Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MODULAR BUILDINGS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following United States
Provisional Applications, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference
in their
entirety:
[0002] Application Serial No. 61/114,726 filed November 14, 2008, and
Application Serial No. 61/114,626 filed November 14, 2008.
[0003] This application is also a continuation-in-part of United States
Nonprovisional Patent Application Serial No. 12/617,713 entitled "Smart
Multifunctioning Building Panel" filed November 12, 2009, the disclosure of
which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Field:
[0005] The invention relates to the field of modular buildings, and more
specifically to smart or multifunctional panels and methods, systems and
computer
program products for designing, optimizing and constructing modular buildings.
[0006] Description of the Related Art:
[0007] Modem buildings and building components that are intelligent and
take the environment into consideration reduce the energy usage and carbon
footprint
of the building. With the increasing problems of climate change and
environmental
degradation, as well as a renewed focus placed on reduced cost and shorter
construction times, it is becoming more and more important for the building
industry
to become cost-optimized, energy efficient and "green". There is also an
increasing
need for buildings which have reduced environmental impacts in terms of energy
usage, emissions, green construction materials and components, on-site
construction,
and the ultimate end-of-life reuse and/or recycling potential. Energy
efficient
buildings also reduce the energy required to operate a building, which reduces
costs
without compromising the comfort levels of its occupants.
[0008] The exterior environment and layout of a building can also a
significantly impact the energy consumed by the building. For example, in hot
or
summer environments, it may be desirable to allow hot air that accumulates
within the
building to escape from the interior of the building. Releasing heated air
reduces the
amount of energy required to cool the interior of the building. In contrast,
in cold or
1
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
winter environments, it may be desirable to prevent leakage of hot air from
the
building and thereby increase its energy efficiency. Controlling building
functions
based on the temperatures or other attributes of the sunny or shade side of
the building
can also affect energy consumption within the building. For example, the sunny
side
of a building can be at temperatures which are 2 to 8 C higher than the shade
side of
the same building. When building air intake vents are located on the sunny
side, in
summer, air retrieved from that side of the building has to be cooled by an
additional
amount to reach the desired cool interior temperatures. Conversely, in winter,
air
retrieved from the shady side of the building has to be heated by an
additional amount
to reach the desired heated temperatures. An intelligent building that takes
these
factors into consideration in operating the building would save energy.
[0009] Still further, in some situations, it is also desirable to have
buildings that can partially or entirely generate their own energy
requirements. For
example, in certain remote sites or at new construction sites, access to a
main utility
or power grid may not be available. In these sites, the construction or
operation of
conventional buildings requires the setup of large generators to power lights,
heat, and
communications equipment in the building, or construction tools used to
assemble the
building. However, such generators tend to be noisy and polluting, and require
continuous supplies of combustible fuels in order to operate. The generators
are also
heavy to transport and their size and weight are proportional to their maximum
load
outputs. Even when a main grid power connection is available, an energy
generating
building can reduce its use of carbon fuels and lower operating costs. Thus,
energy-
producing building components are desirable to address these needs.
[0010] Yet another application of smart or intelligent building components
occurs in the fabrication of modular buildings or buildings assembled on-site
from
predesigned building kits. Modular and kit buildings can be made from pre-
fabricated
structural members or panels that are designed and developed to facilitate
shipment,
assembly, and operation of a building. Predesigned components for modular or
kit
buildings reduce the fabrication and assembly costs for building structures
that have a
common purpose. Thus, building components such as panels and other structural
members that facilitate shipping, assembly of the building, and design of the
building
can be useful.
[0011] For reasons including these and other deficiencies, and despite the
development of many different building components, such as panels and other
2
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
structural members, further improvements in such components are continuously
being
sought, and methods, systems and computer program products for designing,
optimizing and constructing modular buildings are needed, to improve the
quality,
efficiency, ease and speed of construction and operation of modem buildings.
SUMMARY
[0012] The invention relates to a smart or multifunctional panel for a
modular building and methods, systems and computer program products for
designing, optimizing and constructing modular buildings. In one embodiment, a
multifunctional panel for a building comprises an insulative body, an exterior
surface
that is weather resistant, and an interior surface that opposes the weather
resistant
exterior surface. One or more sensors provided to measure an interior
condition in the
interior of the building and an exterior condition in the exterior of the
building, and
generate a sensor signal in response to the difference between the measured
interior
and exterior conditions. A signal coupler to transmit the sensor signal to
other
multifunctional panels, receive an input signal from another multifunctional
panel, or
pass power to power a device in or about the insulative body.
[0013] In another embodiment, a multifunctional panel comprises an
insulative body comprising an energy storage device having a pair of terminals
and
opposing interior and exterior surfaces, the exterior surface including a
photovoltaic
array comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected to one another
and a pair
of output terminals that are electrically coupled to the terminals of the
battery.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, a multifunctional panel comprises an
exterior surface that is weather resistant, an interior surface that opposes
the exterior
surface, and an insulative body between the interior and exterior surfaces. A
first
sensor is provided to measure an interior condition in the interior of the
building and
generate an interior-condition signal, and a second sensor to measure an
exterior
condition in the exterior of the building and generate an exterior-condition
signal. A
switch is used to a turn a device on or off in response to the interior-
condition signal,
exterior-condition signal, or both.
[0015] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a kit of
multifunctional panels for a building, the kit comprising a sensor panel
comprising: (i)
an exterior surface, an interior surface, and an insulative body between the
interior
and exterior surfaces; (ii) a sensor to measure an interior condition of the
building or
an exterior condition of the building and generate a sensor signal; and (iii)
a signal
3
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
coupler to transmit the sensor signal to other panels, receive an input signal
from
another panel, or pass power to power a device in or about the insulative
body. The
kit also includes a controller panel comprising an exterior surface, an
interior surface,
and an insulative body between the interior and exterior surfaces, and a
controller to
receive a signal from the signal coupler to control a device in or about the
insulative
body.
[0016] In an embodiment, a modular building may comprise a shed
comprising a framework of spaced apart columns that are linked to one another
by
overhead roof trusses, and a clerestory roof comprising a plurality of roof
panels,
wherein at least some of the roof panels are transparent to light. A
multifunctional
panel may be on the shed or roof of the modular building.
[0017] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a modular building
platform that may include and/or interface or communicate with various
functionalities, features, facilities, engines and the like, including, but
not limited to a
customer interface, a configuration facility, a simulation facility, an
optimization
facility, a CAD facility, a vendor facility, internal systems, external
systems, a shared
calendar, outputs, such as performance predictions, architecture drawings,
installation
drawings, a bill of materials, permits, costing, quotes, schedules and the
like,
customizations, an install base, which may contain sensors, monitoring
software and
the like, and the like.
[0018] In embodiments, methods, systems and computer program products
for determining a priority ranking distribution of two or more parameters may
be
provided. The priority ranking distribution for optimization of two or more
parameters may specify a desired parameter value and an importance ranking for
each
parameter. A configuration facility may generate a proposed modular building
design, which may be analyzed by a simulation facility with respect to one or
more
selected variables. The proposed modular building design may be optimized at
an
optimization facility using the limitations set by the priority ranking
distribution to
generate a design for construction of the modular building.
[0019] In embodiments, a subset of two or more parameters to be
considered in the optimization may be selected from the group consisting of
quality,
environmental performance, speed of delivery and cost, and the like. In
embodiments, one of the specified desired parameter values may be accompanied
by a
tolerance range, a variance distribution and the like. In embodiments, the
proposed
4
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
design of the modular building may satisfy certain requirements relating to
the area,
volume and aesthetics of the modular building. In embodiments, the proposed
modular building may be composed of pre-fabricated, modular building
components.
In embodiments, the configuration facility may be programmed with rules
governing
the interaction of the modular building components. In embodiments, the
selected
variables may be selected from the group consisting of energy use, day
lighting,
thermal comfort and the like. In embodiments, the optimization facility may
partially
or completely utilize elimination parametrics. In embodiments, the outputs may
be
selected from the group consisting of architecture drawings, installation
drawings, a
bill of materials, permits, quotes and schedules, and the like.
[00201 In embodiments, methods, systems and computer program products
for conducting three dimensional analyses may be provided. The three
dimensional
analysis may include comparing options associated with the three parameters
and
creating three two-dimensional graphs. The two dimensional graphs may provide
pair-wise comparison of the three parameters. In addition, a first optimum
option
from each of the parameters maybe selected from each of the two-dimensional
graphs
based on a metric. Each of the first optimum parameters obtained from the
three
dimensional analysis may be utilized in a multi-parametric interactive
analysis to
obtain a second optimum option for each of the parameters in the multi-
parametric
analysis.
[00211 In embodiments, the parameters may include at least three of
orientation, wall insulation, roof insulation, thermal mass, roof overhangs,
clerestory
windows, storefront windows, other windows and ventilation area, and the like.
In
embodiments, the metric may include one or more of cost, comfort, energy
efficiency
and the like. In embodiments, the multi-parametric analysis may include
options for
greater than three parameters or at least nine parameters. In embodiments, the
options
considered for each parameter may be limited by an associated tolerance. In
embodiments, a second optimum option for a parameter may be same as the first
optimum option for the parameter.
[00221 In embodiments, methods, systems and computer program products
for constructing a modular building by optimization using a priority ranking
distribution of two or more parameters may be provided. The method may
determine
priority ranking distribution for two or more parameters to be considered in
an
optimization and may specify a desired parameter value and an importance
ranking
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
for each parameter. Further, a proposed design of a modular building that may
satisfy
certain requirements may be created. This design may be analyzed using one or
more
selected variables and optimized under the constraints of the priority ranking
distribution. Subsequently, the proposed design may be modified by the outcome
of
optimization to create a modified proposed design. Finally, the modified
proposed
design may be validated, and outputs may be generated for the modified
proposed
design for construction of a modular building.
[0023] In embodiments, a subset of two or more parameters that may be
considered in the optimization may be selected from the group consisting of
quality,
environmental performance, speed of delivery, cost and the like. In
embodiments,
one of the specified desired parameter values may be accompanied by a
tolerance
range, a variance distribution and the like. In embodiments, the proposed
design of
the modular building may satisfy certain requirements relating to the area,
volume and
aesthetics of the modular building. In embodiments, the proposed modular
building
may be composed of pre-fabricated, modular building components. In
embodiments,
the selected variables may be selected from the group consisting of energy
use,
daylighting, thermal comfort and the like. In embodiments, the optimization
facility
may partially or completely utilize elimination parametrics. In embodiments,
the
modifications to the proposed design may relate to a change in one or more
building
materials, length of window overhangs and amount of thermal mass. In
embodiments, the validation may be a safety validation or may assess
compliance
with laws, rules and regulations. In embodiments, the outputs may be selected
from
the group consisting of architecture drawings, installation drawings, a bill
of
materials, permits, quotes, schedules and the like. In embodiments, the method
may
be implemented in part or completely in one or more processors capable of
executing
programmed instructions.
[0024] In embodiments, methods, systems and computer program products
for optimizing the design of a modular building may be provided. The
optimization
of the design of a modular building may be performed in consideration of a
priority
ranking distribution of parameters. These parameters may be associated with
the
modular building. In addition, the priority ranking distribution may rank the
parameters in terms of importance of two or more of the parameters to be
considered
in the optimization and may specify a desired parameter value for each
parameter.
6
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT[US2009/064387
[0025] In embodiments, a subset of two or more parameters to be
considered in the optimization may be selected from the group consisting of
quality,
environmental performance, speed of delivery, cost and the like. In
embodiments,
one or more of the specified desired parameter values may be accompanied by a
tolerance range and a variance distribution.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0026] The invention and the following detailed description of certain
embodiments thereof may be understood by reference to the following figures:
[0027] Fig. IA depicts a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a
multifunctional panel for a modular building;
[0028] Fig. lB depicts a partial sectional side view of two multifunctional
panels having side splines that are coupled together, and showing the male and
female
electrical couplers of the two panels that can be plugged into one another;
[0029] Fig. 1C depicts a detailed partial sectional side view of a portion C
of the panel of FIG. 1B;
[0030] Fig. 1D depicts a schematic sectional side view of a panel showing
a differential signal generator connected to the sensors and the signal
couplers, and an
internet device;
[0031] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective exploded partial sectional view of
another embodiment of a multifunctional panel having a frame;
[0032] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective partial sectional view of an
embodiment of a multifunctional panel comprising photovoltaic cells and
batteries;
[0033] Fig. 4A-C depicts electrical block diagrams showing the circuit
connections to transfer electrical power generated by the photovoltaic cells
to a
battery, grid or lights, respectively;
[0034] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective exploded view of a section of a frame
of a modular building comprising a tilted roof having multifunction panels
comprising
photovoltaic cells;
[0035] Fig. 6 depicts a side perspective view of a frame of a modular
building comprising a shed, and titled roof, over a concrete grade beam
foundation;
[0036] Fig. 7 depicts a schematic perspective view of the frame of an
embodiment of a modular building having a shed with a tilted roof that forms a
clerestory and a side expansion module;
7
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
[0037] Fig. 8 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular
building having a shed, clerestory, two opposing expansion modules, and
multifunctional and sensor panels;
[0038] Fig. 9 depicts a modular building platform, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] Fig. 10 depicts a customer interface, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] Fig. 11 depicts a user interface for a customer interface, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] Figs. 12 depicts a configuration facility user interface, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] Fig. 13 depicts a user interface of a simulation facility, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] Fig. 14 depicts a sample optimization process flow, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] Fig. 15 depicts a plot of energy use on a 3-dimensional parametric
graph, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] Fig. 16 depicts a plot of overall cost-effectiveness charting the 3-
dimensional parametric set, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] Fig. 17 depicts the top 40 configurations for Honolulu plotted by
cost effectiveness and energy demand, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0047] Fig. 18 depicts a process flow for the optimization process, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] Fig. 19 depicts an optimization facility user interface, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] Fig. 20 depicts a vendor facility user interface, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] Fig. 21 depicts an installation monitoring facility user interface, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] Fig. 22 depicts an architect dashboard, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
8
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCTIUS2009/064387
[0052] Fig. 23 depicts a contractor dashboard, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] Fig. 24 depicts a vendor dashboard, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] Fig. 25 depicts a specific alternate modular building platform, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0055] Fig. 26 depicts another specific alternate modular building
platform, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] Fig. 27 depicts a method of optimizing a modular building.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed
herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely
exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as
limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis
for teaching
one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually
any
appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein
are not
intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of
the
invention.
[0058] The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more
than one. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second
or more.
The terms "including" and/or "having" as used herein, are defined as
comprising (i.e.,
open transition). The term "coupled" or "operatively coupled," as used herein,
is
defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily
mechanically.
[0059] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a smart or
multifunctional panel 20 for any building or building structure, such as a
modular
building, and which can be used to perform any one or more of a variety of
functions
to increase the energy efficiency of the building or to facilitate its
operation or use,
such as by collecting data. A modular building may be created in whole or in
part of
smart or multifunctional panels 20. A modular building may be created at least
in part
of pre-fabricated components. A smart or multifunctional panel 20 may be pre-
fabricated. The pre-fabricated components may be created at a site and then
shipped
to another site where they are assembled to form, all or a part of, a modular
building.
9
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
A modular building may be portable and mobile. A modular building may include,
without limitation, a house, shed, residential building, school, portable
classroom,
institutional building, retail building, office space, commercial building and
the like.
An example of a modular building is as described in United States Patent
Application
Publication No. 20080202048 entitled "RAPIDLY DEPLOYABLE MODULAR
BUILDING AND METHODS" the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety. In embodiments, the modular building may be a
proposed
modular building.
[0060] The multifunctional panel 20 can also form the exterior skin of the
building, such as for the roof or external sidewall of the building. The panel
20 can
further provide the ability to control and automate building management
functions
that enhance the interior environment of the building. The multifunctional
panel 20
can also be used to provide an energy-efficient, energy-neutral, or even an
energy-
positive building. The panel 20 can also be used to fabricate a "smart"
modular
building which is self-regulating or adaptive to different ambient
environments or
which can be tailored to specific climate environments or needs of its users.
A smart
building made using such panels 20 can adapt to different lighting, thermal
management, humidity and other ambient conditions, which would otherwise
require
a custom on-site fabricated design for each site, environment, or specific
user needs.
The effective use of the panels 20 in a building can make the activities of
the
inhabitants more effective as human behavior and user equipment can be
programmed
into the electronics of the panel to respond better to certain ambient
conditions which
can be optimized by the panels without active management or action by the
users.
The multifunctional panels 20 also make building solutions less expensive to
operate
in a large variety of environments because they can greatly reduce the
requirements
for off-site generated fuel and can be adapted to different architectural
applications.
[0061] An exemplary embodiment of a multifunctional panel 20 is shown
in Figs. 1A to 1D. The multifunctional panel 20 comprises an insulative body
22, an
exterior surface 24a, and an interior surface 24b that opposes the exterior
surface, i.e.,
it is on the other side of the exterior surface. Either of the insulative body
22, exterior
surface 24a, or interior surface 24b, can be made from a single material or a
number
of different materials in the form of sheets or layers to form the desired
structure.
While exemplary illustrative embodiments of the structure of different
multifunctional
panel 20 are described herein, it should be understood that the panel 20 can
be made
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
from a variety of different solid or molded materials, sheets or layers; thus,
the scope
of the present invention should not be limited to the illustrative embodiments
described herein. The exterior and interior surfaces 24a,b, respectively, are
separated
by a distance to form an enclosed volume which contains the insulative body
22. In
one version, the distance between exterior surface 24a and interior surfaces
24b
comprises a distance of from about 5 to about 20 cm. However other sizes are
possible depending on the application of the panel 20.
[0062] The multifunctional panel 20 can also be joined to other panels
with end fittings or couplings to present a continuous weather resistant
exterior
surface and a fungible, smooth, interior finish surface. In one version, the
exterior
surface 24a comprises a weather resistant surface 18, by which it is meant
that the
surface 24a is waterproof to provide a moisture and rain barrier. The weather
resistant surface 18 can also be a weather impact surface that protects the
panel 20
and the interior of the building from impact damage-for example, damage caused
by
rain, ultraviolet solar damage, and more significant hazards such as
hailstones, flying
debris, snow, etc. It also serves as a weatherproof shield which greatly
reduces
passage of moisture to a waterproof membrane 21 that ultimately protects
against
moisture entering into the building structure. Suitable weather impact
surfaces 18
include wood, composite recycled materials, metal sheets (such as a flat,
ribbed or
corrugated metal sheet), impact resistant polymer, or any other suitable type
of
roofing or exterior wall material that can accept long-term exposure to
natural
elements without significant decay.
[0063] In the version shown, the exterior surface 24a includes a
waterproof membrane 21 that extends across the upper surface of the panel 20.
