From: CATI To: lindquist@doctordesign.com ; 3DSMAX@EngramDigital.com <3DSMAX@EngramDigital.com> Subject: Modeling objects using 3D 'tracing' hardware Date: Monday, April 03, 2000 10:49 PM Aloha! The MicroScribe 3D is the low end of a series of 3D digitizing products available from about a dozen companies. There's nothing less expensive that I know of. Actually, the most valuable part of this device is the software app that converts the "cloud of points" into a usable surface (or series thereof)! The MicroScribe 3D works well, but exceedingly slowly.... At the high end are scanning devices that use laser-light (usually), & can scan an entire human body (for example) in less than 30 seconds. These start at around US$80,000 & go up quickly. At the very top is an intriguing device that can digitize an entire building (with a resolution of 0.8 mm) in less than an hour!! Check out http://www.cyra.com/ if you really want to be astounded. Ken ******* > Hi all. I've been on the list for a good while and plan to get > Max sometime soon. It is mostly just a hobby thing for me but it is fascinating. > > One of the tools I have seen for inputing a 3D model of an object > is called Microscribe 3D? I think that is what it is called. Anyway you can trace > small objects into 3D with it. Seems like that would be the tool for the > guy wanting to get his automobile model proportioned properly except they > cost $2500 or more. > > I was wondering what the market is like for hardware that would scan an > object as a 3D mesh, what the current products available might be > and how a less costly alternative might sell? I am a design engineer with > an emphasis on programming and embedded software. It might be fun to try and put > together my own device but would be even cooler if I could > actually sell it as a product. Are there such devices available for the $200-500 range and > are they very good or would something with OK resolution sell well for that > price range? > > Relating more specifically to Max...Does Max come with a ready > interface for writing a driver that would import a model from a scanning device > or do you have to get the Max SDK for that and does the SDK cost money to get? > > Thanks for any replies. > > Phil <*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*><*> Computer-Aided Technologies International, Inc. 47-396 Kamehameha Highway Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744-4736 (808) 521-2259 http://www.catii.com "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" Rotary International Four-Way Test -- Subscribe/Unsubscribe at: http://mail.engram.net/guest/RemoteListSummary/3DSTUDIOMAX List courtesy of http://www.Engram.net