Specular Surfaces Research Articles

Depth Estimation and Specular Removal for Glossy Surfaces Using Point and Line Consistency with Light-Field Cameras.

Light-field cameras have now become available in both consumer and industrial applications, and recent papers have demonstrated practical algorithms for depth recovery from a passive single-shot capture. However, current light-field depth estimation methods are designed for Lambertian objects and fail or degrade for glossy or specular surfaces. The standard Lambertian photoconsistency measure considers the variance of different views, effectively enforcing point-consistency, i.e., that all views map to the same point in RGB space. This variance or point-consistency condition is a poor metric for glossy surfaces. In this paper, we present a novel theory of the relationship between light-field data and reflectance from the dichromatic model. We present a physically-based and practical method to estimate the light source color and separate specularity. We present a new photo consistency metric, line-consistency, which represents how viewpoint changes affect specular points. We then show how the new metric can be used in combination with the standard Lambertian variance or point-consistency measure to give us results that are robust against scenes with glossy surfaces. With our analysis, we can also robustly estimate multiple light source colors and remove the specular component from glossy objects. We show that our method outperforms current state-of-the-art specular removal and depth estimation algorithms in multiple real world scenarios using the consumer Lytro and Lytro Illum light field cameras.

Collisionless Gas Flow over a Cylinder and a Sphere

In this paper, the problems of collisionless flows over a cylinder or a sphere are investigated. New flowfield formulas for the specular surface scenario are obtained, whereas past formulas to the scenario of a diffuse surface are simplified. All formulas are evaluated with a computer code. Several simulations with the direct simulation Monte–Carlo are performed, and the results are compared with these analytical results. In general, the agreement is satisfactory. These analytical results are quite complex; however, they explicitly illustrate the effects from several parameters, such as the specific heat and temperature ratios, and several geometry factors.

Specular gloss versus surface topography for oil‐filled nanoparticle coatings on paper

AbstractThe appearance or printing quality of paper surfaces is mostly characterized by their glossiness, measured with a glossmeter as specular reflectance. The gloss properties of a base paper substrate can be improved after application of a poly(styrene‐co‐maleimide) nanoparticle coating under pure conditions or in the presence of different vegetable oils. The specular gloss properties of 11 different nanoparticle paper coatings have been determined under 75° and 85° incident light angles, with good relation between values along parallel (machine) and perpendicular (transverse) direction. The gloss properties for the different coatings have been further related to the surface topography. Therefore, the statistical and spatial surface roughness parameters have been studied in detail at two length scales including non‐contact profilometry (1 × 1 mm2) and atomic force microscopy (2 × 2 μm2). Based on values of the Rayleigh parameter for non‐contact profilometry, the surfaces can be considered as optically rough. The gloss values cannot be directly related to statistical surface roughness parameters. Otherwise, an experimental power‐law model for gloss has been proposed as a function of (β/Sq) with correlation length β and root‐mean‐square roughness Sq. A best‐fit model illustrates that gloss properties of various nanoparticle paper coatings mainly relate to the spatial surface roughness parameters determined from non‐contact profilometry. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 596–610, 2016

An Imaging and Measurement System for Robust Reconstruction of Weld Pool During Arc Welding

Robust measurement of the specular weld pool surface can help better understand the complex welding processes and provide feedback for robotic welding. The strong arc light and the specular surface of the weld pool make it difficult for the direct sensing measurement. In this paper, a novel imaging and measurement system is proposed, and it makes use of the strong penetrability of the laser to avoid the interference of arc light and obtain the surface information of the weld pool. By intercepting the reflection of a projected laser pattern twice, the proposed system gives a closed-form solution for each reflected ray and a closed-form solution for the corresponding point on the weld pool surface. The weld pool surface can be thus reconstructed by one-shot structured light projection. To increase the robustness of the measurement system, the least deformation principle is proposed to rectify the coefficient errors of the computed plane equation. Finally, a sequence of 3-D weld pools is reconstructed and compared with state-of-art literature. The comparison verifies that our method is significantly better than all the other methods in measuring the 3-D weld pool shapes.

