Design support device and design support system

Abstract

To provide a design support technology for obtaining a mutually rational design among a plurality of designs when the design of the whole plan is constituted of the plurality of designs.SOLUTION: A design support device according to the present invention includes a virtual space creation unit that creates image data of a three dimensional virtual space simulating a site of a design target, a communication unit that is communicably connected to a plurality of external devices respectively used by a plurality of users, and an object control unit that has a function of creating an object simulating a facility of the design target in the virtual space, creates image data of a predetermined object when information of a creation operation of the predetermined object performed by a predetermined user in the virtual space is input, creates attribute information of the predetermined object that can be referred to by other users, and outputs the image data and the attribute information of the predetermined object to the plurality of external devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a design support apparatus and a design support system. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, various technologies related to design work for power plants have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for generating three-dimensional layout adjustment CAD (Computer Aided Design) data for easily and rapidly generating three-dimensional layout adjustment CAD data for a layout route of cable storage components during initial planning of plant design. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-211652 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in conventional plant design work, design and planning operations such as system design, equipment design, construction design, and on-site construction planning are often performed in a waterfall manner. This method has the advantage of clarifying the roles of each design department, but it has the disadvantage of encouraging siloed departments and can hinder collaboration between design departments. Therefore, with this method, information cannot be fed back from downstream design such as on-site construction planning to upstream design such as system design and construction design, which may cause a problem that a rational design cannot be obtained between the downstream side and the upstream side.

[0005] Specifically, because system design begins before other design tasks, it is difficult to reflect construction design and on-site information in the system design. This can result in irrational design content, for example, from the perspective of the volume of construction work at the site. Furthermore, in construction design, for example, a lack of understanding of the on-site conditions can lead to rework due to interference (obstacles) with installed equipment, or design revisions from the perspective of equipment loading and unloading. In addition, for example, downstream design departments do not necessarily understand the upstream design content, which can lead to problems such as the time-consuming process of gathering information for upstream design.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The object of the present invention is to provide a design support technology that enables rational designs to be obtained among multiple designs when the design of an entire plan is composed of multiple designs, such as in the design work of a power plant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the design support device of the present invention comprises a virtual space creation unit, a communication unit, and an object control unit. The virtual space creation unit creates image data of a three-dimensional virtual space that simulates the site to be designed. The communication unit is connected to multiple external devices used by multiple users in a communicative manner. The communication unit also transmits the image data of the virtual space created by the virtual space creation unit to the multiple external devices and receives information on predetermined design operations performed on the virtual space by each of the multiple users on their own external devices. The object control unit controls objects that simulate the equipment to be designed in the virtual space. and avatars corresponding to each of the multiple users It has the function of creating. When information about the creation operation of a predetermined object performed by a predetermined user, who is included among multiple users in the virtual space, is input to the object control unit via the communication unit, In a virtual space The object control unit creates image data of a specified object. The object control unit also creates attribute information of the specified object that can be viewed by other users. Created in a virtual space Image data of a specified object 、 Attribute information and avatarThis is output to multiple external devices via the communication unit. This creates a concurrent design work environment where multiple users can simultaneously access, reference, and edit objects in the same virtual space. do.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the design support system of the present invention comprises multiple information processing devices used by multiple users, and the design support device of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention with the above configuration, when the overall design of a plan is composed of multiple designs, it is possible to obtain mutually rational designs among the multiple designs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a design support system related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer device applicable as a design support device and a designer terminal included in a design support system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of a designer terminal included in a design support system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the operation of the object creation unit of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the operation of the object creation unit of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the operation of the object coupling section of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the operation of the object coupling section of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the operation of the object coupling section of a design support device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]It is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of a cable route calculation unit of a design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of a cable route calculation unit of a design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of an object arrangement determination unit of a design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of an object movement determination unit of a design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation of an information search unit of a design support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation in concurrent-type design support work (object changing work) using the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation in concurrent-type design support work (object-related information searching work) using the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation in concurrent-type design support work (object arrangement determination work) using the design support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a design support apparatus and a design support system including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. As an example, the following description will discuss a design support apparatus and a design support system that can be used in the design work of a power plant.

[0012] [Configuration of Design Support System] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a design support system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the design support system 1 comprises a design support device 2 and a plurality of designer terminals 3 (external devices). The design support device 2 is connected to each of the plurality of designer terminals 3 via a communication network 4.

[0013] Design support device 2 consists of information processing devices such as the computer device 10 (see Figure 2 below), which will be described later. Design support device 2 has the function of creating a three-dimensional virtual space that simulates the interior and exterior of the facilities (site) such as the buildings of the power plant to be designed. Design support device 2 provides various functions that enable all designers involved in upstream and downstream design work to access the virtual space and perform design work in the virtual space. In other words, design support device 2 is a device that supports concurrent design work by all designers involved in plant design work in a virtual space that simulates the interior and exterior of the facilities such as the buildings of the power plant. The various functions of design support device 2 will be explained later with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Each designer terminal 3 is an information processing device used by each designer (user) involved in plant design work, for example, by the person in charge of each design task such as system design, equipment design, construction design, and on-site construction planning, and is composed of an information processing device such as the computer device 10 (see Figure 2 below). Specifically, each designer terminal 3 can be composed of an information processing device equipped with computing and communication functions, such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. In this embodiment, an example is described in which multiple designer terminals 3 have the same configuration, but some of the configurations of multiple designer terminals 3 may differ, or multiple designer terminals 3 may have different configurations.

[0015] The designer terminal 3 receives image data of the virtual space created by the design support device 2 and displays the image data of the virtual space on the display unit 34, which will be described later. The designer terminal 3 also acquires operation information related to the designer's access operations to the virtual space created by the design support device 2 and the designer's work operations in the virtual space, and transmits this operation information to the design support device 2 via the communication network 4.

[0016] The design support device 2, upon receiving operation information from the designer terminal 3, performs image control processing so that the designer's operations corresponding to the operation information are reflected in the virtual space, and transmits the image data of the virtual space and the objects described later, after the image control processing has been applied, to multiple designer terminals 3. As a result, the images reflecting the designer's operations are displayed in the virtual space shown on the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3, described later. The various functions of the designer terminal 3 will be explained later with reference to the drawings.

[0017] The communication network 4 can be configured as, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet, and can communicate via wired or wireless connection. Furthermore, if the design support device 2 and multiple designer terminals 3 are located in close proximity (for example, in the same room), a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth® or WiFi® may be used as the communication method for the communication network 4.

[0018] [Hardware configuration of design support equipment and designer terminal] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device 10 that can be used as a design support device 2 and a designer terminal 3.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the computer device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 13 connected to the bus line 18. The computer device 10 also includes a network interface 14, an operating device 15, a display device 16, and non-volatile storage 17, all connected to the bus line 18. Although not shown in Figure 2, the computer device 10 also includes various interfaces used for inputting and outputting various types of data (various types of information) with external devices.

[0020] The CPU 11 reads the program code for the software that implements the various processing functions of the design support device 2 and the designer terminal 3 from the ROM 12 into the RAM 13 and executes it. At this time, various data such as variables and parameters that occur during the calculation process are temporarily written to the RAM 13.

[0021] Network I / F14 is composed of, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) and transmits and receives various types of data between connected devices via wireless communication.

[0022] The operating device 15 is composed of, for example, keys and buttons, and generates an operation signal corresponding to the operation content input by the operator (designer, etc.) and supplies the operation signal to the CPU 11. The display device 16 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays characters, images, etc. on the screen. Alternatively, the display device 16 may be configured as a touch panel, in which case the display device 16 and the operating device 15 are configured as an integrated unit.

[0023] In this embodiment of the design support system 1, the designer operates an operating device 15, such as a key, button, mouse, or touch panel, provided on the designer terminal 3, to perform various operations in the virtual space displayed on the display screen of the display device 16.

[0024] Furthermore, in the design support system 1 of this embodiment, the designer can perform various operations in the virtual space using an HMD (Head Mounted Display) and a controller that is held in the hand or worn on the body. In this case, at the designer terminal 3, the HMD on which the virtual space is displayed becomes the display device 16, and the controller for performing various operations in the virtual space displayed on the HMD becomes the operating device 15. In this case, at the designer terminal 3, the HMD (display device 16) and the controller (operating device 15) and the CPU 11 may be connected using, for example, a short-range wireless communication method such as Bluetooth or WiFi.

[0025] The non-volatile storage 17 can consist of, for example, an HDD (Hard disk drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flexible disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a CD-R, magnetic tape, or non-volatile memory. The non-volatile storage 17 stores the OS (Operating System), various parameters, and various programs for making the computer device 10 function as the design support device 2 and the designer terminal 3, respectively. In addition to the ROM 12 and the non-volatile storage 17, information (data) such as programs, tables, and files for realizing the functions of the design support device 2 and the designer terminal 3 may be stored on recording media such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, an SD card, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0026] Furthermore, if the design support device 2 is configured as a server device, the design support device 2 may not include the aforementioned operating device 15 and / or display device 16.

[0027] [Functional Configuration of Design Support System] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a design support device 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the design support device 2 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0028] The control unit 21 is included in the CPU 11 in Figure 2 and reads program code for realizing the various functions described later that can be executed by the design support device 2 from the ROM 12 in Figure 2 into the RAM 13 and executes it. The storage unit 22 is included in the non-volatile storage 17 and / or RAM 13 in Figure 2 and consists of memory that can read and write data and stores various information used in processing to realize the various functions included in the control unit 21. The communication unit 23 is included in the network I / F 14 in Figure 2 and sends and receives various information (data) with multiple designer terminals 3 that can be connected via the communication network 4.

[0029] (Control Unit) As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 21 functionally comprises a virtual space creation unit 211 and an object control unit 212.

[0030] The virtual space creation unit 211 creates three-dimensional virtual space image data that simulates the interior and exterior of the facilities (site) such as buildings of the power plant to be designed. Specifically, the virtual space creation unit 211 creates three-dimensional virtual space image data using point cloud data and / or three-dimensional CAD data of the actual site of the power plant to be designed, which are stored in the site information storage unit 221 described later within the memory unit 22. Existing technologies can be used as the method for creating the three-dimensional virtual space image data.

[0031] Furthermore, the virtual space creation unit 211 outputs image data of the created virtual power plant to the communication unit 23. As a result, the image data of the virtual power plant is transmitted to each designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4, and the image of the virtual space is displayed on the display unit 34 (for example, an LCD panel or HMD) of each designer terminal 3, as described later.

