ShapeSnatcher is an integrated software package
that transforms an average slide projector and a
digital camera into a sophisticated 3D scanning
and modeling system.

A word from Sony:

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) is responsible for software development for the Sony PlayStation. THE GETAWAY is one of SCEE's ground breaking in-house projects, on-track for an August 2001 release. Team Soho, the studio that brought you PORSCHE CHALLENGE, TOTAL NBA and THIS IS FOOTBALL has painstakingly recreated over 50 square kilometers of the heart of London in blistering photo-realistic detail to create an experience only possible with the PlayStation 2's revolutionary hardware.

"Due to the high level of detail and photo-realism of the city and cars we are creating for 'The Getaway', it was quickly realized that the traditional method of creating video game characters was not going to produce results to the same standard. We therefore looked for an alternative method that could create the true to life characters that were needed for the game."

"After looking into several methods of 3D scanning, we opted for the Eyetronics' ShapeSnatcher package. The only extra equipment needed was a good quality slide projector and a digital still camera; unlimited scanning for minimum expense. The stunning textured models that the software created were exact digital replicas of the real life actors that have been cast for the game. Along with the high quality of the output, we found that the software was extremely fast to learn, taking us only a few hours of working with the package to produce impressive results. ShapeSnatcher also fulfilled our other requirements of reliability, ease of use and value for money, shortening our character production workflow by a considerable amount of time. From casting an actor for a part, a few days are all that are needed now before seeing their digital counterpart on PlayStation 2."

Stephen Blair
Artist
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe

The ShapeSnatcher System:

The ShapeSnatcher 3D scanning solution is a low-cost alternative to modeling, digitizing or laser scanning. The integrated software package transforms an average slide projector and a decent digital camera into a sophisticated 3D scanning system that works with popular 3D software to produce life-like 3D objects or characters.

ShapeSnatcher is used in animation production, game development, research, engineering and retail to quickly create accurate 3D models from physical objects. The software runs on most PCs using Windows or Linux, as well as on SGI IRIX systems. Since it is a software solution, users can upgrade their computer hardware and digital camera as technology and project requirements dictate. The Eyetronics 3D scanning solution is extremely mobile and can be used anywhere to capture a person or object.

Features:

Structured Light

• Your slide projector will project a special grid onto your object, using the ShapeSnatcher Slide. Special lithographic techniques are used to produce the slide with the ShapeSnatcher pattern.

• The grid will easily deform onto faces, bodies and objects. With the camera, you take one picture from a slightly different point of view.
• ShapeSnatcher software will measure the deformations of the grid lines and calculate the 3D structure of your object. You can model your objects in 3D from only one image. From that same image, the ShapeSnatcher Software will also extract the texture of your object. Innovative algorithms have improved this technique, often referred to as a structured light technique.
• Next, capture the calibration box that comes with the software. Download all images to your computer. Starting with the calibration, look at the different pictures to make sure there are no holes or distortions.

Calibration

• The calibration procedure is very crucial for 3D acquisition systems. This procedure is required to calculate the distances and angles between camera, projector and object.
• In most 3D scanning systems, the calibration procedure is very difficult and complex. Sometimes, trained personnel are required.
• ShapeSnatcher technology uses a very simple technique. It requires only one picture of the calibration box while projecting the grid onto it. From one image, ShapeSnatcher determines the set-up of your hardware.

Determination of 3D Structure

• The ShapeSnatcher needs two kinds of input to calculate the 3D structure from your image:
• The first is the relative position of your camera and slide projector, obtained from your calibration file.
• The second is the deformed grid on the object you wish to model.

Determination of 3D Texture

• ShapeSnatcher software also extracts texture information from the same image used to capture 3D structure.
• The principle is very simple. While determining the 3D structure, ShapeSnatcher knows what the grid on your image looks like. Then the program filters out the grid lines. The 3D surface and texture match perfectly because all the information is gathered from the same image.

Automatic Stitching

• Images from ShapeSnatcher are imported into the ShapeMatcher program, where you stitch them together to make one object. After aligning patches in ShapeMatcher, you can view your model, do any editing needed, and export it to your application software. A complicated object such as a human head - which could take days using conventional techniques - can be captured and modeled in an hour or two using Eyetronics software.
• It's easy to take Eyetronics 3D scanning equipment - a digital camera, slide projector and software running on a laptop computer - anywhere it's needed to capture a person or object. Eyetronics files can be sent via the Internet for processing or sharing, and a grid is available for scanning full bodies and larger objects. With Eyetronics software, realistic 3D models are no longer the sole privilege of large studios. Now there's a way to capture and create great 3D models anytime, anywhere, on a limited budget.

Hardware:

ShapeSnatcher Slides
The ShapeSnatcher Slide contains the pattern needed for projection on your object. Several versions of the slides exist.

• Standard Slide:
  The Standard Slide contains 300 by 300 lines. This slide is delivered together with the ShapeSnatcher software.
• Body Slide:
  The Body Slide contains 100 by 100 lines and is available upon request.
• Custom Slides:
  Upon request, other slides are available with a different number of lines (i.e. 600 by 600).

Calibration Box
A calibration box consists of two orthogonal planes with a white paper sheet containing black circles.

• Standard Calibration Box:
  The Standard Calibration Box has a width of 30 cm (11.81 inches) and height of 20 cm (7.87 inches). This box contains 60 circles on each plane.
• Custom Made Calibration Box:
  Upon request, different calibration boxes are available.

Other Necessary Hardware Components

• Digital Camera:
  ShapeSnatcher works with a variety of digital cameras. A recommended list is available upon request.
• Slide Projector and Lenses:
  

ShapeSnatcher Suite v3.0 includes:

ShapeSnatcher
ShapeMatcher
ShapeReducer
Mapping Tools
Standard Slide
Standard Calibration Box
On-line Manual that leads you through the different steps and contains valuable tips on how to optimize performance

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