Information management system and information management method

Abstract

To provide technology that enables high-quality design efficiently.SOLUTION: When a BIM tool 100 completes ordinary design, a BIM model is saved in a server 200 (S102) and converted into a 3D animation (S110). When the 3D animation is downloaded by an application 300 (S120) and tag information is entered in the 3D animation (S122), the server 200 registers the tag information in a database, extracts information from the database to generate a checklist (S130), and uses a checklist to design a next version. And the same flow is repeated in design of a next version and later. Thus, on the basis of information accumulated in the database while taking into account a designation item and a checkpoint input by a checker from an initial stage of the design, the design according to the generated checklist can be performed. Thus, design work can be carried out efficiently and design can be done with careful consideration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management system and method, and more particularly to an information management system and method for managing information relating to the design work of buildings. [Background technology]

[0002] In the design process of a building, modifications are made based on points raised by the client, points raised during intermediate inspections at the construction site, points raised by maintenance companies, etc., but this information is generally managed separately at each site. Also, since the design staff is often fixed for each client, information such as the client's preferences, points that are emphasized, and check items that are frequently pointed out by clients tends to be personalized. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] As mentioned above, if various know-how in design work is held in a fragmented state by individual sites and individuals, inexperienced individuals will not be able to learn about that know-how, and it will be difficult to pass it on sufficiently even if opportunities such as OJT are provided. Therefore, whether or not individuals possess the know-how will result in a large difference in the quality and efficiency of designs.

[0004] In addition, even if a staff member has know-how relating to a specific client, they do not have knowledge of know-how relating to other clients. As a result, for example, when designing a project they are currently in charge of, they are unable to use know-how relating to other clients as design hints or take into consideration suggestions from other clients, thereby developing a design from a different perspective based on know-how outside their area of ​​expertise, making it difficult to expand the scope of their designs.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for efficiently performing high-quality design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following information management system and information management method. Note that the following words in parentheses are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0007] In other words, the information management system of the present invention includes an input receiving unit that receives input of specified information including indications for any position in a virtual space within a 3D animation generated by converting a 3D model of a building, a database unit that stores the input specified information, and a checklist generation unit that extracts information that meets specified conditions from the database unit and generates a checklist for the above-mentioned building.

[0008] According to this aspect of the information management system and method, a checklist is generated by extracting information that meets specified conditions from a database section in which specified information, including points of concern regarding buildings, is accumulated. Therefore, by designing in accordance with the checklist, design work can be carried out efficiently and a well-thought-out design can be performed.

[0009] Preferably, the above-mentioned information management system further includes a position management unit that associates a real position in the real space acquired using a sensor mounted on the terminal on which the above-mentioned 3D animation is launched with a virtual position in the virtual space and moves a viewpoint set in the virtual space in synchronization with movement in the real space, an audio management unit that converts audio picked up by a microphone mounted on the terminal into at least text, and an automatic input unit that inputs the text as specified information for a virtual position in the above-mentioned 3D animation corresponding to the real position where the audio was picked up.

[0010] According to this aspect of the information management system and method, the viewpoint in the virtual space (within the 3D animation) moves in sync with the movement of the user (inspector) checking the structure in real space, and the user's speech is converted into text and automatically entered as specified information, thereby eliminating the need for the user to manually enter the specified information and allowing the specified information to be entered efficiently.

[0011] More preferably, the above-mentioned information management system further includes a first display processing unit that performs a display indicating that the specified information has been added at a position in the 3D animation where the specified information has been input, and a second display processing unit that performs the above display at a position in the 3D model corresponding to the above-mentioned position where the specified information was input.

[0012] According to this aspect of the information management system and method, a display indicating that the specified information has been input (display of tag icon TB) is displayed at a position in the 3D model corresponding to the position where the specified information was input in the 3D animation (the position where tag icon TA is displayed). Therefore, while performing design work on the BIM model, the designer can easily confirm what specified information has been input and at what position, and can make modifications to the design based on the confirmed information.

[0013] Also preferably, in the above-mentioned information management system, a response receiving unit is further provided in the virtual space within the 3D model for receiving input of a response to the specified information via the above-mentioned display made by the second display processing unit, and the first display processing unit is capable of displaying the response via the display.

[0014] According to this aspect of the information management system and method, when specific information is input into the 3D animation and a response to the specific information is input by the designer, the response to the specific information can be displayed through the above-mentioned display (display of tag icon TA) within the 3D animation, so that the checker can easily confirm what response the designer has made to the specific information that he or she has manually input or that has been automatically input based on the checker's voice.

[0015] More preferably, in the above-mentioned information management system, the database unit stores the predetermined information in association with each version information of the 3D animation and the 3D model.

