Image-based specular component estimation using structured light illumination

Color imaging depends strongly on the illumination conditions. Semi-specular surfaces impose ambiguity in colorimetric analysis and the specular reflection component has to be treated differently depending on the material. To exclude the specular component, special configuration of photometric devices is required. Such conditions cannot easily be met for images of irregular surfaces. I propose a simple method of structured light illumination for separating the specular and diffuse components of semi-specular surfaces using color camera and a calibrated flat-screen monitor.