WO2013014336A2

WO2013014336A2 - Method, system and intelligent construction device for constructing an architectural object

Info

Publication number: WO2013014336A2
Application number: PCT/FI2012/050741
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nisse Suutarinen; Markku Kukkanen; Kaij-Mikael SCHÜTT; Ville HÄKKINEN
Original assignee: Kinetricks Oy
Priority date: 2011-07-22
Filing date: 2012-07-19
Publication date: 2013-01-31
Also published as: WO2013014336A3; FI20115767A0

Abstract

An architectural object is constructed by using a constructing application device, which provides a model of at least part of the architectural object to be constructed. The model has instruction information relating to building blocks of which said object is to be constructed, such as installation instruction related to the building block. The model may be displayed by a display and information related to said model communicated e.g. to an intelligent construction device, such as a tool, like a spirit level or drill. The intelligent construction device receives information related to at least one building block to be installed for said object, and indicates via indication means information related to installation of said building block, such as installation instruction.

Description

METHOD, SYSTEM AND INTELLIGENT CONSTRUCTION DEVICE FOR CONSTRUCTING AN ARCHITECTURAL OBJECT

TECHN ICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method, system and intelligent construction device for constructing an architectural object, such as a building.

BACKG ROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically when constructing an architectural object from building blocks an architect or other engineer constructs designs or blueprints of the architectural object to be built. The design or blueprint is as a model of the architectural object comprising information about how the building blocks are to be installed, for example. At the construction site constructors interpret the model with possible instructions, choose appropriate building blocks, tools and instruments, and install the building blocks as described by the model or as they interpreted the model.

There are however some disadvantages relating to the known prior art, such as risks for misunderstandings of the models, objects depicted by the models or possible instructions provided by the models. In addition the constructors may take a wrong building block or wrong tool for a certain building block. Again the tool or other instrument may be used wrongly either once or even systematically. Furthermore the building block may be installed in the wrong location or otherwise wrongly. Also quality assurance and monitoring of the installation process, as well as storage management of the building blocks are typical tasks which are hard to implement in a satisfying way.

Furthermore there also exist various kinds of construction devices, such as e.g. level sensors, which can be easily misread or used wrong. One of the most common one is a bubble level. The bubble level is designed to indicate whether a surface is level or plumb. Typically a bubble level comprises a tube incompletely filled with a liquid. The location of a bubble in the tube indicates the degree of level of the surface. It is also known to replace a bubble of a bubble level with a light, e.g. with a led. In such a solution e.g. an acceleration sensor of a device determines, when the device is placed on a surface, whether the surface is level.

However, also some disadvantages relate to the known construction devices. At first they can be easily used in a wrong way or otherwise user interfaces of them are bulky or hard to read, whereupon the readings of many construction devices and tools are easily misunderstood or misread. Misreading easily happens when seeking e.g. level or plumb position with a levelling device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to alleviate and eliminate the problems relating to the known prior art. Especially the object of the invention is to provide a system and intelligent construction device for constructing an architectural object, such as buildings so that misreading or wrong using both of models describing the architectural object, as well as the construction devices used for constructing said object can be avoided.

The object of the invention can be achieved by the features of independent claims. The invention relates to a system for constructing an architectural object according to claim 1 . In addition the invention relates to an intelligent construction device according to claim 8, method for constructing an architectural object according to claim 1 5, and computer program products for constructing architectural object according to claims 1 7 and 1 8.

According to an embodiment of the invention a system for constructing an architectural object, such as a building, comprises a constructing application device for providing a model of at least part of said architectural object to be constructed. The constructing application device is advantageously implemented by a data processing machine, such as a computer or mobile phone with suitable data processor, memory and software, by which the model is provided or managed. It is to be noted that the constructing application device can either be used for planning and drawing a design of the object, or it can be configured to interpret the designs of the objects planned or drawn by some engineering software used by architects or other engineers and compile the engineering software code of the designs into a model managed then by the constructing application device.

The model advantageously comprises at least information describing the object or part of it, such as different types of building blocks like a casing of a window or door, electrical apparatus, pipes, etc. of which said building is to be constructed, or other information related e.g. to a certain location of the object, such as measurement or angle information, or depth information for a bore hole to be drilled or the like. In addition information may be identification information related to the building block, location of the building block in said object, and installation instruction, such as location, angle and distance information, as well as information related to an appropriate construction device, such as a drill, like information related to a suitable drill bit or blade and torque to be applied. In addition information may comprise warnings, such as warning of the electrical wires nearby the installation location.

