Construction support system

Abstract

To improve the quality of installation of plumbing fixtures. [Solution] The construction support system according to the embodiment is characterized by comprising: a first acquisition procedure for acquiring equipment information relating to at least one plumbing fixture such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub; a second acquisition procedure for acquiring assembly and installation information of the plumbing fixture; an identification procedure for identifying construction-related information relating to the construction of the plumbing fixture based on the equipment information and assembly and installation information; and a display procedure for displaying the construction-related information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a construction support system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, techniques for supporting construction such as interior finishing work of living spaces are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, work zones are divided in consideration of the work space required for each of a plurality of tasks, and a process plan for executing the plurality of tasks in parallel in the divided plurality of work zones is created.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-described conventional technology has room for improvement in terms of improving the construction quality of plumbing fixtures. For example, conventionally, for plumbing fixtures, even when a process plan for executing a plurality of tasks is created, the judgment of construction content corresponding to the members delivered to the site has been left to the on-site construction workers. In addition, since the judgment of construction content was left to the on-site construction workers, proper construction might not be performed depending on the experience and knowledge of the construction workers. Furthermore, construction workers may proceed with construction as they go, and only check the instruction manual after defects occur in the installation procedure or the like. As described above, conventionally, since the judgment of the construction content of plumbing fixtures was left to the on-site construction workers, it was sometimes difficult to ensure the construction quality of plumbing fixtures.

[0005] The disclosed embodiments aim to provide a construction support system that can improve the construction quality of plumbing fixtures.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A construction support system according to one embodiment of the system is characterized by comprising: a first acquisition procedure for acquiring equipment information relating to at least one plumbing fixture such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub; a second acquisition procedure for acquiring assembly and installation information of the plumbing fixture; an identification procedure for identifying construction-related information relating to the construction of the plumbing fixture based on the equipment information and the assembly and installation information; and a display procedure for displaying the construction-related information.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the construction support system, construction-related information is identified from equipment information and assembly and installation information for each piece of equipment, and this information is provided to the construction worker, thereby providing only appropriate construction procedures and construction details to the on-site construction worker. Furthermore, the construction support system eliminates the need for construction workers to refer to instruction manuals to confirm the assembly procedures or construction procedures for plumbing equipment delivered to the site according to the components and layout. In addition, the construction support system prevents the decision-making regarding construction details from being left to the on-site construction worker. Moreover, because the construction support system prevents the decision-making regarding construction details from being left to the on-site construction worker, the quality of plumbing equipment installation can be ensured. Therefore, the construction support system can improve the quality of plumbing equipment installation.

[0008] In a construction support system according to one embodiment, the identification procedure is characterized in that, with respect to the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition procedure, the second acquisition procedure identifies the construction-related information relating to a predetermined work process from the assembly and installation information acquired by the second acquisition procedure.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the construction support system, it is possible to prevent the determination of construction content corresponding to a predetermined work process from being left to the on-site construction worker. Therefore, the construction support system can improve the quality of construction corresponding to a predetermined work process for plumbing fixtures.

[0010] In a construction support system according to one embodiment, the assembly and installation information includes information relating to the assembly or construction of a plurality of plumbing fixtures, and the construction-related information includes video information corresponding to the assembly procedure during construction or each step of the construction procedure.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the construction support system, construction workers can avoid the trouble of having to check the assembly procedure or construction procedure for each step in the instruction manual.

[0012] A construction support system according to one embodiment further comprises a management procedure for managing estimation information related to the construction of the plumbing equipment, wherein the management procedure manages the updating of the estimation information based on the construction-related information identified by the identification procedure.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the construction support system, the estimate information can be automatically updated. For example, if special construction or assembly procedures occur, the estimated amount may differ. In this case, the construction support system can quickly calculate an accurate amount by updating the estimated amount based on the identified construction-related information.

[0014] In a construction support system according to one embodiment, the assembly and installation information includes information on different assembly work for each of several product numbers, and the identification procedure is characterized by identifying the product number of the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition procedure, and identifying the information on the assembly work corresponding to the product number.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the construction support system, the effort required for construction workers to identify assembly work information corresponding to the components and layout of plumbing equipment delivered to the site from the instruction manual can be eliminated. For example, although the assembly and installation information includes different assembly work information for each product number, the construction support system can provide construction workers with construction procedures or assembly procedures tailored to each individual site by identifying only the assembly work information specified in the acquired equipment information.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the quality of construction work for plumbing-related equipment can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of information processing according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a construction support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of assembly and installation information according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of equipment information according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of construction-related information according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a user terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining an image in which each piece of construction-related information is sequentially displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the construction support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the construction support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the construction support system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14]Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure by the construction support system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The embodiments of the construction support system disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0019] (Embodiment) [1. Introduction] Traditionally, in the installation of plumbing fixtures such as toilets, kitchens, washbasins, and bathtubs, a common installation manual (hereinafter referred to as "manual") has been used for multiple components (hereinafter referred to as "components") and multiple installation plans (hereinafter also referred to as "layouts"). In other words, assembly information for multiple components and multiple layouts is shared in a single installation manual. Furthermore, manuals are generally distributed at the installation site. Therefore, traditionally, installation workers who perform plumbing fixture installations would look at the manual distributed at the site, confirm the installation details corresponding to the components brought to the site, and then perform the installation.

