New Digital Camera Captures 3D Geometry, Textures

Eyetronics has released ShapeCam, a handheld digital camera that generates 3D geometry and textures from photographed objects. Moving around an object, you take pictures and then process and assemble the images using Eyetronics’ ShapeSnatcher Suite software. The process produces 3D digital models based on the shape, colors and textures of the original object or person. To set the distance between camera and object, the user aims the camera until two laser points converge as one. At the same time the picture is taken, the flash projects a grid onto the object, providing the information the software needs to create a 3D image. You can take as many pictures as needed to capture the parts of the object you need. ShapeCam can capture 3D models of different-sized objects, ranging from a small coin to life-size statues or a complete human body. The flash system is set up by adjusting the zoom and focus of the camera and flash lenses. ShapeSnatcher Suite software generates 3D models from the 2D images and stitches the different models together into a single model. ShapeSnatcher SuiteXT lets you export alternative texture maps for captured models, and can perform some polygon reduction as well. The Eyetronics ShapeWare bundle, which includes the ShapeCam and ShapeSnatcher SuiteXT, is available for $18,250.