Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for multi-dimensional scanning of a scene. In particular, this invention provides scanning devices and methods employing controllable light beam scanning devices capable of sending a light beam onto a scene, and of receiving corresponding light returned from the scene, and controllers capable of operating the scanning device at selected beam orientations, and of gaining distance information from the scanning device at the beam orientations. The controller can dynamically define beam orientations using the distance information gained from preceding beam orientations.

Abstract: This device for the three-dimensional recording of a scene (4) comprises a laser emitter (20), elements for scanning along two rotation axes (16, 44) in order to scan the scene using a laser beam emitted by the laser emitter (20), a photosensitive receiver (46) for receiving an image of a spot (52) created by the laser beam on the scene (4), element (38, 50) for focussing the laser beam backscattered by the scene (4) towards the photosensitive receiver (46), first measuring element for measuring the orientation of the beam leaving the scanning element and second measuring element for measuring the distance between the device and the spot by laser telemetry.

Abstract: This device for the three-dimensional recording of a scene (4) comprises a laser emitter (20), elements for scanning along two rotation axes (16, 44) in order to scan the scene using a laser beam emitted by the laser emitter (20), a photosensitive receiver (46) for receiving an image of a spot (52) created by the laser beam on the scene (4), element (38, 50) for focussing the laser beam backscattered by the scene (4) towards the photosensitive receiver (46), first measuring element for measuring the orientation of the beam leaving the scanning element and second measuring element for measuring the distance between the device and the spot by laser telemetry.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for effecting the sweep of a beam of light stricly plane and parallel to a given axis, comprising a sweeping mirror, mounted on an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the said given axis, and the plane of which substantially contains the said axis of rotation, and an optical device arranged substantially in the plane containing the said given axis of rotation. It comprises a first means of adjustment for adjusting the angle of incidence of the beam of light with respect to a predetermined plane passing through the said given axis and substantially perpendicular to the said axis of rotation of the mirror, and a second means of adjustment for adjusting the inclination of the axis of rotation of the mirror with respect to the said predetermined plane.