Thornwood, NY—Zeiss introduced RealScan, its first 3D scanner and 3D scan service used to create photorealistic 3D models. RealScan debuted at Hannover Messe, the trade fair for Smart Production.
“This new product is the result of the expertise of the Zeiss core disciplines of metrology and photography,” said Andreas Klavehn, director of Virtual Media Devices at Zeiss.
From product presentation in online shops to realistic representations in games and training applications based on augmented reality, 3D technology is assuming an important role across communication media and in consumers’ daily lives. 
Klavehn added: “With RealScan, Zeiss already has the key to the presentation and documentation methods of tomorrow. 3D representations are a whole new and sophisticated take on classic product photos. They are therefore of particular interest for the product industry, online retailers and product manufacturers.”
The scanner is engineered to capture an object in 3D in a precise and photorealistic way. Unlike with two-dimensional scans, it’s not enough to simply capture color points and accurately replicate them. Consequently, Zeiss developed its own, patented algorithm just to capture the spatial position of an object’s surface points. According to Klavehn, the RealScan cloud is where “digital data [is created], i.e., three-dimensional copies or ‘digital twins’ of the scanned objects. The Zeiss RealScan thus creates a neutral, objective version of reality—with all its details.”
Whether made of wood, leather, plastic or foods, any object can be reproduced with its tiny surface and material details. “Special details such as those on delicious crusty bread, plush leather shoes, the fine pores of a wooden bowl or the intricate design of a plastic surface are no problem for the Zeiss RealScan,” claimed Klavehn. 
“When combined with classic electronic image creation and processing (computer-generated imagery, CGI), the Zeiss RealScan opens up whole new creative possibilities. Not only does it cut down on lengthy modeling work, it also creates new possibilities for reproducing complex surfaces.”
Zeiss RealScan Process
Zeiss plans to market the scanner as a tool for use in retail and industry. It will also target museums and scientific environments. Furthermore, the company offers two versions of the RealScan, as well as the required hardware and software directly. The devices and software are part of Zeiss’s rental service.
RealScan’s software guides the user through the scanning process. Right after the scan, the software reproduces the 3D model in the Zeiss RealScan cloud. At the end of the process, data is available that can be used as well as edited in the standard .obj format. The price of the resulting scanned 3D model will vary depending on the object. Customers can also send the object to the Zeiss Scan Center for scanning.
