Piping design support system and piping design support method

Abstract

To provide a piping design support system and a piping design support method that can visualize an interference object when planning a route, and avoid the interference object.SOLUTION: A piping design support system includes: input means; output means that includes a monitor screen; a three-dimensional CAD database that holds three-dimensional CAD data for a plant; a piping automatic planning database that holds piping automatic planning data; and a point group data database that holds point group data of a plant configuration apparatus. The piping design support system performs, for piping system data planned by a piping automatic planning function using point group data obtained by scanning the plant configuration apparatus in advance with a computer, three-dimensional CAD data used for plant design, and piping automatic planning data, superposition processing using coordinate information, and uses AR (augmented reality) to display a superimposed image on the monitor screen of the output means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a piping design support system for considering the arrangement of piping and the like constituting a plant, and particularly to a piping design support system and a piping design support method suitable for implementing an optimal plan that can avoid interference objects in an actual plant.

Background Art

[0002] In plants represented by nuclear power plants and chemical plants, when implementing a plan for considering the arrangement of piping and the like (ducts, routes of wire pipes, and support structures associated therewith) (hereinafter simply referred to as a piping system), a plan on 3D CAD on a desk and a plan considering interference avoidance by on-site confirmation are implemented.

[0003] As the background art in this technical field, in Patent Document 1, it is stated that "the as-built support device includes a design data storage unit that stores information including the shape and arrangement of a plant building, piping in the plant, and each component of equipment as design information, a point cloud - 2D image conversion unit that generates 2D image data from the point cloud data stored in the point cloud data storage unit, a 2D image recognition unit that compares the generated 2D image data with the shape data it holds to recognize the part name and position of the plant, and from the point cloud data near the discovered object, extracts piping link information including the pipe diameter, pipe direction, and connection position of the piping, narrows down the system, and further narrows down the comparison candidates of the CAD shape related to the system from the piping link information based on the design information stored in the design data storage unit, and an identification information evaluation unit."

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a "route creation device for piping, wiring, or ducts, comprising: a cell generation device for generating cells; a route search device for generating routes using a route search algorithm; a route selection device for selecting routes using a route selection algorithm; a real-coordinate transformation device for converting routes into real coordinates; a dataset containing route information; a learning means for learning the dataset; and a learning operation means for utilizing the results learned by the learning means, wherein the results learned by the learning means are used for at least one of the route generation by the route search device and the route selection by the route selection device."

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes a "three-dimensional data processing device comprising: an overlay unit that superimposes acquired point cloud data and CAD data onto three-dimensional coordinates; a segment extraction unit that extracts segments of point cloud data corresponding to CAD parts of the CAD data; and a segment operation unit that manipulates the segments in the three-dimensional coordinates; (omitted) a point cloud detection unit that detects the overlapping portion between the trajectory region and the point cloud data." It also states that "by verifying the overlap between the trajectory region of a part and the point cloud data of a building, it is possible to identify objects that may interfere during transport, and to create a more efficient and safer transport plan for the part." [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-019396 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-182180 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-080391 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] According to Patent Document 1, the system automatically recognizes the names and locations of plant components from the measured 3D data (point cloud data), and is excellent in terms of adding attribute information to the point cloud data. However, there is room for improvement in the CAD-based routing method for piping systems, interference visualization, and interference avoidance evaluation.

[0008] According to Patent Document 2, while it is superior in that it can be used for at least one of route generation by a route search device and route selection by a route selection device using a learning means, it requires that interfering objects in the actual plant be input in advance as learning items, and since the interfering parts change moment by moment, such as temporary ancillary equipment, the interfering objects must be reflected in the CAD each time, and it is not possible to avoid all interfering objects, so there is room for improvement.

[0009] According to Patent Document 3, while it is excellent at identifying interference points between measured point cloud data and CAD data, there is room for improvement in that the subsequent design to avoid the visualized interferences relies on the skill of the designer, and the design process is time-consuming when there are a large number of interferences.

[0010] However, when planning new piping routes within an existing building, the routine work involves creating a plan on paper using drawings and 3D CAD, conducting a site survey to check the site conditions of existing items (equipment, piping, supports, conduits, scaffolding, ancillary facilities, etc.), planning for avoiding or relocating obstacles, and then creating another plan on paper.