[0016] According to this aspect of the information management system and method, the inputted specific information is stored in the database in association with each version information of the 3D animation and the 3D model, so it is possible to track which part of which version of the 3D model the specific information was inputted to, and what action was taken in which version in response to the specific information. Also, by displaying such history information in an easy-to-read manner, it becomes possible to easily confirm what change was made to which part (object) in which version. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, high-quality design can be efficiently performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operating environment of an information management system 1. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information management system 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for tag information input processing executed in an application 300. [Figure 4]11A to 11C are sequential diagrams showing a display example when tag information is input into a 3D animation. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a checklist generation process executed in the cloud server 200. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation of an information management system from the start of design to design review. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a list display of tag information. [Figure 8] 2 is an ER diagram showing an example of the structure of data managed in the information management system 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, a preferred example of an information management system is given, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0020] [Operating environment of information management system] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the operating environment of an information management system 1. As shown in FIG. The information management system 1 is a system that accumulates information about building design work, including the know-how possessed by individual staff, in a database and centrally manages it as knowledge, enabling design based on knowledge.It operates in an environment where a design computer DC (BIM tool 100), a cloud server 200, and an information terminal MD (application 300) are connected to a communication line such as the Internet.

[0021] A BIM model of a building that a designer creates using the BIM tool 100 is converted into a 3D animation in the cloud server 200, and can be displayed on the screen via an application 300 installed on an information terminal MD. 3D animations are created by extracting the minimum necessary data from a BIM model, so the amount of data is significantly reduced compared to a BIM model. In addition, the application 300 operates on information terminals MD such as tablets, smartphones, and mobile PCs (high specifications are not required for operation), and has excellent operability because the operation interface is implemented assuming use by general users.

[0022] In this embodiment, the 3D animation refers to a three-dimensional animation whose display changes as if it were moving in the internal space in response to a specific operation or in conjunction with the user's movement in the real space. In the absence of the specific operation, the display of the 3D animation basically stops, and the display does not continue to change constantly.

[0023] Possible users (checkers) of application 300 include design staff, sales staff, construction staff, construction contractors, maintenance workers, etc. who check and inspect buildings at various stages, such as when proposed, before construction begins, during construction, and after completion. When the checker performs a specified operation on application 300 to check the building while moving inside the 3D animation and inputs information into a selected location, a tag icon TA is displayed to indicate that information has been input into that location.

[0024] The information entered by the checker is stored in a tag information table provided in a database on the cloud server 200, together with the positional information within the 3D animation and the corresponding positional information within the BIM model. Then, when the designer opens the BIM model with the BIM tool 100, the information entered within the 3D animation is read, and a display in the same manner as the tag icon TA is reproduced (tag icon TB is displayed) at the location on the BIM model corresponding to the location where the tag icon TA was displayed in the 3D animation, and the information entered by the checker can be confirmed via this display.

[0025] In addition to the tag information table described above, various tables are provided in the database on the cloud server 200, and various information related to past design work is accumulated. The cloud server 200 extracts information corresponding to the BIM model (the object to be designed) from these tables and generates a checklist (document).

[0026] The designer will check the information and checklist entered by the checker and use this information to modify the BIM model (design the next version).

[0027] [Configuration of information management system] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information management system 1. Communication lines are omitted from Fig. 2. Each block will be described below along with the flow of information in the information management system 1.

[0028] Cloud server 200 includes, for example, a model management unit 210, a model conversion unit 220, a file exchange unit 230, a data management unit 240, a coordinate conversion unit 250, a database 260, and a checklist management unit 270. Note that some of these functional units (for example, model management unit 210 and model conversion unit 220) may be provided in a server other than cloud server 200 (for example, a server connected to an internal company network).

[0029] The model management unit 210 manages the BIM model created by the BIM tool 100, and when a BIM model is created (the version is updated), it notifies the model conversion unit 220 of that fact. Upon receiving a notification from the model management unit 210 or at a specified time, the model conversion unit 220 converts the BIM model to create a 3D animation and a DAT file, and stores them in the file exchange unit 230. In the initial state DAT file created when the first version of the BIM model is converted (the first version of the 3D animation is created), only the target BIM model name and version information are recorded. In addition, when the next version or later of the BIM model is converted (the 3D animation is created), the version information recorded in the existing DAT file is updated.

[0030] The 3D animation may be created using a game engine, other tools, or a conversion tool developed by the user. The version of the BIM model may be managed using a timestamp. The name of the target BIM model may be managed as the file name of the DAT file.

[0031] The application 300 includes, for example, a file transmission / reception unit 310, a storage unit 320, a display processing unit 330, an input reception unit 340, a position management unit 350, a voice management unit 360, an automatic input unit 370, and a mode setting unit 380. The application 300 has two execution modes (on-site inspection mode and walk-through mode), and when a checker selects one of them, the mode setting unit 380 switches to the selected execution mode. The two execution modes will be described in detail later with reference to another drawing.

