HK1176427B - Systems and methods for construction field management and operations with building information modeling - Google Patents

Description

System and method for job site management and operation with building information modeling

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit and priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/311,903, filed on 9/3/2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for job site management and operation with building information modeling.

Background

Building information modeling and building information management refers to an object-oriented building development process (process) with a set of related software applications that uses multidimensional, numerical modeling concepts, information technology, and software interoperability to design, construct, and operate a building project. Building information modeling may communicate its details, including building geometry (geometry), spatial relationships, performance information, geographic information, and the number and attributes of building assembly lines (assemblies), systems, devices, and components, to several people associated with a building project. Building information modeling and building information management improves productivity in building design, construction and operation.

In the building design phase, building information modeling is typically used for conceptual design, summary design, design development, and construction documentation of building assembly lines, systems, equipment, and components, such as: such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, plumbing, structural steel frameworks, and cast-in-place concrete. In the construction (construction) phase, building information modeling is typically used for detailed design coordination and fabrication of building assembly lines, systems, equipment, and components.

However, in the building construction phase, building information modeling cannot be used by job site personnel for job site operations at the outside site (out in the field), job site, and construction site. The building information modeling tools cannot be used in job site operations because the tools are designed to convey design and coordination details of the building project, including building geometry, spatial relationships, performance information, geographic information, and building component numbers and attributes. The building information modeling tools are not designed to convey details of the job site operations and therefore lack data structures and data sets for job site operations.

Furthermore, building information modeling tools cannot be used for job site operations because the tools are typically designed around three-dimensional visualizations or graphical-based representations of building projects and convey details thereof, including building geometry and spatial relationships, rather than around text-based data structures and data sets required to perform job site operations. Thus, since the architectural information modeling tool is designed for use on a fixed platform with a larger display, the architectural information modeling tool cannot be used on mobile computer hardware, a mobile smart phone, or a tablet computer.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention generally provides systems and methods for providing data structures and data sets generated in building information modeling software to job site operations at an outside site, job site, and job site.

In a certain aspect, the present invention provides a system for job site management and operation, comprising a Central Processing Unit (CPU); and a memory coupled to the CPU for storing instructions that, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to: encoding and mapping data structures and data sets received from building information modeling software; selecting a particular data structure and data set associated with at least one person associated with the construction project; transmitting the selected data structure and data set to a user terminal operated by the person; receiving input made by the person on the selected data structure and data set; and synchronizing and updating the data structures and data sets received from the building information modeling software based on the input received from the person. The person may be any person associated with the construction project, such as a field operator, manager, or manager supervisor.

The system of the present invention may also include instructions that, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to: the new data structure and data set are merged into the existing data structure and data set. The system of the present invention may also include instructions that, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to: the video is associated with the selected data structure and data set. The system of the present invention may also include instructions that, when executed by the CPU, cause the CPU to: the document or an electronic link to the document is associated with the selected data structure and data set. Exemplary documents include operation and maintenance manuals, manufacturing drawings (shop drawing), test reports, construction drawings, "as built" and as installed drawings, instructions, riser drawings, P & ID piping and instrumentation system drawings, single-part audit records (submittal), preventative maintenance plans, safety missions, troubleshooting processes, start-up processes, shut-down processes, emergency operation processes, warranties, warranty guarantors, and spare part lists.

In a certain embodiment, the data structures and data sets relate to building assembly lines, materials, systems, subsystems, devices, components, and interrelationships thereof in a building project. In other embodiments, the data structures and data sets relate to at least one field process selected from the group consisting of system commissioning, problem tracking, field reporting, material tracking, security, quality assurance, quality control, work list, remaining work list, and hand-over.

The user terminal may be a terminal connected to the system via a wireless and/or cellular connection. Alternatively, the user terminal may be a terminal connected to the system via a wired connection. The user terminal may be a terminal that functions by accessing a computer network, a cellular network, or the internet. Alternatively, the user terminal may be a terminal that functions without access to a computer network, a cellular network, or the internet. In general, a user terminal is a device that includes a display and is capable of receiving data transmitted via the internet or a cellular phone. Exemplary user terminals include laptops, tablets, and portable handheld devices (e.g., smart phones).

