The Real-View Co. is promising to unveil an affordable 3D desktop scanner during CES 2009 that uses the latest in medical imaging technology.
The machine scans objects with its dual camera 'hook' to produce an image file of a full topographical 360-degree version of any small object. Once scanned and prepped with the embedded software, the digital object image can be manipulated by a user, just like a map on Google Maps.
One of the intended uses of the machine is to create more realistic depictions of consumer products. So if you have a beaten-up Star Wars Bobba Fett action figure you'd like to sell on eBay and want to make sure every deep gash is accurately portrayed, this might be a fine option.
Real-View Co says the 3D scan file can be exported to other web-based applications, like a PDF file or a blog. So in theory, a
G-Lab colleague could scan a product that comes in the door and give readers access to an interactive, topographical version of it in a blog post.
Even though it seems like a fun idea, it's hard to see how the scanner will be that much of an improvement over an HD video on YouTube when selling a small product.
However, it might actually prove useful for larger scale 3D scans.
For example, a full 3D copy of your body might help you find better fitting clothes for online retail stores that provide super-specific measurements. According to Real-View, there is a kiosk version of the tech available.
But the Real-View 3D scanner pales in comparison to other available laser scanning systems out there. NextEngine has a $2000+ desktop laser scanner that sends the scanned images of objects to be physically duplicated, and the DesktopFactory’s 3D printer actually creates real objects from a scan in a single rig.
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