The dimensional laser scanner OPTIscan, operating in a non-contact process, is a special model of the OPTImess detector. The operating method of the OPTImess sensor is mainly based on the observation of an object at a fixed point; the OPTIscan works according to the same principle, however the measuring point is scanned along a line.

In the OPTIscan, the laser beam is projected, via an optical system, in the shape of a line onto the object. By the use of a second mirror on the same axis the picked-up beam is directed towards the detector.

In this way it is possible to measure exactly the vertical distance along a line. The horizontal position is determined via an angle measuring system at the mirror¡¯s rotation axis.

The use of this type of sensor is advisable for many applications, where a standard OPTImess detector would have to be moved horizontally by a mechanical device. The use of the OPTIscan is possible for applications, which have a relatively narrow scanning width (100mm). This provides a possibility for cost reduction by eliminating the necessity for an elaborate mechanical system.