It seems as though every week there is a new device or software program combination that allows users to capture reality data and digitize it. There are a number of similar programs that use the iPad to capture reality data and digitize it into 3D data. A few others are: trimensional, iSense, itSeez, and the Structure Sensor. ThingCapture is the latest such program. Etron Technology’s team is led by Dr. Lu Samuel, Dr. Wu, and Dr. Lin. The teams in Taiwan and the USA claim to have reduced the costs of semiconductors and IC’s while creating ThingCapture.
According to Dr. Lu, “Our ThingCapture technology allows users to digitize objects in 3D and then, through 3D printing, to re-create those objects and embrace those associated memories. This is a new killer application to be added to the four major technology trends: Internet of Things, scan & print, wearables, and big data. Now, you have an affordable way to capture physical items in 3D and to digitize, save, re-create, and share them with your friends and family.”
The unfortunate part about their marketing is their promotional video, which is unusual, but well intentioned. The video shares the journey of a young, working mother giving birth, and having her friends sketch, take pictures, and film the event. But Dr. Lin has an even better present: a 3D scan of her newborn. Cut to her return from maternity leave, and she receives the presents back at work: the hand-made sketch – ok, pretty good. The photos….meh. The video – ok, whatever. But the 3D printed baby (which is a simulation), oh! Oh! My god, it’s the best present ever!!! Astounding! Thank you so much for a creepy 3D printed doll of my newborn child. Enjoy!
The ”ThingCapture” ICs and platform will be debuting at the International CES in Las Vegas on January 6 to 9, 2015. They will also be unveiling a series of new USB products, including the USB PD 2.0 chip, USB Type-C Switch programmable logic controller, and USB Type-C Switch plus PD 2.0 multi-function chip.
The end products will undergo some small refinements and hit the shelves in the third quarter of 2015, well positioned for holiday consumers.
