Image Processing Techniques For Fringe Pattern Analysis

Automatic fringe pattern analysis is now used, with appropriate interferometers, in areas such as optical testing, flow visualisation, nondestructive testing, industrial inspection and medical imaging. This paper describes a cross section of the image processing techniques which can be used as the building blocks for an automatic fringe analysis system. The paper uses simple, non-mathematical, descriptions of the various techniques in an attempt to appeal to first time users of the technology.