Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to providing services to an architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) domain professionals and more particularly, to a system and a method for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof.

Background of the invention:

Currently architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) domain professionals like architects, project owners, independent home owners / buyers and real state, commercial and industry owners are referring hard copies or respective websites of municipal corporation for different rule books and circulars. The information regarding rules and regulation as well as approval document list is available on local body web sites for reference. However, this creates discomfort to building owners and consultants as they need to visit different portals for each municipality/ town acts. It is realized that the building owners and the consultants are in dire need of a product which can help them quickly identify the development control rules applicable for a project even before the project land is finalized. They would like to know applicable bye-laws for the proposed project, development permission process, applicable authorities for required permissions, approximate time lines of approvals and charges for permission for assisting them in their business decision. Few professionals have their own knowledge base created in MS office (word/ pdf / excels) but searching relevant information becomes quite cumbersome with these tools.

Efforts are seen in the prior art to develop systems for administration and management tools for construction industry. Reference may be made to PCT application no. W02001046854(A1) that discloses a system of workflow and document management. The system of this invention utilizes a central data repository for storing and accessing the work objects and documents. This invention relates to an online automated permit system used by contractors and to attainment of permits and documentation/processes thereof. When such auto generated permits are submitted to respective jurisdiction, those permits are reviewed and then either they are approved or rejected and based on the permit status fees are collected. Another patent application no. US2014136294(A1) discloses a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative model for a real estate development project. However, none of these prior art documents provide feasibility checks to an end user to get clear idea about applicability and validity of construction permits for his/her project before the project starts.

Drawbacks of the existing methods/technologies

• Always dependent on municipality portal

• Need to visit different portals for each municipality/ town acts

• Difficult to search relevant information

• May not get historical information

• If entire data is maintained locally in office premises, then it leads higher to higher infrastructure cost.

Presently there is no other system available that provides a one stop solution to the need of construction professionals to search building bye-law, fees calculation, approval queries and project guidance through a digital platform for his/her project before the project starts.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a system and a method for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof that overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art. Objects of the invention:

An object of present invention is to provide a unique one stop digital solution to enable construction domain professionals to take informed decision from the project conceptualization stage till the construction permit approval stage is designed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide compressive guides based on the building parameters selected by the user that can be saved for future reference and shared through various digital networks.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide cloud based portal for automation of building plan permit system with all SMAC (social, mobile, analytics and cloud) technology based features.

Summary of the invention:

Accordingly, the present invention provides a system for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof. The system comprises a locator module, a plan check module, a rule search module, an approval module, a verification module, a notification module, an approval body database, a building type and subtype database, a rule category database, a rule database, a project parameters database, a department and parameters database and a server.

The locator module is operably connected to the approval body database for allowing an authorized user to select a local approval body for a selected location. Specifically, the local approval body is selected by using any one of a location map, a pin code of location and a district name. The plan check module is operably connected to the approval body database. The plan check module includes a drawing formatting tool embedded therein. The drawing formatting tool includes a formatted layer based on building bye-laws that aids in drafting a submission drawing.

The rule search module is operably connected to the approval body database, the building type and subtype database, the rule category database and the rule database for allowing the user to select rule categories, parameters of a project, building type and building sub type based on the selected local approval body and a selected project. The approval module is operably connected to the approval body database, the building type and subtype database and the department and parameters database for providing a list of documents and fees applicable for an approval process for the selected local body. The verification module is operably connected to the approval body database and the project parameters database. The verification module includes a rule guide unit, an approval guide unit and a fee guide unit. The rule guide unit provides a complete list of project specific rules. The approval guide unit provides a list of applicable documents, a complete process flow and applicable fees to obtain the construction permit certificate for the project. The fee guide unit calculates total fee and budget applicable for the selected project.

The notification module is adapted for alerting the user for rule updates, subscription validity and consumption of an allotted storage space. The server is communicatively coupled to the approval body database, the building type and subtype database, the rule category database, the rule database, the project parameters database and the department and parameters database.

The system allows the authorized user to use a plan check service, a rule search service, an approval process service and a verification process service as per requirement. Further, the system allows the authorized user to share, save, view and print the search results for the plan check service, the rule search service, the approval process service and the verification process service. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof.

Brief description of the drawings:

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a process flow for a plan check service of the method used for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a process flow for a rule search service of the method used for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a process flow for an approval process service of the method used for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 6 illustrates a process flow for a project verification service of the method used for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof, in accordance with the present invention. Detailed description of the invention:

The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiment.

The present invention discloses a system and a method for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof. The system and the method provide a digital one stop platform to explore applicable building rules, documents and fees required to obtain construction permit across multiple local bodies in country. The system and the method facilitate unique search which is based on building parameters in the field of an architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) domain and assist an end user in his/her business decision. The system and the method provide assistance for preparation of the documents required for obtaining the approval from the local approval authority.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description.

