A flexible laser range sensor based on spatial-temporal analysis

This paper introduces a smart laser range sensor with many advantages over the current products. The device is portable for its lightness and simple processing components. The image data is recorded in a digital video tape for processing, similar to picture shooting by a camera. The measuring scope can be freely adjusted to cover various distances, which greatly saves the manpower in measuring stationary objects or a site. The system employs a post-calibration so that it can be used easily on site. Furthermore, we obtain the color of measured points, which has been realized so far only by complicated systems in constrained environments. All these functions are realized by spatial temporal analysis of the video images. This sensor system has been used in measuring unearthed relics at a world heritage site.