3D reconstruction method based on the optimal projection intensity of a polarization system

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Computer Vision
• Metrology

Background:

• Measuring shiny objects with structured light 3D measurement systems presents significant challenges due to intense reflections.
• Polarization-based systems offer a solution but often suffer from reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and accuracy due to light intensity attenuation by polarizers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient and accurate 3D measurement method for shiny objects by optimizing projection intensity.
• To overcome the limitations of light intensity attenuation and improve image quality in polarization-based 3D measurement.

Main Methods:

• A novel 3D measurement approach based on polarization optimal projection intensity was proposed.
• The camera response function under the polarization system was established to estimate and compensate for light intensity attenuation.
• Image fusion algorithms were employed to obtain optimal fringe images.

Main Results:

• The proposed method effectively compensates for light intensity reduction caused by polarizers.
• It significantly reduces saturated pixels on shiny surfaces and enhances dark image regions.
• Improved image contrast and better fringe images were achieved, leading to more complete 3D point cloud reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• The polarization optimal projection intensity method enhances 3D measurement accuracy and efficiency for specular surfaces.
• This technique eliminates the need for rotating polarizers and multiple exposure times, simplifying the measurement process.
• The method provides a robust solution for acquiring high-quality 3D data from challenging shiny objects.