Three-dimensional image capture system

• US 20040179728A1
• Filed: 03/10/2003
• Published: 09/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cranial Technologies, Inc. (Cranial Technologies Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cranial Technologies, Inc. (Cranial Technologies Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Littlefield, Timothy R., Pomatto, Jeanne K.
• Granted Patent: US 7,162,075 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/154
• CPC Class Codes: B33Y 50/00 Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: B33Y 80/00 Products made by additive manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 1/0007 Image acquisition
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/10 Constructive solid geometry [CSG] using solid primitives, e.g. cylinders, cubes
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30004 Biomedical image processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2210/41 Medical
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 7/50 Depth or shape recovery

Abstract

An image capturing system utilizes a plurality of image capturing apparatus to capture first image data for an object. A processor is utilized to combine the first images to produce first three-dimensional digital image data. The processor then utilizes a second algorithm to combine the intermediate digital image information to produce a complete three-dimensional digital image of the object. The three-dimensional image may be viewed on a display and viewed from any point on a three dimensional surface surrounding the object. The object can be non-stationary.

Claims

1. A method for capturing three-dimensional images of objects, said method comprising:

providing a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising at least one image-capturing device;

positioning said plurality of image capturing device groups to define a space wherein an object may be disposed and the object being movable within said space;

further positioning said plurality of image capturing device groups such that each group is positioned to capture a group of first images of a corresponding surface portion of the object disposed within said space, each said group of first images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of the object disposed within said space;

operating said plurality of image capturing device groups to capture first images of the object in said space without constraining the object, such that a plurality of said groups of first images includes the entirety of the object within and including the top of said object, providing processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of said object within said space.

10. A method in accordance with claim 1, comprising:

selecting the positions of said plurality of image capturing devices in accordance with a predetermined desired accuracy and a predetermined desired resolution in said three-dimensional image.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10, comprising:

simultaneously operating all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture plurality of said groups of first images.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11, comprising:

selecting the number of said image capturing devices in accordance with said predetermined accuracy and said predetermined desired resolution in said three-dimensional image.

13. A method in accordance with claim 12, comprising:

operating all of said image capturing devices at an image capture speed selected to be fast enough such that motion of said object has no significant effect on each of said first images;

whereby, said capture speed is fast enough to provide stop-action image capture of the object.

14. A method in accordance with claim 13, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional image representation of said corresponding object portion.;

whereby said processing apparatus processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images, said plurality of three-dimensional images covering substantially the entirety of the object in said space.

15. A method in accordance with claim 14, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images to produce a completed three-dimensional image of the portion of the object in said space.

16. A method in accordance with claim 13, comprising:

utilizing a CCD type camera for each of said image capturing devices.

17. A method in accordance with claim 16, comprising:

providing one or more mounting structures to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

18. A method in accordance with claim 17, comprising:

providing one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

19. A method for capturing three-dimensional images of an object, comprising:

providing a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising a plurality of digital cameras,

positioning said plurality of image capturing device groups such that each group is positioned to capture a group of first digital images of a corresponding surface portion of an object disposed in a predefined space, each said group of first digital images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of the object,

positioning said plurality of image capturing device groups to determine said predefined space and such that a plurality of said groups of first digital images includes the entirety of the object disposed within said predefined space;

providing processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first digital images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of the object disposed in said predefined space; and

operating all of said digital cameras such that said first images are captured without restraining movement of the object within said predetermined space.

20. A method in accordance with claim 19, comprising:

simultaneously operating all of said digital cameras of all of said image capturing device groups to capture a plurality of said groups of first digital images.

21. A method in accordance with claim 20, comprising:

operating each of said digital cameras captures corresponding ones each of said first digital images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of the object in said space has no significant effect on each of said first images.

22. A method in accordance with claim 21, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

23. A method in accordance with claim 22, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first digital images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional digital image representation of said corresponding object portion;

whereby said processing apparatus processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images, said plurality of three-dimensional digital images covering the entirety of the object disposed within said space.

24. A method in accordance with claim 23, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a second algorithm to process said intermediate three-dimensional digital images to produce a digital three-dimensional image of the entirety of the object in said space.