Again it should be noted that the model may be a 2D or 3D model and in addition an interactive model, which (at least partly) can be modified both by the architect but also the constructor or other third party with appropriate rights. According to an embodiment the constructor may e.g. install a building block described by the model and in addition modify e.g. the installation information of the block to correspond realized installation parameter. Still according to an embodiment the construction device may be an intelligent construction device, which can measure at least one of the installation parameters realized and after installation communicate the realized installation parameter to the constructing application device, which then is configured to update or otherwise change the information related to said building block and thereby providing a documentation of the installation process. The system may also comprise a camera means, or according to an embodiment the intelligent construction device may comprise camera means so that at least portion of the installation process can be photographed or other kind of recorder (like a voice recorder or recorder recording other parameters, such as temperature, pressure, vibration, operational time or the like), send to the constructing application device and stored thereon as a documentation. Information may be stored into a database, for example. The documentation may be an automaticed process. In addition the system or the constructing application device for constructing an architectural object may also comprise a display device for displaying at least part of said model. According to an advantageous embodiment it also comprises means for communicating said information outside said constructing application device, most appropriately to the intelligent construction device. The communication method is advantageously implemented by a wireless communication method, such as by WLAN, Bluetooth, N FC, or RFID, but also any other method know by the skilled person may be applied. According to an embodiment the data communication is a bidirectional communication.

Furthermore the system advantageously comprises also an intelligent construction device, such as a tool, like a spirit level, drill or measuring device, however not limiting only to those. As an additional example the device may also be a camera having a visualising alignment feature implemented by the techniques described in this document, such as utilizing spirit level functionality. According to an embodiment the intelligent construction device is adapted to communicate with said constructing application device and receive information related to at least one building block to be installed for said object. The intelligent construction device advantageously comprises indication means adapted to indicate information related to installation of said building block, such as location at the store, location where to install said block, and especially to indicate installation instruction how to install said block. The indication means may be e.g. a display, light source like a LED or coloured lights, sound device, vibration means, or odour means, or the like stimulating at least one sense of the user, such as even a means inducing moderate electrical shocks. Anyhow the indication means is advantageously configured to give instant response to the user about the succeeding or course of the installation process and/or to give instruction to the user. In addition it is to be noted that the sound device may be configured to give both beeping sounds but also audible commands. According to an embodiment different kinds of audible commands or schemes can be downloaded to the construction device of the invention. Of course instruction schemes may also relate to other indication types than sounds or audible commands, such as e.g. different kinds of light/colour patterns or vibration schemes can be imagined to indicate different kinds of instructions or responses. Furthermore it is to be noted that according to an embodiment the sound device may comprise plurality of speakers or other audio outputting means, whereupon the sound device may be configured to output e.g. stereo or even 3D audio e.g. in order to instruct the user to use the device or indicating the current value of realisation of the installation parameter or the like.

According to an embodiment the intelligent construction device comprises measuring means for measuring the current value of realisation of the installation parameter either communicated to it or otherwise provide for it. The intelligent construction device may also comprise a controller for controlling the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means.

As an example the intelligent construction device being a device for visualising alignment, like a spirit level, is adapted to receive angle information related to a building block to be installed from the system or constructing application device. The spirit level advantageously comprises a predetermined structural plane for which said angle corresponding said received angle information is set. In addition the spirit level comprises also said indicating means, such as a light source or sound or vibration device or other indication means described in this document. The spirit level also comprises measuring means for measuring alignment of the device, as well as a controller for controlling the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means.

In controlling the indication means, advantageously at least one property indicated by the indication means depends on the relationship between the plane having the angle corresponding said received angle information and the direction of the gravitational force (or other direction determined). The indicated property may be e.g. an intensity maximum or minimum, colour change, blinking frequency of the light, figure or pattern, or vibration of at least one end of the elongated spirit level device. The indication means advantageously indicates the direction for which the spirit level should be inclined in order to achieve a desired angle (advantageously the angle communicated by the system via wireless communication means to the spirit level). According to an embodiment the sensibility of the measuring means for measuring the alignment and/or indication means may change during alteration so that smaller the difference between the desired angle and the current angle the more sensitive or accurate the measurement and/or indication is.

As another example the intelligent construction device being an intelligent drill the indication means may again comprise similar indication means depicted in this document elsewhere, such as coloured light sources and/or vibration means as well as measuring means for measuring at least one parameter related to said drilling process during drilling process. In addition the intelligent drill comprises a controller for controlling the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means, whereupon at least one property indicated by the indication means depends on the relationship between the receiving measurements from the measuring means and the corresponding information or parameter received before drilling process. The parameter for the drill may be e.g. an angle, drill bit, rotation speed, depth or the like, as an example, or other information related to a drilling process of the building block to be installed.

