Identifying metal surfaces in color images

Abstract

Previous work [2] has examined the properties of metals which might allow them to be distinguished from dielectrics in color images. This previous work assumes ideal surfaces, i.e. surfaces which are optically smooth and uncontaminated by coatings. In this paper, we discuss the problem of material identification and review the previous work. We then examine to what extent the ideas presented in [2] extend to more realistic surfaces. We present analysis describing a color shift which might occur for the light reflected from a rough metal surface. We also give a brief discussion of the effect of surface coatings on the optical properties of materials. Some experimental results are given. © 1988, SPIE.