[0032] When the application 300 is started on the information terminal MD, the file transmission / reception unit 310 inquires of the cloud server 200 (file exchange unit 230) to download the 3D animation and the DAT file, and stores them in the storage unit 320. The display processing unit 330 is responsible for the overall processing related to the display of the 3D animation, and displays the 3D animation stored in the storage unit 320 on the screen of the information terminal, and displays the above-mentioned tag icon TA in the 3D animation based on the information recorded in the DAT file. In addition, when the checker performs a predetermined operation to move the viewpoint set in the 3D animation, the display processing unit 330 changes the display position on the screen accordingly. The input receiving unit 340 provides an input form for information such as a message, priority, and status that is displayed when the tag icon TA is selected (hereinafter referred to as "tag information"), and records the information entered by the checker in the input form in the DAT file together with the coordinates of the position where the tag icon TA is placed.

[0033] Furthermore, the application 300 uses a position sensor LS, an air pressure sensor PS, and a microphone MC mounted on the information terminal MD in an on-site inspection mode described later. The position sensor LS is actually a GPS, and is used to identify the position of the information terminal MD. When use in an environment with poor radio wave conditions is expected, a gyro sensor can be used instead of a GPS, and a relative position from a reference point can be calculated by calculation. The air pressure sensor PS is a sensor that detects atmospheric pressure, and is used to identify the vertical position (floor number) of the information terminal MD. The microphone MC is used to record conversations and the like that take place during on-site inspection of a building. The sensors used are not limited to the above examples, and for example, a magnetic sensor for detecting direction, a LiDAR for detecting the distance to an object, and the like can be appropriately used.

[0034] When an operation to start the on-site inspection mode is performed, the position management unit 350 manages the position of the viewpoint in the virtual space in the 3D animation in association with the position of the information terminal MD (the checker) in the real space based on information from the position sensor LS and the atmospheric pressure sensor PS, and moves the viewpoint in the virtual space in response to changes in the information from the position sensor LS and the atmospheric pressure sensor PS (in synchronization with the movement of the checker in the real space).Accordingly, the display processing unit 330 changes the display content on the screen.

[0035] The audio management unit 360 records the audio picked up by the microphone MC during the on-site inspection (conversation between the inspector and the accompanying person (client, etc.), or the voice of the inspector inspecting alone speaking into the microphone MC, etc.) and converts it into text. The automatic input unit 370 queries the position management unit 350 to identify the position where the audio was picked up, automatically inputs the text converted from the audio as tag information for the identified position in the 3D animation, and records it in a DAT file (storage unit 320). When recording audio, it is possible to select one of the following methods: starting recording when a predetermined keyword is detected, starting recording by touching the screen a predetermined number of times, or starting recording by the inspector operating to start recording on the 3D animation. Furthermore, when recording conversation information continuously, it is possible to record movement information in real space continuously or intermittently and associate it with movement information in the 3D animation.

[0036] Then, the file transmission / reception unit 310 uploads the DAT file updated by the input receiving unit 340 or the automatic input unit 370, and the audio data recorded by the audio management unit 360 (which was the source of the automatically input tag information) to the cloud server 200 (file exchange unit 230).

[0037] In response to this, the data management unit 240 first inquires of the coordinate conversion unit 250 about the coordinates of the 3D animation recorded in the DAT file together with the tag information, and acquires the coordinates of the BIM model indicating the same position. The data management unit 240 then updates the DAT file by adding the acquired coordinates of the BIM model, and registers in the tag information table a record associating the tag information, the coordinates of the 3D animation and BIM model indicating the position to which the tag information is assigned, and the audio data.

[0038] The checklist management unit 270 extracts information relevant to the BIM model from various tables provided in the database 260, generates a checklist, outputs it to a file, and registers it in the checklist table. When specified conditions are transmitted, the checklist management unit 270 generates a checklist by extracting and sorting information according to the specified conditions, and provides it to the sender of the specified conditions.

[0039] The BIM tool 100 includes, for example, a file transmission / reception unit 110, a storage unit 120, an information display unit 130, a response reception unit 140, and a check reception unit 150. Each of these functional units is implemented, for example, using the API of the BIM tool 100. Note that some of these functional units may be implemented separately from the BIM tool 100.

[0040] When the BIM model is opened with the BIM tool 100, the file transmission / reception unit 110 inquires of the cloud server 200 (file exchange unit 230), and if there are DAT files, voice data, and checklists to be read, they are downloaded and stored in the storage unit 120. The information display unit 130 displays the above-mentioned tag icon TB in the BIM model based on the tag information and coordinate information recorded in the DAT file. The information display unit 130 also displays a checklist consisting of a plurality of check items in a state in which the response status for each check item can be updated. When the tag icon TB is selected, the response reception unit 140 displays the tag information input in the 3D animation (and further displays a playback menu if the original voice data exists), provides an input form for the response to the tag information, and adds the response entered by the designer in the input form to the DAT file. The file transmission / reception unit 110 uploads the updated DAT file to the cloud server 200 (file exchange unit 230). In response to this, the data management unit 240 stores a record corresponding to the response added to the DAT file in the tag information table.

