Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02452912 2011-11-14
AUTOMATED CUSTOM CONFIGURATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the building and construction industry, job estimation is a time-
consuming and costly process. In order to appropriately estimate the cost of
any job
an individual must assemble both the correct product to satisfy the
engineering
criteria of a given project and then assemble prices from a variety of data
sources.
Complex estimates compound the work and cost of this process. In a complex
project, estimates are often assembled from a combination of pricing sources.
These
estimates require both a structured and intimate understanding of the product,
its
technical specifications, and costs.
SUMMARY
[0004] In accordance with preferred embodiments and applications of the
invention, an automated custom configuration system (and method) is provided
for
facilitating the configuration and customization of desired products,
services, or
other objects that require users to gather and assimilate disparate relevant
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information (e.g., knowledge of makes, models, types, features, options,
limitations, codes, and prices of the desired product/service (or group of the
same) to be configured and customized). In accordance with another
embodiment, custom configuration may be facilitated through a parametric
drawing engine which provides illustrations of configuration data. User
modification of an element of an illustrated object may cause the parametric
drawing engine to determine and display a corresponding modification in the
remaining elements of the illustration such that the connections of the
modified
element to the remaining elements remains the same and the parameters of the
object adhere to the relevant design rules, or other requirements of a given
vendor or manufacturer. In accordance with yet another embodiment, a change
in an attribute of an element of an illustrated object (e.g., color, material,
texture, etc.) causes the engine to determine and display corresponding
changes
in the attributes of certain other elements.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, there is provided a system
for custom configuration of an object comprising: a user interface; and a
parametric drawing engine providing illustrations of configuration data, the
illustrations comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a first
configuration,
wherein in response to a first modification to an attribute of a first element
the
parametric drawing engine causes a corresponding second modification in an
attribute of at least one second element, the attribute of the first element
includes at least one non-size and non-shape attribute, the second
modification
is constrained by a plurality of rules, and the parametric drawing engine will
not permit the first modification if it results in a second modification that
violates any of the plurality of rules; a frame engine, receiving input data
from
the user interface, wherein the frame engine outputs configuration data to the
user interface in response to a frame-based inference of the input data; a
database, coupled to the frame engine, storing configuration data selectively
retrieved for output in response to inferences made by the frame engine,
wherein the database stores a plurality of questions for selective output
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to the user interface based on frame-based inferences made by the frame
engine in response to answers input through the user interface.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, there is provided a method
of configuring an object design, the method comprising the steps of. accessing
a
user interface; initiating an object design for configuration; configuring the
object by entering object selections; graphically selecting parameters to
configure the object based upon graphic representations of variations of
characteristics of components to be selected for the object; manipulating
schematically configured illustrations of components to be selected for the
object, the components comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a first
configuration wherein a first modification to an attribute of a first element
causes at least a corresponding second modification in an attribute of at
least a
second element, and wherein the attribute of the first element includes at
least
one non-size and non-shape attribute; wherein the second modification is
constrained by a plurality of rules, and wherein the parametric drawing engine
will not permit the first modification if it results in a second modification
that
violates any of the plurality of rules; performing a frame-based inference in
response to selections made in the configuring step; and outputting
configuration data to the user interface based on inferences made in the
performing step, wherein the configuring step involves answering a plurality
of
questions presented, wherein the questions to be presented during the
configuring step are stored in a database and selected for presentation based
on inferences made in the performing step.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, there is provided an article
of manufacture comprising a machine-readable storage medium having stored
therein a control program having indicia of a plurality of machine-executable
steps, the control program comprising the steps of accessing a user interface;
initiating a design of an object for configuration; configuring the object by
entering object selections; graphically selecting parameters to configure the
object based upon graphic representations of variations of characteristics of
components to be selected for the object; manipulating schematically
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configured illustrations of components to be selected for the object, the
components comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a first
configuration wherein a first modification to an attribute of a first element
causes a corresponding second modification in an attribute of at least a
second
element, wherein the attribute of the first element includes at least one non-
size and non-shape attribute, the second modification is constrained by a
plurality of rules, and the first modification will not be permitted if it
results in
a second modification that violates any of the plurality of rules; performing
a
frame-based inference in response to object selections made in the configuring
step; and outputting object configuration data to the user interface based on
inferences made in the performing step wherein the configuring step involves
answering a plurality of questions presented, wherein the questions to be
presented during the configuring step are stored in a database and selected
for
presentation based on inferences made in the performing step.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration device in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0006] Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration system in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0007] Fig. 3 is an exemplary illustration of a product Selection and
Configuration display in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0008] Fig. 4 is an exemplary illustration of a Preferred Answer display
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0009] Fig. 5 is an exemplary illustration of a Standard Answer display
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
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[0010] Fig. 6 is an exemplary illustration of a Graphic Selection display in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0011] Fig. 7 is an exemplary illustration of multiple Product Code displays
in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0012] Fig. 8 is an exemplary illustration of a Standard Parametric Drawings
display in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0013] Fig. 9 is an exemplary illustration of a Composite Unit Design display
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0014] Fig. 10 is an exemplary illustration of a Catalog Page display in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0015] Fig. 11 is an exemplary illustration of a DataGrid display in
accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0016] Fig. 12 is an exemplary illustration of a Custom Shapes Editor display
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0017] Fig. 13 is an exemplary illustration of a Pricing display in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0018] Fig. 14 is an exemplary illustration of an Accessories Module in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0019] Fig. 15 is an exemplary illustration of a Line Item Adjust Module in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0020] Fig. 16 is an exemplary illustration of an Order Form display in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0021] Fig. 17 is an exemplary illustration of a Quotes display in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
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[0022] Fig. 18 is an exemplary illustration of a Schedule Generator display in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0023] Fig. 19 is an exemplary illustration of a Product Specifications
display
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0024] Fig. 20 is an exemplary illustration of an AutoCAD display in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0025] Fig. 21 is an exemplary illustration of a Project Information
Management display in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0026] Fig. 22 is an exemplary illustration of a Sales-Representative
Information Management display in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the
invention;
[0027] Fig. 23 is an exemplary illustration of a Client/Customer Information
Management display in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0028] Fig. 24 is an exemplary illustration of a Product Line Review display
in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0029] Fig. 25 is an exemplary illustration of an Interactive Tutor display in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0030] Fig. 26 is a flow diagram illustrating the sales/personnel process flow
steps in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0031] Fig. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating the dealer/distributor use steps
in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0032] Fig. 28 is a flow diagram showing the architectural process for a
millwork system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0033] Fig. 29 is flow diagram illustrating the manufacturer use process in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
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[0034] Fig. 30 is a diagram illustrating a configuration network, in
accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0035] Figs. 31 and 32 are illustrations of the hierarchical structures used
in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; and
[0036] Fig. 33 is an exemplary illustration of a user interface for a
Parametric
Drawing Engine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; and
[0037] Figs. 34-51 are exemplary illustrations of the Parametric Drawing
Engine in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Preferred embodiments and applications of the invention will be
described herein. Other embodiments may be realized and structural or logical
changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention. Although the preferred embodiments disclosed herein
have
been particularly described as applied to a window grille configuration system
and
method for configuration of specific exemplary products (e.g., window or door
grilles), it should be readily apparent that the invention may be embodied to
provide
configuration and estimation functionality for any number of products,
services or
the like where configured, customized or assembled-to-order products/services
are
evaluated, selected, purchased, sold, supported, or otherwise considered.
[0039] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a custom
configuration system (and corresponding method) is embodied in a single (or
multiple) processor-based system that may be supported in a stand-alone,
networked, mainframe, client-server architecture, or other computing
environment.
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A single (or multiple) program memory module is provided for storing one or
more
computer programs used to perform the functionality described herein.
[0040] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, one or more user
interfaces are provided as part of (or in conjunction with) the configuration
system
to permit users to interact with the system. Individual ones of a plurality of
client
devices (e.g., network/stand-alone computers, personal digital assistants
(PDAs),
WebTV (or other Internet-only) terminals, set-top boxes, cellular/PCS phones,
screenphones, pagers, kiosks, or other known (wired or wireless) communication
devices, etc.) may similarly be used to execute one or more computer programs
(e.g., universal Internet browser programs, dedicated interface programs,
etc.) to
allow users to interface with the configuration. system.
