Combining 3D Hand Scanning and Medical Thermography

Abstract

The Curatio is a low-cost hand scanner which allows fast capture of accurate 3D hand scans, developed at the TU Delft in cooperation with Vectory3. Research done by several graduate students has produced reliable and accurate hand scans. Adding infrared thermographic imaging was deemed the next step forward in the scanner’s development.

Combining 3D hand scanning with medical thermography creates opportunities for product designers and medical professionals to better help people with hand conditions such as, among others, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and Raynaud’s syndrome.

This thesis explores potential applications and technology needed to combine both modalities, by presenting the development of a thermal camera module and its integration into the existing scanner workflow. Research conducted and results obtained show promise and provide a foundation for further research into this multi-modal system’s possibilities, limits and best suitable applications.