Comparative Study on Accuracy of Reality Capture Photo-based Modeling and Stereo Photogrammetry Facial Scanners

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2026.07.011

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the accuracy of Reality Capture (RC) photogrammetry in 3D facial reconstruction and to investigate the influence of sex and age on its precision. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 148 orthodontic patients aged 6-30 years, who were divided into six subgroups based on sex and age. The experimental group utilized a DSLR camera for circular photography and 3D modeling via RC software. The control group obtained data using an RDS Face scanner. Root mean square error (RMS) was calculated for the whole face and 22 subregions via Geomagic Wrap software. Results: The mean whole-face RMS was (1.43±0.38) mm. Buccal and perioral regions showed the highest precision (median RMS 0.5-0.65 mm), while the mandibular angle and preauricular regions had the lowest (median RMS approximately 1.5 mm). Age was a primary influencing factor (P<0.001), adults showed significantly lower error [(1.23±0.22) mm] than adolescents and children (P<0.001). The main effect of sex was not significant, but a significant sex×age interaction effect was observed in the mandibular angle region (P<0.01). Conclusion: RC photogrammetry achieves clinically acceptable accuracy, demonstrating its potential to replace or supplement professional scanners. However, precision is significantly influenced by age and anatomical region, necessitating careful clinical application.

Key words: three-dimensional stereo photogrammetry, photo-based modeling, facial soft tissues analysis, accuracy

TANG Yidan, JIA Ying. Comparative Study on Accuracy of Reality Capture Photo-based Modeling and Stereo Photogrammetry Facial Scanners[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2026, 42(7): 612-617.

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