An information processing device

Abstract

An information processing device that can be used in an environment to simulate a complete construction process of a structure to be built using a 3D visualization model and / or 3D animation software, and includes the following: a 3D scanner; a 3D processing module; a construction processing module; and a storage module containing a database; wherein, for project planning and design, the environment is scanned using the 3D scanner to obtain digital spatial information and images of the environment, wherein the digital spatial information and images are transferred to the 3D processing module and / or temporarily / permanently stored in the database-containing storage module, and wherein the construction process is simulated using the 3D processing module, the construction processing module and the database-containing storage module.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device usable in an environment for simulating a complete construction process of a structure to be built by means of a 3D visualization model and / or 3D animation software. State of the art

[0002] Currently, project construction planning is usually presented in written form or as a 2D drawing, and the relationships between individual construction projects are usually planned by the construction company based on experience. If interference between individual construction projects occurs, it is often not discovered until actual construction, leading to schedule delays. If the entire project can be rehearsed and verified in advance using the 3D model, it is beneficial for the smooth running of the project.

[0003] In order to obtain the necessary information about the existing construction environment during actual project planning and design, spatial distances and local images are usually determined using tools such as rulers, measuring devices, photographs, etc. Subsequent project planning and design cannot provide accurate planning results because they are based only on a small amount of data with low accuracy.

[0004] With the current method of representation using 2D drawings, it is difficult for them to be understood simultaneously by the client, the contractor, and the inspection body. This is because a 2D drawing lacks the familiar 3D scale, requiring imagination to compensate for the unfamiliar scale, which can lead to misinterpretation by all parties involved and thus increases communication costs.

[0005] Even if 3D drawings are used for project planning and design, errors can easily occur during the construction phase and costs can increase if complete and accurate scanning information is not used.

[0006] When presenting project planning and design using only 3D drawings combined with existing spatial information, there are still many blind spots where the planning details cannot be clearly explained unless there are enough 3D drawings to explain all the planning details. However, this takes more time and incurs higher costs.

[0007] Taiwanese Publication No. M595267 "Project Planning Management System" discloses a project planning management system that includes a database, a demand receiving module, a project planning module, a request management module, a budget request module, a procurement and outsourcing module, and a project progress management module. Numerous project-related information and drawings are stored in the database. The demand receiving module receives the initial demand information sent from the demand unit. A signal connection exists between the project planning module and the demand receiving module. Based on the initial demand information, the project planning module creates a project list required for the construction process. The project list includes at least one project name and project data corresponding to the at least one project name.

[0008] Taiwanese Publication No. I480711 discloses an "Automatic Guidance Method for Construction Projects and Their System Structures." This method establishes an automatic guidance service system for construction projects using a network access device. It combines 3D image simulations for project design drawings with virtual realization in physical space. Services such as project preview, progress review, and construction consulting can be provided by comparing and analyzing the physical images before and after construction with the simulated images. Furthermore, the materials to be used during construction can be simulated and analyzed to determine the precise requirements for the materials required for construction and enable direct material preparation during construction.In this way, a special material supply mode can be established, saving a lot of construction materials. The material warehouse allows materials to be pre-assembled according to the construction task and construction progress, ensuring speedy operations, improving construction efficiency, and reducing construction losses. This provides a time- and labor-saving cloud management and control service system.

[0009] Taiwanese Publication No. M448753 discloses a "structure for rapidly constructing approximate building models of a three-dimensional digital city," comprising a processing unit, an operation unit connected to the processing unit, a building image data unit connected to the processing unit, and a storage unit connected to the processing unit. The cooperation of the processing unit, the operation unit, and the building image data unit enables precise texture mapping of building roofs and walls for a large number of building model images, thereby achieving better building model quality, saving time for building model production, and reducing construction costs.

