Computer-generated moiré profilometry based on fringe-superposition.

A computer-generated moiré profilometry based on algebraic addition instead of algebraic multiplication is proposed. Firstly, the two AC components of the captured fringe patterns on the reference plane with [Formula: see text] phase difference are retrieved and saved in advance. While measuring, two sinusoidal gratings with [Formula: see text] phase difference are projected onto the measured object alternatively, and the corresponding deformed patterns are captured. Then the AC component of the captured deformed pattern can be separated exactly. When the positive and negative AC component of the captured deformed pattern are added to the two prestored AC components respectively, two moiré fringes only reflect sine and cosine of the object's phase information can be successfully generated via a series of data processing procedures. Finally, the phase distribution of the measured object can be extracted by arctangent of the ratio of these two moiré fringes. Compared with computer-generated moiré profilometry based on algebraic multiplication, this proposed method can reduce the effect of high frequency noise and residual DC component on measurement and improve the measurement accuracy. While compared with [Formula: see text] phase shifting FTP, this method can measure more complex objects with better measurement capability. Experimental results verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.