3D Facial Scanner at Cardiff University
RIVIC Scientists at Cardiff University are working with cutting-edge face scanners, developed by American firm 3dMD, which could benefit patients who need facial surgery.
The technology converts pictures from a series of cameras into a moving 3D model of a patient's head which is then recorded.
“We're trying to figure out how humans perceive expressions and react to them” - Prof David Marshall School of computer Science and Informatics.
Cardiff University's dental school is already using the technology to help surgeons treating people who need surgery such as cleft lip operations.
But it is hoped it could also be developed to provide early diagnosis of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease which can affect facial movements.
"In the dental school we're interested in how faces move and how lips move in relation to speech. We've been using this system to look at outcomes after surgery," said consultant orthodontist Dr Hashmat Popat.
"For example a surgeon repairing a cleft lip or palate could review the lip to make sure the muscles are connected together and functioning properly.
"But we're also looking to develop links with stroke clinicians to look at the rehabilitation of facial movements.
"And we're trying to set up links with neurologists to look at early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease - looking at how the faces of people who are at high risk of developing neurological conditions move."
The upgraded scanner was financed by RIVIC's funding from the Welsh government.
Link to BBC News Article
