Development of a new laser triangulation system based on an optical frame of reference

Abstract

In this paper a new triangulation-based laser scanner is presented which has a simple, yet strong, flexible and low-cost structure. A digital camera and three laser line projectors are the main components of the system. One of the laser projectors is positioned vertically, while the other two are horizontal. The former scans the object, whereas the latter two establish an optical frame which is used, in part, to define the plane containing the vertical laser projector at each step of scanning. At each step, an image is taken which includes the object along with the projected laser lines. By intersecting the vertical and horizontal lines a couple of points are formed which, along with the calibration information of the system, enable the extraction of the object coordinates. Results of the tests carried out show that by using an optical frame of this nature, the process of scanning is greatly facilitated. That is, the scanner can easily be used to scan objects of different size and dimensions. Within the current configuration, the system enables measurements with an accuracy of 1/1600. Also, as the system has a rigorous basis, its accuracy can be increased if improved hardware is provided. © 2011 The Authors. The Photogrammetric Record © 2011 The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.