A little while back, I was discussing with my uncle and cousin an idea for a device to measure & model internal surfaces, storing and outputting them in digital 3D format - e.g. VRML/X3D, dxf, etc. I know you can get laser and infrared(?) 'tape measures' these days, but I was thinking of something a little more complex...
The SLE would combine 3 axis infrared or laser measurements - so the device knows exactly where it is in (internal) space at all times - and a 3 axis
digital spirit level, for accurate surface angle measurement. By scanning either automatically or at user-initiated reference points (press a button to add another point) the SLE can rapidly build an accurate 3D model of any internal space.
Combined with PC-based software, the SLE could quickly & efficiently:
- scan a room (or whole house) into a 3D modelling package. By combining
this with a menu-driven library of common domestic structures (e.g. in
PG's ISA), a close replica of the real room can be constructed.
- check a building for accessibility, e.g. wheelchair access, slopes,
etc.
Potential markets/users might include:
- Estate agents: 'clean house' viewing
- Construction: builders, fitters
- DIY: tie-in with stores, download product models to try in your virtual home
- Local government - building regulations, Health & Safety, etc.
I realise from past experience that I am never going to do anything about this, but that doesn't mean that someone else won't - or hasn't - and I'd really like to have one to play with if it ever gets built. N.B. this is not open season to spam me with DIY product ads!
Posted by lankyphil at April 13, 2004 06:04 PM | TrackBack