25. A method in accordance with claim 19, comprising:

utilizing a CCD type camera for each of said digital cameras.

26. A method in accordance with claim 19, comprising:

providing one or more mounting structures to retain each digital camera of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1, comprising:

simultaneously operating all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture a plurality of said groups of first images.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2, wherein:

operating all of said image capturing devices at an image capture speed selected to be fast enough such that motion of said object has no significant effect on each of said first images.

4. A method in accordance with claim 3, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

5. A method in accordance with claim 4, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional image representation of said corresponding object portion.;

whereby said processing means processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images, said plurality of three-dimensional images covering substantially the entirety of the object in said space.

6. A method in accordance with claim 5, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images to produce a three-dimensional image of the object.

7. A method in accordance with claim 5, comprising:

utilizing a CCD type camera for each of said image capturing devices.

8. A method in accordance with claim 7, comprising:

providing one or more mounting structures to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

9. A method in accordance with claim 8, comprising:

providing one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

27. A method in accordance with claim 22, comprising:

providing one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

28. A method in accordance with claim 27, wherein:

operating all of said image capturing devices in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said head has no significant effect on each of said first images.

29. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

30. A method in accordance with claim 29, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional image representation of said corresponding head portion.;

whereby said processing means processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images, said plurality of three-dimensional images covering substantially the entirety of a head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the head.

31. A method in accordance with claim 30, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images to produce a three-dimensional image of said head.

32. A method in accordance with claim 31, comprising:

utilizing a CCD type camera for each of said image capturing devices.

33. A method in accordance with claim 32, comprising:

providing one or more mounting structures to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

34. A method in accordance with claim 33, comprising:

providing one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

35. A method in accordance with claim 26, wherein:

said head is an infant'"'"'s head.

36. A method in accordance with claim 35, comprising:

simultaneously operating all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture plurality of said groups of first images.

37. A method in accordance with claim 36, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing devices captures each of said first images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said infant'"'"'s head has no significant effect on each of said first images.

38. A method in accordance with claim 37, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

39. A method in accordance with claim 38, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional image representation of said corresponding head portion;

whereby said processing apparatus processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images, said plurality of three-dimensional images covering substantially the entirety of an infant'"'"'s head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

40. A method in accordance with claim 39, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images to produce a completed three-dimensional image of the infant'"'"'s head including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

41. A method in accordance with claim 38, comprising:

utilizing a CCD type camera for each of said image capturing devices.

42. A method in accordance with claim 41, comprising:

providing one or more mounting structures to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

43. A method in accordance with claim 42, comprising:

providing one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

44. A method in accordance with claim 26, wherein:

said patent is an infant.

45. A method in accordance with claim 44, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices is a digital camera.

55. A method in accordance with claim 45, wherein:

said head is an infant'"'"'s head.

56. A method in accordance with claim 55, comprising:

simultaneously operating all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture plurality of said groups of first images.

57. A method in accordance with claim 56, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing devices captures each of said first images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said infant'"'"'s head has no significant effect on each of said first images.

58. A method in accordance with claim 57, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

59. A method in accordance with claim 58, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional image representation of said corresponding head portion.;

whereby said processing apparatus processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images, said plurality of three-dimensional images covering substantially the entirety of an infant'"'"'s head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

60. A method in accordance with claim 59, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images to produce a completed three-dimensional image of the infant'"'"'s head including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

61. A method in accordance with claim 58, comprising:

utilizing a CCD type camera for each of said image capturing devices.

62. A method in accordance with claim 61, comprising:

providing one or more mounting structures to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

63. A method in accordance with claim 62, comprising:

providing one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

26-1. A method for capturing three-dimensional images of a patient'"'"'s head comprising:

providing a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising a plurality of image capturing devices,

positioning said plurality of image capturing device groups such that each group is positioned to capture a group of first images of a corresponding surface portion of a patient'"'"'s head, each said group of first images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of said head;

positioning said plurality of image capturing device groups such that a plurality of said groups of first images includes the entirety of said head to and including the top of said head;

providing processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of said head including the top of the head; and

operating all of said image capturing devices such that said first images are captured without restraining movement of said patient'"'"'s head.

