RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 16, 2005- Geomagic has received a U.S. patent (patent # US 6,853,373 B2) for its unique process of converting 3D scanner output into a 3D model with accurate geometry, color and textures. The patented process generates a true 3D texture map, including normals, colors, displacement and bump maps for any shape.
Texture mapping has traditionally meant applying a 2D image onto a 3D model, then manipulating it to fit. It often requires warping, stitching of the map to cover different parts of the model, and other fitting and clean-up steps. In contrast, Geomagic's texture maps are computed directly in 3D space. The process is automatic and instant when taking advantage of hardware texture support within graphics cards.
"Our software processes a 3D scanner's output - xyz coordinates and rgb color values - and automatically generates a dense 3D model with true texture maps," says Ping Fu, Geomagic's president and CEO. "Users end up with a photorealistic 3D model without the time, effort and limitations of applying 2D texture maps."
Among the applications for Geomagic's invention are creating new toys based on classic, time-honored favorites; designing unique consumer products with organic shapes and textures; recreating sculpture and art works faithful to their origins; and producing digital archives of archeological treasures.
The patent, titled "Methods, Apparatus and Computer Program Products for Modeling Three-Dimensional Colored Objects," is the fourth U.S. patent Geomagic has received for its technologies, with four others pending.
About Geomagic
Geomagic (www.geomagic.com) is a global company dedicated to advancing and applying 3D technology for the benefit of humanity. Geomagic’s scanning and design software solutions are used to capture and model 3D content from physical objects, organically sculpt complex shapes, and prepare products for manufacturing. In addition, the company produces powerful 3D metrology and inspection software that verifies dimensional quality by comparing as-built products to master designs. Geomagic’s Sensable Phantom haptic devices simulate the sense of touch in a digital environment.
Geomagic’s software and hardware are utilized by world-class customers in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, consumer products, toys, collectibles, coindesign, jewelry, fine art, heritage restoration, research, education, mold making, entertainment, training and surgical simulation. In fact, some of the world’s leading companies and research organizationsuse Geomagic software, including Ford, BMW,Boeing, Harley Davidson, Timberland, Mattel/Fisher Price, Lego, Pratt & Whitney, NASA, Schneider Electronic, 3M, Danaher and Invisalign. Geomagic is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., USA, with an office in Boston, subsidiaries in Europe and Asia, and channel partners worldwide.
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Geomagic, Geomagic Studio, Geomagic Qualify, Geomagic Qualify Probe, Geomagic Spark, Wrap, Geomagic Wrap, Phantom, OpenHaptics, Omni, Freeform, Claytools, Sensable and Sensable Technologies, Inc. are trademarks or registered trademarks of Geomagic Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Rachael Taggart
Geomagic, Inc.
+(1) 919-474-0135
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