METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZATION OF THE EXTERNAL SHEATHING MATERIAL FOR WALLS

Abstract

The present invention is a computer method for determining the sheathing materials required for the construction of a building, comprising: receiving a model of a structure, wherein the model is comprised of a group of members; analyzing the group of members to determine a group of members associated with an exterior surface of the model; processing the group of members to identify member specific properties; identifying, by one or more processors, a sheathing material to be applied to the group of members; converting the sheathing material to substantially cover the exterior surface of the model, wherein the a group of the sheathing material are modified; rendering, by one or more processors, an image of the placement of the sheathing material over the group of members; and calculating, by one or more processors, a set of data associated with the sheathing material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/6695,360 filed Nov. 26, 2019 currently pending. The disclosure of the prior applications is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to building construction and in particular, to the method, computer program, or computer system for providing the optimum material required for the architectural exterior sheathings of a building.

Building construction is a complicated process in which multiple disciplines are involved like architectural system which includes the building finishings, building fixed furniture arrangements, structural systems which includes the structural framing members in the building, and other disciplines like mechanical system, electrical system, plumbing system.

During the building construction, a large portion of the overall time spent on the project is allocated to the exterior/architectural finishings including the sheathing material used for the building. The building's exterior sheathing provides both an aesthetical appearance but also assists with insulation and fire proofing. During the building construction, the task of fixing the sheathing to the wall is time consuming activity because measurement of the wall dimension and cutting the wall sheathing material to required size needs time. The wall sheathing material is available in standard sheet sizes in market. However, the wall dimensions are not always such that it fits full boards on the wall surface. In such case the board needs to cut to required size. Cutting the sheet to required size on construction site consumes a lot of time and labor.

However, this is typically done by hand drawings, or computer-generated images or models to show the look of the finishing. Multiple calculations are required to determine the type of material, the thickness of the material and the like based on the environment and the design of the building. Many issues also arise by the inability of the designer to analyze the strength of the material and use over simplified mathematics to calculate the components of the building.

Therefore, it is desired for a program or software to be able to determine the exterior sheathing/finishings of a building when provided with a frame model.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the present invention is a computer method for determining the sheathing materials required for the construction of a building, comprising: receiving, by at least one processor, a model of a structure, wherein the model is comprised of a group of members; analyzing, by at least one processor, the group of members to determine a group of members associated with an exterior surface of the model; processing, by at least one processor, the group of members to identify member specific properties; identifying, by one or more processors, a group of sheathing material to be applied to the group of members; manipulating, by at least one processor, the model, wherein the sheathing material is applied to the model; altering, by at least one processor, the sheathing material to substantially cover the exterior surface of the model; rendering, by one or more processors, an illustration of the placement of the sheathing material relative to the members; and calculating, by one or more processors, a set of data associated with the sheathing material

In a second embodiment, the present invention is a computer program product for determining the sheathing materials required for the construction of a building, comprising: one or more computer non-transitory readable storage media and program instructions stored on the one or more computer non-transitory readable storage media, the program instructions comprising: program instructions to receive a model of a structure, wherein the model is comprised of a group of members; program instructions to analyze the group of members to determine a group of members associated with an exterior surface of the model; program instructions to process the group of members to identify member specific properties; program instructions to identify a sheathing material to be applied to the group of members; program instructions to manipulate the model, wherein the sheathing material is applied to the model; program instructions to modify the sheathing material to substantially cover the exterior surface of the model, wherein the arrangement of the sheathing material is modified; and program instructions to render an illustration of the placement of the sheathing material relative to the members

In a third embodiment, the present invention is a system for determining the sheathing materials required for the construction of a building, comprising: one or more computer processors, one or more computer non-transitory readable storage media, and program instructions stored on the one or more computer non-transitory readable storage media for execution by, at least one of the one or more processors, the program instructions comprising: program instructions to receive a model of a structure, wherein the model is comprised of a group of members; program instructions to analyze the group of members to determine a group of members associated with an exterior surface of the model; program instructions to process the group of members to identify member specific properties; program instructions to identify a sheathing material to be applied to the group of members; program instructions to manipulate the model, wherein the sheathing material is applied to the model; program instructions to modify the sheathing material to substantially cover the exterior surface of the model, wherein the arrangement of the sheathing material is modified; and program instructions to render an illustration of the placement of the sheathing material relative to the members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram depicting a computing environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram depicting the internal and external components of the server and computing device of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present.

