Pipeline Plan Comparison for 2D-3D Consistency Checking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack a reliable and efficient way to check for consistency between two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations of pipelines in project planning systems, leading to potential inconsistencies in design and execution.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to determine main paths and sequences of objects in both plans, eliminate non-corresponding objects, and iteratively classify and link objects based on identifiers and order differences, providing a sequential assignment to display inconsistencies and guide corrections on a graphical user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pipelines are represented in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional plans manually, then design flexibility is maintained, but consistency and reliability of pipeline detection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidconsistency of pipeline detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically compares the 2D pipeline plan with the 3D pipeline model and provides feedback by highlighting inconsistencies such as missing pipelines, extra pipelines, or connectivity errors. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability by continuously verifying consistency between different representation plans without restricting design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary comparison mechanism that acts as a mediator between the 2D plan and 3D model. This intermediary system automatically detects and reports discrepancies, allowing designers to maintain flexibility in both representation types while ensuring consistency through automated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual checking of pipeline consistency is performed, then design freedom is preserved, but time consumption and error probability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedomVSAvoidtime for consistency checking
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically comparing the 2D pipeline plan with the 3D model without requiring manual intervention. The computer automatically identifies inconsistencies, connects corresponding pipeline ends, and validates connectivity, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual checking while preserving design freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual checking process with an automated computer-based system. Instead of manually comparing plans and models, the system uses automated algorithms to detect inconsistencies, match pipeline endpoints, and verify connectivity, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated consistency checking is implemented, then time efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechecking efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by combining multiple checking capabilities (consistency verification, endpoint matching, connectivity validation) into a single automated platform. This universal approach improves productivity by handling all checking tasks efficiently while managing system complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the consistency checking process into distinct automated steps: comparing 2D plans with 3D models, identifying corresponding pipeline ends, validating connectivity, and reporting inconsistencies. This segmentation improves productivity by making each step efficient while managing overall system complexity through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If detailed comparison of all pipeline objects is performed, then detection precision improves, but computational load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidcomputational energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential elements for comparison by focusing on pipeline endpoints and connectivity information rather than analyzing every detail of the entire pipeline model. This extraction approach maintains high detection precision for critical consistency issues while reducing computational energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing detailed comparison only where necessary - specifically at pipeline endpoints and connection points - rather than uniformly analyzing all pipeline objects. This approach achieves sufficient detection precision for consistency checking while minimizing unnecessary computational energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3690575B1Planning system, method for testing a consistent detection of pipes in a planning system, and control program
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3690575B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690575B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3690575B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To verify the consistent representation of pipelines (10, 20) that are represented two-dimensionally in a first plan (1) and three-dimensionally in a second plan (2), at least one main path within each plan is determined for pipelines represented in both plans. For the identified main paths, sequences of objects comprising pipeline components (11, 21), branches (12, 22), and/or connections are identified within both plans for comparison. From the sequences to be compared, objects without a mutual correspondence are eliminated; these objects are represented only in one of the two plans or only in one main path of one of the two plans. Subsequently, objects with different sequences are iteratively identified and classified within the sequences to be compared. These objects exhibit the maximum sequence difference within the sequences being compared.This process continues until all objects remaining after classification show no order difference within the sequences being compared.