[0032] The object control unit 212 acquires operation information corresponding to the creation and editing operations performed by the designer on the virtual space at the designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4, and performs image processing on the object according to the operation information. The object control unit 212 then outputs the image data of the object, which has undergone image processing corresponding to the operation information, to the communication unit 23. As a result, the image data of the object after image processing is transmitted to each designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4 and displayed on the display unit 34 (for example, an LCD panel or HMD) of each designer terminal 3. In other words, the display unit 34 of each designer terminal 3 displays an image that reflects the operations performed by the designer on the virtual space.

[0033] In this context, "objects" refer to equipment installed in spaces within facilities such as power plant buildings or on exterior walls, such as piping, conduits, connection boxes, valves, panels, racks, and other equipment. The image data of objects created by the object creation unit 213 is, for example, image data simulating equipment such as piping, conduits, connection boxes, valves, panels, racks, and other equipment. Image data of such objects for each type of equipment being designed is stored in advance in the tool information storage unit 223 within the storage unit 22, which will be described later.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the object control unit 212 includes an object creation unit 213, an object joining unit 214, a cable route calculation unit 215, an object placement determination unit 216, an object movement determination unit 217, and an information retrieval unit 218. These components are functional units for realizing the various design support functions provided by the design support device 2, and specific examples of the operation of each component will be explained later with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Note that Figure 3 shows only a portion of the main functional units of the object control unit 212, and omits the illustration of various functional units necessary for realizing other design support functions required for plant design. For example, although not shown as a functional block, in addition to the functional units in Figure 3, the object control unit 212 includes a processing function (object selection function) that enables the selection of an object in the virtual space displayed on the designer terminal 3 by the designer's selection operation. The object control unit 212 also includes a processing function (object movement function) that allows the movement of an object in the virtual space by the designer's movement operation of an object displayed on the designer terminal 3. Furthermore, the object control unit 212 includes a processing function (attribute information display function) that displays attribute information on the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3 when the designer performs a display (reference) operation of attribute information associated with an object, as described later. In this embodiment, the object selection function, the object movement function, and the attribute information display function can be operated in common when each of the functional units in Figure 3 of the object control unit 212 is executed.

[0036] (Memory unit and communication unit) The memory unit 22 stores, for example, various information necessary for creating the virtual space, image data of the virtual space obtained by various image processing by the control unit 21, image data of objects, attribute information described later, related information of objects, and image data of each designer's avatar. The internal configuration of the memory unit 22 will be explained later with reference to the drawings.

[0037] The communication unit 23 transmits image data of the virtual space and objects created by the control unit 21, object information (attribute information, etc.), image data of each designer's avatar, etc., to multiple designer terminals 3 that can be connected via the communication network 4. The communication unit 23 also receives various operation information of each designer regarding the virtual space transmitted from each of the multiple designer terminals 3, and outputs the received operation information to the control unit 21.

[0038] [Operation details of the functional units of the object control unit] (Object creation section) The design support device 2 of this embodiment has a function that allows a designer to generate desired objects in a virtual space and freely place them at any position, and the object creation unit 213 realizes this function.

[0039] Specifically, the object creation unit 213 creates image data of an object based on operation information corresponding to the object creation operation performed by the designer in the virtual space, which is input from the designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4 and the communication unit 23. Existing technologies can be used as the method for creating the image data of the object. The object creation unit 213 also places the created object at a predetermined location in the virtual space based on the operation information.

[0040] Furthermore, when the object creation unit 213 creates image data of an object, it also creates attribute information for that object. The attribute information includes various types of information, such as the object's management number, name, installation location (coordinates in the virtual space), installation area name, size, type, installation (placement) constraints, creator, creator's comments, and creation date and time, and these pieces of information are combined into a single set.

[0041] The attribute information can be input (set) by the designer (object creator) by operating the operation unit 33 (e.g., keys, buttons, mouse, touch panel, controller, etc.) of their designer terminal 3. The object creation unit 213 then creates attribute information based on the designer's input operation, links the created attribute information to the corresponding object image data, and stores it in the object information storage unit 224 (described later) within the storage unit 22. The information included in the attribute information varies depending on the object type, for example, and can be freely set by the designer.

[0042] The object creation unit 213 then outputs the image data and attribute information of the created object to the communication unit 23. As a result, the image data and attribute information of the object are transmitted to each designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4, and the image of the object is displayed at a predetermined position in the virtual space shown on the display unit 34 (described later) of each designer terminal 3.

[0043] Furthermore, the design support device 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a function that allows the designer to perform operations on objects displayed in the virtual space, such as changing their shape or placement, and the object creation unit 213 also implements this function. When the designer performs an operation to change an object, the object creation unit 213 changes (updates) the image data and attribute information of the object to be changed in accordance with the operation.

[0044] Specifically, when a designer performs a modification operation on an already created object in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 (described later) of their designer terminal 3, the operation information of that modification operation is input from the designer terminal 3 to the object creation unit 213 via the communication network 4 and the communication unit 23. The object creation unit 213 then modifies (updates) the image data and attribute information of the object to be modified based on the input operation information of the object modification operation, and transmits the modified image data and attribute information of the object to each designer terminal 3 via the communication unit 23. As a result, the image of the modified object is displayed in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 (described later) of each designer terminal 3, and the designer's modification operation is reflected. At this time, the object creation unit 213 also updates the image data and attribute information of the object to be modified stored in the object information storage unit 224 (described later) in the storage unit 22.

[0045] As an object modification operation, for example, a designer can use the operation unit 33 described later to change the size, position, and other attributes of the object, which are included in the object's attribute information. Alternatively, as an object modification operation, a designer can use the operation unit 33 described later to directly deform the shape of the object's display image or move the display image in the virtual space.

[0046] In this embodiment, modification operations on objects created in the virtual space can be performed not only by the designer who created the object, but also by other designers. Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only modification operations on objects, but also various other operations on objects can be performed not only by the designer who created the object, but also by other designers.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the display screen of the display unit 34 (e.g., an LCD panel or HMD) of the designer terminal 3, described later, displays an image of an object creation tool that can be operated by the designer, separate from the image of the virtual space. In this case, the image of the object creation tool may be configured to be displayed at all times outside the image of the virtual space, or it may be configured to be displayed overlapping with the image of the virtual space when the designer operates the creation tool. The object creation tool includes selection buttons for object types, input forms for attribute information, etc., and the image data of this creation tool is stored in advance in the tool information storage unit 223, described later, within the storage unit 22.

[0048] When creating an object, the designer can create the desired object at a predetermined location by selecting the object type, etc., using the object creation tool in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 of their designer terminal 3 (see Figures 5 and 6 below).

[0049] (Object connection section) The design support device 2 of this embodiment has a function to combine multiple objects of the same type placed in a virtual space to create a single object, and the object combining unit 214 realizes this function.

[0050] When combining multiple objects, the designer selects multiple objects placed in a virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 (described later) of their designer terminal 3, and performs the operation to combine these multiple objects. As a result, operation information corresponding to the combining operation is input from the designer terminal 3 to the object combining unit 214 (object control unit 212) via the communication network 4 and the communication unit 23.

[0051] The object joining unit 214 then combines (integrates) multiple objects placed in the virtual space to create a single object based on the operation information corresponding to the input joining operation. Existing technologies can be used as the method for combining (integrating) the image data of multiple objects. In this embodiment, the object joining unit 214 is provided with multiple joining functions for combining multiple objects, and these joining functions will be explained later with reference to the drawings.

[0052] Furthermore, the object merging unit 214 changes the attribute information of the multiple objects before merging, which is stored in the object information storage unit 224 in the memory unit 22 (described later), to the attribute information of the single object after merging. In this embodiment, the attribute information of the principal object among the multiple objects before merging (for example, the object with the smallest management number) is basically inherited into the attribute information of the object after merging.

[0053] Specifically, the object merging unit 214 inherits the information of the principal object among the multiple objects before merging (for example, the object with the smallest management number) in the attribute information of the merged object, for information included in the attribute information that is not changed by the merge operation (for example, management number, name, etc.: first information). On the other hand, for information included in the attribute information that is changed by the merge operation (for example, size, etc.: second information), the object merging unit 214 changes it using the corresponding information of the multiple objects before merging. For example, the object merging unit 214 sets the length of the merged object to the sum of the lengths of the multiple objects before merging.

[0054] In other words, in this embodiment, the attribute information of the principal object before joining is updated to reflect the information that will be changed by the joining operation (e.g., size), and this updated information is then used to define the attribute information of the object after joining. Note that the attribute information of objects other than the principal object among the multiple objects before joining is deleted once the attribute information of the object after joining is created.

[0055] The object merging unit 214 then outputs the image data and attribute information of the merged objects to the communication unit 23. As a result, the image data and attribute information of the merged objects are transmitted to each designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4, and the image of the merged objects is displayed in the virtual space shown on the display unit 34 (described later) of each designer terminal 3, reflecting the designer's merging operation.

[0056] In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the display screen of the display unit 34 (e.g., an LCD panel or HMD) of the designer terminal 3 displays an image of an object merging tool that can be operated by the designer, separately from the image of the virtual space. In this case, the image of the object merging tool may be configured to be displayed at all times outside the image of the virtual space, or it may be configured to be displayed overlapping with the image of the virtual space when the designer operates the merging tool. The object merging tool includes an execution button for the merging function, and the image data of this merging tool is stored in advance in the tool information storage unit 223 in the storage unit 22, which will be described later.

[0057] Then, when combining objects, the designer selects multiple objects to be combined in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 of their designer terminal 3 (described later), and then operates the execution button of the object combining tool to combine the multiple objects (see Figures 7 to 9 described later).

[0058] (Cable route calculation section) Cables (e.g., electrical cables, communication cables, etc.) connecting two pieces of equipment (objects) are laid from one piece of equipment through conduits or ducts, through conduits or trays installed on the ceiling of the equipment, and then laid and connected to the other piece of equipment. In this embodiment, the design support device 2 has a function to calculate the optimal cable route between two objects (pieces of equipment) when there are multiple cable routing paths (hereinafter referred to as "cable routes") when connecting the two objects with cables in a virtual space. The cable route calculation unit 215 performs the function (extraction function) to calculate the optimal cable route.

[0059] The cable route calculation process by the cable route calculation unit 215 basically calculates the cable route and its length that results in the shortest possible length of cable laid between two objects (equipment). The length of the cable route between the two objects is determined by the installation location (placement location information) included in the attribute information of each object, and the electric wires laid on the cable route. tube The cable route is calculated based on the installation location included in the attribute information of objects such as ducts. Furthermore, if the purpose of some of the conduits among the multiple conduits placed on the cable route (e.g., dedicated to communications) is predetermined, the cable route calculation unit 215 also considers the purpose information (purpose limitation information) included in the attribute information of those conduits to calculate the optimal cable route.

