Berkeley: Sensor Package Models Building Interiors
August 11th, 2010Shrink it down so that it fits on the remote controlled cyborg beetle.
Uhh, yeah.
Via: ABC:
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a laser backpack that scans its surroundings and creates an instant 3D model.
It can make video games more realistic and buildings more energy efficient. They are driving to discover a model of the whole world.
“Here’s a model of two floors of Corey Hall,” says Professor Zakhor. “This is the fourth floor and this is the third floor.”
It is the first model of an existing building, generated automatically, without human intervention. It is the work of a Cal Berkeley team led by Professor Avideh Zakhor.
Grad student Nicholas Corso dons a backpack brimming with lasers and cameras. As he hikes the hall, the lasers scan everything from floor to ceiling and the cameras capture a panorama.
“The idea,” explains Professor Zakhor, “is that you wear a backpack, you walk inside the building. You’re done. You push a button and out comes this model.”
The model is textured (covered) with the photographs.
My FAVORITE line – “So, without ever going anywhere, you can see what everybody’s interior looks like.” hmmm, really?