Tag: modules

How digital twin technology integrated with (BIM) can transform building lifecycle management

Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) represent a sustainable construction method where buildings are assembled and transported easily using prefabricated modules. However, challenges in management and logistics hinder their wider adoption. In a new study, researchers developed an innovative digital twin facility management system tailored specifically for RMBs.

This advanced framework integrates cutting-edge technologies to enhance management efficiency throughout the building lifecycle, establishing a foundation for wider digital twin integration in construction.

Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) represent an innovative and growing solution for flexible and sustainable construction. These buildings can be quickly assembled from prefabricated “modules” and easily transported, minimizing costs and environmental impact while providing safer and cleaner construction environments. However, the management of assets and modular units for reuse and relocation across multiple lifecycles remains a major challenge in RMB projects.

To address this, a research team led by Associate Professor Yonghan Ahn from the School of Architecture & Architectural Engineering at Hanyang University ERICA in South Korea, developed a new digital twin (DT)-based framework for facility management of RMB projects. “Digital twin technology is a groundbreaking tool that offers a digital replica of physical assets, integrating real-time data, predictive analysis, and decision-making abilities,” explains Prof. Ahn. “Although digital twins are gaining popularity in other fields, their use in modular construction remains limited. We introduce a novel digital twin-enabled facility management system (DT-FMS) tailored specifically for RMBs.” The team also included contributions from Dr. Dennis Nguyen from Hanyang University. Their study was made available online on May 05, 2025, and published in Volume 176 of the journal Automation in Construction in August 01, 2025.

The new DT-FMS integrates building information modeling (BIM), internet of things (IoT), and geographic information systems (GIS) to create a detailed virtual model of RMBs. This model supports real-time monitoring, performance analysis, and logistics simulations across the building’s lifecycle. BIM offers robust 3D modelling and comprehensive building information. IoT provides real-time sensor data. GIS contributes critical geographic data, supporting effective logistics of modular units and location-based decision making.

This framework is structured across three interconnected layers: physical, digital, and service. The physical layer forms the foundation for real-time tracking and communication among different physical components such as resources, modular units, and people, including stakeholders, engineers, and workers. The digital layer includes modeling tools, data integration, and analytics. Finally, the service layer allows users to monitor, control, and interact with the DT framework, supporting effective decision making throughout the building lifecycle. 

To demonstrate the practical application of the framework, the researchers conducted a case study on a relocatable modular school system in South Korea. DT-FMS enhanced the decision making for module distribution and reuse, resulting in improved management efficiency. 

“Our research highlights the important role of digital twins in promoting a circular economy by enabling the reuse, reconfiguration, and optimal relocation of modular units, thereby minimizing waste and maximizing value throughout repeating project cycles,” remarks Dr. Nguyen.

Reference

Title of original paper: Digital twin framework to enhance facility management for relocatable modular buildings

Journal: Automation in Construction

DOI:  10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106249

Detection Technology introduces revolutionary all-in-one CT detector system

Detection Technology, a global leader in X-ray detector solutions, introduces a game-changing all-in-one CT (computed tomography) detector system, purpose-built for X-ray system manufacturers and integrators. Designed to simplify system architecture and data transfer while delivering unprecedented performance, the solution represents a major leap forward for static and rotating CT systems across medical, security, and industrial applications.

The all-in-one CT detector system integrates key components, including detector modules, data combiner boards, data control boards, and optimized slip ring interfaces. It debuts with static CT systems, with plans to expand into rotating CT systems and advanced modalities like photon-counting CT (PCCT).

The detector system handles data at rates of tens of gigabits (Gbps) per second, enabling wider imaging coverage and reduced view times. These features enable more robust X-ray imaging systems that meet the increasing demand for high-resolution, low-dose imaging. The platform is designed to be seamlessly scalable, with data rates scaling up to hundreds, paving the way for photon-counting CT technology and next-generation imaging solutions.

“This platform brings unmatched efficiency and innovation,” said Tuomas Holma, Director of Product Management at Detection Technology. “Our all-in-one detector system minimizes risks, interfaces, and supply chain complexities while unlocking new imaging possibilities across industries.”