FIG. 3 depicts a cloud computing environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of the operational steps of a method for calculating and generating the sheathing requirements for the construction of a building within the computing environment of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustration of the structural frame of a building, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an architectural plan of a top view of a floor plan with exterior walls/surfaces identified, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustration of the frame of a single wall of the building, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustration of an architectural elevation of an exterior surface with the sheathing materials superimposed over the frame members, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a section view of a set of frame members with layers of sheathing materials installed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a section view of a set of frame members with staggered layers of sheathing materials installed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 depicts an illustration of the front of a building with sheathing material, doors, windows, and roofing installed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides the advantage of specifically analyzing the exterior sheathing/finishing of a building and providing an accurate assessment of the material and quantity of material. In the typical building process, architectural drawings are provided the information for the sheathing to be fixed to the wall on a broad calculation of surface area. This however can be problematic when there are multiple sheathing layers where each sheathing layer has standard dimensions.

The unique feature of the present invention, the building finishings are added by a user and the present invention is able to create the drawings showing the sheathing material layout and arrangement and design as well as determine the optimized quantity. The optimized and pre-cut sizes of the sheathing material reduce the time required on the site for cutting of the material and also wall shop drawing showing the pre-cut wall sheathing boards also reduced the time required on the site to identify the location of each pre-cut sheet. The quantities provided in the sheathing optimization process, reduces the chances of the unnecessary extra material on site. The present invention is also able to determine the quantity of fasteners required to connect the external sheathing material layers to the structural framing members. This feature avoids the overestimation of the fasteners and provides the optimum quantity to order on site.

The present invention uses the unique feature of analyzing the building to determine an optimum sheathing material in which the information about the wall external surface is identified from a model. Drawings for external surface of the walls are generated and sheathing material dimensions are determined. External views of buildings are created from all directions such that all building surfaces are studied. The sheathing may be in multiple layers as per architectural drawings are identified. Drawing for the sheathing for all surfaces are created showing the wall sheet location, number, sheet cutting dimension, material list showing number of total sheets, number of connectors are drawn.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, fire joists, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It is understood in advance that although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed.

Cloud computing is a model of service delivery for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. networks, network bandwidth, servers, processing, memory, storage, applications, virtual machines, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or interaction with a provider of the service. This cloud model may include at least five characteristics, at least three service models, and at least four deployment models.

Characteristics are as follows:

On-demand self-service: a cloud consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human interaction with the service's provider.

Broad network access: capabilities are available over a network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and PDAs).

Resource pooling: the provider's computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the consumer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter).

Rapid elasticity: capabilities can be rapidly and elastically provisioned, in some cases automatically, to quickly scale out and rapidly released to quickly scale in. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be purchased in any quantity at any time.

Measured service: cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service.

Service Models are as follows:

Software as a Service (SaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser (e.g., web-based e-mail). The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.

Platform as a Service (PaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including networks, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly application hosting environment configurations.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): the capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, deployed applications, and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host fire joists).

Deployment Models are as follows:

Private cloud: the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for an organization. It may be managed by the organization or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Community cloud: the cloud infrastructure is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be managed by the organizations or a third party and may exist on-premises or off-premises.

Public cloud: the cloud infrastructure is made available to the general public or a large industry group and is owned by an organization selling cloud services.

Hybrid cloud: the cloud infrastructure is a composition of two or more clouds (private, community, or public) that remain unique entities but are bound together by standardized or proprietary technology that enables data and application portability (e.g., cloud bursting for load-balancing between clouds).

A cloud computing environment is service oriented with a focus on statelessness, low coupling, modularity, and semantic interoperability. At the heart of cloud computing is an infrastructure comprising a network of interconnected nodes.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a computing environment 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 provides an illustration of one embodiment and does not imply any limitations regarding the environment in which different embodiments maybe implemented.

In the depicted embodiment, computing environment 100 includes network 102, computing device 104, and server 106. Computing environment 100 may include additional servers, computers, or other devices not shown.

