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The Fraunhofer Institute of Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) in Jena, Germany, has developed a battery-powered sensor which reproduces 3D-images on computer via WLAN.
The Kolibri Cordless is a sensor consisting of two cameras that provide the three-dimensional view. This technology measures the geometry of objects by deforming the stripes cast by a projector located at the centre of the cameras.
The particularity of this sensor is not only its small size and weight, but its use of light- emitting diodes, which shine in all directions, as opposed to halogen lamps used in conventional stripe projection, says Gunther Notni, head of department at the IOF.
This product is able to calculate surface shape parameters and can be applied to the generation of CAD/CAM data and digitisation of models.
Researchers at the institute hope to extend the use of this technology to designing customised breathing masks fitted to the shape of patients’ faces, and Notni speculates that this sensor can be applied to quality assurance production processes, as well as measuring components and areas that are difficult to access such as car foot pedals.
A prototype of this product was presented at the Control trade fair in Stuttgart on 21 April 2008.
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