3D Designer Scott Klinker has demonstrated a prototype of a 3D photo booth.

The 3D Photo Booth (actually called The Icon vending machine) works by using a 3D scanner to get the image and then a 3D printer (no idea how that works) to produce a mini model of the subject (mini me springs to mind here). The model reminded me of Han Solo after he’d been carbonated.

It will be interesting to see if this unique sort of vending machine gets passed the prototype stage, if it does I’m sure we’ll start seeing them next to the obligatory penny flattening machines at every theme park.

Whilst writing this I though I’d do a bit of research on 3D printers, it turns out they’ve been around for a while as this report on the BBC website shows (2003) but with prices starting at around 30,000 you won’t be seeing them in the home just yet.

[www.scottklinker.com found via sensoryimpact.com]