Abstract: A system for building information modeling comprising a plurality of 2D documentation sets associated with a building. A 3D model associated with the building, the 3D model including a plurality of user-selectable controls, wherein each user-selectable control comprises an icon and an associated balloon that is generated when the icon is selected. The balloon for each user-selectable control comprising a first selection control that causes one of the plurality of 2D documentation sets to be shown after an animation sequence. The balloon for each user-selectable control comprising a second selection control that causes a transition to a 3D model having an overlay of the 2D documentation sets.

Abstract: A data processing system, comprising an architectural building model conversion apparatus operating on a first processor and implementing one or more algorithms that cause the processor to receive an architectural building model and to generate a structural engineering model and a plurality of user control interfaces, each operating on one of a plurality of second processors and implementing one or more algorithms that allow a user to control conversion of one or more architectural model elements to one or more corresponding structural engineering model elements.

Abstract: A method for calculating a series of frames of video data, comprising grouping a plurality of architectural data elements into a plurality of threads using a processor. Calculating a frame part of animation data for each of the threads. Determining a calculation time for each of the threads. Modifying the grouping of the plurality of architectural data elements as a function of the calculation time for each of the threads.

Abstract: Predictive background updating is disclosed, which takes advantage of a processors' unused capacity to build up live model views in advance. Open model views of the project can be continuously updated in the background. In this manner, changing model views is implemented more rapidly, regardless of the size and complexity of the BIM model, such as when the view updates in the background have finished prior to the change in views.

Abstract: A method for calculating a series of frames of video data, comprising grouping a plurality of architectural data elements into a plurality of threads using a processor. Calculating a frame part of animation data for each of the threads. Determining a calculation time for each of the threads. Modifying the grouping of the plurality of architectural data elements as a function of the calculation time for each of the threads.

Abstract: Predictive background updating is disclosed, which takes advantage of a processors' unused capacity to build up live model views in advance. Open model views of the project can be continuously updated in the background. In this manner, changing model views is implemented more rapidly, regardless of the size and complexity of the BIM model, such as when the view updates in the background have finished prior to the change in views.

Abstract: An apparatus for coordinating building including a data memory for storing a three dimensional building model, the three dimensional building model having a plurality of elements, each element having a plurality of attributes. An element ownership processor for assigning ownership of each of the plurality of elements to one of a plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users has ownership of a subset of the plurality of elements. A model modification processor for receiving the three dimensional building model and for allowing a user to modify only elements that they have ownership of. A model synchronization processor for receiving only modified elements from the model modification processor and updating the three dimensional building model to include the modified elements.

Abstract: A system for generating two-dimensional views of a three-dimensional model is provided. The system includes an active building model system generating one or more user-selected two-dimensional views of a three-dimensional building model. A floor plan view location system receives user control data and places a two-dimensional floor plan view in a user-selected location of a viewing window. An elevation view location system receives user control data and places a two-dimensional elevation view in a user-selected location of the viewing window.

Abstract: A system for generating two-dimensional views of a three-dimensional model is provided. The system includes an active building model system generating one or more user-selected two-dimensional views of a three-dimensional building model. A floor plan view location system receives user control data and places a two-dimensional floor plan view in a user-selected location of a viewing window. An elevation view location system receives user control data and places a two-dimensional elevation view in a user-selected location of the viewing window.

Abstract: An apparatus for coordinating building including a data memory for storing a three dimensional building model, the three dimensional building model having a plurality of elements, each element having a plurality of attributes. An element ownership processor for assigning ownership of each of the plurality of elements to one of a plurality of users, wherein each of the plurality of users has ownership of a subset of the plurality of elements. A model modification processor for receiving the three dimensional building model and for allowing a user to modify only elements that they have ownership of. A model synchronization processor for receiving only modified elements from the model modification processor and updating the three dimensional building model to include the modified elements.