DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter relates to field of 3-Dimensional (3D) printing of physical structures, more particularly, method and system for integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM) with 3D printing.

BACKGROUND
[002] Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a technology used in civil engineering to plan a building prior to construction process. BIM uses myriads of tools and technologies to represent physical and functional characteristics of spaces/structures, digitally, as 3D models. Thereby, BIM provides Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) personnel relevant information to plan, design, construct, manage and maintain structures, optimally. For example, a 3D architectural render of a physical structure may allow understanding of multiple aspects of the physical structure. The aspects may include installations of electricals, plumbing, other utilities, reinforcements, and so on. Presently, BIM is widely adopted by major players in construction industry and is being implemented diligently. BIM also doubles as a project management tool across all associated parties in a given construction project.

[003] For a technology proponent in the construction industry, it is prudent to adapt and integrate with upcoming advances of using BIM data/file in construction due to one or more reasons. All data vital for entire process of building structures is contained in the BIM file. The building structures can either include the traditional construction process or use 3D printers. The BIM file is typically generated as a document. Additionally, incorporation of a BIM-based planning strategy offers benefits including pre-construction project visualization and simulation, improved design builds with visualized details, better coordination and clash detection leading to quicker conflict resolution and safer construction activities. The benefits may also lead to reduction in construction wastage which improves cost efficiency, and reduction in unnecessary construction activity fragmentation.

[004] However, the BIM document/file cannot be directly employed onto a 3D printer to commence physical construction/printing. There is a need that the BIM file must go through a pre-processing to make the BIM file understandable by a 3D printing system. Currently, the market of construction 3D printing does not offer direct solution/technique for direct conversion of BIM data into 3D printable data, which may be converted to a directly deployable file.

[005] Most common solutions for design modelling and subsequent construction of 3D printing involve utilization of standalone software/system independent of the BIM file. Standard design techniques are used to build 3D models of the physical structure to be constructed which are then translated to a 3D printer using standard ‘slicing’ software. Such software, though, capable of producing the requisite result in the form of 3D printed structures, may have limitations. The limitations include rework and duplication of all construction data which has already been modelled on the BIM file and necessary for usage with 3D printing system. This may lead to requirement for additional time, effort and other related engagements of personnel involved. The limitations may also include lack of optimization offered by utilization/integration of the BIM file in terms of design modelling, construction plan processing, and so on. The said industry may not be sufficiently equipped to handle 3D modelling activities using such system specific to 3D printers.

[006] Further, absence of such system may lead to repetition of activities by a user. The activities may include manual gathering of data from BIM, identification and addition of key data elements into BIM for 3D printing and other associated manual data gathering during print action for control and feedback. In any constructional application, considering norms and conditions associated with the 3D printing, the user may face several problems. The problem may include lack of options for visual inspection, simulation of BIM generated construction-data and inability to directly communicate with civil engineering industry about architectural design and functionality.

[007] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY
[008] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for 3D printing of a structure using BIM data. Initially, BIM data associated with a structure to be constructed using a 3D printer is received. One or more parameters related to the structure from the BIM data is extracted. Upon extraction, model data for controlling operation of the 3D printer is generated based on the one or more parameters. The model data is providing to the 3D printer for performing the 3D printing of the structure.

[009] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to system for 3D printing of a structure using BIM data. The system includes a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory stores processor-executable instructions, which on execution cause the processor to perform the 3D printing. Initially, BIM data associated with a structure to be constructed using a 3D printer is received. One or more parameters related to the structure from the BIM data is extracted. Upon extraction, model data for controlling operation of the 3D printer is generated based on the one or more parameters. The model data is providing to the 3D printer for performing the 3D printing of the structure.

[0010] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and regarding the accompanying figures, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 shows exemplary environment of a system for 3D printing of a structure using BIM data, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 shows a detailed block diagram of a system for 3D printing of a structure using BIM data, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 shows a detailed block diagram for generating model data for 3D printing of a structure, in accordance with some embodiments of present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 shows a flow diagram illustrating method for 3D printing of a structure using BIM data, in accordance with some embodiments of present disclosure; and

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure.

