A handheld environment scanner released by Default Industrial Tools and Manufacturing in YE 46. It offers a comprehensive set of scanning and analysis capabilities that allow its user/s to better understand the environments that they are in.

The development of the “EnviroPro” Environment Scanner by Default Industrial Tools and Manufacturing stemmed from a vision to provide explorers, researchers, and scientists with an advanced and all-in-one tool for comprehensive environmental scanning and analysis. Starting in YE 43, Default recognized the need for a compact and portable device that could gather a wide range of essential data, enabling users to make informed decisions and advancements in their respective fields.

The inspiration behind the Environment Scanner can be traced back to a series of job surveys conducted by Default's team of engineers and inspectors. These surveys took them to various challenging and diverse environments, from unexplored planets to deep oceanic depths. During these expeditions, the team encountered numerous obstacles and realized the limitations of existing scanning technologies. They recognized the need for a versatile device that could integrate multiple functionalities into one convenient package.

Motivated by their experiences, Default assembled a team of top-notch engineers, designers, and scientists to embark on the ambitious project of developing the Environment Scanner. The goal was to create a device that could surpass the capabilities of existing scanners, providing a comprehensive set of features for environmental analysis while maintaining a compact and user-friendly design.

Years of research, development, and rigorous testing went into perfecting the Environment Scanner. Default's dedicated team collaborated with leading experts in sensor technologies, data processing, and miniaturization to achieve their vision. The result was a groundbreaking device that combined cutting-edge sensors, advanced algorithms, and a user-friendly interface, all encapsulated in a sleek and durable package.

Default continues to refine and enhance the Environment Scanner, incorporating user feedback and integrating the latest advancements in sensor technologies. The company remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of environmental scanning and analysis, empowering individuals to unravel the mysteries of the universe and make groundbreaking discoveries.

The EnviroPro Environment Scanner is a simple looking device consisting of a pistol-like grip with a webcam-like scanner on top of it. A simple thumb control allows the user to navigate its menus and readings, which are projected via a simple volumetric display. The “camera” part of the webcam is positioned to the front of the unit, glowing a faint yellow-orange while in use.

The EnviroPro is designed for comprehensive environmental scanning and analysis. Combining advanced sensor technologies with advanced processing capabilities, the Environment Scanner provides explorers, researchers, and scientists with a versatile tool for gathering essential information about various environments and devices.

The scanner boasts a compact and ergonomic design, ensuring ease of use and portability during expeditions or fieldwork. Its sleek and durable casing is constructed using high-quality materials, providing protection against the rigors of demanding environments. The user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make operating the Environment Scanner a straightforward and efficient experience.

The Environment Scanner is equipped with a wide array of sensors, enabling it to capture and analyze multiple aspects of the environment. This makes it an indispensable tool for explorers, scientists, and researchers across various fields. Whether conducting geological surveys, assessing the habitability of planets, or examining ancient artifacts, this device empowers users with a wealth of vital information to support their endeavors.

Its primary functions include:

• Topological Data: The EnviroPro utilizes advanced optical depth-sensing technology, such as LIDAR and infrared sensors, to generate precise three-dimensional topological data of the scanned environment. The effective range for topological data scanning is up to 3,000 meters without the assistance of outside computers, allowing for a detailed understanding of the layout, contours, and physical features of an area. With the assistance of an external computer to handle the large stream of data, the range extends up to the curvature of the planet/planetoid.
• Chemical Analysis: The EnviroPro incorporates optical spectrometry sensors that allow it to identify and analyze various chemicals present in the surroundings. This capability is particularly useful for detecting hazardous substances and evaluating air quality in a limited but effective capacity. The effective range for chemical analysis is within 500 meters, requiring proximity for accurate detection.
• Electrical Activity Detection: The EnviroPro includes compact electromagnetic field (EMF) sensors capable of detecting and analyzing electrical activity (fields) in the environment. The effective range for detecting electrical activity is approximately 5 to 10 meters, making it suitable for assessing electrical infrastructure and identifying nearby energy sources.
• Electromagnetic Resonance Field: In addition to its optical sensors, the EnviroPro generates an electromagnetic resonance field that extends up to 10 meters beyond the device. This field interacts with the environment, providing detailed information that is not visible through optical methods alone. The field appears as a faint, shimmering effect, shifting colors based on what it interacts with. For example, metallic objects cause a blue hue, while organic materials might create a greenish tint. The resonance field is capable of detecting:
  • Material Density and Composition: By interacting with the molecular structure, the field can determine the density and composition of materials, useful for identifying different elements and substances.
  • Energy Signatures: It can detect latent energy sources, electromagnetic activity, and power networks, making it effective for diagnosing electrical faults even behind non-EMP shielding.
  • Subsurface Features: The field can identify features just below the surface, such as buried cables, pipes, or root systems.
  • Structural Integrity: Measuring variations in resonance feedback allows the scanner to estimate the integrity of materials, helping to assess structural stability.

With its diverse range of built-in scanners, the Environment Scanner can gain additional functionality through software updates, customizations, and connections to external modules.

