GB2364801A

GB2364801A - Electronic design information storage system

Info

Publication number: GB2364801A
Application number: GB0017384A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Mark Aiken; George Fairley Stevenson
Original assignee: BUILDING INFORMATION WAREHOUSE
Current assignee: BUILDING INFORMATION WAREHOUSE
Priority date: 2000-07-14
Filing date: 2000-07-14
Publication date: 2002-02-06
Also published as: GB0017384D0

Abstract

An electronic design information storage system comprising means for storing a design such as a CAD drawing, the design comprising a plurality of component parts, and a database 13 of detailed information relating to each component part, wherein each component part has an associated tag which links the component part to a specific record in the database 13 such that electronic access is available from the design to the detailed information. The system is particularly applicable to projects, such as building projects, where a large number of personnel at separate locations are involved, and wherein a project design develops overtime. Component parts may be defined in a hierarchical manner, with attributes and behaviour inherited from parent to child components. The system may be connected to the Web, and an Internet search engine may assist in finding appropriate component parts for the design.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> AN INFORMATION STORAGE SYSTEM The present invention relates to electronic information storage systems, and in particular to systems for storing design information which is made available to many users.

When designing a building, for example, a designer generally uses "symbols" to represent a generic design object such as a door, toilet, bath, etc. This is because the designer has not yet decided on a particular product or supplier, or it is necessary to leave a contractor with the freedom to choose an appropriate product which meets the required specification based on price. Hence, at this stage of a design project, most designers are working with generic computer aided design (CAD) icons (or CAD blocks) to indicate the presence of a particular object type.

Although there can sometimes be valuable information associated with particular icons contained within a CAD drawing, this information is seldom made available to the rest of the project team, who therefore need to interpret the designers intention, based on viewing the graphical symbol and cross-relating with other specification documents - a manual process. Hence, whenever a contractor or other third party requires specific information on a particular aspect of a design, it is necessary to have the information personally supplied. Whenever a design is updated, reprints of the CAD drawings need to be circulated to the relevant parties to ensure that everyone is working to the same design. Clearly this is time consuming and can cause serious delays in the progress of a project.

The present invention aims to improve upon the above known situation by providing an electronic design information storage system which is accessible to any authorised person, so that everyone is working from the same design brief.

By using an electronic design information storage system according to the present invention, the design can be updated centrally and a great deal of specific information on component parts can be made available to all users of the system.

With the foregoing in mind, the present invention provides an electronic design information storage system comprising means for storing a design, the design comprising a plurality of component parts, and a database of detailed information relating to each component part, wherein each component part has an associated tag which links the component part to a specific record (or datafile) in the database such that electronic access is available from the design to the detailed information. More particularly, the associated records in the database may contain a reference to the component part in the design drawing such that electronic access to the database is available from the detailed information in the drawing.

By providing individual tags (which are preferably generated automatically) for component parts of a design and having an associated specific record for each component part, all necessary information can be made readily available to interested parties. This is a clear improvement over current procedures.

Although the invention could be applied to various different set-ups, it is highly likely that it will be used when the design is a computer aided design (CAD) drawing. Furthermore, the invention is particularly applicable to designs which relate to building projects or other large projects.

The detailed information preferably includes any one or more of dimensions, tolerances, quality requirements, acceptable products, supply sources, costs, supply dates, finish, colour, power requirement, utility requirement (water, gas), warranty, servicing periods/requirements, access requirements, fire specification, installation requirements, associated fittings and furniture, etc. In fact, any information which might be of use to a user of the system could be stored in the relevant record.

Preferably both the design storage means and the database records are protected by a security system based on Access Control Lists (ACLs) that ensure only authorised personnel can update the design drawing and associated

database records, but allow freer access for viewing purposes. The ACL system will preferably allow viewing and amendment access to be configured to an arbitrary level of detail or granularity.

Configuration of the ACL will allow suppliers of the various component parts access to certain information in the database records allowing them to add their quotes for supply to the data (or details of a component from their catalogue that matches the specified component), but preventing them from viewing private data, for instance quotes left by competing suppliers. The quotes can subsequently be reviewed by the contractor handling the design project.

Preferably each record includes a facility for receiving comments on the detailed information. This arrangement allows for feedback from any interested parties, so that a preferred design can be readily finalised.

The system is preferably accessible through the Internet, allowing global access to the information. Preferably minimal software requirements are placed on the computer used to access the information such that any computer running standard 'Web browser' software can be used. Additionally access will preferably be provided for all protocols used by wireless devices such as mobile telephones, electronic organisers and 'pocket PCs' that are in use now or in the future.

Preferably the system will be able to marshal internet search engines to assist in finding appropriate component parts for the designs. More particularly, the search engine may undertake investigations via the internet for suppliers of component parts having the appropriate specification.

