CAD system

Abstract

To provide a CAD system specifically designed for structural design and offering superior usability. [Solution] A CAD system A for designing structures operates on a web browser of user B's terminal C and is displayed on the screen of the terminal C. The system comprises at least a hierarchical information setting unit 10 in a hierarchical setting field displayed on the screen, in which user B can set one or more hierarchical information items that specify a level from an arbitrary reference line by input, and an editing unit 20 in a drawing field 300 displayed on the screen, in which user B can edit the arrangement of structural components on the level of the hierarchical information specified by user B from among the one or more hierarchical information items displayed in the hierarchical setting field. With this configuration, the coordinate information of the components to be placed in the drawing field related to the hierarchical information arbitrarily selected by user B from among the at least one or more hierarchical information items set by user B on the screen is automatically interpolated with numerical values ​​in the Z-axis direction corresponding to the hierarchical information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a CAD system for designing structures such as retaining walls, girders, temporary bridges, and temporary trestles on a design screen displayed on a user's terminal by operating on the WEB browser of the user's terminal in construction work.

Background Art

[0002] The effort to utilize BIM / CIM in construction work is to introduce a three-dimensional model from the planning, surveying, and design stages, and then to link and develop the three-dimensional model in subsequent construction, maintenance management, etc., to facilitate information sharing among stakeholders across the entire business and to improve the efficiency of a series of operations.

[0003] As tools for generating the three-dimensional models used in BIM / CIM, various CAD software (REVIT, ArchiCAD, etc.) and plugins that can be added to these CAD software are known. (Non-Patent Documents 1, 2)

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventionally, in order to exchange these CAD data among stakeholders and perform necessary editing as appropriate, it was necessary for all stakeholders to introduce CAD software. However, these CAD software programs are expensive, and the software most frequently used varies depending on the industry of the stakeholders involved. This presented a problem: each stakeholder faced a significant cost burden in implementing multiple types of CAD software. Furthermore, when designing structures using these CAD software programs, it was necessary to first place the components on a plan view using the XY coordinate system in three dimensions, and then individually assign a value to the Z-axis direction (height direction) for each component. This made the process of placing components cumbersome for workers and was not a particularly convenient method.

[0006] Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a CAD system that is specialized for structural design applications and offers excellent convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention, made to solve the above problems, is a CAD system for designing structures that operates on a web browser of a user's terminal and is displayed on a screen on the terminal, and is characterized by comprising at least: a hierarchical information setting unit in a hierarchical setting field displayed on the screen, in which the user can set one or more hierarchical information items that specify a level from an arbitrary reference line by input; and an editing unit in a drawing field displayed on the screen, in which the user can edit the arrangement of structural components on the level of the hierarchical information specified by the user from among the one or more hierarchical information items displayed in the hierarchical setting field. Furthermore, the present invention may be configured to further include a display switching unit in which, in the component summary field that shows the breakdown of the component members arranged in the drawing field of all hierarchical information displayed on the screen, the user can switch whether or not each of the component members shown in the component summary field is displayed in the drawing field. Furthermore, the present invention may be configured to further include a three-dimensional model display unit capable of displaying a three-dimensional model of the structure, consisting of the constituent members arranged in the drawing area, on the screen in response to instructions from the user. Furthermore, the present invention may be configured to further include an export unit that, in accordance with the above invention, outputs a data file containing coordinate information and attribute information, detailing all of the components placed in the drawing field, based on instructions from the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a CAD system that offers superior convenience for designing structures can be provided to users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the CAD system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] An illustrative diagram of the design screen. [Figure 3] An illustrative image of the design screen when arranging retaining walls. [Figure 4] An illustrative image of the design screen showing the placement of retaining walls. [Figure 5] An illustrative diagram of the design screen when adding new hierarchical information. [Figure 6] An illustrative image of the design screen when arranging the abdominal support structure. [Figure 7] An illustrative image of the design screen with the hull supports in place. [Figure 8] An image of the design screen showing the placement of bracing beams. [Figure 9] An illustrative image of the design screen displaying a 3D model. [Figure 10] An illustrative diagram of the design screen used when performing the export process. [Figure 11] A screenshot showing the screen after importing a data file into another CAD software. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. [Examples]

