AU2018101827A4 - Method and apparatus for determining a specification for a piping installation job - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a computerised method for near-instantaneously generating a specification of work for a piping installation. Data is collected data via a computer user interface and processed for determining from the data, the job requirements, from which a job specification is generated for user approval. Preferably the computer is programmed to execute instructions for determining whether the data inputs are compliant with specification generating parameters. SHEET 1 OF 8 200 START (OPEN APP) & LOG IN 300 Job construction specifications 400 Optional further services 500 Add customer data 600 job price and acceptance 700 confirmation and end

Description

Method and apparatus for determining a specification for a piping installation job

Field of invention [01] This invention relates to the field of piping installation in sewer and stormwater drain construction, maintenance and repair, and provides means for determining a specification for a task in this field.

Background to the invention [02] A significant operating cost borne by underground piping construction, maintenance and repair operations arises from the difficulty of assessing the exact scope of the work required. This impacts on the pricing to be charged by a contractor and the cost effectiveness to the customer.

[03] By improving the accuracy of work scoping, the contractor can be more certain of the profitability of a job and can avoid building in margins that may turn away a costsensitive customer in preference of a lower priced competitor.

Objects of the invention [04] It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide means and method for determining a specification for a planned task with accuracy.

[05] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application.

[06] Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, meaning “including, but not being limited to” - as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, meaning “including this and nothing else”.

2018101827 26 Nov 2018

Summary of invention [07] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assessing a piping installation task comprising the steps of:

a. Providing a data-entry interface between a computer device user and a computer device running software comprising executable instructions for collecting data pertaining to a sewer-related job involving piping installation;

b. On a user computer device running the software, inviting inputs from the user of data from which criteria for the job are settable;

c. Applying the criteria to generate from the inputs a specification for the job; and

d. Outputting the specification to the user for approval.

[08] In a preferred form of the invention, the method includes the step of causing the computer device to check user inputs for compliance with job determination requirements before allowing execution of a further step of the method.

[09] In a further preferred form of the invention, wherein the inputs include data pertaining to the user.

[010] In a still further preferred form of the invention, the inputs include data pertaining to the depth of excavation and length of piping required.

[Oil] In an embodiment, the method includes providing contractual terms with the specification.

[012] In a yet further preferred form of the invention, the method includes the step of applying pricing criteria to the specification for computing a price to be asked for the job and communicating the price to the user for acceptance.

[013] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes acting on an input signifying user acceptance of the price to confirm a contractual relationship coming into existence between service provider and user.

[014] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a useroperable computation device comprising a display screen and being programmed with

2018101827 26 Nov 2018 executable instructions inviting inputs from a user for specifying a sewer-related piping installation job to be undertaken by a provider of sewer-related services, the executable instructions causing the user to be invited to enter data from which criteria for the job are settable, causing the computer device to apply the criteria to the inputs and generate therefrom a specification for the job.

[015] Preferably, the output is provided to the user and to the service provider in substantially mirrored form.

[016] In a preferred form of the invention, the instructions cause the device to apply pricing criteria to the specification for computing a price to be asked for the job and to communicate the price to the user for acceptance.

[017] Further preferably, the inputs include the locality of a site where the job is to be performed and adjusting the price according to the locality.

Brief description of drawings [018] In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus:

Figure 1 is a process flow diagram giving an overview of the preferred embodiment of the method of this invention.

Figure 2 is a screenshot of a page displayed in the course of performing the method of the invention of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a screenshot of a second page displayed in the course of performing the method of the invention of Figure 1 and shows further information required as a result of a response entered in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a screenshot of a subsequent page displayed in the course of performing the method of the invention of Figure 1 and follows the pages of Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 5 is a screenshot of a subsequent page displayed in the course of performing the method of the invention of Figure 1. It follows the pages of Figure 4 and is broken for convenience into parts (a) and (b).

2018101827 26 Nov 2018

Figure 6 is a screenshot of a subsequent page displayed in the course of performing the method of the invention of Figure 1 and follows the page represented in Figure 5.

Figure 7is a screenshot of a subsequent page displayed in the course of performing the method of the invention of Figure 1 and follows the page of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a series of screenshots that appear on a smartphone of a user enquiring about piping installation and excavation-related services.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention [019] Figure 1 shows, in the form of a process flow diagram, a preferred embodiment of this invention, wherein a process is proposed for creating an online estimate for work to be performed on site where excavation and piping installation are required, without requiring site attendance by the provider of the services. The process is generally denoted by the number 100 and shown in an overall summary view.

[020] The user requiring, for example, sewer-related piping installation-related site services, initiates the process at block 200 by initiating the program which carries out the data collection and processing to be described below. The program software comprises executable instructions that may be carried out by a user having access to a web server and logging into a website providing access to a platform running the software. Alternatively, the user may run a downloadable application (‘app’) on their mobile communications device, for example a smartphone or tablet computer. The user will be invited to enter their credentials in a standard manner on a login page and, if these are accepted, will be directed to a web page 40 or screen display on their mobile device, the salient portions of which are shown in Figure 2. First time users will be required to register for log in, as is commonplace in online transaction sites and user apps.