Referring to figure 1 , a system (150) for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof in accordance with the present invention is shown. The system (150) is hosted on a cloud. The system (150) is accessed by a user using login credentials. In an embodiment, the system (150) is accessed by a user through a web portal. In another embodiment, the system (150) is installed in a portable electronic device in the form of an application. Specifically, the application is a SMAC (social, mobile, analytics and cloud) enabled portal for providing services to an architecture, engineering and construction domain professionals like architects, project owners, independent home owners / buyers and real state, commercial and industry owners.

The system (150) fetches information form a plurality of urban legal bodies through a plurality of connectors (not shown). In the context of the present invention, the plurality of connectors is web API/ services built on open standards. The plurality of connectors is used to fetch latest and updated information of respective municipality to the system (150). This information includes, but not limiting to, latest rules and regulations, necessary documents, approval processes, applicable fee and the like.

As shown in figure 1, the system (150) comprises a locator module (10), a plan check module (20), a rule search module (30), an approval module (40), a verification module (50), a notification module (60), an approval body database (70), a building type and subtype database (80), a rule category database (90), a rule database (100), a project parameters database (110), a department and parameters database (120) and a server (not shown).

The locator module (10) is operably connected to the approval body database (70). The approval body database (70) includes a list of all urban local approving bodies/authorities, for example a municipal corporation, stored therein. The locator module (10) allows an authorized user to select the local approval body for a selected location. In an embodiment, the local approval body is selected by using any one of a location map, a pin code of location and a district name.

The plan check module (20) is operably connected to the approval body database (70). The plan check module (20) includes a drawing formatting tool (12) embedded therein. The drawing formatting tool (12) includes a formatted layer based on building bye-laws that aids in drafting a submission drawing. The plan check module (20) allows the user to download the drawing formatting tool (12). The drawing formatting tool (12) facilitates preparation of the submission drawing for a selected local body in order to obtain a construction permit.

The rule search module (30) is operably connected to the approval body database (70), the building type and subtype database (80), the rule category database (90), and the rule database (100). The rule search module (30) allows the user to select rule categories, parameters of a project, building type and building sub type based on the selected local approval body and a selected project. The building type and subtype are stored in the building type and subtype database (80). The rule categories are stored in the rule category database (90) and include a list of development control rules and regulations for the selected local approval body. For example, to view an allowed floor space index the user selects a floor space index (FSI) rule. The user selects the parameters of the project as per their requirement. The parameters include, but not limiting to, a plot area, zone, location and the like.

The approval module (40) is operably connected to the approval body database (70), the building type and subtype database (80) and the department and parameters database (120). The approval module (40) provides a list of documents and fees applicable for an approval process for the selected local body to obtain construction approval certificates. The user needs to fill the details such as ownership, undertakings, no objection certificates (NOCs) and other relevant information in a relevant document.

The verification module (50) is operably connected to the approval body database (70) and the project parameters database (110). The verification module (50) provides project parameters required for a project verification. The verification module (50) includes a rule guide unit (42), an approval guide unit (44) and a fee guide unit (46) embedded therein. The rule guide unit (42) is operably connected to the rule category database (90) and the rule database (100). The rule guide unit (42) provides a complete list of project specific rules. The user selects the rule parameters present in the rule guide unit (42) as per her/his requirement.

The approval guide unit (44) provides a list of applicable documents to obtain construction permit certificates for the project. The approval guide unit (44) also provides a complete process flow and applicable fees to obtain the construction permit certificate for the project.

The fee guide unit (46) also referred to as a business guide unit calculates total fee as well as budget applicable for the selected project. The budget applicable head wise fee includes, but not limiting to, scrutiny fee, land development charges, premiums and the like.

The system (150) allows the user to save and share the project and result along with project pictures. For saving the project in the project parameters database (110), every user is provided a storage space as per his/her subscription plan. The system (150) allows the user to access the saved project guide at any point of time.

The notification module (60) allows the user to manage alerts and notifications regarding rule updates. The notification module (60) also alerts the user in advance to renew his/her subscription before the expiry date of subscription validity. Further, the notification module (60) sends notification to the user if an allotted space is consumed.

The server is communicatively coupled to the approval body database (70), the building type and subtype database (80), the rule category database (90), the rule database (100), the project parameters database (110) and the department and parameters database (120). Specifically, the server communicates with the databases (70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120) using a network.

In accordance with the present invention, the system (150) is a web portal and mobile based application system developed by using web content management system and web application frameworks/platforms, programming languages and databases. In an exemplary embodiment, the web application frameworks/ platforms are selected from any one of Microsoft .Net Framework, DNN (DotNetNuke), ASP.Net and like but not limited thereto, the programming languages may include C# and like, but not limited thereto and databases may be selected from Microsoft SQL Server and MongoDB and like, but not limited thereto.