[0060] The cable route calculation unit 215 outputs information of the optimal cable route calculation result to the communication unit 23. As a result, the information of the optimal cable route calculation result is transmitted to each designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4, and the information of the optimal cable route between two objects (equipment) is displayed in the virtual space shown on the display unit 34 described later on each designer terminal 3. The display method of the information of the optimal cable route calculation result by the cable route calculation unit 215 will be explained later with reference to the drawings (see Figures 10 and 11 described later).

[0061] Furthermore, the cable route calculation unit 215 stores information on the optimal cable route between two objects (equipment) in the object information storage unit 224, which will be described later, within the memory unit 22. The information on the optimal cable route includes, for example, the management number of the cable route, the management numbers of the two objects connected by the cable, the management number of the conduit (object) to be used, and the length of the cable route.

[0062] Furthermore, the function of calculating the optimal cable route by the cable route calculation unit 215 described above can also be performed when there is only one cable route between two objects (equipment). In this case, the single cable route is extracted as the optimal cable route, and its length is calculated. In this case as well, the information of the optimal cable route calculation result is transmitted to each designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4 and displayed on the display unit 34 of each designer terminal 3, as described later.

[0063] In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the display screen of the display unit 34 (e.g., an LCD panel or HMD) of the designer terminal 3 displays an image of a cable route calculation tool that can be operated by the designer, separately from the image of the virtual space. In this case, the image of the cable route calculation tool may be configured to be displayed at all times outside the image of the virtual space, or it may be configured to be displayed overlapping with the image of the virtual space when the designer operates the cable route calculation tool. The cable route calculation tool includes an execution button for the cable route calculation function, and the image data of this calculation tool is stored in advance in the tool information storage unit 223 in the storage unit 22, which will be described later.

[0064] Then, during the process of calculating the optimal cable route, the designer selects two objects (equipment) for which the cable route is to be calculated in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 of their designer terminal 3 (described later). After that, by operating the execution button of the cable route calculation tool, the optimal cable route between the two objects is calculated and that information is displayed (see Figures 10 and 11 described later).

[0065] (Object placement determination unit) The design support device 2 of this embodiment includes a function (hereinafter referred to as the "placement determination function") that determines whether a predetermined object (equipment) created at a predetermined location in a virtual space satisfies the placement conditions of the predetermined object. The object placement determination unit 216 executes the processing of this object placement determination function.

[0066] The placement conditions for an object (equipment) include, for example, temperature, humidity, and radiation conditions under which the equipment can be placed, as well as distance conditions from other objects (equipment: interferences) necessary to suppress the effects of heat generated by other objects, and conditions for available space at the placement location. This information on placement conditions is set by the object creator when the object is created and is included in the attribute information.

[0067] The object placement determination unit 216 performs a determination process to determine whether the placement conditions of the object (equipment) to be determined are met, by referring to information on the placement conditions of the object (equipment) to be determined and the attribute information of other objects (equipment) placed around the object. The object placement determination unit 216 then outputs the result of the placement determination process to the communication unit 23. As a result, the information of the result of the object placement determination process is transmitted to each designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4, and the information of the placement determination result of the object to be determined is displayed in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 described later on each designer terminal 3.

[0068] In this case, if the placement determination result is that placement is not possible, an image indicating that placement is not possible will be displayed in the virtual space. The way in which the object placement determination result information by the object placement determination unit 216 is displayed will be explained later with reference to the drawings (see Figures 12 and 17 below).

[0069] In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the display screen of the display unit 34 (e.g., an LCD panel or HMD) of the designer terminal 3 displays an image of an object placement determination tool that the designer can operate, separately from the image of the virtual space. In this case, the image of the object placement determination tool may be configured to be displayed at all times outside the image of the virtual space, or it may be configured to be displayed overlapping with the image of the virtual space when the designer operates the object placement determination tool. The object placement determination tool includes an execution button for the placement determination function, and the image data of this placement determination tool is stored in advance in the tool information storage unit 223 in the storage unit 22, which will be described later.

[0070] During the object placement determination process, the designer selects the object (equipment) to be determined for placement in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 of their designer terminal 3 (described later). Then, by operating the execution button of the object placement determination tool, the object placement determination is performed, and the determination result is displayed (see Figure 12, described later). In this embodiment, the object placement determination function also allows for the selection of multiple objects and simultaneous placement determination of those multiple objects (see Figure 17, described later).

[0071] (Object movement determination unit) The design support device 2 of this embodiment includes a function (hereinafter referred to as the "movement determination function") that determines the interference status of other objects (equipment: interfering objects) with the movement of a predetermined object (equipment) created at a predetermined position in the virtual space when the predetermined object is moved within the virtual space. The object movement determination unit 217 executes the processing of this object movement determination function.

[0072] The object movement determination unit 217 refers to the attribute information (size, etc.) of the object (equipment) to be moved and the attribute information (placement position, size, etc.) of other objects placed around the object's movement path to determine whether the object can be moved. Specifically, it determines, for example, whether space is available along the movement path when the object is moved. Therefore, this object movement determination function can be used, for example, to determine whether space is available when actually loading or unloading equipment.

[0073] The object movement determination unit 217 then outputs the result of the movement determination process to the communication unit 23. As a result, the information of the object placement determination result is transmitted to each designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4, and the information of the movement determination result of the object (equipment) to be moved is displayed in the virtual space shown on the display unit 34 of each designer terminal 3 (described later). In this case, if the movement determination result is that movement is possible, an image indicating that movement is possible is displayed in the virtual space, and if the movement determination result is that movement is not possible, an image indicating that movement is not possible is displayed in the virtual space.

[0074] In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the display screen of the display unit 34 (e.g., an LCD panel or HMD) of the designer terminal 3 displays an image of an object movement determination tool that the designer can operate, separately from the image of the virtual space. In this case, the image of the object movement determination tool may be configured to be displayed at all times outside the image of the virtual space, or it may be configured to be displayed overlapping with the image of the virtual space when the designer operates the object movement determination tool. The object movement determination tool includes an execution button for the movement determination function, and the image data of this movement determination tool is stored in advance in the tool information storage unit 223 in the storage unit 22, which will be described later.

[0075] Then, during the object (equipment) movement determination process, the designer operates the execution button of the movement determination tool in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 of their designer terminal 3 (described later), and then moves the object to be moved within the virtual space. As a result, the information of the object's movement determination is displayed in the virtual space.

[0076] Furthermore, as a method for moving objects, for example, a designer may manually move the image of an object in the virtual space by operating the control unit 33 (e.g., keys, buttons, mouse, touch panel, controller, etc.) of their designer terminal 3. Alternatively, as a method for moving objects, for example, a method may be adopted in which the movement path of an object is set in advance, and when the execution button of the movement detection tool is operated, the image of the object automatically moves along the movement path.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when determining whether an object (equipment) can be moved, the designer may select the object to be moved in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 (described later) of their designer terminal 3, and then operate the execution button of the movement determination tool. In this case, the object to be moved becomes a shared object with the designer's own avatar (hereinafter referred to as the "avatar-shared object"), and the movement determination process is performed by the movement of the designer themselves (the avatar-shared object) in the virtual space. Therefore, by using such a function, the designer can more intuitively grasp whether or not the equipment can be moved.

[0078] (Information Retrieval Department) The design support device 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a search function for various related information (hereinafter referred to as "object-related information") of objects (equipment) placed in a virtual space. The object-related information includes, for example, various information such as actual external images of the object (equipment) (photographs, external drawings, etc.), design drawings, design specifications, equipment specifications, placement specifications, and legal information regarding placement. The object-related information may also include duplicate information that was included in the attribute information set (input) when the object was created.

[0079] The information retrieval unit 218 performs the search and collection of object-related information. In this process, the information retrieval unit 218 performs the search process for related information of an object (equipment) selected by the designer, based on information such as the name contained in the attribute information of the object (equipment). Multiple objects may be selected as the target of the information search. As for the search method, existing search methods such as a method that searches in an interactive format using generation AI (Artificial Intelligence) or a search method that uses keyword input can be used.

[0080] When a designer performs a search operation for object-related information, the information retrieval unit 218 searches (references) various information stored in the object-related information storage unit 225 (described later) within the memory unit 22, and retrieves (acquires) related information for the object being searched from this information. The information retrieval unit 218 then outputs the collected object-related information to the communication unit 23. As a result, the collected object-related information is transmitted to each designer terminal 3 via the communication network 4, and the object-related information is displayed in the virtual space shown on the display unit 34 (described later) of each designer terminal 3. The specific display methods of the object-related information will be explained later with reference to the drawings (see Figure 16 below).

[0081] In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the display screen of the display unit 34 (e.g., an LCD panel or HMD) of the designer terminal 3 displays an image of an object-related information search tool that the designer can operate, separately from the image of the virtual space. In this case, the image of the object-related information search tool may be configured to be displayed at all times outside the image of the virtual space, or it may be configured to be displayed overlapping with the image of the virtual space when the designer uses the object-related information search tool. The object-related information search tool includes an execution button for the information search function, and the image data of this search tool is stored in advance in the tool information storage unit 223 in the storage unit 22, which will be described later.

[0082] During the object-related information search process, the designer selects the target object (equipment) in the virtual space displayed on the display unit 34 of their designer terminal 3 (described later), and then operates the execution button of the search tool, which displays an image (input form, etc.) indicating the start of the object-related information search. Next, the designer enters information (terms) that will serve as the search key for the object-related information into the displayed input form, etc., to perform the information search, and the search results are displayed in the virtual space. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the system may be configured so that after the image indicating the start of the object-related information search is displayed in the virtual space, the information search is automatically performed based on the attribute information of the object. Furthermore, in the object-related information search function of this embodiment, it is also possible to select multiple objects and perform an object-related information search for multiple objects simultaneously (see Figure 14, described later).

[0083] [Internal structure of the memory unit] As shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 22 functionally includes a field information storage unit 221, a virtual space data storage unit 222, a tool information storage unit 223, an object information storage unit 224, and an object-related information storage unit 225.

[0084] The site information storage unit 221 stores point cloud data and / or 3D CAD data of the actual site of the power plant being designed. This site information is pre-stored in the site information storage unit 221 and is used by the virtual space creation unit 211 when creating 3D virtual space image data that simulates the interior and exterior of the facilities (site) such as the power plant building.

[0085] The virtual space data storage unit 222 stores image data of the three-dimensional virtual space created by the virtual space creation unit 211.

