A robotic structured light camera

Abstract

Structured Light 3D scanners have released a stampede of successful applications in robotics. This opens up the possibility to identify subtle deficiencies of actual sensors and propose solutions. In this paper we present the design of a novel Structured Light scanner that defies the conventional and simplistic static cameras-projector configuration. We found that by adding some degrees of freedom to the cameras it is possible to improve the capabilities of the system, for example reducing the minimum operating distance and increasing the depth estimation accuracy. This multidisciplinary project involves the fields of mechanics, electronics, control, optics and computer engineering, and aims to design a powerful tool, for academic and industrial applications.