Network 102 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, any combination thereof, or any combination of connections and protocols that can support communications between computing device 104 and server 106 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Network 102 may include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections.

Computing device 104 may be a management server, a web server, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of processing program instructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments, computing device 104 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating with patient computing device 104 via network 102. In other embodiments, computing device 104 may be a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment. In one embodiment, computing device 104 represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool of seamless resources. Computing device 104 may include components, as depicted and described in further detail with respect to FIG. 1.

Server 106 may be a management server, a web server, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of processing program instructions and receiving and sending data. In other embodiments server 106 may be a laptop computer, tablet computer, notebook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer, or any programmable electronic device capable of communicating via network 102. In one embodiment, server 106 may be a server computing system utilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloud computing environment. In one embodiment, server 106 represents a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components to act as a single pool of seamless resources. In the depicted embodiment sheathing optimization program 108 and database 110 are located on server 106. Server 106 may include components, as depicted and described in further detail with respect to FIG. 1.

Sheathing optimization program 108 provides the analysis of the building model, the processing of the building model specification and dimensions, transferring the building model specifications and dimensions to sheathing material specifications, calculating a required amount of sheathing material, modifying the sheathing material to substantially cover the exterior of the building model, and generating a bill of materials for the sheathing material. The sheathing optimization program 108 takes into account the number of layers of sheathing material. The fastening type based on the sheathing material to determine the placement of the sheathing material and generate a new set of data associated with the building model and the sheathing material. The sheathing optimization program 108 may use an information from the members related to fastening locations and set these as limitation on the placement of the sheathing material so that there are no conflicts when the sheathing material is fastened to the members. The sheathing optimization program 108 is able to take the building model data and the sheathing material data and process the data into a single building model. The sheathing optimization program 108 is able to apply meta tags and meta data to the building model data and the sheathing material data to permit the comparison. In the depicted embodiment, Sheathing optimization program 108 utilizes network 102 to access the computing device 104 and to communicate with database 110. In one embodiment, Sheathing optimization program 108 resides on computing device 104. In other embodiments, Sheathing optimization program 108 may be located on another server or computing device, provided Sheathing optimization program 108 has access to database 110.

Database 110 may be a repository that may be written to and/or read by Sheathing optimization program 108. Information gathered from computing device 104 and the 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional drawings and models as well as the requirements so that the materials and members are identified as conflicting or non-conflicting. In one embodiment, database 110 is a database management system (DBMS) used to allow the definition, creation, querying, update, and administration of a database(s). In the depicted embodiment, database 110 resides on computing device 104. In other embodiments, database 110 resides on another server, or another computing device, provided that database 110 is accessible to Sheathing optimization program 108.

FIG. 2, a schematic of an example of a cloud computing node is shown. Cloud computing node 10 is only one example of a suitable cloud computing node and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention described herein. Regardless, cloud computing node 10 is capable of being implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forth hereinabove.

In cloud computing node 10 there is a computer system/server 12, which is operational with numerous other general purposes or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with computer system/server 12 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer system/server 12 may be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer system/server 12 may be practiced in distributed cloud computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.

FIG. 2, computer system/server 12 in cloud computing node 10 is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of computer system/server 12 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18 that couples various system components including system memory 28 to processor 16.

Bus 18 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI) bus.

Computer system/server 12 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system/server 12, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory 28 can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM) 30 and/or cache memory 32. Computer system/server 12 may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system 34 can be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus 18 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility 40, having a set (at least one) of program modules 42, may be stored in memory 28 by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules 42 generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system/server 12 may also communicate with one or more external devices 14 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 24, etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system/server 12; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system/server 12 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output (I/O) interfaces 22. Still yet, computer system/server 12 can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter 20. As depicted, network adapter 20 communicates with the other components of computer system/server 12 via bus 18. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system/server 12. Examples, include, but are not limited to microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, and external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

FIG. 3, illustrative cloud computing environment 50 is depicted. As shown, cloud computing environment 50 comprises one or more cloud computing nodes 10 with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone 54A, desktop computer 54B, laptop computer 54C may communicate. Nodes 10 may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment 50 to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices 54A-C shown in FIG. 2 are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes 10 and cloud computing environment 50 can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

