Recently patented by Autodesk: '973 "Click to Accept As-Built Modeling"

Recently patented by Autodesk: '973 "Click to Accept As-Built Modeling":
A method to augment an as-built model (aka project):

1. A CAD drawing of a project is obtained, as well as a digital representation of a physical implementation of the project. 
2. A relationship is established to map the digital representation to the CAD drawing.
3. A component of the digital representation is identified based on the relationship (e.g., and a database/catalog).
4. Information about the identified component is transmitted to and displayed on a computer or mobile device.

The idea here is to coordinate what the technician sees in the field with the drawings of the project. It is meant for brownfield plants, ones that undergo frequent renovations. The renovations make the original 3D model obsolete; while laser scans are used today, they are labor-intensive.
This patent covers the idea of having field personal identify changes to the plant infrastructure that differ from CAD drawings, flag differences, and then choose from a variety of preconfigured possible configurations, and then click Accept -- using a portable device, like tablet or smartphone.
The patent further envisions a way for the technician take a photograph of the changed area, have software on a server identify the parts (from a database of vendor parts), and then generate a change order. Sensors in the tablet report the position of the photograph to the server.

www.google.com/patents/US20120116728

DIGITAL JUICE