The 3D scanning system will allow full-face capture from a single scan to provide data to support the provision of customised eyewear. Poor fitting glasses can result in misalignment of the lenses with the eyes, a problem which can cause discomfort and dissatisfaction to customers.
Fuel3D says its disruptive technology enables rapid capture of high resolution 3D images to deliver solutions that are both cost-effective and easy-to-use. The company’s proposed eyewear solution combines pre-calibrated stereo cameras with photometric imaging to instantly capture and process a 270° 3D scan of a customer’s face to enable accurate measurements to be taken. The system compensates for movement and blinking by capturing the 3D data in under 0.1s.
Stuart Mead, CEO of Fuel3D, said: “We believe that the eyewear sector will benefit greatly from the advances we have made in fast, measurable 3D image capture, and we are looking forward to building a system that will help set new fitting standards and revenue models in the industry.”
The first year of the project will see Fuel3D develop a prototype system. The second year will move towards manufacturing the final product and also include work with partners in the eyewear sector to integrate with third-party systems, including those designed to support custom-fitting of eyewear or ‘virtual try-on’ solutions.
To help ensure the success of the project, the company is building an advisory panel of industry experts from opticians to eyewear manufacturers. This panel will be instrumental in providing sector-specific knowledge that will drive the development of the system.
Fuel3D’s project manager, Alex McGrath said: “We have already had many interesting conversations with eyewear industry leaders and the formalisation of our advisory panel will help us progress towards defining new standards in both technology and customer service.”