The
waterproof membrane 21 is provided to waterproof the underlying structure of
the
multifunctional panel 20. The waterproof membrane 21 resists water passage and
is
suitable for continuously wet environments as well as locations that
experience dry
and wet weather cycles. A building or structure is waterproofed to protect
contents
underneath or within as well as protecting structural integrity. Further, the
entry of
water into the interior of the panel can affect any devices in the panel, and
it is
desirable to protect from electrical shorting caused by water. For example, a
suitable
waterproof membrane 21 includes one or more layers of membranes made from
materials such as bitumen, silicate, PVC, and HDPE. The waterproof membrane 21
11
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
acts as a barrier between exterior water and the building structure,
preventing the
passage of water.
[0064] The exterior surface 24a can also be, or have adjacent to it, a
radiant barrier sheet 23 to reduce undesired radiant wave energy transfer from
the
exterior to the interior and thus, reduce building heating and cooling energy
usage.
The radiant barrier sheet 23 can also include a gap to serve as an air barrier
that
allows ventilation between the exterior surface and the waterproof membrane.
This
gap allows for the passage of air and the shedding of water that penetrates
the weather
impact surface 18. The radiant barrier sheet 23 reduces air-conditioning
cooling loads
in warm or hot climates. The radiant barrier sheet 23 can be placed adjacent
to the
waterproof membrane or lower down in the structure of the body 22. The radiant
barrier sheet 23 comprises a thin sheet of a highly reflective material. The
radiant
barrier sheet 23 can also be a coating of a highly reflective material applied
to one or
both sides of a sheet such as paper, plastic, plywood, cardboard or air
infiltration
barrier material. A suitable radiant barrier material comprises aluminum, such
as a
sheet of aluminum. The radiant barrier sheet 23 has a high reflectivity or
reflectance
(e.g., a reflectivity of at least 0.9 or 90%). Reflectivity is determined as a
number
between 0 and 1 or a percentage between 0 and 100 of the amount of radiant
heat
reflected by the material. A material with a high reflectivity also has a low
emissivity
of usually 0.1 or less. An air gap is marinated adjacent to the reflective
surfaces of
the radiant barrier sheet to provide an open air space to allow reflection of
the radiant
energy and air circulation to remove the radiant energy from the panel
surface. This
gap also serves to reduce the collection of moisture on the radiant barrier
sheet 23 and
the waterproof membrane 21. In summer, the radiant barrier sheet 23 operates
by
reflecting heat back towards the external environment from the roof or wall to
reduce
the amount of heat that moves through the panel 20 and into the building. In
winter,
the radiant barrier sheet 23 reduces heat losses through the ceiling or walls
of the
building in the winter.
[0065] Optionally, building paper 31 can be placed, for example, between
the waterproof membrane 21 and the radiant barrier sheet 23 as shown in the
version
of Fig. lA. The building paper 31 serves as a secondary moisture-resistant and
impermeable covering. Typically, building paper 31 is an asphalt-impregnated
paper
that comes in different weights. For example, building paper 31 comprising 15-
lb
paper is used for most roofing and moisture-sealing wall applications.
Building paper
12
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT[US2009/064387
31 also includes felt paper, tarpaper, roofing paper, or roofing underlayment.
Building
paper 31 resists air and water getting into the structure but allows moisture
to diffuse
through it through fine pores in the paper that are sufficiently small to
prevent
penetration of water through the surface of the paper.
[0066] In one version, the interior surface 24b is a surface of an interior
board 25. In one example, the interior board 25 comprises a fungible
composition
panel that extends across the entire lower surface of the panel 20. The
interior board
25 is freely exchangeable or replaceable, in whole or in part, for another
sheet of a
similar nature or kind. The interior board 25 forms the exposed interior
surface of the
panel 20. The interior board 25 can have color or texture that provides an
aesthetic
interior ceiling or wall surface of the modular building 100. The interior
board 25 can
also be useful to hide electrical connections within the roof panel 20. In
still another
version, the interior board 25 comprises a coating made of a material that
absorbs
sound, provides additional thermal insulation, and/or is electrically
insulating. The
interior board 25 may also be separated from the exterior surface of the roof
panel 20
by a distance of from about 5 to 20 cm to provide acoustic and thermal
insulation
between the interior and the exterior surfaces of the roof panel 20. When this
sheet is
used, the interior board 25 forms the interior facing surface 24b.
[0067] The insulative body 22 serves as a structural insulated panel to
provide both mechanical or structural support and thermal insulation. In one
version,
the insulative body 22 comprises first and second structural boards 26a,b that
are
aligned to one another, as shown in Fig. 1A. The structural boards 26a,b can
be
oriented strand board, plywood, pressure-treated plywood, cementitious panels,
steel,
fiber-reinforced plastic, magnesium oxide or other sufficiently structurally
sound
materials. In one version, this gap or volume between the first and second
structural
boards 26a,b is filled with an insulating layer 27, as shown in Fig. IA In one
version,
the insulating layer 27 serves as a support for, and provides rigid separation
between,
the structural boards 26a,b. The insulating layer 27 can comprise a material
having a
selected resistance to heat flow (which is termed an R-value) of greater than
about 3.5
per 2.5 centimeters to provide some thermal insulation between the first and
second
boards 26a,b. The insulating layer 27 can be a foam such as expanded
polystyrene
foam, extruded polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam, soy or other organic bio-
based materials as well as conventional fibrous or cotton insulation
materials. The
insulating layer 27 of the body 22 can be made using conventional construction
13
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
techniques, including foam injection process in which the foam bonds directly
to the
structural boards 26a,b, providing a high bond strength.
[0068] In addition, the insulative body 22 can contain devices 28, such as
energy storage devices 81, data and power connection devices 78, fans 44, one
or
more sensors 83a-c (the sensors 83a-c may be the same as sensors 154R), lights
88,
and other such devices, as for example, shown in Figs. 1A-1C and 3. In one
version,
the insulative body 22 of the panel 20 can also have energy storage devices 81
that
store energy in the panel 20. For example, the energy storage devices 81 can
be a set
of batteries 82. Each battery 82 comprises a rechargeable or storage
electrochemical
cell, typically comprising a group of two or more secondary cells which are
capable
of an electrochemical reaction that releases energy and is readily reversible.
The
rechargeable electrochemical cells accumulate electrical charge using cell
chemistries
such as lead and sulfuric acid, rechargeable alkaline battery (alkaline),
nickel
cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), and lithium
ion
polymer (Li-ion polymer). For example, the batteries 82 can be charged by the
electrical energy generated by a photovoltaic array, windmill-generated
electrical
power, or mains power from an electrical grid 80.
[0069] In the version shown in Fig. 3, the batteries 82 comprises a battery
sheet 89 extending across a lower surface of the panel 20-for example, between
the
side splines 30a-d. The battery sheet comprises a sheet of a plurality of
batteries 82
having terminals 99 which are interconnected to one another or other devices
28 via
electrical cables 101. The battery sheet 89 can be sized to have a thickness
of less
than 20 mm, for example, or even less than 10 mm or even about 2 mm, and cover
an
area of the entire surface of the panel 20. An insulating material 27 or other
filler can
be used to fill the body 22 of the panel 20 to fill spaces between the
batteries to
provide thermal or electrical insulation.
[0070] The panel 20 can also have structural reinforcements around the
body 22 of the panel. In one version, a pair of first and second side splines
30a, 30b,
are provided at the edges of the body 22 to structurally bridge the gap
between the
first and second structural boards 26a,b. The splines 30a, 30b also seal off
the
insulating layer 27 from the external environment to provide a weather- and
water-
proof seal that reduces environmental or moisture degradation of the material
or
devices 28 in the insulative body 22. Further, the splines 30a, 30b can be
shaped to
allow interconnection of one panel 20 to another or to connect devices 28 in
the
14
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
building to the panel 20. The splines 30a, 30b each form a longitudinal
segment
having a length sufficiently long to extend across substantially the entire
length of the
panel 20. The splines 30a, 30b can have upper surfaces 40a, 40b that face the
exterior
of the building and lower surfaces 42a, 42b that face the interior.
[0071] In a further version, portions of the panels 20 such as the splines
30a, 30b, can have matching mechanical coupling elements that serve as
interconnect
features to join a number of panels to one another as shown in Figs. lB and
1C. For
example, in the version shown, the outside sidewall of the first side spline
30a
comprises a tongue 54 that is adapted to mate with, or fit into, a
corresponding groove
56 of the outside sidewall of the second side spline 30b of the current panel
20.
Referring to Fig. 1C, the tongue 54 comprises an outwardly extending ridge 58
having
rounded corners 60, and the corresponding groove 56 comprises a longitudinal
slot 62
having rounded edges 64. Two panels 20a,b can be coupled together by fitting
the
tongue 54 of the first side spline 30a into a corresponding groove 56 of the
second
side spline 30b. While a tongue and groove design is used to illustrate an
exemplary
version of an interconnect feature, it should be understood that other
interconnecting
or coupling elements can also be used as would be apparent to those of
ordinary skill
in the art. For example, the first side spline 30a can have an upper
projecting ledge
that slides over a lower projecting ledge of the second side spline 30b (not
shown). In
another version, the first side spline 30a can have a number of outwardly
projecting
and spaced apart balls that fit into correspondingly shaped apertures formed
in the
right-side spline 30b. In still another version, the first side spline 30a can
have a "J"
shaped upper flange that fit into correspondingly inverse "J" shaped lower
flange
formed in the second side spline 30b.
[0072] Optionally, the front and back ends of the body 22 of the panel 20
can be capped by third and fourth side splines 30c, 30d (which can be also
called end
or capping splines) to seal off the material or air in the body 22 from the
external
environment. The side splines 30c, 30d also enable connection of the panel
ends to
other panels or building components. The side splines 30c, 30d are fastened
perpendicular to the side splines 30a, 30b, and can also include corner
splines. In the
version shown, the side splines 30c, 30d each comprise a flat beam without
projecting
coupling sections. However, the side splines 30c, 30d can have outwardly
projecting
coupling sections or other structures as would be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in
the art to allow coupling to other panels or to a frame of a building.
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
[0073] In one version, the multifunctional panel 20 with side splines 30a-d
is sufficiently rigid and mechanically strong to serve as a structural roof
member or
even replace ceiling joists of a modular building. Also, any of the side
splines 30a-d
can be made by extruding a suitable metal. For example, the side splines 30a-d
can be
made by extruding aluminum or steel using conventional methods. Other
materials,
such as composite or polymer materials, can also be used as would be apparent
to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0074] The multifunctional panel 20 further includes one or more signal
couplers 78a,b that serve as input and output terminals to transmit an
electrical signal
or electrical power. For example, the signal couplers 78a,b can transmit a
sensor
signal to other multifunctional panels 20', receive an input signal from
another
multifunctional panel 20', or pass power to power a device 28 in or about the
insulative body 22 of the panel. The signal couplers 78a,b can also send
output
signals to other panels 20 or devices 28, receive input signals from other
panels 20 or
devices 28, transmitting or receiving a signal to or from a controller 90,
form
connections to and from data cables 86, or pass a power signal to power a
device 28
anywhere in the building. The electrical signals transmitted by the signal
couplers
78a,b can be electrical signals, such as analog signals or data signals. The
signal
couplers 78a,b can, for example, receive a signal from a sensor, photovoltaic
cell,
battery, heater, cooler, electrical grid, etc. and then transmit the signal to
another
device 28 in the building to control operation of the building. In this
manner, the
signal couplers 78a,b allow different panels 20a,b to communicate to one
another and
to the controller 90, thereby serving as "smart" panels that can communicate
information, transmit sensor data, or even receive signals to operate a device
28
located within the panel 20 or adjacent to the panel 20. In embodiments, the
information and/or data maybe communicated to or received from a platform 102.
In
one version, the signal couplers 78a,b include an electrical male plug (such
as that
shown by 78a) and a female socket (such as that shown by 78b) to receive the
plug.
For example, a suitable plug and socket system can be a multi-pin connector,
such as
an RS-232 plug and/or socket, a DIN plug/socket, a USB plug or socket, or
other
types of plugs and sockets. Each set of signal couplers 78a,b comprises pins
to
receive and transmit signals to signal couplers in other panels 20 or to the
controller.
These electrical signals control operation of the building and can include
electrical
power, sensor signals, or operational instructions from a controller. While a
wired
16
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
version of the signal couplers 78a,b is shown, the signal coupler can also be
a wireless
version, e.g., a wireless modern card or infrared signal transmitter and
receiver.
[0075] In the version shown in Fig. IA, a pair of signal couplers 78a,b are
mounted in the side splines 30c, 30d, respectively, of the panel 20 to connect
the
panel 20 to other panels or to external systems. The signal coupler 78a serves
as an
input terminal and can include a multi-pin connector plug that mates with a
matching
output terminal comprising a multi-pin connector socket of the signal coupler
78b.
The multi-pin connectors comprise connection pins that are capable of
transmitting
electrical power as well as data for other systems such as a sensor signal
from an
integrated sensor, electrical power from a photovoltaic cell array or battery,
or even
mains electrical power. The multi-pin connector's data pins may also be used
to input
data to a controller within the panel 20 or a controller 90. The signal
couplers 78a,b
can also be integrated into a multi-pin connector system. The multi-pin
connector can
include connection pins that are capable of outputting electrical power as
well as data
for other systems such as output from integrated lights, sensors, mains power,
and
batteries, as explained below. The multi-pin connector's data pins may also be
used to
input data to a controller within the panel 20 or outside and in the building
structure.
[0076] The signal coupler 78a,b can also be of other types. For example,
the signal couplers 78a,b can be radiofrequency signal couplers such as an RF
transmitter and receiver. The signal couplers 78a,b can also be incorporated
into an
internet device 87 and thus have a unique IP address. The radiofrequency
signal
coupler receives and transmits signals to other such devices within other
panels or to a
radiofrequency signal coupler mounted in electrical communication with the
controller. Advantageously, only a single radiofrequency signal coupler is
needed per
panel as the device can function both to receive signals and transmit signals.
In
addition, the radio frequency signal coupler does need electrical wires to
communicate with other devices or to receive or transmit signals. This
facilitates
installation of the "wireless" panels in the modular building.
[0077] Instead of, or in addition to, the signal couplers 78a,b, the panel 20
can also include a switch 96 to a turn a device 28 on or off in response to
the interior
sensor signal, exterior sensor signal, or both. The switch 96 can connect an
electrical
power source, such as the energy storage device or electrical power from the
main
electrical grid, to a device 28 such as a fan 44, lights 88, heater, cooler,
air-
conditioning unit, vent, or many other devices, to operate the device 28 in
relation to
17
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
the signal received from one or more sensors 83a-c. For example, the switch 96
can
turn on, or turn off, a device 28 such as a fan 44, air conditioner, or
heater, or open a
vent in the building in response to a signal from a temperature sensor which
indicates
that the building is excessively hot or too cold. As another example, the
switch 96
can generate a switch signal to operate an external device 28 in the same or
another
pane120.
[0078] Referring to Fig. 1B, various devices 28 which are useful in the
building can be attached directly to a panel 20 and located abutting or
adjacent to the
panel or positioned in other areas of the building but with an electrical
connection to
the panel 20. For example, a device 28-such as a light 88-can be attached to
the
interior surface 24b of the panel 20. In one version, the light 88 is directly
electrically
coupled to the output terminals of an array of photovoltaic cells or to
batteries, as
explained below. When the light 88 comprises a direct current (DC) powered
source,
advantageously, the light can be powered directly by the DC voltage output of
the
solar cells without inverting or rectifying this voltage. This significantly
improves the
energy efficiency of the light and solar cells. Other direct current devices
28, such as
fans 44 or motors or hydraulics to operate vents and skylights, can also be
used
instead. Any of the DC devices 28 have the benefit of not requiring conversion
of the
DC voltage generated by the solar cells to alternating current (AC), thereby
avoiding
the inefficiency of DC to AC conversions, the cost of rectifiers, and less
heat
generation.
[0079] The multifunctional panel 20 can also have one or more sensors
83a-c that function with the signal couplers 78a,b to form a close control
loop with a
controller or with other panels as shown in Figs. lB and 1C. The sensors 83a,b
can be
mounted on the exterior surface 24a or the interior surface 24b of the panel
20 or both
sides. For example, one or more exterior sensors 83a can be used to measure an
exterior condition of the exterior environment from the exterior surface 24a
of the
panel 20 and generate an exterior-condition signal, and one or more interior
sensors
83b and/or 83c can be used to measure an interior condition of the interior of
the
modular building from the interior-side of the panel 20 and generate an
interior-
condition signal. The interior and exterior condition signals can be evaluated
by a
device inside or outside the panel 20 to operate another device in the
building or
attached to a panel 20. While two sensors are shown, it should be understood
that a
18
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
single sensor 83 that can measure both the interior and exterior conditions
can also be
shown.
[0080] A differential signal generator 85 can be used to receive the
interior-condition and exterior-condition signals from the sensors 83a-c to
evaluate
the signals. In this version, the differential signal generator 85 comprises
electronic
circuitry to generate a sensor signal that is a differential signal which is
calculated in
response to the differential between the measured interior and exterior
conditions. A
single sensor 83 a having a built-in differential signal generator can also
measure both
the interior and the exterior conditions and generate a sensor signal in
response to the
differential between the measured interior and exterior conditions. The
differential or
direct sensor signals convey information about the interior or exterior
building
environment via differential or other measurements from the interior and
exterior and
transmit the information via the signal couplers 78a,b to other panels 20 or
to the
controller 90 which, in turn, evaluate the sensor signal and regulate
operation of the
building in response to the sensor signal to provide a self-regulating
automated
modular building. The sensors 83a-c can be, for example, a temperature sensor,
humidity sensor, light sensor, air quality sensor, sound sensor, electrical
sensor (such
as a voltage or current detector), and other types of sensors. Thus, the
sensors 83a-c
enhance operation of the building by providing sensor signals for the
controller,
another panel 20, or another building device, such as a light, fan heating or
cooling
system, or even motorized shutters. The sensors 83a-c can also activate a
phase
change material within the insulative body of the panel 20.
[0081] In one version, the sensors 83a,b include a temperature sensor 91
that is used to measure the ambient temperature in the interior of the
building, a room
of the building, and/or an ambient exterior temperature outside the building.
The
temperature sensor 91 generates a temperature signal in relation to the
measured
interior and exterior ambient temperatures, this signal being used to adjust
the heating
and cooling systems to control the temperature in the building. Suitable
temperature
sensors 91 include, for example, a thermocouple, resistance temperature
detector, or
bimetallic sensor. The temperature sensor 91 measures the temperature adjacent
to
the panel or at an interior section of the building and transmits the
temperature
measurement via the signal couplers 78a,b to other panels 20, to the
controller 90, or
to devices 28. The temperature signal is then used to control or regulate the
temperature within the building, e.g., by increasing or decreasing the
building heater
19
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
power level, operating ceiling fans 44, opening motorized windows or shutters,
or
opening skylights.
