Mirror-Based 3D Scanning System for Custom Eyewear
Although transparent optical components may seem a little difficult to 3D print, as we discussed in a previous article, 3D printing in eyeglass frames is indeed booming fast. After all, eyeglass frames are naturally suitable for 3D customizing.
On September 21, Fuel3D announced the public trials of 3D mirror scanner for eyewear sector in collaboration with eyewear technology developer Sfered. Meanwhile, Denmark-based eyewear company monoqool becomes the first to integrate with this virtual fitting system.
The system will be demonstrated this week at SILMO, the world’s biggest eyewear tradeshow.
Image: Fuel3D
Collaboration Behind
Combining the image capture capabilities of Fuel3D’s 3D scanning platform with Sfered’s custom eyewear systems, this will be the first 3D scanner for the eyewear sector to be incorporated into a mirror. The 180-degree scanner is being tested in select optical retail locations in Europe over the summer period, with full retail availability of the system expected by the end of 2016.
“We are delighted to partner with Sfered on the development of this unique scanning system for the eyewear sector. Our platform’s unparalleled speed of capture, combined with the collection of high resolution, color data makes this a perfect application for our technology.” (Stuart Mead, CEO of Fuel3D)
Monoqool is an innovator in eyewear design, pioneering 3D laser printed polyamid frames that are completely customized to the wearer. The company is the first to integrate its offering into the new scanning system.
“It is in our DNA to be innovative and this new scanning product can helps the whole eyewear industry to benefit from our innovation. Customized eyewear is a great tool for independent opticians and optometrists as they increasingly compete with the large chains.”(Allan Petersen, CEO, monoqool)
Image: monoqool
Why to create 3D Mirror Scanner ?
“When people look into a mirror, they relax, straighten up and focus much more naturally than if they are looking into a camera, which means that the scanner collects more accurate data for custom eyewear fitting. We have worked closely with the team at Fuel3D to bring this new scanning system to market and we are looking forward to demonstrating the benefits that next-generation facial scanning can bring to the custom fit process.”(Peter Tutuarima, CEO of Sfered)
Image: Sfered
Key Elements
Accurate facial scanning that allows opticians to collect metrics required for fitting of eyewear and production of custom fit eyewear in a single scan.
Speedy 3D capture that collects facial data in 0.1 seconds, allowing data capture of: pupillary distance; nose bridge width; facial width; and distance to ear (for glasses’ arm length data)
Access to a wide range of frame data held in Sfered’s frames database, allowing opticians to virtually fit frames to customers for an enhanced customer experience.
An open platform that allows frame manufacturers like monoqool to upload their catalogs for virtual fitting of frames.
Image: Fuel3D
Eyewear Sector Continues to Beef Up with 3D Technology
Leveraging its proprietary 3D scanning platform, Fuel3D works with organizations to develop 3D data capture solutions that help address specific market opportunities and works with third party enterprises to create new products and services.
This system provides the company with further access to the lucrative eyewear sector, which is projected to reach $165bn by 2022, and will support Fuel3D’s development of a 270-degree scanning system, which was announced earlier this year and is supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 SME programme.
