Computer-implemented method for providing a visual representation of target and actual states of structural elements during construction work

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for providing a visual representation of target and actual states of structural elements during construction work, comprising: providing a digital model of a plurality of structural elements, the digital model comprising target data for at least some of the plurality of structural elements; providing a plurality of structural elements, each comprising at least one sensor element configured to capture actual data with respect to the target data provided in the digital model; providing actual data by way of at least one of the sensor elements of at least one structural element; outputting a visual representation of the actual and target data for at least one structural element by way of a visual output means in real time.

Description

[0001] COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR PROVIDING A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF DESIRED AND ACTUAL STATES OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS DURING CONSTRUCTION

[0002] Reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority from German patent application No. 10 2022 108 800.6, filed on April 11, 2022, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference into this document.

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for providing a visual representation of target and actual states of construction elements during construction, a system for providing a visual representation of target and actual states of construction elements during construction, a corresponding computer program element and the use of a digital model, a plurality of construction elements and / or a visual output means in such a method.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] Various systems for visualizing force flows are known in the prior art. For example, WO 2021 / 083796 A1 describes a system designed to determine and visualize force flows in a scaffold. It has now become apparent that there is a need to provide a method and / or system that can support a construction worker during construction.

[0008] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and / or a system with which a construction worker can be assisted during construction. These and other objects, which will be mentioned upon reading the following description or which may be recognized by a person skilled in the art, are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for providing a visual representation of target and actual states of construction elements during construction, comprising:

[0011] Providing a digital model of a plurality of design elements, the digital model comprising target data for at least a portion of the plurality of design elements;

[0012] Providing a plurality of construction elements, each comprising at least one sensor element configured to detect actual data relating to the target data provided in the digital model;

[0013] Providing actual data by at least one of the sensor elements of at least one structural element;

[0014] Output of a visual representation of the actual and target data for at least one design element using a visual output device in real time.

[0015] In other words, the present invention proposes providing construction elements with one or more sensors and recording these as actual sensor data so that this actual sensor data can be compared with corresponding target data from a digital model. This comparison data can then be transmitted in real time to a construction worker, who can then immediately verify whether the construction work is being or has been carried out as planned.

[0016] The term "structural elements" is to be understood broadly and encompasses all elements that can be used in a construction project. The present invention is not limited to the use of identical structural elements or identical sensor elements and also encompasses the use of different structural elements or different sensor elements. For example, the structural element can be a formwork element, a support element, a beam element, a scaffolding element, etc.

[0017] The term "digital model" is to be understood broadly here and encompasses any computer-aided "virtual" model with which target data can be assigned to the multitude of structural elements. In practice, this is a planning tool in which the positioning of a structural element, its installation location, the type of fastening, force distribution, force absorption, etc., can be recorded as target data. In one example, such a planning tool is used to create a digital twin of the multitude of structural elements that are planned for construction. The digital model can be limited to the structural elements themselves or can also include representations of the facilities surrounding the structural elements, such as ceilings, walls, doors, etc.

[0018] The term "sensor element" is to be understood broadly here and encompasses any sensor element that can be arranged in a structural element or can be assigned to such a structural element. Preferably, the sensor elements are provided directly on or in the structural element. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to provide a sensor element, for example, a temperature sensor, separately from the structural element.

[0019] The term "actual and target data" is to be understood broadly here and encompasses any "data pair" that can be compared with each other or that can be visually displayed by the visual output device. The present invention is not limited to a specific data format. It may also be possible for the sensor data to be provided as analog data, which is then converted into digital data using an A / D converter. This also encompasses possible data processing steps that must be performed to display the actual and target data.

