Construction management system, construction management method, and program

Abstract

To improve user satisfaction regarding construction work performed by contractors at facilities. [Solution] The construction management system 100 comprises a communication unit 13, a reception unit 12, a creation unit 141, and a control unit 142. The communication unit 13 can communicate with the contractor terminal 102. The reception unit 12 can receive facility information, request information, and quotation instructions. When the reception unit 12 receives facility information and request information, the creation unit 141 creates a post-construction space image of the space where the completed facility will be located, based on the facility information and request information. When the reception unit 12 receives a quotation instruction, the communication unit 13 communicates with the contractor terminal 102, and the control unit 142 displays the post-construction space image on the contractor terminal 102 and requests a quotation for the construction from the contractor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a construction management system, a construction management method, and a program, and more particularly, to a construction management system, a construction management method, and a program for managing construction work on a facility.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a system that uses a server to provide, on a network, a site for introducing renovation and extension. In this system, based on the renovation and extension work information (corresponding to the "request information" in the present application) input by a user, the server creates a predicted on-site completion image diagram (corresponding to the "post-construction space image" in the present application) and calculates the construction cost (corresponding to the "estimate" in the present application). Then, the created predicted on-site completion image diagram (post-construction space image) and the calculated construction cost (estimate) are presented to the user. On the other hand, to a construction contractor (corresponding to the "constructor" in the present application), renovation and extension work information (request information) is provided, and the construction contractor (constructor) estimates the construction cost based on the provided renovation and extension work information (request information), and when the estimate is approved by the user, the construction is carried out.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 states that the estimate provided by the contractor may differ from the construction cost estimate presented by the system to the user. Furthermore, the actual space after construction by the contractor may differ from the projected completion image (post-construction space image) presented by the system to the user. If the estimate provided by the contractor is higher than the construction cost estimate presented by the system at the time of the estimate request, or if there is a large difference between the actual space after construction by the contractor and the projected completion image (post-construction space image) presented by the system at the time of the estimate request, user satisfaction with the construction by the contractor may decrease.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a construction management system, construction management method, and program that can improve user satisfaction regarding construction work performed by contractors on facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A construction management system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a communication unit, a reception unit, a creation unit, and a control unit. The communication unit is capable of communicating with each of a plurality of terminals, including a contractor terminal which is the terminal of a contractor performing construction work on a facility. The reception unit is capable of receiving facility information relating to the facility, request information indicating the user's requests regarding the construction, and an estimate instruction for requesting an estimate for the construction. When the reception unit receives the facility information and the request information, the creation unit creates a post-construction space image, which is an image of the space in which the facility exists after the construction has been performed, based on the facility information and the request information. The control unit performs control related to the display of the post-construction space image. When the reception unit receives the estimate instruction, the communication unit communicates with the contractor terminal, and the control unit displays the post-construction space image on the contractor terminal and requests an estimate for the construction from the contractor.

[0007] A construction management method according to one aspect of this disclosure is a construction management method using a computer system comprising a communication unit and a reception unit. The communication unit is capable of communicating with each of a plurality of terminals, including a contractor terminal which is the terminal of a contractor performing the construction. The reception unit is capable of receiving facility information relating to the facility to be constructed, request information indicating the user's requests regarding the construction, and estimation instructions for obtaining an estimate for the construction. The construction management method includes a creation step and a control step. In the creation step, when the reception unit receives the facility information and the request information, a post-construction space image, which is an image of the space in which the facility exists after the construction has been performed, is created based on the facility information and the request information. In the control step, control related to the display of the post-construction space image is performed. When the reception unit receives the estimation instruction, the communication unit communicates with the contractor terminal, and in the control step, the post-construction space image is displayed on the contractor terminal and an estimate request for the construction is made.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors of the computer system to execute the construction management method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The construction management system, construction management method, and program disclosed herein have the effect of improving user satisfaction regarding construction work performed by contractors on facilities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the entire system including the construction management system, user terminal, and multiple contractor terminals according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the first part of the overall operation of the system described above. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating the second part of the overall system operation described above, following the first part. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the third part of the overall system operation described above, following the second part. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating some of the operations of the user terminal described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining operations of the user terminal described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating part of the operation of the construction management system described above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining operations of the construction management system described above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the contractor's terminal mentioned above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the initial state of the creation screen displayed on the user terminal mentioned above. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the creation screen, which includes an image of the space after construction, as displayed on the user terminal mentioned above. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the request screen displayed on the user terminal mentioned above. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the receipt screen displayed on the contractor's terminal mentioned above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (1) Overview First, an overview of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described using Figures 1, 10, and 11.

[0012] (1-1) Construction Management System As shown in Figure 1, the construction management system 100 includes a reception unit 12, a creation unit 141, a control unit 142, and a communication unit 13.

[0013] (1-1-1) Reception Department The reception unit 12 can receive facility information, request information, and estimation instructions.

[0014] (1-1-1a) Facilities and facility information The facility information is information regarding the facility 300 (see FIG. 11).

[0015] The facility 300 is a building to be constructed by a constructor. The facility 300 is, for example, the whole or a part of a building such as a house or an office. A part of the building may be, for example, an indoor part such as a floor or a room inside the building, or an outdoor part such as a rooftop or a veranda of the building. Or, the facility 300 may be, for example, an attached part such as a garden or a retaining wall attached to the building, or a building other than the building, such as a park or a road. The type of the facility is not limited.

[0016] The facility information is, for example, information regarding the type of the facility 300. When the facility 300 is a building, the facility information may be information such as "residence / office" regarding the type of the building. Further, when the facility 300 is a residence among the buildings, the facility information may be information such as "study room / living room", "Western-style room / Japanese-style room" regarding the type of the room.

[0017] (1-1-1b) Construction and request information The request information is information indicating the user's request regarding the construction.

[0018] The construction in this embodiment is work on the facility 300. The work is, for example, installation work, wiring work, etc. The construction on the facility 300 is, for example, installation of the appliance 200 such as a lighting fixture to the facility 300 such as a room, and work such as wiring.

[0019] The request information is, for example, information indicating the user's request regarding the atmosphere of the space where the facility 300 exists after the construction. The user's request regarding the atmosphere of the space may be, for example, one space image corresponding to one atmosphere desired by the user among a plurality of space images corresponding to different atmospheres.

[0020] (1-1-1bA) Example of request information The request information in this embodiment includes, for example, image identification information that can identify one spatial image (e.g., spatial image Im2) that corresponds to one atmosphere requested by the user, from among a plurality of spatial images (here, four spatial images Im1 to Im4) having different atmospheres, as shown in Figure 10.

[0021] Each of the multiple spatial images Im1 to Im4 is associated with an atmosphere ID (e.g., "A" to "D" in Figure 10), and one of the multiple spatial images Im1 to Im4 (for example, spatial image Im2) is identified by the atmosphere ID corresponding to that spatial image (e.g., "B").

[0022] (1-1-1bB) Examples of the atmosphere of the space where the facility is located after construction. The atmosphere of the space in which the facility 300 exists after construction is, for example, the atmosphere created by the effect that the fixtures 200 installed in the facility 300 have on the space, if the construction is the installation of fixtures 200 in the facility 300. In particular, if the fixtures 200 are lighting fixtures, the atmosphere of the space in which the facility 300 exists after construction is the atmosphere created by the lighting effect that the installed lighting fixtures have on the space when they are lit (for example, a scene of "relaxation").

[0023] (1-1-1c) Quotation Instructions An estimate instruction is an instruction to have an estimate prepared for construction work. In this embodiment, the estimate instruction is an instruction to have the contractor (described later) who will perform the construction work prepare an estimate for construction work.

[0024] (1-1-2) Creation Department The creation unit 141 creates a post-construction spatial image Im6 (see Figure 11) based on facility information and request information.

[0025] In this embodiment, when the reception unit 12 receives facility information and request information, the creation unit 141 creates, for example, a post-construction space image Im6 as shown in Figure 11, based on the facility information and request information.

[0026] (1-1-2a) Image of the space after construction Post-construction spatial image Im6 is an image of the space where facility 300 exists after construction has been completed.

[0027] (1-1-2b) Spatial Image (Spatial Image) In this embodiment, the spatial image refers to an image that visually represents a space, and in particular, an image that visually represents the atmosphere of the space after construction. A realistic image is preferred for the spatial image, but a schematic image such as a line drawing may also be used.