[0041] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a user (e.g., consumer,
sales-representative, buyer, seller, contractor, builder, architect,
consultant,
organizer, project-coordinator, etc.) of the configuration system interacts
with the
system to configure and/or estimate the cost of a desired product, component,
project, service, or other object. In one preferred embodiment, the product
(e.g.,
window, door, hubcap) may have a customizable elements such as, for example, a
grille portion. The term "grille" refers to a configuration of pane dividers
or
"muntins" that can be used, for example, as pane dividers for a window or
door.
Muntins can be a profile or molding made of a variety of materials (e.g.,
wood,
plastic, metal) mounted to separate glass into sections forming, for example,
a
window or door grille. A grille may be a type of assembly fitted to the
interior of the
window or door unit which can also be detached. A grille can be fitted inside
the
sealed insulating glass unit where it is also referred to as a grid.
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[0042] The interaction with the system is preferably through a series of
questions provided by the system with input answers provided by the user. The
interactive nature of the system aides the user in arriving at the desired
product,
component, or project selection and the production of any corresponding
information (e.g., layouts, pricing, schematics, specifications, etc.). It is
to be
understood that the embodiments of the invention can be applied to custom
configuration of any product, service or other object.
[0043] Fig. 1 illustrates in block diagram form a configuration device in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention containing the Core
102,
the Frame Engine 104, and the Rules Engine 106 subsystems or modules
(described
in detail below).
[0044] Core 102 is a processing module that can contain a variety of
miscellaneous functions for the system. Core 102, for example, may be used to
take
a user's input and standardize that input. For example, if the user inputs "2
feet, 3
inches," Core 102 can include functionality that converts that input solely to
inches
(or another unitized number, e.g., metric units). If the user inputs a
command,
parameter, or component that violates a system rule (e.g., a drawing that
falls
outside of a designated area), the improper user input can be converted to the
closest acceptable input. Another function that may be incorporated in Core
102 is
a messaging system that contains all the codes for dynamically loading the
other
modules. Generally, any functions that may facilitate the processing of
input/output
data in the system may be incorporated in Core 102.
[0045] Preferably, Frame Engine 104 is a frame-based inference engine used
to process product knowledge, which may be supplemented by an interpreted
rules
system, based on input data from Core 102 (or other modules) and from users of
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the system. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, user data is input
through
user input of answers to a series of questions regarding configuration of a
desired
product (e.g., window or door grille) or project posed by the system (as will
be
discussed in detail below). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, Frame
Engine 104 computes available configuration answers for any configuration
questions posed to a user at any time (e.g., in any order), and processes the
user's
answer to such question. When given the value of one or more answers, Frame
Engine 104 infers the values of answers to other questions automatically, and
thus,
eliminates the need for excessive rule constructs, as typically required in a
rules-based
engine. Through inference, Frame Engine 104 may also remove or insert
questions
(and their associated answers) based on the user's previous response(s).
[0046] In accordance with a preferred. embodiment of the invention, Frame
Engine 104 is primarily constructed using a frame-based design concept of
knowledge organization, representation, and product classification. Frame-
based
and rule-based expert systems encode knowledge using fundamentally different
models.
[0047] In the context of product configuration, the problem an expert system
is supposed to solve is as follows: given a set of options ("questions" to be
presented to the user), each of which has a set of legal attributes ("values"
with
which the user may answer the questions), how are the options/attributes
themselves related to each other (which options/attributes remove or constrain
away
other options/attributes, which options/attributes are `interdependent',
etc.).
[0048] As an example, if the user has answered options A, B, and C with
attributes x, y, and z, the expert system must then determine what are now the
legal
attributes for some other option D. In order to do this, an expert system
first has to
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encode the relationship between the options in ,some manner (i.e., represent
the
knowledge). Then, as the expert system is provided current choices as inputs
in real
time (i.e., "the user has answered options A, B, and C with attributes x, y,
and z"),
the system must now apply its encoded knowledge to the problem "what are the
legal attributes for D" in order to supply the solution(s).
[0049] A rule-based expert system generally represents knowledge using a
large collection of If-Then-Else constructs (i.e., "If the user has answered
option `A'
with attribute `x', Then attribute `y' is no longer available for option `B',
Else ...").
This approach, however, is a unidirectional encoding: if the conditional
portion (the
user has answered option `A' with attribute `x') of the statement is true, the
resultant
portion must also be true (attribute `y' is no longer available for option
B'). The
converse (if attribute `y' is no longer available for option B', then the user
has
answered option `A' with `x') is not necessarily true, nor in general should
it be.
[0050] However, a rule-based expert system requires that the inverse rule must
be written separately if it is deemed necessary. If the product knowledge
being
modeled is complex, the required rules and inverse rules can grow into a very
larger
number. In addition, applying this type of knowledge representation to the
problem
"the user has answered options A, B, C with attributes x, y, z; now what are
the legal
attributes for this other option D?" involves using an interpreter or compiler
that
understands the rule syntax so as to apply the :riles to the problem.
[0051] On the other hand, the frame-based Frame Engine 104 encodes
knowledge in an entirely different manner that does not suffer from this
"inverse
rule" problem. At its most fundamental level, Frame Engine 104 represents
knowledge in a hierarchical tree-like structure. The nodes of the tree are
generally
called "frames" (e.g., corresponding to product categories) and each node
contains a
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collection of "slots" (e.g., corresponding to product features and options). A
slot is
a one-to-many relationship between an option and a subset of the legal values
(e.g.,
attributes) for that option.
[0052] Textually, a slot is represented as follows:
A= x, y, z
where `A' is an option, and `x', `y', and `z' are attributes for option A.
[0053] In general, a frame contains multiple slots, and has child frames as
well
(because of the tree structure). Conceptually, all the slots in a frame "go
together."
If at least one of the slots in a frame is found to be invalid (e.g., Slot "A
= x, y, z" is
in a particular frame, but the user has answered `A' with attribute W), then
the
entire frame (along with all of its other slots and all of its child frames)
is invalid.
Functionally, products and attributes in such a frame are removed from the
configuration process. Applying this knowledge representation to the problem
"the
user has answered options A, B, and C with attributes x, y, and z, now what
are the
legal attributes for this other option D" involves Frame Engine 104 first
marking the
appropriate portions of the tree invalid as the user supplies answers to
options.
Then, to actually provide an answer to the question "what are the legal
attributes for
some other option D," the engine will look for all the frames which have not
been
marked invalid and which reference `D' (i.e., have a slot involving `D') and
then
combine all the attributes found in these slots (eliminating any duplicates).
At the
conclusion of this process, the answer (in many cases, a multi-faceted answer
in
terms of associated data [a price, an image, a set of drawings, etc.]) is
generated and
displayed.
[0054] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a
Product Knowledge Builder module may be provided for use in constructing,
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storing and interrelating data concerning products, components,
configurations, etc.
to optimize the operation of Frame Engine 104.
[0055] The Product Knowledge Builder allows the entry of product
knowledge in an intuitive hierarchical fashion. The knowledge is entered into
a tree-
like structure very similar to the Windows File Manager or Explorer. Once the
product knowledge has been entered, this tool "builds" the knowledge into a
single
output file. This process both compiles the knowledge into a hierarchical tree
structure and then optimizes it. The output file is then ready to be processed
by
Frame Engine 104.
[0056] The following simple example will illustrate the differences between an
If-Then-Else rule based system and one utilizing Frame Engine 104 in
accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the invention:
[0057] There are four people who are identified by a letter, color, and
number:
Jim is A, Blue, and 3.
Ted is B, Red, and 2.
Randy is A, Red, and 4.
Roy is B, Blue, and 2.
