Surface profile measurement of moving objects by using an improved π phase-shifting Fourier transform profilometry

Abstract The π phase-shifting Fourier transform technique is introduced into the surface profile measurement of moving objects. A digital grating comprising two regions, which have a π phase shifting is projected onto the object. Two line-scan CCD cameras are used to capture two deformed fringe patterns with π phase shifting at the same time. As the object is moving, each point at the object surface can be captured twice. The digital correlation method is used to calibrate the experimental system. The zero-order component can be eliminated by subtracting intensities of the same surface point in two captured images. And then the phase can be extracted by Fourier transform without the disturbance of zero-order component. Experimental results demonstrate that this method is feasible for the moving surface profile detection and the measurable slope of height variation can be extended.