Image data compression and its effect on the accuracy of fringe-based images for 3-D gauging using a phase stepping method

This paper examines the effects of data compression on fringe images. Using the JPEG still image compression method firstly comparisons of errors introduced in a standard test image and in fringe images are made. The work shows that at compression levels of 6:1 a 512×512 ×8 bit fringe image can be reduced in size to allow a CCD digital camera to be directly connected for image input to the parallel port of a PC. The errors introduced into angular and smooth fringe images by the compression and decompression process are small, 0.06% and 0.14%, respectively. This enabled successful fringe analysis by a phase stepping system, with compression levels up to 16:1 using JPEG, before any significant artefacts were introduced into the processed images.