Prototype of Glove-Type 3D Scanning Device "3D SCAN GLOVE - IZUII" Announced

IZUTSUYA Inc. (Headquarters: Shintomi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter "IZUTSUYA"), the operator of the 3D data platform "3Dasset.io" (https://3dasset.io/), has developed a prototype of a glove-type 3D scanning device called "3D SCAN GLOVE - IZUII (Izu Two)" that is worn on the hand. This prototype was created in collaboration with NY-based artist GEOFF and street artist BOCKY, and is being announced as a prototype that allows users to experience the expressive power of 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS), the latest 3D scanning format.

An Approach to "Godspeed" Capture with a Glove

3D scanning, especially 360-degree capture, varies greatly in difficulty depending on the shooting environment. In locations where it is difficult to bring large and heavy camera equipment, or in harsh environments where accurate shooting data must be acquired within a limited time, the setup of the equipment itself has been a major hurdle.

3D SCAN GLOVE - IZUII tackles this challenge with the concept of "wearing it on your hand." By simply wearing the glove and moving your hand, you can capture the subject all at once. No elaborate setup is required, and your body's movements become the camera work. Compared to the conventional style of holding handheld equipment and retaking shots multiple times, this device has the potential to acquire a large amount of material in a short time even in harsh environments, presenting a new approach to 3D scanning.

Photos from test shooting of the 3D SCAN GLOVE - IZUII prototype

This prototype is designed for single-hand use, but the official version is intended for dual-hand operation. By capturing the subject as if sandwiched between cameras worn on each hand, it will be possible to acquire twice the number of angles at once, completing scans at a speed that is truly "lightning fast" – that is the envisioned outcome.

Collaboration with Artists GEOFF × BOCKY

3D SCAN GLOVE - IZUII is not just a product, but an "art piece" and "entertainment." We collaborated with two artists because we want more people to experience scanning while having fun and archiving 3D scanning and culture itself in the process.

GEOFF

GEOFF

An artist based in NY. In addition to producing video and projection work, he is active as a rapper and musician. He has organized art x technology events for over 20 years and performed hundreds of times worldwide.

BOCKY

BOCKY

Immersed in the world of street art through anime, manga, games, and Shibuya culture, which he encountered in his teens. Moved by the free and rough worldview that needs no words, he engages in live painting activities based in and around Tokyo with the theme of "play." He values the inspiration felt in space and expresses works that can only be created at that moment and in that place. In 2019, he established the art brand "AFRICAN TOYS and SWITCH BOMB." He began selling wood carvings made in Africa and soft vinyl figures made in Japan, and is now involved in representing the works of soft toy creators worldwide, including integrated production up to coloring. He is currently disseminating his original POP characters in various styles regardless of borders. He cherishes various works born from free expression and values human connections in his activities.

By creating with these two individuals who understand both art and technology, the device has expanded from a "tool to use" to an "expression to wear and enjoy."

Deliberately Choosing a "Glass of Water" as the Subject – What 3DGS Can Do

For this prototype, we deliberately chose a glass of water, one of the most difficult subjects for scanning. It is said to be difficult because it is transparent and has a symmetrical object with few distinguishing features (in this case, leaves were floated to make it easier to extract feature points).

3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) has a major advantage in that it can scan transparent objects, which have been difficult for previous 3D scanning methods. It can realistically reproduce transparent textures like glass and water, as well as how light passes through and reflects. We chose a glass as the subject to most clearly convey the expressive power unique to 3DGS.

3DGS data converted from data released on 3Dasset.io

We have released data on 3Dasset.io that was automatically converted to 3DGS from 360-degree scans of the subject using the prototype we developed. You can browse it smoothly even from a smartphone browser, so please try moving it yourself to see how a transparent glass and water are represented in 3DGS.

3D SCAN GLOVE - IZII Prototype Shooting Data

*This data was generated from test shooting with the prototype "3D SCAN GLOVE - IZII" currently under development. The accuracy is still under development and does not represent the highest quality at this time. We are prioritizing the new attempt of "3DGS of transparent objects with a glove-type device" over its perfection. We will refine the accuracy based on the lessons learned here.

It's Still a Prototype. Let's Aim for a More Optimal Form, Towards a New Frontier!!!

3D SCAN GLOVE - IZUII is still a prototype. The current limitation of "single-hand use" is, conversely, a commitment to the next step. Based on the knowledge gained here, we will refine it into a more optimal form that is easier to shoot and has higher accuracy, including evolution towards dual-hand operation. We will evolve step by step, enjoying the process of improvement and valuing detours and side trips.

Furthermore, starting with this collaboration with GEOFF and BOCKY, we plan to collaborate with more artists and companies in the future. We will expand the experience of "enjoying and archiving" 3D scans and culture from both the device and the platform 3Dasset.io. The captured 3DGS data can be consistently archived, viewed, embedded, and sold on 3Dasset.io, enhancing its value as digital archives utilizing blockchain technology.

If you are interested in collaboration or other partnerships, please feel free to contact us.

About the 3D Data Platform "3Dasset.io"

3Dasset.io (https://3dasset.io/) is a platform that allows you to archive, view, embed, and sell 3D data, including 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS), the latest 3D scanning format. It supports multi-format 3DGS and is lightweight enough to be viewed comfortably on smartphones. From buildings and cultural assets to everyday objects like the one in this example – we aim to be an infrastructure for 3D asset creation and preservation for the future.