BIM Cross-Section Visualization Using an Idealized 3D Control Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing BIM software lacks flexibility and intuitiveness in maneuvering sectioning planes or boxes to remove portions of three-dimensional views of construction projects, limiting user control and accuracy in isolating specific areas.
Innovation Solution
A sectioning control tool is provided within BIM viewer software, allowing users to intuitively manipulate sectioning planes and boxes for precise adjustments in three-dimensional visualizations, with corresponding two-dimensional representations for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing BIM software uses traditional sectioning planes or boxes, then three-dimensional views can be displayed, but the software lacks flexibility and intuitiveness in maneuvering sectioning tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an idealized 3D model as a simplified copy of the actual construction project model. This idealized model serves as a control interface that mirrors the essential geometric features without the full complexity of the original BIM data, allowing users to intuitively manipulate sectioning planes and boxes through a simplified representation
Solution Approach 2:
The idealized 3D model acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex BIM software system. Instead of directly manipulating complex sectioning tools in the full BIM model, users interact with the simplified idealized model, which then translates these interactions into precise sectioning operations on the actual construction project model
2Measurement precision
If users need precise control over sectioning planes to isolate specific areas, then accuracy improves, but user control and intuitiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The idealized 3D model replicates the spatial relationships and geometric features of the construction project at a simplified level. This copy allows users to visually identify and precisely locate sectioning planes based on recognizable simplified forms, achieving both precision and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators and color coding on the idealized 3D model to highlight sectioning planes, boxes, and areas of interest. These visual changes provide intuitive feedback to users about the current sectioning state and enable precise control through visual recognition rather than complex coordinate manipulation
3Loss of information
If the three-dimensional view includes all construction project elements, then complete information is provided, but the view becomes overwhelming when only isolated portions are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to extract and isolate specific portions of the construction project from the complete 3D model by using sectioning planes and boxes controlled through the idealized model. This extraction allows focused viewing of isolated areas while maintaining the option to view the complete project when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The sectioning tools and idealized model provide dynamic control over the 3D visualization. Users can easily adjust, move, and modify sectioning planes and boxes in real-time, allowing flexible switching between viewing complete project information and isolated portions based on current needs
Data Source
AI summary
An example computing system is configured to (i) present a three-dimensional (3D) visualization of a 3D model of a construction project; (ii) while presenting the 3D visualization of the 3D model of the construction project, present (a) a sectioning plane that defines a view of the 3D visualization of the 3D model of the construction project and (b) a sectioning control tool comprising an idealized 3D model, the sectioning control tool configured to set a location of the sectioning plane; (iii) receive user input indicating an interaction with the idealized 3D model; and (iv) based on the user input, adjust the location of the sectioning plane relative to the 3D visualization model of the 3D model of the construction project and thereby adjust the view of the 3D visualization of the 3D model of the construction project.