Construction Planning System

Abstract

To provide a more convenient and versatile technique.SOLUTION: In a construction planning system 100, a semi-automatically or automatically designed BIM model is converted into a 3D animation. A user checks an interior and an exterior of a building by displaying the 3D animation on a screen via an application 300, and enters tag information at any point. Meanwhile, in a 3D animation management module 200, a plurality of agents with different attributes in a virtual space in the 3D animation check the interior and the exterior of the building by performing reinforcement learning, and generate tag information at a point where an issue is present. An icon TA is displayed at the point where the tag information is added. When a designer opens the BIM model, an icon TB is displayed at a point on the BIM model corresponding to the point where the icon TA is displayed in the 3D animation, and the tag information can be confirmed by clicking it. Accordingly, the designer can streamline a work by modifying the BIM model based on results of the checks by the user and an agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a construction planning system that automatically or semi-automatically plans the construction of a building. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known prior art for a CAD system that automatically designs a building corresponding to site information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This prior art acquires site information and building type information that define the site, extracts from a storage unit group definition information that applies to the acquired site information, calculates the possible space for a building that can be constructed on the site, and then automatically uses CAD to design the building within that possible space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-228825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Prior art systems automatically design buildings by storing the individual unit information required for automatic CAD design in advance in a memory unit and combining the individual units read from the memory unit within a possible space. As a result, the types of buildings that can be automatically designed are naturally limited to the range of individual unit information stored in the memory unit, and they cannot be expanded to other variations, resulting in a lack of convenience. Furthermore, because the automatically designed buildings are composed only of individual unit information specific to the system, the resulting CAD data can only be used within the system, which also results in a lack of versatility.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a more convenient and versatile technique. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides the following construction planning system. This construction planning system includes an input means, an acquisition means, a model generation means, a model conversion means, and a display means. The input means accepts input of site information regarding a proposed building construction site, and the acquisition means acquires construction information regarding construction conditions at the proposed construction site (a portion of available information from various laws and regulations, including collective regulation information, local government ordinances, etc.) based on the site information accepted by the input means. The model generation means generates a 3D model of a building that can be constructed at the proposed construction site and conforms to the construction conditions at the proposed construction site based on the accepted input site information and the acquired construction information. The model conversion means converts the 3D model of the building to generate a 3D animation. The display means is capable of displaying the virtual space (the site, the interior and exterior of the building) as seen from the perspective of pedestrians and drivers placed in the virtual space within the generated 3D animation.

[0007] According to the construction planning system of the present invention, the generated 3D model can be edited with general-purpose tools (for example, BIM tools or 3DCG tools) and can be used as is when revising the design, thereby increasing convenience and versatility. However, while the 3D model can be edited with general-purpose tools, it is not possible to confirm the view inside and outside the building from the perspective of pedestrians or drivers.

[0008] In contrast, the construction planning system of the present invention converts 3D models into 3D animations, and the interior and exterior of the automatically designed 3D model can be displayed through the 3D animations, allowing pedestrians and drivers to check whether there are any problems with the automatically designed building and reflect any problems discovered in subsequent design improvements. This makes it possible to design parking spaces and ramps that are less likely to cause accidents.

[0009] Preferably, the construction planning system described above further includes a receiving means, which presents the input site information and acquired construction information to an external person. Based on the presented site information and construction information, the external person (an expert outside the system, a designer, etc.) formulates basic planning information for a building that can be constructed on the planned construction site and that meets the construction conditions at the planned construction site. The formulation of the planning information reflects the human judgment of the external person, and the construction planning system can receive such planning information from the external person. Then, based on the planning information provided by the external person, the model generation means generates a 3D model of the building. Because the planning information reflects the human judgment of the external person as described above, the generated building model also reflects the human judgment of the external person.

[0010] In this type of construction planning system, after inputting and acquiring the information necessary for the construction plan, the system can request external personnel to formulate the basic planning information, and receive planning information that reflects their human judgment.The construction planning system then semi-automatically generates the building model from there.

[0011] The reason why we call the generation of building models "semi-automatic" is as follows. That is, while a building model can usually be generated fully automatically if site information and construction information are provided, in this case, calculations are performed solely within the program without the intervention of human judgment. In contrast, this type of construction planning system semi-automatically designs a building model that takes into account human judgment by incorporating human judgment into the basic information that forms the basis of the automatic design. Therefore, this type of construction planning system allows for manual adjustments such as the placement of buildings to suit the various site shapes specific to the actual construction site, thereby enabling the automatic design of a building model that reflects various conditions that cannot be taken into account through program calculations alone.

[0012] The human judgments assumed (expected) in the construction planning system are reflected in items such as adjusting the position and size of the building body to suit the specific shape of the site, setting the position and size of some of the building's structures, and setting the position and size of on-site facilities according to the building's use. Depending on the shape of the site, these adjustments and settings may not be adequately covered by the automatic design calculation methods alone, so by reflecting human judgment in these areas, it becomes possible to create an automatic design that makes use of the design know-how and experience of external personnel.

[0013] More preferably, the construction planning system of any of the above-mentioned aspects further comprises an information receiving means and a storage means, wherein the information receiving means receives input of specified information including user comments on any location in the virtual space within the 3D animation, and the storage means stores the specified information input by the user.

[0014] Therefore, with this type of construction planning system, if a user (human) notices something while checking the building in the 3D animation, they can input information about that point, and the input information can be reflected in design modifications.

[0015] More preferably, the construction planning system of this aspect further comprises information generation means for generating a plurality of virtual agents with different attributes in the virtual space within the 3D animation, having each virtual agent check the building according to a predetermined checklist, and generating predetermined information for problem areas. The storage means further stores the predetermined information generated by the virtual agents.

[0016] According to this construction planning system, multiple virtual agents with different attributes check the building according to a checklist in a virtual space within a 3D animation, so even if the same check item is required, the building can be checked from different perspectives depending on the attribute, allowing for multifaceted verification of the design. Furthermore, during the checking process, the virtual agents generate information on problem areas (such as areas that do not fall under the check items), and the generated information can be reflected in design modifications.

[0017] In addition, preferably, in any of the above-mentioned construction planning systems, the storage means stores the above-mentioned specified information in association with location information of the location in the virtual space within the 3D animation where the specified information was added (the location where the user input the specified information, the location where the virtual agent generated the specified information), and location information within the 3D model of the building corresponding to that location.

[0018] According to this aspect of the construction planning system, the information added when a user or a virtual agent checks a building is stored in association with the location information of the added location and the location information within the 3D model that corresponds to that location. Therefore, by implementing this function in a general-purpose tool, the information added within the 3D animation can be reproduced within the 3D model when the 3D model is displayed in the general-purpose tool. This makes it easy to confirm what information has been added to which location on the building, improving convenience when revising the design.

[0019] Alternatively, the construction planning system of any of the above aspects may further include a checklist management means that extracts information that meets predetermined conditions from accumulated information including issues raised in past designs (for example, issues raised in past projects that have the same building type or client as the 3D model) and generates a predetermined checklist including multiple check items related to the building. The checklist management means may also reflect predetermined information added by a user or a virtual agent in the checklist.

[0020] According to this aspect of the construction planning system, the checklist used by the virtual agent is generated based on accumulated information including issues raised in past designs, making it possible to thoroughly check whether any issues raised in past projects have been overlooked. Furthermore, if such a checklist is provided to the designer after reflecting the information added by the user or the virtual agent, the designer can efficiently revise the design in accordance with the checklist, thereby improving convenience when revising the design. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, a more convenient and versatile construction planning system can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a construction planning system 100. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the construction planning system 100. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a summary of an output result obtained through automatic design or semi-automatic design of the construction planning system 100. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a comparison of building layouts based on manual design, fully automated design, and semi-automated design. [Figure 5] 2 is a sequence diagram showing various processes of the construction planning system 100. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for site shape input processing. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of inputting the site shape as handwritten data. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a building volume generation module process executed by the server device 110. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image of volume generation for a building model. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of checking legal regulations for a building volume. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a cost calculation process executed by the cost calculation module 140 of the server device 110. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for a process chart calculation process executed by a process chart creation module 150 of the server device 110. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a display process executed by a dedicated application of the user terminal 102. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a function for converting a semi-automatically or automatically designed building model into a 3D animation for verification. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of reinforcement learning performed by an agent in a virtual space within a 3D animation. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration related to 3D animation. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed between a 3D animation management module 200, an application 300, and a BIM tool 400 in the construction planning system 100. [Figure 18] 10A to 10C are sequential diagrams showing examples of display when tag information is input into a 3D animation. [Figure 19] 10A to 10C are sequential diagrams showing an example of a list display of tag information entered in a 3D animation. [Figure 20] 10A to 10C are sequential diagrams showing an example of a prioritized display of tag icons TA. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, a preferred example of a construction planning system is given, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0024] [System configuration example] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a construction planning system 100. Fig. 1 also shows a block configuration related to the operation of the construction planning system 100, along with electronic devices used in the construction planning system 100.

[0025] [Input / Output Devices] The construction planning system 100 is basically configured with input / output devices such as a tablet computer-type user terminal 102 and a personal computer-type user terminal 104. The construction planning system 100 accepts input operations from users using a user interface (GUI) implemented on the user terminals 102 and 104 and displays output results on their displays. These user terminals 102 and 104 are installed with application software, APIs (application program interfaces), communication tools (email applications, SNSs (social networking services), chat apps), and the like that constitute the functional elements of the construction planning system 100. The construction planning system 100 functions by running various application software, APIs, and the like on the user terminals 102 and 104. The user terminal 102 may be in the form of a smartphone or the like, and the user terminal 104 may be a desktop personal computer. The user terminals 102 and 104 may send and receive email ML using an email application or a web browser.

