In this 3d measuring method, a laser beam is directed via a line lens onto the surface of the object to be measured. With the help of a C3 or C4 camera, a picture of the laser line is acquired from the triangulation angle alpha. As a result of the arrangement of the laser and the camera, any change in the surface make-up below the laser line will lead to the laser line in the camera image being displaced in a defined manner.The task of a C3/C4 camera is to use maximum speed and precision to determine the position of the laser line. Below, you will see a number of typical laser-scanning arrangements. For the approximation of the height resolution data that has been given, the following symbols have been used: dX= resolution along the laser line, dY= resolution perpendicular to the laser line (in the direction in which the object or the camera moves), dZ= resolution in the direction of height.
The laser is perpendicular to the surface and the camera is rotated around the angle a. Height resolution can be approximated at: dZ = dX / sin(alpha)

The laser is perpendicular to the surface and the laser is rotated around the angle a. Height resolution can be approximated at: dZ = dX / tan(alpha).

The camera is rotated around angle a to the surface normal line and the laser rotated around angle ß opposite to the surface normal line. Height resolution can be approximated at: dZ = dX * cos(beta) / sin(alpha + beta), if alpha=beta (specular reflex) then the approximation is simplified at: dZ = dX / 2*sin(alpha)

The triangulation angle is alpha and the laser is rotated around angle beta to the surface normal line. Height resolution can be approximated at: dZ = dX * cos(beta) / sin(alpha - beta.

Stephan Kieneke
3D Support
+49(0)4531/88011-43
kieneke@automationtechnology.de
Athinodoros Klipfel
3D components & applications
+49(0)4531/88011-14
klipfel@automationtechnology.de