[0058] The first screen in an application would prompt the user for choosing a
letter. (As an additional requirement, the questions can be answered in any
order,
and the user might skip the first screen and come back to it later.) The If-
Then-Else
rules to handle such option/attribute pairs are as follows:
if Color has no answer and Number has no answer then:
Letter is A or B
else if Color has no answer then
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if Number is 3 or Number is 4 then
Letter is A
if Number is 2 then
Letter is B
else if Number has no answer then
Letter is A or B
else if Color is Blue and Number is 3 then
Letter is A
else if Color is Red and Number is 2 then
Letter is B
else if Color is Red and Number is 4 then
Letter is A
else if Color is Blue and Number is 2 then
Letter is B
[0059] Two more sets of rules will still have to be written for the Color
screen
and the Number screen. The difficulty of adding a new person to the data or,
adding another class of question to determine the group's favorite fruit can
easily be
seen. It is also useful to remember that this sample data is intended to be a
trivial
example. In contrast, the Product Knowledge Builder would permit the entry of
that same data as follows.
[0060] After adding the four questions to the system, add the following
compound slot:
LETTER COLOR NUMBER PERSON
A Blue 3 Jim
B Red 2 Ted
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A Red 4 Randy
B Blue 2 Roy
[0061] To add a new person, a new row is simply inserted, adding the new
person's letter, color, number, and name. To add another question such as the
group's favorite fruit, a new column is simply added to the slot, and a list
of
everyone's favorite fruit can be added.
[0062] While the actual algorithm for Frame Engine 104 as implemented is
likely to be much more complex, the following illustration of the operation of
Frame
Engine 104 used to implement the above example may be useful:
[0063] In the beginning of a configuration session all frames are valid, and
the
example above has four frames, one for each row. When asked for the list of
available answers for any question, the Frame Engine looks down the column for
that question. If the row is valid, its answer is added. Accordingly, for the
Letter
question, Frame Engine 104 sees A, B, A, B. The duplicate answers are combined
to arrive at A, B. Now suppose the user answers A. This means unless the frame
has
Letter = A, it is invalid. The second and fourth rows are thus invalid. Next
the user
is presented with the Color question. To find the answers, search down the
Color
column; the result is Blue and Red for the available answers (Blue from the
first row
and Red from the third). The user picks Blue. This choice makes the second and
third rows invalid.
[0064] As a result, there is only one valid row left, the first row. The user
has
effectively finished the selection process by answering only two of the three
questions.
[0065] Frame Engine 104 is particularly useful when applied to real-world,
complex product knowledge challenges. Real-world product knowledge contains
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relationships between products, knowledge common among similar products,
knowledge common among different products, and exceptions to all of the above.
The Product Knowledge Builder in accordance with a preferred embodiment
contains constructs to handle all of these scenarios.
[0066] An important relationship among products can be expressed as:
"Product A is a type of Product B" (e.g., a casement is a type of window, a
car is a
type of vehicle). This relationship is called inheritance. Inheritance is a
parent to
child relationship, but not in the traditional sense. In human beings, if a
parent has
a trait, the child may or may not share that trait (e.g., brown hair). In this
form of
knowledge inheritance, the child must inherit all traits. Inheritance is
important,
because it allows the software engineer to combine all the identical traits
for the
children in one logical place: the parent. It is for this reason that the
Product
Knowledge Builder works in a tree-like fashion. Each frame is a parent with
children, which in turn have their own children. For example, if there were a
system
for selecting groceries, the logical way to organize the data would look
something
like that shown in Fig. 31. The Product Knowledge Builder allows the
construction
of this tree with the result illustrated in Fig. 32.
[0067] As illustrated, when the Bread frame is selected, there is a trait
defined
as bread. This means that all types of buns and loaves can be made out of
White,
Wheat, or Rye bread, because both Buns and Loaves inherit from Bread. If any
special types of Buns were defined by adding "children" to the Buns frame
(i.e.,
hamburger or hot dog) these new types also inherit White, Wheat, or Rye.
Children
inherit everything from their parents, grandparents, and great grandparents,
all the
way up the tree. In the future, if the store added Pumpernickel and carried it
for all
types of bread, such information could be added to the Bread frame. If the
store
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offered Pumpernickel for Loaves only and not Buns, then Pumpernickel could be
added to the Loaves frame. Without the power of inheritance, Pumpernickel
would
have to be manually added to every type of bread. There are some types of
product
knowledge that may be shared among different frames in the tree, but which
cannot
use inheritance. In the groceries example, a trait of this sort would be
packaging.
Not all groceries come in packages, and sometimes the same kind of product
might
be available with or without packaging (for example, packaged bread versus
bread
from the deli). If packaging is available, there will be some product
knowledge that
applies to all packaging (e.g., servings per container). There is still a need
to keep
this type of knowledge in a single place for ease of maintenance, and this
methodology as incorporated by the Product Knowledge Builder is called frame
re-
use. A frame can be defined by itself to represent such knowledge, which can
then
be added into the tree at whatever points are appropriate.
[0068] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, although Frame Engine
104 is a frame-based inference engine, it also includes the ability to process
data
using rules files, making Frame Engine 104 more of a hybrid engine. It is
foreseeable that some custom answers are more conveniently handled using rules
files rather than building the product knowledge. A rules-based filtering
methodology may be used, for example, for filtering output from Frame Engine
104
to comply with certain rules established for a particular product, component,
configuration, project, or the like. Similar filtering of unwanted answers, or
inapplicable questions may be useful. Rules-based functionality may also be
used to
add special answers, perform calculations, generate user warnings, or any
other
special processing required for specific system implementations.
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[0069] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, Rules Engine 106 may be
added to supplement the operation of Frame Engine 104. Rules Engine 106 is
typically employed to handle special cases, exceptions, and functionality that
are
specific to a product line or product series. Rules Engine 106 may also be
employed
to perform all (or some of) the rules-based functionality (discussed above) as
utilized by Frame Engine 104.
[0070] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, any number of additional
modules may be added to serve a supportive and optional role (called on an "as-
needed" basis). A Pricing Engine, for example, may be added that uses data
from
Frame Engine 104 and/or Rules Engine 106 to generate prices. Price reports can
be graphically generated and prices can be calculated and displayed to the
user in
multiple currency types. A CAD Engine Module may be added to read CAD
drawings and enable multiple CAD drawings to be displayed simultaneously, with
separate components to be overlaid upon one another to form a complex
illustration. Specifically, the CAD Engine may handle the determination of
which
components need to be overlaid and may present a list of the files containing
the
required components to a CADView control (not shown), which may in turn read
the AutoCAD files and display the components on the user interface. The CAD
Engine may also print, copy or otherwise output the CAD files.
[0071] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a system (and method)
for custom configuration of an object or project is provided that allows an
end user
to customize characteristics of an object or project. Exemplary objects or
projects
include window or door grilles, construction projects, furniture, or window or
door
treatments. The characteristics of an object or project can include any
customizable
element or component (e.g., dimensions and location of elements or components,
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location of elements or components, materials, and color). The customization
information can be entered using any known input mechanism. In accordance with
a preferred embodiment, a graphical user interface may be used to define an
area,
and draw and modify features of the object or project. The user can add and
delete
elements or components, move existing or new elements or compnents and modify
the characteristics of the elements and components. An "auto align" feature
can
provide constraints to prevent a user from drawing an invalid object or
project.
Other constraints can be provided to meet particular limitations of the
product (e.g.,
maximum size, width, length, height).
[0072] Fig. 2 illustrates a configuration System 200 in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the invention. Specifically, System 200 may include a
User
Interface Subsystem 202, Data Analysis Subsystem 204, Graphics Formatting
Output Subsystem 206, Configuration Subsystem 208, and Data Storage Subsystem
210.
[0073] User Interface Subsystem 202 enables the interaction between the user
and the system. It may interact with any component of the system. Graphics
Formatting and Output Subsystem 206 performs calculations and preparations for
the display of graphical and/or textual representations to the User Interface
202.
This subsystem may include a variety of graphical modules such as a Parametric
Drawing Module, a Schematic Configurator, a CADControl/CADVU Module, a
Bid Quote Generation Module, a Specification Generator Module, etc.
