TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to method for collecting and processing productspecific information, and more particularly to methods for preparing specifications of products for use by professionals in the construction industry.

BACKGROUND

In the construction industry, tending offers for work typically involves first obtaining specifications for construction supplies. However, if errors occur during this initial stage, significant underestimation or overestimation of construction project costs can occur. If not immediately corrected, the errors can have an adverse effect on a supplier’s reputation, which can harm their future business prospects. Furthermore, to make a specification section in any document without confusing entries and misinformation can pose interpretation problems and consequently additional costs for the customer and loss of confidence in the professionals.

Conventional methods used by construction professionals in most cases, involve copying old specifications or copying a section of a manufacturer's product and pasting it into a product from another manufacturer, which without exception, causes errors. Thus, all bidders will see these flaws in the specifications and may take the opportunity to charge extra after obtaining the contracts. This largely explains the exorbitant cost overruns encountered in the institutional, commercial and industrial construction industry.

Several groups have attempted to address these problems, but none of the results have been satisfactory thus far. We are aware of one software platform, Product Master Spec, which offers a generic specification system in which the professional must then add their own drafting notes. Disadvantageously, this fails to reduce the initial errors and confusion, which often arise because of human error or even unscrupulous practices.

Thus, there is a need for an improved system and method for providing accurate specifications for materials typically used in the construction industry. BRIEF SUMMARY

We have developed a novel and unobvious software platform which significantly reduces, or essentially eliminates, human error problems that arise during the preparation of specifications for products that are typically used in the construction industry. The software platform uses a method in which, for each piece of construction material, a series of questions are posed to a user. When answered, the user is then presented with a specification that is significantly free from errors. When collected together for a construction project, this information allows architects, engineers, designers or stakeholders to receive accurate and reliable estimates for construction materials. Furthermore, the projected cost estimates are largely free from errors, which if left unchecked would cause significant underestimation, or in some cases an overestimation of a project. Advantageously, our platform includes an easy-to-read and navigate interface which allows selection and compilation of accurate specifications for construction material held in a material directory. Also, we have included security measures to reduce unauthorized manipulation of specifications either during their compilation or after the final specification is generated. Our platform overcomes the problem often encountered during the planning phase of a construction project when, typically, vague ideas about tools and materials enter into the specification process. Moreover, within about 2 minutes an extract of a specification is produced without errors. When compared to traditional methods, which take at least 15 to 20 times more time and includes frequent errors, our method is clearly advantageous, our platform is available to all manufacturers of construction products. The speed of preparing an error-free specification section for professionals is a revolution in the field. Error- free specification production and speed translates into lower production cost for professionals and cost control during execution because of the accuracy of details in the specification, which reduces confusion and interpretation. Our platform also allows manufacturers of the construction materials to be added so as to allow an increase in communication between several parties. An additional advantage of this is that manufacturers who sign up to our platform will have their products placed in a preferred position have would typically have the manufacturers’ name specified in the specifications. Accordingly, there is provided an embodiment of a computer-implemented method for generating specifications for construction materials, comprising using a processor located on a computer to initiate the following method steps: assigning a unique identifier to a first user; creating a first project for sharing with one or more second users; selecting a first material from a material directory and answering one or more prompted first set of questions about the first material; adding the selected first material to the first project; selecting one or more second materials from the material directory and answering one or more prompted second set of questions about the one or more second materials; and combining answers to the first and the second set of questions about the first material and the at least one second materials so as to generate the specification for construction materials for the first project.

In one example, the method includes the steps of: displaying a first image having one or more construction materials for which the first user desires information; selecting one of the construction materials; and presenting the first user with a plurality of questions, the first user being prompted to answer the questions so as to compile a detailed specification for the selected construction product. The first image is displayed on a first display window, the first display window having a plurality of product images thereon, the product images having a product description located adjacent the image, the image having an image select option located in the display window. A product question image is located on a third display window, the product question image having located therein a plurality of selectable questions located therein.

In one example, a product question image is located on a third display screen, the product question image having located therein a plurality of selectable questions located therein, the selectable questions about the selected product increasing in detail so as to build a specification with increasing accuracy and detail.

In another example, the detailed specification is saved to a project database. The detailed specification is saved in either a modifiable format or a non-modifiable format. The modifiable format is a Word document. The non-modifiable format is a pdf document.

In one example, a second user is provided access to the project library, the second user being authorized to provide other users access to the first project library, the second user being employed at the same organization as the first user, the second user coordinating access to the first project.