[0017] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0019] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0021] The terms “includes”, “including”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or method that includes a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “includes… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0022] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0023] Present disclosure relates to method and system for 3D printing of a structure in a physical space, using BIM data. The present disclosures proposes to integrate the BIM data with 3D printer to automate the process of extracting required information and accurately 3D print the structure. Further, the present disclosure includes to monitor the 3D printing based on various factors, in real-time and control operations of the 3D printer for accurate 3D printing.

[0024] Figure 1 shows exemplary environment 100 including a system 101 for 3D printing of structure using BIM data. The exemplary environment 100, along with the system 101, comprises BIM data input unit 102, a communication network 103 and a 3D printer 109. The system 101 is communicatively coupled with the BIM data input unit 102 and the 3D printer 109 to achieve efficient 3D printing of the structure. The system 101 mainly is configured to generate model data that is provided to the 3D printer 109 for performing the 3D printing. The model data may be generated based on the BIM data. The system 101 may be configured to receive the BIM data from the BIM data input unit 102. In an embodiment, the BIM data may be provided in form of BIM file to the system 101. The BIM file may be a three-dimensional interactive file of the structure or a building or a physical construction which is designed by several commissioned personnel from civil engineering field. The BIM file may be either of a proprietary file format which are specific to certain software or of a non-proprietary file format which are open-source. Typical BIM files may be of an Industry Foundation Class (IFC) format. In an embodiment, the BIM data input unit 102 may be configured to generate the BIM file to be provided to the system 101. In an embodiment, the commissioned personnel may be configured to read and edit the BIM file using one or more modules implemented in the BIM data input. In an embodiment, the system 101 may be in communication with the BIM data input unit 102 via the communication network 103. The communication network 103 may include, but is not limited to, a direct interconnection, a Peer to Peer (P2P) network, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), wireless network (e.g., using Wireless Application Protocol), Controller Area Network (CAN), the Internet, Wi-Fi, and such. In an embodiment, the BIM data input unit 102 may be integral part of the system 101 and the system 101 may be configured to generate the BIM file required for 3D printing of the structure.

[0025] The 3D printer 109 in communication with the system 101 may be a concrete 3D printer 109 configured to construct the structure in physical space. In an embodiment, the structure may be a concrete building and the 3D printer 109 may be a concrete 3D printer. Input for 3D printing the structure may be provided by the system 101.

[0026] The system 101 for the 3D printing may include one or more processors 104, Input/Output (I/O) interface 105 and a memory 106. In some embodiments, the memory 106 may be communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 104. The memory 106 stores instructions, executable by the one or more processors 104, which on execution, may cause the system 101 to generate the model data and enable 3D printing of the structure. In an embodiment, the memory 106 may include one or more modules 107 and data 108. The one or more modules 107 may be configured to perform the steps of the present disclosure using the data 108. In an embodiment, each of the one or more modules 107 may be a hardware unit which may be outside the memory 106 and coupled with the system 101. In an embodiment, the system 101 may be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a Personal Computer (PC), a notebook, a smartphone, a tablet, e-book readers, a server, a network server, cloud server and the like.

[0027] For the 3D printing of the structure using the BIM data, the system 101 may be configured to receive the BIM data from the BIM data input unit 102. The BIM data may be related to the structure which is to be constructed or printed by the 3D printer 109. Upon receiving the BIM data, the system 101 may be configured to extract one or more parameters related to the structure from the BIM data. In an embodiment, the one or more parameters comprises structural data, mechanical data, plumbing data, electrical data, and machine data related to the 3D printing of the structure. The extraction of the one or more parameters may be achieved by processing the BIM data. One or more techniques, known to a person skilled in the art, may be implemented to extract the one or more parameters from the BIM data.