[0082] In another version, the sensors 83a,b include a light sensor 92 that
is capable of detecting and measuring the ambient light intensity in the
interior of the
modular building 100 and generating an ambient light signal in relation to
this
measurement. The signal couplers 78a,b transmit the ambient light intensity
signal
provided by the light sensor 92 to other multifunctional panels or to the
controller.
The light sensor 92 can be a photovoltaic sensor or other light-sensitive
sensors. The
ambient light signal of the light sensor 92 is used to turn on or off or to
diminish
different lights 88 to increase or decrease the intensity of light within the
building or
even open motorized shades or shutters in windows, thereby increasing or
decreasing
interior light on a self-regulating, as-needed basis to the interior of a
building. For
example, as cloud cover reduces available natural light below desired levels
or the day
darkens into evening, the diminishing light signal from the light 92 sensor
can be used
to increase power supplied to lights in the interior of the building to open
or close
shades, etc. The light sensor 92 can also be mounted on the exterior surface
24a to
measure the outside light conditions to control exterior lights. In one
version, a first
light sensor 92a is mounted on the interior surface 24b to measure an ambient
light
intensity of the interior of a building, and a second light sensor 92b is
mounted on the
exterior surface 24a to measure an ambient light intensity of the exterior of
the
building. The differential signal can be used to control the intensity of the
lights in
the building, or each of the interior and exterior light intensity signals can
be used to
set the light intensity inside or outside the building respectively.
[0083] In still another version, the sensors 83a,b include a humidity sensor
93 mounted on an interior surface 24b to measure a humidity level of the
interior
and/or exterior of the building and generate a humidity signal in proportion
to the
measured humidity levels. The signal couplers 78a,b transmit the humidity
signal to
other multifunctional panels or to the controller. For example, a suitable
humidity
sensor 93 can be a relative humidity sensor.
[0084] In yet another version, the sensors 83a,b include an air-quality
sensor 94 mounted on the interior surface 24b to measure an air quality of the
interior
of the building 100 and/or mounted on the exterior surface 24a to measure an
air
quality of the exterior of the building 100. The air-quality sensor 94
continuously
monitors the air quality and generates an air-quality signal that is sent via
the signal
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
couplers 78a,b to other panels or a controller. The air-quality signal
provides energy
savings through demand-based control of outside air intake, improves and
optimizes
the air quality of the facility, and can even identify potential air quality
problems in
the early stages. A suitable air-quality sensor 94 comprises an oxidizing
element that,
when exposed to gases in an environment, changes in resistance depending on
the
chemical composition of the gases and provides an output air-quality signal
that
corresponds to the combined concentration of a number of contaminant gases
typically found in indoor environments. This provides a much more accurate
representation of the actual air quality than, for example, a CO or C02 sensor
which
senses only CO or C02 and not other contaminant gases. An exemplary version of
a
suitable air-quality sensor 94 comprises a BAPI Room Mount Air Quality Sensofm
fabricated by Building Automation Products, Inc., Wisconsin. The output air-
quality
signal generated by the air-quality sensor 94 is transmitted to the controller
which
evaluates the signal and generates an output signal to control the amount of
outside air
introduced by a ventilation plant into the building. By controlling
ventilation, the
system reduces energy consumption by eliminating the introduction of excess
outside
air into the building during periods of little or no occupancy.
[0085] In still another version, the sensors 83a,b include a sound sensor 97
mounted on the exterior surface 24a or interior surface 24b to measure the
ambient
sound levels outside or inside the building. The sound sensor 97 can measure
decibel
levels. The sound sensor 97 can be a conventional microphone. The signal from
the
sound sensor 97 can be used to lower sound absorbing curtains if the ambient
noise in
the building is too high, close windows if the exterior noise levels are too
high, and
other such functions.
[0086] The panel 20a can also have an internet device 87 with an internet
protocol address, as shown in Fig. 1D. The internet device 87 can be, for
example, an
integrated circuit chip with attached memory, a programmable logic chip, a
wired or
wireless modem, or a router. The Internet Protocol (IP) is a protocol used for
communicating data across a packet-switched internetwork using the Internet
Protocol
Suite, also referred to as TCP/IP. IP is the primary protocol in the Internet
Layer of
the Internet Protocol Suite and has the task of delivering distinguished
protocol
datagrams (packets) from the source host to the destination host solely based
on their
addresses. For this purpose, the Internet Protocol defines addressing methods
and
structures for datagram encapsulation. Current versions include Internet
Protocol
21
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCTIUS2009/064387
Version 4 (IPv4) and Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6). An Internet Protocol
(IP)
address is a numerical identification and logical address that is assigned to
a device
participating in a computer network utilizing the Internet Protocol for
communication
between its nodes. Although IP addresses are stored as binary numbers, they
are
usually displayed in human-readable notations, such as 208.77.188.166 (for
lPv4) and
2001:db8:0:1234:0:567:1:1 (for IPv6). The IP address includes a unique name
for the
device, an address indicating where it is, and a route indicating how to get
there.
TCP/IP defines an IP address as a 32-bit or 128-bit number. The Internet
Protocol
also has the task of routing data packets between networks, and IP addresses
specify
the locations of the source and destination nodes in the topology of the
routing
system. A data cable 86 is used to enable communications amongst the devices
within the insulative body, such as the sensors 83 and internet device 87, and
it can
also be connected to the signal couplers 78a,b to network with other panels
20b as
well as the controller 90. In embodiments, the panel 20 may contain a
processor. In
embodiments, the panel 20 may function as a server. In embodiment, the panel
20
maybe capable of running monitoring software 158R.
[0087] Another version of the multifunctional panel 20 comprises an
insulative body 22 that has more rigidity to serve, for example, as structural
roof
member or even replace ceiling joists of a modular building. In the version
shown in
Fig. 2, the structural panel comprises a frame 29 comprising a pair of side
splines 30a,
30b that oppose one another. The side splines 30a, 30b have upper surfaces
40a, 40b
and lower surfaces 42a, 42b, are parallel to one another and span across the
entire
length of the panel 20 to define the left and right edges of the panel 20. The
side
splines 30a, 30b are connected at their ends by the side splines 30c, 30d to
form an
enclosed interior volume 35. Typically, the side splines 30a-d are configured
to
define a rectangular interior volume 35, such as the parallelogram or cube.
The
interlocking surfaces of the panels formed at the junctions of the side
splines 30a-d in
the embodiment shown can be joined by conventional means, such as welding,
nuts
and bolts, or brazing. The side splines 30a-d can also be braced with right-
angled
supports (not shown) at their corners for additional support. The geometry of
the
planar roof panel 20 facilitates welding or fastening the panel 20 in-place to
a roof
section 33. For example, a set of fasteners 37 comprising screws, nails, or
clips can
be used to fasten the roof panel 20 to a roof joist 115 of a roof.
22
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
[0088] In this embodiment, side splines 30a- d are all shown as solid
longitudinal beams; however, it should be understood that other structures
equivalent
to the longitudinal beams can also be used, such as a plurality of
interconnected X-
structures, multiple beams joined by vertical members, a honeycomb structure,
or
other structures as would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
The side
splines 30a-d can be fabricated from metals such as steel, stainless steel, or
aluminum.
[0089] The panel 20 also has an exterior facing surface 24a formed of a
layer, such as a waterproof membrane 21, and the interior surface 24a can be
that of
an interior board 25. The interior and exterior facing surfaces 24a,b extend
between
splines 30a-d to enclose interior volume 35. The interior volume can be empty
space
or can have an insulating layer 27 (as shown), or batteries 82 (not shown).
The
volume 35 serves as insulation, vapor and air barrier between the inside of
the
building and the external environment. In one version, rectangular interior
volume 35
is filled with an insulating layer 27 such as a foam or fiber mat.
[0090] In yet another version, the multifunctional panel 20 comprises an
exterior surface 24a having a photovoltaic array 74 comprising an array of
photovoltaic cells 76, as shown in Fig. 3. Such a panel 20 can be mounted on
the
exterior of the building to generate electricity from incident solar energy. A
modular
building 100 fabricated with a plurality of such multifunctional panels 20
reduces the
amount of energy required to operate the building or may even provide
sufficient
energy to the building so as not to require a connection to the electrical
grid 80. In
sunny climates, the building 100 can be outfitted with a sufficient number of
multifunctional panels 20 to output enough electricity to power its own lights
or other
building or user utilities and equipment. The photovoltaic cells 76 can cover
a
waterproof membrane 21. The photovoltaic array 74 may also require structural
framing (not shown) to affix it to the panel 20. The photovoltaic cells 76
convert
solar energy into electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect. Assemblies of
photovoltaic cells 76 connected to one another in a series and/or parallel
arrangement
are used to make a photovoltaic array 74. For example, a panel 20 can have a
photovoltaic array 74 comprising from 10 to 200 cells or even from 15 to 50
cells. A
signal coupler 78a can serve as an electrical output terminal to output the
electricity
generated by the photovoltaic cells 76.
[0091] In one version, the batteries 82 in the insulative body 22 of the
panel 20 are electrically coupled to the output terminals of the photovoltaic
cells 76.
23
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
The batteries 82 comprise terminals 99 which are interconnected to one
another, to the
photovoltaic cells 76, and/or the signal couplers 78a,b via electrical cables
101. The
cells 76 charge the batteries 82 during the day, and the electrical power of
the charged
batteries can be used to operate the light 88 at night. The batteries 82 can
also be
charged by the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic array 74 or
from other
multifunctional panels and/or main power from the electrical grid 80 via a
power
connection in the signal coupler 78a.
[00921 In one version of the panel 20, the array of photovoltaic cells 76
and the batteries 82 are directly electrically coupled to the lights 88 and to
the output
terminals 78a of the panel 20. When the lights 88 comprise direct current or
DC
powered lights, they are powered directly by the DC voltage output of the
cells 76
without inverting or rectifying this voltage to improve the energy efficiency
of the
light 88 and cells 76. For example, the electrical cables 101 can connect the
positive
and negative terminals 99 of the photovoltaic array or a battery sheet 89 to
the lights
88.
[00931 The array of cells 76, batteries 82, sensors 83, differential signal
generator 85, internet device 87, and signal couplers 78a,b can also be
connected to a
controller 90, such as an external controller located elsewhere in the
building or an
internal controller built into a particular panel 20. The controller 90 can
include a
central processing unit (CPU), such as an Intel Pentium or other integrated
circuit, a
memory such as random access memory (RAM) and storage memory such as an
electronic flash memory or hard drive, and connectors for connecting input and
output
devices such as keyboards, mice and a display. The controller can also contain
a
software program comprising program code to receive electrical signals from
any of
the devices 28, including the signal couplers 78 a,b, sensor signals from the
sensors
83a-c, power from photovoltaic cells 76 or the electrical mains, and control
the
signals returned to the devices 28 . For example, the controller 90 can
receive a signal
from a light sensor 92 that indicates the ambient light levels in the
building, and send
an output signal to connect the lights 88 to a voltage source such as the
batteries 82 or
the electrical grid mains 80 depending on the external light conditions or
power cost.
The controller 90 can also serve as a central information source to contain
data
generated by the sensors or libraries of data, logic, programs, etc. The
controller may
execute monitoring software 158R.
24
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT[US2009/064387
[0094] The controller 90 can also be linked to an off-site data storage and
processing server to enable communication with other controllers as well to
receive
information external to the site but that may optimize operation of the smart
system.
This external information could include weather forecast information including
projected temperature, wind, sun, humidity and other data for the controller
90 to
anticipate required operation of the smart panels linked to the controller 90.
For
example, if the weather forecast anticipates a storm, the controller 90 can
shut
windows in the building before the storm hits the building.
[0095] Fig. 4A-C are electrical block diagrams showing the circuit
connections to transfer electrical power generated by the photovoltaic array
74 to an
electrical grid 80, battery 82, or lights 88, respectively. These devices are
interconnected by the electrical cables 101 and switches 96a-c are provided to
control
the flow of electrical power. An inverter 95 is provided to convert the DC
voltage
provided by the photovoltaic array 74 into an AC voltage suitable for passing
to the
electrical grid 80 or powering AC devices in the building. Fig. 4A shows the
electrical connections made when the switch 96b is closed and the current from
the
photovoltaic array 74 is used to charge the battery 82. In this mode, the
switches
96a,c are left open while the battery is charging. FIG. 4B shows the
electrical
connections made when the switch 96a is closed and switches 96b,c are left
open,
causing the current from the photovoltaic array 74 to be passed through the
inverter
95 and back to the electrical grid 80 to obtain an electrical power discount.
This
allows the grid-tied electrical system to feed excess electricity generated by
the
photovoltaic array 74 back to the local mains electrical grid. When
insufficient
electricity is generated or batteries 82 are not fully charged, electricity
drawn from the
mains grid 80 makes up for any short fall. FIG. 4C shows the electrical
connections
made when the switch 96c is closed and the current from the photovoltaic array
74 is
used to power the lights 88 or other devices in the building. The switches 96a-
c can
be manually operated or operated using the signal from sensors 83 such as a
light
sensor 92.
[0096] Optionally, a controller 90 which serves as a central information
resource can also be used to control the various switches 96a-c, inverter 95,
sensors
83 such as the light sensor 92, and other devices. The controller 90 can be a
separate
device or can be integrated into the inverter 95 or other device. The
controller 90 can
also be built into one of the panels 20. For example, the switches 96a-c can
be
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
manually operated or operated using sensors 83 such as a light sensor 92, or
using
software code embedded in the controller 90. In this version, the controller
90
comprises software code to receive a input signal from a sensor 83, such as an
interior
building light or external light output signal from a light sensor 92, a
humidity level
signal from a humidity sensor, a temperature signal form a temperature sensor,
or
other. The controller 90 can also receive a signal from the photovoltaic array
74
indicating generation of electrical power (or not) or the battery 82
indicating a fully
charged state or a depleted charge state. The software code in the controller
90
evaluates the input signal and generates an output signal to control the
switches 96a-c
to charge the battery 82 by closing the switch 96b and directing the output of
the
photovoltaic array 74 to the battery 82, or close the switch 96a to send
excess power
generated by the photovoltaic array 74 to the inverter 95 and back to the
electrical
grid 80, or close the switch 96c to direct DC power directly from the
photovoltaic
array 74 to the lights 88 or other devices in the building. In this manner,
the circuitry
associated with a panel 20 can operate the building in a manner that most
efficiently
utilizes the available solar energy resources or for other ambient conditions.
[00971 A kit of multifunctional panels can also be used for a single
building. In one version, the kit comprises a sensor panel 20 comprising an
insulative
body 22 between an exterior surface 24a and interior surface 24b. The contents
of the
kit may have been determined and/or optimized using the platform 102R. An
exterior
sensor 83 a is used to measure an exterior condition of the building 100 and
an interior
sensor 83b to measure an interior condition of the building 100, or a single
sensor 83
can be used to measure both the interior and exterior conditions of the
building 100.
The sensor panel 20 also includes one or more signal couplers 78a,b to
transmit the
sensor signal generated by the sensors 83a,b to other panels 20', receive an
input
signal from another panel 20', or pass electrical power to power a device in
or about
the insulative body 22 of the panel 20. The signal coupler 78a,b can transmit
any one
of the interior or exterior sensor signals to other panels 20 or to the
controller. The
signal coupler 78a,b can also pass a switch signal from a switch 96a-c to an
external
device 28 in another panel 20. The same kit can also includes a controller
panel 20'
comprising an exterior surface 24a, interior surface 24b, and an insulative
body 22
therebetween and a controller 90 to receive a signal from the signal coupler
78a,b to
control a device in or about the insulative body 22. Various other panels 20
can also
form part of the kit. For example, the kit can include a panel 20 having only
a pair of
26
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
signal couplers 78a,b to transmit an electrical signal from one panel to
another or to
form a chain of panels to relay a signal from a sensor panel 20 to a
controller panel
20' or to an external controller 90.
[0098] Various other types of kits can also be designed for particular
applications. For example, a kit of panels 20 for a hot environment or
location can
include a panel having a device such as an AC or DC powered fan 44, motorized
vent,
or motorized or hydraulic operable window for opening the panel 20 to allow
hot air
to escape from the building 100. Still other kits can include panels having
devices
such as heaters for use in buildings adapted to cold environments. Still
further, a kit
of panels can include panels comprising signal couplers 78a,b which are
wireless to
communicate signals from sensors 83 to a central controller 90 inside the
building or
at a distant location. The kit of multifunction panels 20 or individual panels
20 can be
easily shipped and mounted on a roof or wall of a building 100 that is a
modular
building or kit building. The panels 20 and other structural components of the
building are rapidly deployable and easily transportable, minimizing both on-
site
assembly time and resource consumption.
[0099] An exemplary and illustrative embodiment of a structural frame of
a modular building 100 which can use one or more of the panels or a kit of
panels, as
shown in Figs. 5-7. However, it should be understood that the illustrative
embodiment of the building 100 herein is not intended to limit the scope of
the
invention, and the panels 20 and other structures according to the present
invention
can be used in other building designs as apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art.
[00100] In the version shown the building 100 comprises a support sled 102
with a shed 104 and optional side expansion modules 106. The sled 102 serves
as a
support and base for the shed 104 and can also be used to provide preassembled
electrical connections for electrical services and mechanical services, such
as
ventilation, heating, cooling, and water plumbing. The shed 104 provides an
enclosed
housing structure that rests on the sled 102 which serves as the interior
space of the
modular building 100. The expansion modules 106 can be used to expand the
interior
space of the modular building 100 to provide extra space or to contain
facilities such
as restrooms, electrical power equipment, or other building service equipment.
In the
diagram shown, the sled 102, shed 104, and expansion modules 106 have
rectangular
structures; however, it should be understood that other shapes and structures
(e.g.,
cylindrical or spherical structures) can also be used as would be apparent to
those of
27
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the invention should not be
limited to the
illustrative embodiments described herein.
[00101] A roof 111 forms the ceiling of the shed 104 and optional
expansion modules 106 and can be flat or triangular-shaped or have other
shapes. In
the version shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of multifunctional panels 20, 20'
comprising a
photovoltaic array 74 are fitted together to form a rigid roof of the modular
building
100. For example, the multifunctional panels 20, 20' can be spaced apart to
form a
roof 111 that spans the width between the trusses 110. The trusses 110 are
equipped
with attachment surfaces 112 for fastening the roof panels. The
multifunctional
panels 20, 20' can be fastened directly to each other and to the trusses 110
and/or
fastened to roof joists 115 using conventional fastening means. Each
multifunctional
panel 20 is interlocking and has tongue 54 and groove 56, respectively, that
mate with
one another to snap-fit and interlock with one another (as previously
described) to
forma continuous rigid roof. The roof joists 115 span the length between
trusses 110.