In accordance with the present invention, the application of the system (150) provides all the development control rules and process related information across multiple urban local bodies (ULB) under one roof that is digitally accessible and offers various result oriented services to the authorized user like a plan check service, a rule search service, an approval process service and a verification process service. The system (150) is compatible with all other current information technology (IT) enabled systems. The system (150) is also useful for authorities engaged in granting permissions to owners/consultants of the building project. The system (150) allows applicants to submit their applications/entries online along with a digital copy of required documents and project plan drawings in CAD format. The unique feature of the system (150) is that the drawing is being checked automatically by reading objects and mapping to relevant building bye- laws applicable in the relevant authority identified based on location of the project without any human intervention. The system (150) computes scrutiny fees and development charges and accepts the payments online.

Referring to figure 2, in another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing services for construction project feasibility and permits thereof. Specifically, the method is described in conjunction with the system (150) of figure 1.

At step (201), the method involves accessing the system (150) by a user using login credentials. In an embodiment, the system (150) is accessed by the user through a web portal. In another embodiment, the system (150) is installed in a portable electronic device in the form of an application and the application is accessed by the user after registration. If the user is not registered user then the system (150) allows the user to sign up. Before signing up, the user is presented with a disclaimer. The user is able to register on the application only after accepting this disclaimer. Every data request from the application to the server is authenticated and legitimate to keep away unauthorized traffic. When an authentication request is received, the method includes checking if the system (150) is aware of any such user by querying user credentials and checking if supplied incoming credentials are matching with the stored information.

At step (202), the method involves selecting a local approval body by the user by accessing the locator module (10). The local approval body selection is a mandatory step for selecting all services provided by the system (150). In an embodiment, the local approval body is selected by using any one of a location map, a pin code of location and a district name.

The user then decides to select any one of a plan check service (210), a rule search service (220), an approval process service (240) and a verification process service (260) as per his/her requirement.

For the plan check service (210), the user accesses the plan check module (20) of the system (150). Figure 3 illustrates a detailed flowchart of the plan check service from step (203) to step (207). At step (203), the method involves generating an activation key by the user by accessing the plan check module (20). At step (204), the method involves downloading and installing the drawing formatting tool (12) by the user. At step (205), the method involves activating the drawing formatting tool (12) using the generated activation key. The activation key ensures that the drawing formatting tool (12) is not used on multiple systems as the activation key is generated only once and required at the time of the drawing formatting tool (12) installation. For compliance check at the local body, applicant needs to mandatorily submit the drawing in a standard layer format. The plan check service (210) facilitates the user to download the drawing formatting tool (12) for the selected local body for preparation of the submission drawing in order to obtain the construction permit. Thus the system (150) and the method ensure that all the aspects required in preparation of the submission drawing are covered under one roof.

At step (206), the method involves alerting the user on expiry of an evaluation period for the drawing formatting tool (12). Specifically, the notification module (60) also alerts the user in advance to renew his/her subscription before the expiry date of subscription validity. At step (207), the method involves checking whether the subscription charges are paid by the user. If the subscription charges are paid, the drawing formatting tool (12) is activated for a license period else the evaluation version of the drawing formatting tool (12) stops working. The user is required to recharge/renew package within the expiry of validity. After expiry of package validity user data saved on a cloud storage is retained up to days. If user does not renew the package all data is erased from the cloud storage as the subscription is based on timeline validity and storage space. However, it is understood here that the download of the drawing formatting tool (12) is not mandatory for the user to use the plan check service (210).

For the rule search service (220), the user accesses the rule search module (30) of the system (150). Figure 4 illustrates a detailed flowchart of the rule search service (220) from step (211) to step (214). At step (211), the method involves selecting a building type and subtype. The building type and subtype is stored in the building type and subtype database (80). The building type includes, but not limiting to, an apartment, mix use building, hotel, restaurant, office bank, shopping complex, multiplexes, petrol station and the like.

At step (212), the method involves selecting a rule category. In the rule category database (90), the rules and building bye-laws are arranged based on function and importance thereof in three ways namely high importance, medium importance and low importance rules. Specifically, the rule categories are building rules defined in the development control rule book of the approving authority for example, building height, floor space index, building setback, parking and the like. The user selects the rule category as per her/his requirement.

At step (213), the method involves searching rules with input parameters relevant to the selected rule category. The user selects the rule parameters present in the rule guide unit (42) as per her/his requirement. At step (214), the method involves displaying an applicable rule output corresponding to the selected rule category and selected rule parameters. The method allows the user to share the output result. The rule search information and the output result are also stored for future reference.