[021] Moving now to the general step 300 in Figure 1, first screen page 40 provides, in its upper half (not reproduced), instructions for the user requesting services and outlines payment methods available for these. A progress bar 42 heads up a lower portion shown in Figure 2. Below the progress bar is a group of numerous entry fields marked by dashed line 42, into which the user is prompted to enter data pertaining to the services required.

Each field is accompanied by a dropdown menu to the right, each menu being activated by the user’s tapping an arrow symbol.

2018101827 26 Nov 2018 [022] In this embodiment, the dropdown menu for each of the first five fields provides the choices YES and NO only. The questions relate to infrastructural parameters, namely the requirements for a main to meter 46, a sewer encasement 48, a sewer sideline 52 and one or more sewer junctions 54. Answering is not obligatory.

[023] The final block 56 requests the user to indicate the type of strata and provides a dropdown menu with the choices: ‘Clay soil’; ‘Rock or Sand’; and ‘Not Applicable’. Depending on the locality of the service provider or where it is capable for providing its services, other strata types may be substituted or added to account for local or regional conditions. Making a choice is obligatory for the interaction to proceed.

[024] To progress to the next screen, shown in Figure 4, the user taps the button 60 marked NEXT. The alternative of saving the responses for later continuation of the work specifying process is given at screen button 62.

[025] Even if the user has answered NO to all the questions in blocks 46 to 54, as shown within the box marked by dashed line 64 in Figure 3, the process still proceeds to the second main screen (see Figure 5), provided that the user has entered a selection for the strata type. A reproduction of the screen with all answers being NO and with the strata type shown as “Clay Soil” appears in. Failure to enter a strata type will cause an error notification to be displayed and a request that the data entered be reviewed, with the aspect requiring attention being colour highlighted, for example in a red border. It will be appreciated that other methods of notification may be employed, such as highlighting, a flashing icon or script, with or without an audible warning, and the like.

[026] Selecting a YES answer for any of blocks 46-54 causes the display of further questions relating to the requirement concerned to appear as shown in Figure 4. In the case of a YES indicating that a “Main to Meter” is required, the user is requested to select a length range (short middle or long) and the pipe size required (100mm or 150mm in diameter). If the user indicates that a sewer encasement is required, the user is questioned about the length required, the pipe type required, the encasement depth and encasement pipe diameter required.

[027] By way of a specific example in this embodiment, the further questions asked when the question 66 (“Do you require a sewer sideline”) is answered in the affirmative

2018101827 26 Nov 2018 (YES), are shown surrounded by the dashed line 70, and inserted between that question and the next question following. The answers to the additional questions provide further data for assessment. Approved answers are presented to the user in dropdown menus for each question. Options for the first question, “What is the length of the sideline required?” are given as length ranges either in the property or in the adjacent roadway. By way of example, the ranges are from lm-6m, from 6m-12m, 12m-18m; and 18m - 25m. The sideline depth (next question) is also selected by the user nominating a range.

[028] Sideline pipe size is selected from a menu of nominal or standard pipe diameters, which, in this embodiment are 150mm and 225mm. The pipe types on offer are “PVC” and “VCP”.

[029] The same choices of depth, pipe size and materials of construction (type) are offered for the next question, concerning whether any sewer junctions are required, and if so, “How Many Sewer Junctions are required?”.

[030] Having answered the necessary questions, the user clicks or taps the continue button, or selects the adjacent link or button for saving the data entered for later continuation. The inputted data is checked automatically for conformance with input requirements. If errors are detected, the user is returned to the input screen with the questions needing correction being highlighted. A message is displayed reading “This field is required.” [031] The inputs are designed to enable the receiver to determine the equipment required for doing the job, the quantities of materials required, the labour requirements and to use these parameters for preparing a price quotation without having to evaluate on-site conditions.

[032] Referring to Figure 1, the process continues to the block marked 400, for determining whether the user requires any further, optional services in addition to the work specified in step 300. The next screen, split for convenient showing in Figures 5(a) and 5(b) because of its length, represents 66% of the overall input process already being complete, as recorded in the progress bar 76. The system invites the user 78 to select additional services from a list, marked by surrounding dashed line 80 (and continued in Figure 5(b), by answering YES or NO from a dropdown menu 82 alongside each. Each

2018101827 26 Nov 2018 service is listed together with its price 84 to be charged by the service provider. The provides immediate transparency for the user.

[033] A final question 86 on this screen (see Figure 5(b)) requires the user to select, from a dropdown menu 88, the locality at which the services are to be performed. A location price is displayed below the job location block for the location selected 90. The price varies by location.

[034] At the lower end of the screen 92, the user is given the option of tapping a link to return to the previous screen, proceed to the next or save and continue later, as mentioned in relation to previous screens. Again, if the user elects to tap the NEXT link, the software causes a check for conformance of the data entered before continuing.

[035] An extract from the next screen in the process is shown in Figure 6. Here the progress bar 76 indicates progress is at 100% of the bar length and, at marker 94, that the process has reached step 3 of 3 and that the total monetary amount being quoted for the performance of the job specified is the amount shown in block 96.

