Building Model Interface with 2D Documentation Balloons
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users without experience in building model software tools face difficulties in interfacing with sophisticated software building models, which are typically complex and require expertise to navigate between 2D and 3D data sets.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates 2D documentation sets with 3D building models, featuring user-selectable controls with icons and associated balloons, allowing users to transition between 2D and 3D views with animation sequences, and includes a touchscreen interface for simulating walks through the model, enabling easy navigation and visualization of relationships between 2D and 3D data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If sophisticated software building models are used to generate design data, then the quality and detail of 3D building models improve, but the complexity of the interface and difficulty of operation increase for users without experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary interface layer between the user and the sophisticated building model software. This interface includes standardized icons representing different 2D documentation sets (floor plans, elevations, sections) that mediate user interactions. When users select these icons, the system automatically generates and displays corresponding 2D views within the 3D environment, eliminating the need for users to directly manipulate complex software tools while still accessing high-quality design data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies or representations of complex building model data in the form of 2D documentation sets (floor plans, elevations, sections). These 2D copies are generated from the 3D model and displayed as icons within the 3D interface. Users interact with these simplified 2D representations rather than the full complexity of the 3D modeling software, making the system accessible to users without specialized experience while maintaining access to sophisticated design capabilities.
2Loss of information
If multiple 2D documentation sets are integrated with 3D models, then the information completeness improves, but the device complexity and number of elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple 2D documentation sets (floor plans, elevations, sections) with the 3D building model into a single integrated interface. Instead of requiring separate software applications or multiple windows for different view types, the system combines all these documentation sets into one unified 3D environment where they coexist and can be accessed through standardized icons. This merging reduces the perceived complexity by presenting a consolidated interface rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface that handles multiple functions through a single system architecture. The same 3D interface and icon selection mechanism work for displaying floor plans, elevations, sections, and other documentation sets. This multi-functional approach allows the system to provide comprehensive information while maintaining a consistent, simplified interaction model rather than requiring different interfaces for different documentation types.
3Ease of operation
If animation sequences are added to transition between 2D and 3D views, then the ease of operation and user understanding improve, but the processing time and duration of action increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial animation sequences that show only the essential transitions needed for user understanding. Rather than animating every detail of the transformation between 2D and 3D views, the system provides just enough visual animation to help users understand the relationship between different documentation sets and the 3D model. This partial action approach maintains user comprehension while minimizing the time required for transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for building information modeling comprising a plurality of 2D documentation sets associated with a building. A 3D model associated with the building, the 3D model including a plurality of user-selectable controls, wherein each user-selectable control comprises an icon and an associated balloon that is generated when the icon is selected. The balloon for each user-selectable control comprising a first selection control that causes one of the plurality of 2D documentation sets to be shown after an animation sequence. The balloon for each user-selectable control comprising a second selection control that causes a transition to a 3D model having an overlay of the 2D documentation sets.