[0020] Thus, traditionally, the decision regarding the scope of work was left to the on-site workers. Furthermore, because the decision regarding the scope of work was left to the on-site workers, there were cases where the correct work could not be performed depending on the experience and knowledge of the workers. In addition, there were cases where workers performed the work haphazardly and only consulted the instruction manual when problems arose with the installation procedure. In this way, traditionally, the decision regarding the scope of work for plumbing fixtures was left to the on-site workers, making it difficult to ensure the quality of plumbing fixture installations.

[0021] In contrast, the construction support system according to this embodiment identifies the construction details according to the components and layout of the plumbing equipment delivered to the site and displays them on the terminal of the construction worker at the site. For example, the construction support system acquires information on the components and layout of the plumbing equipment to be delivered to each site based on the estimate information for the plumbing equipment. The construction support system also identifies assembly and installation information according to the components and layout delivered to each site from among multiple sets of assembly and installation information (information corresponding to the instruction manual) corresponding to multiple components and multiple layouts. Furthermore, from the identified assembly and installation information, the construction support system identifies construction-related information such as the assembly procedure or construction procedure during construction, or videos demonstrating these procedures, according to the components and layout delivered to each site. The construction support system also displays construction-related information according to the components and layout delivered to each site.

[0022] This construction support system eliminates the need for construction workers to refer to instruction manuals to confirm assembly or installation procedures for plumbing fixtures delivered to the site, based on the components and layout. Furthermore, the construction support system prevents the decision-making process from being left solely to the on-site construction workers. Because the construction support system prevents the decision-making process from being left to the on-site construction workers, it ensures the quality of plumbing fixture installation. Therefore, the construction support system can improve the quality of plumbing fixture installation.

[0023] Here, the plumbing equipment according to the embodiment is a concept that includes equipment related to plumbing and the functions they have (are installed in). Plumbing equipment includes various equipment and functions installed in a plumbing space. For example, plumbing equipment includes toilets, urinals, bathrooms, bathtubs, washbasins, and other equipment related to sanitary spaces, as well as various plumbing devices such as kitchens. For example, plumbing equipment includes toilet equipment, bathroom equipment, kitchen equipment and washbasin equipment, etc.

[0024] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of information processing according to the embodiment. The information processing shown in Figure 1 is performed by the construction support system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the construction support system 1 according to the embodiment includes an information processing device 100 and a user terminal 200. The information processing device 100 identifies information on assembly procedures or construction procedures during construction, according to the components and layout of plumbing equipment delivered to each site. The user terminal 200 is an information processing device used by construction workers.

[0025] In Figure 1, the information processing device 100 acquires equipment information from the user terminal 200 (step S1). For example, the equipment information includes product numbers (hereinafter also referred to as part numbers) and layout information of the plumbing equipment components delivered to each site. The information processing device 100 also acquires assembly and installation information (step S2). For example, the assembly and installation information includes information on sets combining plumbing equipment and layouts (e.g., set part numbers), part numbers and layout information of the components that make up each set, and information on assembly work according to the components and layouts that make up each set.

[0026] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 identifies construction-related information based on the equipment information and assembly and installation information (step S3). For example, the construction-related information includes assembly work information corresponding to the product numbers and layout information of the plumbing equipment components delivered to each site. For example, the construction-related information may be an assembly procedure or a video explaining the construction procedure according to the plumbing equipment components and layout delivered to each site. However, the construction-related information is not limited to videos. For example, the construction-related information may also be an explanatory document, audio data, etc., that explains the assembly procedure or construction procedure according to the plumbing equipment components and layout delivered to each site.

[0027] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 displays construction-related information on the user terminal 200 (step S4). For example, the information processing device 100 transmits construction-related information to the user terminal 200, and when the user terminal 200 receives the construction-related information, it displays the construction-related information (step S5).