Referring back to FIG. 2, the Program/utility 40 may include one or more program modules 42 that generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein. Specifically, the program modules 42 may analyze a building model, locate the wall panels determine the interaction between the wall panels and the foundation, determine if a conflict exists, and identify the member(s) involved in the conflict and provide a potential solution to the conflict. Other functionalities of the program modules 42 are described further herein such that the program modules 42 are not limited to the functions described above. Moreover, it is noted that some of the modules 42 can be implemented within the infrastructure shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 4 depicts flowchart 400 depicting a method according to the present invention. The method(s) and associated process(es) are now discussed, over the course of the following paragraphs, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The program(s) described herein are identified based upon the application for which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

In step 402, the sheathing optimization program 108, processes a model of the building. The model consists of at least a set of frame members, as shown in FIG. 5, a model 500 of the frame members is generated or received by the sheathing optimization program 108 and provides the structure for which the sheathing/finishing materials are to be applied to. In some embodiments, a conflicts check is performed on the model to confirm the accuracy of the model.

In step 404, the sheathing optimization program 108, identifies the members which are to interact with the sheathing material. Each frame member has an individualized set of data which sheathing optimization program 108 accesses and analyzes to determine which member surfaces are relevant to the determine of the sheathing material placement and location. Through the identification and analysis of the members, the sheathing optimization program 108 locates the members which are relevant to the exterior sheathing material and the properties associated with those members. As shown in FIG. 6, a top view of a floor plan shows exterior walls 602 and interior walls 603 (these walls are comprised of members), the optimization program 108 is able to, analyze the model data and extract just the members/walls which are associated with the exterior surface of the building. As well as the apertures (windows, doors, etc.) 604 which are features that are taken into account when determining the sheathing material layout. As shown in FIG. 7, a wall panel 700 is shown wherein the sheathing optimization program 108 calculates the location, positioning, and thickness of the exterior wall panel members to assist with the identification of the fastening locations. Shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a wall surface, where the sheathing optimization program 108 has identified the height and width of the surface, the height of the cross member from the base, and the number and placement of each vertical member which are all used to calculate the specific sheathing pieces. This calculating all takes into account the features of the surface, for example doors and windows. These negative space areas are identified and included in the analysis of the surfaces.

In some embodiments, the sheathing optimization program 108 analyzes the model for different sections of the frame to determine where different sheathing materials are applied. For example, exterior walls versus roofing. The sheathing optimization program 108 may analyze the wall panels versus the roof panels to determine the different sections of the model.

The sheathing optimization program 108 is able to determine where the frame members are positioned on the surface, the distance from the frame members, and the type of frame members, so the sheathing optimization program 108 is able to determine the mounting points or location for the sheathing material.

In step 406, the sheathing optimization program 108 generates the sheathing material layout. Once the exterior surface types (walls, roof, etc.) are analyzed and determined, the sheathing optimization program 108 applies each piece of sheathing material over the model to concert the frame model to a finished model. The sheathing optimization program 108 generates pieces of sheathing material based on a set of data or tags associated with the sheathing material type. The sheathing optimization program 108 calculates the ideal number of panels or the sheathing material to cover the exposed exterior frame. As shown in FIG. 8, a wall panel 801 has a series of sheathing material panels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, and 11A) applied, wherein the least amount of excess panel remains and the least amount of sheathing material is wasted. The dimensions of the sheathing material are known or collected to assist in generating the characteristics of the sheathing pieces. This data may come from a third party manually input or collected from a database. FIG. 8 also shows the edges of the panels and how they align typically through the centerline of the frame member to provide for the securement or fastening location of the sheathing material.

In some embodiments, the sheathing optimization program 108 applies the sheathing material pieces to the model and then deletes the excess portions of the sheathing material which interfere with the frame members or other sheathing material panels. The sheathing optimization program 108 may take the deleted portions and use them in other spaces where a new sheathing material panel may be applied but the deleted portion of the other panel is at least the same size, thereby reducing the amount of waste sheathing material which is left over at the completion of the project. In some embodiments, the sheathing optimization program 108 is able to adjust the orientation or arrangement of the sheathing material to create a near perfect coverage of the exposed surface.