[0028] The one or more parameters extracted from the BIM data may be used for generating the model data for the 3D printer 109. The model data may be used for controlling operation of the 3D printer 109. In an embodiment, generating the model data may include determining a tool path indicating printing path of the 3D printer 109 in relation to the 3D printing of the structure. In an embodiment, the tool path may be determined using the one or more parameters, support framework and joint framework. Further, using the tool path and the one or more parameters, the model data may be generated by the system 101. The generated model data may be provided to the 3D printer 109 for performing the 3D printing of the structure. In an embodiment, the model data may comprise control parameters for controlling at least one of printing path, material setting time, flow rate of pump system, printing speed and input rate of material in relation to the 3D printer 109. For example, the model data generated from the BIM file may include to print a circular element or a square element. Thus, the model data may include control parameters which controls the printing path of the 3D printer to print the circular element or the square element. Likewise, flow rate of pump of the 3D printer 109 may vary for printing a straight segment and curved segment. Accordingly, the model data may also include control parameters to control flow rate of the pump based on the segment to be printed.

[0029] Further, in real-time, the system 101 may be configured to monitor one or more factors affecting the 3D printing of the structure. Based on the monitoring, the operation of the 3D printer 109 may be controller in real-time. In an embodiment, the monitoring and the controlling based on the monitoring may be performed during the 3D printing of the structure. In an embodiment, the one or more factors comprises at least one of extrusion pressure, extrusion width, printing defect, temperature data, flow rate of the material, layer height and printing pause time to the 3D printing.

[0030] In an embodiment, the system 101 may receive data for the 3D printing via the I/O interface 105. The received data may include, but is not limited to, at least one of BIM data, monitoring data upon monitoring the 3D printer 109 and so on. Also, the system 101 may transmit data, for 3D printing, via the I/O interface 105. The transmitted data may include, but is not limited to, model data, control data upon monitoring and so on.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a detailed block diagram of the system 101 for performing 3D printing of the structure, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] The data 108 and the one or more modules 107 in the memory 106 of the system 101 is described herein in detail.

[0033] In one implementation, the one or more modules 107 may include, but are not limited to, a BIM data receiving module 201, a parameters extraction module 202, a model data generation module 203, a model data provide module 204, a monitoring module 205 and one or more other modules 206, associated with the system 101.

[0034] In an embodiment, the data 108 in the memory 106 may include BIM data 207, structure parameters 208 (also referred to as one or more parameters 208), model data 209, monitoring data 210 and other data 211 associated with the system 101.

[0035] In an embodiment, the data 108 in the memory 106 may be processed by the one or more modules 107 of the system 101. In an embodiment, the one or more modules 107 may be implemented as dedicated units and when implemented in such a manner, said modules may be configured with the functionality defined in the present disclosure to result in a novel hardware. As used herein, the term module may refer to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), Programmable System-on-Chip (PSoC), a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. The one or more modules 107 of the present disclosure function to generate 3D model and control the operation of the 3D printer 109. The one or more modules 107 along with the data 108, may be implemented in any system, for the 3D printing.

[0036] The system 101 primarily aims at assimilation of feasible elements which act as a tool for unification of all allied particulars of the structure. The assimilation of the feasible elements includes design features, critical construction information, relevant data, and so on. By implementing the proposed system 101, assistance in automated construction of structures is provided through the process of concrete 3D printing. The proposed system 101 provisions design and development of an interconnect between technology elements of civil engineering industry and associated practices, and the field of construction of 3D printing. When such interconnect and integration with the 3D printer 109 is achieved, easy and automatic process for conversion of designs with minimal manual intervention may also be achieved. The designs in the BIM data 207 are converted by architects into formats usable by 3D printers for printing structures at scale. Thus, a semi-manual, computerized and self-acting tool, which allows physical realization of a virtual file, is achieved.

[0037] For achieving the integration between the civil engineering industry and the field of construction of 3D printing, initially, the BIM data receiving module 201 may be configured to receive the BIM data 207 for the structure to be constructed. The BIM data 207 may be a single input file (also referred to as BIM file) which may be in ‘.ifc’ file format. The BIM file may be designed towards maximizing performance and reliability of the 3D printing. The BIM file is optimized in size and content and may contain only relevant data for processing. In an embodiment, the BIM file may include an own file format with specific extension.

