Available Technologies

Three-dimensional imaging systems are currently of interest for a variety of applications including entertainment, robotics, vehicle safety cameras, topographical mapping, and building engineering. Modern industrial 3D photography uses 3D scanners to detect and record 3D information. The 3D depth information is reconstructed from two images using a computer by examining the pixels in the left and right images. This takes considerable computer power, making fluent recording and projection of 3D images in real-time difficult.

To overcome the need for multiple images, high-speed 3D shape measurement using digital fringe projection and phase-shifting techniques along with various algorithms to improve the phase computation speed are now used.

Michigan State University’s technology creates a 3D image using a single IR light source. The light source is passed through a known pattern and onto a target (subject). The original shape of the pattern is distored according to the shape of the target. A 3D image is then constructed by evaluating the reflected pattern distortion.

Benefits

* Works with infrared source: Infrared is not detectable by the human eye. The projected image is passive and non-distracting for human subjects.

* Single light source: A single light source is a simpler, cheaper design.

* One image reconstruction: Reconstructing one image uses less computing power and is faster. Previous 3D imaging systems use two or three image schemes.

* One projector, one camera: Because 3D information is constructed from a single pattern, there is no need for a stereoscopic system.

Applications

* Entertainment

* Automotive

* Engineering

* Quality control

* Robotics

* Homeland security (face recognition)

IP Protection Status

Patent pending