It is to be noted that according to an embodiment the spirit level may also be a virtual spirit level implemented by software, which displays e.g. an angle or other information related to a building block when "touching" an "image" of the building block of the model in the constructing application device. The "touching" may be implemented by choosing the image of the building block on the screen or by other ways for selecting icons on the screen know by the skilled person.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an intelligent construction device for visualising alignment of the device (like an optical bubble level device or an equilibrium device), which comprises a predetermined structural plane; a first light source; measuring means for measuring alignment of the device and a controller for controlling the first light source in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means. Intensity of the first light source depends on relationship between the predetermined structural plane and the direction of the gravitational force. In one embodiment, the intensity minimum or maximum of the first light source and/or a certain colour or blinking effect is achieved when the predetermined structural plane is either a) perpendicular to the direction of the gravitational force, b) parallel to the direction of the gravitational force, or c) in other angle to the direction of the gravitational force. The device may further comprise a second light source, wherein the controller is configured to control the intensity, colour or blinking effect of the second light source based on a deviation function. The device may comprise input means for receiving input from a user, the input comprising an angle set by the user, wherein the controller is configured to select a control function based on the user input and to control the first and/or second light source(s) based on the selected control function.

According to an embodiment the building blocks may comprise ID tag with e.g. installation information. The ID tag may be e.g. an RFID tag, whereupon the intelligent construction device advantageously comprises RFID reader for reading said RFI D tag of the building block and means for receiving and displaying said information. In addition the intelligent construction device may receive installation information from the RFID tag related to the building block (or receive installation information from the system based on the I D information of the RFID tag related to said block), set it for the desired installation parameter and use said installation information for controlling the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means for measuring the current value of realisation of the installation parameter. In addition the intelligent construction device may then communicate said ID information and installation parameters of said building block to the system or constructing application device as illustrated elsewhere in this document. Again it is to be noted that the RFID tag is only one example of the information storage related to the building block and also other information storages know from the prior art can be used, such as NFC technology, bar code, 2D bar code or the like. The intelligent construction device advantageously comprises means for transferring information related to the installation process to the system, such as confirm that the installation is completed, ID information of the worker and/or the building block installed, time stamp and the installation parameters, such as the realized angle, distance, location, photograph, etc. Thus the system may update a stock accounting in a real time when receiving installation information from the intelligent construction device that the building block is installed, as well as provide a documentation even in real time. Advantageously the communication between the system or constructing application device and intelligent construction device is bidirectional, whereupon also the user of the construction device may give hints, feedback, instructions or other information to the architect via said communication links and constructing application device. The data communication means may be implemented by the known technique as depicted in this document elsewhere.

According to an embodiment the system (but possibly also the intelligent construction device) comprises a user interface means adapted to receive manipulation commands for manipulating models of the constructing application device, such as adding, deleting and modifying the models and associating information related to said models, such as identification information related to said building block, location of said building block in said object, and installation instruction or realized installation parameter, such as location, angle, distance, torque or tool used for installation.

According to an embodiment the system comprises a database having ID information of said building blocks as well as status information related to said building blocks, such as whether it has been installed, installation parameters, time stamp and worker installed said building block. The database is advantageously arranged to provide any of said information e.g. to the workers, supplier of the building blocks or parties responding about the logistic of the building blocks as well as other observers and third parties having appropriate rights. The intelligent construction device may also have a learning ability (machine learning implemented e.g. by algorithms and other machine learning techniques known as such from the prior art relating to the machine learning) whereupon it can be used for an intelligent feedback. This means that for example by repeating measurements the intelligent construction device learns to indicate the success of the measurement by changing a modulating function of the indication means, such as an optical output so that the device adjusts to user's measuring style. The intelligent construction device may be provided by an exemplary device using style, whereupon the device compares the current use of the device to the exemplary style and give feedback to the user via an indication means if there are any deviations between the realized installation parameters to the desired ones and/or when the using of the device was correct. According to the invention the intelligent construction device can be used to teach the user to avoid e.g. systematic errors or misusing of the device or otherwise change his habits to use the device. The present invention offers advantages over the known prior art, such as making comprehensive construction planning and implementation possible. In addition the invention allows communication of information related to the construction process bidirectional, so information can be communicated from the system to the intelligent construction device (from architect to constructor) but also from the intelligent construction device to the system (from constructor to architect), whereupon both parties may learn practices of each others. In addition the system makes it possible to provide intelligent feedback for each party of the process as well as a documentation of each step of the process, whereupon the system allows very easy and convenient way to control e.g. quality and fulfilling of different standards even in real time.

