Synthonics Unit Advances Scanning Technology

Synthonics Technologies of Westlake Village has formed RapidScan LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary that will develop rapid-processing three-dimensional scanners. Products from the new subsidiary are expected to be introduced during the second quarter of 1997.

The scanners are intended for use by design engineers, graphic designers, animators, game developers and other software programmers creating multimedia applications and virtual-reality environments.

“The applications for RapidScan’s workstation peripherals are virtually endless,” said Charles Palm, chief technology officer for Synthonics.

Company officials said RapidScan scanners are expected to reduce the production costs for image-intensive applications by at least 75%.

The scanners will incorporate Synthonics’ proprietary 3-D image-creation technology known as “rapid virtual reality.” The high-tech system is designed for use in personal computer and Internet applications and to recreate 3-D models of photographed objects or environments.

RapidScan LLC initially will be housed at Synthonics headquarters.