Image evaluation for the synchronised laser scanning systems

Image formation for the synchronised laser scanning systems is investigated in this article. A detailed description of the three-dimensional scanning geometry measurement of surface profile is given far different object surfaces. It is found that by adjusting the position of the third scanner along the z-axis it is possible to find a spherical trajectory. For the second study we have considered the object rotation in synchronised operation. It is noticed that by adjusting the position of the object scanner it is possible to find a spherical trajectory for this case as well. This type of scanning system is more useful for a class of inspections where profile measurement of spherical objects has to be obtained. In another study the effect of different parameters on the 3-D image profile is considered and some hints are given for selecting the optimum laser scanning geometry. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.