The system preferably includes a processor which scans a design and allocates a specific tag to each component part, prior to a corresponding record being set up in the database. This scanning procedure will clearly occur early on in the project life, but can be repeated whenever further component parts are added to a design. In this way, each component part will have an associated tag assigned to it. A record is then automatically generated by the processor for

storing information on the relevant component part. The processor will glean as much information as possible from the drawing, and create a record in the database that describes the component as specifically as possible. Users with the appropriate security level will be able to manually amend and add to the attributes of the component.

Preferably the set up of a record includes inserting pre-stored standard information relating to the relevant component part. For example, if a door is specified, the pre-stored standard information which will automatically be inserted into the record may state that the door will require a door frame and door furniture, for example.

The present invention further provides a method of electronically storing design information, the method comprising inputting a design comprising a plurality of component parts, scanning the design to allocate individual tags to each component part, defining a record for each tag and storing detailed information on each component part in its respective record.

Preferably the records define a database.

Preferably the design and/or the records are accessible via a network, such as the world-wide-web.

The method preferably also comprises activating a search engine to find and store information on appropriate supplies of component parts in the respective records. This search engine may be triggered automatically, or may be directed by a user of the system.

The step of defining a record preferably includes inserting pre-stored standard information relating to the relevant component part in the record.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of CAD drawing showing a building project; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a computer terminal connected to the internet; and Figure 3 shows the basic components of an electronic design information storage system according to the present invention.

As is well known, designs 1 are often prepared via computer terminals 3 using CAD systems, thereby enabling the designs 1 to be stored in electronic form and modified, as appropriate. An example of a CAD drawing 1 displayed on a computer VDU screen 5 is shown in Figure 1. The drawing shows a plan of the ground floor of house 7 with a number of doors 9 clearly marked. In a typical prior art case, a particular icon used in a CAD drawing will have a certain product specification associated with it. Each icon (or specific CAD block) relates to an article having particular properties, which cannot be readily amended. Further, if many doors 9 are included in a particular drawing, some of which have different properties, a separate manual schedule that contains the various specifications may be required. Hence, a vast number of CAD icons and/or separate manual schedules might be needed for a large building project.

Although known CAD systems incorporate a significant library of standard icons or CAD blocks for use in a drawing, the library is clearly limited and therefore restrictive. The present invention improves upon this by providing an unlimited facility for incorporating different components in a design drawing. Further, the automated link from the symbol to a component database means that the data is not held in the CAD file which is not designed to hold a lot of data, rather in a proper database, meaning there is effectively no limit to the number of individual components.

When using a system according to the present invention, a designer simply needs to draw out the required design using standard generic icons or CAD blocks to represent standard components. Hence, each door in a building can be

represented by the same icon, as will every toilet, sink, bath, window, etc. Once the design has been completed, the system of the present invention scans the drawing and applies a tag to each and every component part shown in the drawing. Thus, each door will be labelled separately as door 1, door 2, door 3, etc., each window will be labelled separately as window 1, window 2, window 3, etc. The system also provides a record 11 associated with each tag in a database 13. The database 13 may be stored in the computer 15 used to prepare the drawing 1, or in some other electronic storage facility. Each record 11 in the database can aggregate an unlimited amount of attribute information as well as referencing an unlimited number of separate component records, such that all the information required for any component in the drawing can be stored. Further, for specific items, such as doors, each associated record may be formed with a template which includes standard requirements of the component part. For example, a door will require a door frame, an opening of a particular size, a door handle, a door lock, etc. A component record (datafile 11) will therefore be created along with other aggregated component records and references to existing component records. The user does not therefore need to spend significant time in setting up each record 11.

As will be appreciated, if a number of doors in a particular building project have the same specification, a component record can be created that adheres to this specification. However, each actual door instance in the drawing will have its own component record tag created, and these unique records will inherit their specification from the parent component record. In this way a change to the present record's specification will be reflected in all instances of child components. However, it is possible to change attributes of a single "child" component, thus overriding the attributes that had been inherited from the parent component in this individual case. Hence, individual entries are not needed, even though each individual door will have its own individual tag, and hence identity. Minor differences between similar component parts can therefore be accommodated in the database 13, without the need for a multitude of different CAD blocks, as would be needed in the prior art system.

The present inventors have termed their icons as '9-components", because they are "intelligent" components. More particularly, each i-component has an associated record 11, which can accommodate whatever information is needed for a particular project. Also, where this component exists within the building, what happened to it during the process of installation, what it is connected to and how it is connected, how it is serviced/maintained and what happens to it during its life i.e. components and materials that learn about themselves through their life. i-components can also be informed that they are part of numerous workpackages, and make themselves known to the various trades that are asked to carry out work. This provides the currency by which project progress can be measured far more objectively, both in terms of cost management and the trigger points for payment, and also in forming the construction programme. Indeed, a record 11 can contain a specification of the relevant component, examples of acceptable products, possible suppliers of the products, costs for the products, and any other helpful information. Thus, the icons/CAD blocks used in a system according to the present invention are, indeed, intelligent components of a design drawing.