[0011] Furthermore, in some plants, additional equipment installations and modifications are carried out by other companies, resulting in rework such as verification and revision of the desk-based plan, which consumes a significant amount of manpower in the planning process. On-site verification also presents challenges, particularly in high-radiation areas where radiation exposure can be high. Additionally, since plan verification is done on paper, it is difficult to accurately share the actual plan situation in the site with third parties other than the planners, which is another challenge.

[0012] Furthermore, when inspecting the site based on the planned route, if there are many obstacles, it is difficult in terms of the amount of material and time required to avoid all of them. Moreover, the decision to avoid each of these obstacles rests with a single designer, which poses challenges in route planning.

[0013] To address this challenge, route planning requires a system that compares conventional 3D CAD plans with pre-scanned 3D information, visualizes obstacles along the planned route on-site, and instantly determines on-site whether these obstacles can be avoided, allowing for a revised route plan.

[0014] Based on the above, the present invention aims to provide a piping design support system and a piping design support method that enable the visualization of interfering objects during route planning and enable the avoidance of such interfering objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] Based on the above, the present invention comprises a computer, an input means, an output means including a monitor screen, a 3D CAD database for holding 3D CAD data for the plant, an automatic piping plan database for holding automatic piping plan data, a point cloud data database for holding point cloud data of plant components, an automatic interference plan database for holding automatic interference plan data, an automatic piping plan database for holding automatic piping plan data for piping systems, and an interference list database for holding interference list data. The computer refers to the automatic interference plan database and the automatic piping plan database to determine the amount of modifications required for each countermeasure to resolve interference, and assigns an interference level to each interference countermeasure input by the designer from the input means based on whether the interference can be moved. Depending on the interference level, a countermeasure is selected from among several countermeasures for the interference, and stored as interference list data in the interference list database. The point cloud data obtained by scanning the plant components in advance using a computer, the 3D CAD data used for plant design, and the automated piping planning data are used. and the aforementioned list of interfering objects Using the automatic piping planning function Review Piping system root This is a piping design support system characterized by performing an overlay process using coordinate information and displaying the overlaid image on the monitor screen of the output means using AR (augmented reality).

[0016] Furthermore, in this invention, the computer comprises a computer, an input means, an output means including a monitor screen, a 3D CAD database for holding 3D CAD data for the plant, an automatic piping plan database for holding automatic piping plan data, a point cloud data database for holding point cloud data of plant components, an automatic interference plan database for holding automatic interference plan data, an automatic piping plan database for holding automatic piping plan data for piping systems, and an interference list database for holding interference list data. The computer refers to the automatic interference plan database and the automatic piping plan database to determine the amount of modifications required for each countermeasure to resolve the interference, and assigns an interference level to each interference countermeasure input by the designer from the input means, based on whether the interference can be moved. Depending on the interference level, a countermeasure is selected from several countermeasures for the interference, and this is used as the interfering object list data. The point cloud data obtained by scanning the plant components in advance using a computer, the 3D CAD data used for plant design, and the automated piping planning data are used. and the aforementioned list of interfering objects Using the automatic piping planning function Review Piping system root This is a piping design support method characterized by performing an overlay process using coordinate information and displaying the overlaid image using AR (augmented reality). [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a piping design support system that allows for the visualization of interfering objects during route planning and enables the avoidance of such interfering objects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a piping design support system primarily composed of computer equipment. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating data held in the database of initial data. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the processing content of the CPU in association with the database. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an interference case of the AR-displayed piping system route. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the transition of the production process of intermediate products. [Figure 6] A diagram showing that two patterns of rerouting of the piping system and changes to interfering objects were considered.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present invention, processing by a designer and processing by a computer are alternately performed. Regarding this processing content, in Example 1, computer processing W1 for performing AR display of a new piping system route will be described, in Example 2, computer processing W2 for performing a calculation process of the amount of modified objects will be described, and in Example 3, computer processing W3 for calculating an optimal list of interference object avoidance plans will be described.

Examples

[0020] In Example 1, AR (Augmented Reality) display of a new piping system route will be described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration example of a piping design support system mainly composed of a computer device. The piping design support system 1 includes an input unit 11 that receives input from an input means 17 such as a keyboard operated by a designer M, a CPU 12 that executes a program, a RAM 13 that temporarily stores data used in calculations, a ROM 14 that stores the program, an output unit 15 that outputs various calculation results to the screen of a monitor 18 capable of AR display, and a database group DB that stores various data, which are connected by a bus 16.