[0026] [Information and Communications Environment] An information and communication environment (information and communication network) is preferably used to operate the construction planning system 100. The information and communication environment includes, for example, a world-open network 105 such as the Internet, and a private network 106 such as a LAN or VPN. In the example of FIG. 1, the user terminals 102 and 104 are connected only to the private network 106 and access the network 105 such as the Internet through a gateway (not shown), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the user terminals 102 and 104 may access the network 105 such as the Internet through a public line. The information and communication environment also includes wired and wireless line connections.

[0027] [External computer] For example, a server device 110 placed on a private network 106 can be suitably used to operate the construction planning system 100. The server device 110 functions as an application server for the user terminals 102 and 104, reducing the resource load of the user terminals 102 and 104.

[0028] The server device 110 has multiple databases DB1 to DB6, as well as a control module unit 120 that implements multiple program modules. The control module unit 120 includes a BIM management unit 130 (a block indicated as "BIM" in the figure). The BIM management unit 130 is a section of the control module unit 120 that executes dedicated program modules specialized for BIM (Building Information Modeling), such as a building volume generation module 132 and a legal regulation confirmation module 134. In addition, the control module unit 120 executes dedicated program modules specialized for specific purposes, such as a cost calculation module 140, a schedule creation module 150, and a 3D animation management module 200.

[0029] Each of the above program modules is assigned its own dedicated storage area. That is, database DB2 is assigned to the building volume generation module 132 of the BIM management unit 130, and database DB3 is assigned to the legal regulation confirmation module 134. Database DB4 is assigned to the cost calculation module 140, and database DB5 is assigned to the schedule creation module 150. Database DB6 is assigned to the 3D animation management module 200, and the 3D animation management module 200 executes processing using database DB2 assigned to the building volume generation module 132 in addition to database DB6. Database DB1 is assigned as an information storage area that is not specialized for a particular program module.

[0030] In the configuration example shown in Fig. 1, the server device 110 is positioned outside the construction planning system 100, but part or all of the server device 110 may be included in the construction planning system 100. For example, the parts related to BIM (BIM management unit 130, 3D animation management module 200, and database DB6 assigned thereto) may be included in the construction planning system 100. The processing executed by the 3D animation management module 200 will be described in detail later with reference to another drawing. Furthermore, the databases DB1 to DB6 may be configured to be separated into sectors within the same physical storage medium.

[0031] [External organization] A predetermined external organization 160 is also preferably used to operate the construction planning system 100. The external organization 160 holds, for example, a GIS database 162 that is open to the public, and this GIS database 162 can be accessed from the construction planning system 100 via the network 105. The GIS database 162 stores a huge amount of geographical information, such as map information and urban planning information, as well as data such as hazard maps for various disasters and ground information.

[0032] [External personnel] In this embodiment, external personnel 170 can be utilized in the operation of the construction planning system 100. The external personnel 170 are, for example, human resources employed by the design department of a construction company or the like, and in this case, can include multiple designers AC1, AC2, AC3, etc. The designers AC1, AC2, AC3, etc. have unique or shared skills, know-how, and experience in architectural design. Such external personnel 170 can also access a private network 106 or a network 105 such as the Internet through a design computer 172 (desktop or laptop) used by each of the designers AC1, AC2, AC3, etc.

[0033] [Operation overview] 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the construction planning system 100. The operation of the construction planning system 100 of this embodiment is centered on semi-automatic design of a building at a desired construction site, but automatic design can also be selected.

[0034] [Semi-automatic design operation] That is, the construction planning system 100 accepts data input from a user using a user interface (GUI) implemented on the user terminals 102 and 104 (step S100), acquires GIS data from an external organization 160 (step S102), and then, if it determines that semi-automatic design is specified (step S120=Yes), presents information to an external person 170 and requests semi-automatic design (steps S122 and S124). Then, upon receiving plan information from the external person 170 (step S126=Yes), the construction planning system 100 causes the server device 110 to execute various main processes (steps S104, S106, and S108), and outputs and displays the results on the user terminals 102 and 104 (step S110).

[0035] [Automatic design operation] On the other hand, if semi-automatic design is not specified (step S120 = No), after accepting data input (step S100) and acquiring GIS data (step S102), processing is executed on the server device 110 side (steps S104, S106, S108), and then the output is displayed (step S110). The outline of the operation will be further explained below.

[0036] [Semi-automatic design and automatic design flow] Step S100: The user terminals 102 and 104 accept input of site information relating to a construction site where construction of a building is planned. Step S102: When data is input, GIS data related to site information is also acquired from an external organization 160. The GIS data provides site information such as the exact map coordinates, topography, and orientation of the planned construction site, as well as construction information related to construction conditions such as community regulations and various ordinances that apply to the planned construction site. The process up to this point is common to both semi-automatic and automatic design.

[0037] [Selection action] Step S120: At the user terminal 102, 104, it is determined whether or not semi-automatic design has been specified. This determination can be made, for example, by presenting the user with the options of "semi-automatic design" or "(fully) automatic design" and responding to the user's selection input operation. If the user's selection input operation is "semi-automatic design," it is determined that semi-automatic design has been specified (Yes), and the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if the user's selection input operation is "(fully) automatic design," it is determined that semi-automatic design has not been specified (No), and the site information and construction information entered up to this point are provided to the server device 110, and the process of steps S104 to S108 is executed.

[0038] [For semi-automatic design] Step S122: The BIM tool is executed on the user terminal 102, 104, and a BIM model of the site corresponding to the proposed construction site is generated based on the input site information and the acquired construction information. Step S124: A communication tool is executed in the user terminals 102, 104, and an e-mail ML is sent to the external personnel 170 requesting semi-automatic design (provision of plan information). For example, an e-mail ML is sent to the foreman of the design department requesting the formulation of a basic building plan together with an outline of the current project. In response to this, the design department manager appoints one of the appropriate designers AC1, AC2, AC3, etc. as the person in charge, and the person in charge manually formulates a basic plan. The formulated basic plan is uploaded as plan information from the computer device of the external personnel 170 to, for example, a database DB1. Step S126: At the user terminal 102, 104, it is confirmed whether or not the plan information has been received from the external personnel 170. Step S128: While the plan information has not been received (step S126=No), the user terminals 102 and 104 are in standby mode. Then, when the plan information is received (step S126=Yes), the plan information received together with the site information and construction information that have been input up to that point is provided to the server device 110, and the following processing is executed.

[0039] Step S104: Based on the planning information, the volume of a building that can be constructed at the planned construction site is generated (a building model is semi-automatically designed). The generation of the building model reflects human judgment based on the planning information provided by the external personnel 170. Step S106: The cost required for construction is calculated from the semi-automatically designed building model (rough construction estimate). Step S108: A construction schedule is created from the semi-automatically designed building model (automatic schedule creation). The results of the above processing are returned from the server device 110 to the user terminals 102 and 104 .

[0040] Step S110: The results of the semi-automatic design (building outline, cost outline, construction period outline, etc.) are displayed on the user terminals 102 and 104. Step S130: In the server device 110, the semi-automatically designed building model (BIM model) is converted into a 3D animation, and a virtual agent is generated in the virtual space within the 3D animation to automatically verify the design. In addition to the automatic verification performed in the server device 110, the user can also manually verify the design on the user terminals 102 and 104.

[0041] The above is the flow of semi-automatic design, but in the case of (fully) automatic design (step S120=No), the construction plan is not taken into account in step S104, so the processing from step S104 onwards will be as follows.

[0042] [(Full) automatic design] Step S104: Generate the volume of a building that can be constructed on the planned construction site based only on the site information and construction information (automatically design a building model). Therefore, no human judgment is taken into account when creating the building model. Step S106: The cost required for construction is calculated from the automatically designed building model (rough construction estimate). Step S108: A construction schedule is created from the automatically designed building model (automatic schedule creation). The results of the above processing are returned from the server device 110 to the user terminals 102 and 104 .

[0043] Step S110: The results of the automatic design (building outline, cost outline, construction period outline, etc.) are displayed on the user terminals 102 and 104. Step S130: In the server device 110, the automatically designed building model (BIM model) is converted into a 3D animation, and a virtual agent is generated in the virtual space within the 3D animation to automatically verify the design. In addition to the automatic verification performed in the server device 110, the user can also manually verify the design on the user terminals 102 and 104.

[0044] [Output result summary] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of an output result obtained through semi-automatic design or automatic design by the construction planning system 100. As shown in FIG. For example, when a semi-automatic or automatic design process is executed using a tablet-type user terminal 102, summary information about the construction plan, such as a building plan drawing BP, a building perspective drawing PS, and a cost construction schedule CT, is displayed as an output result on the screen of the user terminal 102. This summary information can be displayed, hidden, or switched between screens as appropriate by operating the GUI on the user terminal 102, making it easy to view. In addition, the results of the semi-automatic or automatic design can also be sent as data from the user terminal 102 to a third party (e.g., a customer) by email or the like.

[0045] [Building layout comparison] FIG. 4 shows a comparison of building layouts based on manual design, fully automated design, and semi-automated design. For a site shaped like a flagpole lot, the following examples are shown: (A) an example of a building layout actually considered by a designer, (B) an example of a building layout based on fully automated design by the present system 100, and (C) an example of a building layout based on semi-automated design by the present system 100. The site boundary and neighboring property boundary BD of the planned construction site are indicated by bold lines, and the planned layout of building BL is indicated by a hatched area. Furthermore, if building BL is a logistics warehouse, the layout of the lamps LP attached to building BL is indicated by a bold circle. These differences in building layout are reflected, for example, in the building plan BP of FIG. 3.