[0086] The tool information storage unit 223 stores image data of objects that simulate equipment such as pipes, conduits, power panels, racks, connection boxes, and valves, which are created in the virtual space. In other words, in this embodiment, image data of objects having a basic shape that simulates equipment such as pipes, conduits, power panels, racks, connection boxes, and valves is stored in the tool information storage unit 223 in the form of a toolbox. The tool information storage unit 223 also stores image data of various operation tools (e.g., object creation tools, merging tools, etc.) that can be operated by the designer when performing the various functions described above, which are displayed either overlapping in the virtual space or in a different location in the virtual space. Furthermore, the tool information storage unit 223 also stores image data of each designer's avatar that is displayed in the virtual space.

[0087] The object information storage unit 224 stores image data of objects created or modified (updated) by the object creation unit 213, as well as attribute information of those objects.

[0088] Furthermore, the object-related information storage unit 225 stores various information about the equipment actually installed in the power plant being designed. That is, for example, various object-related information such as actual external images of the object (equipment) (photographs, external drawings, etc.), design drawings, design specifications, equipment specifications, layout specifications, and legal information regarding the layout are stored in the object-related information storage unit 225. Then, the information retrieval unit 218 performs a search operation to extract object-related information from the various information stored in the object-related information storage unit 225. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the object-related information storage unit 225 is provided within the design support device 2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the object-related information storage unit 225 may be provided in a database or the like provided outside the design support device 2.

[0089] [Designer terminal functionality] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the designer terminal 3. As shown in Figure 4, the designer terminal 3 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, and a communication unit 35. For the sake of explanation, Figure 4 only shows the processing functions related to design support processing using the design support device 2.

[0090] The control unit 31 is included in the CPU 11 in Figure 2 and reads program code for realizing various functions that can be executed on the designer terminal 3 from the ROM 12 in Figure 2 into the RAM 13 and executes it. The storage unit 32 is included in the non-volatile storage 17 and / or RAM 13 in Figure 2 and consists of memory that can read and write data.

[0091] The operation unit 33 is included in the operation device 15 in Figure 2. The display unit 34 is included in the display device 16 in Figure 2 and is composed of, for example, an LCD panel or an HMD. The communication unit 35 is included in the network I / F 14 in Figure 2 and transmits and receives various information (data) with the design support device 2, which can be connected via the communication network 4.

[0092] (Control Unit) As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 31 functionally includes an information acquisition processing unit 311, an information display processing unit 312, and an information output processing unit 313.

[0093] The information acquisition processing unit 311 receives the image of the virtual space created by the design support device 2, which is received by the communication unit 35. De Images of various objects (equipment) placed in a virtual space. De The system acquires the image data of each designer's avatar, and the attribute information of each object. The information acquisition processing unit 311 then acquires the image data of the virtual space, various objects, and each designer's avatar. De The data is output to the information display processing unit 312. The information acquisition processing unit 311 also outputs these acquired images. De The data and attribute information of each object are stored in the storage unit 32.

[0094] The information display processing unit 312 displays images of the virtual space, various objects (equipment), and each designer's avatar acquired by the information acquisition processing unit 311. De The data is output to the display unit 34, and control is performed to display this image data on the display unit 34.

[0095] Furthermore, the information output processing unit 313 acquires operation signals performed by the designer on the virtual space via the operation unit 33, such as object creation operations, various editing operations (modification operations, merging operations, movement operations, etc.), and various judgment operations (placement judgment operations, movement judgment operations, etc.), and outputs operation information corresponding to these operation signals to the communication unit 35. As a result, the designer's various operation information on the virtual space is transmitted to the design support device 2 via the communication network 4.

[0096] (Storage part) The storage unit 32 stores image data of a three-dimensional virtual space and images of various objects (equipment) placed in the virtual space, which are displayed on the display unit 34. De Data, images of each designer's avatar De The data and attribute information of each object are stored. In this embodiment, information of operations performed on the virtual space by the designer via the operation unit 33 may also be stored in the storage unit 32. In other words, the operation history information of the designer in the power plant design support work may be stored in the storage unit 32.

[0097] (Operation unit) The operation unit 33 is provided on the designer terminal 3 and consists of, for example, keys, buttons, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. Furthermore, when the designer uses an HMD to perform design support work, the operation unit 33 consists of a controller that the designer holds in their hand or wears. When the designer performs a predetermined operation on the virtual space using the operation unit 33, such as keys, buttons, a mouse, a touch panel, or a controller, the operation unit 33 acquires an operation signal corresponding to that predetermined operation and outputs the operation signal to the control unit 31 (information output processing unit 313).

[0098] (Display) The display unit 34 displays image data of the three-dimensional virtual space input from the control unit 31 (information display processing unit 312), and images of various objects (equipment) placed in the virtual space. De Images of the avatars of the designers and their respective creators. De The data is displayed on the display screen 34a (see Figure 5, etc., described later) provided on the display unit 34. Furthermore, if the designer performs an operation to display attribute information for a predetermined object displayed on the display screen 34a, the display unit 34 displays the attribute information of that predetermined object on the display screen 34a.

[0099] (Communications Department) The communication unit 35 receives, for example, image data of a three-dimensional virtual space created by the design support device 2, and images of various objects (equipment) placed in the virtual space. De Data, images of each designer's avatar De Data, attribute information of each object, etc., are received via the communication network 4. The communication unit 35 also transmits, for example, operation information for the designer's operation unit 33, which is input from the control unit 31 (information output processing unit 313), to the design support device 2 via the communication network 4.

[0100] [Examples of various functions of the design support system in operation] Next, with reference to the drawings, we will explain examples of the operation of each functional part of the design support device 2 (examples of operation by the designer).

[0101] (Object creation function) First, we will explain an example of the creation operation of an object (equipment) in the virtual space, which is executed (controlled) by the object creation unit 213 (see Figure 3) (an example of a designer's creation operation). Here, as an example, we will explain the creation operation of an object of long equipment (for example, pipes and conduits, etc.) (hereinafter referred to as "long equipment object"), and an example of the creation operation of an object of intermediate equipment for long equipment (for example, connection boxes and valves, etc.) (hereinafter referred to as "intermediate equipment object").

[0102] (1) Example of creating a long object Figure 5 shows an example of how long objects, such as pipes and electrical conduits, are created when a designer performs the creation operation in a virtual space, as displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3.

[0103] When starting to use the long object creation function, although not shown in the diagram, first, designer A selects the long equipment creation button (not shown) within the object creation tool (not shown) in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of their designer terminal 3. Then, designer A operates the operation unit 33 (e.g., key, button, mouse, touch panel, controller, etc.) at a predetermined position (appropriate space) in the virtual space (display screen 34a) to draw a line 102. In this operation, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) as shown in the left diagram in Figure 5, showing designer A's avatar 40 drawing a line 102 (dotted line) using the long object creation tool 101.

[0104] Then, when designer A performs a predetermined decision operation (not shown), an image of a cylindrical object 103 with the same length as line 102 is displayed in the virtual space (on display screen 34a), as shown in the right-hand figure in Figure 5. This operation creates the long object 103 in a predetermined position (appropriate space) in the virtual space. Although not shown, at this time, attribute information of the created long object 103 is input (set) by designer A, and this attribute information is stored in the object information storage unit 224.

[0105] Furthermore, the appearance of the long object 103 displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) does not need to differ from the actual object, as long as it is clear that the object is a long piece of equipment such as a pipe or electrical conduit. Also, the appearance of the long object 103 displayed in the virtual space may be changed according to the type of long piece of equipment, or it may remain the same regardless of the type of long piece of equipment.

[0106] Furthermore, the diameter of the long object 103 (information included in the attribute information) can be freely changed by the designer. As a method for setting the diameter of the long object 103, for example, the designer may set the diameter of the long object 103 on the creation tool before drawing the line 102 in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). Alternatively, for example, the long object 103 may be created with a predetermined default diameter, and then the designer may change the attribute information to set the diameter to the desired value. If such a function is provided, for example, even when the placement location of the long object 103 is in a narrow space and the pipe diameter constraints are strict, the designer can freely change the diameter of the long object 103 and easily obtain visual information such as the detailed spatial position and the placement image after construction.

[0107] (2) Example of creating an intermediate object Figure 6 shows an example of how relay objects are created, as displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3, when a designer performs a creation operation on a relay object, such as a connection box or a valve, in the virtual space.

[0108] When starting to use the relay object creation function, although not shown in the diagram, first, designer A selects the button for creating relay equipment (not shown) within the object creation tool (not shown) in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of his designer terminal 3. Then, designer A operates the operation unit 33 (e.g., key, button, mouse, touch panel, controller, etc.) at a predetermined position (appropriate space) in the virtual space (display screen 34a) to draw line 102. In this operation, in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a), designer A's avatar 40 becomes a long object, similar to the left diagram in Figure 5. object An image is displayed showing line 102 (a dashed line) drawn using creation tool 101.

[0109] Next, designer A selects a predetermined position on line 102 in the virtual space (on display screen 34a). In this operation, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on display screen 34a) showing designer A's avatar 40 using the relay creation tool 104 to select a predetermined position on line 102 (dotted line), as shown in the left figure in Figure 6.

[0110] Then, when designer A performs a predetermined decision operation (not shown), an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) as shown in the right-hand figure in Figure 6, in which a rectangular parallelepiped relay object 105 is placed at a predetermined position on a cylindrical long object of the same length as line 102. In other words, an object is created in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) in which long objects 106 and 107 are connected by the relay object 105.

[0111] Although not shown in the diagram, at this time, the attribute information of the created relay object 105, long object 106, and long object 107 is input (set) by designer A, and this attribute information is stored in the object information storage unit 224. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and at this time, the relay object 105, long object 106, and long object 107 may be treated as an object of a single facility, and designer A may input (set) the attribute information of that object.

[0112] Furthermore, the appearance of the relay object 105 displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) does not need to differ from the actual object, as long as it is clear that the object is, for example, a relay device such as a connection box or a valve. Also, the appearance of the relay object 105 displayed in the virtual space may be changed according to the type of relay device, or it may remain the same regardless of the type of relay device.

[0113] Furthermore, the size of the relay object 105 (information included in the attribute information) can be set by the designer as appropriate. For example, the designer may set the size of the relay object 105 to the actual size on the tool before drawing the line 102 in the virtual space. Alternatively, for example, the relay object 105 may be created with a predetermined default size, and then the designer may change the attribute information to set the size of the relay object 105 to the actual size.

[0114] (Object merging function) Next, we will describe an example of the operation (designer's creation example) of combining similar objects (equipment) placed in a virtual space, which is executed (controlled) by the object combining unit 214 (see Figure 3). Note that the design support device 2 of this embodiment is equipped with the following three types of object combining functions. - An object joining function (hereinafter referred to as the "first joining function") for cases where the size and shape of each object are the same at the contact surface of two objects that are touching each other. • An object joining function for when two objects are located far apart from each other (hereinafter referred to as the "second joining function"). - An object joining function (hereinafter referred to as the "third joining function") for cases where the size and shape of each object differ at the contact surface of two objects that are touching each other.