The intelligent construction device is easy to use and read and furthermore the intelligent construction device can learn the habits of the user and teach him to use the tool correctly or similarly as done in an exemplary using (information of the exemplary use is provided for the device, which then compares the realized use with the example in its memory). In addition the system of the invention makes possible the logistical management when the supplier of the building blocks, for example, may have information about the progress of the building process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Next the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in accordance with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a principle of an exemplary system for constructing an architectural object according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary intelligent construction device according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,

Figure 3A illustrates another exemplary intelligent construction device, namely a spirit level, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and 3B illustrates still another exemplary intelligent construction device, namely another spirit level, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRI PTION

Figure 1 illustrates a principle of an exemplary system 1 00 for constructing an architectural object according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, where the system comprises a constructing application device 1 01 configured to communicate with an intelligent construction device 200, such as an intelligent spirit level 200a or an intelligent drill 200b. The constructing application device comprises advantageously a processor with a memory means 1 02 or other suitable data processing means adapted to provide a model 1 03 of the architectural object to be constructed. The model can be created e.g. by a user input means 1 04 and suitable planning software of the constructing application device, or the constructing application device may interpret and compile (by memory and data processing means 1 02) a model already created beforehand e.g. by some engineering software and thereby provide said model 1 03.

Advantageously the user interface means 1 04 are adapted to receive manipulation commands for manipulating models of the constructing application device, such as adding, deleting and modifying the models and associating information related to said models, such as identification information related to said building block, location of said building block in said object, and installation instruction, like location, angle or distance or the like as well as instructions about the intelligent construction device to be used and how it should be used.

The constructing application device is advantageously configured to couple the model with instruction information and other parameters relating to building blocks of which the object described by the model is to be constructed. This is advantageously implemented via an ID code in a database 1 05, where said ID code couples e.g. the building block with different kinds of information, such as installation instruction of said building block, like location, angle and distance, or tools to be used for installing said building block or warnings related to the installation procedure. The model may be an interactive model, whereupon the constructing application device is configured to receive information related e.g. to the building blocks from the user interface 1 04 and/or from the intelligent construction device, and update the information into the database. In addition the system may comprise a display 1 06 for displaying at least part of the model 1 03. The system also comprises a communication means 1 07 for communicating the information related to the model 1 03 (such as information of the building blocks and installation information of those) outside the constructing application device 1 01 . The communication means 1 07 are advantageously implemented by wireless technology known from the prior art. According to an embodiment the communication means 1 07 are capable for bidirectional communication and thereby also able to receive information related e.g. to the installation process from the intelligent construction device 200. In the system 1 00 the intelligent construction device 200 is adapted to communicate with the constructing application device via said communication means 1 07 of the system and receive information related to at least one building block to be installed for said object.

It is to be noted that at least part of the system or at least the constructing application device can be implemented by a suitable computer program product, whereupon the computer program is adapted to provide a model and control the communication between the constructing application device and the intelligent construction device. In addition it is to be noted that said constructing application device, as well as the corresponding computer program can be run on an appropriate data processing means 1 02, such as on a computer or mobile data processing means, such as a mobile phone or the like.

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary intelligent construction device 200 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention to be used in the system 1 00 described in Figure 1 . The intelligent construction device 200 comprises a communication means 201 adapted to communicate with the constructing application device 1 01 or another outer application device and especially to receive information related to at least one building block to be installed for the object. The communication means 201 may also have RFID reading ability or the like. The device may also comprise a user interface means 207 via which the user can input commands, such as input a desired angle or other parameter that he wants to use or otherwise control the functioning of the device.

In addition the intelligent construction device 200 comprises an indication means 202 adapted to indicate information related to installation of said building block. The indication means 201 may be e.g. a display, light source, coloured lights, sound device, vibration means, odour means or the like manipulating at least one sense of the user in order to indicate information related to an installation of said building block. The indication may be e.g. arrows or other illustrative signals or notes for instructing installation, coloured or blinking light, or light having changing intensity, beeping vs. continuous sound or vibration having changing amplitude and/or frequency, for example.

The intelligent construction device comprises also measuring means 203 for measuring the current value of realisation of the installation parameter, such as an angle, position or depth. It may also have GPS or other position measuring ability. The device 200 comprises also a controller 204 (or other data processor advantageously provided with a memory) for controlling the means of the device, such as receiving and analysing said measuring data from the measuring means 203 and thereby controlling the indication means 201 in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means.

