Method for Three-Dimensional Surface Measurement with a Mobile Device

NU 2019-101

INVENTORS

• Oliver Cossairt*
• Vikas Gupta
• Florian Schiffers
• William Spies
• Marc Walton
• Florian Willomitzer
• Chia Kai Yeh

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This technology offers a method and system for performing three-dimensional Deflectometry measurements of specular surfaces using only a mobile device, eliminating the need for offline calibration and allowing dense reconstruction of large surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional imaging is pivotal across numerous fields such as industrial inspection, medical imaging, and cultural heritage documentation. Traditional 2D imaging lacks the depth information provided by 3D imaging, which remains invariant to object translation, rotation, and lighting variations. Current methods for capturing 3D data from specular surfaces often require complex setups and calibration procedures, limiting accessibility and usability.

ABSTRACT

The invention introduces a novel approach for 3D measurement of extended specular surfaces using a mobile handheld device. Leveraging the device’s screen and front camera, this method employs Deflectometry for precise surface measurement without requiring extensive calibration. It features a multi-view technique to compensate for the mobile device's small screen, enabling comprehensive and dense surface reconstruction. The method proves effective for objects like stained glass artworks, and future developments aim to enhance self-calibration and reduce registration errors for improved accuracy.

APPLICATIONS

• Art Conservation
  • Utilizes 3D surface measurements for authenticating and documenting artworks.
• Industrial Inspection
  • Provides detailed surface topology information for quality control processes.
• Cultural Heritage Preservation
  • Assists in the accurate documentation of historical artifacts.
• Medical Imaging
  • Enhances surface imaging capabilities for diagnostic purposes.

ADVANTAGES

• Accessible Technology
  • Operates using a standard mobile device without specialized equipment.
• No Calibration Required
  • Conducts measurements without the need for extensive calibration procedures.
• High-Resolution Imaging
  • Achieves detailed surface mapping with minimal setup.
• User-Friendly
  • Designed for ease of use by individuals with little technical expertise.

PUBLICATIONS

Cossairt, O. et al, "Uncalibrated Deflectometry with a Mobile Device on Extended Specular Surfaces", arxiv Computer Science > Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, 24 Jul 2019.

IP STATUS

Issued US Patent 11,336,883