Calibration of an array projector used for high-speed three-dimensional shape measurements using a single camera

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Computer Vision
• Metrology

Background:

• Traditional 3D measurement systems often use digital light processing projectors modeled with an inverse pinhole camera model.
• High-speed multi-aperture array projectors (MAAP) project aperiodic fringes and cannot be modeled using the standard pinhole approach, typically requiring stereo camera setups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a model-less calibration method for MAAP systems.
• To enable single-camera 3D measurements with MAAP technology.
• To overcome limitations of existing calibration techniques for non-pinhole-model projectors.

Main Methods:

• Direct measurement of the multi-aperture array projector's illumination field.
• Development of a novel geometric calibration procedure independent of projector modeling.
• Integration of the calibrated MAAP for 3D surface reconstruction.

Main Results:

• Successful model-less calibration of a MAAP system.
• Demonstration of 3D measurement capabilities with a single camera using the calibrated MAAP.
• Validation of the method's effectiveness in the presence of surface discontinuities.

Conclusions:

• The proposed model-less calibration method effectively calibrates MAAP systems.
• This approach facilitates single-camera 3D measurements, expanding the applicability of MAAP technology.
• The technique addresses limitations of traditional projector calibration for advanced 3D metrology.