Abstract
The performance of 2D digital imaging systems depends on several factors related with both optical and electronic processing. These concepts have originated standards, which have been conceived for photographic equipment and bi-dimensional scanning systems, and which have been aimed at estimating different parameters such as resolution, noise or dynamic range. Conversely, no standard test protocols currently exist for evaluating the corresponding performances of 3D imaging systems such as laser scanners or pattern projection range cameras. This paper is focused on investigating experimental processes for evaluating some critical parameters of 3D equipment, by extending the concepts defined by the ISO standards to the 3D domain. The experimental part of this work concerns the characterization of different range sensors through the extraction of their resolution, accuracy and uncertainty from sets of 3D data acquisitions of specifically designed test objects whose geometrical characteristics are known in advance. The major objective of this contribution is to suggest an easy characterization process for generating a reliable comparison between the performances of different range sensors and to check if a specific piece of equipment is compliant with the expected characteristics.
Highlights
It is well known that the performances of an imaging system are associated with several parameters, which depend on the kind of sensor that is considered
We have investigated the accuracy and uncertainty of the 3D data generated from these characteristic features, such as the cone slope, the cylinder diameter, and the angle between the two intersecting planes
We present the experimental approaches used to obtain accuracy, uncertainty and resolution from some range images taken in pre-defined conditions with all the devices under test, applied on the test objects mentioned above, starting from the ―a priory‖ knowledge of their actual geometrical data
Summary
It is well known that the performances of an imaging system are associated with several parameters, which depend on the kind of sensor that is considered. The testing procedures adopted by the 3D imaging industry are not univocally defined and the official technical features for end-users are not often comparable among them. For this reason, in order to take full advantage of 3D imaging systems some metrological laboratories have been set up in the last few years, pointing out the advantages, and the limitations of these instruments. The creation of standards and the definition of neutral and coherent test methodologies are critical for increasing user awareness in the application of 3D acquisition technologies. Conclusions and perspectives about this characterization approach are reported in the last section
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