The presented operating system for laser scanners extends the applicab
ility of laser scanners by a flexible approach of measurement data han
dling. Laser scanners are efficient tools for on-line inspection of wo
rk piece dimensions and for closed-loop process control. A measuring s
ystem consisting of the operating system and a laser scanner was succe
ssfully applied in sensor guided are welding. As a result an increased
process capability was achieved. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All r
ights reserved.