[0074] Data Analysis Subsystem 204 accesses and processes data from the Data
Storage Subsystem 210 and provides results to the Configurator Subsystem 208
(or
other modules as required). The Data Analysis Subsystem 204 may contain a
variety
17
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
of analytical and computational modules such as a Regular Expressions Engine,
a
Product Code Engine, a Pricing Engine, a Mulling Engine, etc.
[0075] Configurator Subsystem 208 (an example of which is shown in more
detail in Fig. 1, as described above) processes questions presented to the
user and
the answers received from the user. Based on the data in the Data Storage
Subsystem 210 and the established data relationships, the Configurator 208
builds
the product configuration. The Data Storage Subsystem 210 may serve as the
data
repository for the collective knowledge of the system. Product knowledge and
pricing data may be stored in Data Storage Subsystem 210 to be used by the
various
modules. The Data Storage Subsystem 210 may include a variety of memory
modules such as a Repository Module, a Pacifier Module, a Buffer Module, an
Import/Export Module, a Preferences Module, etc. The Data Storage Subsystem
210 may also store the series of questions to be selected (e.g., by Frame
Engine 104,
by Rules Engine 106, etc.) for output to the user interface in response to
configuration data input from the user interface.
[0076] The Parametric Drawing Engine that may be added to the system takes
descriptions of configured products, and produces an accurate representation
of the
product. As an example, the parameters used as input data descriptions can
include
the width or height of a window, or the existence of grilles. From these
descriptive
parameters, this module will generate a drawing (e.g., an elevation) or other
dimensional product aspect for review by the user (such drawings can be
converted
to CAD format at the user's option).
[0077] The Parametric Drawing Engine can also export its drawings in other
for use in other applications (e.g., AutoCAD, in the event that the parametric
drawing will be used by an architect). The Parametric Drawing Engine may also
tie
18
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into other modules such as a Schematic Configurator. The Schematic
Configurator
is a user interface module and inference tool. Using the Schematic
Configurator,
the user can view a line drawing representing a configured product (e.g.,
window)
on the user interface, and add other units to the product. Thus, the end user
might
start out with a single unit and he/she might then add two flanking windows,
one
on either side of the product. The user can designate which to sides to add
windows
and can even add other product types, such as a round-top window above. The
Schematic Configurator can interface with the Frame Engine 104, seeking
matching
components to the previously selected configuration. Frame Engine 104 will
match
appropriate products between the two modules based on any number of product
attributes and parameters.
[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the Parametric Drawing Engine provides
illustrations of a product (e.g., window, door, hubcap). The illustrations
comprise
multiple elements arranged to depict an object configuration. A user may
desire to
change the initial configuration of an object in order to customize, for
example, the
size and shape of an element or a series of elements. For example, a user may
prefer
to increase the overall size of a window frame element. Preferably, the
Parametric
Drawing Engine may determine and display corresponding modifications of the
remaining elements such that the relative connections of the modified element
to
the remaining elements remains the same and the product complies with the
design
rules or other requirements of a vendor or manufacturer. Preferably, a
modification
to a first element automatically causes the Parametric Drawings Engine to
determine
and display modifications to the remaining elements of an illustration such
that a
user can immediately view the modified image. In another embodiment, a user
can
manually override a corresponding change to an element. A user may supply
custom
19
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
rules which permit a non-proportional change in a corresponding element. For
example, a user can determine than a 2X increase in length of element A will
result
in a 4X increase in element B.
[0079] In a preferred embodiment, a ' change in an attribute of an element
(e.g., color, material, texture) can cause a Parametric Drawing Engine to
determine
and display a corresponding change in the sane or a different attribute of
some or all
of the remaining elements. For example, a user can modify the color of a
muntin in
a window grille to red and cause a corresponding change in color to red for
some or
all of the remaining muntins in the window grille.
[0080] In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the Parametric
Drawing Engine provides rules which constrain or restrict the user's ability
to make
modifications to elements of the illustrations. For example, a product
manufacture
may only be able to supply window frames of a maximum size (e.g., 5 feet by 10
feet). If a user creates an illustration having a window of, for example, 6
feet by 11
feet, the Parametric Drawing Engine constrains the illustration such that the
maximum dimensions depicted are 5 feet by 10 feet. Thus, the user is provided
with
an illustration that does not violate the rules or constraints of the
manufacturer or
vendor of a product. The rules may optionally apply to all or some of the
elements
of an illustration of an object. Application of the rules or constraints to an
illustration is preferably automated such that violation of a rule or
constraint does
not display the illustration in violation of such rule or constraint to the
user. In
another embodiment, a user may manually override a rule or a set of rules.
[0081] In one preferred embodiment, the constraints or rules are provided by
one or more manufacturers or vendors and integrated in the Parametric Drawing
Engine. Alternatively, the constraints or rules may be maintained in a
different
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
module (e.g., rules engine 106 (Fig. 1)), on a local or remote network/server,
or
obtained via the Internet or an Intranet from a central Web site or directly
from a
manufacturer or vendor of an object or product.
[0082] Preferably, the user can modify all or some of the elements of an
illustration. The term "modify" refers to the ability to add to, delete,
change or
alter a feature of an element (e.g., shape, length, width, height). The
feature of an
element that is modified is preferably related to another element such that a
modification to one element would cause the Parametric Drawing Engine to
determine and display the change in the relationship of the modified element
to
another element. For example, the user may desire to maintain a definite
relationship between the length of a muntin and the width of a window frame.
If
the length of the muntin is increased, it may become larger than the width of
a
window frame and therefore the relationship of the length of the muntin to the
width of the window frame would be changed. In accordance with a preferred
embodiment, the change in length of the exemplary muntin would cause the
Parametric Drawing Engine to determine a corresponding change in width of the
window frame such that the desired relationship between the length of the
muntin
and the width of the window frame is maintained.
[0083] It is to be understood that the elements of an illustration may be of
any
shape (e.g., arcs, lines, circle, squares, triangles), size, dimension
suitable for the
object to be configured. One of skill in the art would appreciate that the
preferred
customization methods and systems can be applied to the custom configuration
of
any object or product.
[0084] Preferred embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of
configuring an object design and articles of manufacture including a machine-
21
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
readable storage medium having stored therein indicia of a plurality of
machine-
executable control program steps for configuring a customized object design.
These
embodiments are inherent or apparent to one of skill in the art from the
description
of the systems herein.
[0085] A Preferences Module may also be included in the system. A
Preferences Module allows the user to define a set of preferred answers for
questions
applicable to products in a project. In a preferred embodiment, the set of
preferred
answers may be based on user selected preferences, regional specification
preferences, manufacturer compatibility preferences, etc. As an example, the
user
can initiate a project and choose "white clad" windows. The user can then set
"white clad" as a preference for that entire project. As a result, for every
item that
the user configures for the project, the systern will reference the
Preferences Module
and will automatically retrieve the preference values by default and override
other
items. The Preferences Module can also automatically inform a user that the
selected preference is unavailable for a given product during the
configuration of
that product.
EXAMPLES
[0086] As an illustration of exemplary commercial embodiments of the
invention, the following descriptions of the embodiments of invention as
variously
implemented in different iterations of a system for. (and method of)
configuring
window products is provided below.
[0087] In this exemplary embodiment, the system can display the entire
structure of product knowledge associated with the desired product or product
line.
In particular, two "lists" are displayed in the primary product selection and
configuration screen shown in Fig. 3: one for questions 10, and one for
answers 12.
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
[0088] In a typical usage scenario, the user starts at the beginning of a
question list, the first of which may present the user with a certain product
type,
such as a window or a door. As questions 10 are answered by the user, other
questions 10 that no longer apply are automatically removed from the list. In
some
cases, answering questions 10 will actually add new questions 10 to the list
or will
automatically answer other questions 10. Because the entire product knowledge
structure is always accessible, the user can answer questions 10 in whatever
order is
desired, although the default order is generally designed to reflect the flow
of a
typical product configuration. If the user selects "window," the configuration
system directs questions to develop answers pertinent to window configurations
only.
