High accuracy, compact 3D face imaging method based on translational and online-switchable phase-shifting fringe...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• 3D Imaging Technologies
• Computer Vision

Background:

• Accurate 3D face imaging is crucial for applications like biometrics and virtual reality.
• Conventional 3D projectors often face trade-offs between size, speed, accuracy, and cost.
• Existing phase-shifting methods can be sensitive to mechanical errors and require known phase shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a compact, cost-effective, and fast translational online-switchable phase-shifting fringe (TOPF) projector.
• To develop a robust phase-shifting technique capable of handling unknown phase shifts for improved accuracy.
• To validate the performance of the TOPF projector and proposed algorithm in a 3D face imaging system.

Main Methods:

• A novel translational projector (TOPF) was designed, utilizing linear motion instead of rotation for improved performance.
• An optical encoder-based feedback control mechanism was implemented to ensure stable phase-shifting and mitigate motor inconsistencies.
• A fast, generalized phase-shifting algorithm with unknown phase shifts (uPSAs) was proposed to correct for random phase errors.

Main Results:

• The TOPF projector demonstrated a balance of size, speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
• The optical encoder ensured stable phase-shifting, enhancing the reliability of the imaging system.
• The uPSAs algorithm successfully calculated arbitrary phase shifts, compensating for mechanical motion-induced errors.
• Experimental validation with static and dynamic facial models confirmed the system's feasibility, effectiveness, and precision.

Conclusions:

• The developed TOPF projector and uPSAs algorithm offer a significant advancement in high-accuracy 3D face imaging.
• The translational approach combined with advanced control and algorithms provides a superior alternative to conventional methods.
• This technology has the potential to enhance various applications requiring precise and efficient 3D facial reconstruction.