[0020] The term “visual representation” is to be understood broadly here and includes any representation alternative through which actual and target data can be displayed. For example, this can be shown as two separate bar charts so that the actual and target data can be directly compared. Alternatively, the actual and target data can also be shown in a summarized representation, for example as a bar chart that varies in color depending on the deviation between the actual and target data. Alternatively or additionally, a linked representation can be used. For example, a bar chart with an indicator, such as an arrow indicator, allowing a comparison of actual and target data. The actual and target data can also be represented solely by a visual indicator / operator (e.g. a variable-length arrow, a moving dot, etc.) or similar.In one embodiment, not only the actual and target data are visually displayed, but also a visual representation of at least a portion of a structure to be constructed, including the multitude of structural elements. Such a representation facilitates orientation for the person carrying out the work and allows for simpler construction.

[0021] The term "visual output device" is to be understood broadly in this context and includes any visual output device suitable for visually displaying actual and target data or comparing actual and target data. For example, data glasses, helmet visors, lenses, HUD elements, holographic elements, etc. can be used in this case.

[0022] The term "real time" is to be understood broadly here and can be understood differently depending on the application, sensor type, etc. The term "real time" is preferably to be understood here as less than 1 s, particularly preferably less than 0.5 s. In other words, it is preferred that a change in the actual data during construction is displayed by the visual output means within a period of less than 1 s or less than 0.5 s. In alternative applications, even longer time intervals can still be regarded as real time if experience shows that the sensor value has a slower rate of change, as can be the case with temperature sensors, for example. It can also be provided that different real-time requirements are defined depending on the sensor element, i.e. that, for example, different data transmission intervals can be defined for different sensor types.For example, shorter data transmission intervals can be defined for temperature sensors, since experience shows that this sensor value changes only slowly. However, shorter data transmission intervals can be specified for structural elements, such as scaffolding elements, which must be positioned or operated correctly according to the target data. In one example, the respective data transmission intervals for the sensor elements are already taken into account during the planning of the digital model or incorporated into it as control data.

[0023] In one embodiment, the digital model is a three-dimensional model of at least a portion of a structure to be constructed, incorporating the multitude of structural elements. Using such a "realistic" or "more realistic" three-dimensional model can significantly facilitate the planning of the digital model, as it provides the user with a direct connection to reality. For optimized planning and construction, the digital model can be digitally captured or provided with a multitude of relevant (building) data. Furthermore, it can also include trade-specific information / data.

[0024] In one embodiment, the structural element is a formwork element, a support element, a beam element, and / or a scaffolding element. In another example of a structural element, this can be a frame of a building 3D printer, for example to represent an intended positioning of such a frame and / or the respective intended load-bearing capacity of such a support using the actual and target data. Such a building 3D printer comprises such a frame / column, preferably four or more such frames. In one embodiment, the target and actual data relate to operating data of the structural elements, pressure data, location data, load data, position data, and / or type data of the respective structural element.

[0025] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor element of a construction element is a position sensor, force sensor, pressure sensor, angle sensor, a strain gauge (SGS), a distance sensor, a humidity sensor, a gyroscope, in particular a MEMS gyroscope or a concrete pressure sensor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the visual output means is designed as a mobile visual output means and as an Extended Reality (XR) unit (for example as a Virtual Reality (VR) and / or as an Augmented Reality (AR) unit).

[0027] In one embodiment, the visual output means is data glasses, a helmet with a head-up display, a holographic element or a mobile computing unit, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, etc. Mobile devices and XR devices are typically used for applications on construction sites and laptops are typically used for remote access, possibly as office integration.

[0028] In one embodiment, the output of the visual representation of the actual and target data is triggered by position data from the mobile visual output device. This preferably triggers a visual representation of the actual and target data for at least some of the plurality of structural elements. The position data can be provided, for example, by a radio-based location determination, such as Bluetooth location determination, or by a GPS unit. Alternatively or additionally, the position data can also be provided by means of a laser measuring device, a camera-based position determination, or the like.

[0029] In one embodiment, the method further comprises providing a haptic feedback device configured to output a haptic signal depending on the actual and target data. The haptic feedback device is designed, in particular, as a wristband, glove, or vibration insert. For example, such a vibration insert can be controlled such that a stronger vibration signal is output in the event of a significant deviation between the actual and target data.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method further comprises providing an acoustic feedback means configured to output an acoustic signal depending on the actual and target data. For example, an acoustic signal can be output such that a louder acoustic signal is output if there is a greater deviation between the actual and target data.

