Date Published: Mar. 27, 2025
Researchers from the Computational 3D Imaging and Measurement (3DIM) Lab at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona have developed a novel method that significantly advances 3D imaging of specular surfaces. The approach integrates techniques known from high-precision optical 3D metrology and computer vision, effectively bridging the technology gap between both fields. With its broad potential impact, the novel solution could benefit applications ranging from industrial inspection and medical imaging to virtual reality and cultural heritage preservation.
Left: Introduced prototype device for the measurement of specular surfaces, comprised of an unpolarized display and a polarization camera. Right: Measurement example: Object, camera image, evaluated surface normal map, evaluated 3D shape.