[0041] When the status of a check item in the checklist is updated (the presence or absence of a check in a checkbox is changed), the check receiving unit 150 transmits the update data to the file exchange unit 230. In response to this, the checklist management unit 270 updates the status flag (flag data that manages whether or not a check item has been addressed) of the corresponding record stored in the checklist table.

[0042] In this embodiment, the DAT file is managed in units of BIM models (one DAT file is provided for one BIM model), but if the BIM model exceeds a certain scale, the DAT file may be divided into multiple files and managed, for example, in units of areas within the BIM model. Dividing the DAT file into multiple files and managing them improves searchability.

[0043] In addition, in this embodiment, tag information is transmitted and received (downloaded and uploaded) via a DAT file, but if use in an environment with stable radio wave conditions is expected, it may be configured to transmit and receive directly without using a DAT file. Alternatively, it may be configured to transmit and receive tag information between the BIM tool 100 and the cloud server 200 without using a DAT file, and to transmit and receive tag information between the application 300 and the cloud server via a DAT file.

[0044] [Tag information input processing] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of tag information input processing executed in the application 300. The example of the procedure will be described below.

[0045] Step S10: A mode selection process is executed. In this process, the mode setting unit 380 accepts a selection by the checker as to whether the application 300 is to be executed in the on-site inspection mode or the walk-through mode. Here, the "on-site inspection mode" refers to a mode in which tag information is automatically input into the 3D animation while inspecting an actual building, and the "walk-through mode" refers to a mode in which the checker manually inputs tag information into the 3D animation. The walk-through mode is provided mainly for the purpose of desk-based checking, but it is also possible to deliberately select the walk-through mode when inspecting the on-site depending on the situation.

[0046] Step S12: If the on-site inspection mode is selected in the above step S10 (step S12: Yes), proceed to step S20. On the other hand, if the walk-through mode is selected (step S12: No), proceed to step S40.

[0047] Step S20: On-site inspection mode start processing is executed. In this processing, for example, the position management unit 350 turns on the position sensor LS and the air pressure sensor PS to set a reference point of the position, and starts management that associates the position of the viewpoint in the virtual space in the 3D animation with the position in the real space. In addition, the audio management unit 360 turns on the microphone MC, and sets it to a state in which recording is automatically performed when audio is picked up.

[0048] Step S22: The position management unit 350 moves the viewpoint in the virtual space of the 3D animation in conjunction with the movement of the checker in real space to update the position information. In response to this, the display processing unit 330 changes the display position of the 3D animation on the screen.

[0049] Step S24: If there is no problem to be pointed out (Step S24: No), the process proceeds to Step S30. On the other hand, if there is a problem to be pointed out (Step S24: Yes), for example, the checker or the accompanying person will talk about it.

[0050] Step S26: The voice management unit 360 records the speaking voice and converts the voice into text.

[0051] Step S28: The automatic input unit 370 automatically inputs the characters converted from the voice as tag information to the position in the 3D animation corresponding to the position in real space where the voice originated, and records the tag information and the position information (coordinates) in association with each other in the DAT file. If the voice is saved, the save destination of the voice data is also recorded.

[0052] Steps S30 and S32: If the on-site inspection is to be continued (step S30: No), return to step S22 and repeat the subsequent steps. On the other hand, if the on-site inspection is to be ended (step S30: Yes), a process for ending the on-site inspection mode is executed (step S32). In this process, for example, the position management unit 350 ends the management of the position and returns the position sensor LS and the air pressure sensor PS to the state before the on-site inspection mode start process was executed, and the audio management unit 360 turns off the microphone MC.

[0053] Step S40: The display processing unit 330 moves the viewpoint in the virtual space of the 3D animation in response to the checker's operation to update the position information, and changes the display position of the 3D animation on the screen.

[0054] Step S42: If there are no issues to be pointed out (Step S42: No), the process proceeds to Step S46. On the other hand, if there are issues to be pointed out (Step S42: Yes), the checker selects the position where he or she wants to input the issues to be pointed out.

[0055] Step S44: The input receiving unit 340 provides an input form for tag information, receives input of tag information for the selected position, and records the input tag information in a DAT file in association with the coordinates of the selected position.

[0056] Step S46: If the checking operation is to be continued (Step S46: No), the process returns to Step S40 and the subsequent steps are repeated. On the other hand, if the checking operation is to be ended (Step S46: Yes), the process proceeds to Step S50.

[0057] Step S50: The file transmitting / receiving unit 310 uploads the DAT file to the cloud server 200 (file exchange unit 230). Note that instead of uploading the DAT file at this timing, it may be uploaded when the completion determination is made in steps S30 and S46. By uploading the DAT file when the completion determination is made, the input tag information is updated in real time. As a result, even if the system stops due to a problem or the like, the tag information input up to that point can be reliably held in the database without being lost.

