Participatory 3D Scanning and Modeling of Cities and Buildings Using 5G mm-Wave Smart Phones

Millimeter-wave (mm-Wave) frequency bands are a key technology enabler for the ultra-high data rates of 5G cellular networks, and it is fully expected that 5G smart phones will be equipped with mm-Wave network interfaces. Interestingly, millimeter transmissions have utility beyond communication; previously they been used extensively for short-range radar detection and ranging. We envisage a future in which each person carries a smart phone equipped with mm-Wave which can opportunistically scan the adjacent environment and share the results in a participatory manner to allow accurate 3D models to be constructed and maintained. Applications for such low-cost modelling are numerous and include navigating smart cities and buildings, as well as accident prevention in factories. In this article we provide a brief review of mm-Wave, its detection properties, and the basics of 3D scanning and modeling. We introduce a system architecture to enable participatory scanning based on mm-Wave and show results from experiments to demonstrate its feasibility. A variety of research challenges must be solved in order to realize our vision, and we expound on these with a view to stimulating research on this compelling opportunity.