27-2. A method in accordance with claim 26, comprising:

simultaneously operating all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture a plurality of said groups of first images.

46. A method for capturing three-dimensional images of a patient'"'"'s head comprising:

providing a plurality of pattern projection devices for projecting a predetermined pattern onto the entire head of said patient;

providing a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising a plurality of image capturing devices;

positioning said plurality of image capturing device groups such that each group is positioned to capture a group of first images of a corresponding surface portion of a patient'"'"'s head, each said group of first images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of said head;

positioning said plurality of image capturing device groups such that a plurality of said groups of first images includes the entirety of said head to and including the top of said head;

providing processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of said head including the top of the head;

simultaneously operating all of said image capturing devices such that said first images are captured without restraining movement of said patient'"'"'s head.

47. A method in accordance with claim 46, comprising:

selecting a random type pattern as said predetermined pattern.

48. A method in accordance with claim 47 wherein:

each of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing devices captures each of said first images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said head has no significant effect on each of said first images.

49. A method in accordance with claim 48, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

50. A method in accordance with claim 49, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional image representation of said corresponding head portion.;

whereby said processing means processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images, said plurality of three-dimensional images covering substantially the entirety of a head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the head.

51. A method in accordance with claim 50, comprising:

utilizing said processing apparatus in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images to produce a three-dimensional image of said head.

52. A method in accordance with claim 50, comprising:

utilizing a CCD type camera for each of said image capturing devices.

53. A method in accordance with claim 52, comprising:

providing one or more mounting structures to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

54. A method in accordance with claim 53, comprising:

providing one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

64. Apparatus for capturing three-dimensional images of a non-stationary object, comprising:

a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising a plurality of digital cameras;

said plurality of image capturing device groups being positioned such that each group is positioned to define a pre-determined space, said plurality of image capturing devices operable to capture a group of first digital images of a corresponding surface portion of a non-stationary object disposed in said space, each said group of first digital images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of the non-stationary object;

said plurality of image capturing device groups being positioned such that a plurality of said groups of first digital images includes the entirety of the non-stationary object in said space;

processing apparatus coupled to said digital cameras of all of to process said plurality of said groups of first digital images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of the non-stationary object in said space; and

said processing apparatus operating all of said image capturing devices such that said first images are captured without restraining movement of said object.

65. Apparatus in accordance with claim 64, wherein:

said processing apparatus simultaneously operates all of said digital cameras of all of said image capturing device groups to capture a plurality of said groups of first digital images.

66. Apparatus in accordance with claim 65, wherein:

each of said digital cameras operates to capture corresponding ones each of said first digital images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of the non-stationary object has no significant effect on each of said first images.

67. Apparatus in accordance with claim 66, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

68. Apparatus in accordance with claim 67, comprising:

operating said processing apparatus in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first digital images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional digital image representation of said corresponding non-stationary object in said space, said processing apparatus processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images, said plurality of three-dimensional digital images covering substantially the entirety of the non-stationary object in said space.

69. Apparatus in accordance with claim 68, wherein:

each of said digital cameras comprises a CCD type digital camera.

70. Apparatus in accordance with claim 69, comprising:

one or more mounting structures to retain each digital camera of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

71. Apparatus in accordance with claim 70, comprising:

one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

72. Apparatus in accordance with claim 68, comprising:

operating said processing apparatus in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images to produce a three-dimensional digital image of the non-stationary object covering substantially the entirety of said non-stationary object including the top of the non-stationary object.

73. Apparatus for capturing three-dimensional images of a non-stationary object comprising:

a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising a plurality of image capturing devices;

said plurality of image capturing device groups positioned such that each group is positioned to capture a group of first images of a corresponding surface portion of a non-stationary object, each said group of first images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of the non-stationary object;

said plurality of image capturing device groups positioned such that a plurality of said groups of first images includes the entirety of the non-stationary object disposed within a predetermined space;

processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of the non-stationary object portion; and

said processing apparatus operating all of said image capturing devices such that said first images are captured without restraining movement of the non-stationary object.

