A photoelectric range scanner using an array of LED chips

A novel triangulation photoelectric range scanner using an array of LED (light emitting diode) chips and a lateral-effect position sensing detector is proposed. The essential advantages of the scanner are construction without any moving parts, small size, good stability, and low cost. A range map is obtained by means of fast electronic scanning of the LEDs of the LED array. The operation principles of the scanner are illustrated, and development of the laboratory model of the scanner is presented. The calibration procedure for the transmitter and receiver module of the scanner is described, and laboratory tests of the scanner´s performance are briefly discussed. In the experimental tests the scanner has shown good performance within the range of several meters, and is considered as a new device to perform inexpensive and fast range scanning for many robotic and machine-automation applications