[0046] [Actual building layout by the designer] In Figure 4 (A): First, this is an example of the layout of the building BL that was actually considered manually by a designer without using the construction planning system 100. In this example, the layout of the building BL that maximizes the floor area ratio according to the shape of the site and the optimal layout of the lamp LP for that purpose were considered based on the designer's experience and know-how. In particular, the designer's human judgment is reflected in the fact that the layout of the building BL is not biased within the site, but rather the layout is spread out to the flagpole and flag parts, ensuring a large total floor area.

[0047] [Building layout by fully automated design] (B) in Figure 4: Next, this is an example of the layout of building BL, which was designed fully automatically using the construction planning system 100. In this case, the layout of building BL is calculated by a program algorithm, but compared to example (A), the layout of building BL is biased towards the flagpole part overall, and the layout of lamps LP is also different from that planned by the designer. As a result, the total floor area of building BL is smaller, and the floor area ratio of the site is not fully utilized. In this way, it can be seen that when everything is designed automatically without human intervention, it is not equivalent to human judgment in basic planning, and there are certain limitations.

[0048] (C) in Figure 4: Finally, this is an example of the layout of the building BL obtained by semi-automatic design while using the construction planning system 100. In this case, the BIM model of the building BL is automatically designed, but since the human judgment of the designer is reflected in the basic plan, the layout of the resulting building BL is equivalent (≒) to the layout by the designer in (A). Therefore, while using the construction planning system 100, the optimal layout of the building BL can be obtained by semi-automatic design, matching the actual shape of the site.

[0049] [Processing Sequence] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing various processes of the construction planning system 100. The operation overview in Figure 2 shows an overview of the processing flow of the entire construction planning system 100, but here the processing sequence performed by each operating entity is shown. The following explanation focuses on the processing sequence up to the display of the results of semi-automatic design on the user terminal 102 when "semi-automatic design" is performed, among the operation overview in Figure 2.

[0050] [User terminal processing] Step S1: Data entry begins at the user terminal 102 (104). Here, a user authentication (sign-in) procedure is provided as an operational security measure. Therefore, first, the user is asked to enter a user ID and password. Step S2: The entered user ID and password are sent from the user terminal 102 to the server device 110, and an authentication request is issued.

[0051] [Server device processing] Step S3: User authentication is performed in response to the authentication request in the server device 110. For user authentication here, a list of registered users is stored in the database DB1, for example. Step S4: If the user authentication is successful, the server device 110 notifies the user terminal 102 of the authentication. As a result, a session for semi-automatic design or automatic design is established between the user terminal 102 and the server device 110.

[0052] [User terminal processing] Step S5: Site information about the planned construction site is input into the user terminal 102. In the operation overview of FIG. 2, this corresponds to the start of processing corresponding to data input (step S100). Site information is input using, for example, coordinate data of the site shape, CAD data, PDF data, image data, etc., and details will be described later. Step S6: The input data of the site information is transmitted from the user terminal 102 to the external organization 160.

[0053] [Processed by external agency] Step S7: The external organization 160 searches the GIS database 162 for map information based on the transmitted site information. Step S8: The external organization 160 provides map information (GIS data) to the user terminal 102.

[0054] [User terminal processing] Step S9: Map information (GIS data) is referenced and detailed site information is input into the user terminal 102. The input of the site shape will be described in more detail later. Step S10: The input (confirmed) site information is transmitted from the user terminal 102 to the server device 110.

[0055] [Server processing] Step S11: In the server device 110, the legal regulation confirmation module 134 searches the database DB3 for construction conditions (construction information) based on the transmitted site information. The construction conditions include the collective regulation information that applies to the planned construction site as described above, various ordinances established by the local government having jurisdiction, etc. Note that this processing may be performed by an external organization 160. Step S12: The search results for the construction conditions are notified from the server device 110 to the user terminal 102. If the construction conditions are acquired by the external organization 160, the search results are notified from the external organization 160 to the user terminal 102.

[0056] [User terminal processing] Step S13: At the user terminal 102, the items to be considered are selected and input from the notified construction conditions. For example, when a list of building coverage ratio, floor area ratio, slope restrictions, height restrictions, shadow restrictions, greening ordinances, local government (Tokyo in the case of adopting this embodiment) parking ordinances, and other ordinances established for each region is notified as legal and regulatory information applicable to the construction plan site of the input data, the user selects the items to be considered from the list and inputs them as selected data. Also, here, a specified number of parking spaces, truck stops (berths), etc. can be input as selected data. The specified number will be secured within a range that does not interfere with the floor area ratio of the building at the construction plan site. Step S14: The input selection data is transmitted from the user terminal 102 to the server device 110.

[0057] [Server processing] Step S15: In the server device 110, the data up to now is saved in the database DB1. Step S16: After the data has been saved, the server device 110 notifies the user terminal 102 of this fact.

[0058] [User terminal processing] Step S17: In response to the user's selection and input of "semi-automatic design" on the user terminal 102, a BIM model of the site corresponding to the proposed construction site is generated. Here, for example, a BIM-compatible program is executed on the user terminal 102, and a BIM model of the site is generated from the site information input in the previous step S9. Step S18: An email application is launched on the user terminal 102, and an email requesting semi-automatic design is sent to the external person 170. Note that the information required for semi-automatic design (site information and building information) may be appropriately encrypted and attached to the email, or may be uploaded from the user terminal 102 to the database DB1 and then downloaded by the external person 170.

[0059] [External personnel processing] Step S19: A request for semi-automatic design is received by the external personnel 170. Here, for example, a designer in charge is designated by the foreman of the design department. Step S20: In external personnel 170, the responsible designer formulates basic planning information. Based on the site information and construction information corresponding to the planned construction site, the responsible designer manually (by human judgment) formulates the following planning information on the program using a BIM model of the site. Here, we will give an example in which the designer manually plans the building layout using a BIM model when the building to be constructed is a logistics warehouse. (1) Adjusting the location and size of the building itself within the site (2) Setting the position and size of the berth (3) Setting the lamp position and size (4) Location of entrances and exits to the site or building (5) Determining the location and size of roads within the site (6) Setting the location and size of the parking lot

[0060] The items listed above (1) to (6) can be calculated using automated design software. However, when the site shape is unusual or when the area is subject to special regulations, the automated design algorithm alone may not be able to adequately address the situation, as shown in the example of building layout in Figure 4 (B). For example, if everything is left to automated design, the limitations of the algorithms listed above (1) to (6) may result in a building model being generated with a total floor area that is significantly lower than the required floor area ratio for the site area. This creates little incentive to build a logistics warehouse on the proposed site, hindering the development of a concrete construction plan.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the items exemplified above in (1) to (6) are manually determined by human judgment utilizing the designer's skills, know-how, experience, etc., and this is provided to the program as basic planning information, thereby reflecting human judgment when generating a building model in the subsequent automatic design, and assisting the automatic design algorithm so that the optimal building model for each individual site can be obtained. As a result, as shown in the example of building layout in Figure 4 (C), a building model with a total floor area that makes the most of the floor area ratio relative to the site area can be generated even in the automatic design, making it easier to remove obstacles to the implementation of construction plans.

[0062] Step S21: The external staff 170 uploads the plan information formulated by the designer to the database DB1 of the server device 110.

[0063] [Server device processing] Step S22: The server device 110 stores the uploaded plan information. Step S23: The server device 110 notifies the user terminal 102 that semi-automatic design has started. Step S24: Semi-automatic design (automatic design based on planning information that reflects human judgment) is started in the server device 110, and a building model is generated. The generation of the building model will be described in more detail later. Step S25: The server device 110 calculates the construction cost and creates a construction schedule from the generated building model. Cost calculation and creation of the schedule will be described in more detail later. Step S26: In the server device 110, the data up to this point is saved in the database DB1. Step S27: Then, the server device 110 transmits the results of the semi-automatic design to the user terminal 102 as data.

[0064] [User terminal processing] Step S28: The data transmitted from the server device 110 is displayed on the user terminal 102. In the operation overview of FIG. 2, this corresponds to the process corresponding to display (step S110).

[0065] [Optional processing] The following optional processes can be suitably added to the processing sequence. Step S29: The building model generated in step S16 is transmitted from the server device 110 to the user terminal 102 as appropriate. Step S30: The user checks the building model on the user terminal 102, and if the content is not what the user wanted, the user inputs a request for re-output. Step S31: A re-output request is transmitted from the user terminal 102 to the server device 110. If a re-output request is received, the server device 110 executes step S24 again.

[0066] The above is the processing sequence for semi-automatic design, but in the case of fully automatic design where human judgment is not reflected, the processing sequence is as follows. First, the processes from steps S1 to S15 in FIG. 5 are executed in the same manner. Next, the processes from step S24 onwards are executed in the server device 110. In this case, a building model is generated based on the site information and construction information data saved in step S15. Then, the process of step S28 is executed, and the data is displayed on the user terminal 102. In this case, data relating to the building model generated by fully automatic design is displayed.

[0067] Next, the individual processes listed in the process sequence will be described in detail.

[0068] [Input site shape] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for site shape input processing. This process corresponds to steps S5 and S9 executed by the user terminal 102 in the processing sequence of Fig. 5. The site shape input processing is implemented as dedicated application software in the user terminal 102. The following explains the procedure.

