September 27th, 2006
3D-Seek demos shape search engine
Imaginistics introduced a shape search engine for buyers and seller of manufactured parts at DemoFall 2006 called 3D-Seek (Internet Explorer only). Users sketch or upload a shape of a part in the 3D-Seek application, and the image is indexed and made available for search, according to Nainesh Rathod, CEO of Imaginestics. 3D-Seek uses shape matching technology, first developed by Purdue University’s Precise Lab, to compare drawings to a database of parts submitted by participating suppliers. 3D-Seek also accepts text input for searches. The ad-supported service is free to searchers and parts suppliers, who can upload parts images and catalogs to the search engine.
Dan Farber, editor-in-chief of CNET News.com, has more than 20 years of experience as an editor and journalist covering technology. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
