3D Sectioning Control for Intuitive BIM Cross-Section Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing BIM software lacks flexibility and intuitiveness in maneuvering sectioning planes or boxes to isolate specific portions of a three-dimensional construction project view, limiting user control and accuracy in removing unwanted information.
Innovation Solution
A software application provides a sectioning control tool with an idealized three-dimensional model and interactive sectioning plane/box, allowing users to intuitively adjust the view by manipulating these elements through a graphical user interface, accompanied by a two-dimensional visualization for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing BIM software uses traditional sectioning planes or boxes, then the software can remove portions of three-dimensional view, but the maneuvering process lacks flexibility and intuitiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an idealized 3D model as a simplified copy of the complex construction project model. This idealized model serves as a control interface that mirrors the essential spatial relationships without the overwhelming detail of the original model, making it easier to manipulate and understand while maintaining the ability to accurately section the full model.
Solution Approach 2:
The idealized 3D model acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex construction project model. Instead of directly manipulating the detailed model, users interact with the simplified idealized model, which then translates these interactions into precise sectioning operations on the full model, enhancing both ease of operation and flexibility.
2Loss of information
If BIM software presents complete three-dimensional view, then all construction project information is visible, but unwanted information cannot be easily removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the construction project model into manageable portions using the idealized 3D model as a guide. By dividing the complex model into sectioned portions based on the idealized representation, users can selectively view and analyze specific areas without being overwhelmed by the complete model, thus maintaining information visibility while enabling easy isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The idealized 3D model provides a simplified local view that represents the essential qualities of the construction project without all its details. This allows users to focus on specific local areas of interest while maintaining the ability to access global information when needed, balancing information visibility with ease of isolation.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional sectioning methods are used, then portions can be removed from view, but user control and accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The idealized 3D model serves as a simplified copy that preserves the essential geometric relationships and spatial structure of the construction project. This copy enables precise control over sectioning operations because it maintains accurate proportional relationships while being simpler to manipulate, thus improving precision without requiring excessive complexity in the control interface.
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.