Optical method to measure the surface of objects by using only one photo

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Computer Vision
• Metrology

Background:

• Accurate dimensional measurement is crucial in various scientific and industrial applications.
• Existing methods may require multiple images or specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, single-image method for measuring object dimensions.
• To establish a theoretical and experimental basis for depth determination from defocused images.

Main Methods:

• Capturing a single defocused photograph of an object.
• Utilizing camera parameters and defocused distance to derive object surface coordinates.
• Quantifying depth by analyzing the degree of blur around object edges.

Main Results:

• A theoretical and experimental relationship between edge blur (confusion degree) and distance from the reference plane was established.
• The novel method demonstrated reliable measurements across several test objects.
• The technique is effective even for non-textured surfaces by utilizing object edges.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method offers a simple yet effective way to measure object dimensions from a single defocused image.
• This technique provides a reliable and accessible tool for dimensional analysis in various fields.
• Edge analysis in defocused images is a viable approach for depth and dimension determination.