[0069] Step S200: The application of the user terminal 102 checks whether the data input by the user operation is coordinate data representing the site shape. If it is confirmed that it is coordinate data (Yes), the process proceeds to step S202, but if it is not coordinate data (No), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0070] [For coordinate data] Step S202: If the input data for the site shape is coordinate data, the application of the user terminal 102 acquires the site area from the land information of the GIS data indicated by the coordinates. Note that the GIS data has been provided by the external organization 160 in the previous processing sequence.

[0071] [For data other than coordinate data] Step S204: The application of the user terminal 102 checks whether the data input by the user operation is CAD data (for example, dxf format) representing the site shape. If it is confirmed that it is CAD data (Yes), the process proceeds to step S206, but if it is not CAD data (No), the process proceeds to step S208. Note that the CAD data may be in a format other than dxf.

[0072] [For CAD data] Step S206: If the input data of the site shape is CAD data, the application of the user terminal 102 acquires the site range from the GIS data that overlaps with the CAD data.

[0073] [For non-CAD data] Step S208: The application of the user terminal 102 checks whether the data input by the user operation is image data (e.g., image data in PDF format) that represents the site shape. If it is confirmed that it is image data (Yes), the process proceeds to step S210, but if it is not image data (No), the process proceeds to step S212.

[0074] [For PDF data] Step S210: If the input data for the site shape is image data such as PDF, the application on the user terminal 102 acquires the site shape by overlaying the acquired image with GIS data. For example, it performs a process of generating line drawing data by tracing the site shape using the image data displayed on the screen 102a as the background. Note that here, the user may be requested to manually input the data as needed.

[0075] [For non-PDF data] Step S212: The application of the user terminal 102 inputs the site shape as handwritten data. Here, for example, a paper on which the site shape is printed or a paper output by a printer is photographed with a camera or the like built into the user terminal 102, and the photograph is input as image data. Step S214: The application of the user terminal 102 acquires the site shape by overlaying the image acquired by the camera with the GIS data. Here, as appropriate, a necessary user operation is performed to trace lines representing the site shape on the GUI of the user terminal 102 using the image acquired by the camera as a draft. Alternatively, the application may perform image recognition (analysis) processing on the image acquired by the camera to automatically calculate the site shape.

[0076] Step S216: Then, the application of the user terminal 102 performs final alignment and correction (distortion correction, resolution correction, binarization correction, etc.) of the acquired image. After executing the above procedure, the user terminal 102 continues the processing sequence.

[0077] [Example of handwritten data entry] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the site shape is input as handwritten data. 7(A): An application on the user terminal 102 activates the built-in camera 102b. While looking at the screen 102a, the user aligns the paper CP on which the site shape ST is printed, etc., within the imaging range of the camera 102b, and taps the imaging button 102c at the appropriate timing. 7(B): The application of the user terminal 102 inputs handwritten data DT of the site shape through user operations etc. as described above based on the image IM captured by the camera 102b. The data DT may also be automatically converted by image recognition.

[0078] [Building volume generation module processing] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the building volume generation module processing executed by the server device 110. This processing corresponds to step S24 (building model generation) executed by the server device 110 in the processing sequence of Fig. 5. The processing of Fig. 8 is also executed by the building volume generation module 132 and the legal regulation confirmation module 134 of the BIM management unit 130. The following is an explanation of the example procedure.

[0079] Step S300: The building volume generation module 132 loads the input data saved in the database DB1. The input data to be loaded is the data saved in step S15 of the processing sequence of FIG.

[0080] Step S302: Next, the building volume generation module 132 calculates the possible space for the building. The possible space for the building is calculated using, for example, the following rule (algorithm). (1) The possible space for a building to exist is calculated from the maximum area of the largest rectangle (coplanar rectangle) inscribed within the planned construction site (building site) so that the building model has the largest area within the planned construction site (building site). However, the possible space is calculated taking into consideration legal regulations, roadways, green spaces, parking lots, truck stop locations, etc. As mentioned above, the number of parking lots and truck stops (berths) is secured within the specified range within the range that does not interfere with the floor area ratio. In addition, in the case of semi-automated design, the building layout is determined based on the plan information prepared by the designer by an external person 170, and then the possible space for the building to exist is calculated. This allows human judgment to be reflected in the automatic design algorithm. (2) When multiple land areas are mixed within the site, a message to that effect is returned to the user terminal 102, and a request is made to divide the area on the user terminal 102 side and re-upload the divided areas to the server device 110. At this time, the building coverage ratio and floor area ratio may differ for each uploaded divided area, and in such cases, the building volume generation module 132 will automatically perform a proportional division calculation according to the area of the area. (3) When dividing an area, if the regulations regarding shadows are different outside the site, it is also possible to divide the area outside the site.

[0081] Step S304: The building volume generation module 132 generates the volume (capacity) of the building model within the possible existence space calculated in the previous step S302. Step S306: The legal regulation confirmation module 134 checks whether the volume of the generated building model complies with legal regulations. If the legal regulations are met (Yes), the process proceeds to step S308. If the legal regulations are not met (No), the process returns to step S304 and performs loop processing. Step S308: Within the volume of the building model that has cleared the legal regulations, unit blocks made up of different three-dimensional data are then tightly integrated to generate a building model consisting of an integration of unit blocks. Attributes such as "column," "wall," "floor," and "ceiling" are then assigned to each unit block, and attributes of interior spaces (rooms) such as "warehouse," "office," and "corridor" are assigned to areas surrounded by the "column," "wall," "floor," and "ceiling," thereby generating the final output of the building model (the result of the automated design). The generated building model is temporarily stored in database DB2. The temporarily stored building model can also be transmitted from the server device 110 to user terminals 102, 104, etc., as needed, outside of this process.

[0082] As a result, the building model automatically designed by the construction planning system 100 is generated using, for example, the algorithm shown below. (1) A reference box consisting of three-dimensional data of a standard size is placed within the digitized possible space, and a large volume is generated for checking the legal regulations of the building model (step S304). (2) The volume of the generated building model is checked for legal regulations, and if any parts do not comply with the regulations, the volume is adjusted by reducing the mass of the reference blocks or by moving their positions so that they comply with the regulations (step S308).The three-dimensional space on the data where the reference boxes are placed becomes a large framework for building restrictions based on collective regulation information and other factors. (3) Then, the unit blocks are densely packed together so as not to exceed the generated volume, and a building model is generated. (4) Attributes are assigned to each unit block to obtain the completed building model.

[0083] Step S310: The building volume generation module 132 checks whether a re-output request has been received. The re-output request is sent from the user terminal 102 in the option process (step S31) of the processing sequence in FIG. 5. If a re-output request has been received (Yes), the process returns to step S304 and starts over. If a re-output request has not been received (No), the process proceeds to step S312.

[0084] Step S312: The building volume generation module 132 stores the building model as a deliverable in the database DB1. After performing the above steps, the building volume generation module 132 continues the processing sequence.

[0085] [Building model generation image] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an image of generating a building model. In Figure 9 (A): A unit block BX is placed from the center of the construction site (site) ST. At this time, within the construction site ST, a concentric quadrilateral SQ with the largest area is defined, taking into consideration, for example, parking spaces PK and legal regulations, and the reference box (building volume) mentioned above is also defined. In Figure 9 (B): Unit blocks BX are placed horizontally along the circular quadrangle SQ. When forming the first floor of the building model, legal checks are performed from the boundary line of the planned construction site ST. In Figure 9 (C): Unit blocks BX are also placed vertically to generate a three-dimensional model. First, a mass model using a reference box is checked for legal regulations as described above, and if any placement fails the legal regulations check, the mass model is reduced in size to comply with the regulations, or the placement of the reference box is changed to comply with the regulations, and a loop process of (C) → (B) → (C) is executed. Note that in Figure 9 (C), a buildable space that meets the legal regulations may first be set, and unit boxes BX may be placed within the buildable space, and a loop process of (C) → (B) → (C) may be executed.

[0086] [Image of legal regulation check] Figure 10 shows an image of the legal regulation check for the building volume. Note that the site shape in Figure 10 is different from that in Figure 9.

[0087] As shown above (see Figure 9), unit blocks BX are accumulated along a concentric rectangle SQ defined within the construction site (site) ST, and a three-dimensional building model is generated. At this time, if there are any parts NGB in the overall reference box BB that do not comply with some legal regulations, the placement of such non-compliant parts NGB is changed (the entire reference box can be reduced in size or its placement can be shifted).

[0088] [Unit block details] As described above, legal checks are performed using the reference box, and then a building model is finally generated using unit blocks. Unit blocks are also cubes made up of three-dimensional data in the data space, and the image of how unit blocks are accumulated is as shown in Figure 9. Alternatively, legal checks using the reference box may be performed first to determine the range of the reference box, and then a building model is generated using unit blocks within the reference box.

[0089] However, the dimensions of each unit block in the data are such that they are individually assigned attributes as various components in the building model. Specifically, when there are unit blocks arranged at equal intervals on one floor (same plane) of a building model, and the attributes of columns are assigned, the area of one section (grid) surrounded by four columns is 125m. 2 The dimensions of one side of a unit block are determined after setting conditions so that the dimensions are less than 1500m. Also, when there is a unit block on one floor (same plane) that is assigned the attribute of a wall or fire shutter, the area enclosed by the wall or fire shutter must be 1500m. 2 The dimensions of the unit block are determined after setting the conditions as follows:

[0090] [Grid image] The image of one section surrounded by four pillars is, for example, the section surrounded by four pillars, if each point arranged at equal intervals on the building plan BP in Figure 3 is considered to be one pillar. Therefore, a unit block is a block that is large enough to form one "pillar" by an aggregate seen in the horizontal direction on a certain plane, and the floor area of the section formed by arranging four such "pillars" in a square is 125m. 2 The individual dimensions will be determined so that the

[0091] [Cost calculation process] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the cost calculation process executed by the cost calculation module 140 of the server device 110. This process corresponds to step S25 (cost calculation) executed by the server device 110 in the processing sequence of FIG. 5. The example of the procedure will be described below.

