In the trenchesPortable 3d map-maker developed
UC Berkeley researchers develop a backpack system containing cameras, lasers, and inertial sensors which can be carried around indoors and generate a detailed, accurate 3D map of the spaces it moves through
Good news for first responders and soldiers in urban settings. Research funded by the U.S. military has developed a backpack system containing cameras, lasers, and inertial sensors which can be carried around indoors and generate a detailed, accurate 3D map of the spaces it moves through.
“We have also developed novel sensor fusion algorithms that use cameras, lasers range finders and inertial measurement units to generate a textured, photo-realistic, 3D model that can operate without GPS input and that is a big challenge,” says Dr. Avideh Zakor, lead engineer on the device.
“It is typical of the work that Professor Zakhor has done for the [U.S. military research labs] over the years, that she meets these challenges head-on, and in most cases solves the problem,” says Dr. Jon Sjogren of the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, which contributed funding to the project.
Evan Selleck reports in SlashGear that the backpack could be used to create accurate 3D models of buildings or underground tunnel complexes, which are difficult to map accurately using conventional tools such as satellite navigation — the signals of which can not penetrate indoors or underground.
“We have already generated 3D models of two stories of the electrical engineering building at U.C. Berkeley, including the stairway and that is a first,” says Zakhor.