[0028] [2. Configuration of the Construction Support System] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the construction support system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the construction support system 1 includes an information processing device 100, a user terminal 200, and an external device 300. The information processing device 100, the user terminal 200, and the external device 300 are connected to each other via a predetermined communication network (network N) by wired or wireless means.

[0029] The information processing device 100 is an information processing device that performs information processing according to the embodiment. For example, the information processing device 100 may be a server in a cloud environment (cloud server). The information processing device 100 acquires equipment information relating to at least one plumbing fixture, such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub. The information processing device 100 also acquires assembly and installation information for the plumbing fixture. Furthermore, based on the equipment information and assembly and installation information, the information processing device 100 identifies construction-related information relating to the construction of the plumbing fixture.

[0030] The user terminal 200 is an information processing device used by a construction worker (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "user"). The user is a worker who performs construction work on plumbing fixtures. The user terminal 200 acquires construction-related information. When the user terminal 200 acquires construction-related information, it displays the construction-related information. For example, the user terminal 200 is an information processing device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or a notebook PC. Alternatively, the user terminal 200 may be a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet. The user terminal 200 also has a screen such as an LCD display and accepts various operations from the user on the displayed content (e.g., documents or images) on the screen. Operations performed on the area of ​​the screen where the content is displayed may also be considered operations on the content.

[0031] External device 300 is an information processing device that provides information to information processing device 100. For example, external device 300 may be a server in a cloud environment (cloud server). External device 300 stores product information (hereinafter also referred to as quotation information) when estimating plumbing equipment. For example, product information at the time of quotation includes information such as the components of plumbing equipment and their estimated prices at the quotation stage. For example, product information at the time of quotation includes information such as each component that makes up the plumbing equipment, the product number of each component, the estimated price of each component, and the total estimated price of each component. External device 300 also transmits the quotation information to information processing device 100. Information processing device 100 obtains the quotation information from external device 300.

[0032] Furthermore, the external device 300 stores the final product information (also called final product information) of the plumbing fixtures. For example, final product information includes information such as the components of the plumbing fixtures that were actually installed and their costs. For example, final product information includes information such as each component that makes up the plumbing fixtures that were actually installed, the product number of each component, the cost of each component, and the total cost of all components. The external device 300 also transmits the final product information to the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 retrieves the final product information from the external device 300.

[0033] The external device 300 also stores information related to the assembly and installation instructions. For example, the assembly and installation instructions include information that can identify a set of plumbing fixtures and layout (e.g., an I-shaped kitchen), information that can identify each step of the assembly or installation procedure when assembling the plumbing fixtures, the product numbers of the components to be assembled or installed in each step, assembly information showing the assembly or installation procedure in each step, and installation-related information explaining the assembly or installation procedure in each step. Note that the assembly and installation instructions are the same information as the assembly and installation information described later. The external device 300 also transmits the information related to the assembly and installation instructions to the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 obtains the information related to the assembly and installation instructions from the external device 300.

[0034] Furthermore, the external device 300 stores past malfunction information related to plumbing equipment. For example, past malfunction information includes information that associates information indicating past malfunctions related to plumbing equipment with points to note during the installation of plumbing equipment. The external device 300 also transmits past malfunction information to the information processing device 100. The information processing device 100 retrieves the past malfunction information from the external device 300.

[0035] [3. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device 100 according to an embodiment. The information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0036] The communication unit 110 is implemented using a NIC (Network Interface Card), an antenna, etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to various networks by wired or wireless means, and performs information transmission and reception, for example, with the user terminal 200.

[0037] The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks or optical discs. The storage unit 120 also has an assembly and installation information storage unit 121.

[0038] The assembly and installation information storage unit 121 stores information related to the assembly and installation of plumbing fixtures. The assembly and installation information includes information for assembling plumbing fixtures. The assembly and installation information includes information related to the assembly or installation of multiple plumbing fixtures. The assembly and installation information includes information on different assembly procedures for multiple product numbers. For example, the assembly and installation information includes information that can identify sets of plumbing fixtures and layouts (e.g., an I-shaped kitchen), information that can identify each step of the assembly or installation procedure when assembling plumbing fixtures, the product numbers of the components to be assembled or installed in each step, assembly information indicating the assembly or installation procedure in each step (also called "assembly and installation information for each step"), and installation-related information that explains the assembly or installation procedure in each step. The installation-related information includes video information corresponding to each step of the assembly procedure or installation procedure during installation. For example, the installation-related information includes videos for each step that explain the assembly procedure or installation procedure according to the components and layout in each step. Note that the installation-related information is not limited to videos. For example, construction-related information may include explanatory documents or audio data for each process that describe the assembly or construction procedures according to the materials and layout at each stage.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example of assembly and installation information according to an embodiment. In the example in Figure 4, the assembly and installation information storage unit 121 stores assembly and installation information 121A for assembling an I-shaped kitchen. The assembly and installation information 121A includes, for example, information describing each of the five steps in assembling an I-shaped kitchen. For example, the assembly and installation information 121A includes information that can identify each of the five steps in assembling an I-shaped kitchen. In Figure 5, the assembly and installation information 121A includes information corresponding to each of the first step (step 1) of assembling an I-shaped kitchen, which is the installation of the hood; the second step (step 2) is the installation of the wall cabinets; the third step (step 3) is the installation of the floor cabinets; the fourth step (step 4) is the installation of the counter; and the fifth step (step 5) is the installation of the kick plate.

