Shape measurement of small objects using LCD fringe projection with phase shifting

This payer describes the use of optical fringe projection method for three-dimensional shape measurement of small objects. In this method, sinusoidal linear fringes are projected on the object surface by a programmable liquid crystal display (LCD) projector and a long working distance microscope (LDM). The image of the fringe pattern is captured by another LDM and a CCD camera and processed by phase-shifting technique. A simple procedure is described which enables calibration of the optical setup for subsequent quantitative measurement of unknown object shapes. The method developed can also be applied to the measurement of the warp of a small component under thermal loading. This method is relatively simple and accurate, and is capable of conducting fully automated measurements. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.