[0115] In this embodiment, when a designer selects two objects (equipment) to be joined and performs a joining operation, one of the first to third joining functions is automatically selected by referring to the attribute information of the two objects, and the joining operation is executed. Specifically, based on information such as placement position, size, and shape included in the attribute information of the two objects, the positional relationship (contact / non-contact) between the two objects and the similarity or difference in the size and shape of the contact end faces of each object are determined, and the type of joining function is automatically selected. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the designer may manually select the type of joining function.

[0116] (1) The first join function of the object Figure 7 shows an example of how two objects are combined when the first combination function is activated for two objects placed in a virtual space, as displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3.

[0117] This section describes a case where the two objects to be joined are long object 110 and long object 111, and in the virtual space, one end face in the longitudinal direction of long object 110 is in contact with one end face in the longitudinal direction of long object 111 (see the left diagram in Figure 7). In this example, the size (diameter) and shape of each long object at the contact surface between long object 110 and long object 111 are the same, and this describes the case where long object 110 was created before long object 111. This situation arises, for example, when a designer wants to extend the length of long object 110 and creates long object 111 in contact with one end face in the longitudinal direction of long object 110.

[0118] During the object merging operation, although not shown in the diagram, designer A first operates the control unit 33 in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of their designer terminal 3 to select the long object 110 and long object 111 to be merged. In this operation, although not shown in the diagram, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) showing designer A's avatar 40 using a selection tool to select the long object 110 and long object 111.

[0119] Next, designer A uses the operation unit 33 to operate the execution button (not shown) of the object merging tool in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). In this operation, although not shown, an image of designer A's avatar 40 pressing the execution button of the merging tool is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). Also, in the example shown in Figure 7, at this time, the object merging unit 214 (object control unit 212) selects the first merging function based on the attribute information (placement relationship, size, etc.) of the long object 110 and the long object 111.

[0120] Then, when designer A performs a predetermined decision operation (not shown), a long object 112 is created in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) by combining the long object 110 and the long object 111, as shown in the right-hand figure in Figure 7 (an image of the long object 112 is displayed).

[0121] At this time, attribute information for the combined long object 112 is created. In this example, the long object 110 (with the smaller management number) created earlier is designated as the primary object, and the attribute information of long object 110 is inherited as the attribute information of the combined long object 112. Specifically, among the information included in the attribute information of long object 110, information that is not changed by the merge operation (e.g., management number, name, diameter, etc.) is inherited into the attribute information of the combined long object 112. On the other hand, among the information included in the attribute information of long object 110, the length of the object that is changed by the merge operation is set as the length of the combined long object 112 by summing the lengths included in the attribute information of long object 110 and long object 111 before the merge. Then, the attribute information of the long object 110 (primary object) updated as described above is set as the attribute information of the combined long object 112. Also, at this time, the attribute information of the long object 111 before the merge is deleted.

[0122] (2) Second object joining function (complementary joining function) Figure 8 shows an example of how two objects are combined when the second combining function is activated for two objects placed in a virtual space, as displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3.

[0123] This section describes an example where the two objects to be joined are long object 113 and long object 114, and in the virtual space, long object 113 and long object 114 are positioned separately from each other (see the left diagram in Figure 8). In this example, the end faces of long object 113 and long object 114 have the same size (diameter) and shape, and the case where long object 113 is created before long object 114 is described.

[0124] During the object merging operation, although not shown in the diagram, designer A first operates the operation unit 33 in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of their designer terminal 3 to select the long object 113 and long object 114 to be merged. In this operation, although not shown in the diagram, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) showing designer A's avatar 40 using a selection tool to select the long object 113 and long object 114.

[0125] Next, designer A uses the operation unit 33 to operate the execution button (not shown) of the object merging tool in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). In this operation, although not shown, an image of designer A's avatar 40 pressing the execution button of the merging tool is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). Also, in the example shown in Figure 8, at this time, the object merging unit 214 (object control unit 212) selects the second merging function based on the attribute information (placement relationship, size, etc.) of the long object 113 and the long object 114.

[0126] Then, when designer A performs a predetermined decision operation (not shown), as shown in the right figure in Figure 8, a long object 115 is created in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) by combining the long object 113 and the long object 114 (an image of the long object 115 is displayed). At this time, a complementary object section 115a is created that connects the long object 113 and the long object 114 in the shortest possible way, and the long object 113 and the long object 114 are combined via the complementary object section 115a.

[0127] At this point, attribute information for the combined long object 115 is created. In this example, the long object 113 (with the smaller management number) created earlier is designated as the primary object, and the attribute information of long object 113 is inherited as the attribute information for the combined long object 115. Specifically, information included in the attribute information of long object 113 that is not changed by the merge operation (e.g., management number, name, diameter, etc.) is inherited into the attribute information of the combined long object 115. On the other hand, for the length of the object that is changed by the merge operation, the sum of the lengths included in the attribute information of long object 113 and long object 114 before the merge, and the length of the complementary object part 115a, is set as the length of the combined long object 115 in the attribute information. Then, the attribute information of the long object 113 (primary object) updated as described above is set as the attribute information of the combined long object 115. Additionally, the attribute information of the long object 114 before merging is deleted at this time.

[0128] In the example shown in Figure 8, since no other objects (equipment: interferences) are placed between the long object 113 and the long object 114, the long object 113 and the long object 114 are connected by a linear complementary object section 115a. However, if other objects are placed between the long object 113 and the long object 114, a complementary object section is created that bypasses the other object and has the shortest possible length.

[0129] When the aforementioned second object joining function (complementary joining function) is implemented, multiple long objects can be joined together in the virtual space without needing to be in direct contact to be created (defined) as a single object. This reduces the effort required for object creation operations and attribute information setting (input) operations.

[0130] (3) Object third joining function (automatic relay insertion function) Figure 9 shows an example of how two objects are combined when the third combination function is activated for two objects placed in a virtual space, as displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3.

[0131] This section describes a case where the two objects to be joined are long object 116 and long object 117, and in the virtual space, one end face in the longitudinal direction of long object 116 is in contact with one end face in the longitudinal direction of long object 117 (see the left diagram in Figure 9). In this example, the sizes (diameters) of each long object at the contact surface between long object 116 and long object 117 are different, and the example described is one in which the diameter of the former is larger than that of the latter. Note that in this example, the case where long object 116 is created before long object 117 is described.

[0132] During the object merging operation, although not shown in the diagram, designer A first operates the operation unit 33 in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of their designer terminal 3 to select the long object 116 and long object 117 to be merged. In this operation, although not shown in the diagram, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) showing designer A's avatar 40 using a selection tool to select the long object 116 and long object 117.

[0133] Next, designer A uses the operation unit 33 to operate the execution button (not shown) of the object merging tool in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). In this operation, although not shown, an image of designer A's avatar 40 pressing the execution button of the merging tool is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). Also, in the example shown in Figure 9, at this time, the object merging unit 214 (object control unit 212) selects the third merging function based on the attribute information (placement relationship, size, etc.) of the long object 116 and the long object 117.

[0134] Then, when designer A performs a predetermined decision operation (not shown), as shown in the right figure in Figure 9, a long object 119 is created in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) by combining long object 116 and long object 117 via an intermediate object 118 (an image of long object 119 is displayed). In other words, when the third combining function is activated in the example shown in Figure 9, an intermediate object 118 is automatically inserted (added) between long object 116 and long object 117.

[0135] At this time, attribute information for the combined long object 119 is created. In this example, the long object 116 (with the smaller management number) created earlier is designated as the principal object, and the attribute information of long object 116 is inherited as the attribute information of the combined long object 119. Specifically, among the information included in the attribute information of long object 116, information that is not changed by the merge operation (e.g., management number, name, etc.) is inherited into the attribute information of the combined long object 119. On the other hand, among the information included in the attribute information of long object 116, the length of the object that is changed by the merge operation is set as the length of the combined long object 119 by summing the lengths included in the attribute information of long object 116 and long object 117 before the merge, and the width of the intermediate object 118. Then, the attribute information of the long object 116 (principal object) updated as described above is set as the attribute information of the combined long object 119. Also, at this time, the attribute information of long object 117 before the merge is deleted.

[0136] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, the lengths of the long objects 116 and 117 that constitute the combined long object 119 are the same as those before the combination, but the present invention is not limited to this. The length of the combined long object 119 may be the sum of the lengths of the long objects 116 and 117 before the combination. In this case, at least one of the lengths of the combined long object 116 and the long object 117 is made shorter than that before the combination.

[0137] Furthermore, the creation of the complementary object section 115a when the second combining function (complementary combining function) of the aforementioned objects is activated, and the creation of the relay object 118 in the third combining function (automatic relay insertion function), may be performed using, for example, a generation AI.

[0138] Furthermore, when using the method for setting attribute information of combined objects when the object combining function is activated, as explained in Figures 7 to 9, for example, a common management number and name can be defined for a long object created by combining multiple long objects (such as pipes and conduits) placed along a predetermined cable route, according to that cable route. In this case, for example, it becomes easier to calculate the number of pipes or conduits in standard length equivalent that are needed to realize the combined long object defined by a common management number and name, and to manage the piping design.

[0139] (Cable route calculation function) Next, we will describe an example of the calculation operation (designer's calculation operation example) of the optimal cable route for a cable (e.g., electrical cable, communication cable, etc.) laid between two objects (equipment) placed in a virtual space, which is executed (controlled) by the cable route calculation unit 215 (see Figure 3). As described above, the cable route calculation function of the design support device 2 of this embodiment calculates the optimal cable route for a cable connecting two objects, and its length (hereinafter referred to as "approximate cable length"). The information of the calculation result is then displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3.

[0140] (1) Example of operation of the cable route calculation function 1 Example 1 of the cable route calculation function describes an example of operation when the use of all long conduit objects placed in the virtual space is not limited. In this case, all types of cables can be laid in all conduits placed in the virtual space. Example 1 also describes an example where both objects (equipment) for which the cable route is calculated are power panel objects, and the cable connecting the two objects is an electrical cable.

[0141] Figure 10 shows an example of the optimal cable route calculation method (operation example 1) displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3 when the cable route calculation function is activated for two power panel objects 120 and 121 placed in the virtual space. In Figure 10, an example is shown in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) where three long conduit objects 123, 124, and 125 that can be used when connecting the two objects 120 and 121 with electrical cables are provided.