[0040] For example, although not shown in the diagram, the assembly and installation information 121A includes information that identifies each of the five steps in assembling the I-shaped kitchen, the product numbers of the components to be assembled or installed in each of the five steps, assembly information showing the assembly or installation procedure in each step, and installation-related information explaining the assembly or installation procedure in each step.

[0041] To illustrate with a specific example, in assembly and installation information 121A, for process 1 "Hood installation," information such as product numbers that identify the components used in this process are associated with "Component #1, Part Number #1" and "Component #2, Part Number #2." In addition, assembly and installation information 121A is associated with information that identifies process 1 "Hood installation." In other words, by using component information such as product numbers, it is possible to identify the process that uses those components from each process in assembly and installation information 121A.

[0042] Furthermore, assembly and installation information 121A associates the following with process 1, "Hood Installation": a completed diagram of the completed process, a procedure manual showing the steps for performing this process, a video showing the steps being performed, and a link indicating the location where the video is stored. Similarly, assembly and installation information 121A associates the following with process 2, "Wall Cabinet Installation": a completed diagram of the completed process, a procedure manual showing the steps for performing this process, a video showing the steps being performed, and a link indicating the location where the video is stored. For example, in process 2, the installation sequence for the wall cabinet created in process 2 is shown as first wall fixing, connection, and second wall fixing. Also, in process 2, the installation procedure for the wall cabinet is associated with a procedure manual showing the steps for each of the first wall fixing, connection, and second wall fixing, a video showing each step being performed, and a link indicating the location where each video is stored.

[0043] As described above, the assembly and installation information 121A stores information such as the materials necessary to carry out each process, as well as construction-related information that users (construction workers) can visually confirm in order to carry out each process. In this way, by using the information contained in the equipment information described above (for example, materials and product numbers), the processes that use those materials and the construction-related information for those processes can be identified from the assembly and installation information 121A.

[0044] Furthermore, the assembly and installation information storage unit 121 can store information regarding the assembly and installation of plumbing fixtures in various formats. For example, the assembly and installation information storage unit 121 can store assembly and installation information as a web page. In this case, each plumbing fixture (e.g., an I-shaped kitchen) can be set in the header of the web page, the components (and their layouts) can be set using tabs within the header, and construction-related information (e.g., videos) can be set using links within the header.

[0045] The assembly and installation information storage unit 121 may also store table data with columns for "set part number," "process ID," "part number," "assembly information," and "construction-related information." The "set part number" is information that can identify a set of plumbing equipment and layout. The "process ID" is information that can identify each step of the assembly or construction procedure when assembling the plumbing equipment identified by the "set part number." The "part number" is the product number of the component to be assembled or constructed in each step identified by the "process ID." The "assembly information" is information that shows the assembly or construction procedure in each step identified by the "process ID." The "assembly information" is information corresponding to the assembly and installation information for each step. The "construction-related information" is a video or the like that explains the assembly or construction procedure in each step identified by the "process ID."

[0046] The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as the working area, using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc. Alternatively, the control unit 130 is a controller and can be realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0047] The control unit 130 has a first acquisition unit 131, a second acquisition unit 132, a specific unit 133, a transmission unit 134, and a management unit 135 as functional units, and may realize or execute the information processing operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and other configurations are also possible as long as they perform the information processing described later. In addition, each functional unit indicates the function of the control unit 130 and does not necessarily have to be physically separated.

[0048] The first acquisition unit 131 functions as a first acquisition procedure for acquiring equipment information relating to at least one plumbing fixture, such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub. For example, the first acquisition unit 131 may acquire quotation information including equipment information from an external device 300. In this case, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires equipment information from the quotation information. For example, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires the product number of each of the multiple components constituting the plumbing fixture as equipment information. For example, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires a list of component parts, as equipment information, which associates the product number of each of the multiple components constituting the plumbing fixture with the name of each of the multiple components.