The trusses 110 rest on and are anchored to the steel frame of the underlying
shed 104
(or expansion module 106). A drainage channel 108 can be optionally mounted on
an
end of the roof 111. The roof 111 formed by the trusses 110, roof joists 115,
and
panels 20 provide a high-strength structure for situations such as storm or
high-snow
environments. The panelized roof 111 also allows for quick and easy building
assembly on-site and provides a highly flexible and tailorable interior space.
[00102] In one version, the building is supported by a sled 102, an
exemplary version of which is shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The sled 102 comprises a
rectangular frame 103 composed of wide flange beams 126 that are spaced apart
and
rest on underlying concrete grade beams 124, leveling stands, and metal
plates. The
wide flange beams 126 are oriented in a rectangular configuration and are
joined to
one another by high- strength bolts 128. The sled 102 can be anchored into the
concrete grade beams 124 and leveled using cast-in-place or post-poured,
drilled,
high-strength bolts 128 or the leveling stands and metal plates. The wide-
flange
beams 126 can even be equipped with custom mounting surface such as welded
flat
plates 130 that enable them to be mounted to the concrete grade beams 124. The
concrete grade beams 124 can be oriented to provide a hollow region 127
underneath
the sled 102 for placement of prefabricated electrical and ventilation system
devices.
The constructed sled 102 provides a preassembled structural platform with good
28
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
structural integrity and pre-tested bolted and welded connections, allowing a
flexible
configuration of any overlying shed 104 or expansion module 106.
[00103] In another version, the sled 102 has a minimal number of
connections to concrete footings, piles, or other site-intensive foundation
elements
which are sufficient to manage the dead load and lateral load associated with
high
winds or seismic forces. The connections to the ground allow resting of the
load on
the ground and holding the structure down in case of extreme wind or other
uplifting
force.
[00104] The sled 102 also has floor joists 132 that extend across the floor to
provide structural rigidity. The floor joists 132 can comprise light gauge
metal
sections or beams. A raised floor is formed from floor panels 134 placed
between the
framework of the floor joists 132 to provide the necessary structural
diaphragm for
the base of the shed 104. As one example, the floor panels 134 can be made
from
structural metal decking. As another example, the floor panels 134 can be
composed
of concrete-filled metal pans that sit on pedestals so that the underlying
cavity can
house electrical and mechanical services. The floor panels 134 can also be
rearranged
to move outlets, ports, and air diffusers, providing the user with maximum
flexibility.
The under-floor distribution of mechanical services for the overlying shed 104
can
include HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) tubes, electrical junction
boxes, data
cabling, and preassembled wiring. Locating electrical and mechanical services
underneath the floor of the shed 104 provides an infrastructure for such
services and
can be tailored without extensive pre-wiring and ventilation planning for the
overlying shed 104.
[00105] The shed 104 comprises a framework of spaced apart major and
minor columns 114, 116, respectively, that each include beams and braces, such
as
steel beams. The major columns 114 are located at the corners of the shed 104
and
attached to the underlying wide flange beams 126 of the sled 102, and the
overlying
roof trusses 1120, roof joists 115, and roof panels 20. Minor columns 116 are
bolted
to the floor joists 132 of the sled 102. In addition, diagonal columns 118 can
also be
used to brace the structure of the shed 104 and increase its lateral and shear
strength.
The columns 114, 116, 118 are linked to one another by overhead roof trusses
110
and joists 115, and can be connected by headers 120 (gussets) to provide
vertical
strength in support of the ceiling. In one version, all these members-namely
the
columns 114, 116, and 118, roof trusses 110, and other such structural members-
are
29
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
linked together with headers 120 and bolted together for gravity load and
lateral
strength to achieve predictable structural performance in a wide range of
configurations and locations.
[00106] The walls 133 of the shed 104 and expansion module 106 can be
formed by spacing apart the minor columns 116 a sufficient distance to
accommodate
wall panels 136 such as light-impermeable or light-permeable panes, such as
windows, translucent screens, or even doors. Advantageously, positioning the
minor
columns 116 a predefined spacing distance provides a highly adaptable exterior
sidewall 137 for the shed 104, so that each exterior sidewall 137 can be
adapted to
allow the transmission of light, serve as an opaque wall, or even provide a
solar
connection of the interior space of the shed 104 to other structures, such as
an
expansion module 106. The structure of the shed 104 also enables the two long
exterior sidewalls 137a,b (as shown in FIG. 8) to be absent structural
reinforcements
which are conventionally needed to provide strength in seismic or storm
locations,
consequently enabling the shed 104 to have a variety of different external
wall
configurations.
[00107] Optionally, the modular building can also include a plurality of
expansion modules 106, 106a,b designed to be attached to an open sidewall or
end
wall of the shed 104 to expand the usable enclosed space provided by the shed
104, as
shown in FIG. 7 and 8. Each expansion module 106, 106a,b comprises an external
sidewall 137a,b, and they are linked to the shed 104 by the roof trusses 110
to define
an open interior space encompassing the combined area of the expansion modules
106a,b and the shed 104. In the version shown, the expansion modules 106a,b
each
comprise major columns 114a-d that form the corners of its structural frame,
at least
two of the major columns 114a,b being external to the shed 104 and two other
major
columns 114c,d being in a sidewall of the shed 104. The expansion module 106
also
has a sidewall 137, 137a,b with minor columns 116 that can be spaced apart as
described in the minor columns 116 of the shed 104 to allow spaces for light-
permeable panes, doors, or other structures. The expansion modules shown in
FIG. 7
extend outward perpendicularly from the shed; however, alternate arrangements
are
possible, such as wedge-shaped side expansion modules, as shown in FIG. 8.
[00108] The building 100 can comprise other expansion modules 106', such
as a power pack module 140 as shown in FIG. 8. The power pack module 140
comprises electrical and mechanical systems suitable for the selected size of
the
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
building 100. For example, the power pack module 140 can include a bank of
batteries 82 (not shown) with suitable electrical control and monitoring
equipment
such as the switches 96a-c, inverter 95, and controller 90 (which can be a
charge
controller) to receive and store electrical power from solar multifunctional
panels 20
and distribute stored electrical power to electrical systems within the
building 100,
such as the lights 88 and ventilation system (not shown). An electrical
generator 142
can also be provided in the power pack module 140 to supply additional power
to the
building 100 and its electrical systems. The power pack module 140 provides a
convenient, transportable solution that is preconfigured to the interior
volume of the
modular building 100 that may include a shed 104 and suitable expansion
modules
106.
[00109] The roof 111 of the modular building 100 can have variable heights
and also provide optional and optimized clerestory natural lighting. As a
result, the
modular building 100 can be tailored to a wide range of interior environments
while
still providing a quick-to-deploy modular building 100 that is safe and long-
lasting.
In one version, the roof 111 comprises roof trusses 110 that are mounted in an
angled
position to form a tilted roof 111 enclosing a triangular volume. The tilted
roof 111
can be equipped with light-permeable panes 139 that serve as clerestory
windows
along the triangular gap 138 between the roof plane 143 and the walls 133 and
sidewalls 137 of the shed 104, as shown in Figs. 6-8. The tilted roof 111
comprises a
plurality of vertical struts 144 and diagonal struts 146 that allow for
mounting of the
light-permeable panes 139 in a clerestory configuration. In one embodiment,
the
tilted roof 111 is mounted to the major columns 114 of the shed 104 with
hinges 145
that allow for the tilted roof 111 to be folded down to lie flat against the
ceiling of the
shed 104. The hinged tilted roof 111 allows for the roof of the modular
building 100
to be flattened into a horizontal position during periods of high wind
conditions, such
as what might occur during transportation of the shed by truck to the building
site.
The ceiling 220 below the tilted roof can be an open ceiling (as shown) or can
be an
enclosed ceiling formed by the roof panels (not shown). The titled roof 111
provides
a rigid framework which also allows easy expansion of the interior space
provided by
the shed 104 while providing good structural strength in high wind and high
seismic
applications.
[00110] The modular building 100 can also have multifunctional panels 20
located on the walls 133 or sidewalls 137 of the building 100. For example,
the
31
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
multifunctional panels 20 can be positioned on the upper section 147 of the
sidewall
137b as shown in of FIG. 8. These panels 20 can be shaped and sized to fit
into this
space. Further, the panels 20 can have other shapes corresponding to other
panels of
the building and mounted in other lower positions as well.
[00111] The modular building 100 can be customized to include additional
components. For example, a handicapped access ramp 150 comprising a rigid
tilted
surface 152 and hand rails 154 can be provided at an entrance to the shed 104.
The
access ramp 150 can be configured to allow passage of wheeled devices, such as
wheelchairs and strollers, from ground level outside of the modular building
100 to
the interior of the shed 104. As another example, a sun shade structure such
as an
awning 156 can be provided to filter or even block direct sunlight to some or
all of the
side panels of the modular building 100. The multifunctional panels 20 would
enable
these additional components to have access to power, data, and other
technology
directly from the panels. The roof panels 20 can also be supported on
peripheral
structures, such as the awning 156.
[00112] A modular building 100 according to the described embodiments is
designed to be self-regulating and easily adaptive to different environments.
The
modular building 100 also controls lighting, thermal management, humidity, air-
quality, acoustics, and other conditions in the building to (i) optimize these
conditions
for the occupants while increasing the efficiency of these systems to reduce
external
costs in electricity, water consumption and others, and (ii) create an
improved interior
environment to support user performance. Also, the modular characteristics of
the
individual panel elements facilitate future renovation and/or improvement or
customization 150R as they may be simply disconnected and replaced, avoiding
the
demolition of traditional construction renovation. The building 100
incorporate
technologies that allow the building to be used in a large variety of
situations and
environments without requiring redesign of the building structure or
components.
Further, the panels 20, roof trusses 110, roof joists 115, major and minor
columns
114, 116, and the structure of the sled 102, shed 104, and expansion modules
106
combine to form a structural frame of modular building 100 that can be easily
transported onto a building site with essentially all labor-intensive and
inspection-
intensive work-such as welding, drilling and cutting-already completed. This
allows the modular building 100 composed of the sled 102, shed 104, and
optional
expansion modules 106 to be quickly assembled on the site. The pre-
manufactured
32
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
structural components comprise a "kit of parts" that only needs to be joined
or
partially assembled without extensive on-site alterations to provide a high-
performance structure with an adaptable interior configuration. This reduces
the
impact of the site preparations in grid-connected utility requirements. The
structures
also reduce risks associated with improper assembly by requiring only minimal
skill
levels for assembly and equipment usage. The assembled modular building 100
can
also withstand the vertical and lateral forces generated in earthquakes and
storms.
Further, the modular building 100 also reduces on-site construction waste as
the
precision of the engineering and fabrication process and defined means of on-
site
installation reduce the material waste that typifies traditional on-site
construction.
Any excess material is collected at the factory in which the panels are built
for
recycling.
[00113] While illustrative embodiments of the multifunctional panel 20 are
described in the present application, it should be understood that other
embodiments
are also possible. For example, the multifunctional panel 20 can have other
shapes
and structures and can be made from other materials as would be apparent to
those of
ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the claims should not be limited
to the
illustrative embodiments described herein.
[00114] Fig. 9 depicts a modular building platform 102R for designing,
optimizing and constructing modular buildings. The methods, systems and
inventions
disclosed herein are not limited to modular buildings, but may be applied to
any type
of building or structure. Referring to Fig. 9, the modular building platform
102R may
include and/or interface or communicate with various functionalities,
features,
facilities, engines and the like, including, but not limited to a customer
interface
104R, a configuration facility 108R, a simulation facility 110R, an
optimization
facility 112R, a CAD facility 114R, a vendor facility 118R, internal systems
120R,
external systems 122R, a shared calendar 124R, outputs 128R, such as
performance
predictions 130R, architecture drawings 132R, installation drawings 134R, a
bill of
materials 138R, permits 140R, costing 142R, quotes 144R, schedules 148R and
the
like, customizations 150R, an install base 152R, which may contain sensors
154R,
monitoring software 158R and the like, and the like.
[00115] In embodiments, the platform 102R may include a customer
interface 104R which may allow a user to specify various configuration
parameters,
values of all or a subset of those parameters, priorities among those
parameters, as
33
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
well as tolerances and/or a distribution for variances in all or a subset of
those
parameters, which may be taken into consideration in the design and
construction of a
modular building. Referring to Fig. 10, the customer interface 104R may accept
inputs relating to various configuration parameters 202R and generate a
priority
ranking distribution 204R for the configuration parameters 202R. The priority
ranking distribution 204R may be utilized by the platform in connection with
simulations, optimizations and the like. In embodiments, the customer
interface 104R
maybe a software interface, tool and/or wizard.
[00116] In embodiments, the configuration parameters 202 R may include
size 208R such as external size and internal size, area 21 OR, volume 214R,
quality
218R, time 220R, cost 222R, environmental performance 224R and others 212R.
Others 212R may include use, program requirements, configuration, aesthetics,
materials, location, level of finish, lead-time, timing, schedule, price,
performance,
quality, environmental performance, degree of being environmentally-friendly,
energy
efficiency, speed of delivery, cost, code restrictions (such as building code
restrictions, by-laws and compliance with the division of state architect),
laws, rules,
regulations and the like. The configuration parameters 202R may apply to the
building as a whole or a subset of the building, including a modular
component, or a
location on which the building is to be placed and/or constructed. In a
particular
embodiment, the configuration parameters 202R may include at least a
temperature
inside the building. The user can specify an optimum temperature value of 68-F
and
can indicate that the user may tolerate a temperature of 73-F up to 10% of the
time
and that the user may tolerate up to 7 days each year where the temperature
reaches
80 F. In another embodiment, the configuration parameters 202R may include at
least a behavior modification which may indicate how willing the user and/or
the
eventual occupants are to modify their behavior, such as by shifting the hours
of the
work day or using only one-ply tissues. In another embodiment, the
configuration
parameters 202R may include at least the construction and/or assembly schedule
for
the building. The user may set the schedule as well as tolerances for
deviations in the
schedule. This may allow a user to set a schedule that considers that funding,
and
possibly payment for the building, will occur in stages, but have little
tolerance for
missing key milestones that may impact the ability to obtain funding or cause
a
default under loan agreements and the like.
34
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
[00117] Referring to Fig. 11 a user interface 300R for the customer
interface 104R is provided. The user interface 300R may be used to initiate
work on
and manage a project, interact with other users, search older projects, and
the like. A
contacts 302R window may allow the customer to maintain a list of contacts,
such as
architects, clients, vendors, fabricators, consultants, freighters, shippers,
contractors,
government personnel, and the like. From the contacts 302R window, the
customer
may initiate contact, such as a chat, an e-mail, an audio call, a video call,
a desktop
share, an application share, a file share, and the like. A calendar 304R
window may
allow the user to input/check availability, calculate lead times, view shared
calendars
of other users, set the schedule for construction and tolerances for
deviations, and set
a schedule that considers funding, so the building can be constructed in
phases with
payment for each phase over time, and the like. A components window 308R may
list
various components and services available for including in a project. The
components and services may be selectable for placement in the current project
window 310R. The components may be automatically selected once a parameter,
tolerance, and/or priority is set. Alternatively, the user may choose to skip
setting a
parameter, tolerance, and/or priority and select components and/or services
themselves.
[00118] The current project 310R window may allow the customer to select
items, or view those automatically selected, from the components window 308R
when
a parameter is set, and either drag-and-drop them onto the current project
310R
window or select them from the component window 308R and have them appear in
the current project 310R window. The components may appear in the current
project
310R window either as a list, a list with pictures, as 2-D pictures, or as 3-D
representations. The customer may be able to assemble the components together
in
any allowed configurations, such as those allowed according to a rule set of
the
configuration facility 108R, to create modular buildings in the current
project 310R
window. The representations in the current project 310R window may be toggled,
such as with a radio button, check box or the like. The customer may set the
parameters from the current project window 310R. For example, configuration
parameter #1 320R may be set and/or adjusted using a slider 324R, actually
inputting
a value or term 322R, and the like. In embodiments, the value for the
parameter may
be populated with a default setting. The default setting may be associated
with a user;
for example, if the user has used the system previously, the last project
parameters
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/1JS2009/064387
may be used to populate the configuration parameters 202R in the current
project
310R. A tolerance may be set for each of the configuration parameters such as
320aR, 320bR .....320nR. For example, the user may set a value but may be
willing to
include values above or below the indicated value of the parameter. For
example, the
tolerance may be indicated with a slider 328R, with a graph, with a range,
deviance,
standard deviation and the like. Fig. 11 shows three examples of tolerance
distributions or graphs with either a narrow distribution 330R (which shows a
low
tolerance for variations in the parameter value), a wide distribution 334R
(which
shows a higher tolerance for variations in the parameter value), and a
variable
distribution 338R of values that would be tolerated by the customer or
project. For
example, in the variable distribution tolerance graph 338R, three parameters
would be
acceptable, with one parameter being clearly preferred. A priority 332R may be
given
to each parameter in the configuration.
[00119] The toolbox 312R may include tools for suggesting new
components for the project, totaling a cost for the project and updating it as
components and/or services are modified, validating the components in the
project,
estimating lead time for the project and its components, moving components
around
in the 3-D representation, initiating a simulation using the current project,
estimating a
footprint of the current project, saving a current project, and the like. A
projects
window 314R may list all active projects and any associated lists of
components,
documentation, plans, and the like. A project database 318R may list completed
projects. There may also be links on the customer user interface 300R to the
configuration facility 108R, optimization facility 112R, simulation facility
11OR,
install base 152R, CAD facility 114R, vendor facility 118R, shared calendar
124R,
internal systems 120R, and the like.
[00120] In embodiments, the platform 102R may include a configuration
facility 108R which may allow a user to design and configure a modular
building.
The configuration facility 108R may allow a user to select certain components
and
assemble them into a modular building according to the rule set governing the
interaction between components. The configuration facility 108R may provide
tools
for a user to configure a modular building. The configuration facility 108R
may
include 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional design software. The configuration
facility
108R may be programmed with a catalog of modular components and services. In
an
embodiment, a component may be a multifunctional building panel, such as a
smart
36
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
panel 20 as disclosed herein, or a roof joist and a service may be an
installation
service for assembling the components. The configuration facility 108R may be
programmed with the attributes of each component, including, without
limitation, the
density, weight, dimensions, thermal properties, solar transmission,
durability,
performance attributes, quality, color, level of finish, life span, cost and
the like. The
configuration facility 108R may also be programmed with the details of each
service,
including, without limitation, the time for performance, cost, lead-time,
level of
quality and the like. The configuration facility 108R may also be programmed
with
information and rules regarding how the components can interact and connect,
as well
as with details of how the services can be deployed, such as in connection
with the
components. As an example, a rule regarding the components and services may be
that panel-type A and panel-type B may fasten together, but that panel-type C
can
only be fastened to panel-type A, and that panel-type A may be installed using
only a
particular specified service.