[0028] The realistic spatial image could be, for example, a computer graphics (CG) image created using computer graphics, an image captured by an imaging device in a real space, or a composite image obtained by combining an image captured by an imaging device and a computer graphics image.

[0029] A schematic representation of a space is, for example, a CAD image created using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) based on user operations. The CAD image may be created, for example, by combining various pre-prepared geometric elements (objects).

[0030] (1-1-2c) Example of the space after construction The post-construction spatial image Im6 is, for example, a full CG image created using computer graphics to represent the entire spatial image after construction.

[0031] Alternatively, the post-construction spatial image Im6 may be a composite image created by combining, for example, an image of the real space including facility 300 before construction and a CG image of facility 300 after construction, using various image processing techniques. Examples of these image processing techniques include MR (Mixed Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and VR (Virtual Reality).

[0032] Alternatively, the post-construction spatial image Im6 may be a CAD image obtained by creating at least a portion of the post-construction spatial image using CAD.

[0033] (1-1-2d) Timing of creating the post-construction spatial image In this embodiment, the post-construction spatial image Im6 is created before the user requests a construction estimate from the contractor.

[0034] For example, the creation unit 141 may repeatedly create different spatial images for the space in which the facility 300 exists after construction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "post-construction space"). The user may then select one of the multiple spatial images thus created as the post-construction space image Im6 and then request a quote.

[0035] In other words, the post-construction space image Im6 can be described as a conceptual drawing that visualizes the post-construction space that the user desires or imagines at the time of requesting a quote. Therefore, the post-construction space image Im6 is basically a different image from the design drawings used in construction after the quote. However, it can also be considered that the post-construction space image Im6 includes images of the design drawings.

[0036] (1-1-3) Control Unit The control unit 142 performs controls related to the display of the post-construction spatial image Im6. Controls related to the display of the post-construction spatial image Im6 include, for example, controls to display the post-construction spatial image Im6 on the contractor terminal 102 (described later). Alternatively, the controls related to the display of the post-construction spatial image Im6 may also be controls to display the post-construction spatial image Im6 on the user terminal 101 (described later), or controls to display the post-construction spatial image Im6 on the display unit 15 (described later).

[0037] (1-1-4) Communications unit and communications via the network The communication unit 13 is capable of communicating with each of the multiple terminals 10. The communication between the communication unit 13 and each of the multiple terminals 10 is conducted via the network NW1 (see Figure 1).

[0038] (1-2) Contractor terminal and contractor The multiple terminals 10 include the contractor terminal 102. The contractor terminal 102 is the contractor's terminal.

[0039] The contractor will carry out the construction work on facility 300. The contractor may be a legal entity such as a construction company, but may also be an individual.

[0040] (1-3) Request for Quotation In the construction management system 100, for example, when the reception unit 12 receives an estimate request, the communication unit 13 communicates with the contractor terminal 102, and the control unit 142 displays the post-construction spatial image Im6 on the contractor terminal 102 and requests an estimate for the construction from the contractor.

[0041] (1-4) Advantages In this way, the construction management system 100 communicates with the contractor terminal 102 to display the post-construction spatial image Im6 on the contractor terminal 102 and requests the contractor to provide an estimate for the construction. This helps to avoid discrepancies between the estimate provided by the system and the estimate provided by the contractor, and ultimately improves the accuracy of the estimate.

[0042] Furthermore, by sharing the post-construction spatial image Im6, which the user referred to when requesting an estimate from the contractor, with the contractor, it is possible to minimize the discrepancy between the post-construction spatial image Im6 and the actual space after construction. As a result, it is possible to improve user satisfaction with the contractor's work on facility 300.

[0043] (2) Details Next, the details of the embodiment will be explained, mainly using Figures 1, 10 to 13. Note that explanations of matters already mentioned in "(1) Overview" have been omitted or simplified below.

[0044] (2-1) Details of the construction management system As shown in Figure 1, the construction management system 100 in this embodiment is connected to each of the multiple terminals 10 via a network NW1. The network NW1 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, or the Internet. Communication via the network NW1 is, for example, wireless communication, but it may also be wired communication, or a combination of wireless and wired communication.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the multiple terminals 10 include a user terminal 101 and two or more (in this case, two) contractor terminals 102. The user terminal 101 has functions such as communication with the construction management system 100, receiving information such as request information, and displaying information such as the post-construction spatial image Im6 (see Figure 11). The contractor terminals 102 have functions such as communication with the construction management system 100 and displaying information such as the post-construction spatial image Im6.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1, the construction management system 100 comprises a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, a communication unit 13, a processing unit 14, and a display unit 15. The processing unit 14 comprises a creation unit 141 and a control unit 142.

[0047] (2-1-1) Storage section The memory unit 11 stores various types of information. These types of information include, for example, information on multiple contractors, multiple GC images, and multiple images of the space after construction.

[0048] (2-1-2) Details of the reception area The reception unit 12 is capable of receiving various types of information and instructions. Examples of the types of information that the reception unit 12 can receive include facility information, request information, user information, and spatial information. Examples of the types of instructions that the reception unit 12 can receive include quotation requests, bulk quotation requests, and selective quotation requests.

[0049] The reception by the reception unit 12 is, for example, the reception of information received from the user terminal 101 via the network NW1 using a communication module, but it may also be the reception of information entered via an input device such as a keyboard.

[0050] (2-1-3) Details of the Communications Department The communication unit 13 is capable of communicating with each of the multiple terminals 10 via the network NW1 using a communication module (described later).

[0051] (2-1-4) Processing Section The processing unit 14 performs various processes. These various processes include, for example, the processes of the creation unit 141 and the processes of the control unit 142. The processing unit 14 also performs processes such as various decision-making processes, as explained in the flowcharts in Figures 7 and 8.

[0052] (2-1-5)Display section The display unit 15 is capable of displaying various types of information. Examples of the types of information that the display unit 15 can display include the post-construction spatial image Im6 shown in Figure 11, the pre-construction spatial image Im5 shown in Figure 10, and information on multiple contractors as shown in Figure 12.

[0053] The display unit 15 also displays a creation screen Sc1 (see Figure 10) containing information such as the pre-construction spatial image Im5, a creation screen Sc1 (see Figure 11) containing information such as the post-construction spatial image Im6, and a request screen Sc2 (see Figure 12) containing information such as the information of multiple contractors.

[0054] However, the construction management system 100 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a display unit 15.

[0055] (2-2) Means of implementation (2-2-1) Hardware for implementing the construction management system In this embodiment, the construction management system 100 is implemented by a server, as shown in Figure 1.

[0056] (2-2-1a) Server hardware A server includes a processor, communication modules, input devices, a display, and other components.

[0057] The processor includes a CPU and memory. Preferably, the processor further includes a GPU for image processing, frame memory for image synthesis, and so on.

[0058] The communication module enables communication via the network NW1 (see Figure 1). The input device is, for example, a keyboard, but it may also be a touch panel on the display surface of the display. The display is, for example, an external display attached to the server, but it may also be an internal display.

[0059] The communication unit 13 is implemented by a communication module. The receiving unit 12 is implemented by an input device, a communication module, etc. The creation unit 141 is implemented by a processor.

[0060] (2-2-1b) Hardware of the user terminal The user terminal 101 is basically implemented by a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. The mobile device has, for example, a processor, a communication module, a display, and input devices and a built-in camera. The input device of the mobile device is basically a touch panel provided on the display surface.

[0061] However, the user terminal 101 may be implemented as a fixed terminal such as a desktop PC.

[0062] (2-2-1c) Hardware of the installer's terminal The installer terminal 102 may be implemented as a fixed terminal such as a desktop PC, but it may also be implemented as a mobile terminal. The fixed terminal may include, for example, a processor, a communication module, an input device, a display, and the like.

[0063] (2-3) User terminals In the configuration described in "(1) Overview," the multiple terminals 10 further include a user terminal 101. The user terminal 101 is the user's terminal.

[0064] (2-3-1) Communication between the construction management system and the user terminal The communication unit 13 communicates with the user terminal 101, enabling the reception unit 12 and control unit 142 to perform the following operations: The reception unit 12 receives facility information and request information from the user terminal 101. Based on the facility information and request information received by the reception unit 12, the creation unit 141 creates a post-construction spatial image Im6 (see Figure 11).