The intelligent construction device includes also intelligence, which can be achieved by a learning capacity. The learning ability is implemented advantageously by programming the device and using methods of machine learning. This means that for example by repeating measurements the intelligent construction device learns to indicate the success of the measurement by changing the modulating function of the indication means, such as an optical output so that the device adjusts to user's measuring style. For this the intelligent construction device may also comprise the data processor and memory means 204 provided with an exemplary measuring style, and acceleration sensors 205 for determining orientation and motion of the device (and/or other means for determining the use of the device, like 203) and compare it to the exemplary measuring style, as well as to compare the realized installation parameters to the desired ones and to give feedback to the user via an indication means if there are any deviations between the realized installation parameters to the desired ones. It is to be noted that at least part of the functionality of the intelligent construction device can be implemented by a suitable computer program product, whereupon the computer program is adapted receive information related to at least one building block to be installed for the object and control the indication of said information related to the installation of the building block. In addition the computer program can be adapted to measure the current value of realisation of the installation parameter and thereby control the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means. Figure 3A illustrates an exemplary intelligent construction device 200, namely a device for visualising alignment, like a spirit level 200a, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The spirit level 200a advantageously comprises communication means 201 for receiving for example angle information related to a building block to be installed, as well as also possible other means 202-205 described above in connection with the Figure 2.

The spirit level 200a also has a predetermined structural plane 206 for which the angle corresponding the received angle information may be set for. The measuring means 203 is adapted to measure alignment of the spirit level and can be implemented e.g. by an acceleration means 205 or the like, for example. In addition spirit level 200a comprises also a controller 204 for controlling the indication means 202 in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means 203. The controller 204 is configured to control at least one property indicated by the indication means 202 depending on the relationship between the plane having the angle corresponding said received angle information and the direction of the gravitational force or other determined direction. The indication means may be e.g. a display displaying arrows or other symbols, or light source having changeable intensity, colour, or blinking frequency or other figure or pattern. Also other indication means described in this document may be applied.

The communication means 201 of the spirit level may be bidirectional, whereupon it may transfer information e.g. to the system 1 00, such as information related to the installation process, like confirm that the installation is completed, ID information of the worker and/or the building block installed, time stamp and the installation parameters, such as the realized angle, distance, location, etc., whereafter the system may update the information to the database. This has the advantage that all the parties involved into the construction process can be in touch with the construction process in time.

The data processing means with a memory 204 can be used for storing received information but also information related to the installation process and the use or way of using the device as well as information related to exemplary use of the device or educational information to use said device. In addition the data processing means 204 can be used for comparing the measured information related to the use or way of using the spirit level and exemplary use of the device or educational information to use said device. According to an embodiment the means of the intelligent construction device can be used for controlling the indication means to tutoring or instructing the user to use the device correspondingly with said exemplary educational information or with exemplary use of the device, such as the spirit level 200a.

As can be seen from the Figure 3A the indication means 202 indicates with the arrows that the spirit level should be tilted into clockwise direction. As an example the light sources 202 above the arrows may be configured to blink e.g. slower when closing on the desired angle and stop to blink (illuminating continuously) when the desired angle is just realized. In other exemplary embodiment the colour of the light sources may change e.g. one by one from the red to green when closing on the desired angle and when the desired angle is just realized all the lights are green. However, it is to be noted that these indications are only example and naturally also other variations of figures, like arrows, and blinking, intensity or colour variations or other sense manipulating effects can be applied.

Figure 3B illustrates still another exemplary intelligent construction device, namely another spirit level 200b, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, even though the functionality and especially control function described in connection with the spirit level 200b can be applied also with other intelligent construction devices described in this document elsewhere.

The device 200b comprises a controller 204 which is connected to a measuring means 203. The measuring means are implemented e.g. with one or more acceleration sensors 205 or with any other component that express orientation of the device. The device includes a predetermined structural plane 206 which acts as a reference plane for the measurements. The predetermined structural plane may be a straight outer surface of the device or e.g. a certain plane in the device geometry. The controller 204 is configured to control an indication means 202, such as a first light source 202a in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means 203. At least one feature of the indication means, such as colour or intensity of the first light source 202a depends on relationship between the predetermined structural plane and the direction of the gravitational force or other direction set. The first light source 202a is e.g. a lamp or a led lamp. It is however to be noted that the indication means 202a may also be another indication means 202 described in this document elsewhere that the light source.

In one embodiment, a certain colour or the maximum intensity of the first light source 202a is achieved when the predetermined structural plane is perpendicular to the direction of the gravitational force or other determined direction. The intensity of the first light source 202a grows or colour changes or otherwise appears when approaching the situation in which the predetermined structural plane is perpendicular to the direction of the gravitational force or other direction.