74. Apparatus in accordance with claim 73, comprising:

said processing apparatus simultaneously operates all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture plurality of said groups of first images.

75. Apparatus in accordance with claim 74, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing devices captures each of said first images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of the non-stationary object has no significant effect on each of said first images.

76. Apparatus in accordance with claim 75, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

77. Apparatus in accordance with claim 76, comprising:

said processing apparatus operating in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional image representation of said corresponding non-stationary object portion; and

said processing apparatus being operated to processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images, said plurality of three-dimensional images covering the entirety of the non-stationary object portion disposed in said predetermined space.

78. Apparatus in accordance with claim 77, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices comprises a CCD type camera.

79. Apparatus in accordance with claim 78, comprising:

one or more mounting structures disposed to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

80. Apparatus in accordance with claim 79, comprising:

one or more positioning structures disposed to support and retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

81. Apparatus in accordance with claim 73, wherein:

said plurality of image capturing devices determines said predetermined space.

82. Apparatus in accordance with claim 81, comprising:

said processing apparatus being utilized to simultaneously operate all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture plurality of said groups of first images.

83. Apparatus in accordance with claim 82, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing devices captures each of said first images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of the object has no significant effect on each of said first images.

84. Apparatus in accordance with claim 83, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

85. Apparatus in accordance with claim 84, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional digital image representation of said corresponding object portion;

said processing means processing all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images, said plurality of three-dimensional digital images covering substantially the entirety of the object portion disposed within said predetermined space.

86. Apparatus in accordance with claim 85, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices comprises a CCD type camera.

87. Apparatus in accordance with claim 86, comprising:

one or more mounting structures to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

88. Apparatus in accordance with claim 87, comprising:

one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

89. Apparatus in accordance with claim 85, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images to generate a three-dimensional digital images covering substantially the entirety of the object portion disposed within said predetermined space.

90. Apparatus in accordance with claim 85, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated to generate a three-dimensional digital image covering substantially the entirety of the object portion disposed within said predetermined space.

91. Apparatus for capturing three-dimensional images of an object, comprising:

a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising a plurality of digital cameras;

said plurality of image capturing device groups being positioned to define an image capturing space, said plurality of image capturing device groups being positioned to capture a group of first digital images of a corresponding surface portion of an object disposed in said space each said group of first digital images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of said object;

said plurality of image capturing device groups being positioned such that a plurality of said groups of first digital images includes the entirety of said object in said space;

a plurality of pattern projectors, each of said pattern projectors being associated with at least a corresponding one of said image capturing device groups for projecting a predetermined pattern on the object disposed in said space;

processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first digital images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of said head including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

92. Apparatus in accordance with claim 91, comprising:

said processing apparatus simultaneously operating all of said digital cameras of all of said image capturing device groups and all of said pattern projectors to capture a plurality of said groups of first digital images.

93. Apparatus in accordance with claim 92, wherein:

each of said digital cameras is operable to capture corresponding ones each of said first digital images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said object in said space has no significant effect on each of said first images.

94. Apparatus in accordance with claim 93, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture of said object.

95. Apparatus in accordance with claim 94, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first digital images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional digital image representation of said corresponding object portion.;

whereby said processing apparatus operates to processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images, said plurality of three-dimensional digital images covering substantially the entirety of the portion of the object disposed in said space.

96. Apparatus in accordance with claim 95, wherein:

said digital cameras comprises a CCD type camera.

97. Apparatus in accordance with claim 96, comprising:

one or more mounting structures retaining each digital camera of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

98. Apparatus in accordance with claim 97, comprising:

one or more positioning structures retaining each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

99. Apparatus for capturing three-dimensional images of a non-stationary object, comprising:

a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising a plurality of digital cameras;

said plurality of image capturing device groups being positioned such that each group is positioned to capture a group of first digital images of a corresponding surface portion of a non-stationary object portion disposed within a predetermined space, each said group of first digital images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of the non-stationary object portion;

said plurality of image capturing device groups being positioned such that a plurality of said groups of first digital images includes the entirety of the non-stationary object portion;

processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first digital images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of the non-stationary object portion; and

said processing means operating all of said digital cameras such that said first images are captured without restraining movement of the non-stationary object.

