Patent Application
20190220759
N/A
The invention relates to Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software, including allowing a user to set “desirability”, or search criteria, for GIS data.
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to embodiments of the claimed inventions.
For purposes of selecting a building site for a construction project, regions such as counties, townships, or boroughs, are typically subdivided into neighborhoods, with addresses assigned to specific property parcels. When subdividing a region into one or more property parcels for the purpose of selecting one or more parcels as the site for a building project, numerous factors are usually considered.
Commonly employed techniques for building site selection are considerably lacking in sophistication. In many cases, selection is done by hand, on paper, in an office. In some cases, professional staff is employed to site building projects using commercial, off-the-shelf Geographic Information System (GIS) software. ArcGIS, a GIS software tool available from Esri, of Redlands, Calif., is an example of such software.
Even with GIS software, building site selection is a lengthy, resource-intensive, trial-and-error process that inherently results in inefficiencies and a multitude of errors. The typical approach requires highly-skilled GIS technicians who possess both technical proficiency and understand nuances of local laws, federal laws, zoning requirements, etc. In order to select a building site, GIS technicians might overlay a variety of geographic layers (e.g., legislative boundaries, school districts, sanitary districts, etc.) while at the same time mentally balancing other competing considerations. The trial-and-error process is challenging given the many dimensions that GIS technicians need to consider simultaneously.
At the end of the day, the advent of GIS software has not changed the building site selection process much. What is needed is an improved product and process by which to select a building site for a construction project.
A system selects a geographic region, e.g., a state, a region, a sub-region, a neighborhood, an area, etc., in which to locate a building site, whether for a home, multi-family dwellings, commercial real estate, a campus, or factories, etc. The system allows for selection of one or more factors to consider in selecting a building site, and the receiving of input to select a range of values for one or more of the selected factor(s). A map is displayed on a display screen depicting each of a plurality geographic regions in a manner that indicates a relative score for a building site in the geographic region based on the selected factor(s) and the selected range of values for the one or more of the selected factor(s). User input is received to subdivide one of the plurality of geographic regions into a plurality of geographic sub-regions, and the map redisplayed on the display screen depicting each of the plurality geographic sub-regions in a manner that indicates the relative score for a building site in the geographic sub-region based on the selected factor(s) and the selected range of values for the one or more of the selected factor(s). User input is received to display on the display screen a plurality of property parcels for or within one of the plurality of geographic sub-regions, and to select one or more of the displayed plurality of property parcels on which to perform a function. For example, user input is received to subdivide the parcels, and the system re-evaluates the resulting subdivision based on the criteria marked by the user, in the local, sub-regional, regional, national, and global scales.
Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, and can be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the figures in which:
Embodiments of the invention relate to a building site selection software tool. In one embodiment, the tool is a decision-making and property parcel-identification software tool that automates the building site selection process for a given project through a web-based interface. Embodiments of the invention solve the problem of finding the optimum site to develop a building project, based on multiple internal and external sources of data related to building development.
Embodiments of the invention have access to a database that stores therein a number of generative, or building, design rules. In the embodiments, software instructions that when executed by the processor cause the system to generate a building project design based on the generative design rules. In one embodiment, the generative design rules limit the building project design to a subset of possible permutations. In one embodiment, and with reference to
In one embodiment, a computer system, having a processor and a memory therein, executes software instructions to cause the system to generate a building project design based on the generative design rules, including to select a range of values for one or more of the selected building design rules, such as selecting a subset of the building elements, and combine the selected subset of building elements according to the generative design rules into the building project design. In one embodiment, the software instructions that when executed by the processor cause the system to select a subset of the building elements further cause the system, using processing logic 102, to receive user input via the UI to select the subset of building elements.
The described embodiments of the invention may make use of building elements and building element interfaces. Embodiments of the invention synthesize a building, in part or in whole, by combining (or configuring) a set of pre-fabricated building elements with specified building element interfaces using building design rules. The building elements can be configured in different combinations to create a large number of possible building permutations. These various permutations create buildings with a wide range of appearance and functionality, giving the occupant the experience of a custom design based on a standard set of building elements. The specific building design rules limit the possible ways building elements may be combined. For example, the building design rules may anticipate a series of potential options that tree and branch from the circulation of the building. Circulation, in the field of architecture, refers to the way people move through and interact with a building. For example, the circulation of a garden style apartment could be interpreted as climbing stairs to a landing, entering the apartment unit through an entry door into the apartment entry way.
One embodiment of the invention contemplates building elements of fixed dimensions which limit the possible synthesizable building solution space. One embodiment is simplified if the dependencies of a bill of materials (BOM) of a parametric building element automatically adjusts to the changes in parameters, e.g., if the dimensions of a kitchen expand then the placement of the fixtures in that kitchen automatically adjust to the expanded dimension.
In one embodiment, the software instructions that when executed by the processor cause the system to combine the selected subset of building elements according to the generative design rules into the building project design cause the system to combine the selected subset of building elements according to the generative design rules into a proposed building project design. The embodiment then evaluates a number of geometric relationships between the combined selected subset of building elements in the proposed building project design as acceptable according to a set of criteria selected, and identify the proposed building project design as the final building project design based on the evaluation of the geometric relationships between the combined selected subset of building elements in the proposed building project design as acceptable according to the set of criteria. In such an embodiment, the system may receive user input via the UI to select the geometries of building elements and geometric relationships between or among building elements at 102.
