Applications with integrated capture
Embodiments include a system for integrating capture software functionality into other software applications including computer aided design (CAD) application, search application, database management application, email applications, network publishing applications, collaboration applications, copying and facsimile applications, manufacturing applications and similar programs. A user may utilize any of these applications to initiate a capture of an image or model. The applications may include an integrated capture functionality or message system to communicate with a capture application to initiate a capture. A separate or integrated conversion application may automatically be invoked to convert and return the image or model to the requesting application.
1. A system comprising:
a capture module to drive a capture unit to capture three-dimensional (3D) data about a physical object;
a fabrication module capable of producing a physical solid model; and
a transfer module integrated with the capture module to allow substantially automated transfer of information derived from the 3D data from the capture module to the fabrication module to produce the model.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the capture unit further captures an image of a surface of the physical object.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the transfer module comprises a distributed network interface to connect a first location to a second location to enable the capture in the first location and the production of the model in the second location.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the capture module and fabrication module are integrated to allow a user to initiate the capture from within the fabrication module.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the capture module and fabrication module are integrated to allow a user to launch the capture module from within the fabrication module.