[0058] In this way, when the on-site inspection mode is selected, the viewpoint in the 3D animation automatically moves in sync with the movement in real space, and the information obtained by converting the speech into text is automatically registered as tag information for the position in the 3D animation that corresponds to the position in real space where the speech occurred. In contrast, when the walk-through mode is selected, the viewpoint in the 3D animation moves in response to the checker's operation, and the tag information entered at the position selected by the checker is registered.

[0059] It is possible to input tag information into the 3D animation even when not connected to a communication line (offline state). When an on-site inspection or check is completed in offline state, the DAT file is automatically uploaded to the cloud server 200 immediately after switching to online state. With this configuration, work can be done without problems even in places with poor communication conditions.

[0060] Fig. 4 is a series of diagrams showing a display example when tag information is input into a 3D animation in walk-through mode. Note that an operation menu is provided at a predetermined position (the left end and lower left in the illustrated example) on the display screen of the 3D animation, and various buttons used for operating the 3D animation are arranged, and shortcut keys or mouse buttons corresponding to each button are displayed, but in Fig. 4, some of them are omitted from the illustration and the illustration is simplified.

[0061] In FIG. 4 (A): When the checker moves the viewpoint set in the internal space of the 3D animation by performing a predetermined operation, the content displayed on the screen of the application 300 changes according to the position and direction of the viewpoint. Incidentally, this viewpoint is the viewpoint of an avatar placed in the internal space as the checker's alter ego, and it is possible to view the internal space from the avatar's line of sight or from behind the avatar. In the former case, the avatar is not displayed on the screen, and in the latter case, the avatar is displayed in approximately the center of the screen. In the illustrated example, the avatar is not displayed because it is from the avatar's line of sight. By displaying the avatar on the screen (viewing the internal space from behind the avatar), the size of the building can be easily imagined in comparison with the size of the avatar. On the other hand, by not displaying the avatar, the visibility of the front center can be increased compared to when the avatar is displayed, and the sense of immersion can be improved.

[0062] The checker can select (touch or click) one of the buttons in the operation menu, or press the shortcut key or mouse button associated with the button to perform the operation corresponding to that button. It is also possible to change the type of avatar (adult, child, physically disabled person, wheelchair user, etc.) to check various views of the interior space. The checker checks the building while moving the viewpoint of the avatar, and when wanting to input tag information, first selects the target location (specifically, an object such as a wall, door, window, etc.). For example, when wanting to input tag information for the wall displayed in the center of Figure 4 (A), the checker selects this location.

[0063] In FIG. 4 (B): When a location where tag information is to be input is selected, a tag icon TA is displayed at the selected location, and when this tag icon TA is selected, a tag information input form is displayed. The tag information input form has, for example, input fields for message, priority, and status. In the message, the points of concern for that location (which part should be improved and how) and checkpoints (which part should be checked and how) are input. In the priority field, one of the options (urgent, important, normal, etc.) is selected as the priority of the response to the content entered in the message. In the status field, options (not yet addressed, addressed) are provided to indicate whether the content entered in the message has been addressed or not, but when new tag information is input, the status is unconditionally set to "not yet addressed." When the checker has finished inputting information into each input item, he or she selects [Save].

[0064] In FIG. 4C: when [Save] is selected in the input form, the input form is closed and the state of the tag icon TA changes to a state (three lines within the icon) different from the state when tag information is input (in FIG. 4B: a cross within the icon). The tag icon TA is also displayed in a different color depending on the input priority. For example, if the priority is "urgent", it is displayed in red, if it is "important", it is displayed in orange, and if it is "normal", it is displayed in green. Furthermore, the tag icon TB is displayed in black when the status is updated to "handled". By displaying the tag icon TA in this manner, the checker can easily recognize what priority tag information has been input at the position where the tag icon TA is placed, and which tag information has already been handled.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the tag information input form has input fields for message, priority, and status, but other input fields may also be provided.

[0066] Thus, in the walk-through mode, an input form is displayed in response to the checker's operation, and then tag information is entered at the selected position and the tag icon TA is displayed. In contrast, in the on-site inspection mode, speech is automatically converted to text as it occurs, without the checker's operation, and the converted text is automatically entered as tag information at the position in the 3D animation corresponding to the position at which the speech occurs, so that an input form is not displayed, and when the tag information is automatically entered, the tag icon TA is displayed at that position in the manner shown in Fig. 4(C). And, regardless of which mode is used, a display in the same manner as the tag icon TA is reproduced as the tag icon TB at the corresponding position in the BIM model.

[0067] In the on-site inspection mode, the importance of automatically input tag information is set uniformly, but if the checker selects the tag icon TA after the tag information is automatically input and the tag icon TA is displayed, an input form with the automatically input tag information set is displayed, and a more appropriate importance can be selected and reset here. Alternatively, if the checker performs a predetermined operation while talking during execution in the on-site inspection mode, the importance may be set according to the operation.

[0068] [Checklist generation process] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a checklist generation process executed in cloud server 200 when a DAT file is uploaded from application 300. The example procedure will be described below.