Thus, as described above, embodiments of the invention gather and store information about the particulars of building construction in a database, then use that information with a set of algorithms to generate designs, details, and/or specifications for each part of the building construction supply chain. Embodiments of the invention then evaluate the generated design, for example, against a fitness function, wherein the fitness function is a mathematical function of the various metrics discussed earlier (install cost, install time, constructability, energy usage/sustainability, structural/loading analysis, return on investment). Through the use of an optimization algorithm, the design, detailing, and specification parameters converge to an optimum set of parameters for a building location, time, budget, energy use, and/or other constraints.
With reference again to
One embodiment of the invention allows for weighting of one or more of the selected user-based factors. So, for example, if two user-based factors, such as a desired geographic region and schedule for building, are selected, the embodiment receives input that may weight one factor at greater than the other factor. In another embodiment, if more than two user-based factors (UFn) are selected, user input is received for at least UFn-1 user-based factors and the embodiment then weights the n selected user-based factors accordingly.
Processing logic at 104 further receives input to select a range of values for one or more of the selected user-based factors to consider in selecting a building site. In one embodiment, the input is received from a user, for example, via a keyboard or mouse, and/or in the absence of such the embodiment relies on machine input to select the range of values for one or more of the selected user-based factors to consider in selecting a building site. In another embodiment, an initial or default range is configured for each selected user-based factor by the system.
For example, with reference to
In one embodiment, a processor 802 executes software instructions 822 to perform the method 900. A storage device 831 accessible by the processor stores a database, and the database, in one embodiment, stores therein information regarding a building products information model (PIM), the PIM comprising a number of building products that are available for installation and/or meet certain criteria for inclusion in the building project. The database further stores therein a building information model (BIM) for the building project, the BIM comprising another number of building products that may be available for installation and/or may meet certain criteria for inclusion in the building project. A BIM in one embodiment is a digital representation of a 3D-based model of and corresponding process for a facility. The BIM gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals insight and tools to plan, design, construct, and manage the physical and functional characteristics of the facility, whether a building, an infrastructure project, or a place.
Building information modeling (BIM) involves representing a design as one or more combinations of objects, which may be vague and undefined, generic or product-specific, solid shapes, or void-space oriented (like the shape of a room), that include their geometry, relations and attributes. BIM-based design tools allow creating different views for a building project for drawing production and other uses. These different views are automatically consistent, being based on a single definition of each object instance. BIM based software may also defines objects parametrically. That is, the objects are defined as parameters and relations to other objects, so that if a related object is amended, dependent ones will automatically also change. Each BIM object can include attributes for selecting and ordering them automatically, providing cost estimates, and for material tracking and ordering, among other attributes.
The database further stores therein probability distributions for any number of random variables corresponding to building process elements. A building process element may, for example, include a building element cost, a building element availability and lead time, a building element manufacturing cost, a building element manufacturing time, a building element installation cost, a building element installation time, building element transportation cost, building element transportation time, building element sustainability, building element reliability, building element structural loading capacity.
In one embodiment, software instructions 822 executed by the processor 862 cause the system at 905 to select one or more of the random variables (y1, y2, . . . yn) on which the building construction process metric (X) is a dependent random variable (X (y1, y2, . . . yn)). In other words, the embodiment causes the system to select one or more random variables, and the construction process metric is a function of the selected one or more random variables. In one embodiment, a user interface (UI) 810 receives input from a user that the system uses to select the one or more random variables. The input may be received from a user, for example, via a user interface slider mechanism. In another embodiment, the system automatically selects by software the one or more random variables. At 910, software automatically assigns a value range to each selected random variable. In another embodiment, the UI 810 receives input from a user to assign the value range to a selected random variable. The input may be received from a user, for example, via a user interface slider mechanism.
The software instructions then cause the system to obtain from the database that stores probability distributions for the random variables a probability distribution for each selected random variable, at 915. In one embodiment, the probability distribution is based on its assigned value range.
At 920, the software instructions cause the system to determine a variance in the probability distribution for the building construction process metric based on a calculation involving the assigned value, and the obtained probability distribution, for each selected random variable. For example, the system determines a variance in probability distribution for time to completion (TTC) based on the calculation TTC=T1+T2+T3+T4.
In one embodiment, the system checks whether the variance exceeds the maximum target value, at 925. When the determined variance does in fact exceed the maximum target variance, the software instructions cause the system to adjust the value assigned to at least one of the selected random variables and/or select a new one or more of the plurality of random variables on which the building construction process metric is a dependent random variable, at 930, and then repeat the process described above, beginning at 915: obtain a new probability distribution for each newly selected random variable (e.g., based on its adjusted assigned value), and determine a new variance in the probability distribution for the construction process metric based on a new calculation involving the adjusted assigned value, and the obtained new probability distribution, for each newly selected random variable based on its adjusted assigned value. The embodiment continues in this manner until the system determines a variance in the probability distribution for the construction process metric that does not exceed the maximum target variance.