[0092] Step S400: The cost calculation module 140 retrieves the building model (volume data) stored in the database DB2 or DB1. Step S402: Next, the cost calculation module process is executed by appropriately referencing the cost table in the database DB4. For this process, for example, a cost calculation program (commercially available) provided by a third party can be suitably used. Such a program automatically creates an estimate for the automatically designed building model, taking into account the interior and exterior finishes. Step S404: Then, the calculation result is stored in the database DB1 and output to the user terminal 102. After performing the above steps, the cost calculation module 140 continues the processing sequence.

[0093] [Process chart calculation process] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a schedule calculation process executed by the schedule creation module 150 of the server device 110. This process corresponds to step S25 (construction schedule creation) executed by the server device 110 in the process sequence of FIG. 5. The example of the procedure will be described below.

[0094] Step S500: The schedule creation module 150 retrieves the building model (volume data) stored in the database DB2 or DB1. Step S502: Next, the process schedule calculation module process is executed by appropriately referencing the process schedule table in the database DB5. For this process, for example, a third-party program for calculating the optimum construction period (commercially available) can be suitably used. Such a program automatically calculates the optimum construction period and creates the process schedule. Step S504: Then, the calculation result is stored in the database DB1 and output to the user terminal 102. After executing the above procedure, the process chart creation module 150 continues the processing sequence.

[0095] [Display processing] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of display processing executed by a dedicated application of the user terminal 102. This processing corresponds to step S28 (data display) executed by the user terminal 102 in the processing sequence of FIG. 5. The example procedure will be described below.

[0096] Step S600: The application of the user terminal 102 reads the output data. Specifically, the result transmitted from the server device 110 in step S19 of the processing sequence is read into a memory or the like. Note that data stored in the database DB1 may also be read here.

[0097] Step S602: If the user selects to display the building plan and building perspective (Yes), the process proceeds to step S604; otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S606.

[0098] [When building plan / building perspective display is selected] Step S604: Drawings, outlines, perspective drawings, models, etc. are displayed on the screen 102a of the user terminal 102. If the user terminal 102 is a device such as a tablet terminal, the displayed image is the building perspective drawing PS of FIG. 3, and if the user terminal 102 is a personal computer (user terminal 104), in addition to the building perspective drawing PS, a building plan drawing BP, etc. can also be displayed.

[0099] [When the above is not selected] Step S606: If the user selects to display costs (Yes), the process proceeds to step S608; otherwise (No), the process proceeds to step S610.

[0100] [When cost display is selected] Step S608: A cost list is displayed on the screen 102a of the user terminal 102. The displayed image is the cost schedule CT of FIG. 3, with a particular focus on the cost portion.

[0101] [When the above is not selected] Step S610: If the user selects to display the schedule (Yes), the process proceeds to step S612; otherwise (No), the process returns to step S602.

[0102] [When process chart display is selected] Step S612: The schedule is displayed on the screen 102a of the user terminal 102. The image of the display is the cost schedule CT of FIG. 3, with particular focus on the schedule portion. After the above steps are performed, the user terminal 102 returns to and continues the processing sequence.

[0103] [3D animation function] As shown in the operation overview of Figure 2, in the construction planning system 100, the building model (BIM model) generated through semi-automatic or automatic design in step S104 in Figure 2 is converted into a 3D animation in step S130 in Figure 2, and the design is verified.

[0104] 14 is a diagram outlining the function of converting a semi-automatically or automatically designed BIM model into a 3D animation for verification. (A) shows the 3D animation displayed on the screen of the user terminal 102 via the application 300, and (B) shows the information added to the 3D animation displayed on the screen of the design computer 172 via the BIM tool 400.

[0105] As described above, the server device 110 has a 3D animation management module 200, which converts a semi-automatically or automatically designed BIM model into a 3D animation and provides it to the user terminals 102, 104. Note that "3D animation" in this embodiment refers to a three-dimensional animation whose display changes as if the user is moving through its internal space in response to a predetermined operation, etc. When no predetermined operation, etc. is performed, the display of the 3D animation basically stops, and the display does not continue to change.

[0106] The user displays the 3D animation on the screen via the application 300 installed on the user terminal 102, 104, and by performing predetermined operations, the user can move through the virtual space within the 3D animation, checking the inside and outside of the building, and if they notice anything, they can input information such as a message, priority, status, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "tag information") for the selected location. When the user inputs tag information, a tag icon TA is displayed at that location, indicating that tag information has been input.

[0107] Furthermore, the 3D animation management module 200 generates multiple virtual agents in the virtual space within the 3D animation and has these agents verify the design. Specifically, the agents act autonomously in the virtual space and perform reinforcement learning, and while moving through the virtual space, the agents check the inside and outside of the building according to a checklist and generate tag information for problematic areas (areas determined to be unpleasant or areas that do not fall under the check items). When the agent generates tag information, a tag icon TA is displayed at that area, just as when the user inputs tag information.

[0108] On the other hand, when the designer opens the BIM model in the BIM tool 400, 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. The designer is also provided with a checklist that lists tag information, etc. The designer can check the tag information added by the checker (user, agent) by clicking on the tag icon TB displayed in the BIM model in the BIM tool 400 or by referring to the checklist, and can modify the BIM model based on this information.

[0109] In this way, in this embodiment, users and agents act as checkers, moving through the virtual space within the 3D animation and checking the inside and outside of the building to verify the design, and the tag information added by the checker is fed back to the designer via tag icons on the BIM model or via a checklist.

[0110] [Agent-based reinforcement learning] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an overview of reinforcement learning performed by an agent in a virtual space within a 3D animation. To facilitate understanding of the invention, FIG. 15 shows one floor of a building depicted in the 3D animation, with the ceiling removed and viewed from diagonally above. The shaded area in the figure, which resembles a human, represents an agent. The speech bubble attached to the agent represents an example of information detected by the agent.

[0111] In the virtual space within the 3D animation, multiple virtual agents with different attributes appear, and time- and location-dependent events occur. Examples of agent attributes include age, gender, disability, height, physique, constitution, and occupation. Each of these attributes can affect an agent's behavioral patterns (e.g., how the agent moves, how the agent perceives the environment, and the time of day during which the agent acts). Examples of time-dependent events include various time periods (e.g., early morning, morning, noon, afternoon, evening, night, and late night), as well as disasters such as earthquakes and fires, and seasonal events (e.g., the sun is more dazzling in winter than in summer, or the days are shorter in winter than in summer). Examples of location-dependent events include the location of an air conditioning unit in a room and the state of air circulation depending on the room's conditions (e.g., shape, size, etc.).

[0112] By having multiple agents with different attributes act autonomously inside and outside a building and overlaying countless simulations in virtual space that would be impossible to achieve in real space, it is possible to simulate the flow of people and vehicles through each area of the site or building (entrances / exits, parking lots, aisles, rooms, corridors, stairs, elevators, escalators, etc.), while uncovering potential risks and issues, such as identifying dangerous areas, areas prone to congestion, areas that are difficult to use, uncomfortable areas, etc. (extracting design issues).In addition, the information detected by the agents regarding these areas can be stored in a database as tag information.

[0113] Each agent uses reinforcement learning to maximize the comfort of actions in the virtual space within the 3D animation (minimize stress when taking action).At this time, thresholds (tolerance ranges) related to location-dependent or time-dependent events are set for each area inside and outside the building, and the agent determines whether or not the area is uncomfortable based on the relationship between the numerical value detected by the agent and the threshold value (hereinafter, determining that an area is uncomfortable will be referred to as ``detecting discomfort'').When the agent detects discomfort, it generates tag information for the detected area that expresses the discomfort in numerical or text form.

[0114] For example, for stairs, a threshold value (e.g., 3 minutes per floor) is set for the time required to travel to a destination at various times of the day; if the time required is less than the threshold, it is within the acceptable range, and the agent does not detect discomfort. On the other hand, if the travel time exceeds the threshold (e.g., if it takes 5 minutes to travel from the second floor to the third floor (one floor)), it is outside the acceptable range, and the agent detects discomfort and generates tag information for the stairs. In this case, the tag information records the specific time required to travel, such as "5 minutes," as the numerical value at which the agent detected discomfort, as well as information about the event that caused it, such as "stairs, morning rush hour, travel from the first floor to the second floor."

[0115] For example, for a hallway, thresholds are set for the strength of the setting sun shining through the window and the temperature rise, and the agent detects discomfort when the threshold is exceeded. For a room, a threshold is set for the temperature near the air conditioning outlet, and the agent detects discomfort when the temperature falls below or exceeds the threshold. Note that these thresholds may be set uniformly based on the nature of the event, or different values may be set depending on the attributes of the agent. For example, the perception of temperature differs depending on gender, age, constitution, etc., and for such events, it is desirable to set different thresholds depending on the attributes.

[0116] In this embodiment, an agent is generated assuming a human being, but if statistical information on animal behavior is available, an agent assuming an animal may be generated. For example, the movement paths or building conditions that are easy for a guide dog to move around in may be different from those for a human being.

[0117] [Example of 3D animation configuration] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example configuration related to 3D animation (creation of 3D animation and verification of design using 3D animation), and shows only the configuration related to 3D animation extracted from the block diagram of the example configuration of the construction planning system 100 shown in FIG. 1 in more detail. Note that the network 106 is not shown in FIG. 16. Each block will be explained below in accordance with the processing flow related to 3D animation.

