Mobile Room Modeling with Laser Range Finder and Gesture Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating accurate room models, especially in smaller construction projects or DIY remodeling, are hindered by the expense and complexity of LIDAR systems and the insufficient accuracy of smartphone-based image processing techniques, which often require multiple people and lack precise measurements for irregularly shaped rooms and multi-room projects.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mobile electronic device with a range finder and a support member, allowing for precise measurements and generation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional room models using gesture inputs, inertial sensors, and camera-based data, enabling efficient and accurate modeling of rooms and multiple rooms by integrating laser range finding and image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR devices are used to generate detailed scans of a room, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into segments: a support member handles positioning and stabilization functions, while the mobile electronic device handles measurement and processing functions. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while achieving high measurement precision when used together.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary between the mobile electronic device and the room being measured. It provides a stable platform that enables the mobile device to achieve LIDAR-level precision without requiring a full LIDAR system, by mechanically stabilizing the measurement process.
2Device complexity
If smartphone-based image processing techniques are used to generate room models, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the capabilities of a mobile electronic device with the functional support of a dedicated support member. This combination allows the use of a simple smartphone or tablet while achieving measurement precision comparable to expensive LIDAR systems through the stabilized measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If multiple people are used to hold the tape measure for precise measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support member provides self-service by automatically maintaining the proper positioning and stabilization of the mobile electronic device during measurement. This eliminates the need for multiple people to manually hold and position the measuring device, as the support structure does this automatically.
4Measurement precision
If laser range finders are used for measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile electronic device serves multiple functions: it acts as the range finder, the display unit, the processing unit, and the storage device. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision, as one device performs what would traditionally require multiple specialized instruments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and accurate generation of precise room models and multi-room floor plans and 3D models, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by using a mobile device with a range finder and camera to capture dimensions and textures, suitable for a wide range of construction projects.
Implementation Method 1
laser detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices are used to generate detailed scans of a room from a fixed location using one or more lasers that scan the room
Implementation Method 2
using one or more lasers that scan the room in an automated manner
Implementation Method 3
software applications have been developed that attempt to produce models of a room using multiple photographs or video of the interior of the room
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for generating a floor plan of a room uses a mobile electronic device and a range finder to produce approximate and modified floor plans. The method includes receiving a plurality of strokes corresponding to walls in a room with a gesture input device, generating an approximate floor plan of the room based on the strokes, generating an approximate floor plan of the room with reference to the plurality of strokes, receiving an input gesture corresponding to one wall in the approximate floor plan of the room for measurement, receiving measurement data from a range finder corresponding to a dimension of the selected one wall, modifying the approximate floor plan with reference to the measurement data from the range finder, and generating with a display of the modified floor plan of the room.