Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a method for generating an orthogonal view of an object in a surrounding area, comprising the following steps: creating a location-based first 3D point cloud over a predefined angular range around a first location by way of a laser scanner; representing the object in a computer-generated representation; selecting a view direction and a view boundary in the computer-generated representation; projecting the first 3D point cloud, or a derived first 3D point cloud derived therefrom, counter to the view direction onto a plane defined by the view boundary; and outputting the first 3D point cloud, or the derived first 3D point cloud, projected onto the plane within the view boundary as an orthogonal view.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a method for generating an orthogonal view of an object in a surrounding area, comprising the following steps: creating a location-based first 3D point cloud over a predefined angular range around a first location by way of a laser scanner; representing the object in a computer-generated representation; selecting a view direction and a view boundary in the computer-generated representation; projecting the first 3D point cloud, or a derived first 3D point cloud derived therefrom, counter to the view direction onto a plane defined by the view boundary; and outputting the first 3D point cloud, or the derived first 3D point cloud, projected onto the plane within the view boundary as an orthogonal view.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for measuring an object space using an opto-electronic range finder which operates according to a method of determining the time-of-flight of a signal comprise a first measuring step including transmitting optical transmitter signals in form of a beam of a predetermined first divergence angle, receiving optical signals reflected from an object and evaluating a distance value, while scanning the object space. After or before this first take-up step follows a second one wherein reference marks in the object space are taken up with a using an enlarged divergence angle so as to detect reliably the reference marks. The apparatus comprises, accordingly, appropriate devices for varying the divergence angle.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for taking up an object space using an opto-electronic range finder which operates according to a method of determining the time-of-flight of a signal comprise a first take-up step including transmitting optical transmitter signals in form of a beam of a predetermined first divergence angle, receiving optical signals reflected from an object and evaluating a distance value, while scanning the object space. After or before this first take-up step follows a second one wherein reference marks in the object space are taken up with a using an enlarged divergence angle so as to detect reliably the reference marks. The apparatus comprises, accordingly, appropriate devices for varying the divergence angle.

Abstract: A laser-based target detection system applicable to search and rescue operations takes into account a plurality of optical attributes in the energy delivered to, and received from, a target-containing area. In addition to analyzing the returned optical signature for sufficient energy reflected by a potential target at a primary laser wavelength, the system also senses the target's effect on a supplemental optical attribute. Only when sufficient amplitude at the primary wavelength is detected in conjunction with a substantial effect on the supplemental optical attribute is a valid target confirmed. The supplemental optical attribute can be amplitude at a wavelength other than the primary wavelength, with the system looking for a high degree of attenuation at the non-primary wavelength, or polarization. with the system preferably looking for change of orientation in the return optical signature.