[0089] Referring to Fig. 4, preferred answers 14, or Preferences, are pre-
determined questions 10/answer 12 pairs consisting of any combination of
product
attributes which will be used repeatedly. Preferences may be useful to save
time on
large projects or jobs, and a preference set 16 is typically determined for
specific
product attributes that fit a particular purpose. Once a preference set 16 is
defined,
it can be used repeatedly thereafter to save time in the product selection
process. If
the user activates Preferences, the system will automatically select the
question
10/answer 12 pairs in the preference set 16 and apply them to the product
being
configured at runtime. Any number of question 10/answer 12 pairs can be set up
as
preferred values. Libraries of Preferences may be saved to files for use with
repeat
customers or recurring product requests.
[0090] Referring to Fig. 5, Standard Answers 18 is a feature providing the
ability to display to the user the "standard" answer 12 for a particular
product
attribute. Standard Answers 18 can also be automatically selected similar to
23
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
Preferences and are flexible enough to be changed by the user during the
configuration process (i.e., Standard Answers can be applied to some products
in a
project but not to others). If the user activates Standard Answers 18, the
system will
automatically answer 12 all questions 10, which have answers defined as
"standard"
and apply them to the product being configured at runtime.
[0091] Referring now to Fig. 6, Graphic Selection is a feature which provides
a
graphic representation 20 of attributes (if applicable), which can represent
an answer
more clearly 12 than a text description. This feature is particularly useful
for the
illustration of attributes that would otherwise require either extensive text
description or which can be better shown with an image 22. The Graphic
Selection
array can accommodate a range of static or "animated" electronic
representations,
including portable network files, metafiles, bitmaps, or other graphic
representations.
[0092] The system also provides Custom Answers. Custom Answers is a
feature designed to accommodate direct user input for an answer 12 for which
there
exists one of the following conditions: 1) an acceptable range of incremental
values
(e.g., dimensional variables); 2) values defined as "other than the values
presented"
(e.g., custom operation of a twin casement window); or 3) values that are
completely
undefined. When a particular question 10 permits custom value answers 12, the
Custom Answers box can automatically appear. The system allows the user to
enter
custom values for dimensional attributes such as unit dimension width, unit
dimension height, etc.
[0093] Ultimately, the questions 10 and answers 12 guide the user to a desired
configured product. From that point, the invention can accurately calculate
how
much the configured product is going to cost. In addition, the consumer can
obtain
24
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
detailed product information, including specifications that follow standard
formats
for engineering and architecture.
[0094] Referring to Fig. 8, Standard Parametric Drawings 28 can be generated
based on the dimensions of a manufacturer's existing products. Parametric
drawings
28 can apply to any product where "views" (e.g., front, top, side) of the
product are
defined as product attributes. Custom Parametric Drawings 28 can also- be
generated in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention if the
value
range(s) for the drawings of the applicable products can be defined.
[0095] The Schematic Configurator (SC), is used in this example as a tool
designed to allow the user to manipulate parametric drawings 28 of products.
Using
"Drag and Drop" techniques, the user can design and view a variety of product
elevations, manipulate individual components, and graphically edit composite
unit
designs. The SC module can also be used to select and configure products, as
well
as manipulate, scale and assemble both pre-defined and custom shapes and sizes
into
composite units. In one embodiment, the SC is used to customize
characteristics of
a window or door grille (e.g., dimensions and location of muntins, locations
of hubs,
materials, and color). The user can add and delete muntins, move existing or
new
muntins and modify the dimensions (e.g., width, length, height), materials
(e.g.,
wood, plastic, metal), color, and texture). The SC also allows the elevation
designs
to be printed, copied and exported for use in other software applications
(e.g.,
CAD). All pricing information driven by the manipulation of product components
may be tracked including mulling charges, custom grille pattern designs,
grille types,
etc. As a unit is configured, the SC gathers the dimensional information and
processes it to display an elevation. When a unit configuration is complete,
it can be
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
viewed in the SC where any necessary changes can be made (dimensional changes
as
well as other attribute changes) and other units can be added.
[0096] Referring to Fig. 9, composites of products can be created. Composite
unit design, assembly and verification are controlled through the SC. When
more
than one single unit 30 is placed together in the SC, a Custom Composite Unit
32
is created. This placement can be verified by clicking the Mull button 34.
[0097] Other products can be added to a product already displayed in the SC
with three different methods: 1) the Copy fimction, which creates an exact
copy of
the selected item; 2) the New Component function, which calls the Selection
and
Configuration display (Fig. 3) for the configuration of an entirely new unit
to be
added to the existing unit; and 3) the Design option 38. described below.
[0098] The Design option 38 in the SC allows the user to add component
units 30 that can be mulled 34 to the existing components. As an example, if
the
user wants to add a round top to an existing rectangular unit 30, the Design
option
38 will list all units 30 that are available. The user chooses "Add Round Top"
from
the list and the system will add the nearest sized round top to the existing
unit 30
while simultaneously matching all other relevant attributes. If a new
component unit
30 is added which contains attributes not applicable to the base unit 30, the
system
will present the user with only those questions 10 specifically applicable to
the new
component and which require the user's response. The Mull option allows the
user
to verify that mulling of two or more units 30 can be done. Notification of
shop,
Field or Invalid mull (depending on the units 30 that have been selected) will
be
presented to the user with a pop-up or "soft" warning display.
[0099] Referring now to Fig. 10, this exemplary embodiment of the invention
can incorporate a Catalog Page feature. The Catalog Page feature displays
26
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
dimensional attributes whose ranges can be shown in tabular form. Its format
is
derived from printed product information sources that display such dimensional
variables. Catalog Page Drawings 40 provide the user with graphic parametric
representations using the widths and heights of the class of products being
selected.
Unit 30 heights 42 will be displayed down the side of the selection box and
the
widths 44 will be across the top of the array. This feature clarifies
dimensional
information presented in text form and provides visual feedback with respect
to the
scale and size of selected products.
[0100] Referring to Fig. 11, product information can be displayed in a
DataGrid. The DataGrid is a tool that allows the user to view a table of
answers 10
for a list of questions 12. Similar in form to catalog pages, DataGrids
reflect tabular
displays of product attributes found in printed catalogs and price books. In
this view
the questions 12 are presented across the top of the DataGrid instead of down
the
left hand side of the page. The DataGrid is useful where product questions 10
and
answers 12 have a one-to-one correspondence.
[0101] Referring to Fig. 12, a Custom Shapes Editor allows the user to size
custom shaped products. The example shown in Fig. 10 directly applies to
windows
and doors, but may apply to any customizable product. The Editor is
automatically
opened when a custom shape product is selected as a product category. The
Custom Shapes Editor is generally used in conjunction with Catalog Pages to
select
the general product shape (see Fig. 10) and permits the user to select and
specify any
combination of dimensional parameters 48 within the engineering limits set by
the
manufacturer. The Editor also displays a parametric representation of the
custom
product for inclusion on quotations. All pricing formulas relating to, for
example,
27
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
glass size, glass area, grille patterns and types, frame side lengths, and
other
parameters 48, can be driven with the Custom Shape Editor.
[0102] Referring to Fig. 13, this exemplary embodiment of the invention
utilizes data tables and formulas to look up, calculate and store base prices
50 plus
add-on prices 52 of available product options. The total price 53 can include
project-based price adjustments if applicable. Pricing of products utilizes a
combination of values accessed from a table and enhanced by formulas, which
calculate up charges, add-ons and other product options. These methodologies
allow the lookup, calculation and storage of unit base prices 50 plus prices
52 for all
applicable product features and add-ons. Project-based price adjustments are
also
available for customer discounts, promotions and competitive bidding
situations.
[0103] An accessories module is added containing product accessories 54
supplied by the manufacturer in conjunction with its primary products. The
accessories module can include lineal products (e.g., extension jambs,
molding, mull
covers, etc.) as well as individual or boxed parts and components (handles,
hinges,
operators, etc.). This module can also be used to add accessories 54 to a
quote that
are purchased from other sources. Such additional items are added by entering
text
descriptions in a text box along with the prices for such items. All
accessories 54
entered through the module appear on the quote as individual line items.