[0118] The 3D animation management module 200 provided on the server device 110 includes, for example, a model conversion unit 210, a design verification unit 220, a file exchange unit 230, a data update unit 240, a coordinate conversion unit 250, and a checklist management unit 260. Database DB2 stores BIM models generated through semi-automatic or automatic design. Database DB6 stores data and files generated during the 3D animation-related processes described below, and also stores various information related to past design projects.

[0119] When a BIM model is generated, the model conversion unit 210 obtains the generated BIM model from database DB2, converts this BIM model (initial version) to create a 3D animation, stores this in database DB6, and notifies the design verification unit 220 and file exchange unit 230. Note that the 3D animation may be created using a game engine, other publicly available tools, or a conversion tool developed independently.

[0120] The design verification unit 220 is a multi-agent system implemented by incorporating reinforcement learning technology into a multi-agent simulator, and performs automatic design verification. Here, "automatic design verification" refers to generating multiple virtual agents with different attributes in the virtual space within the 3D animation and having each agent verify the design (check the inside and outside of the building). Specifically, upon receiving a notification from the model conversion unit 210, the design verification unit 220 first generates multiple virtual agents with different attributes in the virtual space within the 3D animation, then generates time-dependent events to simulate the corresponding flow of people and vehicles, and generates location-dependent events to simulate the effects of these events on people with different attributes.

[0121] The design verification unit 220 also uses reinforcement learning to enable each agent to act comfortably in the building within the 3D animation. Specifically, for example, the design verification unit 220 gives higher rewards for smoother movement or more comfortable living, and trains each agent to maximize the comfort of their actions (minimize stress during actions). Furthermore, the design verification unit 220 has each agent check the inside and outside of the building based on a checklist generated by the checklist management unit 260 (described later) based on information about past design projects.

[0122] Specifically, each agent moves through the 3D animation, checking the inside and outside of the building according to a checklist, and generates tag information for any areas that do not meet the checklist. Because each agent has different attributes, they can check the same checklist from different perspectives. For example, for the checklist "reduce steps," perceptions of steps vary depending on age and whether or not the individual has a disability (e.g., whether they use a cane or a wheelchair). Therefore, having multiple agents with different attributes check the area thoroughly ensures that no action is missed. Furthermore, when each agent detects discomfort, it generates tag information for that area, displaying numerical values related to the discomfort and text indicating the cause of the discomfort. Note that the discomfort detected by each agent varies depending on the attributes assigned to each agent. For example, one agent may detect high discomfort while another agent barely detects any discomfort. When each agent runs out of destinations within the site, it considers all checks completed and stops generating tag information. This completes the automated design verification.

[0123] When tag information is generated by the agent, the design verification unit 220 stores a record associating the tag information with the coordinates in the 3D animation indicating the location where the tag information was generated in a tag information table provided in the database DB6. In conjunction with this, the data update unit 240 queries the coordinate conversion unit 250 for the coordinates in the 3D animation where the tag information was generated, obtains the coordinates of the BIM model indicating the same position, and adds them to the above record in the tag information table.

[0124] Furthermore, once automatic verification of the design is complete, the data update unit 240 extracts data from the tag information table and generates a DAT file. The DAT file also records version information for the corresponding BIM model. Furthermore, the data update unit 240 sends an update notification to the designer's pre-registered email address. Any email address can be registered as the destination for the update notification, and it can be sent to the designer's smartphone SP or the design computer 172, depending on the designer's convenience. Note that the destination is not limited to email, and it can also be sent to, for example, social media, chatbots, etc.

[0125] The file exchange unit 230 acts as a gateway for sending and receiving data between the server device 110 (3D animation management module 200) and the user terminal (application 300) or design computer (BIM tool 400), and upon receiving a request, retrieves the appropriate data or files from the database DB6 and provides them to the requestor.

[0126] As mentioned above, tag information can be generated by an agent or manually entered by a human, i.e., a user who performs the check. In this case, the user inputs tag information into the 3D animation via the application 300 on the user terminal 102, 104.

[0127] The application 300 includes, for example, a file transmission / reception unit 310, a storage unit 320, a display processing unit 330, an information receiving unit 340, and the like.

[0128] When the application 300 is launched, the file transmission / reception unit 310 inquires with the server device 110 (file exchange unit 230) and downloads the 3D animation and DAT file, storing them in the storage unit 320. The display processing unit 330 displays the 3D animation stored in the storage unit 320 on the screen of the user terminal 102 and displays the tag icon TA within the 3D animation according to the information recorded in the DAT file. When the user performs a predetermined operation to move the viewpoint within the 3D animation, the content displayed on the screen changes according to the position and direction of the viewpoint. The information receiving unit 340 provides an input form for tag information to be displayed when the tag icon TA is selected, and records the information entered by the user in the input form in the DAT file together with the coordinates of the location where the tag icon TA is placed. The file transmission / reception unit 310 uploads the updated DAT file to the server device 110 (file exchange unit 230).

[0129] In response to this, the data update unit 240 first queries the coordinate conversion unit 250 for the coordinates of the 3D animation recorded in the DAT file together with the tag information, and obtains the coordinates of the BIM model that indicate the same position.The data update unit 240 then stores a record in the tag information table that associates the tag information with the coordinates of the 3D animation and BIM model that indicate the position to which the tag information is assigned, updates the DAT file with the latest data, and then sends an update notification to the designer's pre-registered email address.

[0130] The checklist management unit 260 extracts information relevant to the BIM model from the information stored in the database DB6 and generates a checklist consisting of multiple check items. Information relevant to the BIM model includes, for example, issues raised in previous design projects of the same building type or client (which parts should be improved and how), checkpoints (which parts should be checked and how), information on client preferences, and management items based on in-house standards. Note that the checklist provided to designers also reflects tag information added to the 3D animation by users or agents.

[0131] The BIM tool 400 of the design computer 172 used by the designer is provided with, for example, a file transmission / reception unit 410, a storage unit 420, a display processing unit 430, a response reception unit 440, etc. Each of these functional units is implemented using, for example, the API of the BIM tool 400.

[0132] When the designer opens the BIM model specified in the update notification, the file transmission / reception unit 410 queries the server device 110 (file exchange unit 230), downloads the DAT file and checklist, and stores them in the storage unit 420. The display processing unit 430 displays the tag icon TB in the BIM model based on the tag information and coordinate information recorded in the DAT file. When the tag icon TB is selected, the response receiving unit 440 displays the tag information entered in the 3D animation and provides an input form for a 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 410 uploads the updated DAT file to the server device 110 (file exchange unit 230).

[0133] In response to this, the data update unit 240 stores a record corresponding to the response added to the DAT file in the tag information table. Also, when the designer updates the BIM model, the BIM model is stored in DB2 as the latest version.

[0134] The operations performed by the functional units of the 3D animation management module 200 in response to the update of a BIM model are the same as the operations performed in response to the generation of a BIM model. Furthermore, the model conversion unit 210 may convert the latest version of the BIM model to create the latest version of the 3D animation at a predetermined time (for example, midnight) instead of when the BIM model is generated or updated.

[0135] In addition, in this embodiment, tag information is sent and received (downloaded and uploaded) between the 3D animation management module 200, the application 300, and the BIM tool 400 via DAT files, but it may also be configured to send and receive directly without going through the DAT files.

[0136] [Processing flow for 3D animation] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed between the 3D animation management module 200, the application 300, and the BIM tool 400 in the construction planning system 100.

[0137] For ease of explanation, all processes are connected by arrows in FIG. 17, but these arrows simply indicate a time series and do not indicate that all processes are executed synchronously. Specifically, downward arrows from the 3D animation management module 200 to the application 300 or BIM tool 400 (for example, an arrow from step S706 to step S710 or an arrow from step S734 to step S740) are asynchronous. Also, due to space constraints, 3D animation is abbreviated to "3D animation" in FIG. 17. The following explanation follows a chronological order.

[0138] Steps S700 and S702: In the 3D animation management module 200, an automatically designed or automatically designed BIM model is acquired (step S700), and this is converted into a 3D animation (step S702).

[0139] Steps S704 and S706: In the 3D animation management module 200, automatic verification of the design is performed, and when the agent generates tag information for problematic areas, a tag is placed at that area and a record associating the tag information with the coordinates of the 3D animation and BIM model is added to the tag information table (step S704). Furthermore, after automatic verification of the design is completed, an initial DAT file is generated (step S706) and an update notification is sent to the designer's email address.

[0140] The automatic design verification may be performed immediately after the creation of the 3D animation, or may be performed at a predetermined time after the creation of the 3D animation.

[0141] Steps S710, S712: In the application 300, the initial version of the 3D animation and the DAT file are downloaded from the 3D animation management module 200 (step S710), and a tag icon TA is displayed within the 3D animation based on the tag information and coordinate information recorded in the DAT file (step S712).

[0142] Steps S714-S720: When the viewpoint in the 3D animation moves in response to a user operation in the application 300, the content displayed on the screen changes according to the position and orientation of the viewpoint. When the user selects a desired position, a tag icon TA is placed at that position and a tag information input form is displayed (step S714), and the tag information entered by the user is recorded in and updated in a DAT file (step S716). While the user is checking (step S718=No), the procedures of steps S714-S718 are repeated. On the other hand, when the user has finished checking (step S718=Yes), the DAT file is uploaded to the 3D animation management module 200 (step S720).

[0143] Note that 3D animation can be operated via application 300 even when not connected to a network (offline state). If the check is completed offline, the DAT file will be automatically uploaded immediately after switching to online state.