[0049] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of equipment information according to the embodiment. In Figure 5, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires a layout plan, which is information showing the arrangement of the components that make up the I-shaped kitchen, as equipment information for the I-shaped kitchen. Thus, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires a layout plan, which is information showing the arrangement of the components that make up the plumbing equipment. In the example in Figure 5, a layout plan, which is information showing the layout of the I-shaped kitchen, is acquired. This layout plan includes information such as each component that makes up the I-shaped kitchen, the dimensions of each component, how each component is combined, and its placement. In addition, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires a component list, which is equipment information for the I-shaped kitchen, that associates the product number of each of the multiple components that make up the I-shaped kitchen with the name of each of the multiple components. In the example in Figure 5, the first acquisition unit 131 acquires a component list that associates the names of each of the components #1 to #3 with the product numbers of each of the components #1 to #3.

[0050] The second acquisition unit 132 functions as a second acquisition procedure for acquiring assembly and installation information for plumbing fixtures. For example, the second acquisition unit 132 acquires assembly and installation information from an external device 300. For example, the second acquisition unit 132 acquires information regarding the assembly and installation manual as assembly and installation information. Also, if the second acquisition unit 132 acquires information regarding the assembly and installation manual, it stores the information regarding the assembly and installation manual in the assembly and installation information storage unit 121. The second acquisition unit 132 also acquires assembly and installation information for plumbing fixtures by referring to the assembly and installation information storage unit 121. For example, the second acquisition unit 132 acquires information regarding the assembly and installation manual as assembly and installation information. For example, the second acquisition unit 132 acquires assembly and installation information including the assembly and installation information 121A described in Figure 4.

[0051] The identification unit 133 functions as an identification procedure for identifying construction-related information concerning the installation of plumbing equipment based on equipment information and assembly / installation information. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies construction-related information concerning a predetermined work process from the assembly / installation information acquired by the second acquisition unit 132 with respect to the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition unit 131. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies assembly / installation information associated with the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition unit 131 from the assembly / installation information acquired by the second acquisition unit 132, based on the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition unit 131. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies the part number of the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition unit, and also identifies the assembly work information corresponding to the part number. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies the product number included in the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition unit 131. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies part number #1, which is the product number of component #1 included in the component list acquired by the first acquisition unit 131.

[0052] Furthermore, the identification unit 133 identifies assembly and installation information associated with the specified equipment part number from the assembly and installation information acquired by the second acquisition unit 132. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies assembly and installation information associated with the specified part number #1 from the assembly and installation information acquired by the second acquisition unit 132. Also, the identification unit 133 identifies assembly work information associated with the specified equipment part number from the assembly and installation information acquired by the second acquisition unit 132. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies assembly work information associated with the specified part number #1 from the assembly and installation information acquired by the second acquisition unit 132.

[0053] Furthermore, the identification unit 133 identifies a predetermined work process associated with the part number of the identified equipment information. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies a work process associated with part number #1 from among the assembly and installation information associated with part number #1. The identification unit 133 also identifies construction-related information related to the identified predetermined work process. For example, the identification unit 133 identifies construction-related information associated with part number #1 from among the assembly and installation information associated with part number #1.

[0054] Here, using the example described above, a series of processes for identifying construction-related information will be explained. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of construction-related information according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the identification unit 133 identifies the layout plan "I-shaped kitchen", "product number #1", and "product number #2" from the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition unit 131. Next, the identification unit 133 identifies "assembly and installation information 121A" associated with "I-shaped kitchen" from the assembly and installation information stored in the assembly and installation information storage unit 121. Furthermore, the identification unit 133 identifies process 2 (installation of wall cabinets) 121A-1 as a process associated with "product number #1" and "product number #2" from the identified "assembly and installation information 121A". After that, the identification unit 133 identifies the "construction-related information" associated with process 2 (installation of wall cabinets) 121A-1 as construction-related information 122.

[0055] The transmission unit 134 functions as a transmission procedure for transmitting construction-related information identified by the identification unit 133 to the user terminal 200. In other words, the transmission unit 134 functions as a display procedure for displaying the identified construction-related information on the user terminal 200.

[0056] The transmitting unit 134 may transmit assembly and installation information identified from the information stored in the assembly and installation information storage unit 121 to the user terminal 200, or it may transmit both construction-related information and assembly and installation information to the user terminal 200. In the example above, the transmitting unit 134 may transmit either or both of the assembly and installation information 121A-1 and the construction-related information 122 to the user terminal 200.

[0057] The management unit 135 functions as a management procedure for managing estimate information related to the installation of plumbing fixtures. For example, the management unit 135 obtains estimate information from the user terminal 200. When the management unit 135 obtains estimate information, it stores the estimate information in the storage unit 120. The management unit 135 also manages the updating of the estimate information based on the installation-related information identified by the identification unit 133.