For the approval process service (240), the user accesses the approval module (40) of the system (150). Figure 5 illustrates a detailed flowchart of the approval process service (220) from step (221) to step (230). The approval process service (240) is a complete information guide for building plan approval process for the selected local body to obtain the construction approval certificates. The approval proposal service (240) allows the user to select comprehensive document list (221), applicable fees (224) and proposal flow (227). If the user selects comprehensive document list (221), then method involves selecting department and the other parameters at step (222). At step (223), the method involves providing list of required documents as per the selected department and the parameters. The list of required documents and the parameters are stored in the department and parameters database (120). The document list as per various stages of construction permits are for example, commencement certificate, plinth certificate and occupancy certificate. The examples of required documents includes, but not limiting to, drainage NOC, affidavit, fire NOC and the like. The method allows the user to share the output of the list of documents at step (230).

If the user selects applicable fees (224), then method involves selecting permission types at step (225). At step (226), the method involves providing details of fee calculations as per the selected permission types. The method allows the user to share the output of fee calculations at step (230).

If the user selects proposal flow (227), then method involves selecting permission types at step (228). At step (229), the method involves providing information of the proposal flow. In the context of the present invention, the proposal flow is an approval flow of the building plan proposal/file submission of the approval authority. The method allows the user to share the output of proposal flow at step (230).

For the verification process service (260), the user accesses the verification module (50) of the system (150). Figure 6 illustrates a detailed flowchart of the verification process service (260) from step (241) to step (256).

At step (241), the method involves selecting a building type and subtype. The building type and subtype is stored in the building type and subtype database (80). The building type includes, but not limiting to, an apartment, mix use building, hotel, restaurant, office bank, shopping complex, multiplexes, petrol station and the like.

At step (241), the method involves creating the project by the user. At step (242), the method involves updating the project parameters. In the context of the present invention, the project parameters are the information about the building which is undertaken as project. The project parameters includes, but not limiting to, building /plot use, sub use, nature of site, plot width, plot depth, width of abutting road and the like. The project parameters help the user to search the result precisely by filtering project requirement.

At step (243), the method involves finalizing the project details. Thereafter, the method allows to the user to access the rule guide unit (42), the fee guide unit (46) and the approval guide unit (44) as per his/her requirement.

After accessing the rule guide unit (42) at step (245), the method involves selecting the rule category at step (246). In the rule category database (90), the rules and building bye-laws are arranged based on function and importance thereof in three ways namely high importance, medium importance and low importance rules. Specifically, the rule categories are building rules defined in the development control rule book of the approving authority for example, building height, floor space index, building setback, parking and the like. The user selects the rule category as per her/his requirement.

At step (247), the method involves searching rules with input parameters relevant to the selected rule category. The user selects the rule parameters present in the rule guide unit (42) as per her/his requirement. At step (248), the method involves displaying an applicable rule output corresponding to the selected rule category and selected rule parameters. The method allows the user to share the output result of applicable rules at step (256). After accessing the fee guide unit (46) at step (249), the method involves selecting the permission types at step (250). At step (251), the method involves providing details of fee calculations as per the selected permission types. The method allows the user to share the output result of fee calculations at step (256).

After accessing the approval guide unit (44) at step (252), the method involves selecting the rule category at step (253). At step (254), the method involves selecting the permission types. At step (248), the method involves displaying a detailed business guide corresponding to the selected rule category and selected rule parameters. The method allows the user to share the detailed business guide at step (256).

In accordance with the present invention, the user is required to submit the output results received through the use of the system (150) to the local body authority through a physical filing or by accessing an official web portal thereof in a specified jurisdiction in which the user needs permission. It is understood here that the system (150) is not an official building plan approval web portal of the local body hence, the user cannot obtain construction permit or pay scrutiny fees through the system (150).

In accordance with the present invention, the system (150) and the method provide unique search which is based on building parameter. The search result is available in report format and saved as portable document format (PDF) in collection folder for future reference. The user also able to share the search result through various messaging services including, but not limiting to, ‘WhatsApp’, ‘Mail’ and the like. The user is also allowed to print the search results for ready reference. Further, the user is allowed to raise any query/issues in the form of a ticket. Advantages of the invention:

1. The system (150) provides a web and mobile based application platform that facilitates user to explore applicable building rule and regulation, approval documents and fees based on a selected type of building within a jurisdiction of the selected approval local body.

2. The system (150) allows result sharing thereby reducing the need to depend upon multiple source of information, analyze and compile data.

3. The system (150) and the method allow the user to share, save, view and print the results in the form of preformatted PDF report.

4. The system (150) provides subscription based services where user enjoys rewards and bonus.

5. The system (150) provides a default common storage on cloud to each user and size of cloud storage space is limited as per the subscription. Further, the user is allowed to save data on a local storage space of PC/laptop and mobile phone.

6. The system (150) is customizable for more interactive user interface with additional features for achieving more user friendliness and ease of operation.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.