Range Error Analysis of an Integrated Time - of - Flight , Triangulation , and Photogrammetric 3 D Laser Scanning System

Permission is granted to quote short excerpts and to reproduce figures and tables from this report, provided that the source of such material is fully acknowledged. ABSTRACT A 3-D laser tracking scanner system analysis focusing on immunity to ambient sunlight and geometrical resolution and accuracy is presented in the context of a space application. The main goal of this development is to provide a robust sensor to assist in the assembly of the Space Station. This 3-D laser scanner system can be used in imagery or in tracking modes, using either time-of-flight (TOF) or triangulation methods for range acquisition. It uses two high-speed galvanometers and a collimated laser beam to address individual targets on an object. In the tracking mode of operation, we will compare the pose estimation and accuracy of the laser scanner using the different methods: triangulation, TOF (resolved targets), and photogrammetry (spatial resection), and show the advantages of combining these different modes of operation to increase the overall performances of the laser system.