[0069] Step S60: The data management unit 240 obtains the version information of the BIM model based on the contents of the DAT file.

[0070] Step S62: The coordinate conversion unit 250 converts the coordinates of the 3D animation recorded in the DAT file into the coordinates of the BIM model.

[0071] Step S64: The data management unit 240 registers (adds or updates) a record in the tag information table that associates the tag information and its related information (inputter, input date and time, 3D animation coordinates, etc.) recorded in the DAT file with the coordinates of the BIM model.

[0072] Step S66: The checklist management unit 270 extracts information corresponding to the BIM model from the database 260 and generates a checklist. Information corresponding to the BIM model includes, for example, information on the pointed out items and checkpoints raised in past cases of the same building type or client, client preferences, and management items of in-house standards. The generated checklist is output to a file and registered in a checklist table provided in the database 260.

[0073] [Example of information management system operation] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of an information management system from the start of design to design review, showing the version of the BIM model. Note that ellipses are added to the parts where the previous and next processes are executed asynchronously. Also, 3D animation is abbreviated to "3D animation" in the figure. The following is a chronological explanation.

[0074] Steps S100 and S102: In the BIM tool 100, the initial design of version 1.0 is started (step S100), and when the design is completed, the BIM model of version 1.0 is stored in the cloud server 200 (step S102).

[0075] Step S110: The cloud server 200 converts the version 1.0 BIM model into a 3D animation and creates an initial state DAT file.

[0076] Steps S120 and S122: The application 300 downloads the 3D animation and the DAT file from the cloud server 200 (step S120), and executes the above-mentioned tag information input process (FIG. 3) (step S122).

[0077] Step S130: The cloud server 200 executes the above-mentioned checklist generation process (FIG. 5) to generate a checklist for the next version (here, version 2.0) of the BIM model.

[0078] Steps S140 and S142: The BIM tool 100 downloads the checklist and the DAT file (step S140), reflects the tag icon and tag information in the BIM model based on the contents of the DAT file, and displays the checklist. Then, the design of version 2.0 is started (step S142).

[0079] Steps S144 and S145: When a response to the tag information is input, the BIM tool 100 updates the DAT file and uploads it to the cloud server 200 (step S144), and in response, the cloud server 200 updates the tag information table (step S145).

[0080] Steps S146, S147: When the compliance status for a check item in the checklist is updated (the check box is changed to whether it is checked or not), the BIM tool 100 sends the updated compliance status data to the cloud server 200 (step S146), and in response, the cloud server 200 updates the checklist table (step S147).

[0081] Step S148: When the design is completed, the version 2.0 BIM model is stored in the cloud server 200.

[0082] Step S150: The cloud server 200 converts the version 2.0 BIM model into a 3D animation.

[0083] Steps S160 and S162: The application 300 downloads the 3D animation and the DAT file from the cloud server 200 (step S160), and executes the above-mentioned tag information input process (FIG. 3) (step S162).

[0084] Step S170: The cloud server 200 executes the above checklist generation process (FIG. 5) to generate a checklist for the next version (here, version 3.0) of the BIM model.

[0085] Steps S180 and S182: The BIM tool 100 downloads the checklist and the DAT file (step S180), reflects the tag icon and tag information in the BIM model based on the contents of the DAT file, and displays the checklist. Then, the design of version 3.0 is started (step S182).

[0086] The process then continues in the same way as described above: designing the BIM model → converting the BIM model into a 3D animation → entering tag information into the 3D animation → generating a checklist.

[0087] Step S190: When the design of version N.0 is completed, the BIM model of version N.0 is stored in the cloud server 200.

[0088] Step S200: The cloud server 200 generates a checklist for design review. After additions or modifications are made to this checklist as necessary, a design review is carried out by an experienced designer.

[0089] In this way, according to the information management system of this embodiment, from the early design stages, the design can be carried out in accordance with a checklist generated based on the knowledge accumulated in the database, while taking into account the comments and checkpoints entered by the checker. Therefore, by the time the design review stage is reached, the desired design can already be achieved based on past knowledge, and the design review can be carried out at an even higher level.

[0090] Note that the above operation example is merely an example, and the process is not always executed in the same flow. Also, other processes may be inserted as appropriate depending on the situation. For example, before the design of the first version is started in the above step S100, the cloud server 200 may extract information relevant to the current design (e.g., issues and checkpoints raised in past cases with the same client or building type, etc.) from a database and generate a checklist for the first version of the BIM model.

[0091] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a list display of tag information. The checker can display a list of all entered tag information by performing a predetermined operation within the 3D animation. The list display includes, for example, the name of the location (object) where the tag information was entered, the message, the priority, the status, the BIM version, the address of the screenshot, the inputter, the input date, the location (coordinates of the 3D animation), and the like. Note that the items displayed in the list are not limited to these, and further items may be included. Also, the name of the location where the tag information was entered may be managed by coordinate information.

