Digital Planet

The Digital Planet team investigates the technology behind home automation, talks to Czech researchers developing software that might allow people with hearing impairments to hear classic books and takes a 3D-trip through ancient wonders.
MAPPING ANCIENT BUILDINGS
What was it like to enter the Coliseum when the Roman Empire was at its height, or to take a peak into the great palaces of Babylon?
We have long been fascinated with the past and antiquity. But how true is our picture of that past, how accurate are the reconstructions and sketches of buildings and ruins?
For decades scientists have sought to use computing to bring some ancient buildings to life.
The refinement of their technique continues unabated. Recently, software and computer engineers have worked with archaeologists and historians to develop a system for creating faithful 3D models based on archaeological ruins and artefacts.
Ideally, the specialists would be able to go beyond mere surfaces of exteriors and interiors, and create an atmosphere of shade and lighting that would have existed at the time, with oil lamps or candles.
A team of scientists in the English Midlands have devoted several years' worth of programming and analysis to gain a more accurate picture of the past.
Gareth Mitchell talks to Alan Chalmers, Professor of Visualisation at the new Warwick Digital Laboratory.
HOME AUTOMATION
Researchers and developers have been showing off their latest gadgets, at Cedia, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association.
The huge gathering in London's docklands reveals the latest, state-of-the-art designs in home automation.
Historically, Cedia has specialised in installing electronic systems for the home that perhaps only the super wealthy could afford.
This year, one of the award categories was for the best Cinema Home Installation costing less than £20,000.
Such luxuries, on show at Cedia, have always been beyond the pocket of the average consumer.
Now, using internet protocols, researchers have been exploring more affordable means of home automation, in which hand held devices such as PDAs or mobile phones might activate everything from your house lights to your security cameras. Gareth Mitchell visits Cedia.