The scanning and three dimensional reconstruction of facial features

The results obtained thus far concentrate on the essential low level processing of the digitised data tackling the problem of poor contrast images and the task of reliably extracting the 3D depth information using dedicated image processing algorithms. This has enabled much of the data analysis to be automatic, rendering the technique far more viable in a clinical environment. A non-invasive and inexpensive facial scanning system has been developed to enable presurgical analysis, in conjunction with x-ray data, and especially long term post-surgical monitoring. The data capture time is insignificant and the proposed level of accuracy adequate. As such, the technique is extremely versatile and can also be applied to other body surfaces and hence a variety of other medical applications. All the algorithms discussed have been implemented on a standard personal computer with the view to eventual widespread use in hospitals and clinics