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Six new tools for today’s architects
By Deborah Snoonian, P.E.

The ID250’s surface is pressure-sensitive for pen input.

Sympodium ID250 Interactive Pen Display
SMART Technologies
www.smarttech.com
(for Windows and Mac)

This leading seller of interactive whiteboards has released its desktop-size display and presentation device with a smaller footprint and at a lower price. Aimed at educators and team leaders who want to capture digitally the results of design reviews, critiques, and other collaborative work, the ID250 allows users to make notations on CAD files, photos, or other computer images directly on the display’s pressure-sensitive screen. The device’s tethered pen requires no batteries or special maintenance, functioning much like a stylus that’s used to enter information into a handheld organizer. The ID250 can be connected to a larger monitor or screen so that others may view the work being done. Function buttons located at the bottom of the display can be programmed to access features of SMART’s proprietary Notebook software, as well as tools like an on-screen keyboard and toolset. Additional software packages that come with the ID250, SMART Board and SMART Ideas, contain tools for inserting audio, video, and text notes into existing digital media.

Faro’s Laser ScanArm can measure dimensions of physical models for digital analysis.

Laser ScanArm
Faro Technologies
www.faro.com

This device is a combined seven-axis laser-scanning measurement system—in English, this means it offers flexibility and portability. Designers and their collaborators can use the ScanArm to take the dimensions of physical models, or portions of buildings, for many different purposes (e.g., inspection, comparing physical data to CAD models, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering). Unlike similar instruments, the ScanArm’s hard probe (the portion of the device that touches an item being scanned) and laser scanner (which does not touch the item) are capable of taking measurements at the same time, saving users the hassle of grappling with attachments and cables. Its laser scanner measures more than 13,000 points per second. It comes equipped with software for analyzing the data, or “point clouds,” that are collected by the scanner; the point clouds can also be read by competiing software, such as Geomagic, PolyWorks, and Rapidform.

The AirGen Fuel Cell Generator, intended for residential use, makes electricity from hydrogen.

AirGen Fuel Cell Generator
Ballard Power Systems
www.ballard.com

This portable electricity generator is aimed (for now) at the Japanese residential market, where houses are smaller and energy costs higher than in many other parts of the world. Eventually, the company intends to manufacture them for North American and European markets. The AirGen is the first portable fuel cell suitable for indoor use. It makes electricity from separately sold canisters of hydrogen that snap onto the equipment and can be replaced during operation. As long as the canisters are attached, it can supply electricity indefinitely, and unlike gasoline- or other fuel-powered generators, it doesn’t create excess noise or emissions that must be controlled. Appliances, lights, and other devices that would normally be plugged into an electrical wall outlet can be connected to the generator instead. It can also be used as a backup power source. With its built-in surge protector to prevent brownouts or high-voltage spikes, this device—though aimed at the household market—is an attractive option for ensuring that critical systems like phone rooms and server closets stay up and running.

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