100. Apparatus in accordance with claim 99, comprising:

said processing apparatus operating all of said digital cameras of all of said image capturing device groups to capture a plurality of said groups of first digital images.

101. Apparatus in accordance with claim 100, wherein:

each of said digital cameras is operated to capture corresponding ones each of said first digital images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said non-stationary object has no significant effect on each of said first images.

102. Apparatus in accordance with claim 101, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

103. Apparatus in accordance with claim 102, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first digital images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional digital image representation of said corresponding non-stationary object;

whereby said processing apparatus processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images, said plurality of three-dimensional digital images covering substantially the entirety of said non-stationary object portion disposed within said predetermined space.

104. Apparatus in accordance with claim 103, wherein:

each of said digital cameras comprises a CCD camera.

105. Apparatus in accordance with claim 104, comprising:

one or more mounting structures to retain each digital camera of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

106. Apparatus in accordance with claim 105, comprising:

one or more positioning structures retaining each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

107. Apparatus for capturing three-dimensional images of a patient'"'"'s head comprising:

a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising a plurality of image capturing devices;

said plurality of image capturing device groups positioned such that each group is positioned to capture a group of first images of a corresponding surface portion of a patient'"'"'s head, each said group of first images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of said head;

said plurality of image capturing device groups positioned such that a plurality of said groups of first images includes the entirety of said head to and including the top of said head;

processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of said head including the top of the head; and

said processing apparatus operating all of said image capturing devices such that said first images are captured without restraining movement of the head.

108. Apparatus in accordance with claim 107, comprising:

said processing apparatus simultaneously operates all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture plurality of said groups of first images.

109. Apparatus in accordance with claim 108, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing devices captures each of said first images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said head has no significant effect on each of said first images.

110. Apparatus in accordance with claim 109, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

111. Apparatus in accordance with claim 110, comprising:

said processing apparatus operating in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional image representation of said corresponding head portion; and

said processing apparatus being operated to processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images, said plurality of three-dimensional images covering substantially the entirety of a head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the head.

112. Apparatus in accordance with claim 111, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices comprises a CCD type camera.

113. Apparatus in accordance with claim 112, comprising:

one or more mounting structures disposed to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

114. Apparatus in accordance with claim 113, comprising:

one or more positioning structures disposed to support and retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

115. Apparatus in accordance with claim 107, wherein:

said head is an infant'"'"'s head.

116. Apparatus in accordance with claim 115, comprising:

said processing apparatus being utilized to simultaneously operate all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture plurality of said groups of first images.

117. Apparatus in accordance with claim 116, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing devices captures each of said first images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said infant'"'"'s head has no significant effect on each of said first images.

118. Apparatus in accordance with claim 117, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

119. Apparatus in accordance with claim 118, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional digital image representation of said corresponding head portion;

said processing means processing all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images, said plurality of three-dimensional digital images covering substantially the entirety of an infant'"'"'s head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

120. Apparatus in accordance with claim 119, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices comprises a CCD type camera.

121. Apparatus in accordance with claim 120, comprising:

one or more mounting structures to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

122. Apparatus in accordance with claim 121, comprising:

one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

123. Apparatus in accordance with claim 119, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images to generate a three-dimensional digital images covering substantially the entirety of an infant'"'"'s head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

124. Apparatus in accordance with claim 118, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated to generate a three-dimensional digital image covering substantially the entirety of an infant'"'"'s head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

125. Apparatus for capturing three-dimensional images of a patient'"'"'s head comprising:

a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising a plurality of image capturing devices;

said plurality of image capturing device groups positioned such that each group is positioned to capture a group of first images of a corresponding surface portion of a patient'"'"'s head, each said group of first images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of said head;

said plurality of image capturing device groups positioned such that a plurality of said groups of first images includes the entirety of said head to and including the top of said head; and

processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of said head including the top of the head.

