Method and system for manipulating construction blueprint documents with hypermedia hotspot reference links from a first construction document to a related secondary construction document

Abstract

A system (10) allows the storing of construction drawings or blueprints in a plurality of computer files (32). The system (10) allows automatic determinations of lengths, areas and count of dimensions displayed in drawings. The measured dimensions are provided in terms of real world or full scale quantities. A scale between the full scale quantities and computer displayed dimensions is determined for each file (32) to allow subsequent measurements scaled in terms of the original blueprint designated dimensions. The dimensions are identified with particular product items so that a quantity of items and costs thereof may be automatically determined and reported.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for manipulating a construction drawing comprising the steps of:

a. storing in electronic form in a memory means an image of a construction drawing in a page file;

b. assigning a first measurement scale to the image in the page file including storing a first measurement scale quantity representing the full scale dimension between two selected scale points on the image;

c. displaying the image of the construction drawing in the page file on a video display means;

d. blocking a selected portion of the image of the construction drawing;

e. storing in electronic form in the memory means an image of the blocked portion of the construction drawing in a frame file;

f. assigning a second measurement scale to the image in the frame file; and

g. displaying the image of the blocked portion of the construction drawing in the frame file on the video display means independently of the image of the construction drawing in the page file.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein step b. is performed prior to step a.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein step b. is performed subsequent to step a.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein steps e. is performed subsequent to step f.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein step f. is performed subsequent to step e.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein step f. includes storing a second measurement scale quantity representing the full scale dimension between two selected scale points on the image in the frame file.

7. A method for manipulating a construction drawing comprising the steps of:

a. storing in electronic form in a memory means an image of a first construction drawing in a first page file;

b. assigning a first measurement scale to the image in the first page file including storing a first measurement scale quantity representing a full scale dimension between two selected scale points on the image;

c. storing in electronic form in a memory means an image of a second construction drawing in a second page file, the second construction drawing being related to the first construction drawing;

d. assigning a second measurement scale to the image in the second page file;

e. displaying the image of the first construction drawing in the first page file on a video display means;

f. placing a hotspot reference indicator at a selected location in the image of the first construction drawing; and

g. linking the hotspot reference indicator to the second construction drawing whereby when the hotspot reference indicator is activated, the image of the second construction drawing is displayed on the video display means.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein steps a. is performed subsequent to step b.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein step b. is performed subsequent to step a.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein step c. is performed subsequent to step d.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein step d. is performed subsequent to step c.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein step d. includes storing a second measurement scale quantity representing the full scale dimension between two selected scale points on the image in the second page file.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a computer based system and method for processing and manipulating building plans or blueprint drawings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common in the industry of building construction, that architects or other design personnel draw up construction blueprints or plans either by hand or on a computer aided design (CAD) system. Such blueprints or working drawings include a general or primary plan drawing with supporting pages of detailed, secondary drawings supplementing and referencing the primary building drawing, i.e., floor plans, sectional, etc., along with supporting textual specifications. The detailed drawings provide more specific information for various portions or areas from the primary plan drawing. For bidding and estimating on a project, a single company distributes rolls of microfiche of the blueprint drawings or building plans in their entirety. Selective drawings of specified plans on the microfiche are then viewed to provide estimate proposals thereon. Though a contractor may be interested in only one particular portion of the building, the contractor must search through all the plans in order obtain the drawings for the particular portion. Obviously, this type of system provides for difficulty in handling the drawing and consumption of time in flipping through all the drawings.

It has been known in the art to input information into a computer for cost estimating analysis and reporting. Common computer systems may provide costs of material and provide reports thereof based on construction information specifically put into the computer. An example of such capability is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,606, issued Feb. 23, 1993 in the name of Burns et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,060, issued Oct. 16, 1990 in the name of Hartsog discloses a building test system which reviews building plans in view of required standards, such as zoning codes and regulations. U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,694, issued Dec. 5, 1989 in the name of Pray et al discloses an automated building control design system. The system is a computer base system for substantially automating the designs of a building control system, such as electronics, heating, etc.

