A hybrid method for scanning laser registration using a general linear laser model

Registration, also known as pose estimation and position registration, is an essential part of the accurate quantitative analysis of velocity data obtained with a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV). This paper presents a hybrid method of registration using a general linear laser model. The general linear laser model uses sets of slopes and intercepts rather than nonlinear functions of mirror angles to describe the spatial path of the laser beam. This simplifies registration mathematics and also allows the hybrid registration algorithm to be applied to any type of SLDV using any length unit system. The hybrid registration algorithm is comparable in accuracy to existing methods, but eliminates the need for laser rangefinders and the generation of high quality starting points in optimization. This is accomplished by using a very stable optimization based on distance between point pairs to generate a large number of potential solutions from random starting guesses, and then selecting the correct solution by means of a secondary error descriptor. Simulated and experimental validation is presented to support the effectiveness of this algorithm.

► Development of a hybrid method of registration using a general linear laser model.
► Use of slopes and intercepts rather than nonlinear functions of mirror angles.
► Simplifies mathematics and can be applied to any type of SLDV.
► The approach eliminates the need for laser rangefinders and high quality starting points.