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

Abstract

In this paper, a compact, cost-effective, and fast translational online-switchable phase-shifting fringe (TOPF) projector is designed and fabricated for high accuracy three-dimensional (3D) face imaging. Compared with the conventional mechanical projectors, the main difference is that it utilizes a translational approach instead of a rotational one to achieve a better balance in terms of size, speed, accuracy, and cost. To mitigate the inconsistency of the motor's step size and ensure the stability of phase-shifting, an optical encoder-based feedback control mechanism is employed. Additionally, to address the random phase shift errors induced by mechanical motion, a fast, generalized phase-shifting algorithm with unknown phase shifts (uPSAs) that can calculate arbitrary phase shifts is proposed. Finally, a 3D imaging system consisting of the TOPF projector and two cameras is constructed for experimental validation. The feasibility, effectiveness, and precision of our proposed method are substantiated through the reconstruction of a static facial model and a dynamic real face.