We present in this paper a new analysis of relative sensitivity/import
ance of camera calibration/alignment parameters on the performance of
stereoscopic depth reconstruction. This quantitative analysis provides
formulae which relate different parameter errors to the 3-D reconstru
ction measurements. The results of this analysis provide specification
s of acceptable tolerances in individual calibration parameters for gi
ven 3-D measurement error tolerances. This information is useful in de
signing practical stereoscopic vision systems. Copyright (C) 1996 Patt
ern Recognition Society.