Computer generated moire interferometry

The use of computer-generated moire fringes to characterize object shapes is discussed. The goal was to determine the feasibility of generating a reference image which, when combined with an image of a perfect test object, would produce straight line fringes, but when combined with an imperfect test object, would produce predictable deviations from straight-line fringes. The authors explain the theory behind moire interferometry used in single projection moire; describe the various software programs used to enhance, filter, and combine images; and demonstrates several examples of basic object identification and recognition. Some of the limiting factors of position, scale, and orientation are described