[0092] As described above, in the information management system 1, the designer can input a response in the BIM model to the tag information input in the 3D animation, and in the list display, a series of these inputs and responses are displayed in thread format. For threads in which a response has been input, a folded display ([+]) is displayed at the left end of the list, and the latest information in the thread (the information entered last) is displayed in that line. When the folded display is selected, the display switches to an expanded display ([-]) and the thread is expanded, and all the information in the thread is displayed in chronological order. In contrast, for threads in which no response has been input, a folded display is not displayed. This type of display makes it easy to understand what tag information has been input for which location (object) and what action has been taken in response to it.

[0093] The example shown in Figure 7 is a list display displayed in a 3D animation created by converting a version 2.0 BIM model. From the expanded display on the left side, we can see that the information entered in the first and second lines regarding the entrance is from the same thread. If we check each piece of information, we can see from the first line that it was pointed out that the width was a little narrower than in version 1.0, and from the second line that the response was that the width had been expanded in version 2.0. Among these, in the second line, a star is added to the beginning of the version number. The star emphasizes that a change has been made to the target object in that version (the design has been revised). This kind of highlighting makes it easy to recognize which part (object) was changed in which version.

[0094] Furthermore, when any tag information is selected from the list display, the viewpoint of the avatar in the 3D animation moves to the position where the tag information was entered, and the part where the tag information was entered is displayed in the center of the screen. When tag information with a star next to the version number is selected, the object where the change has been made can be confirmed on the screen. The object where the change has been made is highlighted, for example, by staining the surface in red. This kind of highlighting makes it possible to intuitively recognize which parts have been changed while checking the 3D animation.

[0095] In the above example, the changed parts are highlighted with stars in the list display and in red in the 3D animation, but the highlighting method is not limited to this and may be any method that is easy for the checker to recognize. Also, in the list display, the version number where the change was made is highlighted, but instead, an item other than the version number may be highlighted, or the entire row may be highlighted.

[0096] Fig. 8 is an ER diagram that shows a schematic example of the structure of data managed in the database 260 in the information management system 1. In each table, the underlined field name indicates that it is the primary key of that table. Note that the tables shown in Fig. 8 are only a partial list of the main tables, and in reality, there are various other tables related to design work, and the knowledge accumulated in these tables is available to designers.

[0097] As described above, when the tag information input process (FIG. 3) is executed in the application 300, the input tag information and its related information are stored in the tag information table. In the tag information table, the version and coordinates of the BIM model are also managed, and from this information, it is possible to identify which version and which position of the BIM model the input tag information was input for.

[0098] In addition, when the checklist generation process (FIG. 5) is executed in the cloud server 200, the generated checklist is registered in the checklist table. When generating a checklist, for example, the tag information table and the BIM master are linked, and information raised for a project with the same client or building type as the current BIM model is extracted from various issues and checkpoints raised in past projects to provide multiple check items. At this time, importance may be given to each check item according to the number of times the same information was raised (number of times it was raised), or information that was frequently raised in projects of other clients may be extracted and added as a check item. The reason why each check item was added to the checklist (such as what conditions it met) is set, for example, in the check item source category of the checklist table.

[0099] The multiple check items that make up the checklist are sorted according to a predetermined rule or according to the user's specifications. Then, a design is made according to the checklist, and when the check items in the checklist have been checked, the checklist table's check status flag is updated. In addition to managing the design history, the process and budget are also managed, and information related to these is also managed in the database 260.

[0100] In this way, the items of criticism and checkpoints input by the checker, the designer's responses to them, the specific responses (information on design history management), and information on process management and cost management occurring with the design are centrally managed as knowledge in the database 260 and are available for use, so the designer can use the knowledge to carry out the design. Therefore, the design work can be carried out efficiently regardless of the designer's level of experience. In addition, since the information on the design work can be obtained from the information management system, the time required to obtain information (search, research, learning, etc.) and therefore the time required for design can be shortened compared to when the information is not centrally managed. Furthermore, by carrying out the design according to the checklist from the early stages of the design, a well-thought-out design can be carried out, and a higher quality design review can be realized.

[0101] According to each of the above-described embodiments, the following advantages can be obtained. (1) A checklist is generated by extracting information relevant to the current BIM model from knowledge accumulated in the database, including tag information entered by the checker for the current BIM model, so by following this checklist, any designer can create a well-thought-out design. In addition, by repeatedly revising the design in this manner, by the time the design review stage is reached, the desired design will already have been created based on past knowledge, making it possible to achieve a higher level of quality design review.

[0102] (2) By selecting the on-site inspection mode, the viewpoint within the 3D animation moves in sync with the inspector's movements, updating the location information, and the inspector's speech is converted into text and automatically entered as tag information, eliminating the need for the inspector to manually perform the corresponding operations and allowing efficient entry of tag information.

