CEA-Leti creates interactive modeling tool for presenting urban-planning projects

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: CEA-Leti has designed and created a unique 3D interactive-modeling tool, based on a new user interface that could change the way urban-planning projects are presented.

The HIRAM (Humanities, Innovation and Research in the service of Mediation Architecture) modelling tool, which is based on recommendations by architects and urban planners, makes it possible to turn a town-planning model into an interactive platform. The physical tool consists of an interactive table holding the plan of the urban area under consideration and 3D pieces: some fixed, representing existing buildings, and some movable, representing future, planned buildings.

By moving the movable pieces around, it is possible to simulate the footprint of new buildings in the urban landscape. In addition, textures can be applied to these new buildings with an RFID “brush,” and the results displayed on a screen.

A small camera, which can be moved around inside the model, enables viewers to take a virtual walk in the scene and see a “human-height” view on the screen, to view perspectives, for example. An additional device allows fast setting of the time of the day, in order to simulate the actual shadows of the buildings inside the model.

In an additional unique feature, the physical model is created using a 3D printer, thus demonstrating the relevance of rapid technological prototyping tools.

This practical equipment innovation is possible because of the integration of RFID and motion sensor technologies, which are strong features of our technology portfolio. These innovations also show the appeal of the RFID/motion-capture combination for these uses, and pave the way for a whole range of new tangible interactions.

The specifications of this modeling tool have been published by CEA-Leti technologists on the basis of a set of practical requirements arising from working sessions with architects and town planners. This approach illustrates the two-pronged technology-push and user-pull process applied within the User-Centred Innovation Laboratory at CEA-Leti. The lab seeks to anticipate the impact of the anticipated arrival of new technologies, so it can be the first to manufacture truly innovative devices that goes beyond the explicit requirements of users.

HIRAM can be seen in the CEA/Grenoble showroom, where CEA-Leti is making initial contacts for marketing this type of modelling tool.