Imaging System
A Custom Solution
One of the key tools used in the business is a specialized imaging system
that was developed by IdeaVision. The system is driven by custom imaging
software that automates each step of the visualization process in order to make
the service easy, fast and affordable to provide.
A custom solution is necessary, like it is for many businesses, because there
is no other way to meet the specific needs of the business. Thus, you'll have
the satisfaction of working with a unique software tool that is used only within
the business by your fellow business owners.
Business-Oriented Technology
The underlying technology behind imaging is complex. Advanced mathematical
techniques in particular are required to create the images that you see.
However, the imaging system handles all the technical details for you so that
you can concentrate on your customers and the visual aspects of their projects.
In contrast to most imaging solutions, you don't need specialized computer
graphics, drawing and other technical skills. Our business, people-oriented
approach is unique. It makes visualization an intuitive and fun experience for
everyone involved.
The following business features set the imaging system apart from
standard imaging solutions. They are crucial to making the service viable:
Business Feature |
Benefit |
Process automation |
Automates a defined business model |
For business people |
Apply a business (versus technical) solution |
Non-tedious operation |
Focus on customers, not the computer |
Quick project turnaround |
Maximize project volume and revenue |
Standard hardware |
Low capital investment / maintenance costs |
Interactive environment |
Invite your customers to participate |
Affordable process |
Widespread application in more markets |
User customization |
Optimize for your business location |
Workflow features |
Hire employees to grow your business |
Customer on-site mode |
Example of many unique services |
User driven development |
Ongoing upgrades per your needs |
Non-traditional approach |
Differentiate your business |
Fun to use |
Enjoyable for you and your customers |
Software Overview
The software is implemented as a C++ application that runs under both 32 and
64-bit versions of the
Windows operating systems (7 / Vista / XP / Me / 98 / 95). It's a time-tested, mature
application that has been in constant use since its original release in 1995. A
familiar, user-friendly interface is provided to make the system easy to learn
and operate. If you have any experience working on a personal computer (Windows
or Mac), you'll feel at home with the software right away.
The object based architecture is ideal for expanding system capabilities,
which is done on an ongoing basis. The latest software development tools and
programming technologies are used to provide the maximum capability for
your business.
You'll probably never fully utilize all of the capabilities that you have
access to with the system. You'll rely on the features needed for the types of
projects that you focus on most for your own customers. As such, there is always
room to add new capabilities and grow your business using other aspects of the
system. Your business never becomes stagnant in terms of capability, which is an
important benefit of your business license.
Imaging Library
An extensive library that includes hundreds of realistic building materials,
colors and landscaping plants is provided for your projects. Each library item
is painstakingly created for the imaging system in order to meet stringent
scaling, color, perspective, detail and sharpness requirements.
Since our businesses are located in diverse geographic regions, several tools
are built into the imaging system to help you further customize the library with
materials and plants for your specific area. For example, new items can be
quickly transferred from professional, CD-ROM based image libraries that are
available from IdeaVision and other sources. Many images are freely available
for downloading from product manufacturer sites on the Internet.
You can also scan items directly from photos, books, magazines, product
brochures and other publications. You can even take a digital picture of any
item. Thus, there's always a way to include the exact items that you want in
your imaging library.
Software Upgrades
The imaging software is upgraded frequently to feed new capabilities into the
business as quickly as possible for use by the business owners. Multiple
upgrades are typically done on a yearly basis. The upgrades are simply
downloaded from the Upgrades Center at our team web site, without charge.
The enhancements are often a result of feedback from owners on ways they
would like to improve or expand their service. Thus, you'll have an important
say in how the software evolves to meet the growing needs of your business.
Hardware Requirements
The imaging system runs on a variety of
Windows based Pentium or equivalent personal computers (both desktop and notebook) to
help you make the best use of your existing equipment and minimize the need to
invest in new equipment. General requirements are listed below. The
numbers in parenthesis are acceptable for evaluation purposes, but not for
business operation (N/A means the equipment is not needed for evaluation).
Item |
Requirement |
Operating System |
Windows 7, Vista, XP:
32 or 64-bit |
Windows 9x: Me, 98, 95 |
Processor |
7 / Vista: 1GHz |
XP: 600 MHz
(*300 MHz) |
9x: 300 MHz (*200 MHz) |
Memory |
7 / Vista: 512MB-1GB |
XP: 256 MB (*64 MB) |
9x: 128 MB (*64 MB) |
Free Disk Space |
250 MB (*200 MB) |
Video Resolution / Color |
1280 x 1024 / 24-bit
(*1024 x
768 / 16-bit) |
Monitor |
17" or 19" (*Any size) |
Flatbed Scanner |
600 DPI optical resolution / 24-bit color (*N/A) |
Color Printer |
Photographic quality / 8.5" x 11" output
(*N/A) |
Camera |
35mm or 2+ megapixel digital
(*N/A) |
All of the hardware requirements are easily met by mainstream technology.
As a result, the equipment is widely available at reasonable prices. If
hardware is needed, IdeaVision provides technical assistance for upgrading your
existing system or purchasing a new one. A new system, customized to your needs,
costs under $2,500.
Some business owners find it advantageous to work on a desktop computer with
a large monitor in their office, while taking a notebook computer with them to
visit customers. Others work strictly from a notebook computer, in which case a
large display on the notebook (or an external flat panel monitor that's
portable) is important.
Additional Information
More information on the imaging system is available in a comprehensive paper
titled "The Role of Software in the Business". The paper, which includes
answers to frequently asked questions about the Visionair Builder imaging
software, is available via the Information Selector.
Click here if you would like to view the paper now.
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