[0031] In one embodiment, the method further comprises incorporating a new design element into the digital model, comprising the steps:

[0032] Providing a further structural element with at least one sensor element;

[0033] Determining the distances of the structural element to at least two adjacent structural elements;

[0034] Integrating the additional design element into the digital model in relation to the nearest design element.

[0035] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a system for providing a visual representation of target and actual states of construction elements during construction, comprising: a first provision unit configured to provide a digital model of a plurality of construction elements, wherein the digital model comprises target data for at least some of the plurality of construction elements; a plurality of construction elements, each comprising at least one sensor element configured to capture actual data for the target data provided in the digital model; a second provision unit configured to provide actual data of at least one of the sensor elements of at least one of the construction elements; output of a visual representation of the actual and target data for at least one construction element by a visual output means in real time.

[0036] With regard to the respective elements, effects, terms, and / or advantages, the statements and explanations of the methods described above for providing a visual representation of the target and actual states of structural elements during construction apply here. The described embodiments can also be used and provided in the present system for providing a visual representation of the target and actual states of structural elements during construction.

[0037] In one embodiment, the provisioning units, the visual output means, and the sensor elements are directly or indirectly connected to one another via at least one communication node. Such a communication node can be provided, for example, by a local wireless network. In one example, the digital model or the corresponding data processing can be provided locally at a construction site in a local construction site network. The respective data paths can be provided, for example, via WLAN, Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, cloud connections, mobile network connections, etc. can also be provided in order to be able to use non-locally provided resources alternatively or additionally. Such remote connections can be provided permanently or only temporarily.

[0038] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a computer program element comprising instructions which, when executed on computer devices of a computer environment, are configured to carry out the steps of the method explained above in an explained system.

[0039] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a use of a digital model, a plurality of construction elements, and / or a visual output means in a method explained above.

[0040] Description of a preferred embodiment

[0041] Further features, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the exemplary embodiment, and the figures. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the steps of a method according to the invention;

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a system according to the invention;

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a digital model;

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a visual representation of actual and target

[0045] data; and

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic view of another example of a visual representation of actual and target data.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the steps of a method according to the invention for providing a visual representation of the target and actual states of construction elements during construction.

[0048] In a first step, a digital model of a plurality of design elements is provided, wherein the digital model comprises target data for at least a portion of the plurality of design elements.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, such a digital model is a "realistic" digital model, as shown by way of example in Figure 2. In the exemplary digital model, the target data / values ​​are visually assigned to a structural element, in this case a support element. In the illustration shown, the target data are introduced as a bar graph. In the example shown, the target data are load-bearing data, which can be recorded, for example, using a force sensor.

[0050] In a second step, a plurality of structural elements are provided, each comprising at least one sensor element, preferably at least one force sensor. These sensor elements are configured to acquire actual data relating to the target data provided in the digital model. In a further step, the actual data of the structural elements acquired by the sensor elements are provided and transmitted to or retrieved from a data point.

[0051] Finally, a visual representation of the actual and target data for at least one design element is output in real time using a visual output device. An example of such a visualization, which can be provided, for example, using data glasses as part of an augmented reality application, is shown in Figure 3.

[0052] Figure 4 shows an exemplary system 10 for providing a visual representation of the target and actual states of construction elements during construction. The system comprises at least a first provision unit 11 configured to provide a digital model of a plurality of construction elements, wherein the digital model comprises target data for at least some of the plurality of construction elements; a plurality of construction elements 12, each comprising at least one sensor element 13 configured to capture actual data relating to the target data provided in the digital model; a second provision unit 14 configured to provide actual data for at least one of the sensor elements of at least one of the construction elements; visual output means 15 for outputting a visual representation of the actual and target data for at least one construction element in real time.

