ESPER LightCages are designed for unparalleled 3D and 4D capture. Engineered for precision and efficiency, they enable detailed surface texture recovery with advanced multi-camera and lighting technology. Fully customisable, installed, and supported worldwide.
Configurable Scanning Systems, Built for Your Application
We design and build tailor-made scanning systems for AI training, VFX, gaming, research, and cultural heritage. From tabletop, object and texture scanners to 6-metre geodesic domes, we have built scanning systems of all sizes using 1 to 200+ cameras in conjunction with 1 to 350+ lights. Delivering precision and performance at any scale.
Fixed LightCage Systems
Purpose-built for specific capture requirements, these bespoke multi-camera and lighting rigs offer photometric precision and consistent, high-quality results. Ideal for VFX, AI training, cultural heritage, and research applications, they are engineered to your exact specifications.
Modular ScanStands
A cost-effective path to multi-camera capture, ESPER ScanStands can be built up as a modular system, with 1 to 12 units working together to create a fully upgradeable 360º system. Each ScanStand is equipped with 1 or 2 LightBars and supports 6 or 12 camera configurations, offering flexibility for different capture needs. ScanStands can operate individually, with a turntable, or combined for complete volumetric capture.
Portable Systems
Flight-case-based solutions, designed for easy transport and rapid deployment between sites. Pre-rigged sections minimise setup time, requiring minimal rewiring for fast, efficient operation without compromising performance.
Vehicle-Integrated Systems
Bring the capture to the action with mobile LightCage systems integrated into your vehicle / trailer of choice. Designed for on-location scanning, these systems allow you to capture actors and assets directly on set, reducing downtime and keeping productions moving.
Unrivalled Performance for Hi-Res Geometry & Texture Capture
LightCages recreate global illumination (GI) and spherical lighting gradients, enabling the capture of accurate 3D geometry and generating specular, diffuse, and normal maps—producing pipeline-ready assets with minimal clean-up.
Unparalleled Lighting Control
Esper Lighting units have been specifically designed for use in multi-camera capture. The MultiFlash and LightBar units enable independent control over flash duration and intensity and the offset can be accurately controlled to allow precise synchronisation with the capture system. Lights can be fitted with polarising and RGB filters to suit your intended use.
The lighting states can be tightly synchronised with stills, video and machine vision camera systems, allowing for the rapid, reliable and accurate capture of an actors performance.
Detailed technical specs are available on request.
LightCage Control Software
The LightCage Control software is designed for maximum usability, eliminating the need for complex programming or command-line input. Features include:
With a LightCage it is possible to emulate the pioneering techniques originally developed by Paul Debevec and the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies for generating diffuse maps, specular maps, normal maps. - Additional licensing may be required to operate the LightCage in this way.
Lighting states can be programmed and accurately synced with any image capture system to produce data sets that provide accurate 3D reconstructions and detailed surface detail and texture information.
The LightCage’s MultiFlash lights have been designed to provide flicker free operation throughout their entire dimming range demonstrated here at 300fps
Custom made 3D face scanning van made for CyberHuman Productions.
Scanning artists share their experience about using ESPER’s demo scanning rig for capturing photorealistic scans.
Contact closure camera inputs and outputs are supported for stills cameras and Machine Vision setups. The LightCage Controller can also sync to incoming Genloc / Tri-sync signals.
Whatever your application, we can design and build a scanning system to fit your needs exactly. Contact us now and we can help specify your system.
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We’re big fans of ESPER products having used them for our photogrammetry rigs at Avalanche Studios. Absolutely love how easy to use and top notch quality they are.
