Automatic Calibration of a Two-Axis Rotary Table for 3D Scanning Purposes

Abstract

Rotary tables are often used to speed up the acquisition time during the 3D scanning of complex geometries. In order to avoid manual registration of the point clouds acquired with different orientations, automatic algorithms to compensate the rotation were developed. Alternatively, a proper calibration of the rotary axis with respect to the camera system is needed. Several methods are available in the literature, but they only consider a single-axis calibration. In this paper, a method for the simultaneous calibration of both axes of the table is proposed. A checkerboard is attached to the table, and several images with different poses are acquired. An optimization algorithm is then setup to determine the orientation and the locations of the two axes. A metric to assess the calibration quality was also defined by computing the average mean reprojection error. This metric is used to investigate the optimal number and distribution of the calibration poses, demonstrating that the optimum calibration results are achieved when a wider dispersion of the calibration poses is adopted.

Calibration method of a three-dimensional scanner based on a line laser projector and a camera with 1-axis rotating mechanism

“…In a parallel study, Bisogni et al 21 proposed a dual-axis rotary table system deploying a single checkerboard and multiple images at varying poses to derive insights into both axes. The method involves affixing a checkerboard to the table and capturing several images with diverse poses; these are then harnessed in an optimization algorithm to discern the orientations and positions of the two axes.…”

“…In a parallel study, Bisogni et al 21 . proposed a dual-axis rotary table system deploying a single checkerboard and multiple images at varying poses to derive insights into both axes.…”