CADScan - Developing a One Touch 3D Scanner System Demonstrator

3D scanners allow CAD users to produce accurate 3D models of physical objects and are a
valuable technology for 3D asset creation. However, current 3D scanning technologies have
only a small user base, predominantly because it is an immature technology and prices of
systems are too expensive for many potential adopters of the technology.
We have identified a series of innovations related to both the hardware and software of 3D
scanner technology that will enable us to produce a 3D scanner that retails for significantly less than the current market entry level of £4,000. Our innovations enable our 3D
scanner to produce 3D CAD models faster and cheaper than any other system on the market.
We require the development project to bring in UK expertise to our start-up company and
bolster our skills in order to deliver the innovations that will facilitate our low-cost 3D
scanner. We need to develop novel hardware including a Structured Light System that can be
manufactured cheaply, facilitating the development and application of low-cost 3D
scanners for many additional sectors. We need to develop our data fusion algorithms which
will automate the post-processing of the image data we capture using our proprietary dual
scanning method. This enables us to fully-automate the 3D scanning process and achieve a
complete 3D asset creation cycle in under five minutes.
We have established relationships with CAD resellers in the UK, who can act as distributors
of our 3D scanner and they are confident that our solution meets the real need of the market.
However, without the support of the TSB, we will have to run a slower development
programme and possibly relocate the R&D effort outside the UK to access skills in cheaper
labour markets.