[0038] Further, upon receiving the BIM data 207, the parameters extraction module 202 may be configured to extract the one or more parameters 208 related to the structure. In an embodiment, the BIM data 207 may be a source for vast amounts of structure information which may be irrelevant to the ensuing 3D printing procedure. Thus, processing and extraction of relevant parameters may be essential for 3D printing. In an embodiment, the one or more parameters 208 extracted from the BIM file may include, but are not limited to, structural data, mechanical data, plumbing data, electrical data, and machine data related to the 3D-printing of the structure. In an embodiment, the structural data may include information related to layers in the 3D printing, time taken for printing the structure, geometry data of the structure and so on. Any other data defining structure features of the structure may be extracted as the structural data by the parameter extraction module. In an embodiment, the mechanical data include data related to placement of doors, windows, walls, hollow spaces and so on in the structure. In an embodiment, the plumbing data may include information related to plumbing works in the structure. Such information may be with respect to placement of sinks, water pipes, sanitary systems and so on. In an embodiment, the electrical data may include information related to electrical wiring, placement of sockets, connections to appliances and so on. In an embodiment, the machine data may include information related to placement of machine in the structure. For example, information related to placement of safety and maintenance equipment like fire extinguisher in the structure may be extracted as the machine data in the BIM file.

[0039] In an embodiment, the BIM data 207 may be deficit in certain data. The parameters extraction module 202 may be configured to add requisite specifics to the BIM file, such as features of synchronous mechanism of pump, primer and the 3D printer 109. The process of the extraction of the one or more parameters 208 entails to cleaning the BIM data 207 to ensure that 3D printing is carried out in an appropriate manner.
[0040] Upon extracting the one or more parameters 208, the model data generation module 203 may be configured to generate the model data 209 for the 3D printer 109. The generated model data 209 may be used for controlling the operation of the 3D printer 109. Figure 3 shows the detailed block diagram for generating the model data 209. The model data generation facilitates integration of the BIM file with the 3D printing. The model data generation module 203 may include a STL (Stereolithography/Standard Tessellation/ Triangle Language) generation unit, a tool path generation unit 302, a G (General)-code generation unit 303 along with topology optimization module 304, support framework module 305 and joint framework module 306, for generating the model data 209.

[0041] In an embodiment, the topology optimization module 304 processes structural data from the one or more parameters 208 of the structure. The topology optimization module 304 along with the STL generation unit 301 may be configured to transform the BIM data 207 into clean path planning graphical data. Resultant of the STL generation unit 301 may be an STL file which represents the planning graphical data. The STL file describes a raw, unstructured triangulated surface of triangles, using a three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system. In an embodiment, several details with respect to aesthetic and planning elements which are embedded into the BIM data 207 may be removed before conversion of the BIM data 207 to the STL file. Additionally, several utility provisions from the BIM file also need to be converted into a format that may allow provisioning of the utility, during the 3D printing process. In an embodiment, additionally, the STL generation module may be configured to test and process the STL. Such testing and processing may be provisioned using a user interface to define various easy-to-test modules for material testing.

[0042] Using the STL file, the support framework module 305 may be configured to adjust path planning and printing operations for providing lintel, clay or other framework supports to assist printing overhanging features. Using the STL file, the joint framework module 306 aids in using customized joint options for attaching the mechanical data, the electrical data, the plumbing data, and the machine data to 3D printable structure. Using output from the support framework module 305 and the joint framework module 306, the tool path generation unit 302 may be configured to generate tool path for the 3D printer 109. The tool path may indicate the printing path of the 3D printer 109. In an embodiment, the tool path may include set of connected vectors and has a starting point and ending point information in a particular direction. It may contain only geometry data and not the machine speed or orientation data.
[0043] The G-code generation unit 303 processes machine data and the tool path to generate G-code or printing data. The G-codes are codes or directions that allow the 3D printer 109 to move, print, pause and change operations according to the requirement for printing the 3D model. The G-codes are fundamental coding elements. Such G-code or the printing information may be referred to as the model data 209 which is used to control actions/operations of the 3D printer 109.

