One of the benefits of advancements in facial recognition technology is that modern face scanners can accurately map a person’s face so that they can be used for multiple different use cases effectively.
While most people immediately think of the use of facial recognition for security and authentication purposes, a face scanner in today’s world is used for many unique use cases most people do not realize.
So today, we will tell you about some of the uses of face scanning technology you might not have thought of.
How Does a 3D Face Scanner Work?
A 3Dface scanner works using a highly intricate combination of both hardware and software to achieve its results.
Data Capturing
The scanner first detects a face that enters inside of its field of view/working area. This is usually done using 2d face detection techniques that work to locate the face within a 2d space. At this point, the system might prompt the user to turn or rotate slightly in a certain direction to create a more optimal orientation of the face for scanning (usually completely front-on).
Next, what is usually a combination of multiple different cameras takes images of the input face from multiple different angles simultaneously. Some scanners project infrared light onto the face. As the light touches the face, it deforms along the natural shape and facial structure. This deformation is recorded by the cameras and the system.
Depth Measurement
For 3D scanners, the camera emits pulses of light toward the face and then calculates the amount of time it takes for the pulses to return to the camera after hitting the face. This allows it to create an accurate measurement of depth, and subsequently create what is known as a depth map.
Making a 3D Model
Now, the depth data is converted into a point cloud, a collection of points forming the shape of the face, which is then used to create a 3d mesh. At this point, visual details like color and texture are added to make the 3d model more realistic. The scanner also often self-removes any errors and distortions in the model, to make it more accurate, and even enhances things like skin texture in some cases.
At this point, the facial model is ready. It can be stored in multiple different formats, depending on the required and intended use case of the system and technology.Â
Modern Use Cases of Face Scanner Technology
Now, let’s come to some of the more interesting use cases of face scanning technology, some of which you probably have not heard of.
Personalized Fashion
Advanced 3D digital recreations of your face allow you the unique possibility of being able to see what a certain piece of clothing looks like on you without even needing to go to a store to try it on.
This technology in a more limited form is already common on most online websites that sell eyewear. You can upload a front-facing image of your face and the system will then accurately put on different eyewear on the image for you to see how you could look. 3D face mapping technology means that you can use a face scanner online to see how a certain piece of eyewear would look on your face in actual 3D space.
This can also apply to clothing purchases on online platforms. An accurate digital recreation of your face attached to a virtual body can help you see how a piece of clothing would look on you. This tech is also being used to create accurate 3d models of a person’s face, to be used to make bespoke helmets and other professionally designed headgear.
Creating Digital Identities
3D face scanner tech is also effectively used to create realistic 3D avatars in virtual spaces, especially those that involve virtual reality environments like the metaverse. In these spaces, immersion is one of the key factors in making or breaking the experience and environment. Accurate recreations of faces can help to improve user integration and immersion in these spaces, to make for better experiences.
Face Scanning in Art and Learning
Many modern artists and creatives are using this technology to create art pieces like sculptures, interactive installations, and even digital art to great effect. This provides a unique effect that was not possible in previous years.
Experts are also using digital recreation to create realistic models of historical figures, to provide people with a better understanding of the lives of these people when they originally lived. These also help us to better understand biological structures, lifestyles, and other important information about the lives of these people as they once lived.
Conclusion
While most people associate face scanning with simple security and authentication purposes, many unique industries like art and education utilize these systems to great effect, creating new experiences for people never before.
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