title: Comparison of three-dimensional surface-imaging systems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In recent decades, three-dimensional (3D) surface-imaging technologies have gained popularity worldwide, but because most published articles that mention them are technical, clinicians often have difficulties gaining a proper understanding of them. This article aims to provide the reader with relevant information on 3D surface-imaging systems. In it, we compare the most recent technologies to reveal their differences.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have accessed five international companies with the latest technologies in 3D surface-imaging systems: 3dMD, Axisthree, Canfield, Crisalix and Dimensional Imaging (Di3D; in alphabetical order). We evaluated their technical equipment, independent validation studies and corporate backgrounds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The fastest capturing devices are the 3dMD and Di3D systems, capable of capturing images within 1.5 and 1 ms, respectively. All companies provide software for tissue modifications. Additionally, 3dMD, Canfield and Di3D can fuse computed tomography (CT)/cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images into their 3D surface-imaging data. 3dMD and Di3D provide 4D capture systems, which allow capturing the movement of a 3D surface over time. Crisalix greatly differs from the other four systems as it is purely web based and realised via cloud computing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  3D surface-imaging systems are becoming important in today's plastic surgical set-ups, taking surgeons to a new level of communication with patients, surgical planning and outcome evaluation. Technologies used in 3D surface-imaging systems and their intended field of application vary within the companies evaluated. Potential users should define their requirements and assignment of 3D surface-imaging systems in their clinical as research environment before making the final decision for purchase.
authors: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: chieh-han.tzou@meduniwien.ac.at.
authors: Chieh-Han John
authors: CH
authors: Tzou
authors: Institute of Computer Graphics and Algorithms, Pattern Recognition and Image Processing Group, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria.
authors: Nicole M
authors: NM
authors: Artner
authors: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors: Igor
authors: I
authors: Pona
authors: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors: Alina
authors: A
authors: Hold
authors: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors: Eva
authors: E
authors: Placheta
authors: Institute of Computer Graphics and Algorithms, Pattern Recognition and Image Processing Group, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria.
authors: Walter G
authors: WG
authors: Kropatsch
authors: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
authors: Manfred
authors: M
authors: Frey
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D010780:Photogrammetry / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software
keywords: 3D photography; 3D surface-imaging; 3dMD; Axisthree; Canfield; Crisalix; Di3d; Facial analysis; Soft-tissue simulation; Stereophotogrammetry; Structured light; Three-dimensional