In one example, if necessary, modifying the detailed specification before the first user accepts the detailed specification.

In still another example, the detailed specification is saved to a project database for review by a specification recipient.

Accordingly, in another embodiment there is provided a system for a computer- implemented method for monetizing advertisement views comprising using a processor located on a computer to initiate the following method steps: on a first user electronic device, assigning a unique identifier to a first user; creating a first project for sharing with one or more second users; selecting a first material from a material directory and answering one or more first set of questions about the first material; selecting one or more second materials from the material directory and answering one or more prompted second set of questions about the one or more second materials; and combining answers to the first and the second set of questions about the first material and the at least one second materials so as to generate the specification for construction materials for the first project. In one example, the system includes the method steps of: displaying a first image having one or more construction materials for which the first user desires information; selecting one of the construction materials; and presenting the first user with a plurality of questions, the first user being prompted to answer the questions so as to compile a detailed specification for the selected construction product. The first image is displayed on a first display window, the first display window having a plurality of product images thereon, the product images having a product description located adjacent the image, the image having an image select option located in the display window. A product question image is located on a third display window, the product question image having located therein a plurality of selectable questions located therein.

In one example, a product question image is located on a third display screen, the product question image having located therein a plurality of selectable questions located therein, the selectable questions about the selected product increasing in detail so as to build a specification with increasing accuracy and detail.

In another example, the detailed specification is saved to a project database. The detailed specification is saved in either a modifiable format or a non-modifiable format. The modifiable format is a Word document. The non-modifiable format is a pdf document.

In one example, a second user is provided access to the project library, the second user being authorized to provide other users access to the first project library, the second user being employed at the same organization as the first user, the second user coordinating access to the first project.

In one example, if necessary, modifying the detailed specification before the first user accepts the detailed specification.

In still another example, the detailed specification is saved to a project database for review by a specification recipient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a system network;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a computer infrastructure;

FIG. 3 is a screenshot of a log-in box for providing a username and a password;

FIG. 4 is a screenshot of a home page of the software platform;

FIG. 5 is a screenshot of a New Project window;

FIG. 6 is a screenshot of a New Spec window;

FIG. 7 is a screenshot of a Product Type selection window;

FIG. 8 is a screenshot of a first series of Product Type questions;

FIG. 9 is a screenshot of a number of additional Product Type questions;

FIG. io is a screenshot of Save Spec and Consult spec windows;

FIG. n is a screenshot of tiled spec documents; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing steps of the method of an embodiment of the method for drafting specifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise specified, the following definitions apply:

The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include corresponding plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term “comprising” is intended to mean that the list of elements following the word “comprising” are required or mandatory but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present.

As used herein, the term “consisting of’ is intended to mean including and limited to whatever follows the phrase “consisting of’. Thus, the phrase “consisting of’ indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory and that no other elements may be present.

Broadly speaking, we have developed a software program in which an algorithm takes a user through a series of questions, which when answered, confirms the different options for each of the selected products, thereby reducing confusing errors.

Referring first to Fig. 1, we have designed an environment 10 in which a system and method allows users of computers 12 to improve the accuracy of specification generation for materials used in the construction industry. The system and method are particularly suited for use on mobile electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and the like. The system and method allow an individual user to view construction materials by interacting with a computing system 14 over a network 16. The construction materials, which are viewed are selected by the user from a materials database 18, based on pre-defined preferences, or a pre-defined materials profile.

The system can transfer the content of each project to professionals because of the following:

• It provides a unique identification code for each user;

• It shares information with other stakeholders;

• It can be adapted to any of the products used in the construction industry;

• It is a scalable platform in the future such as programming with an electronic drawing table, direct access to the plans linked to the specification, consultation of the specifications from the electronic drawing table, direct communication from the drawing table to the professional via email, other applications can be added to the platform; and

• The platform is currently dedicated to institutional, commercial and industrial projects but it can be adapted for use with the residential sector.

Referring now to Fig. 2, which shows the user’s computer with a computer infrastructure 20 that can perform the processes described herein. In particular, the computer infrastructure 20 includes a computing device 22 that comprises a management system 24, which makes the computing device 22 operable to perform specification generation according to the method steps described below. The computing device 22 includes a processor 26, a non-transitory memory 28, an input/output (1/0) interface 30, and a bus 32. Further, the computing device 22 is in communication with an external I/O device/resource 34 and a data storage 36.