[0065] The control unit 142 displays the post-construction space image Im6, created by the creation unit 141 based on the facility information and request information received by the reception unit 12, on the user terminal 101. After the control unit 142 has displayed the post-construction space image Im6 on the user terminal 101, the reception unit 12 receives an estimate request from the user terminal 101.

[0066] (2-3-2) Advantages of communication with user terminals With this configuration, communication with the user terminal 101 allows for the reception of facility information and request information from the user terminal 101, the display of the post-construction spatial image Im6 on the user terminal 101, and the reception of quotation requests from the user terminal.

[0067] (2-4) Details of the construction (2-4-1) Installation of equipment in facilities The construction in this embodiment includes the installation of fixtures 200 into the facility 300.

[0068] (2-4-1a) Equipment Fixture 200 is, for example, a lighting fixture. Alternatively, fixture 200 may be AV (Audio Visual) equipment, air conditioners, or other electrical equipment. Alternatively, fixture 200 may be a heating appliance that uses a heat source other than electricity, such as gas or oil, or furniture such as a bookshelf or desk. Fixture 200 can be anything that can be installed in facility 300.

[0069] (2-4-1b) Details of the request information: Equipment information In this embodiment, the request information further includes device information in addition to image identification information.

[0070] The fixture information refers to information relating to fixture 200. In this embodiment, the fixture information is information that enables the installer to identify fixture 200, and is, for example, a unique part number for fixture 200.

[0071] However, the fixture information may also include information such as the manufacturer's name, the name of the fixture (e.g., "ceiling light"), and performance or function (brightness, color, beam angle, presence or absence of dimming function, etc.). The format of the fixture information is not restricted as long as the fixture 200 can be identified.

[0072] (2-4-1c) Notification of equipment information to the contractor When requesting an estimate, the control unit 142 may also display equipment information on the contractor's terminal 102 in addition to the post-construction spatial image Im6 (see Figure 11).

[0073] (2-4-2) Advantages of installing equipment in facilities This configuration allows for further notification of equipment information to the installer, thereby reducing the possibility that the equipment 200 actually installed by the installer may differ from the user's requirements. As a result, user satisfaction with the installer's installation of equipment 200 in the facility 300 can be improved.

[0074] (2-4-3) Detailed image of the space after construction Post-construction spatial image Im6 (see Figure 11) is an image of the space where facility 300 exists after the installation of fixture 200.

[0075] By displaying this post-construction spatial image (Im6), users can easily perceive the effects that result from the installation of the fixture 200 on the space.

[0076] (2-4-3a) Post-installation spatial image when the fixture is a lighting fixture If fixture 200 is a lighting fixture, the post-construction spatial image Im6 is preferably an image of the space with the installed lighting fixture illuminated.

[0077] By displaying a post-construction spatial image like Im6, users can easily perceive the lighting effects that result from the installation of lighting fixtures.

[0078] (2-5) Details of the reception area: Reception of spatial information and user information In this embodiment, the reception unit 12 is capable of receiving one or more types of information from among spatial information and user information.

[0079] (2-5-1) Spatial Information Spatial information refers to information about the space in which facility 300 exists. Spatial information includes, for example, structural information about the structure of the space (size, shape, etc.), size information about the size of the space (area, length and width, ceiling height, etc.), shape information about the shape of the space (rectangle / square, etc.), and layout information about the layout of facility 300 within the space. The layout of facility 300 refers to the arrangement of various objects that facility 300 possesses in the space, such as fixtures 200 such as lighting fixtures, furniture such as bookshelves, etc.

[0080] (2-5-2) User Information User information refers to information about a user. User information includes, for example, user identification information. User identification information is information that identifies a user. Examples of user identification information include address, name, telephone number, and email address. User identification information is also used for contacting the user, visiting the user's home or other facilities, etc.

[0081] (2-5-3) First method for creating a post-construction spatial image The post-construction spatial image Im6 (see Figure 11) is created, for example, as follows. That is, when creating the post-construction spatial image Im6, the construction management system 100 has a communication unit 13 that communicates with the user terminal 101, so that the control unit 142 first displays a creation screen Sc1, for example, as shown in Figure 10, on the user terminal 101.

[0082] (2-5-3a) Creation screen As shown in Figure 10, the creation screen Sc1 includes multiple spatial images Im1 to Im4 and multiple atmosphere IDs "A" to "D" associated with the multiple spatial images Im1 to Im4. An atmosphere ID is an identifier that identifies the atmosphere of a space. An atmosphere ID is represented using one or more types of information, such as letters, numbers, and symbols.

[0083] (2-5-3b) Multiple images of the space after construction In the construction management system 100, multiple post-construction spatial images corresponding to different spatial information are pre-stored in the storage unit 11. Each of the multiple post-construction spatial images may be a full CG image, an image captured, or a CG image obtained by processing an image captured.

[0084] (2-5-3c) Acquisition of pre-construction spatial image and spatial information The user terminal 101 uses its built-in camera, which functions as an imaging device, to capture images of the space where the facility 300 is located before construction. This captures an image of the space where the facility 300 is located before construction, which in turn obtains a pre-construction spatial image Im5, along with spatial information of the space input by the user.

[0085] (2-5-3d) Obtain the post-construction spatial image with the highest degree of similarity to the pre-construction spatial image. In the construction management system 100, the communication unit 13 communicates with the user terminal 101, and the creation unit 141 obtains a pair of pre-construction spatial image Im5 and spatial information acquired by the user terminal 101 from the user terminal 101. Then, the creation unit 141 obtains the post-construction spatial image Im6 from among the multiple post-construction spatial images stored in the storage unit 11 that has the highest degree of similarity in spatial information with the pre-construction spatial image Im5.

[0086] (2-5-4) Second method for creating a post-construction spatial image Alternatively, the construction area spatial image Im6 may be created, for example, by performing image processing such as MR, AR, or VR on the pre-construction spatial image Im5 each time it is acquired.

[0087] Specifically, in the construction management system 100, multiple GC images corresponding to multiple fixtures 200 are pre-stored in the storage unit 11, and the creation unit 141 may create a post-construction spatial image Im6 by combining the GC images corresponding to the selected fixtures 200 with the pre-construction spatial image Im5 acquired from the user terminal 101 as described above using image processing such as MR, AR, or VR.

[0088] (2-5-5) Third method for creating a post-construction spatial image Alternatively, the construction area spatial image Im6 may be created using CAD. Specifically, in the construction management system 100, the display unit 15 may display the pre-construction spatial image Im5, while the reception unit 12 may receive CAD operations from the operator, and the creation unit 141 may create the post-construction spatial image Im6 according to the received operations.

[0089] (2-5-6) Fourth method for creating a post-construction spatial image Alternatively, the post-construction spatial image Im6 may be a computer-generated image based on the results of a computer simulation of the installation of fixtures 200 into facility 300, while changing at least one of the type and arrangement of fixtures 200.

[0090] (2-6) Display of spatial images before and after construction When requesting an estimate, the control unit 142 preferably displays the pre-construction spatial image Im5 on the contractor's terminal 102. By displaying the pre-construction spatial image Im5 in addition to the post-construction spatial image Im6 on the contractor's terminal 102 when requesting an estimate, the accuracy of the estimate can be improved.

[0091] (2-6-1) Example of pre-construction spatial image: Captured image The pre-construction spatial image Im5 is, for example, an image obtained by capturing the space where the facility 300 exists before construction is carried out using an imaging device. In this embodiment, the space before construction is captured by the built-in camera of the user terminal 101, and the captured image is acquired.

[0092] In this way, by capturing images of the space before construction using an imaging device, it is possible to easily create an image that is a realistic pre-construction image of the space (Im5).

[0093] (2-6-2) Example of post-construction spatial image: Composite image Alternatively, the post-construction spatial image may be a composite image created by combining the captured image with an image of the fixture 200.

[0094] The image of the device 200 may be a computer-generated image, but it may also be an image obtained by imaging the device 200 with an imaging device, or an image (line drawing) created using CAD.

[0095] In this way, by combining the image of the fixture 200 with the pre-construction spatial image Im5, which is an captured image, a realistic post-construction spatial image Im6 can be created.

[0096] (2-7) Details of fixtures: Lighting fixtures In this embodiment, the fixture 200 is basically a lighting fixture. The installation includes the installation of the lighting fixture into the facility 300.

