DBLab develops 3D capture for car sales startup Tru

The system was developed to assist in the sale and purchase of used cars.

Using sensors already present on any smartphone, like the compass, gyroscope and accelerometer, plus masks specifically developed for each vehicle model, the image capture method developed by DB Innovation Lab allows the user of the application to generate a three-dimensional view of the car without the need to use expensive technologies.

With a pioneering technique in 360º photography in Brazil, the used car buyer can see all the details of the vehicle and make a conscious and fair purchase, knowing all its current features and conditions. This makes the process faster and more straightforward. What was once done only on the Tru station — a large car photo studio, now can be done wherever the advertiser is, by simply downloading the app.

The startup founders of the True came to DBLab looking for a way to enable the technique to be performed on any mobile phone. DBLab used isolated the problem and did several validation rounds. The capture method was finished just days after a streamlined Design Sprint process called internally as Design Shot. The main challenges during development were finding the best way of letting angles, distances and alignment with the constant horizon to produce a stable and fluid three-dimensional photograph. For this, the app uses masks to orient the user and achieve the best possible result. The first photo taken serves as the baseline to guide the user through. If the cellphone is not in the right orientation, the next picture cannot be taken until it is adjusted correctly.

The app Tru is already available in online stores for those who want to advertise their car easily and conveniently.