The ESPER LightCage is the most advanced lighting system for 3D face scanning on the market. Transform the quality and efficiency of your 3D scanning with a lighting rig which enables the recovery of detailed surface texture data. Available fully installed and supported, worldwide.
Unrivalled performance for hi-res geometry and texture capture
The LightCage can replay GI and spherical lighting gradients that allow for the retrieval of accurate 3D geometry along with the generation of specular, diffuse and normal maps.
Capture 360 degrees instantaneously
The ESPER LightCage is a geodesic frame with integrated power distribution that is typically deployed with 156 MultiFlash lights. The frame is capable of mounting up to 150 cameras around the subject. When combined with rapidly cycled lighting sequences this allows the rapid capture of image data from every conceivable angle.
Unparalleled lighting control
The ESPER MultiFlash has been specifically designed for use in multi-camera capture. Flash duration and intensity can be controlled independently and the flash offset can be accurately controlled to allow precise synchronisation with the capture system. The MultiFlash comes configured with polarising filters, RGB filters can be fitted on request.
Microsecond synchronisation
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.
Pipeline-ready images
The LightCage creates even and accurate lighting states to optimise photometric data capture supporting the production of high quality photorealistic assets. The captured images require minimal clean-up and are pipeline-ready for processing.
LightCage controller software
The LightCage controller software has been designed for ease of operation. No complex programming is required. No laborious command-line input or time draining second guessing. ESPER’s LightCage Controller software has been designed to maximise usability, certainty and efficiency.
With a LightCage it is possible to emulate the pioneering techniques developed by Paul Debevec and the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies for generating diffuse maps, specular maps, normal maps. It is worth noting that some techniques may require licensing which can be facilitated through ESPER.
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
250cm
255cm
125 Kg
220 Kg
1x NEUTRIK TRUE1 inlet/outlet
6 x 4Pin DIN / 5 x 4Pin DIN
1 x 20A at 48VDC
M6 mounting holes
190mm w x 56mm h x 190mm d
405g
Impact resistant Makrolon Polycarbonate
Matt Black Textured, hard-shell
CNC formed, 5251 Aluminium, matt black anodised
2484 Lumen
5000K
Typ 92
(FWHM) 16°
60µS to 30mS
48VDC
70W
470g
Impact resistant Makrolon Polycarbonate with 5251 Aluminium Face Plate
Vertical, Horizontal and Unpolarised
Matt Black Textured
Matt Black Anodised
5VDC (250mA)
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.
FAQs
The LightCage can be used for any application where a subject needs accurately lighting from multiple directions. LightCages have been used to capture image data that can be used for photometric measurements, 3D mesh and texture generation and cultural heritage preservation techniques such as reflectance transformation imaging.
The LightCage comprises of a 2.5m geodesic structure with integrated power distribution, 160 ESPER MultiFlash lights, Esper ControllerBox, LightCageController software a multi region power supply unit and all connection cabling.
We can also supply additional hardware for image capture systems. Please contact us to talk through the options.
The LightCage is supplied with a ControllerBox which can send or receive trigger signals from stills and machine vision cameras. It also accepts frame sync / genlock signals from video cameras.
We can tailor the exact diameter of the LightCage to suit the space available we'd recommend 2.3m ø diameter if you can fit it in as it doesn't feel too claustrophobic and fits in most rooms. at 2.3m ø you'd be looking at the subject being an average of 1.15m from the camera.
So on a full frame camera with a 100mm lens, the head will fill the frame nicely.
The 2.5m LightCage is capable of mounting up to 150 DSLR type cameras. Camera mounting hardware is available on request.
The MultiFlashes fitted on the LightCage have three LED's one with a vertically aligned polariser, one with a horizontally aligned polariser and one unpolarised. Once you align the filters on the lens of the camera you then program the MultiFlashes to switch between the different LED's and you capture the subject under the different polarisation states.
The LightCageController software comes bundled with the LightCage - allowing the programming and control of each lighting unit and the accurate synchronisation with the image capture system.
Custom builds are something we specialise in. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Yes, we install worldwide. Contact us for more details.
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.
Whether you require a photogrammetry rig, volumetric capture system or a texturing process for laser scan data we’d love to talk about your project. Fill in the form and we will contact you within two business days to discuss your needs.
This email is checked regularly during business hours (9-5.30 GMT). We’ll get back to you as soon as possible, usually within a few hours.
Until then, make sure to check out our FAQ section;
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.
