Abstract:
An apparatus for depicting contour lines on the surfaces of a model, the apparatus comprising a bed for supporting the model, and at least one laser for projecting a plane of light at a predetermine height from the bed. A method of depicting contour lines on surfaces of a model, the method comprising projecting a plurality of planes of light in spaced relation over the surface of a support to illuminate contour lines on objects on the surface that break the planes of light.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 60/260,295, filed Jan. 8, 2001 now abandoned, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a device and method for visualizing the contours and surfaces of land and buildings. 
   Modeling is frequently used in architecture to depict what a particular building and surrounding area will look like. However, even when the model is accurately made, it can still be difficult to visualize contours and relative heights of features, particularly features that are separated by appreciable differences. More basically, it can be difficult to properly construct a model that accurately depicts surfaces and contours. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a device that assists accurately making models and helps those viewing models to understand the relationships between the surfaces and contours of the objects depicted in the model. The present invention also relates to a method of constructing models, and displaying models in manner that makes it easier to understand the relationships between the surfaces and contours of the objects depicted in the model. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a Laser System for use in the apparatus and method of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a vertical cross sectional view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for making and viewing models in accordance with the principles of this invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for making and viewing models in accordance with the principles of this invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of a third embodiment of an apparatus constructed according to the principles of this invention; 
       FIG. 4   a  is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus, taken along the plane of any of the lines  4   a — 4   a  in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 4   b  is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along the plane of any of the lines  4   b — 4   b  in  FIG. 4   
       FIG. 4   c  is an enlarged partial vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along the plane of line  4   c — 4   c  in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 4   d  is a partial perspective view of the window in the laser compartment  310 ; 
       FIG. 4   e  is a front elevation view of the window; 
       FIG. 4   f  is an enlarged plan view of the laser compartment, showing supports for supporting three lasers at three different heights; 
       FIG. 4   g  is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing the removable attachment of the lid; 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus constructed according to the principles of this invention; 
       FIG. 5   a  is a partial vertical cross sectional view of the apparatus taken along the plane of line  5   a — 5   a  in  FIG. 5 ; 
       FIGS. 6   a  through  6   e  are models of various land shapes that can be placed into the apparatus of this invention, to illustrate the appearance of contour lines on various shapes; and 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a model section of roadway that can be placed into the apparatus of this invention, to illustrate the appearance of contour lines on a roadway; 
       FIG. 7A  is a transverse cross-sectional view of the roadway; 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The apparatus of this invention comprises a substantially horizontal bed, surrounded by generally vertical walls created a space in which a model can be created and viewed. The apparatus includes equipment for projecting planes of light across the space, at different heights from the bed. These planes of light strike the model built in the space at different heights, revealing the relative heights and contours of the surfaces of the model where the light planes strike the model. 
   A system  20  for generating the planes of light for a plurality of modeling apparatus (three as shown in  FIG. 1 ) is shown schematically in FIG.  1 . The system  20  comprises a laser source  22 , which may be a single source of a single beam, which as shown can be later split, or multiple sources of singles beams, which eliminate the need for a splitter. In the latter case, the multiple sources can each be of the same color, but are preferably of different colors (e.g., red., green, blue, green) so that adjacent beams can be distinguished from each other. The laser source  22  is preferably one that can run on conventional house hold current, and has a power cord and plug adapted to be connected to a conventional electric socket. 
   Where the laser source  22  provides a single beam B, a splitter  24  can be provided to split the single beam B into a plurality (four as shown in  FIG. 1 ) of vertically spaced beams. The beams output from the splitter  24  may be fixed at a pre-selected spacing, or the spacing between the beams can be adjustable. While the beams generated by the splitter  24  are preferably evenly spaced, the spacing between the beams could be made variable to facilitate the visualization of shallow slopes. 
   The beams from the laser source  22 , or the beams from the splitter  24 , are distributed by a plurality of mirrors prisms  26  positioned around the working area of the system  20  to a plurality of separate modeling apparatus. The mirrors or prisms  26  distribute the plurality of beams to defracting prisms  28  at each site, which spread the beams into fan shapes as illustrated. These fan shaped beams are delivered into each apparatus for projecting planes of light at different levels. The distribution of the laser light with the mirrors or prisms  26  and defracting prisms  28 , allows the spacing of the beams/planes of light to be quickly and easily adjusted for all of the apparatus at the source  22  or the splitter  24 . The positions and orientations of the prisms or mirrors  26 , and of the defracting prisms  28  are adjustable to allow the position and shape of the planes of light to be adjusted. 
   Sensors  30  can measure light to record the positions of objects between the defracting prism  28  and the sensor  30 . The sensors  30  can be simple light sensors, or the sensors can sense particular wave lengths/frequencies. There are leads  32  extend from sensors to connect to measuring, storage, and display devices. Each system can be surrounded by a reflecting perimeter walls, that help to establish a series of vertically spaced planes of high intensity colored light, which when a plane or planes are broken, form visible lines on the object breaking the planes, which reveal the position and slope of the objects in each apparatus. 