Once a CAD drawing has been scanned and a corresponding database 13 has been prepared with records 11 relating to each component part in the CAD drawing, the CAD drawing 1 and database 13 can be made available to authorised users through a network system. Clearly the intemet or world-wide-web (www) is an appropriate avenue and, if this route is used, a web site 17 is a useful way of controlling access to the drawing 1 and database 13. The arrangement of web site 17, database 13 and CAD drawing storage means 19 are shown schematically in Figure 3, with the web site 17 connected to the world-wide-web. Members of the project team around the world can, therefore, gain access to the drawing 1 and database 13 for consultation, comment or amendment, as appropriate.

As will be appreciated, different levels of access can be allowed to the database 13 and the CAD drawing 1 thereby preventing unauthorised amendment of the design specification. However, read only access will be more freely available and prospective suppliers will be able to attach quotes for the supply of

components to the component records themselves. These quotes can then be assessed by the contractor responsible for undertaking the building project.

In a preferred embodiment, a rules-based search engine is associated with the system which can be triggered by records in the database 13 to search using the internet for prospective suppliers of the relevant component parts. This search engine may, on its own accord or with guidance from a user, find and retain information which could be useful to a contractor when he needs the relevant component parts. Links may also be arranged between a record and a particular web site of a prospective supplier of the relevant component part. In this way, it is a simple matter for a contractor to order what is needed at a given time to progress the building project. Drawings of the component part may also be stored in the record. As will be appreciated, an electronic design information storage system according to the present invention will facilitate the handling of project information, and can facilitate the ordering and supply of required component parts. Indeed, the system may obviate the need for a manual "take-off' process to produce lists of materials that is often performed by a Quantity or Cost Surveyor, thereby reducing significantly the costs of a building project. Supply delays may also be avoided.

Not only is the system useful during the building stage of a project, but the information related to the project can be stored indefinitely in electronic form. It can also be updated in the future when maintenance, improvement and amendment is made to a building, thereby keeping a living record of the history behind the building. Replacement and maintenance costs can also be monitored easily, thereby assisting in producing significant savings in running costs. For example, when a component needs replacing in the future, the dynamic link back to the manufacturer's own database ensures that the information on the current equivalent is available with no data maintenance by the building client or its representatives.

Other information, such as warranties, frequency of servicing, fault loggings, etc. can also be readily stored in connection with particular component

parts of a design. Indeed, a system according to the present can provide information on a project throughout the life of the project, and even be helpful during demolition of a building. For example, this allows the building owner/maintainer to record lifecycle information and, due to the fact that i-components are categorised, share such information gathered with the wider industry, contributing to a more comprehensive knowledge base.

The various stages of a building project will now be described to assist in explaining how a system according to the present invention may be used. The various stages are as follows: 1. design stage 2. product procurement 3. construction 4. maintenance 5. replacement Design Stage Designers invariably do not design with a component that is specific to a manufacturer; they generally use "symbols" to represent a generic design object such as a door. This is because they may not yet have decided on the supplier or they want to provide a contractor with the freedom to choose on price based on the specification. At this stage most designers are working with generic CAD objects. There is valuable information contained within the CAD object data, but it is seldom made available to the rest of the project team, who therefore need to interpret the designers' intention, based on viewing the graphical symbol and cross-relating with other specification documents - a manual process. With an i-component of the present invention, this information can be interpreted as a specification search for a manufacturer's specific component.

When the information in the database 13 is published on the project web site 17, the CAD data is made available to all authorised participants on the project, who can access and add to this information. They can also extend the

information set by linking it to project specifics such as lists of approved suppliers. It is important that the design team know that what they are specifying is available and workable. For example a piece of equipment occupies a space which other designers have to work with. If the component requires service access in from above a suspended ceiling, this will affect the consultant responsible for designing that element.

i-components provide the ability for design team members to comment directly against an object and access its design information. They also allow the manufacturers and suppliers of specialist services to contribute their information and experience, thereby improving the practical aspects of design.

Procurement In any procurement process quantity, availability and cost need to be assessed quickly. Attribute information, embedded within the i-components, together with quantities and other associated data is used to automatically create the parameters employed by the search processes. This data is then passed to a "rules-based" search engine, that resides on the web site 17, and is used to search for potential suppliers.

