Spatial Encoding of Structured Light for Ranging With Single Camera

A single camera and dot matrix structured light are used for target range measurement with optical triangulation. The probing beams are spatially encoded in the image plane so that each beam can be uniquely identified without confusion. Such an arrangement allows multiple probing beams in a single image frame to obtain target range profiles. Compared with either a stereovision system or an expensive range scanning system, the approach provided in this paper is more practical, efficient, and cost effective. Principles of spatial encoding, optimized optical configuration, beam labeling and system operation are described. The system is demonstrated with 4×7 probing beams and a VGA CMOS camera.