Functionality can also be included to price accessories that are configurable
(i.e.,
items which are defined by attributes displayed and represented in the
Selection and
Configuration display (Fig. 3). These accessories or replacement items require
product knowledge description and definition similar to primary products and
present the user with relevant questions and answers as already described.
28
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
[0104] Referring to Fig. 15, this exemplary embodiment of the invention
provides a function to enable line item discounting for products, product
lines and
related attributes. Line item discounting can be applied to specific
configured units;
specific attributes (e.g., screens, grilles, etc.) or configured composite
units. All of
the line items for which discounting is available are displayed in the Line
Item Adjust
Box 56 lists. The Line Item Adjust box lists all applicable items, and price
adjustment may be applied as follows: 1) none; 2) by multiplier; 3) by a flat
fee; or
4) percentage (%). Using the price adjust fiuiction, additional price
adjustments can
be applied to specific clients, individual units within a project, individual
projects, or
to groups of projects.
[0105] Referring to Fig. 16, this exemplary embodiment of the invention
enables production of a variety of outputs, one of which can be an order form
as
shown. The client manufacturer can derive the format, content and design of
the
order form from an existing form in use. Order forms can contain all codes 26
necessary to build a specified product as well as pricing and
dealer/distributor
information. The order form is a tabular view of the information needed to
build
the set of products defined by a particular project. Also included is an
"electronic
order form" mechanism through which comma or tab delimited ASCII files can be
created and exported. These files can be imported by other applications and
may be
designed to meet the needs of each manufacturer.
[0106] Referring to Fig. 17, this exemplary embodiment of the invention
enables the production of quotes, which include scaled elevation drawings of
the
product, reflecting the parametric drawings 28 generated during product
selection
and the use of the Schematic Configurator module. Also included is a list of
all
29
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
options chosen, the unit base price 50, add-on prices 52 for non-standard
choices,
total price 53 for each product, and a grand total 60 of all products in the
project.
[0107] Referring to Fig. 18, this exemplary embodiment of the invention can
provide a Schedule Generator. The Schedule Generator can build a product
schedule 62, listing all products included in a project, and relevant
attributes
assigned to each product, plus the system assigned product code 26. The
Schedule
62 is constructed as products are selected and constitutes a valuable tool for
use by
sales people as well as design and construction professionals, providing a
full view of
the products to be used in a construction project. When an attribute of any
unit 30
is changed, the change is reflected on the Schedule 62 as well. The Schedule
62 can
be displayed on-screen or printed as hard copy.
[0108] Referring to Fig. 19, the exemplary embodiment of the invention
enables generation of product specifications 64. After a product has been
configured and the user requests a technical specification 64 for that
product, the
Specification Generator gathers all relevant product information and produces
a valid
proprietary specification which conforms to the Construction Specifications
Institute
(CSI) three part section format. The Specification Generator works from
content-
complete template specifications supplied by the manufacturer. The system can
produce unique customized specifications 64 for each product in a project or
(as an
additional option) a single specification 64 for multiple products.
[0109] Referring to Fig. 20, this exemplary embodiment of the invention
allows the user to view, print, copy, and export AutoCAD drawing files as DXF
files,
compatible with a number of CAD systems under the Windows environment. This
embodiment of the invention has the ability to do multi-layered component
assembly of DWG files. Component assembly is the process of displaying several
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
DWG files at once, which overlay one another to compose an entire detail. The
image 66 displayed as a section detail is actually made from three to five
separate
sub-assembly drawings, and several cross section details can be displayed
simultaneously. The drawings included are based on the attributes selected
during
product selection and configuration. The system can export DWG files to a DXF
formatted file. This feature allows the editing of exported drawings using a
CAD
system that accepts DXF files. The system also will allow the user to print
drawing
details.
[0110] Referring to Fig. 21, this exemplary embodiment can include a project
database, which maintains and tracks information that is unique to a
particular
project. The project database contains the sales or customer service
representative's
name 68, relevant customer information 70 and project information 72 for that
particular project. When a new project is created, information from associated
databases for sales-representatives and customers is available through drop-
down
boxes. Fields for Terms of Payment, PO Number, Price Multiplier, and Project
name are available, as well as the Line Item Adjust function (Fig. 15).
Projects are
categorized as Current or Archived and can be moved between these categories
as
necessary. When a Project is highlighted in the Project window, all units in
that
project are displayed. Interfaces to contact management systems, sales systems
and
sales force automation systems can also be engineered on request. The system
allows
for record additions, changes to existing records, deletion of records, and
duplication of records.
[0111] Referring to Fig. 22, system can also include a Sales-Representative
database, which controls all information for sales-representatives. These
items are
ID# 76, Name 78, Territory 80, phone number 82 and fax number 84. The system
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
allows for record additions, changes to existing records, deletion of records,
and
duplication of records. The Customer list for each sales-representative can be
viewed
by selecting a specific sales-representative name in the listing.
[0112] Referring to Fig. 23, this exemplary embodiment of the invention can
also include a Customer database to control all information for customers.
These
items are ID# 76a, Name 78a, separate billing 80a and shipping Addresses,
Contact
name 78b, Customer type 86, and miscellaneous defaults. The system allows for
record additions, changes to existing records, deletion of records and
duplication of
records. Customers are displayed in a listing which includes the sales-
representative
for each customer.
[0113] This exemplary embodiment of the invention can also include an
Import/Export function set which permits a project to be built on one computer
and exported into a file format, which can be imported into the same
application on
another computer (provided the product knowledge sets are exactly the same).
This
function set allows a project to be constructed by a customer and then
imported by a
dealer, distributor or sales representative for quote generation, final order
pricing
adjustment and negotiation. Similarly, projects can be shared between dealers,
sales-
people and customer service personnel.
[0114] This exemplary embodiment of-the invention also includes a System
Help File. The System Help File can offer an on-line condensed version of the
full
user documentation typically supplied with the system. The System Help File
can
provide easily accessible information to assist in the operation of the
system. The
System Help File can be configured to be context-sensitive so that the Help
topics
available are driven by the user's position in the system.
32
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
[0115] Referring to Fig. 24, this exemplary embodiment of the invention can
include a Product Line Review function.. The Product Line Review offers
manufacturer and product line information 88, as well as general industry
information 88, as it relates to the manufacturer's product line. Product Line
Review is typically derived from each manufacturer's sales and marketing
catalog(s),
promotional brochures and other printed materials. Product Line Review can
include full color or black & white scanned images 90, product features and
benefits
(as text descriptions), line drawings, technical illustrations and other
appropriate
product information.
[0116] Referring to Fig. 25, this exemplary embodiment of the invention can
incorporate an Interactive Tutor. The Interactive Tutor is a series of help
screens 92
referenced to specific system features and functions. When the Show Messages
(or
Tutor) option is checked, the system will present messages on the screen to
assist the
user with the next step. This option is turned on or off by either selecting
the Tutor
button or by opening the Tutor Menu and clicking Show Messages so that the
check is removed.
[0117] Audio/Visual Presentations can also be included as an integral part of
the exemplary system. Sound, video or both media combined can be utilized to
present, promote or enhance the client company and its products. Examples of
this
kind of information include videos of manufacturing processes, product
installation
procedures, or sales and marketing presentations. Audio information can
include
theme music or sound tracks, which complement video information.
[0118] This exemplary embodiment of the invention can also include a
Product Information Module. The Product Information module allows the user to
view various catalogs as a product is specified. Combining the expert system
with
33
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
the Adobe Acrobat Reader, for example, allows users access to a range of
supporting
product information. The printed catalogs from which this information is
derived
are more graphically oriented than CAD drawings and specifications. Generally,
the
format of this kind of material is PDF files.
[0119] Referring now to Fig. 26, flow chart 300 illustrates how another
exemplary implementation of a preferred embodiment of the invention can be
employed by a sales-representative/user in ordering sales for customers/users
in the
field. After the program is started at Step 302, the sales-representative will
call on
new or existing customers to investigate prospective business. The sales
representative can then run the system and start a project. At step 304, the
representative would initiate the project (Step 304) and a list of all
projects would be
displayed. The representative can then initiate a new project 308.