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for facilitating job site management and operation. The method of the present invention involves encoding and mapping on a computer data structures and data sets received from building information modeling software onto the computer, selecting specific data structures and data sets related to at least one person associated with a construction project, transmitting the selected data structures and data sets to a user terminal operated by the person via the internet and/or a cellular connection, receiving input from the user terminal made by the person on the selected data structures and data sets, and synchronizing and updating the data structures and data sets received from the building information modeling software based on the input received from the person. The method of the present invention may also involve incorporating new data structures and data sets into existing data structures and data sets. The method of the present invention may also involve associating the document or an electronic link to the document with the selected data structure and data set. The method of the present invention may also involve associating the video with the selected data structure and data set.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a "pyramid" diagram of BIM detail layers (levels).

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a BIM database, site database, building information model, and network of job site operations of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a unique workflow process loop enabled by the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a representation of a graphical user interface and data display of an example BIM database application and live database software application of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a representation of the overall graphical user interface and list view data display of the field database software application of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a representation of a detail user interface for attached and linked documents and other files of the live database software application of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a representation of a detail user interface of a data set passed from a field database software application of the present invention to an example BIM database application.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a representation of a user interface of an example BIM database application in which model objects are visualized from business rules and logic by the field database software application of the present invention.

Fig. 10A and 10B are screenshots of the system of the present invention. The screen shot illustrates importing or receiving a data structure and a data set from building information modeling software. The received data structure and data set are encoded and mapped using the system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a screen shot and property (attribute) selection of an object using the system of the present invention to encode and map data structures and data sets from building information modeling software.

FIG. 12 is a screen shot of an add lost property (property) using the system of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In general, the present invention is directed to systems and methods for modeling with building information for job site management and operation. FIG. 1 illustrates how the system of the present invention can send data structures and data sets generated in model information modeling software (BIM) to job site operations at an outside site, job site, and job site. A BIM detail layer "pyramid" diagram is shown in fig. 1. During the construction phase of the building, the present invention only requires detail level (detail level 200) 31 with approximate geometry (rather than exact geometry) as the smallest detail level with approximate geometry in the site database for job site operations, whereas the BIM database requires varying (varying) detail levels from conceptual detail level (detail level 100) 30 to detail level (detail level 500) 34 as built depending on the phase of the project.

During the construction phase of the building, detailed design coordination of building assembly lines, systems, equipment and components and fabrication of detail layers (detail layers 300) 32 and fabrication detail layers (detail layers 400) 33 require precise geometric arrangements. Minimizing the requirements and associated levels of detail in data structures and data sets for proper execution and management of job site operations facilitates use by job site personnel and generally reduces the barriers to adoption. Prior to the present invention, the construction phase required a precise geometric arrangement of detail layers (detail layers 300) 32, fabricated detail layers (detail layers 400) 33, and as-built detail layers (detail layers 500) 34 in the BIM database. For the present invention, only the course (course 200) 31 having an approximate geometric arrangement is required for the job site operation at the construction stage of the building.

Broadly stated, the present invention provides a system for job site management and operation according to embodiments described herein. The system includes a plurality of first computing devices (e.g., remote clients) in communication (e.g., servers) with a second computing device over a network. In a certain embodiment, the system further comprises a third computing device (e.g., a database) in communication with the server. In general, a user of a remote client may be any person associated with a construction project, such as a field operator, manager supervisor, for example.

In one embodiment, the network is, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN) such as a company's intranet, a wide area network such as the Internet or world Wide Web, or a cellular network. The user of the remote client may connect to the network through various connections including, but not limited to, standard telephone lines, LAN or WAN links (e.g., T1, T3, 56kb, x.25), broadband connections (e.g., ISDN, frame relay, ATM), or wireless connections. The connections can be established using various communication protocols (e.g., HTTP, TCP/IP, IPS, SPX, Netbios, Ethernet, RS232, and direct asynchronous connections).

