Wave Issue 0201 1/11/02 Article 3-01

***ShapeCam Makes 3D Object Capture A Snap
(January 10)

Eyetronics has released ShapeCam, a hand-held system that makes
3D object capture similar to taking snapshots with a digital
camera. ShapeCam includes a digital camera and a specially
designed flash device mounted on a lightweight frame. It allows
users to freely move around objects, capturing 3D geometry and
textures by taking pictures. Photos captured with the portable
hardware are processed and assembled in 3D within Eyetronics'
ShapeSnatcher Suite software. The process produces 3D digital
models that recreate 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. Users can take as many pictures as needed to capture the
parts of the object or person they want to digitally recreate.

ShapeCam can capture 3D models of different-sized objects,
ranging from a small coin to life-size statues or a complete
human body. Pictures from ShapeCam are brought into a computer,
where Eyetronics' ShapeSnatcher Suite software calculates
parameters, generates 3D models from the 2D images, and stitches
the models together into one completed model. For digital content
creation applications, ShapeSnatcher Suite XT provides additional
tools to export alternative texture maps for captured models, and
to reduce polygons for more efficient processing. For design and
reverse engineering applications, ShapeSnatcher Suite CAD adds
polygon reduction and surface thickening tools.

Eyetronics ShapeWare (ShapeCam with either ShapeSnatcher Suite |
XT or ShapeSnatcher Suite | CAD) is available for $18,250.

www.eyetronics.com