Polarization influence on reflectance measurements in the spatial frequency domain

In this work, we quantify the influence of crossed polarizers on reflectance measurements in the spatial frequency domain. The use of crossed polarizers is a very common approach for suppression of specular surface reflections. However, measurements are typically evaluated using a non-polarized scalar theory. The consequences of this discrepancy are the focus of our study, and we also quantify the related errors of the derived optical properties. We used polarized Monte Carlo simulations for forward calculation of the reflectance from different samples. The samples’ scatterers are assumed to be spherical, allowing for the calculation of the scattering functions by Mie theory. From the forward calculations, the reduced scattering coefficient and the absorption coefficient μa were derived by means of a scalar theory, as commonly used. Here, we use the analytical solution of the scalar radiative transfer equation. With this evaluation approach, which does not consider polarization, we found large errors in and μa in the range of 25% and above. Furthermore, we investigated the applicability of the use of a reference measurement to reduce these errors as suggested in literature. We found that this method is not able to generally improve the accuracy of measurements in the spatial frequency domain. Our general recommendation is to apply a polarized theory when using crossed polarizers.

Study of SiC Epitaxial Growth Using Tetrafluorosilane and Dichlorosilane in Vertical Hotwall CVD Furnace

This paper presents one of the first comparative studies of distinctive results obtained using halogenated silicon precursors, dichlorosilane (SiH2Cl2, DCS) and tetrafluorosilane (SiF4, TFS) for SiC homo epitaxial growth. Both TFS and DCS possess very distinct properties that show specific influence on SiC growth. SiC epitaxial growth using TFS greatly suppresses parasitic deposition in the gas delivery system. Growth using TFS shows carbon mediated growth regime, and exhibits controlled doping concentration of the epilayer by an order of magnitude lower than that in the growth using DCS at the same C/Si ratio. Studies of epilayer surface morphology show that the epilayers from TFS growth have a specular surface in a wide C/Si range whereas in the growth using DCS, the epilayer surface roughness is strongly dependent on the C/Si ratio.

Phase error analysis and reduction in phase measuring deflectometry

In phase measuring deflectometry (PMD), the inspection accuracy of the defects and height of the specular surface are related to the level of phase errors. The usage of numeric integration in reconstructing the shape and the defocusing capture of the fringe pattern, which will amplify the phase errors, make error discussion more significant in PMD than other shape measurement techniques. Phase error analysis and reduction in PMD are presented. The random noises, nonlinear response function, the nontelecentric imaging of the charge-coupled device camera, and the nonlinear response function of the liquid crystal display screen are the main phase error sources in PMD. The analytical relation between the random phase error and its influence factors in PMD is deduced. From the relation formulation, the influence factors of random phase error are analyzed, and the results are proven by the simulation and experiment. A possible phase error-reduction method, which integrates several methods for congeneric errors in fringe projection profilometry, is investigated to reduce phase errors in PMD. This composite method is proven to have a good performance by a plane mirror experiment.

Application of imaging ellipsometry to the detection of latent fingermarks

Imaging ellipsometry (IE) is applied to visualize latent fingermarks on specular surfaces. Instead of a real image, IE provides images related to the polarization states, which are changed by the imprinted layer on a surface. Fingermarks formed on the surfaces of various materials are investigated, including a shiny metal and a black-colored plastic. Relatively clear IE images are obtained from most surfaces on which the optical properties are distinguishable from those of the fingermarks. Also, it is shown that discernible IE images can be obtained even after a fingermark is vigorously rubbed with lab tissues.

Measured daylighting potential of a static optical louver system under real sun and sky conditions

By utilizing highly specular surfaces and engineered profile geometry, optical sunlight redirecting systems integrated into the overhead “clerestory” zone of the building facade present the potential to enlarge the daylighting zone by redirecting the luminous flux incident on the window deeper into the space than conventional shading systems. In addition, by developing system geometry to redirect daylight to specific zones within the space, optical light redirecting systems have the potential to avoid the glare conditions commonly produced by conventional facade shading systems that direct significant amounts of daylight below head height into the occupant's field of view. In this case study, side-by-side comparisons were made over solstice-to-solstice changes in sun and sky conditions between an optical louver system (OLS) and a conventional Venetian blind set at a horizontal slat angle and located inboard of a south-facing, small-area, clerestory window in a full-scale office testbed. Daylight autonomy (DA), window luminance, and ceiling luminance uniformity were used to assess performance. The performance of both systems was found to have significant seasonal variation, where performance under clear sky conditions improved as maximum solar altitude angles transitioned from solstice to equinox. Although the OLS produced fewer hours per day of DA on average than the Venetian blind, the OLS never exceeded the designated 2000 cd/m2 threshold for window glare. In contrast, the Venetian blind was found to exceed the visual discomfort threshold over a large fraction of the day during equinox conditions (from 40 to 64% of the test day between August 22 and October 12). Notably, these peak periods of visual discomfort occurred during the best periods of daylighting performance. Luminance uniformity was analyzed using calibrated high dynamic range luminance images. Under clear sky conditions, the OLS was found to increase the luminance of the ceiling as well as produce a more uniform distribution of luminance over the ceiling. Compared to conventional venetian blinds, the static optical sunlight redirecting system studied has the potential to significantly reduce the annual electrical lighting energy demand of a daylit space and improve the quality from the perspective of building occupants by consistently transmitting useful daylight while eliminating window glare.

