Cappasity Showcases ‘Easy 3D Scan’ Software for Ultrabooks at GDC 2015

Houston, Texas-based start-up Cappasity Inc. announced it will release its new software, Cappasity Easy 3D Scan, in May. Ahead of the full release, Cappasity will introduce Easy 3D Scan, the company’s high-quality scanning solution, next week at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco’s Moscone Center. The GDC will run March 2-6.

Easy 3D Scan can be run on devices that feature built-in Intel RealSense 3D cameras, which is how data is acquired. The Intel RealSense 3D cameras are already on board more than 15 models of Ultrabook laptop computers produced by manufacturers like Dell, Asus, Acer, Fujitsu, Lenovo, NEC, and HP.

Cappasity — a computer vision and mobile technology products developer that offers a cost-effective solution for 3D scanning, 3D reconstruction, and 3D rendering — will make the software available for beta testing before its May 2015 release. You can register for beta testing on the company’s website.

The team at Cappasity spent over a year developing the instant scanning software, which uses a “semi-automatic calibration process” (patent is pending) to combine all devices into a single scanning complex.

It takes about 30 minutes to install the software and set up a mini studio in a couple of square meters of space. Four sensors are placed in corners of the scanning area and one is suspended above the spot where the model is placed. The five sensors cost around $1,000. If you need a cheaper version of the 3D scanning system, you can opt for the $200 solution, which incorporates manual rotation of the model you’re shooting. Computers and cameras are connected to create a network and then you’re ready to shoot in 360 degrees in as quick as 5 to 10 seconds.

For enhanced 3D scans, Cappasity suggests using a Canon DSLR, which will produce “photorealistic textures.” The software features optimized algorithms for different kinds of objects — for instance, clothing, shoes, furniture, and so on. With Easy 3D Scan you’ll also have the ability to scan large objects and people.

According to Konstantin Popov, Cappasity’s CEO and president, Easy 3D Scan software will be free to download via the company’s website for personal use. More intensive work can also be produced using their paid subscription service.

“Our software is free if you are just going to scan objects and order 3D prints of the objects you have scanned. For instance, you can easily 3D scan you entire family for free and save their 3D models on our cloud server,” says Popov. “With a monthly subscription, you can also produce high quality 3D models and export them for e-commerce needs or just keep them as your 3D assets. All you need is an Intel RealSense compatible device!”

How do you think Cappasity’s new software sounds? Let us know if you’ll be participating in the beta testing over in the Cappasity Easy 3D Scan forum thread at 3DPB.com.