Each remote client may be any personal computer, Windows-based terminal, network computer, wireless device, information appliance, RISC Power PC, X-device, workstation, mini-computer, mainframe (main frame) computer, personal digital assistant, set-top box, handheld device, tablet (e.g., iPAD), smart phone (e.g., iPhone or Blackberry), or other computing device capable of both displaying information/data to a user of the remote client and receiving commands from a user of the remote client, as the case may be. For example, each remote client may include a visual display device (e.g., a computer display), a data input device (e.g., a keyboard), permanent and/or volatile memory (e.g., computer memory), a processor, and a mouse. In one embodiment, each remote client includes a web browser, such as, for example, the Internet Explorer program developed by Microsoft corporation of Redmond, Washington, to connect to the world Wide Web. A server may be a computing device capable of transmitting information/data to, or receiving commands from, a remote client over a network.

In a certain embodiment, the database is a server separate from the server. Optionally, the database is part of the server. The database includes a memory, or a memory coupled to the database, for storing and managing data. In another embodiment, the modules or software programs are distributed across several servers that communicate with each other over the network or over another network. Two or more modules may be combined into a single module such that the functions described below that are performed by the two or more modules are performed by a single module. Alternatively, any one module may be implemented as a plurality of modules, so that the functions described below performed by any one module are performed by the plurality of modules.

Certain disclosed embodiments pertain to and/or include computer memory. The memory may be in the form of one or more computer-readable media having data and/or executable instructions (also referred to as computer programs, code, or software) stored thereon or therein. The software is used to perform various computer-implemented processing operations, such as any or all of the various operations, functions, and capabilities described herein. The term "computer-readable medium" is used herein to include any medium that is capable of storing data and/or storing or encoding a sequence of computer-executable instructions or code for performing the process operations described herein. The media and code may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be of the kind well known and available to those having ordinary skill in the computer and/or software arts. Examples of computer readable media include computer readable storage media such as: magnetic media such as fixed hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as compact disc read-only-machines (CD-ROMs) and holographic devices; magneto-optical media such as optically readable disks; memory stick "flash drives" and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as application specific integrated circuits ("ASICs"), programmable logic devices ("PLDs"), read only memory ("ROM") devices, and random access memory ("RAM") devices. Examples of computer readable program instructions or code include machine code, such as produced by an assembler, and files containing higher level code that are executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, embodiments of the invention may be implemented using Java, C + +, or other programming language and development tools. Additional examples of instructions or code include encrypted code and compressed code. Other embodiments of the invention may be implemented in whole or in part in hardware circuitry, in place of, or in combination with, program instructions/code.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown. A network of the building information modeling database 10, the field database 13, and associated peripheral hardware devices 18-21 is shown in fig. 2. BIM database 10 and site database 13 are connected via an automated, bi-directional integration adapter 12 over the internet 11.

Building information modeling software applications use multidimensional, numerical modeling concepts, information technology, and software interoperability to design, construct (constract), and operate building projects. The building information modeling software may convey project details, including building geometry, spatial relationships, performance information, geographic information, and the number and attributes of building assembly lines, systems, equipment, and components, to several people associated with a construction project. In the building design phase, building information modeling software is typically used for conceptual design, summary design, design development and construction documentation for design development and building assembly lines, systems, equipment and components, such as: such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, plumbing, structural steel frameworks and cast-in-place concrete. Building information modeling is typically used for detailed design coordination and fabrication of building assembly lines, systems, equipment, and components during the building construction phase. Building information modeling is also described in, for example, the following documents: arnold et al (U.S. patent application No. 2008/0015823), Cheng et al (U.S. patent application No. 2007/0285424), Song (U.S. patent application No. 2006/0044307), Wakelam et al (U.S. patent No. 6,859,768), Ito (U.S. patent No. 5,761,674), and Bourne (U.S. patent application nos. 2007/0168325, 2007/0168374, and 2007/0088704), the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Building information modeling software is commercially available from, for example, Autodesk (San Rafael, Calif.).