[0097] This configuration makes it possible to improve user satisfaction regarding the installation of lighting fixtures in facility 300 by the contractor.

[0098] (2-7-1) Lighting effect of lighting fixtures in an illuminated state Image Im6 of the space after construction shows the space including the lighting fixtures in their illuminated state after installation.

[0099] This configuration makes it possible to visualize the lighting effects (for example, the atmosphere created in a space by the lighting) resulting from the illumination of lighting fixtures.

[0100] (2-8) Instructions for obtaining estimates from multiple contractors The memory unit 11 stores contractor information.

[0101] (2-8-1)Constructor information Contractor information refers to information about the contractor. Further details about contractor information will be provided later.

[0102] The storage unit 11 of this embodiment stores information on multiple contractors corresponding to multiple contractors.

[0103] In the construction management system 100, the communication unit 13 communicates with the user terminal 101, causing the control unit 142 to display multiple contractor information stored in the storage unit 11 on the user terminal 101.

[0104] (2-8-2) Instructions for bulk quotation and instructions for selective quotation In this embodiment, the reception unit 12 can accept both a bulk quotation instruction and a selective quotation instruction as the above-mentioned quotation instruction. A bulk quotation instruction is an instruction to request quotations from multiple contractors at once. A selective quotation instruction is an instruction to selectively request quotations from one of multiple contractors.

[0105] (2-8-3) Method for implementing quotation instructions In the construction management system 100, the communication unit 13 communicates with the user terminal 101, causing the control unit 142 to display, for example, a request screen Sc2 as shown in Figure 12, on the display of the user terminal 101. Similarly, through communication, the reception unit 12 can detect the pressing of various buttons (described later) included in the request screen Sc2 via a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display.

[0106] (2-8-3a) Request screen The request screen Sc2 is a screen for users to request quotes from contractors. As shown in Figure 12, for example, the request screen Sc2 includes multiple contractor information fields, multiple checkboxes corresponding to the multiple contractor information fields, and a "Bulk Quote" button Bt4 and a "Cancel" button Bt5.

[0107] In the request screen Sc2 shown in Figure 12, the contractor information includes "Contractor No." and "Name" as contractor identification information (described later), "Area" as area information (described later), and "User Rating" as evaluation information (described later). However, the data structure and current format of the contractor information may be changed as appropriate.

[0108] (2-8-3b) Details of contractor information Each of the multiple contractor information entries includes one or more types of information about the contractor, such as performance information and evaluation information.

[0109] (2-8-3bA) Performance Information Performance information refers to information about past construction projects. Past construction performance includes information about projects the contractor has completed in the past, such as the type of project (e.g., installation of lighting fixtures / installation of electrical equipment other than lighting fixtures) and the number of projects (e.g., total number of projects: 500, number of lighting fixture installations: 200).

[0110] (2-8-3bB) Evaluation Information Evaluation information refers to information about user evaluations. User evaluations are evaluations made by users. The evaluation may be, for example, an evaluation of the contractor, or an evaluation of the work performed by the contractor. Furthermore, user evaluations may be, for example, individual evaluations by one or more users, or a comprehensive evaluation by multiple users.

[0111] The evaluation information may be, for example, information that quantitatively indicates the evaluation, or information that qualitatively indicates the evaluation. Information that quantitatively indicates the evaluation may be, for example, various evaluation values. These evaluation values ​​may be, for example, a numerical value such as "4.2 points" out of a possible 5 points, or a ranking value such as "B rank" out of A rank to F rank.

[0112] Qualitative information that demonstrates evaluations includes, for example, reviews. In this context, reviews refer to information in which users express their evaluations of a contractor or the construction work in language.

[0113] The evaluation information that shows the overall evaluation by multiple users (hereinafter referred to as "overall evaluation information") may be, for example, a representative value (mean, median, etc.) in a group of individual evaluation values, which is a collection of individual evaluation values ​​from each of multiple users.

[0114] Alternatively, the overall evaluation information could be the most frequent review (majority opinion) in a group of reviews, which is a collection of reviews from multiple users, or it could be a pair of the most frequent review and a review that is in contrast to it (opposing opinion).

[0115] (2-8-3bC) Other information Contractor information generally includes contractor identification information. Contractor identification information is information that identifies the contractor. Examples of contractor identification information include name and address, contractor ID, telephone number, and email address. The contractor ID is, for example, the contractor number shown in Figure 12, such as "No. 1" or "No. 2". However, if there is only one contractor, contractor identification information does not need to be included in the contractor information.

[0116] Furthermore, the contractor information preferably includes one or more types of information from among terminal identification information, area information, and payment information.

[0117] Terminal identification information refers to information that identifies terminal 10. The terminal identification information included in the contractor information refers to information that identifies contractor terminal 102. Terminal identification information is, for example, an address used to identify terminal 10 on network NW1, specifically an IP address, MAC address, etc.

[0118] Area information refers to information about the areas in which a contractor can perform construction work. This area information includes, for example, the name of the prefecture, city, town, or village.

[0119] Payment information refers to information used for settling construction costs. This information includes, for example, the name of the financial institution and account number.

[0120] (2-8-4) Request for bulk quote in response to instructions for bulk quote The reception unit 12 accepts the bulk quote request when the "bulk quote" button Bt4 on the request screen Sc2 is pressed.

[0121] When the reception unit 12 receives a bulk quotation instruction, the control unit 142, based on the multiple contractor information stored in the storage unit 11, displays the post-construction spatial image Im6 on each of the multiple contractor terminals 102, including the contractor terminal 102, and requests bulk quotations from multiple contractors.

[0122] By notifying multiple contractors of the same post-construction spatial image and requesting quotes from them all at once, it becomes possible to compare highly accurate quotes from contractors under the same conditions.

[0123] (2-8-5) Request for a selective quote in accordance with the instructions for a selective quote. When the reception unit 12 receives a request for a selection quote, the control unit 142 retrieves one contractor's information corresponding to one contractor from among the multiple contractor information stored in the storage unit 11.

[0124] In this embodiment, for example, in the request screen Sc2 of Figure 12, when an execution operation (for example, pressing the execution key at the bottom of the display) is performed with one of the multiple checkboxes (two in Figure 12) associated with multiple contractor information (the first checkbox in Figure 12) checked, the reception unit 12 accepts the request for a selection quote from Company AA.

[0125] The control unit 142 then displays the post-construction spatial image Im6 on one of the multiple contractor terminals 102, including the contractor terminal 102, that corresponds to the contractor information of one contractor, and selectively requests an estimate from that contractor.

[0126] (2-8-6) Operation of the contractor's terminal that was the recipient of the quotation request notification. The contractor terminal 102, which is the recipient of the quotation request notification, displays the receipt screen Sc3 (see Figure 13).

[0127] (2-8-6a) Receipt screen The receiving screen Sc3 is the screen on which the contractor receives the quotation request from the user. As shown in Figure 13, the receiving screen Sc3 includes the post-construction space image Im6.

[0128] The receiving screen Sc3 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the post-construction space image Im6, request information, a pre-construction space image Im5, user information, and a “Visit Site” button Bt6 and a “Create Estimate” button Bt7.

[0129] Request information includes, for example, “Atmosphere B” selected on the creation screen Sc1 in Figure 10, and the model number of the lighting fixture selected on the request screen Sc2 in Figure 12: “GH123”. User information includes, for example, “Address and name: aa prefecture... CC-sama” and “Contact number: 090-...”.

[0130] (2-8-6b) Operation at the notification destination for bulk quotation requests In more detail, in the construction management system 100, when the reception unit 12 receives a bulk estimate instruction, the control unit 142 displays the receipt screen Sc3 on each of the multiple contractor terminals 102.

[0131] In this way, it is possible to request quotes from multiple contractors at once. In particular, since the same image of the completed space is notified to each of the multiple contractors when requesting a quote, it becomes possible to compare quotes under the same conditions. Then, by comparing the quotes from multiple contractors and selecting one contractor to carry out the work, it is possible to control construction costs while ensuring high quality construction.

[0132] (2-8-6c) Operation at the notification destination of the selected quotation request When the reception unit 12 receives the selection order, the receipt screen Sc3 is displayed on the contractor's terminal 102 of the contractor selected as the recipient of the estimate request, for example, the contractor's terminal 102 of "AA Company" selected as the recipient of the estimate request on the request screen Sc2 in Figure 12.

