Data generated from the laser mapping is then displayed on a computer. The system was customized for measuring size, shape and coloration of human subjects and has many other potential applications.
"This is more advanced than anything like it anywhere in the world," said Vance Deason, the advisory scientist who oversees development and testing of the system for Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies at the INEL in Idaho Falls. "We can now handle large objects where previously these devices could only be used with small items."
INEL scientists developed specifications for the system and provided them to Cyberware, the Monterey, Calif., company that built the equipment and holds patent and proprietary rights. The system is now being tested by INEL scientists before delivery to the Air Force in July at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
Although the Air Force has been one of the primary customers supporting development and testing of the technology over the past decade, many non-military uses of the 3-D Laser Imaging unit are also being explored. Besides human measurements, one of the most promising, immediate uses of the unit could be to support fossil preparation. Instead of handling and moving fragile artifacts for complete cataloging, the 3-D system can, without touching the object, make an exact computer replica. It can also reduce or enlarge the resulting image for production of scale models. This enables scientists to complete partial fossil replicas based on available bones from other fossils, even when the substitute bones are the wrong size. These capabilities, according to Deason, are invaluable to archaeologists, paleontologists and museum curators concerned with research and display needs.
Other possible applications include the clothing industry where custom fit could be assured with 3-D Imaging, and the food industry where the technology could assist in sizing and grading of meat for packaging.
Over the past 10 years, the Air Force has spent nearly $1 million at the INEL to support specification development and testing of the laser imaging system. The Air Force has been most concerned with using the technology to develop better-fitting helmets, goggles, space and flight suits, uniforms and related items. The system will also be used to design work areas like cockpits to ensure worker fit, comfort and safety.
Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies manages and operates the INEL for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Contact: Wendy Schmier, Lockheed Martin Idaho, (208) 526-2732
wks3@inel.gov
Nick Nichols, Lockheed Martin Idaho, (208) 526-1693
fnd@inel.gov
Kathleen Robinette, U.S. Air Force, (513) 255-8810
Engineering Anthropometry Group
Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio
krobinette@falcon.al.wpafb.af.mil
David Addleman, Cyberware, (408) 657-1450
david@cyberware.com
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