The automated, bi-directional integration adapter 12 uses a set of rules of extensible markup language (XML) or JavaScript object declaration (JSON) to encode and electronically map data structures and datasets of building assembly lines, systems, devices and components between the BIM database 10 and the field database 13. Files from the building information modeling software are selected (fig. 10A and 10B). The set of objects and the set of properties in the file are then selected (fig. 11). Objects from the building information modeling are then keyed to (key) live database objects with a Globally Unique Identifier (GUID). Properties from the building information modeling software are then mapped to objects in the field database and linked to the database. Irrelevant properties are ignored and any missing properties are added by the adapter.

The rule set of XML or JSON is modified by the end user based on the building assembly line, system, device and component of each project. The present invention transfers data structures and data sets of building assembly lines, systems, devices and components from BIM database 10 to site database 13 and vice versa from site database 13 to BIM database 10 via integrated adapter 12 over internet 11.

The present invention selects and filters the data structures of the building assembly lines, systems, devices and components from the BIM database 10 to the field database 13 via the integration adapter 12 and the rule set of XML or JSON to include only data structures that are relevant and of substantial value to the job site operations and to exclude data structures that are not relevant and of no substantial value to the job site operations. For example, in a Mechanical Commissioning field operation, the present invention selects and filters only those data structures associated with heating, ventilation and air conditioning facility (HVAC) assembly lines, systems, equipment and components, such as Air Handling Units (AHUs), and not other building assembly lines, systems, equipment and components, such as cast in place concrete. Different job site operations require different data structures for proper execution and management.

Furthermore, the present invention selects and filters the data sets from the BIM database 10 to the field database 13 via the integrated adapter 12 and the rule sets of XML or JSON to include only data sets that are relevant to and of substantial value to the job site operations and to exclude data sets that are not relevant to and of no substantial value to the job site operations. For example, in a mechanical commissioning field operation, the present invention selects and filters only data sets related to heating, ventilation and air conditioning facility (HVAC) assembly lines, systems, equipment and components, such as system numbers, system names, equipment numbers, equipment names, manufacturers, serial numbers, models and types, rather than data sets related to building geometry, spatial relationships and geographical information. Different job site operations require different data structures for proper execution and management.

FIG. 3 provides more detail regarding the data structure and filtering of the data set. FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of a network of BIM database 40, site database 43, building information models 50-56, and job site operations 60-69 of the present invention. One or more job site operations or site processes, such as issue tracking 60, site reports 61, material tracking 62, safety 63, Quality Assurance (QA) 64, Quality Control (QC) 65, work lists 66, commissioning (Cx) 67, remaining work lists 68, and handover 69 are selected for linking with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Information Management (BIM). The present invention generates one or more filters in the building information model to aggregate building information model objects associated with one or more selected job site operations or site processes into a group.

For example, if a commissioning (Cx) 67 is selected for linking with building information modeling and building information management, a filter is created in the building information model to aggregate objects in the mechanical model 52 and the electronic model 63, such as, for example, Air Handling Units (AHUs), into a group. The filtered and aggregated groups of building information modeling objects and respective parameters are then loaded via the integration adapter 42 through the internet 41 into the site database 43 and are ready for use by job site personnel on the outside site, job site and job site.

Referring back to FIG. 2, many end users may interact with BIM data from a BIM database at an outside site, at a job site, or at a construction site. End users can create, read, and update BIM data, automatically merge (consolidate) new and modified information, and then add the new and modified information to existing data structures and data sets. End users can write (author) and access information in an empirical data set observed and derived from job site operations. The site database 13 enables the end user to include only data sets that are relevant to and of substantial value to the job site, and to exclude data sets that are not relevant to and of no substantial value to the job site. The site database 13 is an empirical database associated with one or more job site operations. For example, in a machine commissioning field operation, the present invention enables an end user to write and access data sets related to and of substantial value to the work machine commissioning, such as system status, system status date and time, equipment status and equipment status date and time, and to exclude data sets that are unrelated to and of no substantial value to other work field operations and other details including building geometry, spatial relationships and geographic information.