   A first embodiment of an apparatus constructed according to the principles of this invention is indicated as  100  in FIG.  2 . Apparatus  100  comprises a rectangular bottom  102  and four vertical sides  104 , defining a space  106 . The bottom  102  is preferably supported by legs  108  at a convenient height for working and viewing. Inside the space  106  is a generally horizontal rectangular bed  110  and four vertical walls  112 , spaced from the bottom  102  and the vertical sides  104 . The walls  112  are preferably transparent. A rotating laser source  114  is mounted in the bottom  102 , with a bracket  115  on the rotating laser source  114 , and having a flange for attachment to the bottom. A portion of the rotating laser source extends through an opening in the bottom  102 , into a space between the bottom  102  and the bed  110 . The rotating laser source  114  projects a beam horizontally  360 °. There are mirrors  116  mounted in the corners between the bottom  102  and the sides  104 . The mirrors  116  direct the beam from the laser  114  vertically upwardly in the space between the vertical sides  104  and the vertical walls  112 , on all sides of the bed  110 . There are a plurality of half-slivered mirrors  118  mounted in the space between the vertical sides  104  and the vertical walls  112 . The mirrors  118  are oriented at an angle so direct a portion laser beams horizontally, parallel to the bed  110  at different levels. Alternatively lenses, prisms, or some other means could be used in place of mirrors  116  and  118  to distribute the laser light into vertically spaced planes extending over the bed  110 . The planes are preferably evenly spaced, to display the contours of models build on the bed  110 , although the planes do not have to be evenly spaced. The spacing of the mirrors  118  can be made adjustable, to change the vertical spacing of the contour lines that are projected onto models on the bed  110 . 
   While the device is described as having a rectangular bottom  102  with four sides  104 , and a rectangular bed  110  and four vertical walls  112 , either or both of these structures should have some other shape, although the rectangular or square shape described herein is preferred for ease of construction and uniform distribution of planes of light. 
   A model building  120  can be built on the bed  110 , and sand or other material used to form the surface  122  of the ground surrounding the building. Contour lines appear on the surface of the model building  120  and the sand  122 , showing the relative heights of the various features modeled. The contour lines can also be used to facilitate making the model, placing the model building  120  and shaping the surface  122  of the ground surrounding the building. 
   A second embodiment of an apparatus constructed according to the principles of this invention is indicated as  200  in FIG.  3 . The apparatus  200  comprises a generally rectangular bed  202  and a set of four transparent inner walls  204  and a set of four opaque outer walls  206 . While the device is described as having a rectangular bed  202  with four inner walls  204  and four outer walls  206 , the apparatus could have some other shape, although the rectangular or square shape described herein is preferred for ease of construction and uniform distribution of planes of light. There is a space  208  inside the inner walls  204 , and a space  210  between the inner walls and the outer walls  206 , surrounding the space  208 . At least one laser source  212  is positioned in the space  208  between the inner walls  204  and outer walls  206 . The laser source  212  preferably provides a plurality of vertically spaced beams. Alternatively, there could be a plurality of vertically spaced laser sources that provide a plurality of vertically spaced beams, or beam splitters could be provided to provide a plurality of vertically spaced beams. 
   Prisms  214  in the space  210  direct the beams from the laser source or sources  212  around the workspace inside the inner walls. Prisms  216  in the space  210  fan the beams out, and directing the fanned beams inwardly through the inner walls  204  and into the space  208 . In this preferred embodiment wherein the bed  202  is rectangular, four prisms  214  can be provided, one in each corner, and two prisms  216  can be provided on opposites sides of the bed  202 . Of course, instead of prisms  214  and  216 , lenses, mirrors or some other device can be provided for distributing light around the space between the walls  204  and  206 , and for fanning beams of light through the walls  204  and across the bed  202 . 
   The inner walls  204  can be made transparent, as indicated above, or the inner walls can have transparent windows aligned with the prisms  216  to permit the fanned beams to be directed into the space  208 . The fanned beams create planes of light that form contour lines  222  on the surfaces in the space  208 . These contour lines help viewers to visualize the contours and surfaces. The contour lines  222  also help construct models in the space  208 . The outer wall  206  can have windows  218  therein, aligned with transparent portions of the inner walls, so that the model and the projected contour lines can be viewed from the sides. Index marks  220  can be provided adjacent the windows to shown the contour line spacing. A model, such as a building  224  and a contoured land surface  226 , can be built into the spaced, and the laser light forms a plurality of contour lines that reveal the shape and slope of the building  224  and land surface  226 . A plurality of pins  228  can be provided in spaced relation on the tops of the inner walls  204 ,  50  that strings  230  can be placed in a criss-crossing grid over space  208  to provide a frame of reference for constructing and/or interpreting the models assembled in the space  208 . The apparatus  200  can be supported at a convenient height for working/viewing by legs  232 . 
