Cloud BIM Module for Field Data Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current project management systems in the construction industry lack flexibility, particularly in the commissioning process, as they fail to provide accessible Building Information Modeling (BIM) models in the field, limiting access to essential data and increasing costs, time delays, and potential safety risks due to incompatible components.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables mobile devices to communicate with a remote server or cloud-based service, allowing for synchronization of field data and providing a BIM module for rendering and interacting with 3D BIM models, enabling users to manipulate and filter models to highlight issues or changes, and share annotated models across the field workforce.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If BIM models are made accessible in the field through mobile devices, then productivity and coordination are improved, but device complexity and data management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based server as an intermediary between the BIM model database and mobile field devices. The server handles complex data processing, model rendering, and synchronization, while mobile devices provide simple access interfaces. This mediator architecture allows field personnel to access comprehensive BIM models without requiring complex local processing capabilities on mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified copies or representations of the full BIM model that can be displayed on mobile devices. Rather than requiring the complete complex model to be processed locally on each device, the system generates appropriate views and data subsets that can be rendered on mobile screens, reducing the computational burden on field devices while maintaining access to essential model information.
2Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive BIM model data is provided in the field, then manufacturing precision and quality control are improved, but information overload and difficulty of detection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-based filtering that automatically displays only the BIM model data and components relevant to the field personnel's current location. The system uses GPS or other location data to determine which portions of the building model should be displayed, filtering out irrelevant information while maintaining access to comprehensive data when needed. This provides precise, location-specific information without overwhelming the user with unrelated model data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the level and type of BIM model information displayed based on the field personnel's needs, location, and current task. The interface can transition between different views and detail levels, allowing users to access comprehensive data when performing detailed inspections while providing simplified views during general walkthroughs. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the right amount of information is presented at the right time.
3Loss of information
If BIM models are accessed remotely in real-time, then coordination and communication are improved, but loss of information and data synchronization issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms that track changes to BIM models and automatically notify field personnel of updates. When the central BIM model is modified, the system detects the changes, determines which field devices need updates, and pushes notifications to relevant users. This feedback loop ensures that all personnel work from the most current model information without requiring manual synchronization checks, reducing both information loss and synchronization delays.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods provide rendering of and interaction with digital building information modeling (BIM) models. The BIM models may be used for project management processes in the field. The BIM models may also be shared across multiple devices in the field, and received from cloud-based services in communication with the devices.