Architectural endoscopy is an imaging technology that allows realistic views of a scale architectural model to be created, using analog equipment.
Architectural endoscopy attempts to solve the problems encountered by many people who find the visualization of architectural plans difficult, if not impossible. Often these views provided by architectural endoscopy are superior to computer renderings due to more realistic lighting and colour rendition. An endoscope connected to a video camera allows for the creation of walkthroughs, allowing the public to share and critique the architect's vision of proposed buildings and cities.
This term "endoscopy" reflects a certain procedure or action connected with observing inner spaces. As far as architecture is concerned they can be both interiors of residential and civil buildings and interior territories of complex industrial enterprises, settlements, neighbourhoods in towns. And of course we speak about not yet existing structures, but those which are only being projected which are usually represented in the form of two-dimensional drawings, pseudo-three-dimensional computer models on the computer display or three-dimensional small-scale models. It is here that the endoscope can help to solve the task of analysing objects under projection, imitating future real conditions (observation points, foreshortenings, trajectories of movement). If we understand this term in this way it becomes unimportant which instrument is used to solve these tasks, though historically as earlier they usually mean work with a periscope device at a small-scale model.
The present development of video and computer technologies makes possible the next step to the increase of reality of perception of the object being projected, enabling others to see it in a real video environment. There appears a procedure called 'video simulation', in which 'endoscopy' is integrated as a special subtechnology, providing a correct combination of scales and placing the model in real video environment.
Below we shall touch possible employments of video simulation in projecting activity not forgetting at the same time that they are based on 'endoscopy'. Some years ago the trends of video simulation development, including architectural endoscope, were analysed on the base of questionnaires, sent by the European Architectural Endoscopy Association, whose member is the Laboratory of Videosystem of the State Academy - Moscow Architectural Institute. The following question was analysed: which equipment is good for solving various problems in the field of spatial simulation and is used really? The analysis is based on 176 answers from 29 countries.
26% of respondents have endoscopes at their disposal, one half of them possesses also mechanical devices, making it possible to move inside the model an optical system, connected with a video system (imitation of movement). 53% have devices for connecting various video equipment with a computer. 60% of respondents employ various video equipment. About one half of respondents have camcorders and 16% miniature video-cameras; 30% have assembly equipment. It is possible to mention the following arguments in favour of video simulation: availability, simplicity and a purely psychological factor of perception of the image on the television screen, as a real one. This method's advantage is the employment in it traditionally executed small-scale models.
If you analyse them on telemaketoscope it contributes to the development of spatial thinking, which is very important in the process of teaching. Telemaketoscope makes it to get an image quickly and combine different functions (presentations, testing, correcting, etc.) as well as provides a greater degree of reliability. In a complex architectural designing it can turn out especially useful to create videofragments by means of telemaketoscope. There exist didactic arguments for modeling (teaching, possibility of 'thinking' by means of hands). In any case working models can be created and be changes by a cheap easy to use and quick method. Three possible versions of employing methods of modeling were analysed. 48% of respondents indicated that the methods of spatial modelling are used for getting information before creation of the project ('defining users requirements'), and 50% during work at the project. 17% use the above mentioned methods to appreciate the project after its competition. The method of spatial modelling with the employment of video techniques and endoscope are used for the search of the solution by means of visualisation (illustration for discussing), of the analysis of the impression of the image, presentation and appreciation of comparative variants and experiments, testing of alternative projects. Easiness of perceiving the presented objects by an unprofessional person deserves special attention. As for combined employment of various methods users mark the following combinations: animation (imitation of movement) multimedia, simulation (of a real videofilm) computer architectural modelling (combination of CAD and modelling). Combination of methods of endoscopic presentation with computer stimulation and superpositioning on real images become more and more important. Concise analysis video simulation is based on devices intended for viewing models. These devices have been constantly improved lately due to modernisation of 'viewing' appliances, based in particular on endoscopy, coordinate devices controlled in many cases by means of a personal computer, which contributes to provident detail and real perception in movement by the user of architectural objects which are being projected. The main task of this field is to analyse 'realistic of character' of simulated architectural proposal in existing surroundings by means of the technology mentioned above. A theory has been worked out based on studying movement and the object of perception -- 'time, movement and architecture' (H.Stenors, S. Aura -Finland).
Merits of video simulation and in particular endoscopy are as follows:
The main centres that are occupied with this problem are:
and a number of others.
When using mainly similar techniques each centre carries out research characterised by individual direction.