Passive Wireless Building Nodes for Self-Updating BIM Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building information models become outdated and difficult to maintain as construction progresses, leading to inaccurate representations of building systems, which hinders optimization and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a communication network, wireless nodes, and passive wireless devices that automatically update a building data model by collecting and transmitting information about building objects, such as physical characteristics and occupancy, to maintain a granular and accurate model for simulation and control purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual updating methods are used to maintain building models during construction, then initial model creation is possible, but the model becomes outdated and inaccurate as construction progresses
Solution Approach 1:
The building model updates itself automatically by receiving data from mobile devices carried by workers and subcontractors during construction activities. The system enables self-updating through automated data capture from RFID tags, barcodes, and mobile device inputs, eliminating the need for dedicated manual model updating efforts while maintaining current accuracy throughout the construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
Building elements are pre-tagged with RFID tags or barcodes before installation, and the system is pre-configured with the building model structure. This preliminary preparation enables automatic data capture and model updating as elements are installed, rather than requiring post-installation documentation efforts.
2Reliability
If comprehensive manual data collection is attempted to maintain model accuracy, then model detail can be improved, but the complexity and difficulty of maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile devices serve multiple functions: they act as RFID readers, barcode scanners, data input terminals, and communication devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized equipment for each data collection task, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive data capture capabilities across all construction activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mobile devices as intermediaries between construction workers and the central building model database. Workers interact with familiar mobile devices rather than directly with complex model updating systems, while the server acts as an intermediary to process and integrate data from multiple sources into the unified building model.
3Loss of information
If detailed tracking of construction elements is implemented, then model granularity is improved, but the effort and resources required for data entry increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual data entry mechanics with automated electronic data capture using RFID readers and barcode scanners integrated into mobile devices. Information about building elements is captured automatically through wireless communication and optical scanning, eliminating the manual typing and form-filling processes that previously reduced productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to workers through mobile devices when building elements are scanned or data is entered, confirming successful data capture and model updates. This real-time feedback ensures information completeness without requiring separate verification steps, maintaining productivity while ensuring no information is lost.
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
Enables continuous updating of building models, improving the accuracy and reliability of building data, facilitating optimized operations and control strategies, and reducing the need for manual data entry.
Implementation Method 1
configured to communicate wirelessly to at least one of the wireless nodes using power derived from communication signals detected in the passive wireless device
Data Source
AI summary
A building system includes a communication network, a plurality of wireless nodes, a plurality of passive wireless devices, and a processing circuit. The plurality of wireless nodes are disposed within a building operably and are coupled to the communication network. Each of the passive wireless devices is affixed to or within an object within the building. At least some of the objects constitute fixtures within the building. Each passive wireless device contains first information regarding at least one property of the object, and is configured to communicate wirelessly to at least one of the wireless nodes using power derived from communication signals detected in the passive wireless device. The processing circuit operably is coupled to receive the first information from the wireless devices, the processing circuit configured to update a model of at least a portion of a building based at least in part on the at least one property of the objects.