Rotating laser-based system for full profile measurement

A laser-based system has been developed to automatically measure complete inner profiles of various structures. The system uses a pointed laser source passing through a rotating optical device to obtain a series of distance measurements. To enhance the portability of the system, a hand-held computer is selected to control the laser source and the rotating optical device. In addition to system control, the software associated with the handheld computer has also been developed to use the series distance measurements to construct a complete profile of the measured structure as well as to estimate the crosssectional area of the profile. The system can provide critical information for the construction industry and a variety of other commercial applications. The evaluation and analysis of measurement indicated that on accuracy within 4 per cent, for typical window designs and floor patterns, could be achieved. Recommendations for improvement of the system have also been included.