With reference to
One embodiment of the invention allows for weighting of one or more of the selected geographic-based factors. So, for example, if two geographic-based factors, such as median income and job growth, are selected, the embodiment receives input that may weight one factor at greater than 50% and the then weights the other factor correspondingly less than 50%. In another embodiment, if more than two geographic-based factors (GFn) are selected, user input is received for at least GFn-1 geographic-based factors and the embodiment then weights the n selected geographic-based factors accordingly.
Processing logic at 110 further receives input to select a range of values for one or more of the selected geographic-based factors to consider in selecting a building site. In one embodiment, the input is received from a user, for example, via a keyboard or mouse, and/or in the absence of such the embodiment relies on machine input to select the range of values for one or more of the selected geographic-based factors to consider in selecting a building site. In another embodiment, an initial or default range is configured for each selected geographic-based factor by the system.
According to an embodiment, with reference to
With reference to
Further with respect to
As can be seen by comparing the map displays illustrated in
With reference to
Thus, embodiments of the invention provide for a system and method of selecting a geographic region, or sub-region therein, for a building site for a construction project, including receiving input to select one or more factors to consider in selecting a building site. receiving input to select a range of values for one or more of the selected factor(s), displaying a map depicting each of a plurality geographic regions in a manner that indicates a relative score for a building site in the geographic region based on the selected factor(s) and the selected range of values for the one or more of the selected factor(s), receiving user input to subdivide one of the plurality of geographic regions into a plurality of geographic sub-regions, and redisplaying the map depicting each of the plurality geographic sub-regions in a manner that indicates the relative score for a building site in the geographic sub-region based on the selected factor(s) and the selected range of values for the one or more of the selected factor.
The process described above with reference to
Given the above embodiments of the invention, a user, according to further embodiments of the invention, is then able to receive user input to display a plurality of property parcels for or within one of the plurality of geographic sub-regions, and receive user input to select one or more of the displayed plurality of property parcels on which to perform a function, as described below.
With respect to
At processing logic block 140, a function can be performed on the one or more selected property parcels. In one embodiment, processing logic 140 receives user input to select one or more of the displayed plurality of property parcels on which to perform a function, and selects the function to perform, such as modify a parcel as prompted at user interface button 720. In the example illustrated in
The exemplary computer system 800 includes a processor 802, a main memory 804 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) such as synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM), etc., static memory such as flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a secondary memory 818, which communicate with each other via a bus 830. Main memory 804 includes information and instructions and software program components necessary for performing and executing the functions with respect to the various embodiments of the systems, methods for implementing embodiments of the invention described herein. Instructions 823 may be stored within main memory 804. Main memory 804 and its sub-elements are operable in conjunction with processing logic 826 and/or software 822 and processor 802 to perform the methodologies discussed herein.
Processor 802 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like. More particularly, the processor 802 may be a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, processor implementing other instruction sets, or processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Processor 802 may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), network processor, or the like. Processor 802 is configured to execute the processing logic 826 for performing the operations and functionality which are discussed herein.
The computer system 800 may further include one or more network interface cards 808 to interface with the computer system 800 with one or more networks 820. The computer system 800 also may include a user interface 810 (such as a video display unit, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 812 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 814 (e.g., a mouse), and a signal generation device 816 (e.g., an integrated speaker). The computer system 800 may further include peripheral device 836 (e.g., wireless or wired communication devices, memory devices, storage devices, audio processing devices, video processing devices, etc.). The computer system 800 may perform the functions of determining and instructing a traffic signal to carry out the green lights activity and phase timings as determined by such a system 1000 as described herein.
The secondary memory 818 may include a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium (or more specifically a non-transitory machine-accessible storage medium) 831 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 822) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. Software 822 may also reside, or alternatively reside within main memory 804, and may further reside completely or at least partially within the processor 802 during execution thereof by the computer system 800, the main memory 804 and the processor 802 also constituting machine-readable storage media. The software 822 may further be transmitted or received over a network 820 via the network interface card 808.
Some portions of this detailed description are presented in terms of algorithms and representations of operations on data within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from this discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system or computing platform, or similar electronic computing device(s), that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
In addition to various hardware components depicted in the figures and described herein, embodiments further include various operations which are described below. The operations described in accordance with such embodiments may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the operations. Alternatively, the operations may be performed by a combination of hardware and software, including software instructions that perform the operations described herein via memory and one or more processors of a computing platform.
Embodiments of invention also relate to apparatuses for performing the operations herein. Some apparatuses may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or may comprise a general purpose computer(s) selectively activated or configured by a computer program stored in the computer(s). Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, any type of disk including optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, NVRAMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus.
The algorithms presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required methods. The structure for a variety of these systems appears from the description herein. In addition, embodiments of the invention are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the embodiments of the invention as described herein.
A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium includes read only memory (“ROM”); random access memory (“RAM”); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices, etc.
Although the invention has been described and illustrated in the foregoing illustrative embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is only limited by the claims that follow. Features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined and rearranged in various ways.
