3d Scanning questions

[rabidious]

I'm interested in doing some 3d scanning. Converting real life objects into 3d using a camera, flat laser, and software. There are models and software already built to do this type of thing however they cost between 3,000 and 20,000 dollars usually. There is no way that taking an image from a camera and converting it to 3d can possibly cost 20,000 dollars. Some one please tell me the secret here. I've looked around and found some really nice programs some of which said that they were made by colleges. However there are some ads saying that it is spam and also I could not personaly get the program to work on the first shot my self. However there are a variety of programs that "only require" a printed out checker board and a camera better or worse connected to the computer to create some form of a model. Usually they are small like a stuffed animal. Scanning people into 3d is important also. This is the hardest forum there is so if there is an answer it is going to come from here. Please give me some info.

Here are some web pages related to 3d scanners and 3d scanning.

Hardware:
https://www.nextengine.com/
http://www.4ddynamics.com/
http://www.creaform3d.com/en/handyscan3d/products/default.aspx


Software:
http://www.david-laserscanner.com/
http://mi.eng.cam.ac.uk/~qp202/
http://www.vi3dim.com/

 

[Whatsisname]

Yes, it really does cost that much. The reason is because the development of the software to power it requires a large amount of research from people who's time is very expensive, and it requires sensitive, accurate devices.