[0011] <1>Overview (Figs. 1, 2) The CAD system according to the present invention is a system for designing structures related to construction work (such as retaining structures, pedestals, temporary bridges, temporary trestles, etc.) on the design screen 100 displayed on the user B's terminal C for use.

[0012] <1.1>Premise The CAD system A according to the present invention is accessed and used from the terminal (user terminal C) used by user B through various networks such as Internet lines, LANs, and WANs. In this embodiment, a SaaS (Software as a Service) - type system in which the support system according to the present invention is logged in and used from the WEB browser of the user B's terminal C is applied.

[0013] <1.2>User Attributes The user B who uses the CAD system A according to the present invention includes not only the person in charge of design consultation or the orderer who examines the design plan in construction work, but also the salesperson or engineer belonging to the company that provides the CAD system. Also, the user B's terminal C can use a PC, smartphone, tablet, or other information processing device.

[0014] <1.3>Overall Configuration (Fig. 1) The CAD system A according to the present invention includes at least a hierarchical information setting unit 10 and an editing unit 20, and further, at least any one of a display switching unit 30, a three - dimensional model display unit 40, and an export unit 50 can be arbitrarily combined. Each unit can be realized by arbitrarily combining hardware and software. In addition, a configuration in which each unit is an individual device, or a configuration in which a plurality of each unit is incorporated into one device and integrated can be adopted. Hereinafter, the details of each unit will be described.

[0015] <2>Hierarchical Information Setting Unit (Fig. 1) The hierarchical information setting unit 10 is a processing unit that has the function of setting one or more hierarchical information items that specify the level from any point in the hierarchical setting field 200 displayed on the screen of the user terminal C, based on input by user B.

[0016] <2.1> Hierarchy setting field (Figure 2) The hierarchy setting field 200 is a field displayed on the screen of terminal C that allows user B to edit hierarchy information, in which hierarchy levels (also called levels, heights, or depths) are set from an arbitrary baseline.

[0017] <2.1.1> Arbitrary baseline In this invention, the reference line is not particularly limited, and any point at any height can be set. However, in this embodiment, for example, the ground level (GL) is set as the arbitrary reference line.

[0018] <2.1.2> Hierarchical Information Hierarchical information is information that indicates the level (height and / or depth) from an arbitrary baseline. In the diagram shown in Figure 2, two levels of hierarchical information (first level of hierarchical information 210, second level of hierarchical information 220) are set. The first layer information 210 is information relating to the ground line, which is an arbitrary reference line (layer name: GL, value: 0 [mm]), and the second layer information 220 is information where the level from the ground line is set (layer name: first stage of support structure, value: -1500 [mm]). Furthermore, in the CAD system according to the present invention, the first hierarchical information 210 may be set in advance when a new design is started. Furthermore, in this invention, hierarchical information can be newly added by user B, and the number of additions is not particularly limited. Furthermore, by providing a function to duplicate pre-configured hierarchical information, the constituent elements and their arrangement in the drawing area 300 related to the source hierarchical information may be directly reflected in the destination hierarchical information.

[0019] <3> Editorial Department (Figure 1) The editing unit 20 is a processing unit that has the function of allowing user B to edit the arrangement of structural components at the level of the hierarchical information specified by user B, from among the one or more hierarchical information displayed in the aforementioned hierarchical setting unit 200, in the drawing area 300 displayed on the screen of terminal C.

[0020] <3.1> Drawing area (Figure 2) The drawing area 300 is a field displayed on the screen of the user terminal CC, where the user BB arranges the constituent members of the structure. The drawing area 300 includes a task selection area 310, to which buttons are assigned for performing tasks such as arranging components and other operations.

