Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

Imaging and Sensing

Development and integration of application-specific measurement systems  

 

Development and integration of application-specific measurement systems with optical and photonic imaging as well as sensing for quality assurance of products and processes in industry, medicine, biology and real-life areas. We create complete system solutions for the sensor-supported generation and processing of image and 3D data for a wide range of applications.

 

The Imaging and Sensing department of the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF develops and integrates innovative optical and photonic imaging and sensing measurement methods and systems as well as methods for their image and data processing and analysis according to customer-specific requirements.

We develop, e.g. real-time imaging 3D measurement systems with GOBO projection and LED-based multi-aperture pattern projection (3D Measurement Systems for Uncooperative Freeforms) as well as on the basis of the evaluation of laser-induced thermal patterns (High-Speed 3D Measurement Systems).

Due to the application-specific development and design of our measurement systems, complex and uncooperative as well as static or highly dynamic objects and scenes can be reliably recorded with a high level of metrological accuracy.

With our high-speed 3D measurement systems, it is possible to record volumes from a few cubic centimeters up to several cubic meters with frequencies of up to 50,000 3D data sets per second.

Our high-precision and real-time capable 3D sensors form the basis of the development and application of systems for quality assurance in tool and mold production, the optical industry, mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, medical technology, criminalistics, defence technology and underwater metrology, the digitalization of works of art and cultural goods as well as body scanning and recording for human-machine interaction.

 

Our services

 

The research, development and application expertise lies in the creation of system solutions in the fields of image processing, spectral sensor technology, artificial intelligence and optical 2D/3D sensor technology. This is complemented by technology services for system technology feasibility studies, complex system tests and industrial and real-life robot applications.

Our range of services includes the development of optical and photonic measurement systems for applications in industry and agriculture, medicine and research. Our solutions enable systems for particularly challenging external conditions such as industrial environments or underwater use. Furthermore, we are researching alternative measurement methods and develop new sensing technology up to application maturity.

Our services also include technology services in the field of 3D measurement and digitization. We prepare studies on the feasibility of certain requirements for 3D measurement systems and carry out investigations on 3D shape recording and digitization of special measurement objects.

Our research, development and application competences lie in:

3D digitalization of an aircraft engine with the goSCOUT3D handheld scanner
© Fraunhofer IOF
3D digitalization of an aircraft engine with the goSCOUT3D handheld scanner
Underwater 3D sensor system goDEEP3D, mounted on a work-class ROV
© Fraunhofer IOF
Underwater 3D sensor system goDEEP3D, mounted on a work-class ROV
3D-based patient positioning and position control in radiotherapy
© Fraunhofer IOF
3D-based patient positioning and position control in radiotherapy

Our research groups

Research and development activities, our system developments and technology services are organized into respective project-specific teams of our employees.

 

3D Sensing

We develop innovative 3D measurement processes and multimodal imaging and sensing approaches, and conceptualize, construct, and realize hardware modules and complete sensor systems for optical and photonic imaging and sensing measurement processes and systems, from laboratory setup to CE tested prototypes for a wide range of applications and measurement areas.

3D Sensing
 

Image Processing & AI

Our expertise encompasses the development of algorithms, processes and software modules for 2D and 3D image processing, 3D sensor control, 3D data acquisition and processing for 3D measurement systems and realization of physical simulations of measurement tasks. Handling and walking robots are also parameterized and controlled.

Image Processing & AI
 

Extensive competencies and special expertise

Our 3D measurement systems can be combined to multi-view systems and networks, for example to ensure high-precision position monitoring of patients during radiotherapy.

Both our active-stereo 3D measurement systems with gobo projection and LED-based multi-aperture pattern projection as well as our specially developed passive-stereo and photogrammetric methods are highly miniaturizable and enable the implementation of handheld 3D measurement systems.

For the recording and evaluation of highly complex objects and their interaction with their environment, we expand our 3D measurement systems with both imaging modalities (UV, VIS, NIR through to LWIR) and sensory modalities (temperature, trajectory, tactile, acoustic)  

Multimodal Object and Szene Characterization

System developments and applications are used both in highly integrated industrial environments with our in-line 3D measurement systems as well as in particularly harsh environments such as, e.g., underwater.

The existing know-how in the field of sensor development using structured illumination and the continuous pursuit of technical frontiers are evidenced by over 200 publications at national and international conferences and in referenced journals, as well as over 30 patents in the field of 3D sensing alone. Our department has particular expertise in high-speed 3D measurement technology, e.g., in the documentation of airbag inflation or crash tests.

Forensic scanner for securing evidence
© Fraunhofer IOF
Kolibri cordless forensic scanner for securing evidence
Digitalisation of a historical relief globe
© Fraunhofer IOF
Digitalisation of a historical relief globe
3D measurement of a highly dynamic scene (rope jumper).
© Fraunhofer IOF
3D measurement of a highly dynamic scene (rope jumper).
 

Markets and applications for Industry, robotics, medicine, research, archaeology/paleontology, art and culture

 

The developments of our department primarily serve and open up the industrial market, especially production environments, e.g., in the automotive industry (documentation of airbag inflation and crash tests, realization of accelerometer-based optical measurement systems). Other markets include healthcare, the research sector for various sciences, as well as agriculture and culture.

3D digitalisation of a motorbike with the goSCOUT3D handheld scanner
© Fraunhofer IOF
3D digitalisation of a motorbike with the goSCOUT3D handheld scanner
3D based patient positioning and position control during radiotherapy
© Fraunhofer IOF
3D based patient positioning and position control during radiotherapy
goSCOUT3D hand scanner mounted on robot scans turbine.
© Fraunhofer IOF
goSCOUT3D handheld scanner mounted on a mobile robot during the measurement of an aircraft turbine.

Publications and patents

 

A large number of scientific findings are published by our researchers in specialist journals. A list of specialist articles from the field of imaging and sensing can be found below:

 

Selection of publications

Selection of our Patents

 

 

Downloads for product sheets on our research topics

 

Our data sheets summarise relevant information on our current research highlights in a compact and clear format. Use the download function to save interesting and relevant topics for later and to save important data and visualisations for later retrieval.

Do you have questions about our services?  

In a personal meeting, we will advise you on our (individual) range of services and our core competencies. Please contact us. 

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