[0021] The database group DB consists of various databases for initial data, intermediate products, and final deliverables. Regarding initial data, it includes 3DCAD database DB1 which holds 3DCAD data D1, automatic piping planning database DB2 which holds automatic piping planning data D2, point cloud data database DB3 which holds point cloud data D3, and point cloud data additional scan database DB4 which holds point cloud data additional scan data D4.

[0022] Regarding intermediate products, it has an automatic interference planning database DB5 that holds automatic interference planning data D5, and an automatic piping system route planning database DB6 that holds automatic piping system route planning data D6. Regarding the final product, it has an interference list database DB7 that holds interference list data D7.

[0023] Of these data, the initial data in particular (3D CAD data D1, automatic piping planning data D2, point cloud data D3, and additional point cloud data scan data D4) should be of sufficient variety and quantity prepared before the start of operation of the piping design support system 1, or should be obtainable from external sources as appropriate.

[0024] The initial data databases (DB1, DB2, DB3, DB4) contain data illustrated in Figure 2 as an example. For example, the 3D CAD database DB1 contains structural shape data D11, equipment and other facility shape data D12, piping system route shape data D13, design specification data D14, and individual equipment placement coordinate data D15. The automatic piping planning database DB2 contains piping system route shape data D21, design specification data D22, and placement coordinate data D23. The point cloud data database DB3 and the point cloud data additional scan database DB4 contain point cloud data D31 and segmentation data D32. It goes without saying that these are examples, and other data may also be contained.

[0025] The premise of the present invention, as shown below, is to support designer M in easily revising (adding or changing the route of) the piping system in an existing plant for reasons such as adding new equipment.

[0026] Therefore, 3D CAD data D1 for the structure, equipment, and piping of the existing plant is prepared in the 3D CAD database DB1, and point cloud data D3 obtained by scanning various pieces of equipment is prepared in the point cloud data database DB3.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the processing performed by the CPU 12, which executes the program, in relation to the database DB. In this figure, W1, W2, and W3 represent the processing performed by the computer device by the program, while the processing indicated by the symbol m represents the processing performed by the designer M.

[0028] In the computer processing W1 of the piping design support system 1 shown here, first, using the initial databases DB1, DB2, and DB3 described above, in processing step S11, the point cloud data D3 obtained by scanning the actual equipment in advance, the 3D CAD data D1 used for plant design, and the piping system data (automatic piping plan data D2) planned by the automatic piping plan function of the automatic piping plan database DB2 are superimposed using coordinate information, and in processing step S12, the superimposed image is displayed on the screen of monitor 18 using AR (augmented reality). As a result, for example, the point cloud data and the piping system route plan (planned route) can be displayed at the plant site through an AR display device such as monitor 18.

[0029] Thus, in the piping design support system 1, the first step is to make the piping system route data, which is automatically planned by AI on point cloud data D3 (3D position information) and 3D CAD data D1, visible as the piping system route planned on the actual equipment using AR equipment.

[0030] Here, a second piping system route, planned by the automatic piping planning function of the automatic piping planning database DB2, is displayed as a newly added AR (Augmented Reality) route on top of the first piping system route of the existing plant, which is represented using point cloud data D3 and 3D CAD data D1. In this display, the spatial relationship between the first piping system route of the existing plant and the second piping system route planned by the automatic piping planning function is displayed three-dimensionally using 3D data, and the distance information between them can be understood using point cloud data, and it can be viewed in a form close to the actual equipment using AR display. As a result, it is possible to visualize interferences that are not present in the 3D CAD for the piping system route plan, and to confirm the interferences and their extent.

[0031] In the piping design support system 1 shown in Figure 3, the computer processing W1 is implemented by a computer, and in the next stage, the judgment and processing by the designer M are added. In the human processing m11, for example, the designer M on site looks at the AR-displayed screen of monitor 18 and judges the interference relationship between the virtually realized new and old piping system routes. If further positional information is needed for the judgment in this case, additional scans can be performed on site, and the newly obtained point cloud data additional scan data D4 can be saved in the point cloud data additional scan database DB4, and this can be further reflected in the AR display after consideration.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an example of interference in a piping system route displayed using AR. It indicates that the equipment is designated as an interfering object J because it is located close to the piping system route R1, and it is anticipated that securing an inspection area will be difficult during subsequent inspections.