[0058] For example, the management unit 135 updates the estimated amount based on the construction-related information identified by the identification unit 133. Specifically, the management unit 135 acquires the estimate information and determines whether or not the estimate information includes the construction work identified by the construction-related information. If the management unit 135 determines that the estimate information does not include the construction work identified by the construction-related information, it does not update the estimate information. On the other hand, if the management unit 135 determines that the estimate information includes the construction work identified by the construction-related information, it calculates a new estimate amount by adding the construction cost identified by the construction-related information. The management unit 135 updates the estimate amount by calculating the new estimate amount. When the management unit 135 updates the estimate amount, it updates the estimate information based on the updated estimate amount. Also, when the management unit 135 updates the estimate information, it transmits the updated estimate information to the user terminal 200.

[0059] [4. User terminal configuration] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a user terminal 200 according to the embodiment. The user terminal 200 includes a communication unit 211, a control unit 212, an input unit 213, a display unit 214, an audio output unit 215, and a storage unit 216.

[0060] The communication unit 211 is implemented by a NIC, antenna, etc. The communication unit 211 is connected to various networks by wired or wireless means, and performs information transmission and reception with, for example, the information processing device 100.

[0061] The control unit 212 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU or MPU executing various programs stored in the storage device inside the user terminal 200 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 212 is a controller and can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA.

[0062] The control unit 212 has an acquisition unit 221 and an output control unit 222 as functional units, and may realize or execute the information processing operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 212 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 7, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later. Furthermore, each functional unit represents the function of the control unit 212 and does not necessarily have to be physically separated.

[0063] The acquisition unit 221 acquires construction-related information. For example, the acquisition unit 221 acquires construction-related information from the information processing device 100. When the acquisition unit 221 acquires construction-related information, it stores the construction-related information in the storage unit 216.

[0064] The output control unit 222 controls the display unit 214 to display construction-related information. For example, the output control unit 222 controls the display unit 214 to display construction-related information, which is a video. The output control unit 222 also controls the output of audio from the audio output unit 215. For example, the output control unit 222 controls the audio included in the construction-related information, which is a video, to be output from the audio output unit 215.

[0065] The input unit 213 is an input device that receives various inputs from the outside. The input unit 213 is equipped with an operating device that receives input operations from the user. The operating device is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or operation keys, a device for the user to perform various operations. If the user terminal 200 is equipped with a touch panel, the touch panel is also included as an operating device. In this case, the user performs various operations by touching the screen with their finger or stylus. Alternatively, the operating device may be a voice input device (for example, a microphone) that receives input operations from the user's voice.

[0066] The display unit 214 is a display device that displays various information. The display unit 214 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. If the user terminal 200 employs a touch panel, the display unit 214 may be an integrated device with the operating device of the input unit 213. The display unit 214 displays and provides various information to the user. In the following description, the display unit 214 may be referred to as the screen.

[0067] Specifically, the display unit 214 functions as a display procedure for displaying construction-related information. For example, the display unit 214 displays construction-related information in accordance with the control of the output control unit 222. For example, the display unit 214 displays construction-related information in the form of a video.

[0068] The audio output unit 215 includes, for example, a DA (Digital to Analog) converter that converts a digital audio signal, which is audio information output from the output control unit 222, into an analog audio signal, and a speaker that converts the analog audio signal output from the DA converter into sound and outputs it.

[0069] The memory unit 216 is implemented by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc. For example, the memory unit 216 stores construction-related information.

[0070] [5. Display image of construction management information] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating how each piece of construction-related information is displayed sequentially on the user terminal 200. Note that Figure 8 uses a simplified version of the diagram in Figure 4 for explanation. Figure 8 illustrates an example where, when multiple work processes are identified by the identification unit 133, the transmission unit 134 of the information processing device 100 transmits construction-related information corresponding to each of the multiple work processes to the user terminal 200 in the order of the work processes.

[0071] For example, the identification unit 133 of the information processing device 100 obtains the layout plan "I-shaped kitchen" and the respective part numbers "part #1 to part #10" from the equipment information. Then, the identification unit 133 of the information processing device 100 identifies the "assembly and installation information 121A" associated with the "I-shaped kitchen" from the assembly and installation information. Subsequently, the identification unit 133 of the information processing device 100 identifies the assembly and installation information for each step (mounting the hood), step 2 (mounting the wall cabinets), step 3 (mounting the floor cabinets), step 4 (mounting the counter), and step 5 (mounting the kick plate) by identifying the steps that include "part #1 to part #10" from the assembly and installation information 121A.