[0044] In an embodiment, for generating the G-code, the G-code generation unit 303 may be configured to perform slicing. Slicing refers to process of forming layers which may be printed on top of one another to generate the 3D model. The G-code is a method which directs the printer to move, print, pause and change operations according to the requirement. In an embodiment, the process of slicing in integration of the BIM with the 3D printing. During slicing of a 3D model, the STL file is converted into layers that are printed one on top of the other. The slicing of the STL file also generates G-codes that directs the 3D printing with respect to movement, speed and pauses. The slicing includes semi-automatic clay support generation process, novel infill pattern generation and auto alignment of nozzle head with print direction. The novel infill patterns optimize strength of materials during building 3D model and result in reduction of materials for construction of the structure. The auto alignment of nozzle head with the print direction is necessary for rotary control of extruder to achieve print alignment. In an embodiment, the topology optimization module 304, the joint framework module 306 and the support framework module 305 may be user-friendly interactive toolkits present in User Interface (UI) of the system 101. In an embodiment, the topology optimization module 304, the joint framework module 306 and the support framework module 305 may be associated with one or more algorithms running in backend to aid in their associated functionality.

[0045] Upon generating the model data 209, the model data provide module 204 provides the model data 209 to the 3D printer 109. In an embodiment, the model data 209 may be provided in form of instructions to print the 3D structure. The operations of the 3D printer 109 may be controlled using the model data 209.

[0046] During the 3D printing of the structure, the monitoring module 205 may be configured to monitor operations of the 3D printing. In an embodiment, the 3D printer 109 may be associated with physical sensors and feedback systems that aids in the continuous monitoring. One or more factors related to the printing may be estimated using the physical sensors and the feedback system. The monitoring module 205 may be configured to monitor the one or more factors which affects the 3D printing of the structure. In an embodiment, the one or more factors may include, but are not limited to, extrusion pressure, layer height, extrusion width, printing defect, temperature data, flow rate of the material and printing pause time related to the 3D printing. Based on the monitoring, the monitoring module 205 may be configured to control the operation of the 3D printer 109 in real-time. For example, the extrusion pressure may be used for controlling pump power of the 3D printer 109. The layer-height may be used for adjusting Z-motion for placing the materials and the building blocks. The flow rate of the material, setting time of concrete and pause-time may be used for adjusting pressure of the 3D printer 109. In an embodiment, the one or more factors and information related to controlling of the 3D printer 109 based on the monitoring, may be stored as the monitoring data 210 in the memory 106.

[0047] Thus, using the proposed system 101, BIM data 207 compatibility for 3D printing may be achieved for supporting requirement for cross-platform workability to enable architects to design files using the BIM file.

[0048] The other data 211 may store data, including temporary data and temporary files, generated by modules for performing the various functions of the system 101. The one or more modules 107 may also include other modules 206 to perform various miscellaneous functionalities of the system 101. It will be appreciated that such modules may be represented as a single module or a combination of different modules.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a flow diagram illustrating method of the system 101 for 3D printing the structure, in accordance with some embodiments of present disclosure.

[0050] At block 401, the system 101 may be configured to receive the BIM data 207 from the BIM data input unit 102. The BIM data 207 may be related to the structure which is to be constructed or printed by the 3D printer 109.

[0051] At block 402, the system 101 may be configured to extract one or more parameters 208 related to the structure from the BIM data 207. In an embodiment, the one or more parameters 208 comprises structural data, mechanical data, plumbing data, electrical data, and machine data related to the 3D printing of the structure. The extraction of the one or more parameters 208 may be achieved by processing the BIM data 207.

