Glossary · Machine vision
Laser triangulation
Also known as: Laser line triangulation, Sheet-of-light triangulation
German: Lasertriangulation
In measurement and 3D vision, laser triangulation determines distance or surface profile by projecting a laser point or line onto the object and observing it with a camera at a known angle; the position of the laser in the image gives the height.
- Machine vision
In one sentence
Laser triangulation measures distance or surface profiles by projecting a laser line and observing it with a camera at a known angle.
Example
A laser triangulation sensor scans each weld seam as the part moves past and checks seam height and width against tolerances.
How it applies
- Engineering: Profiles are captured line by line while the object or sensor moves; an Encoder synchronizes the scans with motion. Accuracy depends on triangulation angle, optics and surface properties; shadows occur where the camera cannot see the laser line.
- Safety: Laser sources are classified under IEC 60825-1; the laser class and required precautions must be stated.
- Documentation: The documentation team should document the laser class and warning labels, the measuring range, scan settings and the calibration procedure. Laser light is an optical Radiation hazard to be addressed in the safety chapter where relevant.
Laser triangulation vs. structured light
Laser triangulation projects one line and needs motion to capture an area. Structured light projects patterns over the whole field and captures an area in one or a few shots from a stationary scene.