[0010] Taiwanese Publication No. I302675 discloses a “manufacturing method, display system, and recording medium for real-time virtual reality flow field images,” wherein the manufacturing method is carried out via a computer with a three-dimensional scene model file and a display system.The method includes the following: (A) reading the flow field data containing flow field coordinates and corresponding intensity and scalar values ​​at each time point; (B) importing the flow field data and the three-dimensional scene model file into the display system; (C) positioning based on the coordinates of the three-dimensional scene model file and the flow field data and creating a virtual flow field image in the three-dimensional scene model; (D) jointly displaying the three-dimensional scene model and the virtual flow field image and providing functions such as zooming and rotating and entering the three-dimensional scene model for observation and experience.

[0011] Taiwanese Publication No. 201124870 discloses an "Online Graphical Engineering Planning System and Method" in which a scene module is provided for displaying a theme image, at least one component is selected from a component data module, then the component is moved to the theme image using a drag-and-drop module, and the component is edited by an editing module. After the editing is completed, the theme image displayed by the scene module and the component located on the theme image can be saved in a virtual theme image. Thus, this project planning system can lower the threshold for user participation in project planning through a graphical user interface.

[0012] In summary, the problems to be solved are how to plan the construction process and sequence before construction, how to check the construction accuracy and improvement during construction, and how to record the effects of construction after construction or whether there are any changes in the structure after completion. Object of the invention

[0013] The main object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus for on-site scanning.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus by which the construction process and sequence can be planned before construction, the construction accuracy and improvement can be checked during construction, and the effects of construction after construction or changes or no changes in the structure after completion can be recorded.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device that can provide novel 3D construction planning to facilitate the smooth progress of the project, eliminate potential adverse factors in advance, and enable more efficient construction.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an information processing device by which, after obtaining the information about the existing construction environment, all necessary spatial distances and images can be obtained without recourse to human memory and without supplementation by tools such as rulers, measuring instruments, photographs, etc., whereby precise planning results based on a large amount of high-precision data can be provided in the subsequent project planning and design.

[0017] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an information processing device by which, at each step of project planning and design, the client, the contractor, and the inspection body have the same knowledge and understanding regarding the project planning and design, so that no misinterpretation occurs among any of the parties involved, thus reducing communication costs.

[0018] According to the above-described objects, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus comprising a 3D scanner (spatial scanning equipment, SSE), a 3D processing module, a construction processing module, and a database storage module.

[0019] The 3D scanner can scan an environment containing equipment / facilities for project planning and design and for obtaining the environmental information in order to obtain digital spatial information and images of the environment, wherein the digital spatial information and images are point cloud data obtained by means of the 3D scanner, whereby the required 3D point cloud model can be obtained, wherein the point cloud data and / or the information about the 3D point cloud model can be transferred to the 3D image and animation processing module and / or temporarily stored / permanently stored in the storage module having a database so that the 3D image and animation processing module can then use the digital information and images of this point cloud data for project planning and design of the environment.

[0020] The 3D scanner is used to measure and digitize the indoor and outdoor environment to obtain information for analysis, collaboration, and decision-making. The 3D scanner not only accelerates measurements but also enables on-site compensation to ensure high-quality measurements. The expandable range for external accessories and HDR capabilities make the 3D scanner extremely flexible. Combined with advanced sensor technology, it ensures the highest accuracy and the greatest measurement distance. The detailed scanning function allows multiple areas to be identified and rescanned at higher resolution to obtain more precise details of a construction environment / worksite. Compensation can be reviewed and adjusted immediately before scanning, ensuring high-quality scan data and traceable data.In addition, scan data can be transmitted wirelessly during on-site data collection for real-time processing and merging.

[0021] For example, the 3D processing module can be a 3D image and animation processing module (3D Image and Animation Design, 3D AD), which can use the 3D image and animation method for design. For project planning and design, accurate spatial environmental information acquired by the 3D scanner and 3D images and animations are used. The information from the 3D images and animations of the equipment / facilities can be combined with the scanned spatial information to generate more than one solution. In this way, the results of project planning and design can be clearly presented in the construction environment, verified to ensure that they meet the needs and impact existing facilities, and made available to the contractor.In this case, the information about the 3D images and animations of the equipment / facilities and / or the generated solutions can be temporarily stored / permanently stored in the storage module containing the database.

