Structured Light Lasers: Advantages of Scanning Technology in 3D Imaging

There are many different types of automated 3D imaging out there: laser triangulation, stereo, programmable, streaming, scanning and more. For industrial inspection applications, any one of these methods may make sense.

Structured light lasers for scanning in 3D imaging often provides a number of advantages for inspection applications. But how do structured light lasers work? And what kinds of advantages do they offer?

The Basics of Structured Light Lasers

Structured light lasers work by using diffractive optical elements (DOEs). Essentially, a known shape or pattern is projected onto an object or scene and a sequence of images is taken. The deformation of the shape or pattern in the image is measured to determine the dimensions and movement of the object or scene.

A number of patterns can be used to achieve the same results. Single and multi-circle DOEs are used in 3D mapping applications, especially for pipe and tube objects. Single and multi-line DOEs are useful for scanning applications, and multi-spot DOEs are best for tracking volume or movement.

Advantages of Structured Light Lasers for 3D Imaging

There are a few advantages of structured light lasers for 3D imaging. First, as long as the imaging environment is unchanged – where there’s either no movement or consistent movement, and ambient light is minimized – structured light lasers can produce highly accurate results. Resolution is typically high and the images captured can reliably determine the dimensions of the object.

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Structured light lasers are often fast, too. 3D imaging can occur practically as fast as an image can be taken. Complex algorithms quickly determine the dimensions of the object, speeding up inspection processes and creating production efficiencies.

Also, structured light laser imaging systems have a better measurement coverage area than other 3D imaging techniques, as long as distance is fixed. This is particularly useful for larger parts that need multiple scans, further saving time and creating efficiencies in production.

Structured light lasers for 3D imaging create many advantages, particularly for industrial inspection applications. There are several types of 3D imaging available to those in the industrial sector, but structured light lasers are often an advantageous 3D imaging technique.

3D imaging has seen rapid and widespread adoption in the industrial sector. Smart image sensors and other technological developments continue to expand the capabilities of 3D imaging for industrial applications.