[0021] <4> Display switching section (Figure 1) The display switching unit 30 is a processing unit that has the function of allowing user B to switch whether or not each of the component members shown in the component overview section 400 displayed on the screen is displayed in the drawing section 300.

[0022] <4.1> Component Overview Section (Figure 2) The component overview section 400 is a section that shows the breakdown of the component parts placed by user B. More specifically, the component overview section 400 displays the breakdown of the component parts placed in each level of hierarchy information, based on all the hierarchy information included in the hierarchy setting section 200, in a tree structure. At the right end of each tree, there is a button shaped like an eye. When user B selects a button, the display switching unit 30 has the function of switching whether or not the components below the selected tree are displayed in the drawing area 300.

[0023] <5> Three-dimensional model display unit (Figures 1, 2, and 9) The three-dimensional model display unit 40 is a processing unit that, in response to instructions from user B, displays a three-dimensional model of a structure consisting of components placed in the drawing area 300 on the screen. In this embodiment, when user B selects the "[3D]" button in the display selection field 110 included in the design screen 100 shown in Figure 2, the three-dimensional model display unit 40 displays a three-dimensional model of the structure in the drawing field 300 within the design screen 100, as shown in Figure 9.

[0024] <6> Export section (Figure 1) The export unit 50 is a processing unit that, upon instruction from user B, outputs a data file containing coordinate information and attribute information detailing all components placed in the drawing area 300. In this invention, the output format of the data file is not limited, and various formats such as JSON, CSV, and XML can be used.

[0025] <7> Screen images (Figures 3-11) The following describes an example of the procedure for designing retaining structures using the CAD system according to the present invention, with reference to screen images.

[0026] (1) Arrangement of retaining wall materials at ground level (GL) (Figures 3 and 4) Figures 3 and 4 are illustrative diagrams showing the transitions in the process from the launch of a new project to the placement of retaining walls at ground level (GL). The design screen 100 shown in Figure 3 has a display selection field 110 at the top center of the screen, a hierarchy setting field 200 at the top left of the screen, a component overview field 400 from the center to the bottom left of the screen, and a drawing field 300 in the center of the screen. Immediately after launching a new project, the hierarchy setting field 200 is pre-configured with the first hierarchy information 210, which is [Name: GL, Value: 0 [mm]]. With the first hierarchical information 210 selected, User B can place the component in the drawing area 300, thereby placing the component with the coordinate information in the Z-axis direction (height direction) of this [GL] level (i.e., GL=0mm) pre-set.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the state where the pop-up condition setting field 320 is displayed after User B selects the [Earth Retaining Wall] button in the work selection field 310. User B can select or input attribute information such as the type and total length of retaining wall D from this condition setting field 320, and then select the [Draw] button at the bottom to draw and place the condition-set retaining wall D in the drawing field 300. The drawing method in the drawing area 300 can be any method used in known CAD software, and a detailed explanation is omitted in this invention. In the component overview section 400, the components placed in the drawing section 300 are displayed according to the hierarchical information. However, since Figure 3 shows the state before the components are placed, no components are displayed. Figure 4 shows the state in which the retaining wall D is arranged in a rectangular shape in plan view in the drawing area 300, and the presence of the retaining wall D arranged in the drawing area 300 is added as the first member information 410 to the [GL] tree in the member overview area 400.

[0028] (2) Addition of new hierarchical information (Figure 5) Figure 5 is an illustrative diagram showing the process of adding new hierarchical information. In the design screen 100 shown in Figure 5, the second layer of information 220 [Name: First stage of shoring, Value: -1500 [mm]] is added by selecting the add button 201 located in the layer setting section 200 at the top left of the screen. The names and values ​​of each hierarchical information can be edited by User B to any name and value they wish. After the second hierarchical information 220 is added, the second member information [Name: Shoring 1st Stage], which has the same name as the hierarchical information, is automatically added to the member overview field 400 located below the hierarchical setting field 200.

