[photo-3d] Re: Solid 3D

["Michael Galazin" <RexLion@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob wrote:
"I worked for MSL, and we were the manufacturer of all Palm PDA Products.
When we required sample plastic frames, covers and other parts for a
proto run, we downloaded the CAD data into a solid modeler which created
a solid plastic part, exact in dimensions.
Granted, not a production process; this was for prototype parts. Think of
the possibility. You need a part for a stereo realist and you visit a web
site where you select the part and rather than print on paper, your
desktop solid modeler recreates the part for you."
- - - -

It seems like this technology would vastly reduce the cost of designing and
building a new, modern stereo camera.  The draftsman would draw the camera.
The modeler machine would make the outer case, with provision for attaching
standard, readily available lenses.  Many existing parts could be used for
the inside, including electronics.  Those parts which required modification
could be stamped or machined based on the drawings; the plastic modeler has
its cousin in the robotic milling machines which take instructions from the
drawing specs too.  We're talking fabrication and assembly here, not rocket
science.  A couple of hundred thousand dollars should get it off the ground,
not the millions mentioned a month or so earlier in these posts.  Forget
asking the big camera mfrs. to do it....this is better done by a small
specialty shop with various parts contracted out to other specialty shops
and some parts purchased "off the shelf" from a camera mfr.  IMO.  :)

In fact, if someone would like to hire me for, say, $50,000 a year and give
me a $250,000 startup budget, I bet I could have 300 units of a fully modern
stereo camera produced by the end of the first year, suggested retail price
under $1,000.  Breakeven as soon as they sell. Anybody got some dough?  :)

Best regards,

Mike Galazin