Ibrahim, Y M (2010) On the measurement of work in progress using computer vision: A computerised reporting model. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 8(1), pp. 45-63. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: The desire to improve efficiency has led both academics and practitioners to embrace various technologies to aid managers to discharge their functions. Recently, there has been a growing interest amongst construction researchers on the use of computer vision and image-processing techniques to automatically capture work in progress. Reported findings are promising; however, those previous studies fall short of providing a reporting mechanism to aid decision making. The purpose of this paper is to develop a reporting model based on progress captured using computer vision. Design/methodology/approach: The paper first presents trends in research relating to use of computer vision in the monitoring of work in progress. It then employs the unified modelling language to present the conceptual development of the model. The computerised reporting model is developed using the visual basic programming language. Findings: The key elements of the model are computations of cost-schedule variances, payments and cash flows. Results of a test on a hypothetical case show that the model accurately computes the metrics. Originality/value: The reporting model serves to provide managers with a quick and easy means of interpreting work progress captured using computer vision. It reinforces the value of already existing work on the application of computer vision techniques to the measurement of work in progress on construction sites.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation; communication technologies; computer applications; reports; visual media |
| Index terms: | computer application, efficiency, variance, modelling, automation, monitoring, media, construction site, manager, cash flow, computer vision, methodology, decision-making, practitioner, computation, programming |
| Subjects: | programming, practitioner, control systems, computational methods, analytical methods, work location, computer vision, automation and robotics, financial management, research methods, software systems, performance management, measurement and scaling, decision analysis, sociology |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Quality Management, Site Management, Cost Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here