An Indoor Mobile Scanning System with Multi-Controller

Abstract

Scanning an indoor environment has become a necessity in the various field of applications in Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) area. However, most of the available scanning systems are stationary, hence making the process of data collection more difficult, especially when dealing with the larger indoor area. Therefore, a mobile scanning system is developed here to handle the above issue. This paper will highlight the process of designing and developing the system. It has been adequately developed, where the design and suitable components were considered in order to make it able to carry a laptop which acts as the communicator with the suitable sensor that will scan the surroundings and a host personal computer (PC). Kinect sensor is used due to its advantages regarding workability and cost. The system is also equipped with an Android-based controller, connected to the platform via Bluetooth, which can be used to manoeuvre the mobile scanner using either auditory/voice or an arrow pad. Based on several experiments and testing conducted, the system can scan and display its surroundings in the 2D image and depth data. These are important in developing a suitable model representing the scanning area in the future. Both auditory and arrow pad controller is also working, where, by utilising an Android-based platform as the controller, the system is having the advantages of more freedom and beneficial compared to the existing mobile system without a similar controller.