[0033] In manual processing m11, designer M examines the piping route on the spot and determines whether changes are necessary (it is advisable to include interference avoidance measures in the decision at this time), then moves to manual processing m12 or manual processing m13 to specify the scope of the changes. In the case of Figure 4, the interference range is between the two ends P1 and P2 of the interfering object, so this area is marked as the scope of the changes. This specified scope of changes is displayed on the screen of the AR display monitor 18, making it recognizable to designer M.

[0034] The specific changes here could be to change the piping route, modify (remove, remove, or relocate) any interfering objects, or cancel the change altogether. However, if the change is not yet decided, you can move to manual processing m13 and specify the scope of the change.

[0035] If it is confirmed that the piping system route will be changed, it is best to move to manual processing m12 and specify the piping rerouting range from there. In this case, if necessary, additional on-site scans should be performed to supplement the position data of interfering objects within that range, and the newly obtained point cloud data additional scan data D4 should be saved in the point cloud data additional scan database DB4 and reflected in the 3D CAD database DB2.

[0036] In response, the computer uses the automatic piping planning function of the automatic piping planning database DB2 to redesign the piping system route, and displays the revised piping system route on the AR display monitor 18 screen, allowing users to verify whether any obstructions have been avoided. [Examples]

[0037] Example 2 describes the process for calculating the modified material quantity. Figure 5 shows the progression of the intermediate product generation process. Figure 5 shows the Interference Automatic Planning Database DB5, which stores the Interference Automatic Planning D5 as an intermediate product, and the Piping System Automatic Piping Planning Database DB6, which stores the Piping System Automatic Piping Planning D6. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the example of Interference Automatic Planning D5 will be used, but this also applies to the Piping System Automatic Piping Planning D6.

[0038] In the initial stage 1 of Figure 5, the records in the automatic interference planning database DB5, which stores intermediate products, and the automatic piping system route planning database DB6 are set to a blank state. However, this record area is prepared with input fields for interference No. (D51), name D52, area D53, 3D CAD information D54, point cloud information D55, object affected D56, presence or absence of welding inspection D57, presence or absence of permits D58, interference level D59, extraction basis D60, responsibilities D61, and amount of interference modification D62.

[0039] Step 2 in Figure 5 shows that, in response to manual processing m12 or m13 by designer M, the computer references the initial data databases in Figure 2 (3D CAD database DB1, automatic piping planning database DB2, point cloud data database DB3, point cloud data additional scan database DB4) and automatically generates stored content in the automatic interference planning database DB5 and the automatic piping system route planning database DB6.

[0040] For automatic generation, designer M inputs the interference objects and their locations on the monitor screen into the computer via a touch panel or keyboard. The computer then uses the information on the interference objects and their locations to refer to the initial data database and transfers the relevant information to the corresponding storage locations (corresponding input fields) in the automatic interference planning database DB5 and the automatic piping route planning database DB6.

[0041] The data generated by the computer at this stage includes the interfering object No. (D51), name D52, area D53, 3D CAD information D54, point cloud information D55, object being interfered with D56, presence or absence of welding inspection D57, presence or absence of permits / licenses D58, jurisdiction D61, and amount of modification required for the interfering object D62. This includes information such as the name D52 and area D53 as details of the equipment interfering along the piping system route.

[0042] Furthermore, since countermeasures for a single interference can involve both addressing the interference itself and rerouting the piping, data for each interference will generally be reflected in both the automatic interference planning database DB5 and the automatic piping route planning database DB6. Additionally, while it is possible to generate one interference No. (D51) for each interference, if modification, removal, or relocation is anticipated as a possible change to the interference, multiple interference Nos (D51) may be generated for each change, and subsequent actions may be taken individually.

[0043] Furthermore, in the example of the automatic interference planning database DB5 in Stage 2 of Figure 5, it is assumed that there are not just one interference, but multiple interferences (seven locations as exemplified by interference No. (D51) in the example of Figure 5).

[0044] In Figure 3, in processing steps S13 and S14 of the computer processing W2, which performs the calculation of modification volume, the modification volume for each of the extracted interferences is calculated. Here, modification volume refers to the amount of modification required when taking countermeasures on the interference side (interference modification volume) and the amount of modification required when taking countermeasures by rerouting (rerouting modification volume). Furthermore, it is advisable to include not only the volume of equipment and piping that are directly modified, but also the equipment and human resource burdens incurred during the work process, such as scaffolding.

[0045] In Figure 5, Stage 2, the entries in the columns for Responsibility D61 and Interfering Object Modification Quantity D62 describe the quantities that are automatically determined by the specified interference range. However, in Figure 5, Stage 3, the entries in the columns for Responsibility D61 and Interfering Object Modification Quantity D62 should more precisely represent the quantities after verification.