Effect of fiber tension on the deformation of a carbon composite plate for space radio telescopes

This study examined the influence of fiber tension on the deformation of carbon composite plates used as the specular surface components of space radio telescopes. Applying the standard equations of composite theory, we developed an analytical model for the stress–strain state of carbon composite plates, considering the fiber tension and thermal stresses. The results of experiments performed on square plates fabricated from the carbon composites were in good agreement with the predictions from the proposed model. The fiber tension of the carbon composite was analyzed for different composite structures. Our results indicated that high fiber tension levels in the carbon composite reduced the degree of deformation in the composite structure.

Development of a Global Model of Heat Transfer in the Czochralski Furnace Taking into Account Specular Reflection at the Crystal Surface

In this study, a global model of heat transfer for the Czochralski crystal growth of oxides is developed by integrating the conventional model and the improved radiation element method by the ray emission model (REM2) in which radiative heat transfer in semitransparent crystals with a specular surface, that is, reflection and refraction at the crystal surface, is considered. The validity of the present model is verified by comparing it with the conventional model. Then, the effects of the optical thickness and the refractive index of the crystal on the temperature distribution in the furnace and on the melt/crystal interface shape are numerically investigated.

The DRESOR method for one-dimensional transient radiative transfer in graded index medium coupled with BRDF surface

Most research on transient radiative transfer is coupled with blackbody, specular or diffuse surface, which may only provide limited or inefficient information to analyze transient radiation transfer problems under particular circumstances. This study aims to extend the DRESOR (Distribution of Ratios of Energy Scattered by the medium Or Reflected by the boundary surface) method to solve the transient radiative heat transfer in a one-dimensional, non-emitting, absorbing and isotropically scattering medium with a linear graded index coupled with the BRDF (Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function) surface, which is closer to a real surface and can offer more accurate information. Here, a Minnaert model for the BRDF surface is applied. Numerically computed results of the time-resolved reflectance and transmittance are compared with those obtained by DOM and DFEM with blackbody surfaces, which verifies the DRESOR method. Meanwhile, the comparison between BRDF surface and diffuse surface has also been carried out. With the increase of optical thickness, the time-resolved reflectance and transmittance profiles change from a single peak, to a double-peak, and finally to a single peak with a relatively large scattering albedo, especially under the graded index. The scattering albedo has a significant influence on the peak values of the reflectance and transmittance. With the increase of parameter k of Minnaert model, the difference between BRDF surface and diffuse surface enlarges significantly. Furthermore, compared with the corresponding diffuse surface, the relative time-resolved reflectance difference of the BRDF surface can reach 16.7% and the transmittance can reach 7.4% at some dimensionless time. The intensities with the change of time in some directions show an evident difference between BRDF and diffuse surface. These discrepancies imply that the BRDF surface has an important influence on the transient radiative transfer.

A one-shot-projection method for measurement of specular surfaces.

In this paper, a method is proposed to measure the shapes of specular surfaces with one-shot-projection of structured laser patterns. By intercepting the reflection of the reflected laser pattern twice with two diffusive planes, the closed form solution is achieved for each reflected ray. The points on the specular surface are reconstructed by computing the intersections of the incident rays and the reflected rays. The proposed method can measure both static and dynamic specular shapes due to its one-shot-projection, which is beyond the capability of most of state of art methods that need multiple projections. To our knowledge, the proposed method is the only method so far that could yield the closed form solutions for the dynamic and specular surfaces.

Solar light collection from buildings façades

We present an analysis of the light collection from the building's fagade for interior lighting using diffuse reflective surfaces. The use of diffuse surfaces may increase the acceptance angle of such systems, in order to collect more sunlight coming from different directions according to the objects surrounding the building fafade for longer periods of the day without the use of sun tracking systems. We discuss a numerical analysis and experimental results comparing light collection with the proposed system with respect to an equivalent system using specular reflecting surfaces. Results show that the collection is around 50 lx with a system of dimensions 10 cm × 15 cm and is of about of 55% higher than the collection achieved by a system of specular surfaces.

