Simulation framework for fringe projection profilometry using ray tracing and light transport coefficient...

Area of Science:

• Optical Metrology
• Computational Imaging
• Computer Vision

Background:

• Fringe projection profilometry is a key technique in optical metrology for 3D surface measurement.
• Accurate fringe analysis is crucial for enhancing measurement precision.
• Simulating the complex imaging process of fringe projection systems is challenging due to various influencing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for accurately simulating fringe projection profilometry imaging systems in a virtual environment.
• To overcome the limitations of analytical studies in characterizing real-world imaging processes.
• To improve the fidelity of virtual simulations compared to traditional methods.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a ray tracing algorithm to simulate the physical imaging system.
• Measured light transport coefficients of cameras to model defocus effects.
• Replaced the conventional Gaussian function approximation for defocus with a more accurate, data-driven approach.

Main Results:

• The proposed ray tracing method accurately simulates the physical imaging system within a virtual environment.
• Simulations using measured light transport coefficients demonstrated superior accuracy compared to the Gaussian function, particularly for large defocus.
• Experimental validation confirmed the effectiveness of the developed simulation technique.

Conclusions:

• The ray tracing approach with measured light transport coefficients offers a more accurate virtual simulation of fringe projection profilometry systems.
• This method provides a valuable tool for understanding and optimizing fringe analysis and measurement accuracy.
• The findings are significant for advancing virtual prototyping and analysis in optical metrology.