[0022] The 3D processing module can be combined with the scanned spatial information to create a construction process before, during, and after the construction of the equipment / facilities to be built, and to provide one or more construction solution information for the construction process of equipment / facilities and / or construction solutions. Since there is more than one solution, MPU (Multiple Parties Can Clearly Understand) provides more choices and flexibility for the owner, the contractor, and the inspection agency, enabling multiple parties to simultaneously gain a clear understanding of the project planning and design results, reducing misunderstandings between multiple parties and communication costs, improving project quality, and accelerating project progress.

[0023] The construction processing module works with the 3D processing module to add the construction process to the point cloud data for on-site scanning. During construction, 3D scanning can be used to compare the on-site construction results with the original design for any possible discrepancies. If necessary, regular scanning can be performed after completion to ensure the safety of the structure.

[0024] The storage module having a database can temporarily store / permanently store point cloud data and / or 3D point cloud models and / or transfer them to the 3D processing module and / or temporarily store / permanently store information about the 3D images and animations of the equipment / facilities to be constructed and / or one or more construction solution information generated during the construction process before, during and after the construction of the equipment / facilities to be constructed in the construction processing module.

[0025] In order to better understand the objects, features and advantages of the present invention, specific embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that the present invention can be easily implemented by a person skilled in the art according to the description. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a system illustrating the system structure and operation of an information processing apparatus of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the operation according to an embodiment of the information processing device according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a schematic view according to the Fig. 2, in which an environment is scanned for digitization; Fig. 4 shows a schematic view according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown embodiments, in which the method of 3D images and animations is used for project planning and design; Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0026] The present invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments. The implementation of the present invention should not be limited to a specific environment, application, or method by the exemplary embodiments. The description of the exemplary embodiments therefore serves merely to illustrate the technical content of the present invention, but not to limit the present invention. It should be noted that in the following exemplary embodiments and drawings, components that are not directly related to the present invention have been omitted and are therefore not shown. For better understanding, the size relationships between the components are not shown according to actual proportions.

[0027] As in Fig. 1, an information processing device (1) comprises a 3D scanner (2), a 3D processing module (3), a construction processing module (4) and a database-containing storage module (5).

[0028] The 3D scanner (2) can scan an environment containing equipment / facilities for project planning and design and for obtaining the environmental information in order to obtain digital spatial information and images of the environment for project planning and design of the equipment / facilities, wherein the digital spatial information and images are point cloud data obtained by means of the 3D scanner, whereby the required 3D point cloud model can be obtained, wherein the point cloud data and / or the information about the 3D point cloud model can be transferred to the 3D processing module (3) and / or temporarily stored / permanently stored in the storage module (5) having a database, so that the 3D image and animation processing module can then use the digital information and images of this point cloud data for project planning and design of the environment.

[0029] The 3D processing module (3) may be a 3D image and animation processing module that can use the method of 3D images and animations for design.

[0030] The construction processing module (4) will work with the 3D processing module (3) to use 3D animation software to add the construction process to the point cloud information scanned on site. This information may include information about the locations of construction equipment and materials, as well as the sequence of individual projects. The 3D images and animations can be combined with the scanned spatial information to generate the construction process before, during, and after the construction of the equipment / facilities to be built. This can provide one or more construction solution information for the construction process of the equipment / facilities and / or construction solutions of the structure. Furthermore, 3D scanning can be used during construction to compare the on-site construction results with the original design for possible differences.If necessary, regular scanning can be carried out after completion to ensure the safety of the structure.

[0031] The database-containing storage module (5) can temporarily store / permanently store point cloud data and / or 3D point cloud models and / or transfer them to the 3D processing module (3) and / or temporarily store / permanently store information about the 3D images and animations of the equipment / facilities to be built and / or one or more construction solution information generated during the construction process before, during and after the construction of the equipment / facilities to be built in the construction processing module.

[0032] In the present invention, at least one of the following factors must be taken into account for the information processing device (1): general description, structure type, site location, support condition, computer program analysis, design criteria, design code & standards, materials, design load, seismic design load, design wind load, loading condition, loading description, loading case definition, load combination, analysis model, and design results. During construction, the interrelated factors considered are adapted / changed accordingly for different solutions.