[0142] In the example shown in Figure 10, the long object 123 (electrical conduit) is a long object that extends linearly in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) from object 120 (power panel) towards object 121 (power panel). Furthermore, the long object 123 is positioned above the area between the two objects 120 and 121 in the virtual space.

[0143] The long object 124 (electrical conduit) is a long object that extends linearly in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the long object 123 (electrical conduit). In addition, the long object 124 is placed on the object 120 (power panel) side of the upper region of the long object 123 (electrical conduit) in the virtual space.

[0144] The elongated object 125 (electrical conduit) is an L-shaped elongated object in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a), and is composed of an electrical conduit section 125a that extends linearly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated object 123 (electrical conduit), and an electrical conduit section 125b that extends linearly in the longitudinal direction of the elongated object 123. In addition, the elongated object 125 is placed on the object 121 (power panel) side of the upper region of the elongated object 123 (electrical conduit) in the virtual space.

[0145] After designer A accesses the virtual space where the two objects 120 and 121 (power panels) and three long objects 123, 124, and 125 (electrical conduits) described above are placed (see upper diagram in Figure 10), designer A uses the operation unit 33 to operate the execution button for the cable route calculation function in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of his designer terminal 3. In this operation, as shown in the upper diagram in Figure 10, an image of designer A's avatar 40 pressing (selecting) the execution button 126 for the cable route calculation function is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). This operation then activates the cable route calculation function.

[0146] When the cable route calculation function is activated, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 10, first, between the two objects 120 and 121 Ke Two cable routes are extracted: cable route L1 (dotted line in the figure) which passes the electrical cable through long object 123 (electrical conduit), and cable route L2 (dashed line in the figure) which passes the electrical cable through long objects 124 and 125 (electrical conduit). At this time, the approximate cable length of each cable route is also calculated. In the example shown in Figure 10, cable route L1, which has the shortest cable route length, is selected as the optimal cable route.

[0147] In this case, in the virtual space (on display screen 34a), the cable route L1 selected as the optimal cable route will have its approximate cable length ("XXm" in Figure 10) displayed. On the other hand, for cable route L2 that was not selected as the optimal cable route, an "X" mark 127 will be displayed on cable route L2 as information indicating that it is not optimal (see the lower part of Figure 10). Note that the display method of the calculation result of the optimal cable route is not limited to the example shown in Figure 10. For example, the cable route L1 selected as the optimal cable route may display not only its approximate cable length but also information indicating that it is optimal (e.g., a circle mark).

[0148] (2) Example of operation of the cable route calculation function 2 In the second example of the cable route calculation function's operation, we will explain an example where the use of some of the long conduit objects placed in the virtual space is restricted. Note that the use of other long conduit objects is not restricted. In this case, all types of cables can be laid on conduits with no restricted use, but only cables of the type used for that specific purpose can be laid on conduits with a restricted use (e.g., dedicated to communications).

[0149] Figure 11 shows an example of the optimal cable route calculation method (operation example 2) displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3 when the cable route calculation function is activated for two power panel objects 120 and 121 placed in a virtual space.

[0150] In Figure 11, similar to Operation Example 1, we illustrate an example where both objects (equipment) for which the cable route is to be calculated are power distribution panels, and the cable connecting the two objects is an electrical cable. Furthermore, the configuration of the two objects 120 and 121 (power distribution panels) and the two long objects 124 and 125 (electrical conduits) shown in Figure 11 is the same as those in Operation Example 1 explained in Figure 10, and the use of long objects 124 and 125 is not limited. In addition, the long object 123A (electrical conduit) shown in Figure 11 has a limited use, for example, exclusively for communications, and electrical cables cannot be laid on long object 123A. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 11, the placement positions of the two objects 120 and 121 and the three long objects 123A, 124, and 125 in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) are the same as the placement positions of the two objects 120 and 121 and the three long objects 123, 124, and 125 described in Figure 10.

[0151] After designer A accesses the virtual space where the two objects 120 and 121 (power distribution panels) and three long objects 123A, 124, and 125 (electrical conduits) described above are placed, designer A uses the operation unit 33 to operate the execution button for the cable route calculation function in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of his designer terminal 3. In this operation, as in the upper diagram of Figure 10, an image of designer A's avatar 40 pressing (selecting) the execution button 126 for the cable route calculation function is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). This operation then activates the cable route calculation function.

[0152] When the cable route calculation function is activated, as shown in Figure 11, similar to Operation Example 1 (see Figure 10), it first calculates the route between the two objects 120 and 121. Ke Two cable routes are extracted: cable route L1 (dotted line in the diagram) which passes the electrical cable through long object 123A (electrical conduit), and cable route L2 (dashed line in the diagram) which passes the electrical cable through long objects 124 and 125 (electrical conduits). At this time, the approximate cable length of each cable route is also calculated.

[0153] In the example shown in Figure 11, since it is not possible to lay the electrical cable on the long object 123A of the electrical conduit, cable route L2 is selected as the optimal cable route. This determination process is performed based on the usage information included in the attribute information of the long object 123A (electrical conduit).

[0154] In this case, in the virtual space (on display screen 34a), the cable route L2 selected as the optimal cable route will have its approximate cable length (indicated as "YYm" in Figure 11) displayed. On the other hand, for cable route L1, which was not selected as the optimal cable route, information indicating that it is not optimal will be displayed. 1 A cross mark, number 127, is displayed at the top (see Figure 11).

[0155] If a cable route calculation function like the one shown in example 2 above is implemented, for example, system designers and equipment designers in the upstream design phase can adjust and / or consider the placement of equipment (devices) by referring to the approximate cable length, while keeping in mind the planning and construction status at the site in the downstream design phase. In other words, by having designers at each design stage use this function, it becomes possible to quickly feed back the considerations from the downstream design phase to the upstream design phase.

[0156] (Object placement detection function) Next, an example of the operation to determine the placement position of an object (equipment) in the virtual space, which is executed (controlled) by the object placement determination unit 216 (see Figure 3), will be described (an example of a designer's determination operation). In this embodiment, the object placement determination function of the design support device 2 determines, as described above, whether the placement position of a predetermined object in the virtual space satisfies the placement conditions specified in the attribute information of that predetermined object.

[0157] Figure 12 shows a predetermined object (equipment) placed in a predetermined location within a predetermined room in a virtual space, and an object placement judgment is made for the predetermined object. fixed machine This figure shows an example of the arrangement determination mode displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3 when the function is activated.

[0158] Figure 12 illustrates an example where an object 132, such as a rack that emits radiation, is located in a predetermined room 130, which contains a predetermined object 131 (equipment) such as equipment containing semiconductor products with low radiation tolerance (see the upper diagram in Figure 12). Here, it is assumed that the radiation dose in the predetermined room 130 is uniform (constant) due to the radiation emitted by object 132. Figure 12 then illustrates an example where the radiation dose in the predetermined room 130 does not meet the radiation conditions (radiation tolerance) included in the attribute information of the predetermined object 131 (equipment).

[0159] In the example shown in Figure 12, when determining the placement of an object, designer A first accesses the virtual space, and then, in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of his designer terminal 3, designer A operates the operation unit 33 to select a predetermined object 131 (equipment) to be determined for placement. In this operation, as shown in the upper part of Figure 12, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) in which designer A's avatar 40 uses the selection tool 133 to select the predetermined equipment object 131.

[0160] Next, designer A uses the operation unit 33 to operate (press) the execution button 134 of the object placement determination tool in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) (see the lower diagram in Figure 12). This operation determines whether the predetermined object 131 can be placed or not, based on the radiation dose in the predetermined room 130 (radiation dose generated by object 132) and the attribute information (radiation conditions) of the predetermined object 131 (equipment). In the example shown in Figure 12, it is determined that the predetermined object 131 cannot be placed, and as information indicating this determination result, a warning message 135 consisting of an "X" mark is superimposed on the image of the predetermined object 131. If it is determined that the predetermined object 131 cannot be placed, as in the example shown in Figure 12, designer A or another designer can perform an operation such as moving the predetermined object 131 to another room.

[0161] When the object placement determination function described above is implemented, it becomes possible to design the placement of objects (equipment) in the virtual space by considering not only conditions such as available space at the placement location, distance from other equipment, temperature conditions, and humidity conditions, but also the amount of radiation emitted from other equipment.

[0162] (Object movement detection function) Next, an example of object (equipment) movement determination operation in the virtual space (an example of a designer's determination operation) executed (controlled) by the object movement determination unit 217 (see Figure 3) will be described. In this embodiment, the object movement determination function of the design support device 2 determines whether or not an object can be moved when a predetermined object created at a predetermined position in the virtual space is moved along its movement path, as described above.

[0163] Figure 13 shows object movement judgments for predetermined objects (equipment) such as panels and devices placed at predetermined locations in a virtual space. fixed machine This figure shows an example of a movement determination pattern displayed on the display screen 34a of the display unit 34 of the designer terminal 3 when the function is activated.

[0164] In the example shown in Figure 13, we will explain an example of movement detection operation when an object 140 (equipment) that is the target of movement detection, placed in a virtual space, is moved along its movement path 144 (dotted line). In this example, we will also explain an example where other equipment (interfering objects) objects 141 and 142 are placed around the movement path 144 of object 140. Furthermore, in this example, we will explain an example where, during the movement detection operation of the object, the equipment object 140 that is the target of movement detection acts as the designer's avatar, that is, acts as an avatar-combined object 140A.

[0165] In the example shown in Figure 13, when determining the movement of an object, although not shown in the diagram, first, designer A accesses the virtual space, and then the designer operates the control unit 33 in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of their designer terminal 3 to select the object 140 (equipment) to be determined to move.

[0166] Next, designer A uses the control unit 33 to operate the execution button 143 of the movement detection tool in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) (see the upper diagram in Figure 13). This operation starts the movement detection function of object 140 (equipment). During this operation, as shown in the upper diagram in Figure 13, an image of designer A's avatar 40 operating (pressing) the execution button 143 of the movement detection tool is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a).

[0167] Then, when designer A operates the execution button 143 of the movement detection tool, the object 140 (equipment) that is the target of movement detection is changed to the avatar-integrated object 140A. As a result, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 13, object 140 is displayed as the avatar-integrated object 140A in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). At this time, the change in the color or shape of object 140 may be indicated to indicate that object 140 has been changed to the avatar-integrated object 140A. Also, at this time, the image of designer A's avatar 40 is erased in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a).