[0133] This configuration allows for the selective request for a quote from one of several contractors. In particular, by comparing user ratings among multiple contractors and selecting one contractor to request a quote from, the system efficiently sends quote requests to contractors with high user ratings. Furthermore, by notifying the selected contractor of the post-construction spatial image before requesting a quote, it enables the selected contractor to provide a highly accurate estimate.

[0134] (2-8-6d) Creating an estimate When the contractor (in this case, an employee of Company AA) prepares an estimate without a site visit, they press the "Create Estimate" button Bt7 to begin creating the estimate. In this case, the estimate is prepared using the contractor's terminal 102, based on the information on the receipt screen Sc3, and the estimate result is obtained.

[0135] On the other hand, if an estimate is to be made after a site visit, the user presses the "Visit Site" button Bt6 to schedule the site visit. For example, upon pressing the "Visit Site" button Bt6, a map of prefecture aa and a screen for making a phone call to CC may be displayed based on the user's information. An employee of company AA visits the site (in this case, CC's home) and collects information about the actual facility 300. In this case, the estimate is made using the contractor terminal 102, based on the information on the receipt screen Sc3 and the information collected on-site, and the estimate result is obtained.

[0136] (2-8-6e) Notification of Quotation Results The obtained estimate results are communicated between the contractor terminal 102 and the construction management system 100 via the communication unit 13 of the construction management system 100, and then notified from the construction management system 100 to the user terminal 101 via the communication unit 13 of the construction management system 100 and the user terminal 101.

[0137] (3) Specific examples Next, specific examples of this embodiment will be explained, primarily using the sequence diagrams in Figures 2 to 4 and the flowcharts in Figures 5 to 9. Note that explanations of previously mentioned concepts will be omitted or simplified below.

[0138] In this example, the construction management system 100 is a server and will be referred to as "server 100" below. In this example, there are two contractor terminals 102 that can communicate with the construction management system 100. Hereafter, these two contractor terminals 102 will be referred to as "contractor terminal 102a" and "contractor terminal 102b" to distinguish them from each other. Furthermore, in this example, contractor terminal 102a is contractor terminal 102 of "AA Company", and contractor terminal 102b is contractor terminal 102 of "BB Company".

[0139] (3-1) Overall system operation First, the operation of the entire system, including the construction management system 100, user terminal 101, contractor terminal 102a, and contractor terminal 102b, will be explained using the sequence diagrams in Figures 2 to 4. However, Figure 3 corresponds to the case of a lump-sum estimate.

[0140] Server 100 is connected to user terminal 101, contractor terminal 102a, and contractor terminal 102b in a communication-enabled manner. The communication sequence shown in Figures 2 to 4 is initiated in response to a user's creation start operation on user terminal 101. The creation start operation is an operation to start the creation of the post-construction spatial image Im6.

[0141] In response to the creation start operation, as shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 101 sends a creation start instruction to the server 100. The server 100 receives the creation start instruction from the user terminal 101 and sends creation screen information. The creation screen information is the information necessary to display the creation screen Sc1 (see Figure 10) on the user terminal 101.

[0142] The user terminal 101 receives creation screen information from the server 100 and uses the received creation screen information to display, for example, creation screen Sc1 as shown in Figure 10. At this point, the pre-construction space image Im5 is not yet included in creation screen Sc1 in Figure 10.

[0143] The user inputs information such as request details into the user terminal 101 while referring to the creation screen Sc1 displayed on the user terminal 101. The user terminal 101 receives the various information entered by the user.

[0144] Specifically, for example, in response to the string "1. Please choose your preferred atmosphere" contained in the creation screen Sc1, the user selects the atmosphere ID "B" associated with the spatial image Im2 by touching it. In response to this touch operation, the user terminal 101 receives the atmosphere ID "B" as request information.

[0145] Next, in response to the string "2. Take a picture of the room and upload it" contained in the creation screen Sc1, the user takes an image of the room as the pre-construction space using the built-in camera of the user terminal 101. This acquires the pre-construction space image Im5, which is added to the creation screen Sc1 in Figure 10. After the pre-construction space image Im5 is added to the creation screen Sc1, the user presses the upload button Bt1 on the creation screen Sc1. In response to the press of the upload button Bt1, the user terminal 101 sends various information such as the atmosphere ID "B" and the pre-construction space image Im5 to the server 100.

[0146] Server 100 receives various information such as atmosphere ID "B" and the pre-construction space image Im5 from user terminal 101. Then, server 100 creates a post-construction space image Im6 (see Figure 11) based on the various information such as atmosphere ID "B" and the pre-construction space image Im5, and sends the created post-construction space image Im6 to user terminal 101.

[0147] The user terminal 101 receives the post-construction spatial image Im6 from the server 100 and displays the received post-construction spatial image Im6. As a result, the creation screen Sc1 in Figure 10, which was displayed on the user terminal 101, is updated to a creation screen Sc1 that includes the post-construction spatial image Im6, for example, as shown in Figure 11. The creation screen Sc1 in Figure 11 includes the post-construction spatial image Im6, a "Start Estimation" button Bt2, and a "Create Again" button Bt3. If the "Create Again" button Bt3 is pressed, the display on the user terminal 101 returns from the creation screen Sc1 in Figure 11 to the creation screen Sc1 in Figure 10, and the same operation as described above is repeated.

[0148] When the "Start Estimate" button Bt2 is pressed, the user terminal 101 sends an estimate start command to the server 100, as shown in Figure 3. The server 100 receives the estimate start command from the user terminal 101 and sends request screen information. The request screen information is the information necessary to display the request screen Sc1 (see Figure 12) on the user terminal 101.

[0149] The user terminal 101 receives request screen information from the server 100 and uses the received request screen information to display a request screen Sc2, for example, as shown in Figure 12. The request screen Sc2 includes information on multiple (in this case, two) pieces of equipment, information on multiple (in this case, two) contractors, a "bulk estimate" button Bt4, and a "cancel" button Bt5. The equipment information includes information on the manufacturer, type, and model number. The contractor information includes information on the contractor number, name, area, and user evaluation. If the "cancel" button Bt5 is pressed at any time, the display on the user terminal 101 returns from the creation screen Sc1 in Figure 12 to, for example, the creation screen Sc1 in Figure 10, and the same operation as described above is repeated.

[0150] The user, referring to the request screen Sc2 displayed on the user terminal 101, inputs user information and the selection results for the equipment and installer as needed into the user terminal 101. In this specific example, the default values ​​for the equipment and installer are the first equipment information (here, "GH123" indicating the model number) and the first installer information (here, "AA Company" indicating the name). If the default values ​​are to be changed, the user inputs the selection results for each or both of the equipment and installer, and the user terminal 101 accepts the selection results entered by the user.

[0151] Although not shown in the sequence diagram in Figure 3, if the execution operation is performed while the request screen Sc2 in Figure 12 is displayed, a quotation request will be sent to the contractor terminal 102a of the selected contractor, "AA Company," along with the post-construction space image Im6, the pre-construction space image Im5, the request information, and the user information (referred to as "post-construction space image Im6, etc.").

[0152] When the "Bulk Estimate" button Bt3 is pressed on the request screen Sc2 in Figure 12, the server 100 sends an estimate request, along with the post-construction space image Im6, etc., to both the contractor terminal 102a and the contractor terminal 102b, as shown in the sequence diagram in Figure 3.

[0153] Each of the contractor terminals 102a and 102b receives a request for an estimate along with the post-construction spatial image Im6, etc. Then, each of the contractor terminals 102a and 102b performs an estimate based on the post-construction spatial image Im6, etc., in response to the estimate request and obtains the estimate result. In addition, the contractor may visit the user's home for the purpose of providing an estimate.

[0154] As shown in Figure 4, each of the contractor terminals 102a and 102b transmits the acquired estimate results to the user terminal 101 via the server 100. The user terminal 101 receives the estimate results from each of the contractor terminals 102a and 102b and displays a set of estimate results including the two received estimate results.

[0155] Furthermore, the estimate results from contractor terminal 102a and the estimate results from contractor terminal 102b may be displayed separately at different times. Also, although omitted in Figure 4, the receipt screen Sc3 (see Figure 13) may be displayed on both contractor terminal 102a and contractor terminal 102b.