Architects, engineers, virtual design coordinators, and similar design and construction personnel typically write and access data structures and data sets for building assembly lines, systems, equipment, and components in the BIM database 10 via desktop personal computers 14 and laptop personal computers 15 indoors in an office environment. Construction site personnel can write and access data structures and data sets for building assembly lines, systems, equipment, and components in the on-site database 13 via desktop personal computers 16 and laptop personal computers 17 indoors in a work site office environment (such as in a temporary work trailer). Construction site personnel may write and access data structures and data sets for building assembly lines, systems, devices, and components in the field database 13 via tablet personal computers, tablet personal computers (Slate) and netbooks 18, personal desktop assistants 19, smart phones 20, cellular phones 21, and other mobile platforms with portable displays.

The present invention allows one or more end users, such as job site personnel and other construction project stakeholders, to work disconnected from the internet 11, access the data structures and data sets and other information for the building assembly lines, systems, equipment and components in the site database 13, and access and write information related to the data structures and data sets to perform job site operations. Operation disconnected from the internet 11 is important for performing job site operations because wireless internet connections and other forms of wireless networks, such as IEEE 802.11, Wi-Fi and WiMax, HiperLan, OpenAir, etc., may not always be available outside of the field, job site and construction site due to limitations in the job site and wireless signal obstructions (obstructions) from building assembly lines, systems, equipment and components, and signal strength is limited.

The present invention allows one or more end-users to synchronize information and share information in a bi-directional manner via a centralized server site database 13 when connected to the internet 11, allowing information to be sent to and received from other end-users, such as data structures and data sets and other information of building assembly lines, systems, devices and components. When an end user connects to the internet via a wireless or wired connection, and then synchronizes information and shares, the present invention uses synchronization rules and business logic during a construction project to resolve and avoid conflicts when combining information from many end users in the centralized server site database 13. Objects from the building information modeling software are keyed to the field database as described above. Unless otherwise changed, the rule is set to a "last change wins" rule at the object and property levels. Each change is read-only, date/time stamped and stamped with a read-only author, thereby enabling a secure history/audit trail of changes. Permissions for creation, reading, updating, and deletion at the object and property levels are set by the administrator using a permission configurator. Many users are therefore able to simultaneously access, interact with, and write data structures and data sets while disconnected from the internet and thus from each other, and then synchronize to share data structures and data sets while connected to the internet and thus each other.

Referring back to FIG. 3, many field personnel perform and manage job site operations, such as commissioning 67. For example, in a machine commissioning field operation, the present invention allows an end user to write and access unique data sets, such as system status, system status date and time, equipment status and equipment status date and time, associated with and of substantial value to a work machine commissioning. Unique data structures and data sets associated with one or more field operations, written by a job site person at an external site, job site or job site, are then transmitted by the integrated adapter 42 over the internet 41 from the site database 43 to the BIM database 40 via a wireless or wired connection. Unique data structures and data sets relating to one or more field operations are associated with unique building information model objects representing building assembly lines, systems, devices and components. For example, with respect to machine model 52, a system status date and time, an equipment status, and an equipment status date and time associated with a commissioning of a construction machine are associated with each respective Air Handling Unit (AHU) object in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) and can be accessed directly in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) itself.

Business rules and business logic applied to unique data structures and data sets associated with one or more field operations can provide unique forms of reporting and visualization in Building Information Modeling (BIM). For example, the Air Handling Unit (AHU) object in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) where device status = "pre-function test" is shown in blue, and the Air Handling Unit (AHU) object in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) where device status = "function test" is shown in green = color (a kind of "colorization" or visualization, similar to a "heat map" or "weather map" of project status).