126. Apparatus in accordance with claim 125, comprising:

said processing apparatus simultaneously operates all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture plurality of said groups of first images.

127. Apparatus in accordance with claim 126, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing devices captures each of said first images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said head has no significant effect on each of said first images.

128. Apparatus in accordance with claim 127, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

129. Apparatus in accordance with claim 128, comprising:

said processing apparatus operating in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional image representation of said corresponding head portion; and

said processing apparatus being operated to processes all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional images, said plurality of three-dimensional images covering substantially the entirety of a head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the head.

130. Apparatus in accordance with claim 129, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices comprises a CCD type camera.

131. Apparatus in accordance with claim 130 comprising:

one or more mounting structures disposed to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

132. Apparatus in accordance with claim 131, comprising:

one or more positioning structures disposed to support and retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

133. Apparatus in accordance with claim 125, wherein:

the head is an infant'"'"'s head, said apparatus being operable to capture three-dimensional images of said infant'"'"'s head even when said head is moves in one or more of translational, rotational or axial directions.

134. Apparatus in accordance with claim 133, comprising:

said processing apparatus being utilized to simultaneously operate all of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing device groups to capture plurality of said groups of first images.

135. Apparatus in accordance with claim 134, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices of all of said image capturing devices captures each of said first images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said infant'"'"'s head has no significant effect on each of said first images.

136. Apparatus in accordance with claim 135, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.

137. Apparatus in accordance with claim 136, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated in accordance with a first algorithm to process each said group of first images to produce an intermediate three-dimensional digital image representation of said corresponding head portion;

said processing means processing all of plurality of groups of first images to produce a plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images, said plurality of three-dimensional digital images covering substantially the entirety of an infant'"'"'s head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

138. Apparatus in accordance with claim 137, wherein:

each of said image capturing devices comprises a CCD type camera.

139. Apparatus in accordance with claim 138, comprising:

one or more mounting structures to retain each imaging capture device of each group of said groups of image capturing devices in fixed predetermined positional relationship to the other of said image capturing devices in said group.

140. Apparatus in accordance with claim 139, comprising:

one or more positioning structures to retain each said group in a second predetermined positional relationship to the other groups of said groups of image capturing devices.

141. Apparatus in accordance with claim 137, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated in accordance with a second algorithm to process said plurality of intermediate three-dimensional digital images to generate a three-dimensional digital images covering substantially the entirety of an infant'"'"'s head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

142. Apparatus in accordance with claim 136, comprising:

said processing apparatus being operated to generate a three-dimensional digital image covering substantially the entirety of an infant'"'"'s head from the nape of the neck through and including the top of the infant'"'"'s head.

143. Apparatus for capturing three-dimensional images of a non-stationary object, comprising:

a plurality of image capturing device groups, each of said groups comprising at least one of digital camera;

said plurality of image capturing device groups being positioned such that each group is positioned to capture a group of first digital images of a corresponding surface portion of a non-stationary object portion disposed within a predetermined space, each said group of first digital images captured by the corresponding each of said image capturing groups capturing a substantially different surface portion of the non-stationary object portion;

said plurality of image capturing device groups being positioned such that a plurality of said groups of first digital images includes the entirety of the non-stationary object portion;

processing apparatus to process said plurality of said groups of first digital images to provide a three-dimensional image of the entirety of the non-stationary object portion;

said processing means operating all of said digital cameras such that said first images are captured without restraining movement of the non-stationary object; and

memory coupled to said processing apparatus for storing sequential ones of said three-dimensional images.

144. Apparatus in accordance with claim 143, comprising:

said processing apparatus operating all of said digital cameras of all of said image capturing device groups to capture a plurality of said groups of first digital images.

145. Apparatus in accordance with claim 144, wherein:

each of said digital cameras is operated to capture corresponding ones each of said first digital images in a time period that is short enough such that motion of said non-stationary object has no significant effect on each of said first images.

146. Apparatus in accordance with claim 145, wherein:

said time period is short enough to provide a stop-action image capture.