[0168] Next, designer A uses the operation unit 33 to move the avatar-integrated object 140A along the movement path 144 in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) (see the thick arrow in the lower part of Figure 13). At this time, for example, the designer can manually move the image of the avatar-integrated object 140A in the virtual space by operating the operation unit 33 (e.g., keys, buttons, mouse, touch panel, controller, etc.) of the designer terminal 3. Specifically, designer A can move the image of the avatar-integrated object 140A in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) by directly dragging or otherwise dragging the image of the avatar-integrated object 140A.

[0169] Then, this movement operation displays an image in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) of the avatar-integrated object 140A, that is, designer A, moving along the movement path 144. Although not shown in the diagram, if, during the movement of the avatar-integrated object 140A along the movement path 144, a determination is made that movement is impossible based on the placement information (attribute information) of other objects 141, 142 (interfering objects), an image indicating that movement is impossible (for example, an X mark) is displayed on the display screen 34a at that point.

[0170] In the example shown in Figure 13, for the sake of explanation, an example is described in which an image of the virtual space as seen from the viewpoint of a third party who can oversee various objects and the avatar-combined object 140A placed in the virtual space is displayed on the display screen 34a of the designer terminal 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image (video) of the virtual space as seen from the viewpoint of the avatar-combined object 140A, that is, an image of the virtual space as seen in the direction of the avatar-combined object 140A's line of sight, may be displayed on the display screen 34a of the designer terminal 3. In this case, designer A can perceive the movement of the avatar-combined object 140A and whether or not it can be moved with a more realistic sense.

[0171] (Object-related information search function) Next, we will describe an example of a search operation (an example of a designer's search operation) for object-related information of objects (equipment) placed in a virtual space, which is executed (controlled) by the information retrieval unit 218 (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the object-related information search function of the design support device 2 performs the search process for related information of an object based on information such as the name included in the attribute information of the object selected by the designer's operation, as described above.

[0172] Figure 14 shows the workflow when activating the object-related information search function to retrieve information from a predetermined object (equipment) placed at a predetermined location in a virtual space. In the example shown in Figure 14, the case where the objects to be retrieved are, for example, long objects 150 such as pipes and conduits, and equipment objects 151 such as panels and machines, will be explained.

[0173] In the example shown in Figure 14, when searching for object-related information, although not shown in the diagram, the designer first accesses the virtual space, and then operates the control unit 33 in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of the designer terminal 3 to select the long object 150 and object 151 to be searched. In this operation, although not shown in the diagram, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) showing the designer's avatar using a selection tool to select the long object 150 and object 151.

[0174] Next, the designer extracts information (such as names) to be used for searching from the attribute information associated with the long object 150 and object 151. Then, the designer inputs the extracted information (search information) into the search information input form displayed on the display screen 34a, and activates a search system consisting of, for example, a generating AI to perform the information retrieval.

[0175] Specifically, when using the generation AI, the designer first operates (presses) the information search execution button 152 (see Figure 14) displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). This operation, although not shown in the illustration, displays an input form in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) for interactively entering search information.

[0176] Next, the designer input FoWhen search information (such as names) extracted from each object is entered into the system and the generation AI is activated, a search is initiated against the object-related information storage unit 225, as shown in Figure 14. Object-related information for long object 150 and object 151 is collected from the information stored in the object-related information storage unit 225. The collected object-related information is then displayed on the display screen 34a. Furthermore, when using a generation AI as a search method for object-related information, the search can be conducted in an interactive format with the designer, allowing for the appropriate retrieval and collection of the object-related information desired by the designer.

[0177] If the aforementioned object-related information search function is provided, for example, in the virtual space (on display screen 34a), when another designer who is not directly involved in the design of a given object (equipment) wants to look up information about that object, that information can be quickly extracted. In this case, even in situations where only the system designers on the upstream design side understand the content of the entire design, downstream design departments, such as construction design, which do not understand the content of the entire design, can quickly access the necessary information from the vast amount of information on the entire design. Conversely, system designers on the upstream design side can know information set in the downstream design, such as the specifications of the foundation of a plant building, the specifications of penetrations inside the building, the building structure, and information on interfering objects, and it becomes easier to feed that information back into the systematic design.

[0178] [Example of concurrent design support operation using a design support system] As described above, in the design support system 1 of this embodiment, all designers involved in plant design work can gather in a three-dimensional virtual space that simulates the internal and external configuration of the power plant created by the design support device 2 and perform design work concurrently. In this case, all designers can access the virtual space simultaneously and perform design work together in the virtual space.

[0179] Specifically, in the virtual space, each designer can individually create objects (equipment), engage in discussions with other designers, and modify (update) the configuration (attribute information) of objects created not only by themselves but also by other designers. Here, we will explain an example of concurrent design support work performed by multiple designers in the virtual space created by the design support device 2, while referring to the drawings.

[0180] Furthermore, the design support system 1 and design support device 2 of this embodiment provide design support to ensure that the design content created by each department, such as system design, equipment design, construction design, and on-site construction planning, is reasonable in relation to each other, for example, in the design of a power plant. Then, in a virtual space, based on the overall content (design overview) of the power plant design (plan) decided through discussions among multiple designers, the designers in each department carry out the detailed design of their respective stages.

[0181] (Example of an operation to change the configuration of an object) Figure 15 shows an example of how another designer can modify the configuration of an object (equipment) created by a designated designer in a virtual space created by the design support device 2. In the example shown in Figure 15, another designer (hereinafter referred to as "designer B") modifies the configuration of a long object 103 created in the virtual space (on display screen 34a) by the operation of designer A, as explained in Figure 5. Such operations are performed, for example, when it becomes necessary to change the configuration of the long object 103 created by designer A in accordance with the design content of another design stage.

[0182] In the example shown in Figure 15, first, designer B accesses the virtual space. Then, in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of his designer terminal 3, designer B operates the operation unit 33 to select the long object 103 created by designer A and displays the attribute information of the long object 103. In this operation, as shown in the upper part of Figure 15, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) in which designer B's avatar 41 uses the selection tool 160 to select the long object 103, and the attribute information 161 of the selected long object 103 is also displayed.

[0183] Then, designer B operates the control unit 33 of his designer terminal 3 to change the length and diameter information of the long object 103 contained in the attribute information 161 of the long object 103. As a result of this operation, as shown in the lower part of Figure 15, the image of the long object 103 before the change is changed to an image of the long object 103a with the changed length and diameter.

[0184] The method for changing the configuration (shape) of the long object 103 is not limited to this example. For example, designer B may change the length of the long object 103 by operating the control unit 33 of his designer terminal to directly stretch or shrink the image of the long object 103 in the direction of its extension in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). Alternatively, designer B may change the diameter of the long object 103 by operating the control unit 33 of his designer terminal to directly stretch or shrink the image of the long object 103 in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) in a direction perpendicular to its extension direction.

[0185] (Example of searching for object-related information) Figure 16 shows an example of how another designer can search for related information about an object (equipment) created by a designated designer in a virtual space created by the design support device 2. In the example shown in Figure 16, another designer (designer B) searches for (collects) related information about a long object 103 created in the virtual space (on display screen 34a) by the operation of designer A as explained in Figure 5. Such an operation is performed, for example, by designer B to understand the specific configuration of the long object 103 created by designer A.

[0186] In the example shown in Figure 16, first, designer B accesses the virtual space. Then, in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of his designer terminal 3, designer B operates the operation unit 33 to select the long object 103 created by designer A and displays the attribute information of the long object 103. In this operation, as shown in the upper part of Figure 16, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) in which designer B's avatar 41 uses the selection tool 160 to select the long object 103, and the attribute information 161 of the selected long object 103 is also displayed.

[0187] Then, designer B extracts search information, such as the name, from the attribute information 161 of the long object 103. Next, designer B uses the operation unit 33 of their designer terminal 3 to operate the information search execution button 162 displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). In this operation, as shown in the middle diagram of Figure 16, an image of designer B's avatar 41 pressing the information search execution button 162 is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). In addition, this operation displays an input form 163 for entering search information in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). At this time, the image of the attribute information 161 of the long object 103 is deleted from the virtual space (on the display screen 34a).

[0188] Then, designer B uses the operation unit 33 of his designer terminal 3 to input search information, such as the name, extracted from the attribute information 161 of the long object 103 into the input form 163 of the search information displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a), and activates an information retrieval system (not shown) consisting of, for example, a generating AI, to perform an information retrieval. Through this operation, related information 164 of the long object 103 is searched and retrieved, and the retrieved related information 164 of the long object 103 is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) (see the lower diagram in Figure 16). At this time, the image of the input form 163 is erased in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a).

[0189] In the example shown in Figure 16, the related information 164 for the long object 103 displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) is displayed in a list format. When designer B operates the operation unit 33 to select a predetermined piece of information within the related information 164 in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a), the related information corresponding to the selected predetermined piece of information is displayed. For example, if designer B selects "Appearance Image" within the related information 164 in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a), the appearance image of the long object 103 is displayed on the display screen 34a. However, the display format of the related information is not limited to this example, and the related information itself may be displayed directly in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) instead of as a list (item) of related information.

[0190] (Example of operation when using the object placement detection function) Figure 17 shows an example of how another designer can perform object placement determination on an object (equipment) created by a designated designer in a virtual space created by the design support device 2.

[0191] Figure 17 illustrates an example where, for example, in the virtual space (on display screen 34a), objects 170 and 171 representing two power supply panels and object 172 representing other equipment (interfering object) have been pre-created by designer A. Furthermore, in the virtual space (on display screen 34a), an example is described where the two objects 170 and 171 (power supply panels) are placed at a predetermined distance from each other, and object 172 (interfering object) is placed above object 171 (power supply panel).

[0192] Furthermore, Figure 17 illustrates an example in which, in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a), designer A has pre-created two long objects 173 and 174 (electrical conduits) in the upper part of the area between two objects 170 and 171 (power distribution panels). In this case, one long object 173 is placed on the side of one object 170, and the other long object 174 is placed on the side of the other power distribution panel object 171 and near object 172 (interfering object).

[0193] In the example shown in Figure 17, although not shown, first, designer B accesses the virtual space. Then, in the virtual space displayed on the display screen 34a of his designer terminal 3, designer B operates the operation unit 33 to select the long objects 173 and 174 created by designer A. In this operation, although not shown, an image is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) in which designer B's avatar 41 uses a selection tool to select the long objects 173 and 174.

[0194] Next, designer B uses the operation unit 33 of his designer terminal 3 to operate the execution button 175 of the placement determination function in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). In this operation, as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 17, an image of designer B's avatar 41 operating (pressing) the execution button 175 of the placement determination function is displayed in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a). Based on this operation, the feasibility of placing the two long objects 173 and 174 is determined, based on the installation position and placement conditions included in the attribute information of the two objects 170 and 171 (power distribution panel) and object 172 (interfering object) placed around them.

