A new fast rangefinding method based on a non-mechanical scanning mechanism and a high-speed image sensor

In this paper, we present a new fast rangefinding method based on a non-mechanical scanning mechanism and a high-speed image sensor. Although the light stripe rangefinding method often is utilized to measure three dimensional shape of an object, it is difficult to acquire dense range data at high-speed with conventional light stripe rangefinders. We proposed a fast rangefinding method based on two new ideas unlike conventional methods: (1) to move a parabolic light pattern onto the object by means of a non-mechanical mechanism; (2) to detect a true peak value using a high-speed image sensor. We have designed and built a prototype rangefinder. The rangefinder was able to acquire three-dimensional position at 500 ns which is faster than conventional rangefinders. As a result, the proposed method is effective for high-speed three-dimensional measurement

Digital Object Identifier: 10.1109/IMTC.1997.610275
Published with permission from the copyright holder. This is the institute's copy, as published in Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, 1997. IMTC/97. Proceedings. 'Sensing, Processing, Networking'., IEEE, 19-21 May 1997 , Volume 2, Pages 957-962.
Publisher URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/IMTC.1997.610275
Copyright © 1997 IEEE. All rights reserved.