[001211 In embodiments, the configuration facility 108R may provide
suggestions. For example, if a user selects a component for an aspect of a
building,
but that component may not be used as it will not connect to the surrounding
components, the configuration facility 108R may suggest an alternative
component
that will connect and perform a similar function. The configuration facility
108R may
present certain components and services more prominently than others, or
exclude
certain components and services, based on the priority ranking distribution
204R. For
example, if the priority ranking distribution 204R specifies that the shortest
possible
lead time is of the highest priority and there is little tolerance for
variations in lead
time, then the configuration facility 108R may not present, or may present as
lower
ranked options, components having a lead time longer than the desired lead
time. The
configuration facility 108R may provide information relating to components and
services, such as pricing and availability information, and this information
may be
continuously or periodically updated. For example, if the priority ranking
distribution
204R is adjusted, different components may be presented or if a vendor changes
the
price of a component, the pricing information for that component will be
updated. In
embodiment, the configuration facility 108R may validate a configuration to
verify
that the modular building is buildable.
[001221 The configuration facility 108R may have a user interface 400R as
depicted in Fig. 12. The configuration facility user interface 400R may be
used to
37
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCTIUS2009/064387
initiate, work on, and manage a project, interact with other users, search
older
projects, and the like. A contacts 402R window allows the user to maintain a
list of
contacts, such as architects, clients, vendors, fabricators, consultants,
freighters,
shippers, contractors, government personnel, and the like. From the window,
the user
may initiate contact, such as a chat, an e-mail, an audio call, a video call,
a desktop
share, an application share, a file share, and the like. A calendar 404R
window may
allow the user to input and/or check availability, calculate lead times, view
shared
calendars of other users, set the schedule for construction and tolerances for
deviations, set a schedule that considers funding, so the building can be
constructed in
phases with payment for each phase over time, and the like.
[00123] A parameters window 420R may be used to set and adjust
parameter values for the project, such as those specified using the customer
interface
104R. Setting and adjusting may be done using a slider, actually inputting a
value or
term, and the like. A tolerance window 422R, which may be present for each
parameter or all parameters, may be used to set a tolerance for each selected
parameter, such as those specified using the customer interface 104R. A
priority
window 424R may allow the user to set priorities for each parameter, such as
those
specified using the customer interface 104R. A behavior modification window
428R
may allow the user to indicate how willing they are to modify their
parameters,
tolerances, priorities and the like.
[00124] A components window 408R may list various components and
services available for including in a project. The components and services may
be
selectable for placement in the current project window 410R. The components
may
be automatically selected once a parameter, tolerance, and/or priority is set.
Alternatively, the user may choose to skip setting a parameter, tolerance,
and/or
priority and select components and/or services themselves. The current project
410R
window may allow the user to select items, or view those automatically
selected, from
the components window 408R and either drag-and-drop them onto the current
project
410R window or select them from the component window 408R and have them
appear in the current project 410R window. The components may appear in the
current project 410R window either as a list, a list with pictures, as 2-D
pictures, or as
3-D representations. The user may be able to manipulate the components and
assemble the components together in any allowed configurations, such as those
allowed according to a rule set of the configuration facility 108R, to create
modular
38
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
buildings in the current project 410R window. In embodiments, the user may
also
assemble the components into configurations which may not be allowed, such as
by
turning off a validation function. This may be helpful in generating
recommendations
for modifying the components to interact in new ways. The representations in
the
current project 410R window may be toggled, such as with a radio button, check
box
or the like. The current project 410R window may include a toolbox 412R. The
toolbox 412R may include tools for suggesting new components for the project,
totaling a cost for the project and updating it as components and/or services
are
modified, validating the components in the project, estimating lead time for
the
project and its components, moving components around in the 3-D
representation,
initiating a simulation using the current project, estimating a footprint of
the current
project, saving a current project, and the like. A projects window 414R may
list all
active projects and any associated lists of components, documentation, plans,
and the
like. A project database 418R may list completed projects. There may also be
links
on the configuration facility user interface 400R to the optimization facility
112R,
simulation facilityl IOR, install base 152R, CAD facility 114R, vendor
facility 11 8R,
shared calendar 124R, internal systems 120R, and the like.
[001251 In embodiments, the platform 102R may include a simulation
facility 110R which may generate predicts regarding various parameters of
and/or
related to the modular building. In an embodiment, the simulation facility
110R may
predict the energy and cost profiles for a modular building, performance
metrics and
the like. In embodiments, the simulation facility 110R may consider various
parameters of the environment in which the building will be placed, as well as
parameters of the building itself, including the building as a whole, as well
as its
component parts. In embodiments, parameters considered by the simulation
facility
110R may include parameters not determined by the design of the modular
building,
including, without limitation, the cost of energy, projected inflation rate,
projected
interest rates, projected appreciation rates, details of the location at which
the modular
building will be located, latitude, longitude, elevation, climate, weather
patterns,
temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, cloud cover, air quality, and
solar
radiation, typical meteorological year data and the like.
[001261 In embodiments, the simulation facility may also consider
parameters which may also be affected by the design of the modular building,
including, without limitation, life span, energy use, isolation, daylighting,
thermal
39
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
comfort, type and amount of mass, type and size of window overhangs, type and
amount of ventilation, type and amount of interior shading, type and amount of
exterior shading, cost effectiveness, comfort, orientation, type and amount
glass, type
and amount of glass coatings, type and amount of glass glazing, inclusion and
details
of clerestory, inclusion, size and details of store front glass, inclusion,
amount and
type of thermal mass, fenestration pattern, type and amount of insulation,
type and
amount of wall insulation, type and amount of roof insulation, snow load,
occupancy,
ambient interior temperature, interior humidity, air quality, ambient light
intensity,
reflectivity of light, absorption of heat, ventilation, operational
characteristics of a
component such as power usage and the like, phantom loads, power use versus
need,
likelihood and effect of building malfunctions such as heat leaks, plumbing
leaks and
the like, network state information, security related parameters, insulative
properties,
water management, grey water management, lighting, acoustics, sound
transmission,
sound reflectivity, inclusion and characteristics of a living roof, lead-time,
construction schedule, inclusion, type and details of solar panels,
orientation and tilt
of solar panels, inclusion, type and details of solar heating systems,
inclusion, type
and details of solar water heating systems, inclusion, type and details of
biodiesel
systems, inclusion, type and details of fuel cell systems, inclusion, type and
details of
water recycling and grey water systems and the like, inclusion, type and
details of
photo-reactive materials, such as in windows, inclusion, type and details of
wind
power generation systems and the like. The simulation facility 11 OR may also
consider returning power generated by the modular building to the grid.
[001271 In embodiments, the parameters may be input parameters used to
determine other values, in whole or in part. For example, cloud cover typical
of the
site may be used as an input parameter to help determine the daylighting
profile for
the modular building. In another example, the life span of the building may be
used
as an input parameter to help determine the annualized cost of an aspect of
the
building. In embodiments, these parameters may be output parameters determined
or
adjusted by the simulation facility 11 OR. For example, the simulation
facility 11 OR
may determine the expected heating and cooling costs based at least in part on
data
relating to temperature and wind patterns. In another example, the life span
of the
building may be determined based at least in part on the quality of the
materials and
the weather patterns at the location.
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
[00128] In an embodiment, the simulation facility 110R may consider the
fact that the building will be constructed in phases, such as due to funding
constraints.
The simulation facility 1 IOR can generate simulation and predictions for each
phase
of construction. In embodiments, the simulation facility 110R may provide
suggestions for improving or altering a simulation. The simulation facility
110R may
include third party software, off-the-shelf and/or open source software, such
as
environmental software. The simulation facility 110R may include customized
software and/or proprietary software, such as environmental software. In
embodiments, the simulation facility 110R may form part of the optimization
facility
112R.
[00129] The simulation facility 110R may have a user interface 500R as
depicted in Fig. 13. The simulation facility user interface 500R may be used
to
analyze the energy use, predict performance, determine a cost profile, and the
like of a
modular building based. A contacts 502R window allows the user to maintain a
list of
contacts, such as architects, clients, vendors, fabricators, consultants,
freighters,
shippers, contractors, government personnel, and the like. From the window,
the user
may initiate contact, such as a chat, an e-mail, an audio call, a video call,
a desktop
share, an application share, a file share, and the like. A calendar 504R
window may
allow the user to input/check availability, calculate lead times, view shared
calendars
of other users, set the schedule for construction and tolerances for
deviations, set a
schedule that considers funding, so the building can be constructed in phases
with
payment for each phase over time, and the like.
[00130] A parameters window 508R may be used to set and adjust
parameter values for the project to be simulated, such as those specified
using the
customer interface 104R. Setting and adjusting may be done using a slider,
actually
inputting a value or term, and the like. A tolerance window 510R, which may be
present for each parameter or all parameters, may be used to set a tolerance
for each
selected parameter, such as those specified using the customer interface 104R.
A
priority window 512R may allow the user to set priorities for each parameter,
such as
those specified using the customer interface 104R. A behavior modification
window
514R may allow the user to indicate how willing they are to modify their
parameters,
tolerances, priorities and the like.
[00131] An options 518R window may enable the user to limit which
options to include in the simulation, as well as whether there are any
additional data to
41
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/1JS2009/064387
consider in the simulation, such as location, climate, if the project is to be
completed
in phases, if the project is to be simulated in phases, and the like. A
metrics window
520R may enable the user to select which metric the user would like to be
presented
in the simulation. The current project window 522R may display the current
project
components and/or services shown as a list, a list with pictures, as 2-D
pictures, or as
3-D representations or some combination thereof. As the simulation proceeds,
the
current project window 522R may display the modular building with indications
where the modular building may be optimized. The simulation facility 110R may
graphically depict the energy profile of the building. A toolbox 524R may
enable the
user to interact with the simulation to stop it at a certain point, submit the
project for
optimization, to include feedback from other constructed projects in the
simulation,
and the like. A projects window 528R may list all active projects and any
associated
lists of components, documentation, plans, and the like. A project database
530R may
list completed projects. A components window 532R may list various components
and services available for including in a project and may highlight those
already
included in the project. The components and services may be selectable for
placement in the current project window 522R. The components may be
automatically selected once a parameter, tolerance, and/or priority is set. A
simulation profile window 534R may graphically show a simulated profile of the
modular building as it is generated during the energy profile. There may also
be links
on the simulation facility user interface 500R to the optimization facility
112R,
configuration facility 108R, install base 152R, and the like.
[001321 In embodiments, the platform 102R may include an optimization
facility 112R which may optimize a modular building in consideration of a
priority
ranking distribution 204R. In embodiments, the optimization facility 112R may
consider various parameters of the environment in which the building will be
placed,
as well as parameters of the building itself, including the building as a
whole, as well
as its component parts. The optimization facility 112R may generate
performance
predictions and may provide suggestions and recommendations for changing
parameters of the building or locating to a different location.
[001331 In embodiments, parameters considered by the optimization facility
112R may include parameters not determined by the design of the modular
building,
including, without limitation, the cost of energy, projected inflation rate,
projected
interest rates, projected appreciation rates, details of the location at which
the modular
42
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
building will be located, latitude, longitude, elevation, climate, weather
patterns,
temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, cloud cover, air quality, and
solar
radiation, typical meteorological year data and the like. In embodiments, the
optimization facility 112R may also consider parameters which may also be
affected
by the design of the modular building, including, without limitation, life
span, energy
use, isolation, daylighting, thermal comfort, type and amount of mass, type
and size of
window overhangs, type and amount of ventilation, type and amount of interior
shading, type and amount of exterior shading, cost effectiveness, comfort,
orientation,
type and amount glass, type and amount of glass coatings, type and amount of
glass
glazing, inclusion and details of clerestory, inclusion, size and details of
store front
glass, inclusion, amount and type of thermal mass, fenestration pattern, type
and
amount of insulation, type and amount of wall insulation, type and amount of
roof
insulation, snow load, occupancy, ambient interior temperature, interior
humidity, air
quality, ambient light intensity, reflectivity of light, absorption of heat,
ventilation,
operational characteristics of a component such as power usage and the like,
phantom
loads, power use versus need, likelihood and effect of building malfunctions
such as
heat leaks, plumbing leaks and the like, network state information, security
related
parameters, insulative properties, water management, grey water management,
lighting, acoustics, sound transmission, sound reflectivity, inclusion and
characteristics of a living roof, lead-time, construction schedule, inclusion,
type and
details of solar panels, orientation and tilt of solar panels, inclusion, type
and details
of solar heating systems, inclusion, type and details of solar water heating
systems,
inclusion, type and details of biodiesel systems, inclusion, type and details
of fuel cell
systems, inclusion, type and details of water recycling and grey water systems
and the
like, inclusion, type and details of photo-reactive materials, such as in
windows,
inclusion, type and details of wind power generation systems and the like. The
optimization facility may also consider returning power generated by the
modular
building to the grid.
[00134] The optimization facility 112R may consider the mix of passive
and active controls of the modular building. For example, a passive control
may be a
means of affecting a modular building that does not consume power, such as the
selection of materials with high thermal conductance, a particular pattern of
windows,
or the length of the window overhangs and the like. For example, an active
control
may be a means of affecting a modular building that consumes power, such as a
43
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCTIUS2009/064387
powered ventilation system, ceiling fan and the like. In embodiments, the
optimization facility 112R may consider the fact that the building will be
constructed
in phases and conduct an optimization for each phase. The overall optimization
may
optimize what should be completed in each phase to achieve the objectives in
light of
the priority ranking distribution 204R in each phase and overall.
[00135] The optimization facility 112R may consider feedback from the
installed base of modular buildings. In such a manner the optimization
facility 112R
may learn from real world feedback. For example, the optimization facility
112R
may obtain data regarding the accuracy of its past optimizations, as well as
updated
data regarding conditions at the locations in the install base, geography,
configuration
and the like, as well as the network as a whole. In embodiments, the
optimization
facility 112R may form part of the simulation facility 110R. In embodiments,
the
optimization facility 112R may utilize elimination parametrics. In
embodiments, the
optimization facility 112R may employ an iterative process. In embodiments,
the
optimization facility 112R may consider outside factors to eliminate or
determine the
values of certain parameters. For example, the optimization facility 112R may
remove from consideration any components outside the desired lead-time and
tolerance range for lead-time variation.
[00136] In embodiments, a modular building's design configuration,
including material choices, orientation, ventilation, and the like, may be
selected
using the configuration facility 108R because it best matches at least one of
the
requirements and/or tolerances selected by the user for modeling in the
configuration
facility interface. However, while a selected design configuration may be the
best
choice given a single selected parameter or subset of parameters or for
certain aspects
of the priority ranking distribution 204R, it may not be the optimal choice
given the
totality of the parameters. The optimization facility 1 12R may perform a
parametric
optimization process 600R that models the selected parameters and/or
tolerances in
order to determine an optimal design configuration or configurations. For
example, if
the same energy-efficiency may be achieved with a configuration of thermal
mass and
inexpensive windows as with a configuration with no thermal mass and expensive
windows, the optimization process 600R will choose the less expensive of the
two
configurations if cost is a consideration per the priority ranking
distribution 204R.
[00137] Referring to Fig. 14, the optimization process 600R may differ
from a traditional energy analysis in that multi-dimensional matrices covering
44
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT[US2009/064387
potentially thousands of scenarios may be utilized in the design configuration
optimization process 600R. The optimization process 600R may result in
determination of the optimal cost-benefit balance of any structural or
material energy
efficiency measure. In other embodiments, energy may not be considered or may
be
of less importance. The disclosure herein presents several particular
embodiments of
the optimization process 600R; however, the optimization process 600R may be
applied to any number of parameters of any type. The benefit or cost, in terms
of
energy use, construction cost and occupant comfort, of any individual
alternative
design configuration may be incremental, so identifying the point of
diminishing
returns enables a determination of the best options to maximize the overall
return.
For example, though energy use may be a primary metric in determining a design
configuration, there are practical limits to the constructability of energy
efficiency
solutions.
[00138] The optimization process 600R may employ a deterministic,
quantitative multi-criteria decision model (MCDM) algorithm to weigh the
relative
importance of three metrics used to define the optimal configuration for the
modular
building: energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and occupant comfort. Cost-
effectiveness may be described as both the reductions in the first cost and
operational
cost through better energy efficiency, and also the potential increased costs
of an
improved configuration or material choice. The sum of these costs or cost
savings is
considered the cost-effectiveness for choosing a particular design
configuration with a
real impact on overall construction cost and a real impact on energy use.
While cost-
effectiveness may not be a priority in and of itself, since it may be possible
to
continue to see incremental energy benefits beyond reasonable constructability
limits,
it may be used as a primary variable because it is a proxy for energy
efficiency
without diminishing returns. Occupant comfort may be represented by degree-
hours
of mean radiant temperature (average surface temperature) above a certain
temperature set point. By considering cost and comfort, in addition to energy
use,
better decisions can be made regarding a particular design configuration.
[00139] The optimization process 600R may include modeling of each
design configuration to quantify the energy, cost and comfort values of each
configuration. In this particular embodiment, several parameters may be
varied, such
as orientation, wall insulation, roof insulation, thermal mass, shading (such
as roof
overhangs), glass - clerestory windows, glass - storefront windows, glass -
all other
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
windows, ventilation area, and the like. To find the highest-performing
structure for a
balance of all three criteria among all possible combinations of each option
for each
of the nine parameters, the optimization process 600R may search a 9-
dimensional
parameter space and measure the success of each by the three performance
criteria,
that is, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and occupant comfort. In other
embodiments, the optimization process 600R may consider a parameter space with
fewer, more or the same number of parameters. The optimization process 600R
may
be embodied as computer executable code that, when executing on one or more
computing devices, performs the steps of the process, such that a very large
number of
variations may be modeled and evaluated in a relatively short time. For
example,
each of the above parameters may include a number of variations, such as
levels of
thermal mass, glazing types, roof overhang dimensions, and the like. All
possible
combinations of all of the parameters may be modeled or simulated by the
simulator
and evaluated by the optimization facility 112R.