[0053] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of another example of a visual representation of actual and target data. A formwork arrangement with respective formwork elements is shown as the structural element. Several pressure sensors are provided on or in the formwork elements and are arranged / configured to record the pressure acting on the respective surfaces. The measured / recorded pressure values ​​represent the actual data, which are compared with the stored target data. In the example shown, a deviation or comparison of the actual and target data / values ​​is displayed using a circular visual representation. The representation, here the dashed circle, can vary accordingly in its size and / or its color representation. For example, the size of the circle can indicate that the pressure is / is becoming either greater or smaller.The maximum utilization / pressure absorption can also be represented by a red highlight / color, a minimum utilization can be represented, for example, by a green color and a small circle.

[0054] However, the present invention is not limited to the preceding preferred embodiments as long as it is encompassed by the subject matter of the following claims.

[0055] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, the term "unit" is to be understood broadly; in particular, this term is not to be understood to mean that the respective units must be formed as integral components. The respective units can also be positioned differently. Finally, different units can also be combined in an assembly. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the above exemplary embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other exemplary embodiments described above.

Claims

Patent claims: Computer-implemented method for providing a visual representation of target and actual states of construction elements during construction, comprising: Providing a digital model of a multitude of design elements, wherein the digital model includes target data for at least some of the multitude of design elements; Providing a variety of design elements, each comprising at least one sensor element configured to capture actual data against the target data provided in the digital model; Providing actual data through at least one of the sensor elements of at least one construction element; Output of a visual representation of the actual and target data for at least one structural element by a visual output device in real time. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the digital model comprises a three-dimensional model of at least a part of a structure to be manufactured and the plurality of structural elements. Computer-implemented method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the structural element is a formwork element, a support element, a beam element, and / or a scaffolding element. Computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target and actual data relate to operational data of the structural elements, pressure data, position data, load data, location data, and / or type data of the respective structural element. Computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor element of a structural element is a position sensor, force sensor, pressure sensor, etc. angle sensor, strain gauge (SG), distance sensor, humidity sensor, gyroscope, in particular a MEMS gyroscope or a concrete pressure sensor.

6. Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the visual output device is configured as a mobile visual output device and as an Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR), and / or Augmented Reality (AR) unit.

7. Computer-implemented method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the visual output means is data glasses, a helmet with a head-up display, a holographic element or a mobile computing unit.

8. Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an output of the visual representation of the actual and target data is triggered by position data of the mobile visual output device, and preferably triggers a visual representation of the actual and target data for at least a part of the plurality of construction elements.

9. Computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising, Providing a haptic feedback device that is set up to output a haptic signal depending on the actual and target data, wherein the haptic feedback device is in particular designed as a wristband, glove or vibration insert.

10. Computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising, Providing an acoustic feedback device that is set up to output an acoustic signal depending on the actual and target data.

11. Computer-implemented method according to one of the preceding Claims, continue to comprehensively integrate a new The design element is integrated into the digital model, encompassing the following steps: Providing an additional construction element with at least one sensor element; Determining the distances of the structural element to at least two adjacent structural elements; Integrating the additional construction element into the digital model in relation to the nearest construction element.

12. System for providing a visual representation of the target and actual states of structural elements during construction, comprising: a first provisioning unit configured to provide a digital model of a plurality of structural elements, wherein the digital model includes target data for at least some of the plurality of structural elements; a plurality of structural elements, each comprising at least one sensor element configured to capture actual data for the target data provided in the digital model; a second provisioning unit configured to provide actual data for at least one of the sensor elements of at least one of the structural elements; at least one visual output device for outputting a visual representation of the actual and target data for at least one structural element in real time.

13. System according to claim 12, wherein the provisioning units, the visual output means and the sensor elements are directly or indirectly connected to each other via at least one communication node.

14. Computer program element with instructions that, when executed on computer equipment in a computer environment, are configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in a system according to claim 12 or claim 13. Use of a digital model, a plurality of design elements, and / or a visual output device in a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images