Generally speaking, the processor 26 executes computer program code, which is stored in the non-transitory memory 28 and/or the data storage 36. While executing computer program code, the processor 26 can read and/or write data to/from the memory 28, the data storage 56, and/or the I/O interface 30. The bus 32 provides a communications link between each of the components in the computing device 22. The I/O device 34 includes a device that permits a user to interact with the computing device 22 or a device that permits the computing device 22 to communicate with one or more other computing devices using any type of communications link known to those skilled in the art. The computing device 22 can be, for example, a personal computer, a laptop, a server, or a mobile, handheld device, all of which being capable of executing computer program code installed thereon. In one example, the mobile, handheld device is a smart phone such as an iPhone, Android, or a tablet.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that although a single computer infrastructure 20 is illustrated, two or more computing devices such as a server cluster, that communicate over any type of communications link, such as a network, a shared memory, or the like, can perform the method steps described herein. Furthermore, while performing the process or method steps described herein, one or more computing devices in the computer infrastructure 20 can communicate with one or more additional computing devices that are external to the computer infrastructure 12 using any type of communications link. The communications link includes any combination of wired and/or wireless links; any combination of one or more types of networks, for example, the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, a virtual private network and the like; and/or utilize any combination of transmission techniques and protocols.

Referring now to Figs. 3 to 11, a number of screenshots exemplify the specification generation method which provides access to information in the system via a computing device 38. Typically, the computing device 38 provides a convenient and easy way by which to communicate either by SMS, messaging or telephoning, and grants access to the system by way of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. In one example, the computing device 38 includes a smartphone such as an iPhone, Android or a tablet, or a personal computer such as a laptop. The system is accessible using either interconnected wireless technology or wired technology. The user connects to the system after they are registered and provided with a unique identifier number either by firm and/or by user as the case may be. Once registered, the user creates a project that can be shared with other contributors and immediately begins writing the specification by a question/answer process for a specific product. The user is able produce the specification and adds it to the other specifications of the project and so on for each of the manufacturers' products available on the platform directory.

Referring now to Fig. 3, at the beginning of the process, the user encounters an application which they open by interacting with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on a display screen 40 on the computing device 38. The display screen 40 includes a user name field 42 and a password field 44, which when filled correctly provides access to the system. Before allowing access to the system, an administrator provides the user with a unique identification number (ID) and password for each user in an organization who wishes to access the system.

Referring now to Fig. 4, once access is provided to the user, a home page 46 is shown in which a plurality of menu items 48 are provided in a margin 50 of the home page 46. In the example shown, the menu items 48 include “Specs”, “New Specs”, “Accessories”, “Quote Library”, “Projects”, “New Project”, “Project Library”, “Access Management”, and “User Access”. The menu items 48 are activated either by touchscreen technology or more conventional keyboards. In the example shown, a sub-menu 50 may be accessible when one of the items 48 is activated, such as “Account Management”, “Division/Sections”, “Manufacturers”, “Questionnaire”, and “Categories”. Although not shown, any of the items 48, when activated, provide access to a plurality of sub-menus.

Referring now to Fig. 5, a new project window 52 is shown when the user wishes to begin a specification generation process for one or more materials for use in the construction industry. The new project window 52 is presented when the user activates the “New Project” item from the menu items 48. The new project window 52 includes fillable fields 54 such as “Project Name”, “Client Name”, “Details”, and the like. Once information is collected in the fillable fields 54, the information is saved in a Project Library. If an error is made, the new project window 52 can be cancelled and the process can begin again. It is possible for the user to create a plurality of “New Specs” that can be saved in the New Project. An appointed trustworthy user located at the user’s business (organization) can be assigned to coordinate system access of each user within the organization. The appointed trustworthy user is authorized to add or remove any user.