   A third embodiment of an apparatus constructed according to the principles of this invention is indicated as  300  in FIG.  4 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the apparatus  300  comprises bottom bed  302 , surrounded by sidewalls  304 ,  306 ,  308 , and  310 . A wall  312  extends parallel to one of the side walls  304 , dividing the apparatus into a workspace  314 , and a storage compartment  316 . A wall  309  forms a laser compartment  310  outside the workspace  314 . The storage compartment  316  can hold various equipment to be placed into the workspace  314 . The laser compartment  318  holds one or more lasers  320 . The lasers  320  are adapted to project a fan-shaped beam into the work space  314  at different heights from the bottom bed  302 . At least two of the walls surrounding the workspace  314  have mirrors  322  , and preferably at least three of the walls  304 ,  306 , and  308  have mirrors. The mirrors  322  reflect the fan-shaped laser beam, forming planes of laser light, which form contour lines 360° around surfaces that project from the bed  302 . 
     FIG. 4   a  is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus, taken along the plane of line  4   a — 4   a  in FIG.  4 . As shown in  FIG. 4   a , the bottom  302  fits in a dado in the lower portion of the walls  304 ,  306 ,  308 , and  310 . There is a rim  324  secured adjacent the top edge of the walls  304 ,  306 , and  308  that forms a shoulder  326  for supporting a lid  328 . The rim  324  also has a cutout  330  that engages the top of the mirrors  322  to hold them on the walls. L-shaped corner brackets  332  help hold the walls together. In addition, the joints between adjacent walls  304 ,  306 ,  208 , and  310  can be rabbetted. 
     FIG. 4   b  is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along the plane of line  4   b — 4   b  in FIG.  4 . As shown in  FIG. 4   b , the portion of the wall  312  between the laser compartment  318  and the workspace  314  has a window  334  therein, so that the lasers  320  in the laser compartment  318  can project their fan-shaped beams into the workspace  314 . 
     FIG. 4   c  is an enlarged partial vertical cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken along the plane of line  4   c — 4   c  in FIG.  4 . Three of the walls  304 ,  306 ,  308 , and  310  are preferably extend vertically higher than the fourth wall, and have groove  336  therein for receiving the edge margins of the lid  328 , so that the lid  328  can be slid into and out of the apparatus. In this preferred embodiment, walls  306 ,  308 , and  310  extend vertically above wall  304 , and have the groove  336 , the wall  308  being shown in  FIG. 4   c . A handle  318  is provided so that the apparatus  300  can be transported more easily. 
     FIG. 4   d  is a partial perspective view of the window  334  in the laser compartment  318 , that allows the fan shaped laser beams from the laser  320  to project into the work space  314 .  FIG. 4   e  is a front elevation view of the window  334 . As shown in  FIGS. 4   d  and  4   e , there is preferably a recess  338  on the workspace side of the widow  334 , which mounts a transparent plastic pane  340 . 
     FIG. 4   f  is an enlarged plan view of the laser compartment  310 , showing supports  320  for supporting lasers  312  at different heights so that the lasers project planes of light at different heights within the workspace  306 . 
     FIG. 4   g  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken along the plane of line  4   g — 4   g  in  FIG. 4 , showing the removable attachment of the lid  328 , for example with threaded fasteners  344  that screw into the top of the walls  314 . 
   A fourth embodiment of an apparatus constructed according to the principles of this invention is indicated as  400  in FIG.  5 . The apparatus  400  comprises a bottom bed  402 , and sidewalls  404 . Two inner sidewalls  406  divide the apparatus into a generally rectangular work space  408 , and a generally L-shaped utility space  410 . The portions of the side walls  404  and  406  forming the work space  408  preferably have mirrors  412  to reflect light. In the corner of the “L” shaped utility space, at least one, and preferably a plurality of lasers  414  are arranged to provide fan-shaped beams of light into the work space  408 . These beams reflect off the mirrors  412  forming planes of light at different heights within the work space. Small levels can be provided on the frame, and as shown in  FIG. 5   a , adjustable screw feet  416  can be provided to level the apparatus. A plurality of handles  418  can be provided on the outside of the apparatus for moving or transporting the apparatus. Other accessories can be provided in the “L” shaped utility apparatus. A drain  420  on the bottom bed  402  allows sand used in modeling to be removed from the work space  408 . 
   The lasers  414  create a plurality of planes of light, one of which is indicated generally as  422  in FIG.  5 . The plane  422  forms a line  424  where it intersects the surface of the model built in workspace  408 . The intersection of the next higher plane forms a line  426  where it intersects the surface of the model built in workspace  406 . Thus the contour lines  424  and  426  help show the contours of the surface, showing shapes and slopes.