[0046] Furthermore, when altering (modifying, removing, or relocating) interfering objects, it is advisable to review the piping route again, and this may result in the emergence of alternative piping route proposals. In such cases, it is desirable to add new processing proposals to the piping system route automatic piping planning database DB6 and the interfering object automatic planning database DB5, or to delete proposals that are undesirable to implement.

[0047] In the database example in stage 3 of Figure 5, for cases where the interference object No. (D51) is 004 and 005, after specifying the interference object, the automatic piping planning function of the automatic piping planning database DB2 determined whether to avoid the interference object or not. As a result, the computer decided to remove it from the list, and it was subsequently removed.

[0048] The contents of the database in stage 3 of Figure 5 are displayed on the monitor 18 screen, for example, in a table format, and can be viewed by the designer M. At this time, in manual processing m14, the designer M specifies the interference level, which represents the degree of interference avoidance, on the point cloud data D3. For example, the levels can be set in four stages: Level 4 is critical equipment where the interference cannot be moved; Level 3 is equipment that can be moved but requires procedures such as obtaining approval; Level 2 is equipment that can be moved but requires modification work; and Level 1 is equipment that can be moved and does not require modification work. The designer M can then specify the level on-site based on the content of this level. [Examples]

[0049] Example 3 describes the computer process W3 for calculating the optimal list of interference avoidance options. Up to this stage, one or more avoidance options are presented for each of the multiple interferences. For the same interference, there may be multiple avoidance options on the interference side, or multiple options on both the interference side and the rerouting side. Therefore, in the manual process m14, designer M categorizes each avoidance option into different levels.

[0050] In the processing steps S15X, S15Y, and S15Z of the computer process W3, the avoidance options are categorized by level. For example, in processing step S15X, only level 1 options are extracted; in processing step S15Y, only level 2 options are extracted; and in processing step S15Z, only level 3 options are extracted.

[0051] Next, in processing steps S16X, S16Y, and S16Z, the amount of modification required for each avoidance plan is compared for each level, and the selected case is stored in the interference list database DB7 as the final deliverable, interference list data D7. For example, if a particular interference is classified as Level 1, and the amount of modification required when taking countermeasures on the interference side and the amount of modification required when taking countermeasures by rerouting are both classified as Level 1, then in processing step S16X, the side with the smaller amount of physical modification is selected and made into the final deliverable, interference list data D7.

[0052] Furthermore, when one is classified as Level 1 and the other as Level 2, if the processing step S16X for determining Level 1 selects one avoidance option for the specific interfering object, the processing step S16Y for determining Level 2 excludes and does not select the other avoidance option for the specific interfering object. As a result, for the same interfering object, only one avoidance option that represents the minimum physical quantity is extracted as the final output, the interfering object list data D7.

[0053] For example, if the amount of modification required for the interfering object is N times or more the amount of modification required for the piping system S105, the interfering object is relocated; if it is less than N times, the piping system is rerouted. Here, N times can be set to any value or coefficient according to the interference level, which represents the degree of relocation required for the interfering object, and can be set according to each interference level. In addition, although only the amount of modification required for the piping is compared here, it would be beneficial to also include the level from the floor surface of the relevant section and the radiation dose in the area as criteria for judgment.

[0054] In processing steps S16X, S16Y, and S16Z, the appropriateness of adopting an avoidance plan can be determined based on the volume comparison judgment method. Figure 6 shows that two patterns were considered: rerouting the piping system (top of Figure 6) and modifying the interfering object (top of Figure 6). In the case of top of Figure 6, the amount of material to be modified by the interfering object exceeds the amount to be modified by rerouting, while in the case of bottom of Figure 6, the amount of material to be modified by the interfering object is less than the amount to be modified by rerouting. In the example of top of Figure 6, the adoption of the rerouting measure is inappropriate, so it is not stored in the interfering object list database DB7 as interfering object list data D7. In contrast, in the example of bottom of Figure 6, the adoption of the relocation and removal measures on the interfering object side is appropriate, so it is stored in the interfering object list database DB7 as interfering object list data D7.

[0055] The processing up to step 4 in Figure 5 adds information to the fields for Interference Level D59 and Extraction Basis D60. In the Extraction Basis D60 field, it is desirable to appropriately describe the reasons for the judgment that this plan is appropriate. In this way, the interference level is specified, and the amount of piping rerouting and the list are created for each level.