By combining hardware, firmware, and software in a modular and scalable platform, the detector system offers seamless integration. It reduces the need for multiple contact rings in slip ring interfaces, cutting costs and enhancing reliability. Its compatibility with the GigE Vision protocol and versatile support for slip ring interfaces ensures streamlined data communication.

Additionally, the platform supports dual-energy imaging and photon-counting CT, enabling improved spatial resolution, superior material discrimination, noise reduction, and wide imaging coverage. These benefits extend across security, medical, and industrial applications, providing a faster time-to-market for manufacturers.

The all-in-one CT detector system is designed to power a variety of high-performance X-ray applications:

  • Security CT: Enhanced 3D security screening systems for baggage and cargo.
  • Medical CT: Static and rotating systems with low-dose imaging.
  • Industrial inspection: High-speed, high-resolution 2D and 3D imaging for demanding applications.

“Our invention paves the way for transmitting up to 100x more data within a single CT system rotation period. This milestone brings us closer to fully unlocking photon-counting applications and meeting the industry’s need for high temporal and spatial resolution,” added Tuomas Holma.

Detection Technology will highlight the key features of its revolutionary all-in-one CT detector system at RSNA 2024 in Chicago, USA. Visit Detection Technology at Booth 4133 in the South Hall, Level 3, from December 1–4.

DxO’s cutting-edge Optics Modules now include support for 9 new lenses

DxO Labs, the company that invented optical corrections for digital photography, has completed its detailed analysis of nine new lenses and added them to its list of supported equipment.

DxO now offers photographers access to more than 77,000 camera and lens combinations across its software — DxO PhotoLab, PureRAW, ViewPoint, FilmPack, and Nik Collection — offering unrivaled quality.

Photographers receive corrections that are tailor-made for their specific equipment as each new Optics Module is created from individual camera and lens combinations — not simply the lens on its own. As a result, DxO offers the most complete and high-quality approach to optical correction.

The latest update — available now — includes the following lenses:

 

  • Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
  • Nikkor Z 28-75mm F2.8
  • HD Pentax-D FA 21mm F2.4 ED Limited DC WR
  • HD Pentax-FA 31mm F1.8 Limited
  • HD Pentax-FA 43mm F1.9 Limited
  • HD Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited
  • Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C
  • Sigma 35mm F2 DG DN | C
  • Sony E 11mm F1.8

 

“We’re committed to giving photographers the best possible results from their gear, and we’re delighted to add these nine new lenses,” explained Marie-Catherine Fargnoli, DxO Product Owner and Laboratory Manager. “DxO has never used off-the-shelf lens corrections and no other software company matches the quality that we’re able to achieve through the work carried out in our laboratory.”

Two decades of innovation

Almost 20 years ago, DxO created the world’s first lens corrections in its unique, purpose-built laboratory. Today, DxO’s Optics Modules continue to lead the industry thanks to their quality and precision.

What makes DxO’s corrections superior?

DxO creates an exclusive set of characteristics as it assesses lenses and cameras together, rather than simply assessing a lens on its own. These bespoke optical corrections offer two significant advantages:

  • DxO Optics Modules assess 100% of the pixel area as being the true field of capture. Other solutions — including those from camera brands and competitor software — are forced to crop the resolution when reducing optical distortion. Compared to the competition, DxO Optics Modules can keep up to 10% more pixels.
  • DxO delivers tailor-made adjustments and corrections across each lens’s field of view thanks to an exclusive lens sharpness algorithm. Unlike the standard lens libraries used by other software, sharpening is applied at different levels according to a lens’s unique characteristics. For example, sharpening increases towards the edge of the frame to account for subtle changes in radial softness.

DxO Optics Modules also correct the following imperfections as standard:

  • Vignetting
  • Geometric distortions
  • Longitudinal and lateral chromatic aberrations

In addition, DxO’s Optics Modules are the only way to benefit from anamorphic deformation compensation — exclusive technology that restores the natural proportions of a scene or subject after it has been distorted by a wide-angle lens. This means that using shorter focal lengths is no longer an issue when photographing large groups of people (particularly at weddings), or in landscape and architectural photography.