[0144] Steps S730-S734: When the DAT file is uploaded, the 3D animation management module 200 converts the coordinates of the 3D animation recorded in the DAT file together with the tag information into the coordinates of the BIM model that indicate the same position (step S730). Then, a record associating the tag information with the coordinates of the 3D animation and the BIM model is added to the tag information table (step S732), the DAT file is updated with the latest data (step S734), and an update notification is sent to the designer's email address.

[0145] Steps S740 and S742: When a BIM model is opened in the BIM tool 400, a DAT file is downloaded from the 3D animation management module 200 (step S740), and a tag icon TB is displayed in the BIM model based on the tag information and coordinate information recorded in the DAT file (step S742).

[0146] Steps S746-S754: When the designer selects a tag icon TB displayed in the BIM model in the BIM tool 400, an input form for a response to the tag icon TB is displayed along with the tag information entered at that position (step S746), and the response entered by the designer is recorded in and updated in a DAT file (step S748). While the designer is designing (step S750=No), the procedures of steps S746-S750 are repeated. On the other hand, when the designer has completed the design (step S750=Yes), the BIM model is saved and its version is updated (step S752), and the DAT file is uploaded to the 3D animation management module 200 (step S754).

[0147] Steps S760 and S762: When the BIM model is saved, the 3D animation management module 200 stores a record corresponding to the response recorded in the DAT file in the tag information table (step S760). Also, the latest version of the BIM model is converted into 3D animation (step S762).

[0148] Steps S764 and S766: The 3D animation management module 200 performs automatic verification of the design again (step S764). After the automatic verification is completed, the DAT file is updated with the latest data to reflect the results of the automatic verification (step S766).

[0149] Steps S770 and S772: The application 300 downloads the latest versions of the 3D animation and DAT file from the 3D animation management module 200 (step S770), and displays a tag icon TA in the 3D animation based on the tag information and coordinate information recorded in the DAT file (step S772). Then, while the user is checking, the above steps S714 to S718 are repeated, and once the check is complete, the above step S720 is executed. The subsequent processing executed in the 3D animation management module 200 and the BIM tool 400 is similar to the flow from step S730 onwards.

[0150] Note that the above flowchart is shown as an example, and the processing flow is not limited to this. For example, in the above example, the 3D animation management module 200 automatically verifies the design, then the user inputs tag information into the 3D animation via the application 300, and then the designer opens the BIM model in the BIM tool 400. However, the user and designer's procedures may be reversed, with the designer opening the BIM model and performing design work, and then the user inputs tag information into the 3D animation. In this case, after the user's procedures, the designer receives an update notification and opens the BIM model again to perform work.

[0151] [Entering tag information into 3D animation] Fig. 18 is a series of diagrams showing a display example when a user inputs tag information into a 3D animation. Note that an operation menu is provided at predetermined positions (the left end and bottom left in the illustrated example) on the display screen of application 300, and various buttons used to operate the 3D animation are arranged, and shortcut keys or mouse buttons associated with each button are displayed, but in Fig. 18, some of these are omitted from the illustration for simplification.

[0152] In Figure 18 (A): When a user performs a specific operation to move the viewpoint within the internal space of the 3D animation, the content displayed on the screen changes according to the position and direction of the viewpoint. The example shown in the figure shows the content displayed on the screen when the viewpoint is moved into a ramp installed in a multi-story parking garage.

[0153] The viewpoint set in the internal space is the viewpoint of an avatar placed in the internal space as the user's avatar, and it is possible to view the internal space from the avatar's point of view 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 approximately in the center of the screen. The example shown in the figure is from the avatar's point of view, so the avatar is not displayed. By displaying the avatar on the screen (viewing the internal space from behind the avatar), the size of the building can be easily imagined by comparing it with the size of the avatar. Furthermore, by not displaying the avatar, it is possible to improve forward visibility and the sense of immersion compared to when the avatar is displayed.

[0154] The user can select (touch or click) any button in the operation menu or press a shortcut key or mouse button associated with the button to perform the operation corresponding to that button. In addition, in order to check various views of the inside and outside of the building in the interior space, application 300 has two execution modes (walk-through mode and drive-through mode), and the user can switch between execution modes from the operation menu.

[0155] In the walk-through mode, the type of avatar can be selected from among adult, child, physically disabled person, wheelchair user, etc., and the inside and outside of the building can be seen from the selected person's perspective. On the other hand, in the drive-through mode, the type of avatar can be selected from among passenger car, truck, bus, motorcycle, etc., and the inside and outside of the building can be seen from the perspective of the driver of the selected car. When the avatar is displayed in the drive-through mode, for example, a screen display is provided that looks forward through the windshield window frame from the driver's seat or back seat of the selected car.

[0156] The illustrated example shows the screen display when a passenger car is selected in drive-through mode and the avatar is hidden. When driving around curves such as ramps, the driver's field of vision tends to become fixed, and blind spots are likely to occur when large vehicles such as trucks are parked in a parking lot. While these issues are generally only noticeable to the driver, using drive-through mode allows the user to check the inside and outside of the building from the driver's perspective while moving the avatar's viewpoint. Any points noticed or suggestions that should be made regarding these issues (e.g., appropriate installation locations for convex mirrors) can be recorded as tag information, leading to the installation of safety-related equipment. Furthermore, because the driver can check the road width within the premises from their line of sight, even road widths that are insufficient for certain types of vehicles can be recorded as tag information, leading to design modifications.

[0157] In either execution mode, the user checks the inside and outside of the building while moving the viewpoint of the avatar, and when the user wants to input tag information, the user first selects the target location. For example, if the user wants to input tag information for the road surface inside the ramp displayed in the center of Figure 18 (A), the user selects this location.

[0158] In Figure 18 (B): When a location where tag information is to be entered 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 input fields for, for example, message, priority, and status. The message is where the points of concern and checkpoints related to that location are entered. For priority, one of the pre-prepared options (urgent, important, normal, etc.) is selected as the priority for responding to the content entered in the message. For status, options (not responded, responded) are provided to indicate whether or not the content entered in the message has been responded to, but when new tag information is entered, this is unconditionally set to "not responded." When the checker has finished entering information for each input item, they select [Save].

[0159] In FIG. 18 (C): When [Save] is selected in the input form, the input form closes, and the tag icon TA changes to a different state (three lines within the icon) from the state when tag information is input (in FIG. 18 (B): 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, when the status is updated to "addressed," the tag icon TB is displayed in black. By displaying the tag icon TA in this manner, it is possible to easily recognize what priority tag information has been input at the location where the tag icon TA is placed, and which tag information has already been addressed.

[0160] In this way, when tag information is entered into the 3D animation, a tag icon TA is displayed at that position. Then, when the designer subsequently opens the BIM model in the BIM tool 400, a display in the same manner as the tag icon TA is reproduced as a tag icon TB at the corresponding position in the BIM model, making it possible to check the tag information via the tag icon TB.

[0161] In the example shown in the figure, the tag information input form has input fields for message, priority, and status, but other input fields may also be provided.

[0162] [List display of tag information] 19 is a sequence of diagrams showing an example of a list display of tag information input into a 3D animation. By performing a predetermined operation, the user can display a list of all tag information input into the 3D animation.

[0163] The list display includes, for example, the name of the location (object) where tag information was entered, message, priority, status, screenshot address, inputter, input date, location (coordinates within the 3D animation), BIM model version, etc. As described above, in the construction planning system 100, the designer can input a response within the BIM model to tag information added by a checker (user, agent) within the 3D animation, and in the list display, this series of inputs and responses is displayed in a thread format. Note that the name of the location where tag information was entered may be managed using coordinate information.

[0164] For example, as shown in Figure 19(A), threads for which a response has been entered are displayed with a fold ([+]) at the left end of the list, and the latest information is displayed on that line. On the other hand, threads for which a response has not been entered are not displayed with a fold.

[0165] When the collapsed view on the left side is selected, the collapsed view is released and the view is expanded ([-]), and all information for that thread is displayed in chronological order. For example, when the collapsed view displayed on the first line of (A) in Figure 19 is selected, all information for that thread is displayed, as shown in (B) in Figure 5. This type of display makes it easy to understand what tag information was added to which location (object) and what action was taken in response to it.

[0166] 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 that tag information was entered, and the location where the tag information was entered is displayed in the center of the screen. By displaying the location where the tag information was entered in this way via the list display, it is possible to easily check the location and status of that location, which would be difficult to grasp from text information alone.

[0167] [Tag icon display priority] FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the priority display of a tag icon TA. The tag icon TA is preferentially displayed, transparent to the objects that make up the building. When a tag icon TA displayed in this way is selected, the viewpoint of the avatar in the 3D animation moves to a position where it faces the tag icon TA head-on. The following is an explanation based on the display example.

[0168] 20(A): A 3D animation of a multi-story parking garage viewed from a distant position within the premises is displayed on the display screen of the application 300. At this time, the tag icon TA shown in FIG. 18 is placed on the road surface inside the ramp located at the front of the parking garage. The position where this tag icon is placed is not visible from the current viewpoint (outside the ramp), but the tag icon TA is displayed with priority over the building, with the building visible through it.

[0169] In Figure 20 (B): When a tag icon TA that is displayed through the building is selected, the viewpoint of the avatar in the 3D animation moves to a position facing the road surface within the ramp where the tag icon TA is displayed, and the tag information input area is displayed in the center of the screen. By displaying the tag information input area through the tag icon TA that is displayed preferentially in this way, it is easy to move between multiple locations where tag information has been input.

