Reference Manual
Chapter
1
Ruler E
Overview
1
Overview
The Ruler measures the shape of object by using
laser triangulation
, which means that it
analyzes images of the object as it passes under a laser line. Each image shows the laser
as a cross-section of the object viewed from an angle. Since the optics in the camera is
mounted at a fixed distance and angle from the laser, the height of each point of the
cross-section can be calculated by detecting the laser in the image.
Depending on the model of the Ruler, it can make two or three different types of meas-
urements:
Range
Measures the height of the object along the laser line.
Intensity
Measures the amount of light that is reflected by the object along the
laser line.
Scatter
Measures how the incoming laser light is distributed beneath the surface
of the object. This is useful for example for finding the orientation of fibers
in wood. (Only available for Ruler with the scatter option.)
Figure 1.1 – Measuring a cross-section of an object in 3D
Profile
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