3D face scanning with "Flying Triangulation"

At the DGaO-conference 2009, we presented a new measurement principle for optical 3D sensing: "Flying Triangulation". This principle is based on an acquisition of a series of single-shot exposures which deliver sparse 3D views. These are subsequently registered in order to get a dense 3D point cloud. The great advantage of this principle is that neither the object nor the sensor have to stand still. This feature is important, specifically for medical applications, where - until now - the patient was not allowed to move during the acquisition. Further, this feature enables the measurement of complicated objects, by moving the hand-held sensor freely around the object. We demonstrate a hand-held 3D scanner based on Flying Triangulation that can be applied in maxillofacial surgery. Additionally, an application in aesthetic surgery of other parts of the human body is possible. We explain the sensor and present measurement examples.