[0033] Here, the 3D processing module (3), the construction processing module (4) and the database storage module (5) in the information processing apparatus (1) of the present invention are at least one of hardwares, softwares and firmwares.

[0034] Here, the 3D processing module (3), the construction processing module (4) and the database storage module (5) in the information processing device (1) are located in an electronic device (e.g., a server, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer or other portable electronic devices) (not shown in the drawings), and they can cooperate with the processor of the electronic device.

[0035] As in Fig. 2, an information processing device (1) comprises a 3D scanner (2), a 3D processing module (3), a construction processing module (4) and a database-containing storage module (5).

[0036] The 3D scanner (2) can obtain construction environment information. As in Fig. 3, environmental information for the environment (11) for project planning and design of the equipment / facilities (12), (13), (14) of the structure to be built is scanned to obtain digital spatial information and images of the environment for project planning and design of the equipment / facilities to be built.

[0037] The digital spatial information and images are point cloud data obtained using the 3D scanner (2), whereby the required 3D point cloud model can be obtained. The information (21) with the point cloud data and / or about the 3D point cloud model can be transferred to the 3D processing module (3) and / or temporarily stored / permanently stored in the storage module (5) containing a database, so that the 3D processing module (3) can subsequently use the information (21) with the point cloud data and / or about the 3D point cloud model and images (DIS) for project planning and design of the environment.

[0038] The 3D scanner (2) can be a laser scanner and can be used for construction, project planning, and design in the indoor / outdoor environment (11) of a worksite. It can digitize the real-world environment containing the equipment / facilities (12), (13), (14) to be built for project planning and design, and obtain information for analysis, collaboration, and making the best decisions. The 3D scanner not only accelerates measurements but also enables on-site compensation to ensure high-quality measurements. The expandable range for external accessories and HDR functions make the 3D scanner extremely flexible. Combined with advanced sensor technology, it ensures the highest accuracy and the greatest measurement distance.The detailed scanning function allows multiple areas to be identified and rescanned at higher resolution to capture more precise details of a construction environment / worksite and / or to obtain compensation functions on-site. Compensation can be reviewed and adjusted immediately before scanning, ensuring high-quality scan data and traceable data. Furthermore, the information (21) about the scan data can be wirelessly transmitted immediately during on-site data acquisition and / or temporarily / permanently stored in the database-based storage module (5) for real-time processing and merging.

[0039] The 3D processing module (3) can perform planning using the 3D images and animations. For project planning and design of the equipment / facilities (31), information (21) of the surrounding space information is obtained using the 3D scanner (2) and the 3D images and animations are used. The information (32) of the 3D images and animations of the equipment / facilities (31) can be combined with the scanned information (21) of the surrounding space information to generate more than one piece of construction solution information (33). In this way, clear results of the project planning and design can be presented in the construction environment. With these clear results, it is possible to check whether the requirements are met and whether existing facilities are affected. The results are provided to the contractor.In this case, the information (21) about the 3D images and animations of the equipment / facilities and / or the one or more generated construction solution information (33) can be temporarily stored / permanently stored in the storage module (5) having the database.

[0040] In construction project planning, changes and ultimately decisions are usually required through multi-party understanding between the owner, the contractor, and the inspection body. Because there is more than one construction solution information (33), multi-party communication / determination provides more choices and flexibility for the owner, the contractor, and the inspection body. It allows multiple parties—namely, the owner, the contractor, and the inspection body—to simultaneously provide a clear understanding of the construction process before, during, and after the construction of the equipment / facilities to be built, reduce misunderstandings between multiple parties and communication costs, improve project quality, and accelerate project progress.

[0041] The construction processing module (4) will work with the 3D processing module (3) to add the construction process to the point cloud information scanned on site, which may include information about the locations of construction equipment and materials. Furthermore, 3D scanning can be used during construction to compare the on-site construction results with the original design for possible differences. If necessary, regular scanning can be performed after completion to ensure the safety of the structure.