The sheathing optimization program 108 knowing the dimensions of a standard piece of sheathing material, the sheathing optimization program 108 is able to generate the dimensions of each piece sheathing material based on the overall dimensions of the surface. The sheathing optimization program 108 is able to optimize the alterations to the necessary pieces to both minimize waste material and installation time based through the use of various computer learning technologies. The sheathing optimization program 108 is able to calculate and determine the ideal installation pattern of the pieces of sheathing material based on the placement of the sheathing material on the exterior of the building and through the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence.

Depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 are the set of frame members with two types of multiple sheathing layers applied. FIG. 9 shows model 900 with frame members 901 having at least two exterior sheathing layers 903 and 904 and the interior layer 902 for illustrative purposes. In FIG. 10 the model 1000 shows frame members 1002 and sheathing materials 1001 and 1003 where the size of the panels is identified. The layers of the walls can be in plurality of layers or single layers on external side of the wall. Based on the desired insulation, sound proofing, or requirements, the number of sheathing layers may be increased. The sheathing optimization program 108 is able to take into account the corners and the overlap of the sheathing material to reduce any overhang or overlapping of the sheathing material.

In step 408, sheathing optimization program 108 generates a set of drawings for the building design, sheathing materials, and bill of materials. The sheathing optimization program 108 uses the calculated dimensions of each piece of sheathing material and produces the set of drawings. These drawings may include specific modifications to the certain sheathing pieces that need to be altered from their original form, a list of the number of sheathing material pieces to cover specific surfaces or the project total. In some embodiments, the drawings may have predetermined mounting points or locations based on the frame member position, and the number of fasteners which are needed to secure the sheathing pieces.

In some embodiments, the drawings include models of the building with the sheathing material installed. This is shown in FIG. 11, wherein the front of a building is shown with the external sheathing materials are applied to the frame and the finishing of the windows and doors is shown. External views of the building are created from all walls and surfaces such that all building surfaces are studied. Each layer is identified where multiple sheathing layers are applied. In some embodiments, drawings are generated from converting the model data for each sheathing piece are created showing the specific location, the piece number and cutting dimension.

Each layer is identified where multiple sheathing layers are applied. Each sheathing material panel has a set of dimensions which are provided in a bill of materials so the panels can be easily produced to the specific dimensions. This illustration depicts the arrangement of the sheathing board on the cold formed steel wall panel. It shows the arrangement of the full sheet and cut sheet along length, cut sheet along width and cut sheet along length and width. The arrangement of the pieces of sheathing material may also provide a number associated with each piece of sheathing material, and the numbers coincide with the desired installation order of the pieces, as shown in FIG. 8. By providing the order of installation, there further reduces the possibility of any waste material or incorrect installation of material.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing/processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Present invention: should not be taken as an absolute indication that the subject matter described by the term “present invention” is covered by either the claims as they are filed, or by the claims that may eventually issue after patent prosecution; while the term “present invention” is used to help the reader to get a general feel for which disclosures herein that are believed as maybe being new, this understanding, as indicated by use of the term “present invention,” is tentative and provisional and subject to change over the course of patent prosecution as relevant information is developed and as the claims are potentially amended.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments have been presented only for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the forms disclosed. Accordingly, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention. In the specification and claims the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references (e.g. attached, adhered, joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Moreover, network connection references are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members or devices between network connections of elements. As such, network connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are in direct communication with each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that is or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Listing the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.

Claims

1. A computer method for determining the sheathing materials required for the construction of a building, comprising:

receiving, by at least one processor, a model of a structure, wherein the model is comprised of a group of members;

analyzing, by at least one processor, the group of members to determine a group of members associated with an exterior surface of the model;

processing, by at least one processor, the group of members to identify member specific properties;

identifying, by one or more processors, a group of sheathing material to be applied to the group of members;

manipulating, by at least one processor, the model, wherein the sheathing material is applied to the model;

altering, by at least one processor, the sheathing material to substantially cover the exterior surface of the model;

rendering, by one or more processors, an illustration of the placement of the sheathing material relative to the members; and

calculating, by one or more processors, a set of data associated with the sheathing material.

