Real-time structured light profilometry: a review

• Published in: Optics and lasers in engineering 2016-12, Vol.87, p.18-31
• Main Authors: Van der Jeught, Sam, Dirckx, Joris J.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Phase unwrapping; Real-time; Review; Structured light profilometry
• ISSN: 0143-8166; 1873-0302
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlaseng.2016.01.011

The acquisition of high-resolution, real-time three-dimensional surface data of dynamically moving objects has large applicability in many fields. When additional restrictions such as non-invasiveness and non-contact measurement are imposed on the employed profilometry technique, the list of possible candidates is reduced mainly to the broad range of structured light profilometry methods. In this manuscript, the current state-of-the-art in structured light profilometry systems is described, as well as the main advancements in hardware technology and coding strategy that have led to their successful development. A chronological overview of optical profilometry systems that have been reported to perform real-time acquisition, digital signal processing and display of full-field 3D surface maps is presented. The respective operating principles, strengths and weaknesses of these setups are reviewed and the main limitations and future challenges in high-speed optical profilometry are discussed. •The current state-of-the-art of real-time structured light profilometry is presented.•Strengths and weaknesses of various real-time surface scanning techniques are reviewed.•Crucial advancements in projection hardware and coding strategy are discussed.•Current limitations and future challenges of real-time profilometry are discussed.