It is possible to adjust the sensitivity of the indication means, such as intensity near the 90 degree angle (or other angle) between the plane and the direction of the gravitational force e.g. based on the following function:

Y =k^* χ^Λη, 0<x<g, where parameter n can be used to reduce the sensitivity range (the larger n is, the smaller is the sensitivity range). Parameter k is chosen so that at x = g the maximum intensity of the first light source is achieved.

In another embodiment, the minimum intensity of the first light source 202a is achieved or other colour is changed or appeared when the predetermined structural plane is perpendicular to the direction of the gravitational force or other direction. The intensity of the first light source 202a reduces when approaching the situation in which the predetermined structural plane is perpendicular to the direction of the gravitational force. It is possible to adjust the sensitivity of the intensity near the 90 degree angle (or other angle) between the plane and the direction of the gravitational force or other direction e.g. based on the following function:

Y = k^*(g-x)^An, 0<x<g, where parameter n can be used to reduce the sensitivity range (the larger n is, the smaller is the sensitivity range). Parameter k is chosen so that at x = 0 the maximum intensity of the first light source is achieved. In practice and according to an embodiment this means that at the 90 degree angle between the predetermined structural plane and the direction of the gravitational force the first light source 202a is off.

In one embodiment of Figure 3B, the intensity minimum or maximum of the first light source 202a or a certain colour or other effect is achieved when the predetermined structural plane is parallel to the direction of the gravitational force or other direction determined. In yet another embodiment, the device 200b may include a second light source 202b that is also controlled by the controller 204 based on a deviation function. The purpose of the second light source 202b is to express the amount of deviation from a desired situation. For example, let's assume that the intensity of the first light source 202a is at maximum or a certain colour is applied when the predetermined structural plane is perpendicular to the direction of the gravitational force or other direction. The usage of the second light source 202b may be inverse to the first light source 202a. When the angle between the predetermined structural plane and the direction of the gravitational force (or other direction) is way of 90 degrees, the second light source 202b reaches its maximum intensity or applies another colour. Near the 90 degree angle the second light source 202b starts to lose its intensity (or changing colour) and when the angle is exactly 90 degrees, the second light source 202b is off or it applies another colour. A simultaneous use of two light sources provides an easy tool to find the exact point for the 90 degree angle.

In one embodiment, the controller 204 controls the intensity of the light source so that the sensitivity is as high as possible. This means e.g. that the light source remains turned off until the angle is very close to e.g. 90 degrees between the plane and the direction of the gravitational force (or other direction). Only within e.g. the last two degrees the light starts to slightly glow and finally reaches its maximum intensity at 90 degrees. It is to be noticed that the changing parameter may also be a colour in blinking frequency or the like behalf on the intensity. In one embodiment, the user may be able to adjust the sensitivity of the first light source 202a and/or the second light source 202b by selecting a control function to be used or otherwise indicating the level of sensitivity.

A skilled person appreciates that the above functions used to control and adjust the sensitivity of the light source or sources (or other indication means) are only non-limiting examples of possible functions that can be used. A common factor for all possible functions is that the intensity, colour or other feature of the light source is proportional to the predetermined structural plane and the gravitational force (or other determined direction).

According to an embodiment the device may further comprise an input means 207 connected advantageously to a controller 204. A user of the device 200a, 200b is able to input a desired angle that he wants to use. In one embodiment, the angle may be any angle e.g. between 0 and 90 degrees. The input means 207 may also be implemented e.g. with one or more switches, where each switch is labelled with a different angle. For example, a first switch may indicate 0 degrees, a second switch 45 degrees and the third switch 90 degrees. Yet in another embodiment, the user may be able to input any angle e.g. between 0 and 90 degrees e.g. with one or more buttons, touch screen or the like. In one embodiment, the device may also include a display that displays the angle input by the user or other indication means.

The controller 204 selects an appropriate control function based on the user input. The control function refers to a predetermined function that is used to control the indication means, such as a first light source 202a and possibly also an optional second light source 202b based on the measurements received from measuring means 203 and the selection with the input means 207. The indicated feature of the indication means, such as an intensity of the light source(s) is proportional to the predetermined structural plane and the gravitational force (or other direction). In one embodiment, the user may be able to adjust the sensitivity of the indication means, such as the light source or light sources by selecting a control function to be used or otherwise indicating the level of sensitivity.