2. The computer method of claim 1, further comprising, extracting, by at least one processor, the positioning of the group of members.

3. The computer method of claim 2, further comprising, calculating, by at least one processor, the positioning of the sheathing material, wherein edges of the sheathing material align with a centerline of a member of the group of members.

4. The computer method of claim 1, further comprising, calculating, by at least one processor, the number of layers of sheathing material and the type of sheathing material required based on a predetermine insulation rating.

5. The computer method of claim 1, further comprising, calculating, by at least one processor, the number of layers of sheathing material and the type of sheathing material required based on a predetermine fire proof.

6. The computer method of claim 1, further comprising, creating, by at least one processor, a set of alterations to be made to specific sheathing materials, wherein the alterations reduce the amount of excess material.

7. The computer method of claim 1, further comprising, processing, by at least one processor, an installation order of the sheathing material based on an analysis of the received data of the sheathing material and the location of the sheathing material on the model.

8. The computer method of claim 1, further comprising, converting, by at least one processor, the group of members data to determine the edge location of the sheathing material, wherein data associated with a set of fastening locations is applied to the sheathing material to create a matching set of fastening locations.

9. A computer program product for determining the sheathing materials required for the construction of a building, comprising:

one or more computer non-transitory readable storage media and program instructions stored on the one or more computer non-transitory readable storage media, the program instructions comprising:

program instructions to receive a model of a structure, wherein the model is comprised of a group of members;

program instructions to analyze the group of members to determine a group of members associated with an exterior surface of the model;

program instructions to process the group of members to identify member specific properties;

program instructions to identify a sheathing material to be applied to the group of members;

program instructions to manipulate the model, wherein the sheathing material is applied to the model;

program instructions to modify the sheathing material to substantially cover the exterior surface of the model, wherein the arrangement of the sheathing material is modified; and

program instructions to render an illustration of the placement of the sheathing material relative to the members.

10. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising, program instructions to extract the positioning of the group of members.

11. The computer program product of claim 10, further comprising, program instructions to calculate the positioning of the sheathing material, wherein edges of the sheathing material align with a centerline of a member of the group of members.

12. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising, program instructions to calculate the number of layers of sheathing material and the type of sheathing material required based on a predetermine insulation rating.

13. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising, program instructions to generate a set of alterations to the sheathing materials, wherein the alterations substantially cover the group of frame members and maintain a continuous orientation of the sheathing material.

14. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising, program instructions to process an installation order of the sheathing material based on an analysis of the received data of the sheathing material and the location of the sheathing material on the model.

15. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising, program instructions to convert the group of members data to determine the edge location of the sheathing material, wherein data associated with a set of fastening locations is applied to the sheathing material to create a matching set of fastening locations.

16. A system for determining the sheathing materials required for the construction of a building, comprising:

one or more computer processors, one or more computer non-transitory readable storage media, and program instructions stored on the one or more computer non-transitory readable storage media for execution by, at least one of the one or more processors, the program instructions comprising:

program instructions to receive a model of a structure, wherein the model is comprised of a group of members;

program instructions to analyze the group of members to determine a group of members associated with an exterior surface of the model;

program instructions to process the group of members to identify member specific properties;

program instructions to identify a sheathing material to be applied to the group of members;

program instructions to manipulate the model, wherein the sheathing material is applied to the model;

program instructions to modify the sheathing material to substantially cover the exterior surface of the model, wherein the arrangement of the sheathing material is modified; and

program instructions to render an illustration of the placement of the sheathing material relative to the members.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising, program instructions to calculate the positioning of the sheathing material, wherein edges of the sheathing material align with a centerline of a member of the group of members.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising, program instructions to generate a set of alterations to the sheathing materials, wherein the alterations substantially cover the group of frame members and maintain a continuous orientation of the sheathing material.

19. The system of claim 16, further comprising, program instructions to process an installation order of the sheathing material based on an analysis of the received data of the sheathing material and the location of the sheathing material on the model.

20. The system of claim 16, further comprising, program instructions to convert the group of members data to determine the edge location of the sheathing material, wherein data associated with a set of fastening locations is applied to the sheathing material to create a matching set of fastening locations.