[0103] (3) A tag icon TB is displayed at a position in the BIM model corresponding to the position where the tag icon TA is placed (where tag information is input) in the 3D animation, and the tag information inputted into the 3D animation is displayed via the tag icon TB. Therefore, the designer can easily check the tag information inputted by the checker (and, if inputted in on-site inspection mode, the original audio data) in the BIM tool 100 and can make modifications to the design based on this information.

[0104] (4) The BIM model version and the 3D animation version are managed in association with each other, and the version of the object in which a change has been made is highlighted in the tag information list display, so that the checker can easily recognize which object was changed in which version. In addition, since the object in which a change has been made is highlighted in the 3D animation, the checker can intuitively recognize which object has been changed while visually viewing the 3D animation.

[0105] (5) Because 3D animation can be displayed and tag information can be input via the easy-to-operate application 300, any user (checker) can use 3D animation without any hesitation, and the know-how of each checker can be efficiently collected and stored in a database via the 3D animation. As a result, it becomes possible to contribute to the efficiency of subsequent design work based on the knowledge stored in the database.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be practiced in various modified forms.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, the 3D animation is created by converting the BIM model, but instead, the 3D animation may be created by converting a 3D model created with a 3DCG tool (for example, a 3D CAD tool) other than the BIM tool. In such a configuration, each function of the BIM tool 100 in the above-described embodiment is implemented in the 3DCG tool.

[0108] In the embodiment described above, the checklist management unit 270 extracts information corresponding to the BIM model from the database 260 and generates a checklist. Alternatively, the checklist management unit 270 may be configured to learn the knowledge accumulated in the database 260 into a learning model, and to have the learned model generate a checklist that is optimal for the target BIM model.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, when a DAT file is updated (a record is added or updated in the tag information table) in the cloud server 200, an update notification email may be sent to the email address of the designer that has been registered in advance.

[0110] In addition, all of the embodiments shown in the drawings are merely preferred examples, and it goes without saying that suitable modifications are possible when implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1 Information Management System 100 BIM Tools 200 Cloud Servers 260 Database 300 Applications

Claims

1. an input receiving unit that receives input of predetermined information including an indication for an arbitrary position in a virtual space within a 3D animation generated by converting a 3D model of a building; A database unit that stores the inputted predetermined information; a checklist generating unit that extracts information corresponding to a predetermined condition from the database unit and generates a checklist for the building; An information management system equipped with

2. 2. The information management system according to claim 1, a position management unit that associates a real position in a real space acquired by using a sensor mounted on a terminal on which the 3D animation is run with a virtual position in the virtual space, and moves a viewpoint set in the virtual space in synchronization with the movement in the real space; a voice management unit that converts voice picked up by a microphone mounted on the terminal into at least text; an automatic input unit that inputs the character as the predetermined information to the virtual position in the 3D animation that corresponds to the real position where the voice was picked up; An information management system that further includes:

3. 3. The information management system according to claim 1, a first display processing unit that displays a display indicating that the predetermined information has been added at a position in the 3D animation where the predetermined information has been input; a second display processing unit that performs the display at a position in the 3D model that corresponds to the position at which the predetermined information was input; An information management system that further includes:

4. 4. The information management system according to claim 3, a response receiving unit that receives an input of a response to the predetermined information via the display performed by the second display processing unit in a virtual space within the 3D model; Further equipped with The first display processing unit is The response can be displayed via the display.

1. An information management system comprising:

5. 5. The information management system according to claim 1, The database unit includes: The information management system stores the predetermined information in association with each version information of the 3D animation and the 3D model.

6. an input receiving step of receiving input of predetermined information including an indication for an arbitrary position in a virtual space within the 3D animation generated by converting the 3D model of the building; an information storage step of storing the inputted predetermined information in a database; a checklist generation step of extracting information corresponding to a predetermined condition from the database and generating a checklist for the building; An information management method including:

7. 7. The information management method according to claim 6, a position management step of associating a real position in a real space acquired by using a sensor mounted on a terminal on which the 3D animation is activated with a virtual position in the virtual space, and moving a viewpoint set in the virtual space in synchronization with the movement in the real space; a voice management step of converting voice picked up by a microphone mounted on the terminal into at least text; an automatic input step of inputting the character as the predetermined information to the virtual location in the 3D animation corresponding to the real location where the sound was picked up; The information management method further includes:

8. 8. The information management method according to claim 6, a first display step of displaying a display indicating that the predetermined information has been added at a position in the 3D animation where the predetermined information has been input; a second display step of displaying the predetermined information at a position in the 3D model corresponding to the position where the predetermined information was input. The information management method further includes:

9. 9. The information management method according to claim 8, a response receiving step of receiving an input of a response to the predetermined information via the display performed in the second display step in a virtual space within the 3D model; Further comprising: The first display step includes: The response can be displayed via the display.

23. An information management method comprising:

10. 10. The information management method according to claim 6, further comprising: In the information storage step, The information management method is characterized in that the predetermined information is stored in the database in association with each version information of the 3D animation and the 3D model.

Images