[0052] At block 403, the system 101 may be configured to generate the model data 209 for the 3D printer 109 using the one or more parameters 208. The model data 209 may be used for controlling operation of the 3D printer 109. In an embodiment, generating the model data 209 may include determining a tool path indicating printing path of the 3D printer 109 in relation to the 3D printing of the structure.

[0053] In an embodiment, the tool path may be determined using the one or more parameters 208, support framework and joint framework. Further, using the tool path and the one or more parameters 208, the model data 209 may be generated by the system 101.

[0054] At block 404, the system 101 may be configured to provide the model data 209 to the 3D printer 109 for performing the 3D printing of the structure. In an embodiment, the model data 209 may comprise control parameters for controlling at least one of printing path, material setting time, flow rate of pump system, printing speed and input rate of material in relation to the 3D printer 109. Upon providing the model data 209 and during the 3D printing of the structure, the system 101 may be configured to monitor the one or more factors affecting the 3D printing of the structure, during the 3D printing. Based on the monitoring, the operation of the 3D printer 109 may be controlled in real-time. In an embodiment, the one or more factors comprises at least one of extrusion pressure, extrusion width, printing defect, temperature data, flow rate of the material, layer height and printing pause time to the 3D printing. One or more other factor that may have affect or may impact the accurate 3D printing of the structure may be considered for monitoring the operation.

[0055] As illustrated in Figure 4, the method 400 may include one or more blocks for executing processes in the system 101. The method 400 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

[0056] The order in which the method 400 is described may not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[0057] An embodiment of the present disclosure provisions compatibility between fields of civil engineering and construction 3D printing by integrating BIM data with 3D printing.

[0058] An embodiment of the present disclosure, by automating construction-data conversion process, eliminates need for any rework or duplication of all relevant construction data which is already present in the BIM file.

[0059] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides 3D printing with improved time and cost efficiency. Also, training requirement for operation of 3D printer file format is eliminated. Further, the labour-intensive aspects of BIM-3D printing data conversion process is reduced, and 3D printing may be achieved with minimal human resources.

[0060] An embodiment of the present disclosure provisions monitoring of the 3D printing in real-time and correcting any in inaccuracies by adjusting parameters. By such monitoring, dimensional accuracy of printed structure may be ensured. Also, structural stability may be ensured by identifying/predicting undesirable situations like air voids, high pressure, and so on. Also, optimal working conditions for the mechanical systems involved in the printing process like overheating of certain components may be ensured.

Computing System
[0061] Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 500 for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the computer system 500 is used to implement the system 101 for 3D printing of the structure using the BIM data. The computer system 500 may include a central processing unit (“CPU” or “processor”) 502. The processor 502 may include at least one data processor for executing processes in Virtual Storage Area Network. The processor 502 may include specialized processing units such as, integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc.

[0062] The processor 502 may be disposed in communication with one or more input/output (I/O) devices 509 and 510 via I/O interface 501. The I/O interface 501 may employ communication protocols/methods such as, without limitation, audio, analog, digital, monaural, RCA, stereo, IEEE-1394, serial bus, universal serial bus (USB), infrared, PS/2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, digital visual interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), radio frequency (RF) antennas, S-Video, VGA, IEEE 802.n /b/g/n/x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., code-division multiple access (CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA+), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long-term evolution (LTE), WiMax, or the like), etc.

[0063] Using the I/O interface 501, the computer system 500 may communicate with one or more I/O devices 509 and 510. For example, the input devices 509 may be an antenna, keyboard, mouse, joystick, (infrared) remote control, camera, card reader, fax machine, dongle, biometric reader, microphone, touch screen, touchpad, trackball, stylus, scanner, storage device, transceiver, video device/source, etc. The output devices 510 may be a printer, fax machine, video display (e.g., cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), plasma, Plasma Display Panel (PDP), Organic light-emitting diode display (OLED) or the like), audio speaker, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, the computer system 500 may consist of the system 101. The processor 502 may be disposed in communication with a communication network (not shown in figure) via a network interface 503. The network interface 503 may communicate with the communication network. The network interface 503 may employ connection protocols including, without limitation, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10/100/1000 Base T), transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), token ring, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/x, etc. The communication network may include, without limitation, a direct interconnection, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless network (e.g., using Wireless Application Protocol), the Internet, etc. Using the network interface 503 and the communication network, the computer system 500 may communicate with a 3D printer 512, for 3D printing the structure using the BIM data. The network interface 503 may employ connection protocols include, but not limited to, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10/100/1000 Base T), transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), token ring, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/x, etc.