Alternatively, the
system could remain in a "wait" mode 306 until the project button is
initiated.
Once the project button is initiated, the sales-representative can then type
in the
client's name and address, and other pertinent information at step 310. Once
the
client information is entered then the user is presented with a configuration
screen
312 that can be used to begin adding product: information.
[0120] The manner in which a product is entered consists of the user inputting
into the system a request for a new "mark." A "mark" refers to a configured
unit or
product such as a window, door, or other assembly. The user can then select a
product type, such as a window, at step 314. The user can then begin to
configure a
new mark and at that point is prompted to answer some questions about the
product
at step 315 such as the type, size, or style of window desired. The sales-
representative/user can input the specific product information, for example,
color
options, glass type, etc. At step 318, the sales-representative can select a
quantity of
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product for the project. As a result, the system will repeat (320) the same
configuration for the number of windows entered in the Quantity data field.
[0121] At step 322, the user can create custom composite units. At this point,
the user would enter the Schematic Configurator and choose the composite
elements for the configurator to construct at step 324. Once the custom
configuration is complete, or if the custom composite step is bypassed (323),
the
user can initiate a quote button at step 326, which enables the calculation of
a price
quote for the products currently defined by the project. The quote can contain
individual descriptions of each product selected in preceding steps with all
associated
pricing, along with a drawing of each product with any custom composite units.
Moreover, the information can be displayed, printed, presented or otherwise
output
together or separately at step 328. At step 330, the system would provide a
price
total and a total quote for the project.
[0122] Fig. 27 illustrates another exemplary implementation of a preferred
embodiment, in which a dealer distributor adds individual sales
representatives to the
database at step 402. Customer names will then be added at step 404. The
system
will then check whether all customers have been added at step 406. If not,
then it
will loop back to add more names at step 408. Once all customers have been
added
to the database at step 410, the system will query whether the same thing has
been
done for sales representatives at steps 412, 414, and 416. Once this data has
been
added, then the system will generate the customer database sales report. Once
completed, this program will end.
[0123] Another exemplary implementation of a preferred embodiment is
shown in Fig. 28. Upon initiating a product customization, the user can create
a
project 450. A product can be selected 452 to be configured for that project.
The
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
product can be configured by accessing the Schematic Configurator 454 to
create a
custom composite product. This step 454 can be repeated 458 until all the
products
for a specific project have been configured at step 456. Upon completion of
configuration of all products for the project 460, additional projects may be
created
by returning to step 450 (464). Once all projects have been created and all
products
for these projects have been selected and configured 462, the user moves on
466 in
the system by accessing the Generator for Output Reports 468, whereby
schedules,
CAD drawings, Technical Specification Sheets, etc. can be created as hard
copies
470. After the generation of output reports, the user can export CAD Details
to
CAD software 472. Before exiting the system, the user can transmit the project
and
all related information regarding the project to a dealer for a price quote
474, which
can also be printed as a hard copy.
[0124] Another exemplary implementation of a preferred embodiment is
shown in Fig. 29. In this exemplary embodiment, a user/sales-representative
can
initiate configuration of products in at least three ways: by taking a
Telephone Sales
and Order Entry 480, by Receiving a printed order form 482, and by Importing
electronic project CIP (or other text format) 484. If a Printed order form is
received 482, or Telephone Sales and Order Entry is taken 480, the sales-
representative proceeds to create or select the customer from the Customer
Database
486. Next the sales-representative can Create or Append a project for that
customer
488. A desired product can be configured for that project 489. This step can
be
repeated 492 until all the desired products for that customer or customer's
project
have been configured. Once all the products have been configured 494, the
sales-
representative can decide whether or not all the projects have been added for
that
customer 496. If they have not 498, the sales-representative can return to
step 488
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
and create or access additional projects. If all the projects have been
attended to
500, the sales-representative can determine if all customers have been added.
If
additional customers need to be added to the system or accessed within the
system,
the sales-representative can return 504 to step 486 to create new files or
select
customers from the database, and then repeat the aforementioned steps. After
all
customers have been attended to, the user can transmit a product code (e.g.,
End
Item Code) to back-end manufacturing and/or ERP systems before exiting the
system.
[0125] If, as shown in Fig. 29, the user imports electronic Project CIP (or
other text format), the user can access Integrated Manufacturing Software and
move
on to determine if the Version Control (VC) Number is correct 506. If not, the
user can verify by telephone at step 480, and progress therefrom throughout
the
system as discussed above. If the VC Number is correct 510, the user can then
add
the order to any of the Sales Representative, Customer, Project, or Mark
Databases
512. Next the user/sales-representative can Transmit the End Item Code to the
back-end manufacturing and/or ERP systems 514.
[0126] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the functions, features
and architectures described above can be part of a network available to enable
business-to-business commerce over the Internet. In accordance with a
preferred
embodiment of the invention, an Internet portal (and a corresponding method)
is
provided to be the center of a selected vertical market in a particular
industry or
collection of industries (e.g., fenestration, or windows and doors as
exemplified
above). The portal can be an Internet focal point for the participants in the
vertical
market. The portal can not only incorporate the configuration system described
above for use by participants in the portal, but also can be a virtual space
for industry
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
news and information as well as a means for facilitating commerce by and
between
the participating manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and retail customers
making up
the vertical market, as shown in Fig. 30. In a preferred embodiment, Web
server
software such as Bondware by EdgeNet Media, Inc., the details of which are
incorporated herein by reference, may be used to implement the Internet
portal.
[0127] The portal provides the central services for its participating members,
providing news, advertisements, means for communication between members. The
portal also provides a member-to-member commerce channel providing product
offerings, configuration tools, ordering and purchasing mechanisms. Fees can
be
charged for membership to the portal, advertisements viewed or displayed on
the
portal, or as part of any member-to-member commerce transactions.
[0128] The portal can be an authoritative point of information about a given
product market or focused to a specific group within the vertical market. The
software package creating the portal can be a suite of Web applications
enabling the
creation of e-commerce communities for business customers. Virtual communities
can be created through this portal where customers within the vertical market
can
shop, learn, play and explore common interests. This portal can incorporate
the
configuration-related system described heretofore. The portal can be
accessible to
those with market-specific expertise, and in return for membership in the
portal, the
participants can provide much of the content themselves in the form of
advertising,
news, discussions, sales, etc. as shown in Fig. 30.
[0129] Figs. 33-51 illustrate another exemplary implementation of a preferred
embodiment, in which a user can design or customize an element in the form of
a
grille for a window or door using a Parametric Drawing Engine or other module
of
the system. As shown in Fig. 33, user interface window 515 depicts a window
frame
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
516 and a window grille 518 having, for example, a circular muntin 520 and
vertical
muntin 521. A modification to window frame 516 which increases its length
would
cause corresponding modifications to the remaining elements (e.g., circular
muntin
520 and vertical muntin 521) such that the relative connections of window
frame
516 to circular muntin 520 and vertical muntin 521 remain the same. For
example,
increasing the height of window frame 516 would cause a corresponding increase
in
the length of vertical muntin 521 and the circumference of circular muntin
520.
Alternatively, a change in color of circular muntin 520 from white to black
can cause
a corresponding change in color of vertical muntin 521 from white to black.
[0130] Figs. 34-35 illustrate an "auto align" feature in accordance with a
preferred embodiment. Fig. 34 shows window grilles having vertical and
horizontal
muntins that are not spaced at equal intervals. Fig. 35 shows alignment of the
vertical and horizontal muntins after applying; auto-alignment to the
illustration such
that the vertical and horizontal muntins are spaced at equal intervals.
Optionally,
the auto-align feature can be used to align any characteristic of an
illustration (e.g.,
radii of hubs, position of groups of muntins and hubs, etc.).
[0131] Referring to Figs. 36-37, the width of a muntin can be changed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment. Fig. 36 shows a horizontal muntin
before
adjustment of its width. Fig. 37 shows the horizontal muntin after its width
is
increased. Optionally, the width of the remaining muntins could automatically
be
resized to the same width. Fig. 38 shows a hub (grey) which is expanded to a
larger
size as shown in Fig. 39. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the
length of
the muntins connected to the hub are proportionally reduced in length relative
to
the increased size of the hub.