[0072] Subsequently, the transmission unit 134 of the information processing device 100 transmits "videos of each process" associated with the assembly and installation information for each process to the user terminal 200, thereby displaying videos of each process of the I-shaped kitchen on the user terminal 200. At this time, the transmission unit 134 of the information processing device 100 may transmit the videos of each process sequentially at regular intervals (for example, 5 minutes). Alternatively, the transmission unit 134 of the information processing device 100 may transmit the video of the first process of each process, and then transmit the video of the next process when the user terminal 200 requests the next video. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may transmit a list of videos to be displayed to the user terminal 200, and transmit the selected video when the user terminal 200 makes a selection using a pull-down menu or the like. In this case, the user can suppress the display of videos of simple processes and select to view only videos of processes they are unsure of or complex processes.

[0073] [6. Processing Flow] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure by the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. In Figure 9, the information processing device 100 acquires equipment information related to plumbing equipment (step S101). The information processing device 100 also acquires assembly and installation information for plumbing equipment (step S102). Based on the equipment information and assembly and installation information, the information processing device 100 identifies construction-related information related to the installation of plumbing equipment (step S103). The information processing device 100 also transmits the identified construction-related information to the user terminal 200 (step S104).

[0074] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure by the user terminal 200 according to the embodiment. The user terminal 200 acquires construction-related information from the information processing device 100 (step S201). The user terminal 200 also displays the construction-related information (step S202).

[0075] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure by the construction support system 1 according to the embodiment. In Figure 11, the construction support system 1 acquires equipment information from the estimate information (step S301). The construction support system 1 also determines whether or not the determination condition 1 is met (step S302). Specifically, the construction support system 1 determines whether or not there is assembly and installation information to be added as a display target for each piece of equipment information.

[0076] If the construction support system 1 determines that judgment condition 1 is met, that is, that there is assembly and installation information to be added as a display target in each piece of equipment information (step S302; Yes), it adds the assembly and installation information as a display target (step S303). On the other hand, if the construction support system 1 determines that judgment condition 1 is not met, that is, that there is no assembly and installation information to be added as a display target in each piece of equipment information (step S302; No), it acquires the equipment information and assembly and installation information (step S304). The construction support system 1 also determines whether or not judgment condition 2 is met (step S305). Specifically, the construction support system 1 determines whether or not there is construction-related information to be added as a display target in each piece of equipment information and assembly and installation information.

[0077] If the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 2 is met, that is, that there is construction-related information to be added as a display target in each piece of equipment information and assembly and installation information (step S305; Yes), it adds the construction-related information as a display target (step S306). On the other hand, if the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 2 is not met, that is, that there is no construction-related information to be added as a display target in each piece of equipment information and assembly and installation information (step S305; No), it identifies the assembly and installation information and the construction-related information and displays them on the user terminal 200 (step S307).

[0078] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure by the construction support system 1 according to the embodiment. In Figure 12, the construction support system 1 identifies a predetermined work process from the assembly and installation information (step S401). The construction support system 1 also determines whether or not the determination condition 3 is met (step S402). Specifically, the construction support system 1 determines whether or not there is assembly and installation information to be displayed in the predetermined work process.

[0079] If the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 3 is not met, i.e., that there is no assembly and installation information to be displayed in the predetermined work process (step S402; No), it determines construction-related information based on the assembly and installation information in the predetermined work process (step S406). On the other hand, if the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 3 is met, i.e., that there is assembly and installation information to be displayed in the predetermined work process (step S402; Yes), it identifies the assembly and installation information to be displayed (step S403).

[0080] Furthermore, the construction support system 1 determines whether or not the judgment condition 4 is met (step S404). Specifically, the construction support system 1 determines whether or not there is construction-related information to be displayed in a predetermined work process. If the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 4 is not met, i.e., that there is no construction-related information to be displayed in a predetermined work process (step S404; No), it determines the construction-related information based on the assembly and installation information in the predetermined work process (step S406). On the other hand, if the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 4 is met, i.e., that there is construction-related information to be displayed in a predetermined work process (step S404; Yes), it identifies the construction-related information to be displayed (step S405). Furthermore, the construction support system 1 determines the construction-related information based on the assembly and installation information in a predetermined work process (step S406).

[0081] Furthermore, the construction support system 1 determines whether or not the judgment condition 5 is met (step S407). Specifically, the construction support system 1 determines whether or not the construction-related information includes a video. If the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 5 is not met, i.e., that the construction-related information does not include a video (step S407; No), it displays the construction-related information (which does not include a video) (step S409). On the other hand, if the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 5 is met, i.e., that the construction-related information includes a video (step S407; Yes), it identifies the video information (step S408). The construction support system 1 also displays the video (step S409).