[00140] Continuing to refer to Fig. 14, as it may only be possible to
graphically visualize three dimensions at a time, an initial series of 3-D
analyses 602R
may compare the above parameters three at a time, and show how they score in
terms
of energy, cost and comfort. For example, one 3-D analysis 602R may involve
wall
insulation versus roof overhang length versus clerestory window type. For each
3-D
analysis 602R, three 2-D graphs may be extracted during a 2-D extraction 604R
step
to provide clearer access to the results. The 2-D graphs may illustrate how
just two of
the parameters, for instance, wall insulation versus roof overhang length in
the above
example, may contribute to overall performance in terms of energy, cost and
comfort.
This initial series of 3-D analyses 602R, 2-D extraction 604R, and
optimizations 608R
involving three parameters at a time essentially comprise a mini-optimization.
By
first performing these mini-optimizations, the larger optimization process
600R
involving all nine parameters, concluding with the steps of a multi-
parametric, or n-D,
interactive analysis 610R and aggregated optimization 612R, may be
computationally
facilitated.
[00141] Referring now to Fig. 15, an example of a 3-D analysis is shown.
In this example, energy use is plotted on a 3-dimensional parametric graph,
where the
larger and darker icons represent lower energy states. Each icon is a result
from a
single simulation of one configuration consisting of one option for each of
the 3
parameters, in this case glazing type for the three types of windows of the
envelope.
46
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
Energy efficiency improves, as expected, up to the limits of the parameters
specified.
The model shown in Fig. 15 does not identify which option is the best, but it
does
illustrate possible combinations of parameters, in this case window types,
that result
in higher energy efficiency as indicated by the darker icons. By limiting the
number
of parameters modeled, the results may be limited to the most feasible
options. The
3-D analysis 602R enables visual identification of the point of diminishing
returns,
where the incremental gains in efficiency that occur from selecting better
materials,
become so small that they no longer make sense. In this example, it is
apparent that,
at least from an energy use standpoint, many solutions make sense.
[00142] From a cost effectiveness perspective, a best case set of glazing
specifications becomes apparent in Fig. 16. Fig. 16 depicts a plot of overall
cost-
effectiveness charting the same 3-dimensional parametric set plotted in Fig.
15. Fig.
16 is the result of an optimization 608R. In the optimization 608R shown in
Fig. 14,
the primary variable chosen was cost. For example, cost may balance the
addition of
extra insulation, superior windows or other factors against the cost of adding
photovoltaic panels to simply generate more energy for mechanical cooling.
Extra
insulation, window performance, and the like may be favored until they reach
outlandish proportions due to diminishing returns, at which point photovoltaic
panels
may be favored. In Fig. 16, larger, darker icons represent the best cost-
effectiveness.
The large dark icon in the middle represents the best case simulation of one
configuration consisting of one glazing type for each of the three types of
windows of
the envelope. In this case, the "best" configuration is a first glazing type
in the front
windows, a second glazing type in the clerestory windows, and the first
glazing type
in the lower windows. While the windows in this configuration may not be the
best
windows money can buy, they may be the best solutions given the parameters
specified.
[00143] Multiple 3-dimensional analyses 602R may be performed initially
to narrow the search, and whole categories of unrealistic or non-beneficial
strategies
may be eliminated, while the best ones may be selected for the final n-
dimensional
analysis. The 3-dimensional parameter combinations may be chosen for those
parameters that may have synergistic relationships. For example, a structure
with
high thermal mass and poor-quality glazing may perform as well as a structure
with
little thermal mass and high-performance glazing.
47
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
[00144] To determine the optimal combination, all possible synergistic
combinations may be quantified. The top group of parameter definitions may be
chosen from each of the 3-D analyses 602R, 2-D extractions 604R, and
optimizations
608R to carry forward into the n-D interactive analysis 610R. For example, in
Fig.
14, 2 sample 3-D analyses 602R are shown from n possible analyses. In the
first
analysis, parameters x, y, and z are the subject of the analysis. The 2-D
extraction
604R results in pairwise graphs of x and y, z and y, and z and x, to provide
clearer
access to the results of the 3-D analysis 602R. In the optimization 608R, one
of three
metrics, cost, energy efficiency or occupant comfort, is considered in
connection with
each of the pairwise parameters to identify the best options for each
parameter. Each
such option may be a first optimal value. In this example, cost is the metric
being
considered. For example, in the x-y pairing, the best options with respect to
cost were
x2, x3 and y2. In the z-y pairing, the best options were xl and y2. Finally,
in the z-x
pairing, the best options were x2, x3, and yl. All of these options are
considered in
the n-D interactive analysis 610R, along with the a, b, and c options
identified from
the second set of optimizations 608R shown in Fig. 14 based on the 3-D
analysis
602R of a, b, and c parameters.
[00145] The multi-parametric, or n-D, interactive analysis 610R models or
simulates all the "best" options for all of the parameters identified in a
plurality of 3-
D analyses 602R, 2-D extractions 604R, and optimizations 608R to arrive at a
set of
options for aggregated optimization 612R. Each such option maybe a second
optimal
value. For example, the multi-parametric analysis 610R may involve options for
9
parameters. The optimization 612R step re-considers the best options in terms
of
cost, energy efficiency, or occupant comfort to select an optimally-suitable
configuration. In this example, cost is the metric considered in the
aggregated
optimization 612R. Each metric may be weighted by a factor that may be
considered
to best meet the goals and priorities of the potential end-user. Though, in
this
embodiment, the algorithm for the optimization 612R is not linear, the
calculation can
be generalized as: (We * EnergyValue) + (We * CostValue) + (Wm * ComfortValue)
= Ranking, where: We,c,m are weighting factors for each performance metric,
and
Energy, Cost and Comfort are values for each metric. Using this calculation,
it is
possible to parse through a large amount of data very quickly and create
quantitative
comparisons. The conclusions 614R for the optimization 612R are an optimized
option for each parameter. Though final design decisions may also include the
48
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
qualitative filters that only the designer and end user can provide, these
quantitative
filters may inform those decisions by narrowing the range of choices to a
manageable
and relevant few, and by defining the costs and benefits of each decision.
[00146] While the optimization process 600R may be used for de novo
design configuration, the process 600R may also be employed post-construction.
Sensors mounted on an existing structure may indicate how the structure is
performing in the field. For example, sensors may indicate exactly how much
light
really is reaching an interior space, how high the interior temperature
reaches, if there
is adequate ventilation, and the like. The sensor data may be delivered back
to the
optimization facility to determine if there are post-construction changes that
could be
made to optimize the existing design. The sensor data may also be used to
update
certain assumptions in the optimization algorithms.
[00147] For example, the optimization process 600R may be applied to a
proposed structure in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawai'i. Of the various climates in
Hawai'i,
Honolulu may be the most extreme cooling climate. The optimization 608R
applied
to a structure in this climate predicts that the optimal structure
configurations may
generally include higher insulation levels and better shading. Mass may also
be
beneficial in reducing cooling loads slightly and may improve occupant comfort
for a
reasonable return on cost. Shading design and glazing type may strongly affect
the
energy use in Honolulu. Orientation may not strongly affect energy use on a
properly-shaded baseline facility. Glazing type may be critical to energy
performance, and glazing type may be by far the most important place to invest
in
quality materials. Good solar control glazing may be important. Baseline
shading
design, such as a 3 ft upper roof eave overhang, may be sufficient for most
configurations, but for optimal performance, an additional 1 foot overhang may
still
offer a positive cost-effectiveness. Insulation and mass may offer some
benefit in
many of the top optimal configurations, though these elements do appear as
critical to
good performance. The analysis shows roof insulation to be the most important
place
to enhance baseline configuration due mainly to controlling conduction of
solar gains.
Mass primarily offers comfort benefits by reducing peak temperature swings.
[00148] Proper ventilation may be critical to optimizing performance.
Though in this particular embodiment the model indicates that peak loads
cannot be
naturally ventilated in Honolulu due to high daytime temperatures, swing
period
venting may produce significant benefits. Of the climates in Hawaii, Honolulu
may
49
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
require the highest air change rate, due to the lower temperature difference
between
low outdoor temperatures and comfortable indoor temperatures during venting
periods. Ventilation may also act to enhance occupant comfort and increase
internal
thermostat set points, thereby also reducing overall cooling loads.
[00149] After reviewing the impact of each configuration separately, the
multi-variable parametric analysis in the aggregated optimization 612R step
reveals
some interesting relationships between the variables. The data from the final
set of
simulations in a 9-d matrix of all of the top combinations of options from the
mini-
optimization analysis (the first three steps of the optimization process 600R)
is shown
in Fig. 17 as a simple scatter chart plotting energy use against cost-
effectiveness
(defined as the total construction cost increase from baseline, less the cost
savings due
to a reduction in the size of the required PV plant). The analysis of the top
ten
configurations for Honolulu, as depicted in Fig. 17, reveals that many of the
"best"
strategies for roof insulation, ventilation area and glazing type appear in
all of the top
configurations, but certain combinations provide the best performance and cost-
effectiveness. What truly impacts the performance is the relationship between
wall/roof insulation, thermal mass and the size of the roof overhangs.
[00150] In Fig. 17, the color-scale and values shown in the icons both
represent the overall ranking of the configuration by the optimization process
600R,
with darker icons with lower numbers being the better options and lighter
icons with
higher numbers being the least desirable options. The ideal structure would
have the
least cost (or best overall cost savings), and the lowest energy use (lower-
left of the
chart). As mentioned earlier, even if low cost is not a priority by itself, it
is an
excellent proxy for energy efficiency without diminishing returns, helping the
user
determine `how good is good enough.'
[00151] Since energy efficiency measures generally come with an
associated cost, a trend appears where lower cost configurations generally use
more
energy. In other words, a structure made of lower-quality, cheaper products
leads to
higher energy use to get a comfortable, high performance, energy-neutral
facility. In
this case, higher energy use also means that the size of the photovoltaic
system may
need to be increased to accommodate the additional loads. Reducing energy use,
therefore leads to a direct reduction in construction costs due to reduced
cost of the
photovoltaic plant. By considering this as part of the first-cost equation, it
is apparent
that there is a natural balance between expenditures for energy efficiency
measures,
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
and savings in power plant cost. Finding that balance is part of the
optimization
process 600R. Generally, more successful configurations will occur toward the
lower
left corner of the chart, where there is good cost-efficiency (balance between
construction cost and photovoltaic plant cost), and low energy use. The most
optimal
configuration in the chart below is not the lowest energy use, but it is the
best value
for sufficiently low energy use. Finally, the icons labeled 1, 2, adjacent to
9, adjacent
to 52, and adjacent to 80 represent the progression of sequential facility
improvements
between baseline and optimum in the following order: natural ventilation,
enhanced
natural ventilation, shading, insulation, mass. The unventilated baseline
configuration
shows up at the top of the chart (configuration #142). The analysis shows that
it is
possible to significantly lower overall energy use with a reasonable
investment in
energy efficiency measures. The top configuration for this particular
embodiment is
circled and labeled #1. This optimized high value design includes an
orientation of
+/- 60 deg of North, roof insulation of R 35, wall insulation of R 12,
additional
internal mass of 1" SHEETROCK (or equivalent), roof overhangs of 4 ft total
upper
roof eaves (additional 1 foot beyond baseline), and extended shading devices,
SOLARBAN80 in 1" IGU with Argon glazing (or similar U-value, SHGC, Tvis)
glass, and a ventilation area of at least 75 sq.ft. of free flow area. In this
embodiment,
it was determined that the annual energy use of the baseline structure would
be 78.4
GJ or 21,800 kWh, while the annual energy use of configuration #1 is 69.9 GJ
or19,400 kWh, or 1,508 sq ft of photovoltaic panels, which represents an
energy
savings of 11.1 % over baseline. Further, the photovoltaic installation
savings may
offset the additional construction costs.
[001521 Referring to Fig. 18, the optimization process 600R may be
embodied as an executable program stored on a computer-readable storage
medium.
In an embodiment, the program may instruct a processor to perform the
following
steps: comparing options associated with three parameters in a three-
dimensional
analysis 1002R, wherein the parameters comprise at least three of orientation,
wall
insulation, roof insulation, thermal mass, shading (roof overhangs), glass -
clerestory
windows, glass - storefront windows, glass - all other windows, and
ventilation area;
extracting three two-dimensional graphs to provide clearer access to the
results
1004R, wherein the graphs comprise pairwise comparisons of the three
parameters;
selecting an optimum option for each of the parameters in the two-dimensional
graphs
based on a metric 1008R, wherein the metric comprises at least one of cost,
comfort,
51
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
and energy efficiency; extracting the optimum options from a plurality of
three-
dimensional analyses and perform a multi-parametric interactive analysis
1010R; and
selecting an optimum option for each of the parameters in the multi-parametric
analysis 1012R. The multi-parametric analysis may include options for more or
less
than three parameters. The multi-parametric analysis may include options for
at least
nine parameters. The options considered for each parameter may be limited by
an
associated tolerance.
[00153] Referring to Fig. 19, a user interface 1100R for the optimization
facility 112R is shown. The optimization facility user interface 1100R may be
used to
optimize a project, provide performance predictions, interact with other
users, search
and view older projects, receive feedback on existing projects, and the like.
A
contacts 1102R window allows the user to maintain a list of contacts, such as
architects, clients, vendors, fabricators, consultants, freighters, shippers,
contractors,
government personnel, and the like. From the window, the user may initiate
contact,
such as a chat, an e-mail, an audio call, a video call, a desktop share, an
application
share, a file share, and the like. A calendar 1104R window may allow the user
to
input/check availability, calculate lead times, view shared calendars of other
users, set
the schedule for construction and tolerances for deviations, set a schedule
that
considers funding, so the building can be constructed in phases with payment
for each
phase over time, and the like.
[00154] A parameters window 1108R may be used to set and adjust
parameter values for the project, such as those specified using the customer
interface
104R. Setting and adjusting may be done using a slider, actually inputting a
value or
term, and the like. A tolerance window 1110R, which may be present for each
parameter or all parameters, may be used to set a tolerance for each selected
parameter, such as those specified using the customer interface 104R. A
priority
window 1112R may allow the user to set priorities for each parameter, such as
those
specified using the customer interface 104R. A behavior modification window
1114R
may allow the user to indicate how willing they are to modify their
parameters,
tolerances, priorities and the like.
[00155] An options 1118R window may enable the user to limit which
options to include in the parametric optimization, as well as whether there
are any
additional data to consider in the optimization, if the project is to be
completed in
phases, if the project is to be optimized in phases, and the like. A metrics
window
52
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
1 120R may enable the user to select which metric to include in the
optimization. The
current project window 1122R may display the current project components and/or
services shown as a list, a list with pictures, as 2-D pictures, or as 3-D
representations
or some combination thereof. As the optimization proceeds the current project
window 1122R may display the optimized components and/or services either in
the
same window, in a split screen, in replacement on the original project, in a
new
window, and the like. A toolbox 1124R may enable the user to interact with the
optimization to stop it at a certain point, select an optimization method
(such as
elimination parametrics, and the like) to pick and choose which optimizations
to keep,
to determine a pricing for the optimized components and/or services, to modify
the
project and submit it for additional optimization, to include feedback from
other
constructed projects in the optimization, and the like. A projects window
1128R may
list all active projects and any associated lists of components,
documentation, plans,
and the like. A project database 1130R may list completed projects.
[00156] A components window 1132R may list various components and
services available for including in a project and may highlight those already
included
in the project. The components and services may be selectable for placement in
the
current project window 1122R. The components may be automatically selected
once
a parameter, tolerance, and/or priority is set. An energy profile window 1134R
may
graphically show the energy profile of the modular building, or various
possible
selections of components for the modular building, based on the optimization.
In
embodiments, the energy profile may be replaced with any other profile
relating to the
parameters, such as the parameters include in the priority ranking
distribution 204R.
There may also be links on the optimization facility user interface 1100R to
the
configuration facility, simulation facility, and the like.
[00157] In embodiments, the platform 102R may include a CAD facility
114R which may assist with designing, visualizing, viewing and/or modeling a
modular building. In other embodiments, the CAD facility 114R maybe absent or
not
used. In embodiments, the CAD facility 114R may include dynamic CAD software,
3-dimensional and 2-dimensional modeling software. In embodiments, the CAD
facility 114R may accept as an input the configuration, layout, materials and
the like,
possibly from the configuration facility 108R, and generate a 3-dimensional
and/or 2-
dimensional model based on the inputs. In another embodiment, the CAD facility
114R may provide input to and receive output from the simulation facility 110R
53
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/1JS2009/064387
and/or optimization facility 112R. For example, the CAD facility 114R can
batch a 3-
dimensional model and parametric data into the simulation facility 110R and/or
optimization facility 112R to determine base performance metrics, an
optimization or
the like. In embodiments, a human may review the 3-dimensional and/or 2-
dimensional models and drawings to verify that an acceptable result has been
produced.
[00158] In embodiments, the platform 102R may include a vendor facility
118R which may facilitate collecting and storing information and data obtained
from
and/or pertaining to vendors, suppliers, fabricators, contractors and the
like, and may
provide data and information to vendors, suppliers, fabricators, contractors
and the
like. In embodiments, the vendor facility 11 8R may act as a repository for
information and data relating to vendors, suppliers, fabricators, contractors
and the
like, such as information and data relating to the pricing and availability of
components, materials and services. By storing the information and data, users
do not
need to request the information and data from vendors suppliers, fabricators,
contractors and the like each time it is needed.
[00159] In embodiments, the vendor facility 118R may facilitate
interaction, such as live interactions, among suppliers, fabricators,
contractors and the
like and other users of the platform 102R. Such interaction may result in a
vendor
network. The vendor facility 118R may facilitate conducting a bid process for
projects, components and/or services, creating a competitive market. The
vendor
facility 11 8R may facilitate bidding on completing projects, such as the
construction
of a modular building, providing components and parts, such as for the
construction
of a modular building and providing services, such as for the construction of
a
modular building. Fig. 9 shows the vendor facility 118R as being internal to
the
platform 102R; however, in embodiments, the vendor facility 118R, along with
any
other engine, facility or aspect of the platform, may be external for the
platform 102R
or internal to the platform 102R.
[00160] In embodiments, the vendor facility 118R may collect, store and
provide data relating to the availability and/or lead time for particular
components and
services, or for overall projects. In embodiments, the vendor facility 118R
may
interface with the shared calendar 124R in order to determine the real time,
updated
availability and/or lead time for particular components and services, or for
overall
projects. For example, the vendor facility 118R may allow a vendor to enter,
and then
54
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
later provide to a user, a schedule for the availability of a particular
component which
may include that in July and August the lead time is 5 weeks, but during the
rest of
the year the lead time is only 3 weeks. If the vendor facility 118R cannot
interface
with the shared calendar, the vendor facility 118R may provide simple lead
times that
were previously stored in a repository of the vendor facility 11 8R.