Turning now to Fig. 6, after the new project is saved, the user is then presented with a “New Spec” window 56. The “New Spec” window 56 is provided when the user activates one of the menu items 48. Within a materials (or product) directory database, the user is presented with increasing detailed information about the materials for which specification is required. The “New Spec” window 56 includes a number of product divisions 58 for which the user requires information. In the example shown, the product divisions 58 includes a number of “Specials” 60, such as Section 10 21 1313 - Toilet partitions; Section 10 2600 - Wall protection; Section 10 51 13-Storage solution; Section 10 21 15-Plastic toilet partitions. In essence, the user is presented with a first set of questions about the material. As the user moves through the process, a second set of questions about another product may be asked, thereby increasing the population of a final specification for a variety of construction materials. Referring now to Fig. 7, and by way of example, once the user selects Section 10 26 00 - Wall and door protectors/Wall protection, another “New Spec” window 62 is presented, which includes four images 64 below two information partition fields 66, 68. The “New Spec” window 62 provides an opportunity to select the type of product required for the new project. In the four images shown, the four options presented are: Acrovyn 4000; Acrovyn with PVC; Acrovyn by design patterns; and Acrovyn by design premium woodgrain. Each of the four images includes a select button 70 in the top corner 72, which when activated then takes the user to the next stage in the process.

Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, to gradually build the specification, a number of questions are presented to the user by way of another “New Spec” window 74. In the example shown, a question 76 “Select thickness” is provided which prompts the user to select one of the three options 78 for product thickness, namely, 0.040” 102mm; o.o6o”i52mm; 0.075” 191mm. It is noteworthy that both metric and imperial measurements are provided so as to reduce errors during measurement calculations, and also to allow the system to be marketed to countries where either metric or imperial measurements are used. Additional question windows 80 in additional “New Spec” windows 82 are shown in Fig. 9, in which, for example, certain construction specialties are presented, such as: Select Colour: 049 white; 253 porchment; 658 pumice; 265 fog; Select Sheet Dimension: 4x84x 12; Select Colour collection: collection solid colours; collection chameleon. Each “New Spec” window 82 includes the select button 70 in top corner, which when selected helps compile additional information in the New Project.

Finally, referring to Figs. 10 and 11, once all the questions are answered, using the drop-down menu 48 the user is prompted to save the information using a “Save Spec” window 84. After saving the information, a select display mode 86 provides the user with the option of “Word” or “pdf’ in a Consult Spec window 88. The user, as seen in Fig. 11, is presented with Specs in either “Word” or “pdf’ format so as allow the user to review the information to ensure it is accurate. If the information is saved in a Word document, the format allows the user to modify it if desired. If the information reviewed is correct, the specification preparation is complete and the final document is saved to the user computer or to the project library. The interested parties can then have access to the accurate specification. The method makes the job easier for professionals by reducing the risk of errors and reducing both the time it takes to write specifications, which translates into huge cost savings. This facilitates the execution of the work on-site to finish the work on time. All of this results in financial savings for all customers.

Of course, the above are used merely as illustrative examples. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many different options are available as well as many different questions about specific construction materials

The system and method, described herein, maintains a register of all products created by users. This is a failsafe way to determine whether there has been a modification or not. To protect itself, the system maintains a register of all the projects created by the users and thus is able to prove whether there has been a modification or not. The other advantage of the registry is that if professionals lose a specification in their own project banks, the system provides a back-up,

Referring now to Fig. 12, a flow diagram loo is illustrated to show the steps in the method of producing the specification. Starting at Block 102, a user clicks on an icon to open an Application (“App”) at Block 104. Once the user’s unique identification number and password are confirmed, Block 106 presents the home page with a plurality of items located in the menu. At Block 108, the user interacts with one of the items, either by clicking on the item or hovering a mouse over the item. If necessary, at Block 110m a sub-menu is optionally presented. At Block 112, a new project is created which is either saved, at Block 114 as a new spec, or, if cancelled, can take the user back to Block 108 where another new project can be created. At Block 116, the product division and spec information is selected, which then takes the user to Block 118, which specifies the product type. Advantageously at Block 120, a plurality of questions are presented to the user, which when answered help compile a profile of the product. If at anytime during the questioning step, the user wishes to stop, the system takes them back to Block 114 to re-start the information gathering process. When the questioning is complete, at Block 122, the spec is saved with the option to display either as a word document or a pdf document. If any amendments are to be made, the user may be taken back to Block 114 to begin the process. If not, the user is then taken to Block 124, which then ends the process.

In sum, once the product specifications are accurately complied and reviewed, an accurate specification for how much a construction project will cost can be provided to any interested party.

Other Embodiments

Embodiments have been described above in conjunction with aspects of the present disclosure upon which they can be implemented. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in conjunction with the aspect with which they are described, but may also be implemented with other embodiments of that aspect. When embodiments are mutually exclusive, or are otherwise incompatible with each other, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Some embodiments may be described in relation to one aspect, but may also be applicable to other aspects, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.