The human face is the most studied and scrutinized anatomical structure in the world… and facial movement, expression, function, and speech are the most demanding to capture and reconstruct with near ground truth 3D-shape accuracy. The 3dMDface and 3dMDtrio systems were purpose-built for exactly that challenge.
With 3dMD’s latest generation dynamic 3D/4D capture systems, clinical teams are no longer limited to single static 3D scans of disparate facial expressions. Both the 3dMDface and 3dMDtrio systems capture a full progressive sequence of dense-surface facial images over time. The 3dMDtrio system additionally supports 3dMD’s downstream 3dMDtempus software enabling clinical teams to automatically landmark, track, measure, and analyze dynamic facial movement, expression, function, and speech (with audio sync) across the entire sequence. Single-snap static 3D scanning was the starting point for the neutral face in the early 2000s. The dynamic-3D/4D 3dMDface and 3dMDtrio systems are where the technology is today in 2026.
Capturing ear-to-ear full face coverage dynamically in 3D/4D, these 3dMD systems deliver real-world dense-surface facial data at the anatomical fidelity that the most demanding applications require. In healthcare, 3dMD data supports clinical teams in assessing and measuring morphological change throughout complex treatment cycles… from cleft lip and palate, craniofacial surgery, oral maxillofacial surgery (OMS), and orthognathic surgery through to facial palsy, trauma, reconstruction, and orthodontics. Beyond healthcare, the same near ground truth facial geometry powers AI and Machine Learning facial recognition, expression analysis, and Computer Vision training… human factors and fit design for head-worn devices including AR and VR headsets, eyewear, and respiratory protection… and real-world 3D/4D digital human development for AR|VR|XR environments. Learn why real-world dense-surface 3D face data sets the fidelity limit for AI face modeling.
Whatever the application or use case, the 3dMDface and 3dMDtrio systems capture and reconstruct it… in full 3D/4D dense-surface detail.
3dMDface and 3dMDtrio System Specifications
| Region of Interest: | 3dMDface provides 190-degree full face coverage [ear-to-ear]. 3dMDtrio provides 220-degree full face coverage [ear-to-ear-plus]. Records a range of facial expressions, function, smile, and speech dynamically in 3D over a period of time (4D). |
| Capture Speed Options (3D frames per second): | 1-10fps, 1-30fps, or 1-60fps with high precision 3D shape information generated for each frame, regardless of capture speed. Run system in record, burst, or single snap mode. |
| 3D Image Reconstruction Technique: | Sophisticated software-driven triangulation technique called Active Stereo Photogrammetry. |
| 3D Image Reconstruction per Frame: | Automatic generation of an individual 3dMD image from all stereo viewpoints within the system to create a single continuous 3D point cloud or textured mesh (no manual stitching or registration needed per frame). |
| 3D Shape Accuracy: | Delivers ‘near-ground truth’, high-precision dense surface images with a linear accuracy range of 0.2mm or better… also known as first generation, Real-World data. |
| Output Options. | A progressive sequence of 3dMD images from a recording, a short progressive sequence of 3dMD images from a burst, and a single 3dMD image from a single snap. |
| Output. File Formats Supported: | obj, stl, ply, gltf, glb, x3d, 3mf, as well as all other industry-standard open formats for use in downstream 3dMD and third-party software. |
| System Configuration: | Incorporates optics-based technology synchronized with a robust LED lighting system. 3dMDface has two (2) Modular Camera Units (MCUs) of six (6) machine vision cameras. 3dMDtrio has three (3) Modular Camera Units (MCUs) of nine (9) machine vision cameras. |
| Camera Technology: | Industrial-grade Machine Vision camera technology. |
| Eye-Safe Lighting: | Safe and comfortable subject illumination within visible white light (100% LED lighting) which is helpful for prolonged sessions – no use of infrared (IR) or near Infrared (NIR) light waves. |
| Temporal Image Selection for Use Downstream: | Select the most optimal 3dMD images from the sequence [e.g. neutral, smile apex, mouth open, an infant in position after squirming all around, etc.]. |
| Environment: | Utilized in normal R&D lab, clinical, and studio environments. |
| Safety: | International UL and CE safety certification. |
| Upgrade Path to: | 3dMDtrio System (add 1 MCU) and a baseline 3dMDhead5 System (add 3 MCUs); a specialized 3dMDhead System (add 5-7 MCUs); or 3dMDflex System. |
| Techniques and Technologies NOT Used by 3dMD: | To confirm, 3dMD does NOT use lasers, depth sensor cameras, pro/consumer cameras, or infrared (IR)/ near Infrared (NIR) light waves within its systems. 3dMD does NOT use a ‘structured light’ capture/reconstruction technique. |
| Technology Description Review Resource Prior to Publication: | If your team is describing 3dMD’s technology for publication, 3dMD is happy to review the section of the copy related to 3dMD and provide input, if needed, to ensure that the technology (only) is described correctly. Please contact review@3dMD.com. |