[0029] (3) Abdominal positioning (Figures 6 and 7) Figures 6 and 7 are illustrative diagrams showing the transition of the process of placing bracing E in the [First Stage of Shoring] hierarchy, which is the second hierarchical information 220. In the design screen 100 shown in Figure 6, the second layer information 220, [First Layer of Shoring], is selected in the layer setting field 200. In this state, if you perform the task of placing any component in the drawing field 300, you can place a component with pre-set coordinate information in the Z-axis direction (height direction) of the level of [First Layer of Shoring] (i.e., a depth of -1500 mm from GL).

[0030] Figure 6 shows a scenario where waling E (labeled "waling" in the figure) is placed around retaining wall D. By selecting [waling] via the "shoring" button in the work selection field 310, the pop-up condition setting field 320 is displayed. User B can select or input attribute information such as the type and level of abdominal ribs E from this condition setting field 320, and then select the [Draw] button at the bottom to draw and place the condition-set abdominal ribs E in the drawing field 300.

[0031] (3.1) Display of components at a different level In the design screen 100 shown in Figure 6, the first member information 410 in the member overview section 400, which corresponds to the first hierarchical information 210 [GL] in the hierarchical setting section 200, has an eye-shaped icon checked. As a result, the retaining wall D placed in the first hierarchical information 210 is displayed on the drawing section 300. Consequently, user B can draw the bracing E in the appropriate position while confirming the position of the retaining wall D related to the first hierarchical information 210 on the drawing section 300 related to the second hierarchical information 220.

[0032] (3.2) Automatic setting of upper and lower sections In the design screen 100 shown in Figure 6, the condition setting field 320 allows selection of whether to set the "stage level" to "upper and lower stages" or "same stage," and, if set to upper and lower stages, to set the coloring of the upper and lower stage braces E. When this "level" is set to "upper and lower levels," the CAD system according to the present invention automatically switches between the upper level and the lower level of the bracing E when user B draws in the drawing area 300, according to the drawing order of the line segments. Therefore, user B only needs to consider the drawing order of the line segments and does not need to set the upper and lower level individually for each line segment while drawing the line segments. The design screen 100 shown in Figure 7 shows a state in which waling beams E are placed on all four inner sides of the retaining wall D, with the shorter sides designated as the upper waling beams E and the longer sides as the lower waling beams E.

[0033] (3.3) Display of component information In the design screen 100 shown in Figure 7, the tree information for each member in the member overview section 400 is fully expanded. The first member information 410, which corresponds to the [GL] hierarchy belonging to the first hierarchy information 210, lists the SMW walls that constitute the retaining wall D as constituent members for each side, and the second member information 420, which corresponds to the [First stage of shoring] hierarchy belonging to the second hierarchy information 220, lists the waling as constituent members for each side. Each component has an eye-shaped icon that toggles its display on or off in the drawing area 300, allowing the display of each component at the selected hierarchical level to be toggled.

[0034] (4) Installation of bracing (Figure 8) Figure 8 is an illustrative diagram showing the process of placing bracing on the first level of the shoring structure. In the design screen 100 shown in Figure 8, the second layer information 220 is selected in the drawing area 300, and the coordinate information of the first level of the shoring (depth from GL to -1500) is pre-set, showing that two bracing beams F have been added. As a result, in the member overview section 400 shown in Figure 8, the second member information 420 has two additional bracing members F added to it, compared to Figure 7.

