision system based on a new binocular device can be used in different circumstances, and it can obtain more eyeshot of cameras. The explicit‐implicit correction method can eliminate radial and tangential distortion of images, and the solution to this method is so easy that it can be solved by least squares technique. The theory of step‐rotation rectification is simple, and it is effective for rectifying epipolar error. Practical implications – The explicit‐implicit correction method and step‐rotation rectification method can be used in correcting image distortion and epipolar error in stereo pairs collected by a stereo vision system. The new binocular device can be used in building a stereo vision system. Originality/value – A new binocular device is developed in the paper. Explicit distortion method and implicit distortion method are united to correct image distortion. A step‐rotation rectification method is proposed to rectify epipolar error.