[0156] The user refers to the set of estimate results displayed on the user terminal 101 to decide which company to request the construction work from, and enters the decision result into the user terminal 101. Here, let's assume that "Company AA" is entered as the decision result. The user terminal 101 receives the entered evaluation result "Company AA" and sends the received decision result "Company AA" to the server 100.

[0157] Server 100 receives the decision result "Company AA" from user terminal 101 and sends order information to contractor terminal 102a corresponding to the decision result "Company AA". Contractor terminal 102a receives the order information from server 100 and displays the received order information.

[0158] Furthermore, the server 100 transmits the lost bid information to the contractor terminal 102b, which corresponds to "BB Company" and is different from the selected "AA Company". The contractor terminal 102b receives the lost bid information from the server 100 and displays the received information.

[0159] This completes the system's operation in response to the creation start operation. The same process will be repeated each time a new creation start operation is performed.

[0160] (3-2) Operation of user terminal, server, and installer terminal Next, the operations of the server 100, user terminal 101, contractor terminal 102a, and contractor terminal 102b, which are necessary to realize the operation of the entire system described in Figures 2 to 4, will be explained using Figures 5 to 9. Since contractor terminals 102a and 102b perform the same operations, in the following explanation, contractor terminals 102a and 102b will not be distinguished from each other and will simply be referred to as "contractor terminal 102".

[0161] (3-2-1) User terminal operation First, the operation of the user terminal 101 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6. The flowcharts in Figures 5 and 6 are initiated in response to the creation start operation.

[0162] Once processing begins, as explained in the sequence diagrams in Figures 2 to 4, the creation screen information is downloaded from the server 100 to the user terminal 101. The user terminal 101 displays the creation screen Sc1 (see Figure 11) based on the creation screen information (step S1).

[0163] Next, the user terminal 101 determines whether or not it has received various information, including request information (step S2). If the user terminal 101 determines that it has not received various information, including request information (No in step S2), the process returns to step S2.

[0164] If it is determined that various information, including request information, has been received in step S2 (Yes), the user terminal 101 will acquire the pre-construction space image Im5 (step S3).

[0165] Next, the user terminal 101 transmits various information, including request information, and the pre-construction space image Im5 to the server 100 (step S4).

[0166] Next, the user terminal 101 receives the post-construction spatial image Im6 from the server 100 (step S5).

[0167] Next, the user terminal 101 displays the post-construction spatial image Im6 (step S6). As a result, for example, the creation screen Sc1 in Figure 11 is updated to the creation screen Sc1 in Figure 12.

[0168] Next, the user terminal 101 determines whether or not it has received the quotation request (step S7). If the user terminal 101 determines that it has not received the quotation request (No in step S7), the process returns to step S7.

[0169] If it is determined in step S7 that the estimate request has been received (Yes), the user terminal 101 displays the request screen Sc2 (see Figure 12), which contains information on multiple contractors (step S8).

[0170] Next, the user terminal 101 determines whether or not it has received the user information and selection results (step S9). If the user terminal 101 determines that it has not received the user information and selection results (No in step S9), the process returns to step S9.

[0171] If the user terminal 101 determines that it has received the user information and selection results in step 9, it sends the user information and selection results to the server 100 (step S10).

[0172] Next, the user terminal 101 receives the estimation results(s) from the server 100 (step S11).

[0173] Next, the user terminal 101 displays the estimate(s) received in step S11 (step S12).

[0174] Next, the user terminal 101 determines whether or not it has received the decision regarding the selection of the contractor to whom the construction work will be commissioned (step S13). If the user terminal 101 determines that it has not received the decision (No in step S13), the process returns to step S13.

[0175] If the user terminal 101 determines in step S13 that it has accepted the decision result (Yes), it sends the decision result to the server 100 (step S14). After that, the process is terminated.

[0176] (3-2-2) Server operation Next, the operation of server 100 will be explained using Figures 7 and 8. Note that the flowcharts in Figures 7 and 8 start when server 100 is started and end when server 100 stops operating.

[0177] The server 100 determines whether it has received various information and the pre-construction spatial image Im5 (hereinafter referred to as "various information, etc.") from the user terminal 101 (step S21). If the server 100 determines that it has not received the various information, etc. (No in step S21), the process returns to step S21.

[0178] If it is determined in step S21 that various information has been received (Yes), the server 100 creates a post-construction spatial image Im6 based on the various information (step S22).

[0179] Next, the server 100 sends the post-construction spatial image Im6 created in step S22 to the user terminal 101 (step S23).

[0180] The server 100 determines whether or not it has received user information and selection results (hereinafter referred to as "selection results, etc.") from the user terminal 101 (step S24). If the server 100 determines that it has not received selection results, etc. (No in step S24), the process returns to step S24.

[0181] If it is determined that the selection results etc. have been received (Yes) in step S24, the server 100 retrieves the quotation request based on the selection results etc. (step S25).

[0182] Next, the server 100 sends the quotation request obtained in step S25 and the post-construction space image Im6 created in step S22 to the contractor terminal 102 (step S26).

[0183] Next, the server 100 receives the estimate results from the contractor's terminal 102 (step S27).

[0184] Next, the server 100 sends the estimation result received in step S27 to the user terminal 101 (step S28).

[0185] Next, the server 100 determines whether or not it has received a decision result from the user terminal 101 (step S29). If the server 100 determines that it has not received a decision result from the user terminal 101 (No in step S29), the process returns to step S29.

[0186] If the server determines in step S29 that it has received a decision result from the user terminal 101 (Yes), the server 100 sends order information or lost order information based on the decision result to the contractor terminal 102 (step S30). After that, the process returns to step S21.

[0187] (3-2-3) Operation of the installer's terminal Next, the operation of the contractor terminal 102 will be explained using Figure 9. Note that the flowchart in Figure 9 starts when the contractor terminal 102 is activated and ends when the contractor terminal 102 stops operating.

[0188] First, the contractor terminal 102 determines whether or not it has received a quotation request and a construction tool space image Im6 (hereinafter referred to as "quotation request, etc.") from the server 100 (step S41). If the contractor terminal 102 determines that it has not received a quotation request, etc. (No in step S41), the process returns to step S41.

[0189] If it is determined in step S41 that a quotation request or similar has been received (Yes), the contractor terminal 102 displays the receipt screen Sc3 (see Figure 13) (step S42).

[0190] Next, the contractor terminal 102 prepares an estimate based on the received estimate request and obtains the estimate result (step S43).

[0191] Next, the contractor terminal 102 sends the estimate result obtained in step S43 to the server 100 (step S44).

[0192] Next, the contractor terminal 102 receives order information or lost order information from the server 100 (step S45).

[0193] Next, the contractor terminal 102 displays the order information or lost order information received in step S45 (step S46). After that, the process returns to step S41.

[0194] (4) Construction management methods and programs Functions similar to those of the construction management system 100 may be implemented in construction management methods, programs, or non-temporary recording media on which programs are recorded.

[0195] The construction management method is a computer system construction management method comprising a communication unit 13 and a reception unit 12. The communication unit 13 is capable of communicating with each of the multiple terminals 10, including the contractor terminal 102. The contractor terminal 102 is the terminal of the contractor performing the construction. The reception unit 12 is capable of receiving facility information regarding the facility 300 to be constructed, request information indicating the user's requests regarding the construction, and estimation instructions for obtaining an estimate for the construction.

[0196] The construction management method includes a creation step (S22) and control steps (S23, S26). In the creation step (S22), when the reception unit 12 receives facility information and request information, a post-construction space image Im6 is created based on the facility information and request information, which is an image of the space in which the facility 300 will exist after construction is completed.

[0197] In the control steps (S23, S26), control related to the display of the post-construction spatial image Im6 is performed. When the reception unit 12 receives an estimate request, the communication unit 13 communicates with the contractor terminal 102, and in the control step (S26), the post-construction spatial image Im6 is displayed on the contractor terminal 102, and an estimate request for the construction is made.

[0198] The program is a program that causes one or more processors in a computer system to execute a construction management method.

[0199] (5) Computer systems The construction management system 100 includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. The functions of the construction management system 100 in this disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that can be read by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs referred to here are named differently depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of LSIs, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within LSIs, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0200] Furthermore, it is not essential for the construction management system 100 to have multiple functions integrated into a single enclosure; the components of the construction management system 100 may be distributed across multiple enclosures. In addition, at least some of the functions of the construction management system 100 may be implemented by the cloud (cloud computing), etc.