[036] The remainder of the screen is occupied by data entry blocks 98 for collecting and receiving data pertaining to the customer - name, contact details, role in relation to the job, namely architect, builder, property owner or “other” role. This phase of the process corresponds to block 500 in Figure 1. There are also prompts for the job site address and more details of location, such as lot number, and site access issues. The user is also to indicate when or how soon the job is required to be done 102.

[037] Further information requested relates to billing and billing address, together with marketing data such as source of reference and the name of a nominated water service co-ordinator. Dropdown menu lists are also provided for these last two questions.

[038] Referring to Figure 1 and the block 600, the user is then requested, as per the screenshot of Figure 7, to fill a radio-type button 104 to indicate acceptance of various exclusions from the quote. These exclusions 106 are listed immediately below the button, so that the user’s attention is especially drawn to them. It is believed the typical user would be likely to gloss over the exclusions if they were positioned above the accept button, being in a hurry to accept. Instead, the user is caused to apply his mind to finding the list of

2018101827 26 Nov 2018 exclusions and to read them more carefully than he may otherwise, whether he does this before or after indicating acceptance at button 104.

[039] Figure 7 also shows that terms of service may be included in the screen displays created by the software to cover off on specific legal requirements relating to the nature of the work to be undertaken and to contract-forming in the online environment.

[040] Conventional payment window options are then offered, as is space for entry of a signature of the user placing the order and accepting the quote. After tapping “PROCESS” for the order to proceed, the software causes display of a confirmation message informing the user of the next steps to expect in progressing to the fulfilment of the order. This concludes the process as shown in step 700 of Figure 1.

[041] Figure 8 illustrates screenshots that the user of a smartphone may see when the order is being processed to conclusion. The output in this example is scrollable on a single screen, but for convenience is divided into three representations, (a), (b) and (c). The screen output mirrors the outputs seen by the contractor. This facility shares information relating to the job between the interested parties, and enables both to be aware of the requirements and status.

[042] Apart from conventional network recognition, time and battery life notifications at the very top of the screen, there is shown the “job” number 120, allocated to the order, in this case 1147. Below the job number is the name of the person entered as making the order and the address of the site of the proposed works 124. Just below this information is the user’s contact telephone number and a button marked ‘Start Job’ 126. When this button is tapped by the user making the order, it will signal the contractor, by means of the system software, to begin the designated job. This will entail their performing tasks such as project scheduling and materials ordering and inventory assessment, using interfunctional software modules.

[043] The contract price 130 is shown below activation button 126, as is a button 132 for creating a relevant diary entry in the diary client software of the smartphone and in that of the contractor and other interested parties.

[044] Further down follows a listing of items 134forming salient parts of the job description. The items in the list are derived from inputs given by the user making the

2018101827 26 Nov 2018 order. The list ends in the upper part of screen (b), after which comes a checklist 136. The job description and checklist mirror the outputs seen by the contractor. This facility enables both parties to be aware of the requirements and the checklist that the contractor will perform, and the items that must be ticked off before on-site work is permitted. The checklist typically relates to regulatory requirements, but not necessarily exclusively so.

[045] When the contractor ticks them off using their input portal or other automatically generated inputs relating to the checklist item, the tick or other symbol is shown in the window of the user.

[046] Screen (c) is used for setting out further information for checking by the user making the order. It provides contact person details 142 from the customer side and job details 144 from the contractor’s side and records a purchase order number 146 given by the user raising the order.

[047] It will be appreciated that advantages accrue to both parties when transparency is achieved by sharing information and showing job status, tasks outstanding and similar information. It enables meaningful interactions between parties, without time needing to be used by one to update another using outdated modes of communication such as email or telephone calls when the recipient may be unavailable to respond or to talk for some hours, or an inconvenience or a delay results from parties being unable to contact each other at mutually agreeable times.

[048] The embodiment described merely illustrates a specific example of the carrying out of the method and using the apparatus of the invention for creating an online order for underground work, without a member of the personnel of the service provider having to attend at the site where the work is required. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.

Claims (5)

1 A computerised business method wherein computerisation includes providing executable instructions, loadable as software for execution by a computer processor, that, when run, operate the processor to invite data inputs from a user of the software who requires an installation of piping at a site, the executable instructions causing the processor to assess inputs received from the user and, from at least one of them, to generate and set criteria for a piping installation job to be performed at the site, and to apply at least one of the criteria to at least one of the inputs and to generate substantially immediately therefrom, for approval by the requesting user, a specification for the job to be performed by a provider of piping installation services, whereby the specification is generated substantially immediately the user has made the last invited input.

2 A method according to claim 1 wherein the instructions include code for causing the processor to check user inputs for compliance with job determination requirements before allowing execution of a further step of the method.

3 A method according to claim 2 wherein the instructions include code for causing processor during acquisition of data inputs to provide output simultaneously to the user and to an installation service provider in substantially mirrored form.

4 A method according to claim 3 wherein the instructions include code for causing the processor to apply pricing criteria to the specification for computing a price to be quoted for the job.

5 A method according to claim 4 wherein the instructions include code for causing the processor to adjust the price according to the locality of a site where the job is to be performed.