Construction Progress Tracking via Image-Model Superposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current project management systems require significant labor to update construction project progress status accurately and in a timely manner, as they often rely on manual input of information.

Innovation Solution

A project management apparatus and method that acquires on-site images and engineering model data, generates a composite image by superimposing the data, and allows users to input progress information directly on a display screen, reducing the need for manual documentation and streamlining the update process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual input methods are used to update progress information, then information can be entered into the system, but the labor required and time consumed increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogress update efficiencyVSAvoidtime for inputting progress information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures progress information by acquiring on-site images and matching them with engineering model data, eliminating the need for manual data entry. The progress status is updated self-service style through automated image recognition and data matching processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input operations with automated image-based recognition systems. Cameras capture on-site images, and image processing algorithms automatically extract progress information, substituting human manual entry with automated optical and computational systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If detailed progress information is tracked for each component, then project management accuracy improves, but the complexity of data collection and input increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogress status accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity for data collection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal image-based approach that can track multiple components and work units simultaneously through a single imaging process. The same camera and image processing pipeline serve multiple measurement and tracking functions across different components, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image database as an intermediary layer between the physical construction site and the progress management system. Images serve as a universal mediator that captures information about multiple components, which then gets automatically matched with engineering model data to update progress status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If progress updates are delayed to reduce input workload, then labor requirements decrease, but the accuracy and timeliness of project management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidprogress update timeliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous progress monitoring by automatically capturing on-site images and updating progress status in real-time or near-real-time. The automated image acquisition and processing pipeline maintains continuous operation without requiring periodic manual intervention, ensuring both timeliness and operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automated feedback by comparing on-site images with engineering model data and immediately updating progress status. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that progress information is continuously validated and updated, maintaining reliability while eliminating manual input requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20230385770A1Project management device, project management method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 JGC CORP

AI summary

Provided is a project management apparatus including: a first acquisition unit configured to acquire an on-site image obtained by photographing a construction site in which an installation object is to be constructed; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire engineering model data on each of a plurality of components forming the installation object; a display control unit configured to display, on a display apparatus, a composite image obtained by superimposing the engineering model data on the on-site image; and a reception unit configured to receive an operation of a user, wherein the display control unit is configured to display, based on the operation performed on the composite image by the user, a display screen for causing the user to input information relating to progress of a work unit containing a work of a component corresponding to the engineering model data selected by the user, on the display apparatus.