[0082] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure by the construction support system 1 according to the embodiment. In Figure 13, the construction support system 1 determines construction-related information based on assembly and installation information in a predetermined work process, as described in step S406 in Figure 12 (step S501). The construction support system 1 also determines whether or not the determination condition 6 is met (step S502). Specifically, the construction support system 1 determines whether or not the construction cost will be increased due to the construction corresponding to the determined construction-related information.

[0083] If the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 6 is not met, that is, that no additional construction costs will be incurred (step S502; No), it terminates the process. On the other hand, if the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 6 is met, that is, that additional construction costs will be incurred (step S502; Yes), it adds the additional construction costs to the estimated amount (step S503). The construction support system 1 also updates the estimated information (step S504).

[0084] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure by the construction support system 1 according to the embodiment. In Figure 14, the construction support system 1 obtains a list of component parts for the estimation document from the equipment information (step S601). The construction support system 1 also determines whether or not the judgment condition 7 is met (step S602). Specifically, the construction support system 1 determines whether or not there is information on assembly work to be added as a display target.

[0085] If the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 7 is met, that is, that there is information on assembly work to be added as a display target (step S602; Yes), it identifies the assembly work to be added (step S603). The construction support system 1 also acquires information on the identified assembly work (step S604). The construction support system 1 also acquires information on the identified assembly work (step S604). On the other hand, if the construction support system 1 determines that the judgment condition 7 is not met, that is, that there is no information on assembly work to be added (step S602; No), it acquires information on the identified assembly work (step S604).

[0086] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0087] The embodiments and modifications described above may also have the following configurations, but are not limited to them. (1) A first acquisition procedure for acquiring equipment information relating to at least one plumbing fixture such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub, A second acquisition procedure for obtaining assembly and installation information of the aforementioned plumbing equipment, A procedure for identifying construction-related information concerning the installation of plumbing equipment based on the aforementioned equipment information and assembly and installation information, The display procedure for displaying the aforementioned construction-related information, A construction support system characterized by having the following features. (2) The aforementioned identification procedure is, With respect to the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition procedure, the second acquisition procedure identifies the construction-related information relating to a predetermined work process from the assembly and installation information acquired. The construction support system according to (1), characterized in that (3) The assembly and installation information includes information regarding the assembly or installation of multiple plumbing fixtures, and the installation-related information includes video information corresponding to each step of the assembly procedure or installation procedure. The construction support system according to (2), characterized in that (4) The system further includes a management procedure for managing estimation information related to the installation of the aforementioned plumbing fixtures, The management procedure manages the updating of the estimate information based on the construction-related information identified by the specified procedure. A construction support system according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized by the above. (5) The aforementioned assembly and installation information includes information on different assembly procedures for each of the multiple product numbers. The identification procedure identifies the part number of the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition procedure, and identifies the assembly work information corresponding to the part number. A construction support system according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized by the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1. Construction support system 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Assembly and Installation Information Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 First acquisition part 132 Second Acquisition Department 133 Specific part 134 Transmitter 135 Management Department 200 user terminals 211 Communications Department 212 Control Unit 221 Acquisition Department 222 Output Control Unit 213 Input section 214 Display section 215 Audio output section 216 Storage section 300 External device

Claims

1. A first acquisition procedure for acquiring equipment information relating to at least one plumbing fixture such as a toilet, kitchen, washbasin, and bathtub, A second acquisition procedure for obtaining assembly and installation information of the aforementioned plumbing equipment, A procedure for identifying construction-related information concerning the installation of plumbing equipment based on the aforementioned equipment information and assembly and installation information, The display procedure for displaying the aforementioned construction-related information, A construction support system characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned identification procedure is, With respect to the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition procedure, the second acquisition procedure identifies the construction-related information relating to a predetermined work process from the assembly and installation information acquired. The construction support system according to feature 1.

3. The assembly and installation information includes information regarding the assembly or installation of multiple plumbing fixtures, and the installation-related information includes video information corresponding to each step of the assembly procedure or installation procedure. The construction support system according to feature 2.

4. The system further includes a management procedure for managing estimation information related to the installation of the aforementioned plumbing fixtures, The management procedure manages the updating of the estimate information based on the construction-related information identified by the specified procedure. The construction support system according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned assembly and installation information includes information on different assembly procedures for each of the multiple product numbers. The identification procedure identifies the part number of the equipment information acquired by the first acquisition procedure, and identifies the assembly work information corresponding to the part number. The construction support system according to feature 1.

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