Building Model Generation Using Shared Opening Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for creating spatial building models are time-consuming and require skilled workers, with accuracy depending on measurement tools and individual attentiveness, leading to inefficiencies in generating accurate floor plans and three-dimensional representations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a measurement tool with a spatial sensor that maps room boundaries and a modelling tool that generates computer models by assigning unique identifiers to shared openings between rooms, allowing for automated construction of building models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement and modelling methods are used by skilled workers, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the time required to create building models increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools (tape measures, optical distance meters) with an automated laser scanner that uses light time-of-flight measurements to capture building geometry. The laser scanner automatically records spatial coordinates of building features, eliminating manual measurement while maintaining high precision through automated optical sensing and computational processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the physical building by scanning and storing spatial coordinates in a database. This digital model serves as an accurate replica that can be manipulated, analyzed, and used for various purposes without requiring repeated physical measurements, significantly reducing time for subsequent modelling tasks.
2Productivity
If automated measurement tools are used, then the time required to capture building data is reduced, but the complexity of the measurement system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner system performs multiple functions: it captures spatial coordinates, identifies building features (walls, floors, ceilings), and stores data in a standardized format. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate manual tasks into a single automated device, improving productivity while the integrated nature of the system manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the laser scanner and the modelling software. The database stores and organizes spatial coordinate data, serving as a buffer that simplifies the interface between measurement and modelling operations. This intermediary layer manages data complexity and enables seamless integration between automated measurement and 3D modelling processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed manual measurements are taken, then model accuracy is improved, but the skill level required for operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner system performs self-measurement by automatically capturing spatial coordinates without requiring skilled operators to manually measure and record dimensions. The system autonomously processes the measurement task, eliminating the need for specialized measurement skills while maintaining high accuracy through automated optical sensing and computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces skilled human operators with an automated laser scanning system that uses optical sensing and computational processing to achieve high measurement accuracy. This substitution eliminates the dependency on operator expertise while maintaining or improving measurement precision through consistent automated data capture and processing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the time and effort needed to create building models by enabling automatic generation of room models and constructing a building model layout from individual room measurements, improving accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement tool configured to survey a building an interior space having a plurality of rooms, the measurement tool having a spatial sensor that maps room boundaries
Implementation Method 2
a base module that supports the spatial sensor, the base module having a drive that rotates the spatial sensor with respect to the room boundaries
Implementation Method 3
an orientation sensor that determines an absolute orientation of the spatial sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for modelling the physical characteristics of a building. Models of buildings, such as floor plans, are often produced when renovation work or other work is planned. Manual measurements maybe taken (e.g. using a tape measure or an optical distance meter), and these measurements are subsequently used by a draftsman to construct a model of the measured space. This is time consuming. The present invention provides a system and method which includes a measurement and modelling process which assigns a unique identifier to openings that are shared by adjoining rooms when plotting measurements. These room associations are then used to determine the layout of the rooms within a building model. There is significantly less time and cost involved in generating a computer model of the measured space, using the present system and method.