[0065] The communication network includes, but is not limited to, a direct interconnection, an e-commerce network, a peer to peer (P2P) network, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless network (e.g., using Wireless Application Protocol), the Internet, Wi-Fi, and such. The first network and the second network may either be a dedicated network or a shared network, which represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc., to communicate with each other. Further, the first network and the second network may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, etc.

[0066] In some embodiments, the processor 502 may be disposed in communication with a memory 505 (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc. not shown in Figure 5) via a storage interface 504. The storage interface 504 may connect to memory 505 including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as, serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), fibre channel, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.

[0067] The memory 505 may store a collection of program or database components, including, without limitation, user interface 506, an operating system 507, web browser 508 etc. In some embodiments, computer system 500 may store user/application data, such as, the data, variables, records, etc., as described in this disclosure. Such databases may be implemented as fault-tolerant, relational, scalable, secure databases such as Oracle ® or Sybase®.

[0068] The operating system 507 may facilitate resource management and operation of the computer system 500. Examples of operating systems include, without limitation, APPLE MACINTOSH® OS X, UNIX®, UNIX-like system distributions (E.G., BERKELEY SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTIONTM (BSD), FREEBSDTM, NETBSDTM, OPENBSDTM, etc.), LINUX DISTRIBUTIONSTM (E.G., RED HATTM, UBUNTUTM, KUBUNTUTM, etc.), IBMTM OS/2, MICROSOFTTM WINDOWSTM (XPTM, VISTATM/7/8, 10 etc.), APPLE® IOSTM, GOOGLE® ANDROIDTM, BLACKBERRY® OS, or the like.

[0069] In some embodiments, the computer system 500 may implement a web browser 508 stored program component. The web browser 508 may be a hypertext viewing application, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, etc. Secure web browsing may be provided using Hypertext Transport Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS), etc. Web browsers 508 may utilize facilities such as AJAX, DHTML, Adobe Flash, JavaScript, Java, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), etc. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 may implement a mail server stored program component. The mail server may be an Internet mail server such as Microsoft Exchange, or the like. The mail server may utilize facilities such as ASP, ActiveX, ANSI C++/C#, Microsoft .NET, Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts, Java, JavaScript, PERL, PHP, Python, WebObjects, etc. The mail server may utilize communication protocols such as Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI), Microsoft Exchange, Post Office Protocol (POP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), or the like. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 may implement a mail client stored program component. The mail client may be a mail viewing application, such as Apple Mail, Microsoft Entourage, Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, etc.

[0070] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, Compact Disc (CD) ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.

[0071] The described operations may be implemented as a method, system or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof. The described operations may be implemented as code maintained in a “non-transitory computer readable medium”, where a processor may read and execute the code from the computer readable medium. The processor is at least one of a microprocessor and a processor capable of processing and executing the queries. A non-transitory computer readable medium may include media such as magnetic storage medium (e.g., hard disk drives, floppy disks, tape, etc.), optical storage (CD-ROMs, DVDs, optical disks, etc.), volatile and non-volatile memory devices (e.g., EEPROMs, ROMs, PROMs, RAMs, DRAMs, SRAMs, Flash Memory, firmware, programmable logic, etc.), etc. Further, non-transitory computer-readable media may include all computer-readable media except for a transitory. The code implementing the described operations may further be implemented in hardware logic (e.g., an integrated circuit chip, Programmable Gate Array (PGA), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc.).

