Project Day - ShapeStart - Direct In-the-Ear 3D Scanning

ShapeStart Project Day happens about once a quarter, where the developers and engineers can work on any project they desire. There are only two rules for this day, one, the project can't be something they are already working on. Two, they have to show everyone the results of what they did at the end of the day during the wrap up party/meeting.

Project Day Details:
This is a day for everyone at ShapeStart to work on whatever project they want, no guidance other then the rules below.

The idea here is to be creative and to have fun
We're not grading here, so if you don't finish... thats ok!
Some inspiration
http://www.ted.com/talks/johnny_lee_demos_wii_remote_hacks.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NugRZGDbPFU

Project Day Rules:

Cannot be a project already being worked on (unless its a continuation of last project day)
We encourage our engineers/developers to partner up, with whomever they'd like
They can elect to make whatever they develop open source, if they choose, as long as its not related to a product we are developing
However, engineers/developers are not required to work on something that isn't related to a product we are developing
We encourage our engineers to post their work on a personal website/blog or Matlab Central, etc..
They must present their results at the wrap-up party/meeeting

December 17th, 2010 - Project Day

Ruizhi got the X-Box Kinect taking 3D scans first thing in the morning!

Divakar built software that uses the webcam on a laptop. The software automatically recognizes the users face and adds the picture to a line art torso. Eventually Divakar will also trace the user submitted photo to create a full line art portrait.

Paul built a microscope using glass rods and a blow torch. He later demonstrated how you could see cells in a thin tissue paper sample.

Harris and Ruizhi worked together to capture 3D scans of everyone in the office with the Xbox Kinect. Once they had the data, they found a formula developed by the US Army to estimate body fat percentages based off of several body measurements, attainable from the 3D scan. You can find more info about the US Army's study here:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/theorderlyroom/a/bodyfat.htm
Click on the images to download the sample Xbox Kinect 3D Scan Data of eveyone in the office. Note: Harris and Ruizhi conveniently did not scan themselves.



	George		Cheryl


	Nate		Rowdy


	Paul		Divakar

Karol used a point and shoot camera to build a 3D foot scanner. The image above is what the setup looked like. Below is an image of the resulting data. Karol published more information about his 3D Scanner on his personal website.