How to Use a Laser Beam for Measuring Machine Guide Way Flatness?

[Firnsy]

Hello all,

I want to use a laser beam as a straightness standard for use in measuring flatness of a machine guide way which is about 2 meters long. I'm envisioning a low power laser pointed at the sensor of a digital camera which moves laterally along the imperfect guide way. The waviness of the guide way would change the position of the laser image on the camera sensor as I manually slide it along the length of the guide. How can I image the laser point without damaging the camera? What software will locate the center of the laser image and allow me to measure its change in position? Do I need some optics on the camera?
Thanks all.

 

[Rive]

I think you should start with defining the targeted accuracy, and then do some math if your idea is able to met the requirements // what does that accuracy means if translated to pixels.