[0195] In the example shown in Figure 17, the distance between the already installed object 172 (interference) and the long object 174 (electrical conduit) is narrow, and there is insufficient spacing between them, thus the placement conditions for the long object 174 are not met. Therefore, when designer B executes the placement determination function described above, it is determined that the placement of the long object 174 (electrical conduit) is not possible, and a warning message 176 consisting of an "X" mark is superimposed on the image of the designated long object 174 (see the upper part of Figure 17).

[0196] Then, designer B uses the control unit 33 of his designer terminal 3 to move the long object 174 (electrical conduit), which has been determined to be unplaceable in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a), to a position away from object 172 (interfering object). In this operation, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 17, designer B's avatar 4 in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) 1 However, an image is displayed showing the long object 174 (electrical conduit) moving away from object 172 (interfering object).

[0197] Furthermore, the movement of the long object 174 (electrical conduit) in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) can be achieved, for example, by designer B changing the placement position information included in the attribute information of the long object 174. Alternatively, designer B may move the long object 174 (electrical conduit) by directly dragging its image in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) using the operation unit 33 of his designer terminal 3.

[0198] Furthermore, while the example shown in Figure 17 illustrates how designer B moves the long object 174 (electrical conduit) to a position away from object 172 (interfering object) in order to satisfy the placement conditions for the long object 174, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, designer B may move object 172 to a position away from the long object 174 in order to satisfy the placement conditions for the long object 174.

[0199] [effect] As described above, in the design support system 1 of this embodiment, all designers involved in plant design work can gather in a three-dimensional virtual space that simulates the internal and external configuration of the power plant created by the design support device 2 and perform concurrent design work. At this time, all designers can access the virtual space simultaneously and work together on the design in the virtual space. In addition, other designers can refer to the attribute information of objects created in the virtual space by a designated designer. Furthermore, other designers can edit the configuration (size and placement) of objects created in the virtual space by a designated designer as needed.

[0200] Therefore, in the design support system 1 and design support device 2 of this embodiment, communication can be facilitated and information on the design content can be shared among all designers involved in each design stage, from upstream design to downstream design, which proceeds in a waterfall-type manner, such as in the design of a power plant. As a result, in this embodiment, when the design of the entire plan is composed of multiple designs, such as in the design of a power plant, it is possible to obtain mutually rational designs among the multiple designs.

[0201] [Various variations] The design support system 1 and design support device 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various other modifications can be made as long as they do not depart from the gist of the present invention as described in the claims. For example, the following various modifications can be adopted, and the same effects as the above embodiment can be obtained in the following various modifications.

[0202] In the above embodiment, in order to clearly explain the operation of the various functions of the design support system 1 and the design support device 2, an example was described in which an image of the virtual space as seen from a third-party viewpoint that can oversee various equipment objects and avatars placed in the virtual space is displayed on the display screen 34a of the designer terminal 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image (video) of the virtual space as seen from the viewpoint of the designer's avatar may be displayed on the display screen 34a of the designer terminal 3. In this case, the designer can perform design work in the virtual space (on the display screen 34a) with a realistic feel.

[0203] The design support device 2 of the above embodiment may include a function that allows multiple designers accessing the virtual space to communicate with each other via voice, chat, or other means. In this case, each designer can easily understand the thoughts and intentions of other designers, making it possible to achieve even more rational designs.

[0204] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the control unit 21 included in the design support device 2 is configured as a single device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 21 may be configured by a plurality of devices that are connected to each other in a manner that allows them to communicate with one another.

[0205] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the operation of various functions of the design support device 2 is performed by software, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, some or all of the various functions of the design support device 2 may be implemented by hardware such as circuits.

[0206] In the above embodiments, a design support system 1 and a design support device 2 that can be used in the design work of a power plant have been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The technology of the present invention described above can be applied to design work in any technical field, as long as multiple design tasks are carried out in a waterfall manner.

[0207] Furthermore, the above embodiments describe the configuration of the device in detail and concretely in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to devices that have all the described configurations. The positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges of each component shown in the drawings, etc., may not represent the actual positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the positions, sizes, shapes, and ranges disclosed in the drawings, etc. Also, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations of the above embodiments with other configurations. In addition, the control lines and information lines shown are those that are considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines in the actual product. In practice, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0208] 1...Design support system, 2...Design support device, 3...Designer terminal, 4...Communication network, 21,31...Control unit, 22,32...Storage unit, 23,35...Communication unit, 33...Operation unit, 34...Display unit, 34a...Display screen, 40,41...Avatar, 103,110~117,119,123~125,123A,150,173,174...Long object, 105,118...Relay object, 120,121,131,132,140,141,142,151,170~172...Object, 1 40A...Avatar-compatible object, 161...Attribute information, 164...Related information, 211...Virtual space creation unit, 212...Object control unit, 213...Object creation unit, 214...Object merging unit, 215...Cable route calculation unit, 216...Object placement determination unit, 217...Object movement determination unit, 218...Information retrieval unit, 221...Field information storage unit, 222...Virtual space data storage unit, 223...Tool information storage unit, 224...Object information storage unit, 225...Object-related information storage unit

Claims

1. A virtual space creation unit creates image data of a three-dimensional virtual space that simulates the site being designed, and A communication unit is connected to multiple external devices used by multiple users, transmits image data of the virtual space created by the virtual space creation unit to the multiple external devices, and receives information on predetermined design operations performed on the virtual space by each of the multiple users on their own external devices. The object control unit has a function to create an object that simulates the equipment to be designed in the virtual space and an avatar corresponding to each of the multiple users, and when information of the creation operation of a predetermined object performed by a predetermined user included in the multiple users in the virtual space is input via the communication unit, it creates image data of the predetermined object in the virtual space and creates attribute information of the predetermined object that can be referenced by other users, outputs the image data, attribute information, and avatar of the predetermined object created in the virtual space to the multiple external devices via the communication unit, and generates a concurrent design work environment in which the multiple users can simultaneously access, reference, and edit the object in the same virtual space. Design support equipment.

2. A storage unit further comprising an object information storage unit that stores image data and attribute information of the object created in the virtual space, When the object control unit receives information via the communication unit about a predetermined object creation operation performed by a predetermined user in the virtual space, it outputs the image data and attribute information of the predetermined object to the plurality of external devices via the communication unit, and updates the image data and attribute information of the predetermined object stored in the object information storage unit. The design support device according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of users include a plurality of designers who are responsible for different design tasks among system design, equipment design and construction design in a power plant. The design support device according to claim 1.

4. The object control unit, In the virtual space, the predetermined user has the function to change the configuration of a specific object created by another user. When information regarding a predetermined user's modification operation on a specific object is input via the communication unit, the image data and attribute information of the specific object are modified to reflect the modification operation, and the modified image data and attribute information of the specific object are output to the multiple external devices via the communication unit. The design support device according to claim 1.

5. The object control unit, It has the function of combining multiple objects placed in the virtual space, When information regarding a combination operation performed on the multiple objects by a predetermined user in the virtual space is input via the communication unit, image data and attribute information of the combined object are created, and the image data and attribute information of the combined object are output to the multiple external devices via the communication unit. The design support device according to claim 1.

6. The attribute information includes first information that does not require modification due to the combination of the multiple objects, and second information that requires modification due to the combination of the multiple objects. When the object control unit combines the multiple objects, it sets the attribute information of one of the multiple objects as the attribute information of the combined object, and changes the second information included in the attribute information of the combined object to information corresponding to the combination. The design support device according to claim 5.

7. The function for combining the multiple objects arranged in the virtual space includes the function for combining the multiple objects arranged separately in the virtual space. The object control unit, When information regarding a predetermined user's connection operation for the multiple objects located separately in the virtual space is input via the communication unit, a complementary object is created to connect the multiple objects located separately, the multiple objects are connected via the complementary object, image data and attribute information of the combined object are created, and the image data and attribute information of the combined object are output to the multiple external devices via the communication unit. The design support device according to claim 6.

8. The object control unit has a function for extracting the optimal cable route when connecting two objects placed in the virtual space with a cable via one or more elongated objects placed in the virtual space on which cables can be laid. Each of the attribute information of the two objects includes information on the placement location of the object in the virtual space. The attribute information of the long object includes the placement location information and usage restriction information of the long object in the virtual space. When the object control unit receives information via the communication unit regarding an operation to extract the optimal cable route between two objects performed by a predetermined user in the virtual space, it extracts the optimal cable route based on the respective placement information of the two objects, as well as the respective placement information and usage restriction information of the one or more long objects, calculates the length of the optimal cable route, and outputs the information of the length of the optimal cable route to the multiple external devices via the communication unit. The design support device according to claim 1.

9. The attribute information of the object includes placement conditions for determining whether or not the object can be placed in the virtual space. The object control unit, It has a function to determine whether or not an object placed in the virtual space can be placed, When information regarding the determination operation of whether an object placed at a predetermined location in the virtual space can be placed or not, performed by a predetermined user, is input via the communication unit, the system determines whether the object can be placed at the predetermined location based on the placement conditions of the object to be determined, creates image data showing the result of the determination, and outputs the image data showing the result of the determination to the plurality of external devices via the communication unit. The design support device according to claim 1.

10. The placement conditions for determining whether or not the object can be placed in the virtual space include information on radiation tolerance. The design support device according to claim 9.

11. The object control unit, It has a function to search for related information of the objects placed in the virtual space, When information regarding a search operation performed by a predetermined user on an object placed in the virtual space is input via the communication unit, the system searches for the object based on the object's attribute information and outputs information regarding the search results to the multiple external devices via the communication unit. The design support device according to claim 1.

12. The object control unit uses artificial intelligence to search for related information about the object. The design support device according to claim 11.

13. Multiple information processing devices used by multiple users, A virtual space creation unit creates image data of a three-dimensional virtual space that simulates the site being designed, and A communication unit is connected to the plurality of information processing devices in a communicative manner, transmits image data of the virtual space created by the virtual space creation unit to the plurality of information processing devices, and receives information on predetermined design operations performed on the virtual space by each of the plurality of users on their own information processing device. The object control unit has a function to create an object that simulates the equipment to be designed in the virtual space and an avatar corresponding to each of the multiple users, and when information of the creation operation of a predetermined object performed by a predetermined user included in the multiple users in the virtual space is input via the communication unit, it creates image data of the predetermined object in the virtual space and creates attribute information of the predetermined object that can be referenced by other users, outputs the image data, attribute information and avatar of the predetermined object created in the virtual space to the multiple information processing devices via the communication unit, and generates a concurrent design work environment in which the multiple users can simultaneously access, reference and edit the object in the same virtual space. Design support system.

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