Virtual Building Model for Performance Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for designing and managing residential structures lack the ability to quantify and track user objectives and performance effectively, as they do not incorporate empirical data or experiential data from sensors, leading to inefficiencies in design, maintenance, and resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that uses sensors to capture experiential data and combines it with 'as built' data to create a virtual model of a residential structure, allowing for the tracking of user objectives and performance metrics, enabling precise modeling of design, repair, maintenance, and upgrades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional design models are used for residential structures, then design capabilities are provided, but the ability to quantify and track user objectives and performance is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance tracking capabilityVSAvoidempirical data capture
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensors capture experiential data from the residential structure, this data is processed and fed back into the virtual model to update performance metrics and objectively assess whether user-defined goals are being met, enabling dynamic adjustment and verification of design objectives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional manual surveying and empirical performance assessment methods with automated sensor-based systems that continuously capture environmental data, occupancy patterns, and structural performance metrics, substituting mechanical field surveys with electronic data collection and processing

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

2Ease of operation

If traditional service call methods are used for repairs and upgrades, then service delivery is provided, but onsite visits are required for surveying structure and equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice delivery capabilityVSAvoidonsite visit time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates and maintains a detailed virtual model that replicates the physical residential structure, including all equipment and structural elements. This virtual copy enables remote surveying, diagnostics, and planning of repairs and upgrades without requiring physical onsite visits, as technicians can assess conditions and plan interventions through the digital twin

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary surveys and assessments continuously through embedded sensors before service calls are initiated. By capturing and analyzing data in advance, the system prepares maintenance plans and identifies issues proactively, eliminating the need for onsite visits solely for surveying purposes and allowing service technicians to arrive with pre-planned solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Illumination intensity

If virtual reality models are used for design visualization, then design visualization is improved, but the models do not capture as built data or track performance during deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign visualization qualityVSAvoidas built data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the virtual reality design model with actual as-built data from construction documentation and sensor data from deployed structures. By integrating these multiple data sources, the system creates a comprehensive digital model that maintains the visualization capabilities of virtual reality while accurately reflecting the actual constructed building and its ongoing performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms static virtual reality design models into dynamic digital twins that continuously update with real-time sensor data from the deployed structure. This dynamic model evolves throughout the building's lifecycle, capturing changes in as-built conditions and performance metrics, enabling ongoing verification that the constructed building matches design intentions and operates as intended

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3586553B1Improved building model with virtual capture of as built features and objective performance tracking
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 MIDDLE CHART LLC
  • EP3586553B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3586553B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3586553B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for modeling a Stated Objective and calculating future Performance of a residential structure. The Stated Objective is based upon an Augmented Virtual Model of a residential structure and property. Aspects of Calculated Performance may be aggregated across multiple properties.