Example. On a CAD drawing of a building floor plan, each door opening is represented by a specific symbol. The drawing may show that the size of the opening is 850 mm. The construction team now need to procure and fix the doors, but before they can do this, they need to decide the type of door (e.g. internal, fire etc.), the style of door and the specific dimensions. This can then be used to procure a real door from a specific manufacturer (and there may be many manufacturers that supply doors meeting the criteria).

It is currently the job of the Quantity Surveyor or another person fulfilling a similar role to "take-off' information from the drawing and turn it into real information, in this case in the form of a "door-set" which includes the frame, the leaf, the hinges and the door furniture. The fire resistance is also a required piece

of "specification" data that will be used to procure the item. This process is very labour intensive.

If i-components are used, this data is associated with each door on the plan. Using the i-components toolbar, the system will automatically generate a query (using a rules set that will examine the major product specification data) and submit it to the web site 17 to determine viable suppliers. The search engine already knows that for an 850 mm door opening, it will need a leaf-size of 820 mm in order to accommodate the doorframe.

Once these have been determined, the project information can be locked for construction. Because i-components are activated, it is possible to show all the drawings where certain components are used and provide navigation as to where those components are. The installation of a component can also be simulated before the component is locked, reducing the incidence of problems of fit.

Construction Where does a component go and how is it installed? i-components provide navigation to each object's location (on the drawing) and access to the installation provisions electronically. This information can be used to build the required Health and Safety manual for the running of a building, which as an on-line electronic copy is accessible from the desktop by both building owner and maintenance contractors.

Maintenance Maintenance manuals and history for individual instances of components provides the necessary information to plan maintenance and refurbishment programs. Each instance of repair and/or maintenance can be appended to the record that is linked to any given i-component.

Replacement Nothing lasts forever and when a component is irreparable it needs to be replaced. i-component information can be used in the procurement process and if

the product is out of production, it can be used to find a suitable replacement that will fit within the design parameters.

As will be appreciated from the above, components used in the design process evolve into real components that are then installed in a building project. The installation of a component is only just the beginning. During it's "life" in the building, it is periodically maintained and/or repaired, replaced and eventually disposed of in the demolition.

Throughout the life of a component there will be many people involved defining, working with, ordering, installing and maintaining it. The time span and varying activities for this process is almost always paper-based, and held in disassociated documents; often in the form of generic manuals.

The inventors have developed a unique method of linking unlimited, additional data, that is held in a separate but linked database 13, to specific CAD components (usually referred to as CAD blocks) that reside in specific CAD drawings.

This data storage capability, which is "indexed" to individual CAD blocks within a drawing, can be used for a multitude of purposes including but not limited to: # Specification data that is particular to a "class" of a component e.g. for doors, the frame size, leaf size, rebate depth, fire resistance rating.

# Specification data that relates to the preferences of the designer, such as colour, texture etc., or the preferred/specified manufacturer.

Data pertaining to maintenance requirements, e.g. warranty period, frequency of servicing, etc.

Fault logs.

In effect, i-components tum "dead" CAD design components (e.g. a door symbol) into objects that have access to their own history of change.

It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and that modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An electronic design information storage system comprising means for storing a design, the design comprising a plurality of component parts, and a database of detailed information relating to each component part, wherein each component part has an associated tag which links the component part to a specific record in the database such that electronic access is available from the design to the detailed information.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the design is a computer aided design (CAD) drawing.
3. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the design relates to a building project.
4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the detailed information includes one or more of dimensions, tolerances, quality requirements, acceptable products, supply sources, costs and supply dates.
5. A system as claimed in any:- preceding claim, wherein both the design storage means and the database have restricted access for amendment purposes.
6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each record includes a facility for receiving comments on the detailed information.
7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the system is connected to a network, such as the world-wide-web.
8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein a web page provides an interface with the world-wide-web.

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9. A system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the system co-ordinates an internet search engine which assists in finding appropriate component parts for the design.
10. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a processor scans a design and allocates a specific tag to each component part prior to a corresponding record being set up in the database.
11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the set up of a record includes inserting pre-stored standard information relating to the relevant component part.
12. A system as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein component parts are defined in an hierarchical manner such that attribute information and behaviour is inherited from a parent component to a child component.
13. An electronic design information storage system substantially as hereinbefore described.
14. A method of electronically storing design information, the method comprising inputting a design comprising a plurality of component parts, scanning the design to allocate individual tags to each component part, defining a record for each tag and storing detailed information on each component part in its respective record.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the records define a database.
16. A method as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the design and/or the records are accessible via a network, such as the world-wide-web.
17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising activating a search engine to find and store information on appropriate supplies of component parts in the respective records.

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18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the step of defining a record includes inserting pre-stored standard information relating to the relevant component part.
19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein an hierarchy of components can be defined such that attributes and behaviour is inherited from parent components to child components.
20. A method of electronically storing design information substantially as hereinbefore described.