BIM-Digital Twin Data Exchange Using an Information Modelling Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building management systems face challenges in efficiently exchanging data between Building Information Modelling (BIM) instances and Digital Twin (DT) instances, leading to labor-intensive and error-prone handling of information.

Innovation Solution

A system that enables data exchange between BIM and DT instances by using an information modelling unit to provide modelling data, extractors to determine extraction data, converter engines to convert data, and composers to populate converted data into respective instances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If data exchange between BIM and DT instances is performed manually, then flexibility in handling different data formats is maintained, but labor intensity and error rate increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual handling flexibilityVSAvoiddata exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an information modelling unit as an intermediary component that mediates between BIM and DT systems. This unit provides standardized modelling data that both systems can use, enabling automated data exchange while maintaining compatibility with different data formats. The intermediary translates and harmonizes data representations, eliminating the need for manual intervention while preserving format flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The information modelling unit serves multiple functions: it extracts data from BIM instances, converts it to standardized formats, and provides it to DT instances. This multi-functional component handles various data types and formats universally, replacing manual operations with a single automated system that maintains flexibility across different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different software applications are used for BIM and DT, then specialized functionality is preserved, but interoperability and information exchange become labor-intensive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware specializationVSAvoidinformation exchange accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The information modelling unit acts as a mediator between specialized BIM and DT software applications. It provides a standardized interface and common data representation that both specialized systems can utilize, enabling reliable automated information exchange while preserving the specialized functionality of each application through standardized data contracts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated data conversion is implemented between BIM and DT systems, then productivity and accuracy improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange efficiencyVSAvoidconversion system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated conversion system is segmented into distinct functional components: the information modelling unit for data extraction and standardization, converter engines for format transformation, and composers for data assembly. This segmentation modularizes the complexity, making the system more manageable and maintainable while achieving high productivity and accuracy in data exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If manual handling of BIM and DT data is performed, then system complexity remains low, but error rate and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structure simplicityVSAvoiddata handling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service automation where the information modelling unit automatically extracts, converts, and exchanges data between BIM and DT instances without human intervention. The converter engines autonomously handle format transformations, and composers automatically assemble data, eliminating manual handling time while keeping the added complexity manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12298725B2System and method for building data exchange
Publication Date: 2025.05.13 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • US12298725B2 patent drawing
  • US12298725B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for building data exchange includes an information modelling unit, which includes a digital twin model, a building information modelling, wherein the information modelling unit provides modelling data, an extractor configured to determine extraction data from an instance, an extractor configured to determine extraction data from an instance of the model using the modelling data, at least one converter engine, a compositor to populate the converted data into a converted instance, and a compositor to populate the converted data into a converted instance.