3D technologies

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At the beginning of 2013 the former 3DbodyScan and Rapid prototyping groups worked together for a project. Thanks to the successful collaboration they now act as one research group in our lab. Their main activities:

• 3D scanning
• 3D modelling
• Rapid prototyping

3D scanning

In recent years, the reconstruction of 3D objects and locations is getting more and more emphasis. The popular RGB-D sensors are boosting the topic as well. Such cameras along with the RGB data provide a depth map as well. With the depth map, the RGB image and the camera calibration a 3D point cloud may be created. It can be said that the processing of 3D models (such as 3D point cloud) adds a number of novel approaches to the traditional 2D image processing in the form of new algorithms and open source software. In addition to the 3D reconstruction of inanimate objects (eg digitization of antiques, electronic catalogs), there is an increasing demand for scanning of living beings, especially humans. Thus, by using visual information conclusions can be drawn regarding the health status of the scanned beings (dermatological problems, posture). Other potential uses lie in the product design.

3D modelling

The surface model, which is acquired via 3D scanning, requires clean up due to the flaws resulting from the technology. Thanks to the clean up we make models for the Rapid prototyping.

Rapid prototyping

Rapid prototyping technology is nowadays a rapidly developing field. It is used among others for creating models, medical technology, tool manufacture and it is also frequently used in the field of architecture and sculpture. Biotech Lab has two FLM-based rapid prototyping machines. This tools are open source and can be build from elementary hardware components, therefore they becomes excellent for studies and development. Their most important feature is that it can be used to print organic material with a proper printhead.

Our current research directions, activities:

• Automated Human Body Scanning (hardware and software development)
• 3D model design, clean up
• optimization of rapid prototyping (hardware and software development)
• Recycling of polymeric materials
• Use of alternative materials (cheese, chocolate ...)
• Online user interface with 3D object display
• education

3D Body SP (scan/print) project at the Techshow 2013

In the past years in addition to the 3D reconstruction of inanimate objects (e.g. digitization of antiques, electronic catalogues), there is an increasing demand for scanning of larger living beings, especially humans. Based upon our former image processing and 3D visualization results we developed a new rapid prototyping (3D scan/print) system that is adaptable to human sized objects. The full-length rapid prototyping system, which was developed during the 3D-BodySP project, consists of 3D full-body scanner solution, image processing and visualization software and also FLM technology based printer, which is able to create polymer based 3D models. The potential users of the development results are the health industry, light industry / apparel companies, especially product design and fashion industry.