The controller 204 of the intelligent construction devices may comprise an internal memory that includes program code that includes also one or more control functions and other instructions to be executed by the controller. In another embodiment, the intelligent construction devices may include a separate memory connected to the controller. The memory includes program code that includes also one or more control functions and other instructions to be executed by the controller. It is to be noted that e.g. the device 200b (as well as also 200b) may function independently from e.g. the system 1 00 or the constructing application device 1 01 , since the installation parameters can be inputted via the input means 207. However, also the device 200b may be provided with data communication means 201 for communicating with the system 1 00 or the constructing application device 1 01 and thereby receiving e.g. installation information via said communication link 201 . It is however to be noticed that any of the intelligent construction devices described in this document may similarly function independently from e.g. the system 1 00 or the constructing application device 1 01 if having the input means 207 via which the installation parameters can be inputted.

The invention has been explained above with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, and several advantages of the invention have been demonstrated. It is clear that the invention is not only restricted to these embodiments, but comprises all possible embodiments within the spirit and scope of the inventive thought and the following patent claims. For example it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments are for exemplary purposes, as many variations of the specific hardware used to implement the exemplary embodiments are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the hardware and/or software art(s). For example, the functionality of one or more of the components of the exemplary embodiments can be implemented via one or more hardware and/or software devices. It is e.g. evident that the device needs a power source for its operation.

All or a portion of the exemplary embodiments can be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose processors, microprocessors, digital signal processors, micro-controllers, and the like, programmed according to the teachings of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the computer and/or software art(s). Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of ordinary skill based on the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the software art.

As a conclusion, based on careful 2D or 3D modelling of the architect's plan, this model can be transferred to the intelligent construction devices, such as the spirit level or the drill. The construction worker can see with the device, how the building process evolves and get hints about what to do next. The intelligence of the devices can be packaged to the devices e.g. by programming. The intelligent construction devices may also be programmed to learn from mistakes by utilising the methods of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The intelligent construction devices may also indicate via indication means, such as optically and/or by using text, when the measurement or other piece of constructing work is correct.

In addition it is to be noted that even if only few intelligent construction devices, such as a visualising alignment device like a spirit level, drill, or measuring device, are described in this document, also other construction devices may naturally be provided with the intelligence and functionality of the exemplary intelligent construction devices described in this document. For example a camera may comprise a visualising alignment feature implemented by the techniques described in this document, such as utilizing spirit level functionality. According to an example the camera may communicate with the system and receive angle information at which the image should be taken and comprising indicating means indicating to the photographer when the tilting angle of the camera is parallel to the received angle. Furthermore as an additional embodiment also some intelligent construction devices may be integrated with each other, such as the spirit level described elsewhere in this document may also be provided with a distance measurement means, such as a laser distance measurement means, which may be configured to communicate with the system or constructing application device as other intelligent construction devices described in this document. The distance measurement means advantageously comprises also any indication means similarly as other intelligent construction devices described elsewhere in this document. Of course it is to be noted that the distance measurement means may be integrated also with other type of the intelligent construction devices, such as the drill, or it can be an independent intelligent construction device.

Claims

1 . A system for constructing an architectural object, such as a building, wherein the system comprises:

- constructing application device comprising

o a model of at least part of said architectural object to be constructed, said model comprising instruction information relating to at least two different types of building blocks of which said object is to be constructed, such as identification information related to said building block, location of said building block in said object, and installation instruction, o a communication means for communicating said information outside said constructing application device, and

- intelligent construction device adapted to communicate with said constructing application device and receive information related to at least one building block of said two different types of building blocks to be installed for said object, where said intelligent construction device comprises indication means adapted to indicate information related to installation of said at least one building block.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein said information related to installation relates to at least one installation parameter, and wherein the intelligent construction device comprises measuring means for measuring the current value of realisation of said installation parameter and a controller for controlling the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means.

3. The system according to any previous claims, wherein the intelligent construction device is a device for visualising alignment, like a spirit level, adapted to receive angle information related to a building block to be installed, comprising:

- a predetermined structural plane for which said angle corresponding said received angle information is set;

- an indicating means, such as a light, sound or vibration source;

- measuring means for measuring alignment of the device;

- a controller for controlling the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means;

- wherein at least one property indicated by said indication means depends on the relationship between the plane having the angle corresponding said received angle information and the direction of the gravitational force.

4. The system according to any of claims 1 -3, wherein the intelligent construction device is a drilling device adapted to receive information/parameter related to a drilling process of the building block to be installed, comprising:

- an indicating means, such as a light, sound or vibration source;

- measuring means for measuring at least one parameter related to said drilling process during drilling process;

- wherein at least one property indicated by said indication means depends on the relationship between the receiving measurements from the measuring means and corresponding information/parameter received before drilling process.