[0042] The storage module (5) comprising a database can temporarily store / permanently store point cloud data and / or 3D point cloud models and / or transmit them to the 3D processing module (3) and / or temporarily store / permanently store information about the 3D images and animations of the equipment / facilities to be built and / or one or more construction solution information generated during the construction process before, during and after the construction of the equipment / facilities to be built in the construction processing module (4).

[0043] When implementing the present embodiment, factors related to the environment must be considered for the project planning and design of the equipment / facilities, such as the existing pipe rack and the newly added cooling water tower maintenance platform, of the structure under construction, and / or the project planning and design of the equipment / facilities under construction, and / or the construction solution information. In actual implementation, the considered related factors will also be adjusted / changed according to the different environments for the project planning and design of the equipment / facilities of the structure under construction, and / or the project planning and design of the equipment / facilities, and / or one or more construction solution information. However, the principles are the same and similar as above, so they will not be repeated here.

[0044] In the present embodiment, for example, it is the project planning and design of the equipment / facilities such as the existing pipe rack and the newly added maintenance platform of the cooling water tower of the structure to be constructed, which shows a schematic view in which the method of 3D images and animations is used for the first construction step of the first construction solution of the construction process planning of the equipment / facilities (31).

[0045] In the present embodiment, the construction solution information (33) for the construction process planning and design of the equipment / facilities and / or construction solutions of the structure is a first solution so that the client, the contractor, and the inspection body can jointly understand it. Because the construction solution information (33) is the first solution, more choices and flexibility are offered to the client, the contractor, and the inspection body, so as to provide multiple parties—namely, the client, the contractor, and the inspection body—with a clear understanding of the construction process planning and design results simultaneously, reduce misunderstandings between multiple parties and communication costs, improve project quality, and accelerate project progress.

[0046] In summary, Fig. 3 a schematic view according to the Fig. 2, in which an environment containing equipment / facilities for project planning and design of the equipment / facilities of the structure to be built is scanned to obtain environmental information in order to digitize the environment of the equipment / facilities to be built in the real world for project planning and design.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown embodiments, in which the method of 3D images and animations is used for the project planning and design of the equipment / facilities of the structure to be built.

[0048] Based on the above embodiments, an information processing device usable in an environment for simulating an entire construction process of a structure to be built using a 3D visualization model and / or 3D animation software can be obtained, and the information processing device of the present invention can be used for on-site scanning. Here, the current state of the construction site of the structure to be built is scanned using the 3D scanner, and the point cloud data including digital spatial information and images are completely recorded, so that the digital spatial information and images can subsequently be used for the point cloud data to obtain the required 3D point cloud model; the construction process is simulated.

[0049] The above description represents only preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications are within the scope of the present invention. List of reference symbols 1 information processing device 2 3D scanners 3 3D processing module 4 Construction processing module 5 Database storage module 11 Surroundings 12 Equipment / Facilities 13 Equipment / Facilities 14 Equipment / Facilities 21 Information 31 Equipment / Facilities 32 information 33 Construction solution information

Claims

[1] An information processing device usable in an environment for simulating a complete construction process of a structure to be built by means of a 3D visualisation model and / or 3D animation software, comprising: a 3D scanner; a 3D processing module; a construction processing module; and a storage module comprising a database; wherein, for project planning and design, the environment is scanned by means of the 3D scanner in order to obtain digital spatial information and images of the environment, wherein the digital spatial information and images are transferred to the 3D processing module and / or temporarily stored / permanently stored in the storage module having a database, and wherein the construction process is simulated by means of the 3D processing module, the construction processing module and the storage module having a database. [2] The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, for the project planning and design of the construction process, the 3D processing module uses the digital spatial information and images and the method of 3D images and animations. [3] Information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the construction process is simulated and construction solution information is obtained by means of the 3D processing module, the construction processing module and / or the storage module having a database. [4] The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the 3D processing module, the construction processing module, and the database storage module are at least one of hardware, software, and firmware. [5] The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the 3D processing module, the construction processing module and the database storage module are located in an electronic device.

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