While scanning, a white box will be placed around whatever it believes to be the scanning target on the device's display. Users can use the directional pad to change this to another target. While scanning, the device collates and interprets the data to present it to the user in what it believes to be the most useful form.

If the scanner thinks that the user is attempting to scan a mountain range, it will automatically present its topological data with composition and other datapoints on the sides of its presentation. The same is true for biological scans, and so forth. Additional presentation types can be selected by clicking the directional pad in a different direction. If remotely connected to the scanner, the user (with the use of software) can provide more fine tuned control over how it processes information.

All data collected by the scanner can be made available to any HUDs, tablets, or other local devices connected to it. While it can provide finished products which the user can act upon, the device also can output raw data for the user to process themselves.

The EnviroPro's volumetric projector creates a screen in three size varieties. The default mode is a small presentation format with dimensions of 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.25 mm. A medium sized volumetric projection of 254x221x125 mm. The last is similar to a curved 30“ monitor.

Each of these “screens” are made of warm, digital orange colors, with varying saturation. Other colors will be used for emphasis, readability, and so on, but they are not “true color” screens. This makes the data easier to understand in the field, preserves battery life, and helps to keep costs manageable.

The EnviroPro Environment Scanner can provide analysis of things that are within visual range, with the fidelity and accuracy of the analysis improving based on material composition, depth, and distance. Some materials resist scanning more than others and may prevent accurate assessment of the material or anything behind it.

The time required to complete different types of scans varies based on the complexity of the target and environmental conditions:

• Topological Data: Scanning a large area, such as a mountain range, can take anywhere from several minutes to half an hour, depending on the level of detail required and the range of the scan. A basic topological overview might take just a few minutes, while high-fidelity mapping could require extended scanning. Mounting to a tripod can reduce time needed by half.
• Chemical Analysis: Determining the composition of an unidentified chemical in the surroundings can take approximately 30 seconds to 5 minutes after its initial scan. The analysis requires enough surface air for the optical spectrometer to work such as solids and liquids.
• Electrical Activity Detection: Scanning and analyzing an electrical field, especially one that is shielded or has significant interference, can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Analyzing an electrical field behind EMP shielding might take up to an hour to gain accurate insights.
• Electromagnetic Resonance Field Scans:
  • Material Density and Composition: Scanning for material density and composition typically takes between 10 to 30 seconds, depending on the complexity of the material and environmental conditions. Longer scans can yield more accurate results.
  • Energy Signatures: Detecting energy signatures takes up to 30 seconds, particularly if there is significant interference or overlapping fields. Analysis can take a significantly longer time, with 5 minutes being the average for most common types of energy.
  • Subsurface Features: Identifying subsurface features, such as buried cables or root systems, may require up to 5 minutes. The least accurate scan results (detecting the presence but not details), takes 15 seconds however.
  • Structural Integrity: Assessing the structural integrity of materials can take between 10 to 15 minutes, especially in complex environments where multiple readings are required for accuracy. Brief scans of 15 seconds can yield basic information.

The majority of a user's interactions with the scanner are done through a simple directional pad. Users can push the button in to select or toggle it in any direction, with a small hardware preference for the four primary directions¹⁾.

The EnviroPro's onboard AI attempts to make navigating its menus simple, without betraying user expectations built up by experience using the tool. Recommended options are presented on the up/down commands, while normal navigation is largely done through left/right commands.

Interaction can also be performed through gesture controls with the volumetric display, allowing the user to pinch, pull, and so on, to get a better view of the available data. The user may also have direct control via wireless (or wired) connection if they posses some sort of neural computer such as a digital mind.

The EnviroPro Environment Scanner supports a variety of modules and extensions to extend its functionality, connected through its wireless (or wired) capabilities. Some examples include:

Developed by Ryu Keiretsu, the RHI-U1-1A module allows the scanner to analyze soil composition and density by drilling small, controlled bores into the ground. The boring tool collects samples that can be analyzed for various parameters, such as mineral content, moisture level, and compaction. This module is especially useful for geological surveys and determining soil suitability for construction or agriculture. It can bore up to 5 meters into the surface.

The AE-U1-1A module developed by Advancer Enterprises is designed to be submerged in bodies of water to analyze the quality and composition of the water. This extension allows the user to gather data on pH levels, contaminants, dissolved oxygen, and other important parameters, making it invaluable for environmental studies and ensuring safe water supplies.

This AE-U2-1A extension provides enhanced radiation detection capabilities, measuring gamma, beta, and alpha radiation levels in the environment. It is particularly useful in areas with potential radioactive contamination or for studying cosmic radiation in space exploration.

The NRM-U1-1A module developed by Nepleslian Research and Manufacturing allows the scanner to detect and analyze vibrations and tremors in the ground, providing valuable information for assessing the stability of structures or identifying seismic activity. This can be particularly useful for early warning systems or evaluating construction sites.

An optional power module produced by Default Industrial Tools and Manufacturing that extends the operational time of the scanner by providing additional battery capacity. This is ideal for long expeditions or extended periods of data collection without access to charging facilities.

Whisper created this article on 2021/03/08 08:27. Demibear further edited and submitted the article for submission with Whisper's permission.

This article was approved by Andrew on 2024/10/14.²⁾