5. The system according to any previous claims, wherein the intelligent construction device comprises means for transferring information to the system related to the installation process, such as confirm that the installation is completed, ID information of the worker and/or the building block installed, time stamp and the installation parameters, such as the realized angle, distance, location, etc.

6. The system according to any previous claims, wherein the system comprises a user interface means adapted to receive manipulation commands for manipulating models of the constructing application device, such as adding, deleting and modifying the models and associating information related to said models, such as identification information related to said building block, location of said building block in said object, and installation instruction.

7. The system according to any previous claims, wherein the system comprises a database having ID information of said building blocks as well as status information related to said building blocks, such as whether it has been installed, installation parameters, time stamp and worker installed said building block, wherein said database is arranged to provide any of said information e.g. to the workers, supplier of the building blocks as well as other observers.

8. An intelligent construction device for constructing an architectural object, such as a device for visualising alignment, drill, or measuring device, wherein the intelligent construction device comprises:

- a receiving means adapted to receive information related to at least one building block to be installed for the object,

- measuring means for measuring the current value of realisation of the installation and/or the use of the intelligent construction device, and

- an indication means adapted to indicate information related to installation of said building block and/or use of the intelligent construction device in relation to said current value measured by said measuring means.

9. The intelligent construction device according to claim 8, wherein the intelligent construction device comprises:

- a communication means adapted to communicate with the application device having of at least part of said architectural object to be constructed, said model comprising instruction information relating to building blocks of which said object is to be constructed, such as identification information related to said building block, location of said building block in said object, and installation instruction,

- memory for storing received information related to the installation process and/or the use or way of using the device as well as information related to exemplary educational information to use said device,

- measuring means for measuring the current value of realisation of the installation parameter, and/or

- means for comparing said measured information related to the use or way of using the device and exemplary educational information to use said device and means for controlling the indication means to instructing the user to use the device correspondingly with said exemplary educational information.

1 0. The intelligent construction device according to claim 8-9, wherein said indication means is at least one of the following: display for displaying installation information or instruction, light source with colour changing, blinking and/or intensity chancing ability, sound device, vibration means, and/or electrical shocking means.

1 1 . The intelligent construction device according to claim 8-1 0, wherein said information relates to at least one installation parameter, and wherein the intelligent construction device comprises measuring means for measuring the current value of realisation of said installation parameter and a controller for controlling the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means.

12. The intelligent construction device according to claim 8-1 1 , wherein the device is provided with a learning ability implemented by a machine learning technique to learn using styles of the users via repeating measurements.

13. The intelligent construction device according to claim 8-1 2, wherein the device comprises means for controlling the sensibility of the measuring means for measuring the current value of realisation of the installation parameter and/or controlling the sensibility of the indication means during the use of the device so that e.g. nearer the current value is with the desired value the more sensitive or accurate the measurement and/or indication is.

14. A intelligent construction device for visualising alignment, said intelligent construction device comprising :

- a predetermined structural plane,

- a first light source,

- measuring means for measuring alignment of the device,

- a controller for controlling intensity of the first light source in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means,

- wherein intensity of the first light source depends on the relationship between the predetermined structural plane and the direction of the gravitational force.

15. A method for constructing an architectural object, such as building, wherein the method comprises:

- providing a model of at least part of said architectural object to be constructed, said model comprising instruction information relating to building blocks of which said object is to be constructed, such as identification information related to said building block, location of said building block in said object, and installation instruction,

- communicating said information for a intelligent construction device, and, - indicating with said intelligent construction device at least part of said information related to installation of said building block.

1 6. The method of claim 1 5, wherein said information related to installation relates to at least one installation parameter, and wherein the intelligent construction device comprises measuring means for measuring the current value of realisation of said installation parameter and a controller for controlling the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means.

17. A computer program product for constructing an architectural object, such as buildings, wherein the computer program is adapted to:

- providing a model of at least part of said architectural object to be constructed, said model comprising instruction information relating to building blocks of which said object is to be constructed, such as identification information related to said building block, location of said building block in said object, and installation instruction, and

- communicating said information for a intelligent construction device in order to indicate with said intelligent construction device at least part of said information related to installation of said building block, when said computer program product is run on a data processing means.

18. A computer program product for controlling the intelligent construction device of any of claims 8-1 3 for constructing architectural object, such as buildings, wherein the computer program is adapted to:

- receive information related to at least one building block to be installed for the object,

- indicate said information related to installation of said building block,

- and where said information relates to at least one installation parameter, measure the current value of realisation of said installation parameter and control the indication means in response to receiving measurements from the measuring means,

when said computer program product is run on said intelligent construction device.