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
[0132] Referring to Figs. 40-41, a misaligned vertical muntin is aligned in
accordance with a preferred embodiment. Fig. 40 shows a misaligned vertical
muntin. In Fig. 41, the muntin is shown as aligned with the remaining vertical
muntins.
[0133] Figs. 42-43 show the movement of a horizontal muntin along the sides
of a window frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Fig. 42 shows a
horizontal muntin with its ends terminating at an initial position along the
sides of a
pentagon-shaped window frame. Fig. 43 shows the horizontal muntin moved
upward. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the length of the
horizontal
muntin is proportionally reduced such that the ends of the horizontal muntin
still
terminate at the sides of the window frame.
[0134] Figs. 44-45 show the expansion of multiple elements in response to the
movement of a vertical muntin in a "sticky"' movement within a window frame in
accordance with a preferred embodiment. Fig. 44 shows a gray vertical muntin
and
its relationship to other elements within a window frame. Fig. 45 shows the
result
of moving the vertical muntin toward the left side of the window frame. In
response
to the movement of the vertical muntin, the system automatically adjusts the
remaining elements to maintain their relative size, position, and symmetry
within the
window frame compared to the vertical muntin. For example, the length of the
horizontal muntins increases in response to the movement of the vertical
muntin.
The right hand side vertical muntin is reduced in height to match the left
hand side
vertical muntin, and the right hand side vertical muntin is shifted to the
right to
maintain the symmetry about the middle of the window frame.
[0135] Figs. 46-47 shows the movement of a horizontal "shoulder" muntin
and corresponding modifications to muntins connected to the shoulder in
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
accordance with a preferred embodiment. Fig. 46 shows an initial position of
the
shoulder muntin (gray) relative to muntins connected to the shoulder muntin at
a
single point or node. Fig. 47 shows that the length of the muntins connected
to the
shoulder muntin are automatically increased by the system as the shoulder
muntin is
moved toward the bottom of the window frame.
[0136] Fig. 48 shows the "nodes" or points which define the end points of
elements of an illustration in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
[0137]
[0138] Referring to Figs. 49-51, the ability of the system to permit an
element
to "follow" or not follow another element is illustrated in accordance with a
preferred embodiment. Fig. 49 depicts a horizontal muntin (gray) attached to a
vertical muntin at the midpoint of the horizontal muntin. Fig. 50 shows that
the
system automatically causes the vertical muntin to "follow" (i.e., increase in
length)
as the horizontal muntin is moved by the user to the top of the window frame.
Fig.
51 depicts another preferred embodiment where the vertical muntin does not
follow
as the horizontal muntin is moved by the user toward the top of the window
frame.
[0139] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or
more processor-based systems are used to implement the modules described or
apparent from the description herein and to perform the functionality
described (or
inherent) herein. For each such system, one or more processors (e.g., central
processing unit (CPU)) are provided for execution of one or more computer
programs stored on any (one or more) known recording mediums. The processor(s)
perform, control, or at least inform the various processing steps performed by
the
system in sending and retrieving data to and from at least one user interface
and/or
network. A user interface may be connected directly to a bus or remotely
connected
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
through a network (e.g., Internet). The network represents (wired or wireless)
connection of two or more devices, whether directly or indirectly connected
(e.g.,
directly coupling through cable, indirect coupling through one or more hubs or
servers, whether the network is local to the processor-based system,
geographically
remote from system, or a distributed combination of local/remote network
components).
[0140] Preferably, one or more of the modules are coupled (directly or
indirectly) to one or more database structures for use in supplying storage
functionality for the modules in accordance with the operations described (or
inherent) herein. The database structures can take any form from an individual
floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, CD-ROM, redundant array of independent
devices
(RAID) system, to a network of the same or other storage devices. As is well
known
in the art, the database structures may be physically connected within the
same
location, or have one or more structures remotely located in different
locations.
Each module may have dedicated or shared access to one or more database
structures locally or remotely located from the module.
(0141] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described
and illustrated, it should be apparent that many modifications to the
embodiments
and implementations of the invention can be made without departing from the
spirit
or scope of the invention. Although the configuration system (and
corresponding
method) has been specifically described in connection with the configuration
of a
product (e.g., window), it should be apparent that the system (and method) can
be
applied to any product, service, component group or other object that is to be
designed or configured such as cabinets, rooms, houses, cars, landscape
designs,
clothing, etc.
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CA 02452912 2005-02-07
[0142] While the illustrated embodiments have been described utilizing
Internet communications, it should be readily apparent that other
communication
systems or (wired/wireless) networks (e. g., intranets, private bulletin
boards,
individual local or wide area networks, proprietary chat rooms, ICQ, IRC
channels,
instant messaging systems, etc.) using real-time or non-real-time systems in
lieu of or
in addition to the disclosed Internet resources may also be utilized.
[0143] A Pricing Engine module could be added to the configuration system
to generate pricing and cost information for individual products, components,
projects, etc. both on a real-time, on-going basis, as the user interacts with
the
system, and also to provide total (or sub-total) pricing data for the
configured
product or project. The Pricing Engine may include bid and quote generation
functionality to facilitate the production and transmission of bid/quotes by
users to
their ultimate customers. A Product Code Engine (see Fig. 7) may be added to
generate (and receive as inputs) codes (e.g., UPC, EIC, etc.) assigned by
manufacturers, retailers, or other users, as well as by the system itself for
use in
processing data associated with a particular product, component, project, etc.
The
product codes may be used by other modules of the system (e.g., the Pricing
Engine) to associate data (e.g., prices) directly with the product codes.
[0144] A Communications module can be added to streamline the sales, order
entry and manufacturing process: from transaction sites through the plant and
to the
job site. Thus, for example, the user, sales representative, or other
individual can
place an order of the configured product/service directly with the provider
(e.g.,
manufacturer). The communication can be accomplished through any known
means of communication (e.g., telephone, fax, e-mail, Internet, etc.). The
43
CA 02452912 2005-02-07
Communications module would provide the system with capability to transmit
(e.g.,
fax) quotes to remote ordering locations.
[0145] A Specification Generator module may also be added to generate
detailed specifications in textual and/or graphical format for the configured
products/services, etc. The specifications may be displayed, output, exported,
or
transmitted as desired by the user.
[0146] The modules described herein, particularly those illustrated or
inherent
in the instant disclosure, may be one or more hardware, software, or hybrid
components residing in (or distributed among) one or more local or remote
computer systems. Although the modules are shown or described as physically
separated components, it should be readily apparent that the modules may be
combined or further separated into a variety of different components, sharing
different resources (including processing units, memory, clock devices,
software
routines, etc.) as required for the particular implementation of the
embodiments
disclosed herein. Indeed, even a single general purpose computer executing a
computer program stored on an article of manufacture (e.g., recording medium)
to
produce the functionality and any other memory devices referred to herein may
be
utilized to implement the illustrated embodiments. User interface devices may
be
any device used to input and/or output information. The user interface device
may
be implemented as a graphical user interface (GUI) containing a display or the
like,
or may be a link to other user input/output devices known in the art. Discrete
functionality of the system may be separated (logically or physically) to more
efficiently operate the system. Many of the fundamental data coordinating
functions
(e.g., functionality performed by Core 102) may be separated into a Foundation-
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CA 02452912 2011-11-14
Level Tools Subsystem. This Subsystem may include a BB Assist Module to create
BB structures and the like.
[0147] In addition, memory units described herein may be any one or more
known storage devices (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory
(ROM), hard disk drive (HDD), floppy drive, zip drive, compact disk-ROM, DVD,
bubble memory, etc.), and may also be one or more memory devices embedded
within a processor, or shared with one or more of the other components. The
computer programs or algorithms described herein may easily be configured as
one
or more hardware modules, and the hardware modules shown may easily be
configured as one or more software modules without departing from the
invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the foregoing description,
drawings, or
specific examples enumerated herein.