[0035] (5) Display of the three-dimensional model (Figure 9) Figure 9 is an illustrative diagram showing the arrangement of each component shown in Figure 8 as a three-dimensional model. Figures 3 to 8 show the arrangement of each component member by selecting [2D] in the display selection field 110 as explained in Figure 3. In contrast, Figure 9 shows the state when [3D] is selected in the display selection field 110, and a three-dimensional model of the retaining wall D, waling E, and bracing F arranged in three dimensions is displayed in the drawing field 300. Furthermore, in the CAD system according to the present invention, the three-dimensional data of each component may be stored as a library, and the system may be configured to display a more precise three-dimensional model of the structure by appropriately loading the three-dimensional data of each component from the library.

[0036] (6) Export process (Figures 10, 11) Figure 10 is an illustrative diagram showing how the breakdown of all the components placed in the drawing area shown in Figure 8 is exported as a data file. In the design screen 100 shown in Figure 10, a [Export Base Drawing] button is provided in the work selection field 310. When user B selects this button, a data file containing the coordinate information and attribute information of each component is output in JSON format and can be saved to user B's terminal C. Figure 11 is an image illustrating the state in which a data file exported from the system according to the present invention is imported into CAD software different from the CAD system according to the present invention. The importing CAD software has a library of three-dimensional data for each component. Based on the attribute information and coordinate information of each component stored in the data file exported by the system according to the present invention, the three-dimensional data read from the library is placed at predetermined coordinates, enabling the display of a more precise three-dimensional model.

[0037] <8> summary According to the CAD system of the present invention, at least one of the following effects can be obtained. (1) From at least one hierarchical piece of information on the screen, the coordinate information of the component placed in the drawing area 300 related to the hierarchical piece of information arbitrarily selected by User B is automatically interpolated with numerical values ​​in the Z-axis direction corresponding to that hierarchical piece of information. Therefore, unlike conventional CAD software, User B does not have to manually input numerical values ​​in the Z-axis direction (height direction) for each component. (2) In the drawing area 300 relating to the hierarchical information selected by user B, the display of components placed in the drawing area 300 relating to hierarchical information other than the selected hierarchical information can be switched, making it easy to align the XY coordinates of components placed in different hierarchical levels. (3) The structure, consisting of constituent members arranged on each floor, can be viewed in three dimensions, making it easy to grasp the three-dimensional image of the structure. (4) By outputting a data file that details the components linked to coordinate information and attribute information, the designed structure can be viewed in three dimensions on 3D CAD software that can import this data file. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] A: CAD system B: User C: Device used 10: Hierarchical Information Setting Section 20: Editorial Department 30: Display switching section 40: Three-dimensional model display unit 50: Export section 100: Design screen 110: Display selection field 200: Hierarchy setting field 201: Add button 210: First hierarchical information 220: Second hierarchical information 300: Drawing area 310: Task Selection Field 320: Condition setting field 400: Component Overview Section 410: Information on the first component 420: Second component information D: Mountain retaining wall E: Abdomen F: Cutting beam

Claims

1. A CAD system for designing structures that operates on a user's web browser and is displayed on the screen of that device, The hierarchy setting section displayed on the aforementioned screen allows the user to set one or more hierarchy information items that specify a level from an arbitrary reference line, based on user input. In the drawing area displayed on the aforementioned screen, an editing section is provided that allows the user to edit the arrangement of structural components at the level of one or more hierarchical information specified by the user from among the hierarchical information displayed in the hierarchical setting section. Characterized by comprising at least the following: CAD system.

2. A display switching unit is provided that allows the user to switch whether or not each of the components shown in the component overview section is displayed in the drawing section, in the component overview section which shows the breakdown of the components placed in the drawing section of all hierarchical information displayed on the screen, It is characterized by further comprising the following: The CAD system according to claim 1.

3. A three-dimensional model display unit capable of displaying a three-dimensional model of the structure, consisting of the components arranged in the drawing area, on the screen in response to user instructions, It is characterized by further comprising the following: The CAD system according to claim 1.

4. The system is further characterized by comprising an export unit that, upon instruction from the user, outputs a data file containing coordinate information and attribute information, detailing all the components placed in the drawing area. A CAD system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images