[0201] (6) Variant (6-1) Modified example of a construction management system In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the server implements the functions of the construction management system 100. However, in this modified example, the functions of the construction management system 100 are implemented by the user terminal 101. For example, in the configuration of Figure 1, the user terminal 101 may include the construction management system 100.

[0202] Alternatively, for example, in a configuration where multiple user terminals 101, including the user terminal 101 shown in Figure 1, are connected to the network NW1 shown in Figure 1, one of the multiple user terminals 101 may implement the functions of the construction management system 100.

[0203] (6-2) Second variation of the construction management system In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, neither the user terminal 101 nor the multiple contractor terminals 102 are included in the construction management system 100. However, in this modified example, at least one of the user terminal 101 and the multiple contractor terminals 102 may be included in the construction management system 100.

[0204] (6-3) First modified example relating to multiple terminals In this embodiment, the multiple terminals 10 (see Figure 1) that can communicate with the construction management system 100 include two or more (two in Figure 1) contractor terminals 102. However, in this modified example, the number of contractor terminals 102 included in the multiple terminals 10 may be as few as one. In that case, only one contractor can request an estimate, and operations related to bulk estimates and selective estimates (such as receiving instructions for bulk estimates and selective estimates) become unnecessary.

[0205] (6-4) Second variation relating to multiple terminals In this modified example, the multiple terminals 10 (see Figure 1) that can communicate with the construction management system 100 include a single user terminal 101, but the number of user terminals 101 included in the multiple terminals 10 may be two or more. In that case, each of the two or more user terminals 101 performs the processing described in the flowcharts in Figures 5 and 6.

[0206] On the other hand, the construction management system 100 performs the processing described in the flowcharts of Figures 7 and 8 for each of the two or more user terminals 101. More specifically, the construction management system 100 has, for example, two or more processors, and two or more processes corresponding to two or more user terminals 101 are executed in parallel by the two or more processors of the construction management system 100. Alternatively, the construction management system 100 may have a single processor, in which case two or more processes corresponding to two or more user terminals 101 are executed in parallel using time-sharing by the single processor of the construction management system 100.

[0207] (6-5) Variations of instructions for estimates In this embodiment, the reception unit 12 can accept both a lump-sum quotation instruction and a selective quotation instruction as quotation instructions. However, in this modified example, it may be possible to accept only one of the lump-sum quotation instruction or the selective quotation instruction.

[0208] (6-6) Modified imager In this embodiment, the imaging device is the built-in camera of the user terminal 101, but it may be a separate camera from the user terminal 101. The separate camera from the user terminal 101 may be, for example, a webcam that is connected to the network NW1 and installed in a position capable of imaging the space in which the facility 300 exists.

[0209] (7) Summary The construction management system (100) according to the first embodiment comprises a communication unit (13), a reception unit (12), a creation unit (141), and a control unit (142). The communication unit (13) is capable of communicating with each of a plurality of terminals (10). The plurality of terminals (10) include a contractor terminal (102). The contractor terminal (102) is the terminal of a contractor who performs construction work on the facility (300). The reception unit (12) is capable of receiving facility information regarding the facility (300), request information indicating the user's requests regarding construction, and estimation instructions for obtaining an estimate for construction. When the reception unit (12) receives the facility information and request information, the creation unit (141) creates a post-construction space image (Im6) based on the facility information and request information. The post-construction space image (Im6) is an image of the space in which the facility (300) exists after construction has been carried out. The control unit (142) performs control related to the display of the post-construction spatial image (Im6). When the reception unit (12) receives an estimate request, the communication unit (13) communicates with the contractor terminal (102), causing the control unit (142) to display the post-construction spatial image (Im6) on the contractor terminal (102) and request an estimate for the construction from the contractor.

[0210] According to this embodiment, by communicating with the contractor terminal (102), the post-construction spatial image (Im6) is displayed on the contractor terminal (102), and a construction estimate is requested from the contractor. This avoids discrepancies between the system's estimate and the contractor's estimate, and ultimately improves the accuracy of the estimate. Furthermore, by sharing the post-construction spatial image (Im6) that the user referred to when requesting an estimate from the contractor with the contractor, it is possible to suppress discrepancies between the post-construction spatial image (Im6) and the actual space after construction. As a result, user satisfaction with the construction work on the facility (300) by the contractor can be improved.

[0211] In the construction management system (100) according to the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, construction includes the installation of fixtures (200) on the facility (300). The request information includes fixture information related to the fixtures (200). The post-construction space image (Im6) is an image of the space in which the facility (300) exists after the installation of the fixtures (200). When requesting an estimate, the control unit (142) further displays the fixture information on the contractor terminal (102).

[0212] According to this embodiment, by notifying the contractor of the equipment information, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the equipment (200) actually installed by the contractor differs from the user's requirements. As a result, it is possible to improve user satisfaction with the contractor's installation of equipment (200) in the facility (300).

[0213] In the construction management system (100) according to the third embodiment, the fixture (200) is a lighting fixture, as in the second embodiment.

[0214] According to this embodiment, it is possible to improve user satisfaction with the installation of lighting fixtures in the facility (300) by the contractor.

[0215] In the construction management system (100) according to the fourth embodiment, the fixture (200) is a lighting fixture, as in the third embodiment. The post-construction space image (Im6) is an image of the space including the lighting fixture in an illuminated state after the lighting fixture has been installed.

[0216] According to this embodiment, it is possible to visualize the lighting effect (for example, the atmosphere in a space created by the lighting) caused by the illumination of lighting fixtures.

[0217] In the fifth embodiment of the construction management system (100), in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the control unit (142) further displays a pre-construction spatial image (Im5) on the contractor's terminal when requesting an estimate. The pre-construction spatial image (Im5) is an image of the space in which the facility (300) exists before construction is carried out.

[0218] According to this embodiment, the accuracy of the estimate can be improved by displaying the spatial images before and after construction (Im5 and Im6) on the contractor's terminal (102) and requesting an estimate.

[0219] In the construction management system (100) according to the sixth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the pre-construction spatial image (Im5) is an image obtained by capturing the space in which the facility (300) exists before construction is carried out using an imaging device.

[0220] According to this embodiment, by capturing images of the space before construction using an imaging device, it is possible to easily create an image that is a realistic pre-construction space image (Im5).

[0221] In the construction management system (100) according to the seventh embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, the construction includes the installation of fixtures (200) on the facility (300). The post-construction spatial image is a composite image obtained by combining an image of the fixtures (200) with an image captured.

[0222] According to this embodiment, a realistic post-construction spatial image (Im6) can be created by combining an image of the fixture (200) with a pre-construction spatial image (Im5), which is an captured image.

[0223] The construction management system (100) according to the eighth embodiment further comprises a storage unit (11) in any of the first to seventh embodiments. The storage unit (11) stores information on multiple contractors, including the contractor. The reception unit (12) can receive a batch quotation instruction as a quotation instruction. A batch quotation instruction is an instruction to request quotations from multiple contractors at once. When the reception unit (12) receives a batch quotation instruction, the control unit (142) displays a post-construction spatial image (Im6) on each of the multiple contractor terminals (102), including the contractor terminal (102), based on the information on multiple contractors stored in the storage unit (11), and requests quotations from multiple contractors at once.

[0224] According to this configuration, multiple contractors are notified of the same post-construction spatial image and a single request for estimates is made, making it possible to compare highly accurate estimates under the same conditions among contractors.

[0225] In the construction management system (100) according to the ninth embodiment, in any of the first to eighth embodiments, the plurality of terminals (10) further include a user terminal (101). The user terminal (101) is the user's terminal. The communication unit (13) communicates with the user terminal (101) to enable the reception unit (12) and the control unit (142) to perform the following operations: The reception unit (12) receives facility information and request information from the user terminal (101). The control unit (142) displays the post-construction space image (Im6) created by the creation unit (141) based on the facility information and request information received by the reception unit (12) on the user terminal (101). After the control unit (142) has displayed the post-construction space image (Im6) on the user terminal (101), the reception unit (12) receives an estimate request from the user terminal (101).

