Automatic Exposure Determination for Structured Light 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution three-dimensional shape measurement using digital fringe projection techniques lacks automation in determining optimal exposure times, making it difficult for non-experts to acquire high-quality data due to the complexity of adjusting camera exposure without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically determine a single global optimal exposure time for digital fringe projection by analyzing a single captured image, using a processor to calculate the exposure time based on the image sensor's response and surface reflectivity, allowing for rapid and accurate 3D profile measurement without physical manipulation of camera settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of camera exposure is used, then measurement precision can be optimized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of exposure time by automatically analyzing the captured fringe pattern image and calculating the optimal exposure time based on image brightness and sensor characteristics, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures a preview image, analyzes its brightness characteristics, and uses this feedback to automatically determine the optimal exposure time for the final measurement, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to different scene conditions
2Ease of operation
If automated exposure determination is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary capture of a test image with initial exposure settings before the actual measurement, using this preliminary data to calculate and set the optimal exposure time in advance, thereby simplifying the main measurement process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of camera settings with automated computational processing, using image analysis algorithms and processor-based calculations to determine exposure time, thereby reducing physical complexity while increasing operational automation
3Measurement precision
If multiple exposure times are tested, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to multiple captures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a single preliminary capture with initial exposure settings rather than multiple test captures, using this partial action to derive sufficient information for calculating the optimal exposure time, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
A single preliminary image capture is performed to gather necessary brightness information, which is then used to calculate the optimal exposure time without requiring multiple iterative captures, thus minimizing time loss while achieving accurate exposure determination
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed that can rapidly and automatically determine the optimal exposure time for high-quality three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement with digital fringe projection technique. The method only requires capturing a fringe pattern image with one exposure time to automatically determine a single global optimal exposure time for high quality 3D shape measurement. The method can be extended to automatically determine a plurality of optimal exposure times for HDR image capture.