Acta Optica Sinica (Online), Volume. 2, Issue 15, 1505001(2025)

Specular Polarization-Based Surface Normal Imaging Technique

Yaru Gao, Hongning Li*, Yangtao Xiang, and Jiacheng Wang
Author Affiliations
  • School of Physics and Electronic Information, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan , China
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    This paper proposes a specular reflection-based normal estimation method that employs polarization imaging to separate surface reflections into specular and diffuse components, achieving high-precision normal imaging. The imaging transition model is explored, an optimal strategy to determine the normal angle is discussed, and based on this, an active normal field imaging system employing a polarized LED light source is built and calibrated. Experimental results show that our method can measure surface normals with an MSE<0.7 (°)2 in a range from -25° to 25°. This imaging system is applied to investigate 14 different types of art paper. The results reveal that this method can effectively capture the normal variation of surfaces with low sensitivity to paper color. It also offers insights for the identification and restoration of calligraphy, paintings, and cultural relics.

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    Yaru Gao, Hongning Li, Yangtao Xiang, Jiacheng Wang. Specular Polarization-Based Surface Normal Imaging Technique[J]. Acta Optica Sinica (Online), 2025, 2(15): 1505001

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    Paper Information

    Category: Optical Information Acquisition, Display, and Processing

    Received: May. 20, 2025

    Accepted: Jun. 4, 2025

    Published Online: Jul. 17, 2025

    The Author Email: Hongning Li (lihongning_ynnu@126.com)

    DOI:10.3788/AOSOL250467

    CSTR:32394.14.AOSOL250467

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