In addition, to manage the synchronization of data structures and data sets, the present invention also allows end users to associate documents (such as operation and maintenance manuals, manufacturing drawings, test reports, etc.) or links to documents (links) with data structures and data sets of building assembly lines, systems, devices, and components of a building project. The present invention automatically transmits first to or from documents and then secondly to document files associated with data structures and data sets in Building Information Modeling (BIM), thereby allowing end users to manage and maintain documents connected or tied to ("tied" to) BIM. The present invention thus creates a "virtual framing" of document links and documents around the data structures and data sets and other information of the building assembly lines, systems, devices and components in the BIM, allowing end users to access, manage and maintain files connected or "tied" to the BIM during the post-construction and hand-over for ongoing operation and maintenance of the building lifecycle.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a unique workflow process loop enabled by the present invention is shown. With the present invention, job site personnel perform and manage job site operations 81 at the outside site, at the job site, and at the job site. The field operations 81 include, but are not limited to, problem tracking, field reporting, material tracking, safety, Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), work lists, commissioning (Cx), remaining work lists, and hand-over. Unique data structures and data sets written on-site, off-site, on-site, and at the job site, relating to one or more field operations 81, are shared by many job site personnel, for example, with respect to Air Handling Units (AHUs), in a centralized and hosted site database 80 hub. Office (office) updates 82 are made by job site personnel at the job site office or work trailer, for example, with respect to an Air Handling Unit (AHU). An office update 82 is made to centralized site database 80, which is also shared by job site personnel for site operations 81. Meeting updates 83 are made by job site personnel and other project stakeholders such as owners, architects, engineers, virtual design coordinators, and other consultants. Meeting updates 83 are made to centralized jobsite database 80, which are also shared by job site personnel for field operations 81 and office updates 82.

Job site personnel and other project stakeholders can identify the current status of the systems and equipment in real time or at the appropriate time and advance the work tasks and activities in the schedule based on the current status of the Air Handling Unit (AHU). Then, when the cycle begins again, the job site personnel can manage, track and perform (task) work from the meeting update 83 out back to the field operations 81 via the field database 80 hub. The centralized field database 80, which is shared by job site personnel and other project stakeholders, enables a new form of database-driven field operation, as opposed to document-driven field operation with digital files and printed out paper. Information exchange between job site personnel and other project stakeholders regarding unique data structures and data sets associated with one or more field operations 81, either in real time or at the appropriate time, from field operation 81 to office update 82 to meeting update 83, and back to field operation 85.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a representation of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and data display of an exemplary BIM database application and live database software application of the present invention is shown. The data structure and data set of the building information modeling object in the BIM database software application 90 is transmitted 92 to the field database software application 94. Unique data structures and data sets associated with one or more field operations, written by job site personnel at the outside site, job site and job site, are then transmitted 93 back to the respective building information model objects of the BIM database software application 90 from the site database software application 94.

In the graphical user interface of the BIM database software application 90, the data structures and data sets of the building information model objects are typically represented by visual or visualized three-dimensional (3D) shapes including building geometries and spatial relationships 91. In a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the field database software application 94, the unique data structures and data sets associated with one or more field operations and with the respective building information model objects are typically represented in tabular form or list view with rows and columns of textual values 95. The building information model data structure and data set is converted from shape 91 to text 95 and the hierarchical relationship of the building information model is maintained. The text and text-based values 95 are then transmitted 93 back to the associated objects in the building information modeling.

