Model-based scanning path generation for inspection

Range data acquisition is an important step in industrial inspection using laser scanners. In many cases a CAD model is available at the time of inspection. We present a method for the automatic generation of scanning paths for 3D line laser scanners based on CAD models. Since normally a single scanning pass cannot cover a whole part, a slicing method is developed to divide the surface of a CAD model into a number of sections such that each section can be covered by a single scanning pass. For each section, a path can be generated to follow the surface contour, and the combination of paths for all the sliced sections forms a complete scan of an object. The method has been tested to show that the paths generated can be used to effectively control the laser scanner to follow the contour of the part surface