[0226] According to this embodiment, communication with the user terminal (101) enables the reception of facility information and request information from the user terminal (101), the display of a post-construction spatial image (Im6) on the user terminal (101), and the reception of quotation instructions from the user terminal.

[0227] The construction management system (100) according to the tenth embodiment further comprises a storage unit (11) in the ninth embodiment. The storage unit (11) stores multiple contractor information corresponding to multiple contractors, including the contractor. The reception unit (12) can accept selective quotation instructions as quotation instructions. A selective quotation instruction is an instruction to selectively request a quotation from one of multiple contractors. Each of the multiple contractor information entries includes one or more types of information for the contractor, from performance information regarding past construction performance and evaluation information regarding user evaluation. The control unit (142) displays the multiple contractor information on the user terminal (101). Furthermore, when the reception unit (12) receives a selective quotation request, the control unit (142) retrieves one contractor information corresponding to one contractor from among the multiple contractor information stored in the storage unit (11). The control unit (142) then displays the post-construction spatial image (Im6) on one of the multiple contractor terminals (102), including the contractor terminal (102), that corresponds to the information of one contractor, and selectively requests an estimate from that contractor.

[0228] This configuration allows for the selective issuance of a quotation request to one contractor from among multiple contractors. In particular, by comparing one or more types of information among multiple contractors, such as construction track record and user evaluations, one contractor is selected as the recipient of the quotation request. This enables efficient quotation requests to be sent to one or more contractors who have a large number of construction track records and high user evaluations. Furthermore, since the selected contractor is notified of the post-construction spatial image when requesting a quotation, a highly accurate quotation can be obtained from the selected contractor.

[0229] The 11th embodiment of the construction management method is a construction management method using a computer system comprising a communication unit (13) and a reception unit (12). The communication unit (13) is capable of communicating with each of a plurality of terminals (10), including a contractor terminal (102). The contractor terminal (102) is the terminal of the contractor performing the construction. The reception unit (12) is capable of receiving facility information relating to the facility (300) to be constructed, request information indicating the user's requests regarding the construction, and estimation instructions for obtaining an estimate for the construction. The construction management method includes a creation step (S22) and control steps (S23, S26). In the creation step (S22), when the reception unit (12) receives facility information and request information, a post-construction space image (Im6), which is an image of the space in which the facility (300) exists after construction has been performed, is created based on the facility information and request information. In the control steps (S23, S26), control related to the display of the post-construction space image (Im6) is performed. When the reception unit (12) receives an estimate request, the communication unit (13) communicates with the contractor terminal (102), and in the control step (S26), the post-construction spatial image (Im6) is displayed on the contractor terminal (102), and an estimate request for the construction is made.

[0230] According to this embodiment, by communicating with the contractor terminal (102), the post-construction spatial image (Im6) can be displayed on the contractor terminal (102), and the contractor can be requested to provide an estimate for the construction, thereby improving the accuracy of the estimate. Furthermore, by sharing the post-construction spatial image (Im6) that the user referred to when requesting an estimate from the contractor with the contractor, it is possible to suppress the discrepancy between the post-construction spatial image (Im6) and the actual space after construction. As a result, it is possible to improve user satisfaction with the construction work performed by the contractor on the facility (300).

[0231] The program relating to the twelfth embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the construction management method of the tenth embodiment.

[0232] According to this embodiment, by communicating with the contractor terminal (102), the post-construction spatial image (Im6) can be displayed on the contractor terminal (102), and the contractor can be requested to provide an estimate for the construction, thereby improving the accuracy of the estimate. Furthermore, by sharing the post-construction spatial image (Im6) that the user referred to when requesting an estimate from the contractor with the contractor, it is possible to suppress the discrepancy between the post-construction spatial image (Im6) and the actual space after construction. As a result, it is possible to improve user satisfaction with the construction work performed by the contractor on the facility (300). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0233] 100 Construction Management System (Server) 11 Storage section 12 Reception Department 13 Communications Department 141 Creation Section 142 Control Unit 10 devices 101 User terminal 102 (102a, 102b) Installer's Terminal 200 devices 300 facilities Im5 Pre-construction space image Im6 Post-construction spatial image

Claims

1. A communication unit capable of communicating with each of several terminals, including the contractor's terminal which is the terminal of the contractor performing the work on the facility, A reception unit capable of receiving facility information relating to the said facility, request information indicating the user's requirements regarding the said construction, and instructions for obtaining an estimate regarding the said construction, When the reception unit receives the facility information and the request information, a creation unit creates a post-construction space image, which is an image of the space in which the facility exists after the construction has been carried out, based on the facility information and the request information. The system includes a control unit that performs control related to the display of the post-construction spatial image, When the reception unit receives the estimate request, the communication unit communicates with the contractor terminal, causing the control unit to display the post-construction spatial image on the contractor terminal and to request an estimate for the construction from the contractor. Construction management system.

2. The aforementioned construction includes the installation of fixtures in the aforementioned facility, The aforementioned request information includes equipment information relating to the aforementioned equipment, The aforementioned post-construction spatial image is an image of the space in which the facility exists after the installation of the fixtures. The control unit, when making the request for estimate, further displays the equipment information on the contractor's terminal. The construction management system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned device is a lighting fixture. The construction management system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned post-construction spatial image is an image of the space including the lighting fixtures in their illuminated state after the installation of the lighting fixtures. The construction management system according to claim 3.

5. When the control unit requests an estimate, it further displays a pre-construction space image, which is an image of the space where the facility exists before the construction is carried out, on the contractor's terminal. The construction management system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned pre-construction spatial image is an image obtained by capturing the space where the facility exists before the construction is carried out using an imaging device. The construction management system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned construction includes the installation of fixtures in the aforementioned facility, The aforementioned post-construction spatial image is a composite image obtained by combining the captured image with an image of the fixture. The construction management system according to claim 6.

8. The system further includes a storage unit that stores information on multiple contractors, including the aforementioned contractor, corresponding to multiple contractors. The reception unit is capable of receiving a bulk quotation instruction, which is a bulk quotation instruction for requesting quotations from multiple contractors at once, When the reception unit receives the batch quotation instruction, the control unit displays the post-construction spatial image on each of the multiple contractor terminals, including the contractor terminal, based on the multiple contractor information stored in the storage unit, and requests the multiple contractors to submit the quotation request in a batch. The construction management system according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned plurality of terminals further include a user terminal which is the terminal of the user, The communication unit performs the communication with the user terminal, The reception unit receives the facility information and the request information from the user terminal. The control unit displays the post-construction space image, created by the creation unit based on the facility information and request information received by the reception unit, on the user terminal. The reception unit receives the quotation request from the user terminal after the control unit has displayed the post-construction spatial image on the user terminal. A construction management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The system further includes a storage unit that stores information on multiple contractors, including the aforementioned contractor, corresponding to multiple contractors. The reception unit is capable of receiving a selective quotation instruction, which is a request for a quotation made to one of the multiple contractors, as the quotation instruction. Each of the aforementioned multiple contractor information includes, for each contractor, one or more types of information from performance information regarding past construction achievements and evaluation information regarding user evaluations. The control unit, The information of the multiple contractors is displayed on the user terminal. When the reception department receives the request for a selection quote, From among the multiple contractor information stored in the memory unit, one contractor information corresponding to one contractor is acquired. Among a plurality of contractor terminals, including the aforementioned contractor terminal, the post-construction spatial image is displayed on one contractor terminal corresponding to the information of one contractor, and the request for estimate is selectively made to the aforementioned contractor. The construction management system according to claim 9.

11. A communication unit capable of communicating with each of multiple terminals, including the contractor's terminal which is the terminal of the contractor performing the work, A construction management method using a computer system comprising: a reception unit capable of receiving facility information relating to the facility to be constructed; request information indicating the user's requests regarding the construction; and an estimation instruction for obtaining an estimate for the construction; When the reception unit receives the facility information and the request information, a creation step is performed in which a post-construction space image, which is an image of the space in which the facility exists after the construction has been carried out, is created based on the facility information and the request information. The control step includes a control step in which control related to the display of the post-construction spatial image is performed, When the reception unit receives the estimate request, the communication unit communicates with the contractor terminal, and in the control step, the post-construction spatial image is displayed on the contractor terminal, and an estimate request for the construction is made. Construction management method.

12. To cause one or more processors of the computer system to execute the construction management method described in claim 11, program.

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