Since the building information model objects are typically represented in tabular form with rows and columns of textual values 95 in the present invention, field personnel, who typically have lower technical and software knowledge, are able to perform and manage job site operations with the present invention with minimal skill and standard (nominal) training. The tabular form with rows and columns of text values 95 facilitates use by job site personnel and generally reduces the obstacles to adoption (option) compared to visual or visualized three-dimensional (3D) form of shapes.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a representation of the overall user interface and list view data display of the field database software application of the present invention is shown. E.g., the large scale button 101 on the left, provides a large target on touch-sensitive and stylus-sensitive displays for mobile computer hardware or mobile form factors such as tablet personal computers (tablet PCs), "smart" phones, and cellular phones. The large-scale button 101 facilitates use on mobile platforms with portable displays outdoors, sometimes in direct sunlight or in inclement weather conditions in a construction work site environment. The tabular form with the textual values 95 in rows and columns facilitates use by job site personnel and generally reduces the barriers to adoption. Tabular form navigates, searches and browses much information in the form of lists as needed for filtering, grouping and sorting, faster and easier than three-dimensional (3D) shapes.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which illustrates a representation of a detailed user interface for attached and linked documents and other files of the live database software application of the present invention. One or more attachments and linked documents may be associated with each data element in the data structure and data set of the BIM. The user interface of the present invention includes a thumbnail image or preview 106 of each document, as well as other metadata about the document, such as the filename, file type, file format, file size, date and time of file creation, date and time of last modification of the file, date and time of last access of the file, who the file was written by, who the file was last modified by, and the tags or non-hierarchical keywords or terms assigned to each file, to facilitate future searching, finding, and browsing of the file by authors or other end users. The documents or links to documents (links) may include, for example, operation and maintenance manuals, manufacturing drawings, test reports, etc., associated with data structures and data sets for building assembly lines, systems, equipment, and components of a construction project.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a representation of a details user interface 110 of a data set transferred from the field database software application of the present invention to an example BIM database application. In the commissioning job site operations example, the data site 111 includes a current status associated with a piece of physical equipment unique in the building and its unique virtual model object in the BIM database, a date and time stamp of the installation date, a date and time stamp of the power-up date, a pre-functional test start date and time stamp, a pre-functional test end date and time stamp, a functional test start date and time stamp, a functional test end date and time stamp, a manufacturer name, a serial number, and a model number. The detail user interface is designed to be easy to learn, easy to remember, and easy to use for field personnel who typically have lower technical and software knowledge and skills and standard training and are responsible for job site operations. The detail User Interface (UI) lists the attributes for each field name in the left column and its current value in the right column.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a representation of a user interface 120 of an example BIM database application from which business rules and logic visualization model objects are applied by the live database software application of the present invention. In the commissioning job site operations example, the status value 121 of each unique virtual model object in the site database determines its color 122, 123, 124 in the BIM database, creating a virtual "heat map" or virtual "weather map" of the current status system and equipment physical configuration. In the commissioning job site operations example, if the current state value = functional test, the associated model object appears green. If the current state value = pre-functionality test, the associated model object appears blue. If the current state value = power on, the associated model object appears red. If the current state value = null or no value, the associated model object appears gray.

Incorporation by reference

Throughout this disclosure, references and citations to other documents, such as patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books, articles, web content, have been made. All such documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Equivalents of the following

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein.

Examples of the invention

Example 1: filtering and updating

The following illustrates the filtering using the system of the present invention and how the system of the present invention receives data from people associated with a construction project and updates the data structure and data set with recently received user input. These functions are performed after the data structures and data sets received from the building information modeling software have been encoded and mapped.

The following terminology is used in the following codes.

Selection Set this is a filter created in the model. Which includes a list of model objects to be updated by the plug-in.

Attribute/Property data transferred from the system of the present invention is stored as attributes of the model object. Each object in the model has its own set of attributes. These are classified under a group called "attributes". When data is added from the system of the present invention, the data is stored in a property called "Vela". All data is added to this property (attribute) as "attribute name" and "value".

During a first request from the building information modeling software to the system of the present invention, the building information modeling software will send the following data as the POST parameters and a list of all selected set names as the JSON array.

POST Parameters:bim_file_name,bim_fiile_modifiied_time,bim_app_name,bim_app_version,plug_in_version

JSON bim _ object _ groups = [ 'Selection Set', 'Selection Set2', 'Selection Set3' ] this is the response from the mapped _ sets method to the first request (from the system of the present invention to the model). The response includes:

mapped _ sets (which is itself a JSON);

document _ id (which is one of the parameters), and

bim_file_modifiedTime(TBD).

there are two hashes (hashes), instructions and devices. The instructions include a Selection Set (Selection Set) to be updated in the relevant model, attributes to be created for the model object, attributes to be derived from the model object, and an identifier unique to the model object. This includes a "bim _ object _ group" hash whose value is the array of the selected group. Each array element includes a hash of the selection set name and (ID, to _ vela, and to _ bim). The ID represents an ID Name of a model object in Property Name (Attribute Name) and Property Name (Property Name) formats. to _ vela is an array of attribute names to be derived from the model. to _ bim is an array of attribute names to be added to the model.

The device includes data to be added or updated to the model. The data is a hash of the "attribute" and the "link". The "attribute" is also a hash. This would contain a list of attribute names and values to be added to the model object. The "link" is an array of names and URLs.

