A MULTIFUNCTIONAL AND PORTABLE OPTICAL SENSOR FOR QUANTITATIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF 3D SURFACE TEXTURE PROPERTIES

Abstract

Surface characterization technologies are generally sorted into two categories: noncontact and contact-based technologies. Among these technologies, no one can stand out to simultaneously and rapidly measure both surface patterns/textures and mechanical properties such as softness, friction, and mechanical impedance. In this paper, we have addressed this problem and developed a multifunctional and portable surface texture sensor through combination of both contact and noncontact optical surface profiling mechanisms. The developed sensor relying on an optomechanical principle can be efficiently used for quantitative characterization of surface texture properties including 3D texture pattern, roughness, and even mechanical properties like softness, etc. As one of the important applications, we have used the sensor to measure and analyze texture properties of extensive automotive interior leather sample surfaces. The results demonstrate that the sensor can effectively assist the interior designer to quantify and classify essential texture features of automobile interior surfaces.