Mobile 3D Model Object Statusing With Persistent GUIDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software solutions for accessing three-dimensional construction project models on mobile devices are fragmented, leading to app fatigue and information loss due to the inability to conveniently update object statuses in the field, and the federated nature of these models complicates the persistence of object identifiers across different versions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile viewing tool embedded in other applications allows users to assign custom properties and values to objects within the model, with a back-end platform associating these updates with globally unique identifiers (GUIDs) to ensure persistence across different authoring tool data structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If specialized mobile applications are used for viewing three-dimensional models in the field, then model accessibility is improved, but app fatigue increases and productivity decreases due to needing multiple separate applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the three-dimensional model viewing capability with other construction management applications (such as scheduling, cost estimation, and invoice processing) into a single integrated application. This allows users to access the federated model and update object statuses without switching between multiple separate applications, thereby reducing app fatigue and improving productivity while maintaining model accessibility
2Ease of operation
If current mobile solutions are used for accessing models, then field access is enabled, but information loss occurs due to inability to update object statuses conveniently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables field users to directly update object statuses (such as delivery status, installation status, and inspection status) within the federated model through the mobile application. Users can select objects in the three-dimensional view and assign status values without needing to return to an office or use separate tools, allowing them to capture and update information at the point of need, thereby preventing information loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If the federated model structure is used to combine multiple authoring tools, then model completeness is improved, but object identifier persistence becomes complex across different versions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized data layer or intermediary structure that sits between the various authoring tool data structures and the mobile application. This intermediary maintains consistent object identifiers (such as GUIDs) across different authoring tools and model versions, allowing the application to reference objects reliably without needing to understand or navigate the complex variations in underlying data structures from different authoring tools
Data Source
AI summary
An example client device is configured to (i) display a representation of a three-dimensional, federated model of a construction project, the model including respective objects created using at least two different authoring tools, (ii) receive one or more user inputs that collectively (a) select a displayed representation of a given object within the model and (b) assign a value for a property of the given object, (iii) based on the one or more user inputs, identify a globally unique identifier (GUID) that uniquely identifies the given object within a hierarchical data structure for the model and cause the model to be updated by associating the assigned value for the property with the GUID that uniquely identifies the given object, and (iv) display a representation of the updated model including an indication of the assigned value for the property of the given object.