[00161] In embodiments, the vendor facility 118R may interface with the
shared calendar 124R in order to determine the real time, updated pricing
information
for particular components and services, or for overall projects. The pricing
may vary
with the time of year and availability. For example, the vendor facility 118R
may
allow a vendor to enter, and then later provide to a user, information
relating to the
pricing of a particular component, which may include that in July and August
the
price is $100 per unit, but during the rest of the year the price is only $80
per unit.
The vendor facility 118R may also be used to distinguish different prices and
availability for different versions of a component. For example, the degree of
finish
of a component may be varied so that a component that is not entirely finished
(for
example, it is missing interior facing drywall) could be less expensive and
available
sooner than the finished component. If the vendor facility 11 8R cannot
interface with
the shared calendar 124R, the vendor facility 118R may provide pricing
information
that was previously stored in a repository of the vendor facility 11 8R.
[00162] Referring now to Fig. 20, a vendor user interface 1200R for the
vendor facility is shown. A contacts 1202R window allows the vendor to
maintain a
list of contacts, such as architects, clients, other vendors, fabricators,
consultants,
freighters, shippers, contractors, government personnel, and the like. From
the
window, the vendor may initiate contact, such as a chat, an e-mail, an audio
call, a
video call, a desktop share, an application share, a file share, and the like.
A calendar
1204R window may allow the vendor to input/check availability, calculate lead
times,
view shared calendars of other users, and the like. An inventory window 1208R
may
allow the vendor to provide, view, or select component availability, pricing,
lead-
time, length to market, and the like. A projects window 121 OR may allow the
vendor
to keep a list of open and upcoming projects and any specific needs relating
to the
project, such as associated lists of components, documentation, plans, and the
like.
The project may include one or more modular buildings. Other users, such as
architects, other vendors, fabricators, consultants, freighters, shippers,
contractors,
government personnel, may view the project list and either directly bid on the
project
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
or contact the vendor for further information/bidding through the vendor user
interface 1200R. The projects window 1210R may also show projects from other
users that the vendor may bid on. A vendor database 1212R enables the vendor
to
store historical, as well as future predicted, pricing, inventory and project
data.
Business planning 1214R tools may allow vendors to plan various aspects of
their
business, such as determining a price elasticity of demand based on real-time
market
data, calculating a specific number of components to produce, setting a
minimum
and/or maximum on number of components to produce, and the like. There may
also
be links on the vendor user interface 1200R to the configuration facility,
shared
calendar, numerous outputs, and the like.
[001631 In embodiments, the platform 102R may include or interface with
internal systems 120R. An internal system 120R may be a software, hardware or
other system. In certain embodiments, the internal systems 120R may actually
be
external systems 122R. In an embodiment, an internal system 120R may be a
sales
system, which may include a sales database. The sales system may record a
sale,
compute the commission to the salespeople involved and interface with a
payment
system so that the salespeople receive the appropriate commissions. The sales
system
may also track sales for various salespeople and interface with a performance
assessment system. In embodiments, the internal systems 120R may track and/or
save
all projects, configurations and proposed modular buildings, even if there is
no
resulting sale, and the data may be used for future sales, marketing,
forecasting,
design and the like.
[001641 In embodiments, the internal systems 120R may include enterprise
resource planning systems, supply chain management systems, life cycle
management
systems, contract management systems, customer relationship management
systems,
accounting systems and the like. In an embodiment, the internal systems 120R
may
include a pricing system which may facilitate the determination of mark-ups
and
discounts and allow the platform to alter the prices to provide revenue to the
platform
provider. In another embodiment, the internal systems 120R may include a
logistics
system, which may determine shipping times and costs for the components,
determine
travel costs for individuals providing services, and optimize shipping and
travel to
reduce costs and shorten delivery time. In other embodiments, the internal
systems
120R may be, or provide for control of, a device. The device may be a machine
in a
56
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
factory, a robot, an appliance, a lawn mower, a snow blower, a computer, a 3-
dimensional printer and the like.
[001651 In embodiments, the internal systems 120R may include an
installation monitoring facility, which may permit a user to review sensor
readings,
collect and aggregate data relating to an installed building or buildings
and/or monitor
the progress of construction of a modular building and the like. Referring to
Fig. 21,
the installation monitoring facility may have a user interface 1300R. A
contacts
1302R window allows the user to maintain a list of contacts, such as
architects,
clients, vendors, fabricators, consultants, freighters, shippers, contractors,
government
personnel, and the like. From the window, the user may initiate contact, such
as a
chat, an e-mail, an audio call, a video call, a desktop share, an application
share, a file
share, and the like. A calendar 1304R window may allow the user to input/check
availability, calculate lead times, view shared calendars of other users, set
the
schedule for construction and tolerances for deviations, set a schedule that
considers
funding, so the building can be constructed in phases with payment for each
phase
over time, and the like. A projects window 1308R may list all active projects
and any
associated lists of components, documentation, plans, and the like. A project
database
1310R may list completed projects. A components window 532R may list various
components and services available for including in a project and may highlight
those
already included in the project. The components and services may be selectable
for
placement in the current project window 1312R. The current project window
1312R
may display the current project components and/or services shown as a list, a
list with
pictures, as 2-D pictures, or as 3-D representations or some combination
thereof. A
toolbox 1314R may enable the user to interact with the project to select a new
monitored profile to display, submit the project for optimization, use the
data to
compare and validate the results against the predictions, simulations,
optimizations
and performance claims, determine the difference between the actual results
and the
predictions, simulations, optimizations and performance claims, submit data
for a
utility rebate, use the data to adjust the building and improve the
performance, use the
data to determine if any system or component of the building is in need of
repair, use
the data to determine an additional product or service that would benefit the
building,
and the like. A monitoring profile 1318R may enable a user to monitor the
construction of a modular building.
57
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCTIUS2009/064387
[00166] In embodiments, the platform 102R may include or interface with
external systems 122R. An internal system 120R may be a software, hardware or
other system. In certain embodiments, the external systems 122R may actually
be
internal systems 120R. hi an embodiment, an external system 122R may be a
third
party system. In an embodiment, an external system 122R may be a payroll
system
and/or a pricing system. In another embodiment, the external systems 122R may
include a logistics system, which may determine shipping times and costs for
the
components, determine travel costs for individuals providing services, and
optimize
shipping and travel to reduce costs and shorten delivery time. In other
embodiments,
the external system 122R may be, or provide for control of, a device. The
device may
be a machine in a factory, a robot, an appliance, a lawn mower, a snow blower,
a
computer, a 3-dimensional printer and the like. The platform 102R may contain
various interfaces, such as system interfaces, to other systems, internal
systems,
external systems, networks, the Internet, systems of the owner of the platform
102R,
third party systems and the like.
[00167] In embodiments, the platform 102R may include a shared calendar
124R which may facilitate coordination, interaction and communication among
the
various users of the platform 102R, including without limitation, architects,
vendors,
fabricators, contractors and the like. The shared calendar 124R may allow
users of
the platform 102R to share information regarding their calendars, schedules
and
availability. In embodiments, the shared calendar 124R may be used to
determine
availability and lead times for one or more components from a particular
vendor. If a
vendor revises its availability in the shared calendar 124R the revision may
feedback
into the platform, resulting in corresponding adjustments in lead time,
pricing and the
like. The shared calendar 124R may be used for contract management, internal
project planning, customer-facing project planning and the like. In an
embodiment,
the shared calendar 124R may be used to tentatively block out time in users'
schedules for projects and once the project is purchased and paid for time may
be
officially blocked out.
[00168] In embodiments, the platform 102R may generate or be associated
with various outputs 128R, including without limitation, performance
predictions
130R, such as for a particular aspect or aspects of a modular building;
architecture
drawings 132R, such as plan drawings, elevation drawings, mechanical plans,
electrical plans, foundation drawings and the like, and which may be output or
58
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT[US2009/064387
exported to another system; installation drawings 134R which may describe in
detail
the steps for construction or assembling a modular building from the various
components, and which may be output or exported to another system. The
architecture drawings 132R may be delivered to the appropriate architect, such
as a
local architect verifying compliance with local building codes. The
installation
drawings 134R may be delivered to the appropriate general contractors, such as
a
contractor determined through a bid process completed utilizing the vendor
facility
118R.
[00169] In embodiments, the outputs 128R may include a bill of materials
138R, which may specify the components, products, devices, materials, services
and
the like to be used in the assembly and/or construction of a modular building.
For a
given modular building, there may be a separate bill of materials 138R for
each
factory producing components and for each contractor providing components and
services. The bill of materials 138R may be for an optimized building and
encompasses the determined components, products, devices, materials, services
and
the like that will achieve the priority ranking distribution 204R for the
parameters
considering the pricing, availability and other data concerning the
components,
products, devices, materials, services and the like provided by the vendors,
contractors, fabricators, suppliers and the like or determined by other means
via the
vendor facility 118R. The bill of materials 13 8R may be delivered to the
appropriate
general vendors, contractors, fabricators, suppliers and the like. The bill of
materials
11 8R may be output or exported to another system.
[00170] In embodiments, the outputs 128R may include permits 140R, such
as building and/or environmental permits, costing information 142R, such as
cost of
goods sold, quotes 144R, such as quotes for a particular component, schedules
148R,
such as construction schedules, all of which may be delivered to appropriate
general
contractors, such as a contractor determined through a bid process completed
utilizing
the vendor facility.
[00171] A modular building may be customized, such as through after
market customizations performed outside the platform 102R, resulting in a
customization 150R. In embodiments, a customization 150R may be created or
completed by an architect using the architecture drawings or a contractor in
the course
of constructing a modular building. A customization 150R may be a proposed
customization. Customizations 150R may become the install base 152R.
59
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
Customizations 150R may be provided or fed back to the platform 102R. In
embodiments, the platform 102R may be used to perform simulations and
optimizations in respect of a customization 150R. For example, a proposed
customization 150R may be entered into the platform 102R so that permitting
requirements for the customization 150R may be determined.
[00172] Various individuals, parties and entities may use or benefit from
the platform 102R, including, without limitation, lay persons, architects,
contractors,
vendors, suppliers, fabricators, factory personnel, administrators, system
administrators and the like. The platform 102R may include conditional access
functionality so that different users or groups of users may have different
access
levels, such as for access to information, data and functionality.
[00173] The platform may contain various interfaces, including user
interfaces. The user interfaces may be tailored to the various users of the
platform
102R and the various functional components of the platform 102R. In
embodiments,
a dashboard, displaying important information and providing often-used
functionality,
may be provided for certain users of the platform 102R. A dashboard may vary
by
user.
[00174] Fig. 22 depicts an architect dashboard 1400R. From the architect
dashboard 1400R, the architect may be able to access his, her or its account
information 1402R to make updates, manage settings, manage alerts, and the
like.
The architect may be able to access calendar information 1404R, such as to
manage
his, her or its sharing settings, manage the calendar display, manage alerts
and
reminders, and the like. The architect may be able to access a contacts window
1408R, such as to view and manage contacts, initiate communication with a
contact,
and the like. The architect maybe able to access a projects window 1410R to
view all
active projects and any associated lists of components, documentation, plans,
blueprints, drawings, and the like. The architect may be able to access his,
her or its
e-mail 1412R from the architect dashboard 1400R and keep a to-do list 1414R.
From
the architect dashboard 1400R, the architect may be able to launch the
simulation
facility user interface 500R, the optimization facility user interface 1100R,
configuration facility user interface 400R, customer user interface 300R,
installation
monitoring facility user interface 1300R, vendor user interface 1200R, and the
like.
[00175] Fig. 23 depicts a contractor dashboard 1500R. From the contractor
dashboard 1500R, the contractor may be able to access his, her or its account
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
information 1502R to make updates, manage settings, manage alerts, and the
like.
The contractor may be able to access calendar information 1504R, such as to
manage
his, her or its sharing settings, manage the calendar display, manage alerts
and
reminders, and the like. The contractor may be able to access a contacts
window
1508R, such as to view and manage contacts, initiate communication with a
contact,
and the like. The contractor may be able to access a projects window 1510R to
view
all active projects and any associated lists of components, documentation,
plans,
blueprints, drawings, and the like. The contractor may be able to access his,
her or its
e-mail 1512R from the contractor dashboard 1500R and keep a to-do list 1514R.
An
orders window 1518R of the contractor dashboard may allow the contractor to
view,
track, manage, and place new, open, pending, and completed orders. A project
management window 1520R may list any components and/or services the contractor
needs to order as well as a current inventory. The list may be auto-populated
with
components/services and quantities when a project is created, modified, or
cancelled.
The project management window 1520R may be used to manage labor, resources,
schedules, and materials for each project, track project progress, manage
contractor
expenditure, manage contractor availability, and the like. The contractor may
also be
able to access business planning tools from the project management window
1520R.
Business planning tools may allow the contractor to plan various aspects of
his, her or
its business, such as determining a price elasticity demand based on real-time
market
data, calculating a specific number of components to order, setting a minimum
and/or
maximum on the number of components to order, determining labor shortages or
overages, and the like. From the contractor dashboard 1500R, the contractor
may be
able to launch the simulation facility user interface 500R, the optimization
facility
user interface 1 100R, configuration facility user interface 400R customer
user
interface 300R, installation monitoring facility user interface 1300R, vendor
user
interface 1200R, and the like.
[00176] Fig. 24 depicts a vendor dashboard 1600R. From the vendor
dashboard 1600R, the vendor may be able to access his, her or its account
information
1602R to make updates, manage settings, manage alerts, and the like. The
vendor
may be able to access calendar information 1604R, such as to manage his, her
or its
sharing settings, manage the calendar display, manage alerts and reminders,
and the
like. The vendor may be able to access a contacts window 1608R, such as to
view
and manage contacts, initiate communication with a contact, and the like. The
vendor
61
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
may be able to access a projects window 1610R to view all active projects and
any
associated lists of components, documentation, plans, blueprints, drawings,
and the
like. The vendor may be able to access his, her or its e-mail 1612R from the
vendor
dashboard 1600R and keep a to-do list 1614R. An orders window 1618R of the
vendor dashboard may allow the vendor to view, track, manage, and fulfill new,
open,
pending, and completed orders. A business planning tools window 1620R may list
any components and/or services the vendor needs to order as well as a current
inventory. The list may be auto-populated with components/services and
quantities
when a project is submitted to the vendor. Business planning tools may allow
the
vendor to plan various aspects of his, her or its business, such as
determining a price
elasticity demand based on real-time market data, calculating a specific
number of
components to produce, setting a minimum and/or maximum on number of
components to produce, determining labor shortages or overages, and the like.
From
the vendor dashboard 1600R, the vendor may be able to launch the simulation
facility
user interface 500R, the optimization facility user interface 1100R,
configuration
facility user interface 400R, customer user interface 300R, installation
monitoring
facility user interface 1300R, vendor user interface 1200R, and the like.
[001771 A modular building and/or a group or network of modular
buildings may be monitored. In embodiments, a modular building may comprise
sensors 154R. In embodiments, sensors 154R may be located in, on, in proximity
to,
or otherwise associated with the modular components of the modular building or
the
modular building itself. Such equipped components may include, in embodiments,
modular panels (which in embodiments of the invention may include, without
limitation, the smart panels 20 as disclosed herein or other modular panels
disclosed
herein), which may facilitate monitoring of the building. In embodiments, the
sensors
154R can sense and monitor various parameters, including, without limitation,
climate, weather patterns, temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, cloud
cover, air
quality, solar radiation, energy use, energy generation, lighting,
ventilation, interior
shading, exterior shading, status of glass, status of glass coatings, status
of glass
glazing, status of clerestory, status of store front glass, status of thermal
mass, snow
load, occupancy, ambient interior temperature, interior humidity, air quality,
ambient
light intensity, reflectivity of light, absorption of heat, operational
characteristics of a
component such as power usage and the like, phantom loads, power use versus
need,
building malfunctions such as heat leaks, plumbing leaks and the like, network
state
62
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
information, security related parameters, insulative properties, acoustics,
sound
transmission, sound reflectivity, status of and parameters relating to a
living roof,
status of and parameters relating to solar panels, status of and parameters
relating to
solar heating systems, status of and parameters relating to solar water
heating systems,
status of and parameters relating to biodiesel systems, status of and
parameters
relating to fuel cell systems, status of and parameters relating to water
recycling and
grey water systems, status of and parameters relating to photo-reactive
materials,
status of and parameters relating to wind power generation systems and the
like.
[00178] In embodiments, the information provided to the platform 102R
from the modular building may be direct sensor 154R data, data based on a
differential between two or more sensors 154R or data processed in another
manner.
Other data regarding a modular buildings may be monitored and provided to the
platform 102R, including, without limitation, the cost of energy, projected
inflation
rate, projected interest rates, projected appreciation rates, details of the
location at
which the modular building will be located, climate, weather patterns,
temperature,
precipitation, humidity, wind, cloud cover, air quality, and solar radiation,
typical
meteorological year data and the like. The data and information regarding the
modular building, whether obtained via a sensor 154R or other means, may be
used to
compare and validate the results against the predictions, simulations,
optimizations,
performance claims and the like and may be used to determine the difference
between
actual results and predictions, simulations, optimizations, performance claims
and the
like.
[00179] In embodiments, the data from the sensors 154R may be provided
to monitoring software 158R. In embodiments, the monitoring software 158R may
be
running in the modular building with the one or more sensors 154R providing
the
data, may be running in another modular building or may be housed at another
location. In embodiments, the monitoring software 158R may collect, store,
display,
process, digest, analyze and the like the data from one or more sensors 154R.
In
embodiments, the monitoring software 158R may present the sensor 154R data in
context, such as historical context. The monitoring software 158R may
associate a
sensor 154R reading with related sensor 154R readings, such as to provide
contextual
or historical values for a sensed parameter. The monitoring software 158R may
identify and/or present trends in the sensor 154R data, as well as provide
interpretations of the data and recommendations for analysis of the data. In
63
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCTIUS2009/064387
embodiments, the monitoring software 158R may aggregate data from various
sensors
154R. hi embodiments, the monitoring software 158R may aggregate data from
various sensors 154R related to different modular buildings. In embodiments,
the
monitoring software 158R may aggregate sensor 154R data across multiple
modular
buildings or networks of modular buildings. In embodiments, the monitoring
software
158R may obtain data from, provide data to and monitor the install base of
modular
buildings. In embodiments, the monitoring software 158R may function as a
server.