[0056] Step 5 in Figure 5 shows the final interference list D7 generated in the interference list database DB7. The items to be recorded in the interference list should include: interference No. (D51), name D52, 3D CAD information D54, point cloud information D55, affected object D56, interference level D59, extraction basis D60, and interference modification quantity D62. Similarly, for each created interference list, it is good practice to include the extraction basis, interference level, and rerouting quantity. Furthermore, any changes from the initially planned route DB3 (as defined in DB6) should be saved in database DB7 as a modified automatic piping plan or piping system plan quantity information. This data can then be used for design. Additionally, this data can be displayed on AR, allowing for visual confirmation of the piping system route on the actual equipment.

[0057] According to the present invention described above, by using a technology that displays 3D CAD information with input piping system routes and 3D scan data (point cloud data) in AR at the actual site, it becomes possible to visually identify piping system routes and obstacles on-site. Furthermore, it is possible to make decisions on avoiding obstacles on the spot, and if avoidance of obstacles is difficult, the area can be specified in the point cloud data on AR, and the piping system route can be revised using AI-based automatic piping planning technology, and a route that avoids obstacles can be displayed, thereby enabling route planning.

[0058] Furthermore, when there are numerous obstacles, the technology has a judgment function that allows for on-the-spot determination of the importance of avoiding each obstacle within the obstacle range using AR (Augmented Reality). Based on the level of avoidance assigned to each obstacle, the system then decides whether to revise the piping route or relocate / remove the obstacles. This significantly reduces the design effort required for obstacle avoidance studies. In addition, it greatly reduces the amount of work involved in traveling back and forth between the design desk and the site, resulting in a reduction in radiation exposure at the site. Moreover, by automatically calculating the volume of materials required when obstacles are relocated and comparing the volume of materials in the piping route with that of the obstacles, design becomes possible without relying on the designer's skill. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1: Piping design support system 11: Input section 12:CPU 13: RAM 14:ROM 15: Output section 16: Bus 16 17: Input method 18: Monitor DB1: 3D CAD Database DB2: Automatic Piping Planning Database DB3: Point Cloud Data Database DB4: Point Cloud Data Additional Scan Database DB5: Interfering Object Automatic Planning Database DB6: Automatic Piping System Route Planning Database DB7: Interfering Object List Database

Claims

1. The system comprises a computer, input means, output means including a monitor screen, a 3D CAD database for storing 3D CAD data in the plant, an automatic piping plan database for storing automatic piping plan data, a point cloud data database for storing point cloud data of plant components, an automatic interference plan database for storing automatic interference plan data, an automatic piping plan database for storing automatic piping plan data for piping systems, and an interference list database for storing interference list data. The computer refers to the automatic interference planning database and the automatic piping system route planning database to determine the amount of modifications required for each countermeasure to resolve the interference, assigns an interference level to each countermeasure input by the designer from the input means based on whether the interference object can be moved, determines a countermeasure from among multiple countermeasures for a single interference according to the interference level, and stores it in the interference list database as interference list data. A piping design support system characterized by using the aforementioned computer to perform an overlay process using coordinate information on the point cloud data obtained by scanning the plant components in advance, the 3D CAD data used for plant design, and the piping system route revised by the automatic piping planning function using the automatic piping planning data and the interference list data, and displaying the overlaid image on the monitor screen of the output means using AR (augmented reality).

2. A computer comprising: input means; output means including a monitor screen; a 3D CAD database for holding 3D CAD data in a plant; an automatic piping plan database for holding automatic piping plan data; a point cloud data database for holding point cloud data of plant components; an automatic interference plan database for holding automatic interference plan data; an automatic piping plan database for holding automatic piping plan data for piping systems; and an interference list database for holding interference list data. The computer refers to the automatic interference planning database and the automatic piping system route planning database to determine the amount of modifications required for each countermeasure to resolve the interference, assigns an interference level to each countermeasure input by the designer from the input means based on whether the interference object can be moved, determines a countermeasure from among multiple countermeasures for a single interference according to the interference level, and uses this as the interference object list data. A piping design support method characterized by using the aforementioned computer to perform an overlay process using coordinate information on the point cloud data obtained by scanning the plant components in advance, the 3D CAD data used for plant design, and the piping system route revised by the automatic piping planning function using the automatic piping planning data and the interference list data, and displaying the overlaid image using AR (augmented reality).

Images