ProFORMA technology turns ordinary webcams into 3D scanners

Have you ever imagined you would use normal household objects to build 3D images instead of high-end scanners or complicated software worth thousands of dollars?

With Cambridge University's ProFORMA (Probabilistic Feature-based On-line Rapid Model Acquisition) technology, this will come true. This technology allows a normal webcam to become a 3D scanner without using any other support.

ProFORMA technology turns ordinary webcams into 3D scanners Picture 1

ProFORMA technology turns ordinary webcams into 3D scanners Picture 2

ProFORMA was created by Qi Pan, a 24-year-old graduate student at Cambridge University. Its operating principle is quite simple and divided into 2 separate parts. In the first part, the webcam will try to collect and record the outline of the object that needs 3D rendering when you slowly rotate the object. This part of the process is quite fast, but the reconstruction is quite long. From the recorded data, the machine will try to handle stars to achieve the best image.

Perhaps you will be a bit confusing when reading the tutorial, but after watching the video, you will surely be impressed with its simplicity. Interestingly, this video is shot with HD technology so if the configuration of the machine and the transmission line is strong enough, you should use it to enjoy YouTube's new service.