[0072] An “article of manufacture” includes non-transitory computer readable medium, and /or hardware logic, in which code may be implemented. A device in which the code implementing the described embodiments of operations is encoded may include a computer readable medium or hardware logic. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the invention, and that the article of manufacture may include suitable information bearing medium known in the art.

[0073] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0074] The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0075] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0076] The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0077] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

[0078] When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

[0079] The illustrated operations of Figure 4 show certain events occurring in a certain order. In alternative embodiments, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified, or removed. Moreover, steps may be added to the above described logic and still conform to the described embodiments. Further, operations described herein may occur sequentially or certain operations may be processed in parallel. Yet further, operations may be performed by a single processing unit or by distributed processing units.

[0080] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0081] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral numerals:
Reference Number Description
100 Exemplary environment
101 System
102 BIM data input unit
103 Communication network
104 Processor
105 I/O interface
106 Memory
107 Modules
108 Data
109 3D printer
201 BIM data receiving module
202 Parameters extraction module
203 Model data generation module
204 Model data provide module
205 Monitoring module
206 Other modules
207 BIM data
208 Structure parameters
209 Model data
210 Monitoring data
211 Other data
301 STL generation unit
302 Tool path generation unit
303 G-code generation unit
304 Topology optimization module
305 Support framework module
306 Joint framework module
500 Computer System
501 I/O Interface
502 Processor
503 Network Interface
504 Storage Interface
505 Memory
506 User Interface
507 Operating System
508 Web Server
509 Input Devices
510 Output Devices
511 Communication Network
512 3D printer

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A method for 3-Dimensional (3D) printing of a structure using Building Information Modeling (BIM) data, the method comprising:
receiving, a system, BIM data associated with a structure to be constructed using a 3D printer;
extracting, by the system, one or more parameters related to the structure from the BIM data;
generating, by the system, model data for controlling operation of the 3D printer, based on the one or more parameters; and
providing, by the system, the model data to the 3D printer for performing the 3D printing of the structure.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, the one or more parameters comprises structural data, mechanical data, plumbing data, electrical data, and machine data related to the 3D-printing of the structure.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein generating the model data comprises:
determining a tool path indicating printing path of the 3D printer in relation to the 3D printing of the structure, using the one or more parameters, support framework and joint framework; and
generating the model data using the tool path and the one or more parameters.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
monitoring one or more factors affecting the 3D printing of the structure, during the 3D printing; and
controlling the operation of the 3D printer in real-time based on the monitoring.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more factors comprises at least one of extrusion pressure, layer height, extrusion width, printing defect, temperature data, flow rate of the material and printing pause time related to the 3D printing.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the model data comprises control parameters for controlling at least one of printing path, material setting time, flow rate of pump system, printing speed and input rate of material in relation to the 3D printer.

7. A system for 3-Dimensional (3D) printing of a structure using Building Information Modeling (BIM) data, the system comprises:
a processor; and
a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores processor-executable instructions, which, on execution, cause the processor to:
receive BIM data associated with a structure to be constructed using a 3D printer;
extract one or more parameters related to the structure from the BIM data;
generate model data for controlling operation of the 3D printer, based on the one or more parameters; and
provide the model data to the 3D printer for performing the 3D printing of the structure.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, the one or more parameters comprises structural data, mechanical data, plumbing data, electrical data, and machine data related to the 3D-printing of the structure.

9. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the processor is configured to generate the model data by:
determining a tool path indicating printing path of the 3D printer in relation to the 3D printing of the structure, using the one or more parameters, support framework and joint framework; and
generating the model data using the tool path and the one or more parameters.

10. The system as claimed in claim 7 further comprises the processor configured to:
monitor one or more factors affecting the 3D printing of the structure, during the 3D printing; and
control the operation of the 3D printer in real-time based on the monitoring.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more factors comprises at least one of extrusion pressure, layer height, extrusion width, printing defect, temperature data, flow rate of the material and printing pause time related to the 3D printing.

12. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the model data comprises control parameters for controlling at least one of printing path, material setting time, flow rate of pump system, printing speed and input rate of material in relation to the 3D printer.