3D vision system for spherical objects using highlight patterns

This paper describes a 3D vision system for glossy spherical objects using highlight patterns formed by specular reflection on surfaces of the objects. This system consists of two optical sets including a camera and a point light source, and an image processor. From the highlight patterns, 3D coordinates of the central position and the radius of the objects can be measured by this system. The basic performances of this system are proved by experiments.