November 2, 2011 By

Science of Human Vision Investigated at Johns Hopkins Using 3DD Optix

The achievements in robotics and artificial intelligence we have seen in recent times are inspiring. However, scientists remain at a very early stage in our attempt to replicate the human visual system in machines. As a fellow in the Mind-Brain Institute at Johns Hopkins Medical School, I have been specializing in the neuroscience of vision, lately with the help of 3D digital scanning and the Optix hardware and software we acquired from 3D Digital Corp.

At a point in our research into this subject, a colleague and I began researching 3D laser scanning with great anticipation at what it could provide. Neither of us had experience or background in 3D scanning, so we took some time to study the market and the various vendors. We came upon options that seemed to provide what we needed, but at a purchase price that was far beyond our budget. We also looked at 3D scanners that were affordable, but not adequate for our needs. Finally my lab manager and I took a look at 3D Digital Corp., and were encouraged by the combination of price and technical sophistication in both the eScan and Optix units. We visited the company headquarters for a demonstration and learned a good deal. Soon after, there was a more formal presentation and training session at our lab in Baltimore, using the Optix model we selected.

For reasons of non-disclosure that are routine prior to completion of experiments and publication of the results, it isn’t possible to share many details of the research work we’ve done using 3D scanning. In general, it involves the elements of visual neuroscience that allow shape recognition and object perception in the higher visual centers of the brain. The application of advanced technology that could be developed from work like ours is, in the best-case scenario, dramatic and valuable. It involves computers and robots attaining much more human-like capacity for recognition and response to objects, for example in micro-surgery. The field is still at an incipient stage—it is agreed that large rooms filled with mainframe computers still cannot match the acuity and capacity found in the brain of a normal three-year-old human.

Our first field work took us to the Walters Art Museum, to scan an abstract sculpture. We performed the scan and imported our file using the SLIM software. The museum was very cooperative, but it was made clear to us that a limited time slot would be available. We had to capture and import our files in one attempt, which we were very pleased to be able to do. The consults and training we received from 3D Digital engineers made it possible for us to achieve our goal in one shot.

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July 5, 2011 By

The Exacting Work of Precision Dental Implants, Aided by eScan

July 5, 2011 —  The field of oral and maxillofacial radiology has made great advancements in achieving safe and consistent dental implant placement. In the last year our imaging laboratory has continued that tradition with the help of the eScan 3D laser scanner by 3D Digital. For a patient undergoing possible dental implant placement, it is highly reassuring to know the level of precision that CBCT data acquisition and computer-aided procedures now provide.

Standard two-dimensional X-rays are far from sufficient to the task, due to problems such as distortion, magnification, and overlap of anatomical features. CBCT data allows the practitioner to visualize the quantity of hard tissue as well as avoid such anatomical sites as nerves and sinus passages. Acquisition data is imported into third-party software (such as SimPlant) where dental implant planning and placement can be accomplished before the clinical procedure. The optical scan of the patient’s mouth (dental cast model) is registered for placement of virtual teeth. In addition, a 3D laser scan of patient cast models aids in proper registration of the cast model and ordering of a surgical guide. 

Optically scanning the patient cast model became the opportunity for referring practitioners to significantly increase their use of the dental implant guided software. After researching the optical scanners available, there were low-priced, very affordable units that were not up to the task, and there were models that would do the job but their price was in the range of $40,000. The 3D Digital eScan was the one affordable scanner with the power and precision required.

When ordering my eScan, I explained to 3D Digital the application required and was told that a jig could be designed and built, then shipped with the scanner for our custom use. Once the user becomes familiar with the scanning process and deploys bundled software to optimize STL files, successful results are achieved. Surgical guides fabricated from this process fit perfectly, with the clinical result being positive patient outcomes.

W. Bruce Howerton, Jr.  DDS MS
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist

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September 17, 2010 By

3D Scanning Gains Momentum in Thailand with EScan

Sep 15, 2010

In my field of industrial physics and medical instrumentation we became aware of 3D scanning’s potential about four years ago. Other researchers were discussing three-dimensional scanning on the Internet and at research seminars.

As a professor at King Mongkut University of Technology, in North Bangkok, I am responsible for keeping our research facilities current with the standards of the field.
When I went looking for 3D scanning technology, I found it necessary to investigate many different sources and products. A variety of companies in Thailand were selling 3D scanners, and I studied the market carefully. One of the products I looked into was the 3D scanning system from Minolta. I was not sold on its capabilities.

The EScan unit and software from 3D Digital Corp came to my attention via the company website. Based on the information I found there I decided to purchase the EScan, even though I had no chance to see the scanner and test it before I bought it. The EScan was well-priced and affordable, and the company stressed its reputation for service and assistance. That service and support has been reliably provided by 3D Digital Corp. I am certainly pleased with the choice of scanner company I made.

Having received helpful guidance from 3D Digital throughout installation and setup of the EScan, the first object I scanned was a rubber figure of the human body, a replica. My scan of this object worked well and I was able to capture the data I needed. In later experiments I have successfully scanned my own hand and also the face of a student.

With this data captured digitally, we are able to create a parametric profile, or a complete study of the landmarks of the face. This has potential for both security applications and medical study and treatment, as well. We are continuing to use our EScan 3D scanner for research of this type and others, deploying it on a monthly basis at least. Here at the university and in joint projects with our partners, including corporations and the University of Virginia, in the U.S., we expect to advance our studies very successfully with the help of 3D scanning technology.

We have repeated these experiments many times, and we are devising other projects that will call upon our 3D scanning capabilities. We use the EScan quite frequently.

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