The average measuring time for a 3D element with two 
images is currently about 30 seconds. In this case the 
whole measuring program is processed in sequential 
mode, that means that there is no parallel sensor control. 
Sensor positioning and database interaction are the 
major time consuming processes which have to be 
further optimized. 
7. SUMMARY 
The Programmable Optical 3D Measuring System (POM) 
was initially developed for an application in quality 
assurance in the automobile industry. It is not a single 
purpose machine but, due to its flexible hardware and 
software concept, it can be used for a large variety of 
applications. In this respect it is possible to configure 
lower cost solutions with simpler sensor configurations as 
well as high-end systems such as the prototype version 
for VW. 
The concept is based on well-known industry standards 
(UNIX, X-Windows, Motif, TCP/IP, SQL, C++) which 
enable the easy adaptation to advancing computer 
technology in the future. Program interpreter and 
database are key modules within the whole software 
package. 
On the one hand the economical benefit of the system 
can be achieved with the replacement of a number of 
expensive gauges. Additional costs due to modifications 
of objects during their lifetime are kept small because 
measuring programs or even sensor configurations may 
easily be changed. 
On the other hand optical metrology is useful for those 
applications where an object can not be measured with 
physical contact methods (CMM) due complexity of form, 
surface characteristics or non-rigid materials. 
POM is mainly designed for 3D data acquisition of points 
and elements. The post-processing of this data (e.g. 
connections of elements, analysis according to ISO 
standards etc) must be performed by specialized 
software packages (e.g. Leitz Quindos). Future 
developments will incorporate these functions in order to 
offer a complete solution for the customer's needs. 
8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
POM is a joint development between Leica (Kern) and 
Rollei, in co-operation with the IPK Berlin, the Institute for 
Photogrammetry and Image Processing, Institute for 
Technical Mechanics and the Computing Group of the 
Mechanics Centre (all University of Braunschweig). The 
authors would like to thank all participants for their 
contributions. 
   
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