Make a High-Res 3-D Image of Just About Anything Anywhere, Using MIT's New Gel
Two MIT researchers have cracked some fundamental problems with high resolution 3-D imaging using a novel gelatinous interface and computer-vision algorithms that, in tandem, can easily and portably provide imaging resolutions that were previously only possible with large and expensive laboratory gear. The resulting high-quality, 3-D models can be manipulated on a computer screen to a variety of ends ranging from quality control to criminal forensics to dermatology. Described simply (you can get the more in-depth description via the video below), the system's key component is a piece of transparent, synthetic rubber coated on one side with a metallic paint composed of very tiny particles. When the non-painted side is pressed against an object--even an object with very small features like the ink on a piece of paper (see image above)--the metallic paint deforms to capture those features. Related Articles3-D Scanning Brings the Future of FingerprintingQuantum Imaging Technique IDs Objects Using a...