[0170] The construction planning system 100 of the above-described embodiment can be used in the following manner, for example. In other words, a sales representative of a construction company can set input conditions and selection conditions (site conditions, road conditions, legal regulations, customer requests, etc.) on a user terminal 102 such as a mobile device (tablet, etc.) or a PC, and the server device 110 can create a building model that can be constructed on the target site.The server device 110 can then calculate the approximate cost and construction period of the building based on plans, elevations, cross sections, perspective drawings, design summary tables, 3D models, and files extracted from the 3D models, and display these results on the user terminal 102. This eliminates the need to ask a specialist to design a building to determine what type of building can be constructed on the target site, reduces the time and cost required for design, and enables sales representatives to quickly provide information and proposals to customers.

[0171] Furthermore, by incorporating a semi-automatic design mechanism, the system can also be used in the following ways: In other words, if a sales representative determines that automatic design alone is not sufficient due to circumstances such as the shape of an individual site, or if the customer's requests need to be reflected, they can request semi-automatic design, which allows the human judgment of an expert to be reflected in the automatic design results. This makes it possible to generate a building model that fully satisfies the incentives for commercialization, even for a planned construction site with an unusual shape, and also generates a building model that prioritizes the architectural plan requested by the customer, thereby improving the completeness of the information provided by sales representatives to customers.

[0172] Furthermore, the construction planning system 100 of this embodiment provides the following benefits. (1) The user terminals 102, 104 simply accept the input of site information and construction information, and then provide this information to the server device 110, which then performs remote processing to generate the volume of the building model and generate the building model, thereby distributing the processing load. (2) The core parts of automatic design and regulatory checks are left to external dedicated programs (e.g., Revit, ADS-BT), and the construction planning system 100 simply functions as an API for these external programs, so the building models obtained by the construction planning system 100 are highly versatile. (3) The building model generated by the dedicated program can be easily reused in other applications by extracting it as 3D data, and can also be smoothly deployed in the cost calculation module 140 and the schedule creation module 150. (4) In addition, the extracted 3D data of the building model can be output as an intermediate file and used for other programs (environmental simulation, computer graphic creation, video editing, etc.).

[0173] (5) In addition, the various modules within the server device 110 (building volume generation module 132, legal regulation confirmation module 134, cost calculation module 140, and schedule creation module 150) can be updated or modified as appropriate, allowing the content of the information output by the construction planning system 100 to be freely customized. (6) Since the site shape can be input from handwritten data, even if paper-based site information is not available at the actual business site, it can be converted into image data and used to operate the construction planning system 100. This further improves speed and convenience.

[0174] (7) By collaborating with the external organization 160, it is possible to obtain not only the group regulation information that applies to the construction site but also the ordinances established by the local government that has jurisdiction over the construction site, and this information can be provided to the server device 110 to generate a building model that conforms to the construction conditions based on the group regulation information and ordinances. This makes it possible to comprehensively consider other ordinances, such as the local government's greening ordinance and parking ordinance, in addition to the group regulation information, and further improves the practicality of the generated building model.

[0175] (8) Because a building model is initially generated from an accumulation of unit blocks, which are simply cubic data, the purpose of each unit block is not specifically determined when the unit blocks are stacked. After the unit blocks are accumulated, the unit blocks are given building model attributes such as pillars and walls, and the spaces enclosed by the pillars and walls can then be given room attributes such as "warehouse" or "office." Therefore, compared to a method of generating a 3D model by combining units with predetermined purposes, the width and depth of the interior of the building model can be set more freely, and their dimensions can be easily adjusted. (9) Furthermore, when there are unit blocks arranged in a certain interval within one floor of a building model, and the attribute of a column is assigned to each block, the dimensions of the unit block are as follows: the area of one section surrounded by four columns is 125 m 2 Therefore, there are structural restrictions on buildings that are actually planned to be constructed (for example, logistics warehouses), and the fire compartment is limited to 1,500 m 2 Below (=12×125m 2 ), if the dimensions of the unit blocks are determined to satisfy that condition, a building model that conforms to the structural constraints can be easily generated.

[0176] (10) By requesting a semi-automatic design in the construction planning system 100, the building area can be automatically extracted from the site area, while the building area can be corrected based on the human judgment of an expert or other person, and the position of the ramp, access roads, and perspective can be customized. Furthermore, when the user sets the parking space, the optimal space for trucks and passenger cars is automatically set. Also, the center line and road width are automatically set to minimum values so that trucks can pass through the site smoothly. The user can freely set the road width to be greater than the minimum value.

[0177] (11) In the 3D animation created by converting a semi-automatically or automatically designed BIM model, the user can check the building from the perspective of various avatars, such as humans and cars, and can input tag information at any position to place a tag icon TA. A tag icon TB will be displayed at the position in the BIM model corresponding to this position, and the tag information entered in the 3D animation will be displayed via the tag icon TB. Therefore, the designer can easily check the tag information entered by the user in the BIM tool 400 and can make design modifications based on this information.

[0178] (12) The application 300 has two execution modes (walk-through mode and drive-through mode), and users can switch to the appropriate execution mode and select the appropriate avatar type depending on the situation, allowing them to check the inside and outside of a building from various perspectives in the 3D animated interior space. In particular, by using the drive-through mode, users can check from the driver's perspective, enter tag information, and provide feedback to designers, which can lead to the design of parking spaces and ramps that are less likely to cause accidents.

[0179] (13) The response entered by the designer in the BIM tool 400 in response to the tag information entered in the 3D animation is displayed via the tag icon TA displayed in the 3D animation, so the user can easily check in the application 300 what response has been made to the tag information they entered.

[0180] (14) The tag icons TA and TB, which indicate that tag information has been entered, are displayed in a manner according to priority and status, allowing the designer to intuitively recognize which tag information should be given priority and which tag information has already been addressed.

[0181] (15) Multi-agent reinforcement learning and simulation are carried out in the virtual space of 3D animations created by converting semi-automatically or automatically designed BIM models, allowing for countless trial and error processes that would be impossible in the real world, thereby revealing potential risks and issues in the building. Furthermore, the risks and issues that are revealed can be stored in a database as tag information, reflected in a checklist, and fed back to the designer.

[0182] (16) The 3D animation management module 200 automatically verifies the design, and each agent checks the building according to a checklist generated based on information about past design projects, and generates tag information for any areas where it determines there is a problem.By referring to the checklist that reflects the tag information generated by the agent, the designer can thoroughly confirm that no issues pointed out in the past have been overlooked, enabling them to create a design that is carefully considered.

[0183] (17) In automated design verification, multiple agents with different attributes check the inside and outside of a building according to a checklist. Therefore, even if the same check items are checked, they can be checked from different perspectives according to the differences in their attributes. As a result, the design can be verified from multiple angles.

[0184] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be practiced in various modified forms. In one embodiment, the construction planning system 100 has a distributed processing configuration, but the functions of the server device 110 may also be incorporated into the user terminals 102 and 104. In this case, the construction planning system 100 does not provide site information and construction information to the server device 110 (external computer), but provides the information to a dedicated program implemented in the user terminals 102 and 104, and can obtain results such as automatic design results, estimated costs, and schedules through similar processing.

[0185] The server device 110 may be placed on a network 105 (cloud) such as the Internet, or conversely, the server device 110 may be placed at the same location as the user terminals 102 and 104.

[0186] In the above-described embodiment, a BIM model of a site or building is generated in a semi-automatic or automatic design, and this BIM model is converted to create a 3D animation, but a site or building model may be generated as a 3D model other than a BIM, and this 3D model may be converted to create a 3D animation. In such a configuration, each function of the BIM tool 400 in the above-described embodiment is implemented in a 3DCG tool capable of editing 3D models.

[0187] In the embodiment, a logistics warehouse is assumed as the building model, but the present invention can be applied to any type of building, and therefore, it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied when planning the construction of an office building, an apartment building, a multi-story parking lot, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0188] 100 Construction Planning System 102,104 user terminals 105,106 Network 110 Server device 120 Control module section 130 BIM Executive Department 160 External Organizations 170 External personnel 172 Design Computer 200 3D animation management modules 300 applications 400 BIM Tools

Claims

1. an input means for receiving input of site information relating to a planned construction site of a building; an acquisition means for acquiring construction information relating to construction conditions at the construction project site based on the site information received by the input means; a receiving means for receiving from an external person basic plan information relating to a building that can be constructed on the planned construction site and that meets the construction conditions on the planned construction site by presenting the site information and the construction information to the external person; a model generation means for generating a 3D model of the building based on the plan information; a model conversion means for converting the 3D model to generate a 3D animation; a display means capable of displaying the state of the virtual space as seen from the viewpoint of a pedestrian and a driver placed in the virtual space within the 3D animation; an information generating means for generating a plurality of virtual agents having different attributes in a virtual space within the 3D animation, having each of the virtual agents check the building according to a predetermined checklist, and generating predetermined information including indications for problem areas; a storage means for storing the predetermined information generated by the virtual agent; A construction planning system with

2. The construction planning system according to claim 1, further comprising information receiving means for receiving input of the predetermined information by a user at an arbitrary position in the virtual space within the 3D animation; The storage means A construction planning system further comprising: a storage unit for storing the predetermined information input by a user;

3. 3. The construction planning system according to claim 1, The storage means A construction planning system characterized by storing the specified information in association with location information of the location to which the specified information is added in a virtual space within the 3D animation and location information within the 3D model corresponding to the location.

4. The construction planning system according to claim 1, A construction planning system further comprising a checklist management means for extracting information that meets specified conditions from accumulated information including points of criticism in past designs, generating the specified checklist including a plurality of check items related to the building, and reflecting the specified information stored in the storage means in the checklist.

Images