[00180] In embodiments, the data and information regarding the modular
building, whether obtained via a sensor 154R or other means, may be provided
to
predictive performance software, such as that of the simulation facility 1
IOR, and/or
optimization software, such as that of the optimization facility 112R. In
embodiments, the data and information regarding the modular building may be
used
to adapt and adjust the modular building, such as to improve the performance
of the
modular building. For example, if the climate is brighter than expected,
sensors 154R
in building may determine that the building is brighter inside than expected
so that the
lights in the building may be dimmed and a recommendation to use lower wattage
lighting may be generated. In embodiments, the data and information regarding
the
modular building may be used to repair the building or generate
recommendations or
requests for repairing the building. The data and information may be used to
determine if any system or component of the building is in need of repair. If
a
component is in need of repair or replacement, the platform 102R may generate
a
sales lead based on the need and repair services or replacement
parts/components can
be offered. In embodiments, the data and information regarding the modular
building
may be used to identify needs of the building or users and owners of the
building. For
example, the data and information regarding the modular building may be used
to
determine that an additional product or service would benefit the building.
The
platform can then generate a sales lead based on the need and the additional
or
replacement product or service can be offered.
[00181] The install base 152R of modular buildings can be monitored in
general. The information and data from monitoring individual buildings may be
aggregated, such as for a particular region. For example, the energy used by
the
complete install base 152R for a certain amount of time may be determined. In
another embodiment, a network of modular buildings may be created and the
information and data collected may be fed back into the modular building
platform
64
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
102R. In yet another embodiment, the information and data from a particular
modular
building, including information and data collected by one or more sensors
154R, may
be fed back into the modular building platform 102R. The data and information
from
one or more modular buildings may be used for optimizations and simulations,
such
as those performed by the optimization facility 112R and simulation facility
110R,
respectively.
[001821 In embodiments, the platform 102R may be updated periodically or
may be continuously updated in real time. The various facilities and other
elements
of the platform may share information and data in real time. For example, if a
contractor adjusts the availability and/or price of a component, the update
may be
accounted for in real time in any configurations taking place using the
configuration
facility 108R such that the priority of the component is appropriately
adjusted. In
another example, if a contractor increased the lead time for a component,
possibly
through using the vendor facility 118R or shared calendar 124R, such that it
is not
available within the lead time specified by the priority ranking distribution
204R for
the parameters then the component would be removed from the list of components
available for use in the configuration facility 108R instantaneously after the
contractor
provided the updated information.
[001831 Fig. 25 depicts a pre-populated version of the platform 102R in
which various models of modular buildings have been pre-selected, the
simulations
and optimizations run and the drawings created. Consequently, the platform
102R
can provide the pre-determined information in the event a user selects one of
the pre-
selected models, resulting in a quicker response and less demanding processing
since
the calculations and other work was completed in advance. In this embodiment,
the
configuration facility 108R may have a pre-existing set of model modular
buildings
that are already optimized for different climates, resulting in a quicker
response and
less demanding processing. In addition, the drawings and bills of material
created
may have already been created for the pre-existing set of models, so no
interaction
with the CAD facility 114R is necessary, again resulting in a quicker response
and
less demanding processing. In embodiment, the pre-existing drawings may be
detailed drawings which are subject to a change management process. In
embodiments, the pre-existing drawings may contain abstractions which allow
for
sections of the drawings to be generalized. In this embodiment, the 2-
dimensional
drawings, such as architecture drawings 132R, may be selected from pre-
existing
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
drawings or generated through an interactive process using the platform 102R.
Fig.
26 depicts a version of the pre-populated platform 102R of Fig. 25, with the
addition
of the shared calendar 124R which may facilitate vendor interaction.
[00184] In an embodiment, the platform 102R may be used to design,
optimize and generate plans for a modular building. A user, such as a lay
person or
architect, may access the customer interface 104R, such as via the graphical
user
interface for the customer interface 300R, and specify the desired values and
the
tolerance for variability in those values for several configuration parameters
202R, as
well as a priority ranking for the configuration parameters 202R. A priority
ranking
distribution 204R may then be generated. The user may then access the
configuration
facility 108R, such as via the graphical user interface for the configuration
facility
400R, and assemble various modular components, such as smart panels 20, into a
modular building. The configuration facility 108R may be used to verify that
the
modular components are assembled in compliance with the rules that dictate how
the
components may interact and be assembled. Using the CAD facility 1148, the
user
may generate a 3-dimensional model of the building as a preview prior to
conducting
any simulations or optimizations.
[00185] The user may then use the simulation facility 110R to conduct
various simulations on the proposed modular building, such as via the
graphical user
interface for the simulation facility 500R. Using the simulation facility 110R
the user
may generate predictions regarding the environmental performance and cost-
effectiveness of the proposed modular building, as well as model the expected
lighting and temperature conditions inside the structure and the wind currents
created
by the building outside the structure. The user may then use the optimization
facility
11 2R to conduct various optimizations on the proposed modular building, such
as via
the graphical user interface for the optimization facility 1100R. Using the
optimization facility 112R the user may assess whether certain attributes of
the
proposed building are optimal in consideration of the priority ranking
distribution
204R and the information relating to the proposed location for the building,
such as
weather patterns and the cost of electricity. For example, using the
optimization
facility 112R, the user may determine that the proposed ventilation system
does not
fully utilize the prevailing winds at the site and to address this issue may
adjust the
orientation of the building, as well as the height of the roofline. In another
example,
the optimization facility 112R may determine that the glazing on the windows
is not
66
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/11S2009/064387
optimal, since given the cost in glazing a similar reduction in the internal
temperature
can be achieved by including a heat dissipating foundation at lower cost than
the
glazing. Removing the glazing may also have the desired effect of increasing
the
ambient light in the module building. The user may then send the design to the
CAD
facility 114R, to generate a revised 3-dimensional model of the building, as
well as an
array of 2-dimensional drawings. The drawings may then be reviewed by a local
architect to double-check compliance with the local building code.
[00186] While the user was designing, simulating and optimizing the
building, and even before, various vendors were providing pricing,
availability and
other information for various goods and services provided on the platform
102R. The
vendors may have provided aspects of this information via the vendor facility
118R,
such as via the user interface for the vendor facility 1200R or the vendor
dashboard
1600R. The vendors may have also provided aspects of this information via the
shared calendar 124R, such as by indicating periods during which they were
unavailable due to production for other modular buildings. The simulations and
optimizations conducted by the user may have been based in part on the
pricing,
availability and other information provided by the vendors.
[00187] The user may decide to purchase the modular building, or various
components and services related to the modular building. The purchase may be
completed through payment systems which may compose part of the internal
systems
120R. Upon payment, vendor and contractor time tentatively booked for the
project
in the shared calendar 124R may now be officially booked. In addition, the
logistics
system, which may compose part of the internal systems 120R, may schedule the
shipping of the components and travel for the contractors constructing the
building.
An internal sales system, which may compose part of the internal systems 120R,
may
determine the commissions to be paid to the various salespeople involved with
the
transaction, and may interface with an external payroll system, such as at a
payroll
company, which may compose part of the external systems 122R, to request that
the
salespeople be paid their commissions in the next payroll cycle.
[00188] Upon purchase of the building, the platform 102R may deliver
various outputs 128R. Architecture drawings 132R may be delivered to the
architect,
the installation drawings 134R may be delivered to the contractor constructing
the
building and the bill of materials 138R may be delivered to the suppliers
producing
the modular components. In addition, the platform 102R may automatically apply
for
67
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
any required permits 140R. It may be the case that in reviewing the
architecture
drawings 132R the architect requests a customization 150R. The customization
150R
may be entered into the platform 102R and examined using the various tools of
the
platform 102R. For example, the optimization may be re-performed using the
optimization facility 112R accounting for the customization 150R and other
attributes
of the building may be adjusted accordingly.
[00189] The construction of the modular building may be monitored by a
user through the installation monitoring facility user interface 1300R. The
building
may form part of the install base of modular buildings 152R, and sensors 154R
in the
building may collect data and feed the data back into the platform 102R for
consideration in the adjustment of this and other existing buildings, as well
as the
design and optimization of future buildings. It should be noted that this is
only one
particular embodiment. In other embodiments, the process may be performed in a
different order and elements of the process may be added or omitted.
[00190] Referring to Fig. 27, in an embodiment, the processes described
herein may be conducted outside the platform 102R. As a first step 1902R, the
priority ranking distribution 204R may be determined by considering various
parameters of interest, prioritizing all or a subset of those parameters based
on
importance, and specifying acceptable values or ranges of values, as well as
possibly
acceptable variances in those values or ranges of values, for all or a subset
of those
parameters. The parameters of interest may include, without limitation,
quality,
environmental performance, speed of delivery, cost and the like. As a second
step
1904R, the design of a proposed modular building may determined. The design
may
be based on certain requirements, such as area, volume and aesthetics. The
design
may be an aggregation of various modular building components. As a third step
1908R, the design may be analyzed and various simulations may be performed.
The
design of the proposed modular building may be analyzed in respect of energy
use,
daylighting, thermal comfort and the like.
[00191] As a fourth step 1910R, the design of the modular building may be
optimized. The optimization may be conducted under the constraints of the
priority
ranking distribution 204R. The optimization may focus on optimizing various
parameters of interest, such as quality, environmental performance, speed of
delivery,
cost and the like, and may adjust various attributes of the design of the
modular
building such as materials, length of window overhangs, amount of thermal
mass,
68
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
inclusion of solar panels and the like. The optimization may utilize
elimination
parametrics, iterative techniques and the like. As a fifth step 1912R, the
design of the
modular building may be modified, such as based on the outcome of the
optimization
process. For example, the length of the window overhangs may be increased to
increase shading and lower the temperature inside the building to avoid
additional
cooling costs. In certain embodiments, it may be the case that the
optimization step
1910R or the entire process 1900R is repeated to account for the effects of
any
modifications.
[00192] As a sixth step 1914R, the design of the modular building may be
validated. The validation may ensure that the building is safe, buildable and
complies
with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. It may be the case that the
design of
the building requires modification and these modifications may be fed back
into the
process, such as by starting the process over or by re-performing the
optimization. As
the last step 1918R, various outputs may be generated, including, without
limitation,
architecture drawings, installation drawings, a bill of materials and the
like. It should
be noted that this is only one particular embodiment. In other embodiments,
the
process may be performed in a different order and steps of the process may be
added
or omitted. In other embodiments, the process may be implemented, in whole or
in
part, using software, hardware, such as a computer or device, or through other
means.
[00193] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part
or in whole through a machine that executes computer software, program codes,
and/or instructions on a processor. The processor may be part of a server,
client,
network infrastructure, mobile computing platform, stationary computing
platform, or
other computing platform. A processor may be any kind of computational or
processing device capable of executing program instructions, codes, binary
instructions and the like. The processor may be or include a signal processor,
digital
processor, embedded processor, microprocessor or any variant such as a co-
processor
(math co-processor, graphic co-processor, communication co-processor and the
like)
and the like that may directly or indirectly facilitate execution of program
code or
program instructions stored thereon. In addition, the processor may enable
execution
of multiple programs, threads, and codes. The threads may be executed
simultaneously to enhance the performance of the processor and to facilitate
simultaneous operations of the application. By way of implementation, methods,
program codes, program instructions and the like described herein may be
69
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
implemented in one or more thread. The thread may spawn other threads that may
have assigned priorities associated with them; the processor may execute these
threads based on priority or any other order based on instructions provided in
the
program code. The processor may include memory that stores methods, codes,
instructions and programs as described herein and elsewhere. The processor may
access a storage medium through an interface that may store methods, codes,
and
instructions as described herein and elsewhere. The storage medium associated
with
the processor for storing methods, programs, codes, program instructions or
other type
of instructions capable of being executed by the computing or processing
device may
include but may not be limited to one or more of a CD-ROM, DVD, memory, hard
disk, flash drive, RAM, ROM, cache and the like.
[00194] A processor may include one or more cores that may enhance
speed and performance of a multiprocessor. In embodiments, the process may be
a
dual core processor, quad core processors, other chip-level multiprocessor and
the like
that combine two or more independent cores (called a die).
[00195] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part
or in whole through a machine that executes computer software on a server,
client,
firewall, gateway, hub, router, or other such computer and/or networking
hardware.
The software program may be associated with a server that may include a file
server,
print server, domain server, internet server, intranet server and other
variants such as
secondary server, host server, distributed server and the like. The server may
include
one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media, storage media,
ports
(physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of
accessing
other servers, clients, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless
medium,
and the like. The methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewhere
may
be executed by the server. In addition, other devices required for execution
of
methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the
infrastructure associated with the server.
[00196] The server may provide an interface to other devices including,
without limitation, clients, other servers, printers, database servers, print
servers, file
servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like.
Additionally, this
coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of program across
the
network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate
parallel
processing of a program or method at one or more location without deviating
from the
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCTIUS2009/064387
scope of the invention. In addition, any of the devices attached to the server
through
an interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing
methods,
programs, code and/or instructions. A central repository may provide program
instructions to be executed on different devices. In this implementation, the
remote
repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and
programs.
[00197] The software program may be associated with a client that may
include a file client, print client, domain client, internet client, intranet
client and other
variants such as secondary client, host client, distributed client and the
like. The client
may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media,
storage
media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces
capable of
accessing other clients, servers, machines, and devices through a wired or a
wireless
medium, and the like. The methods, programs or codes as described herein and
elsewhere may be executed by the client. In addition, other devices required
for
execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a
part of
the infrastructure associated with the client.
[00198] The client may provide an interface to other devices including,
without limitation, servers, other clients, printers, database servers, print
servers, file
servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like.
Additionally, this
coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of program across
the
network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate
parallel
processing of a program or method at one or more location without deviating
from the
scope of the invention. In addition, any of the devices attached to the client
through an
interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods,
programs, applications, code and/or instructions. A central repository may
provide
program instructions to be executed on different devices. In this
implementation, the
remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions,
and
programs.
[00199] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part
or in whole through network infrastructures. The network infrastructure may
include
elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs, firewalls,
clients, personal
computers, communication devices, routing devices and other active and passive
devices, modules and/or components as known in the art. The computing and/or
non-
computing device(s) associated with the network infrastructure may include,
apart
from other components, a storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack,
RAM,
71
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/11S2009/064387
ROM and the like. The processes, methods, program codes, instructions
described
herein and elsewhere may be executed by one or more of the network
infrastructural
elements.
[00200] The methods, program codes, and instructions described herein and
elsewhere may be implemented on a cellular network having multiple cells. The
cellular network may either be frequency division multiple access (FDMA)
network
or code division multiple access (CDMA) network. The cellular network may
include
mobile devices, cell sites, base stations, repeaters, antennas, towers, and
the like. The
cell network may be a GSM, GPRS, 3G, EVDO, mesh, or other networks types.
[00201] The methods, programs codes, and instructions described herein
and elsewhere may be implemented on or through mobile devices. The mobile
devices may include navigation devices, cell phones, mobile phones, mobile
personal
digital assistants, laptops, palmtops, netbooks, pagers, electronic books
readers, music
players and the like. These devices may include, apart from other components,
a
storage medium such as a flash memory, buffer, RAM, ROM and one or more
computing devices. The computing devices associated with mobile devices may be
enabled to execute program codes, methods, and instructions stored thereon.
Alternatively, the mobile devices may be configured to execute instructions in
collaboration with other devices. The mobile devices may communicate with base
stations interfaced with servers and configured to execute program codes. The
mobile
devices may communicate on a peer to peer network, mesh network, or other
communications network. The program code may be stored on the storage medium
associated with the server and executed by a computing device embedded within
the
server. The base station may include a computing device and a storage medium.
The
storage device may store program codes and instructions executed by the
computing
devices associated with the base station.
[00202] The computer software, program codes, and/or instructions may be
stored and/or accessed on machine readable media that may include: computer
components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for
computing
for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory
(RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical
discs,
forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other
types;
processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory;
optical
storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (e.g. USB sticks
or
72
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM
disks,
Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer
memory
such as dynamic memory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage,
read
only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file
addressable, content
addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes,
magnetic ink,
and the like.
[00203] The methods and systems described herein may transform physical
and/or or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems
described herein may also transform data representing physical and/or
intangible
items from one state to another.
[00204] The elements described and depicted herein, including in flow
charts and block diagrams throughout the figures, imply logical boundaries
between
the elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering
practices, the
depicted elements and the functions thereof may be implemented on machines
through computer executable media having a processor capable of executing
program
instructions stored thereon as a monolithic software structure, as standalone
software
modules, or as modules that employ external routines, code, services, and so
forth, or
any combination of these, and all such implementations may be within the scope
of
the present disclosure. Examples of such machines may include, but may not be
limited to, personal digital assistants, laptops, personal computers, mobile
phones,
other handheld computing devices, medical equipment, wired or wireless
communication devices, transducers, chips, calculators, satellites, tablet
PCs,
electronic books, gadgets, electronic devices, devices having artificial
intelligence,
computing devices, networking equipments, servers, routers and the like.
Furthermore, the elements depicted in the flow chart and block diagrams or any
other
logical component may be implemented on a machine capable of executing program
instructions. Thus, while the foregoing drawings and descriptions set forth
functional
aspects of the disclosed systems, no particular arrangement of software for
implementing these functional aspects should be inferred from these
descriptions
unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context. Similarly, it
will be
appreciated that the various steps identified and described above may be
varied, and
that the order of steps may be adapted to particular applications of the
techniques
disclosed herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to fall
within the
scope of this disclosure. As such, the depiction and/or description of an
order for
73
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
various steps should not be understood to require a particular order of
execution for
those steps, unless required by a particular application, or explicitly stated
or
otherwise clear from the context.
[00205] The methods and/or processes described above, and steps thereof,
may be realized in hardware, software or any combination of hardware and
software
suitable for a particular application. The hardware may include a general
purpose
computer and/or dedicated computing device or specific computing device or
particular aspect or component of a specific computing device. The processes
may be
realized in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded
microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable
device, along with internal and/or external memory. The processes may also, or
instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a
programmable
gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of
devices
that may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further be
appreciated that
one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code
capable
of being executed on a machine readable medium.
[00206] The computer executable code may be created using a structured
programming language such as C, an object oriented programming language such
as
C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including
assembly
languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages
and
technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to run on one of the
above
devices, as well as heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor
architectures,
or combinations of different hardware and software, or any other machine
capable of
executing program instructions.
[00207] Thus, in one aspect, each method described above and
combinations thereof may be embodied in computer executable code that, when
executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps thereof. In
another
aspect, the methods may be embodied in systems that perform the steps thereof,
and
may be distributed across devices in a number of ways, or all of the
functionality may
be integrated into a dedicated, standalone device or other hardware. In
another aspect,
the means for performing the steps associated with the processes described
above may
include any of the hardware and/or software described above. All such
permutations
and combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present
disclosure.
74
CA 02775837 2012-03-28
WO 2010/056994 PCT/US2009/064387
[002081 While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the
preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and
improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be
limited by the
foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by
law.
[002091 All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