Dynamic Neuro-Fuzzy-Based Human Intelligence Modeling and Control in GTAW

Human welder's experiences and skills are critical for producing quality welds in manual gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. In this paper, a neuro-fuzzy-based human intelligence model is constructed and implemented as an intelligent controller in automated GTAW process to maintain a consistent desired full penetration. An innovative vision system is utilized to real-time measure the specular 3D weld pool surface under strong arc light interference. Experiments are designed to produce random changes in the welding speed and voltage resulting in fluctuations in the weld pool surface. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is proposed to correlate the human welder's response to the 3D weld pool surface as characterized by its width, length and convexity. Closed-loop control experiments are conducted to verify the robustness of the proposed controller. It is found that the human intelligence model can adjust the current to robustly control the process to a desired penetration state despite different initial conditions and various disturbances. A foundation is thus established to explore the mechanism and transformation of human welder's intelligence into robotic welding systems.

Morphological Transitions during Au Electrodeposition: From Porous Films to Compact Films and Nanowires

Gold electrodeposition was studied in a sulfite electrolyte to which micromolar concentrations of Tl2SO4 were added. Hysteresis and a regime of negative differential resistance (NDR) evident in electroanalytical measurements are correlated with deposit morphology and interpreted through measurements of thallium underpotential deposition (upd). Deposit morphologies range from specular surfaces to highly faceted dendrite-like grains of moderate aspect ratio and, for potentials within the NDR region, sub-50 nm diameter, high aspect ratio 110 oriented single crystal nanowires. The nanowires exhibit an epitaxial relationship to the substrate that permits one step fabrication of surfaces densely covered with high aspect ratio nanowires having controlled orientations. The NDR and nanowires are a consequence of the non-monotonic relationship between Tl coverage and growth velocity; at low coverage Tl accelerates Au deposition while at higher coverage it inhibits deposition. Immiscibility of the Tl and Au supports on-going surface segregation during area expansion that accompanies nanowire growth leading to greater dilution of the additive coverage and more rapid growth at the nanowire tips, while the sidewalls remain passivated by a saturated Tl coverage.

Imaging Simulation Method for Specular Surface Measurement

Imaging Simulation Method for Specular Surface Measurement

Silane controlled three dimensional GaN growth and recovery stages on a cone-shape nanoscale patterned sapphire substrate by MOCVD

The silane-controlled 3D growth led to a high crystalline quality, much strain relaxation and a specular surface for the GaN epilayers on NPSS.

Estimation of the 3-D Shape Surfaces with Specular Reflections

We propose a method to estimate the 3-D shape of surfaces with specular reflection, using a model of the difference in appearance between images reflected from a flat surface and a curved surface. First, we analyze the geometry of spatial reflection from a specular surface and how reflected light varies due to a curved surface. This is used to estimate 3-D shape. The proposed method is shown to be effective in experiments using illumination from spatially distributed light sources and a camera capturing the reflected light from curved, specular surfaces.

액체와 투과형 편향법을 이용한 광학부품의 굴절률 분포 측정

액체 속에 담긴 시료를 투과형 편향법을 이용하여 3차원 형상을 측정하고 시료의 굴절률 분포를 측정하였다. 편향법은 면적이 비교적 크고 거울과 같이 산란이 거의 없는 물체의 3차원 측정을 하는데 유용하다. 편향법을 통해 얻은 왜곡 무늬로부터 위상과 기울기를 구하기 위해 위상이동법과 시간추적 위상펼침 (TPU:Temporal Phase Unwrapping) 방법을 이용하였고, 구한 기울기로부터 높이를 구하기 위해 최소자승법을 이용하였다. 굴절률 분포 측정을 위해 2개의 유체를 이용하였다. 전산기 시늉과 실험결과 액체를 이용한 투과형 편향법을 이용하여 시료내의 굴절률 분포를 측정 할 수 있음을 확인하였다. Phase-measuring deflectometry is a full-field gradient measuring technique that lends itself very well to testing specular optical surfaces. We have measured the deformation of the surface of a lens by transmission deflectometry with liquids. In this study, a method is proposed for measuring the refractive index distribution of a transparent object component. The proposed method combines transmission deflectometry with liquids. The deformed fringe patterns of a sample immersed in different fluids are recorded, and then the three-dimensional phase information of the sample is reconstructed numerically. We have used phase-shifting and temporal phase-unwrapping methods to retrieve the phase from the measured deformed fringe pattern, and we have used a least-squares method to find the height information of the specular surface from the calculated slope. In particular, we have proposed a theoretical model for determining the refractive index of sample and planar convex lens are demonstrated experimentally.