The code is as follows:

after receiving these instructions, the plug-in updates the model and then issues a request to the update _ sets method. During this request, the plug-in sends back the data requested from the model and the results of the "update model" operation. If any error occurs during the update, it is sent to the VFM (TBD).

The following are instructions issued during the first request for the updates _ sets method. Which includes a hash of the device and document ID. The device has data requested from the model. Which is a hash of the object ID and the value is a hash of the attribute name and value. The Attribute name is in the "Attribute: Property" format. This involves interfacing with building information modeling software (interface with). The plug-in returns the document ID.

The code is as follows:

Claims (18)

1. a computer-implemented method, the method comprising:

using a set of rules for encoding and mapping data from the first database prior to transmission to the second database;

selecting construction site operation;

generating, in a building information model associated with the selected building job site operation, one or more filters for filtering data related to the selected building job site operation based on the selected building job site operation, wherein the one or more generated filters aggregate data from the first database related to the selected building job site operation into a group;

selecting one or more of a data structure and a data set associated with a construction job site operation from the first database using the set of rules using the one or more generated filters;

encoding and mapping selected data structures and data sets from the first database to the second database, the encoding and mapping including converting the selected data structures and data sets from a three-dimensional shape representation to a tabular form having text values and maintaining a hierarchical relationship of building information models associated with the selected building construction site operations;

transmitting the converted tabular form data structure and data set to a user terminal of a user;

receiving one or more user modifications to one or more of the selected tabular form of the data structure and the data set from the user terminal, including receiving user input associating a document or link to the document; and

synchronizing and updating the data structures and data sets in the first database based on the received modifications includes automatically transmitting a link to documents associated with the data structures and data sets in the first database so that the documents in the first database can be accessed, managed, and maintained by a user.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating one or more documents with the selected data structure and data set.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein each of the documents is one of an operation and maintenance manual, a manufacturing drawing, and a test report.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating one or more videos with the selected data structure and data set.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected data structure and data set are associated with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly line.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the field operation is a system commissioning, problem tracking, field reporting, material tracking, security, quality assurance, quality control, work list, remaining work list, or handover.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the user terminal is a device that includes a display and is capable of receiving data transmitted via an internet or cellular connection.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the user terminal is a tablet computer, or a portable handheld device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the portable handheld device is a smartphone.

10. A system for job site management and operation, the system comprising:

one or more computers programmed to perform operations comprising:

using a set of rules for encoding and mapping data from the first database prior to transmission to the second database;

selecting construction site operation;

generating, in a building information model associated with the selected building job site operation, one or more filters for filtering data related to the selected building job site operation based on the selected building job site operation, wherein the one or more generated filters aggregate data from the first database related to the selected building job site operation into a group;

selecting one or more of a data structure and a data set associated with a construction job site operation from the first database using the set of rules using the one or more generated filters;

encoding and mapping selected data structures and data sets from the first database to the second database, the encoding and mapping including converting the selected data structures and data sets from a three-dimensional shape representation to a tabular form having text values and maintaining a hierarchical relationship of building information models associated with the selected building construction site operations;

transmitting the converted data structure and data set in the form of a table to a user terminal of a user;

receiving one or more user modifications to one or more of the selected tabular form of the data structure and the data set from the user terminal, including receiving user input associating a document or link to the document; and

synchronizing and updating the data structures and data sets in the first database based on the received modifications includes automatically transmitting a link to documents associated with the data structures and data sets in the first database so that the documents in the first database can be accessed, managed, and maintained by a user.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise associating one or more documents with the selected data structure and data set.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein each of the documents is one of an operation and maintenance manual, a manufacturing drawing, and a test report.

13. The system of claim 10, further comprising associating one or more videos with the selected data structure and data set.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the selected data structure and data set are associated with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly line.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the field operation is a system commissioning, problem tracking, field reporting, material tracking, security, quality assurance, quality control, work list, remaining work list, or handover.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the user terminal is a device that includes a display and is capable of receiving data transmitted via the internet or a cellular connection.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the user terminal is a tablet computer, or a portable handheld device.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the portable handheld device is a smartphone.