Other patents using graphics include the following. U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,207, issued to Cornwell discloses a method for designing and detailing cabinets which allow a user to design cabinet structure by standard cabinet designs and to modify or override standard designs as desired. The program also allows the cost of the materials of the cabinets to be produced based on the design. U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,392, issued to Malin discloses a system for creating furniture layouts which utilizes standard furniture pieces. The finish, color and fabric may be separately determined for the furniture layout and pieces. Cost and bill of materials may be automatically produced based on the designed layout. U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,307 to Young discloses a method of manipulating objects as to their size, dimension, location and positioning on the computer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,541 issued to Blanchard et al discloses a computer for aiding in the selection of roof systems and the specifications therefore. The roofing system is selected from various data entered by the user and specifications are generated based on by applying a matrix. The prior art failed to disclose utilization of architectural blueprint drawings which are input into the system with a dimension or scale associated therewith, and take off is obtained therefrom simply by manipulation thereof in order to subsequently associate quantity of material and pricing therewith.

None of the prior art systems allow the manipulation of blueprint drawing plans in existence by automatically and electronically viewing the drawing and allowing calculation of measurements and quality totals of parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a method for manipulating a plurality of document files including construction building drawings. The method includes the steps of: storing a plurality of document files including drawings having full scale dimensions thereon in computer memory; selectively displaying a drawing; electronically selecting at least two measuring points on the drawing; and automatically determining a measured quantity represented by the measuring points scaled to the full scale dimensions.

Also included is a method including the steps of: storing a plurality of document files including drawings having full scale dimensions indicated thereon in computer memory; selectively displaying a graphic drawing stored in computer memory; selecting at least two scale points along the drawing establishing a line; inputing a scale quantity identifying a full scale dimension represented by the length of the line between the two scale points; and determining a scale associating the scale quantity with the length of line in the computer display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system of the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the controller of the subject invention;

FIGS. 3 a-b area flow chart of the controller;

FIG. 4 illustrates the display of a primary document with hotspots;

FIG. 5 illustrates the display of a primary document including secondary documents in windows;

FIG. 6 illustrates a display of a secondary document file with framing;

FIG. 7 illustrates the display of a second embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates the flowchart for modified functions of the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An electronic filing and manipulation system is generally illustrated at 10 in FIG. 1. The system 10 includes a controller means 12 with display means 14 and selection means 16. The display means 14 generally comprises a CRT monitor as commonly known in the art. The selection means 16 comprises a standard computer keyboard 18 and a remote control mouse 20, both connected to the computer 12 as known in the art. The selection means 16 allows for input of information and selection of functions as subsequently discussed. The controller means 12 may be comprised of a typical computer. It is to be understood that other types of equivalent components may be utilized, such a pen sensitive display in place of a CRT unit.

The filing system 10 also includes auxiliary components which may be attached in typical computer fashion. Such auxiliary components may include a printer 22, scanner 24, and a video/audio player 26. The auxiliary components may also include an external communication device 28, typically a modem or other communication device, for communicating with other computers or auxiliary devices.

In the preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the manipulation of building designs or blueprint drawings with the overview or general elevational plan drawing herein referred to as the "primary document" and the detail drawings supporting that primary document entitled the "secondary documents". Typically, the sets of blueprint drawings include graphic drawings with text supporting same and specifications. It is to be understood that the invention may be applicable to other types of systems with various documents.

The blueprint drawings are either scanned in by the scanner 24 or copied electronically. The drawings copied electronically may be communicated through the modem 28 or external device, or by copying a computer disk by disk drive 29. Furthermore, the system 10 is capable of receiving CAD drawings either by modem 28 or electronic copying, or software creations within the computer 12. The system 10 includes translation means 31 for receiving the blueprint drawings in any electronic form described above, i.e., from various operating systems, and for converting same into useable form for the subject system 10. The subject system 10 may operate in any of the following operating systems, or any other system: Unix.TM., OS/2.TM., Windows.TM., Windows NT.TM., etc. The translation means 31 includes software generally available to convert document formulas between programs and operating systems. The subject system 10 is based on the Windows Multiple Document Interface (MDI), which allows for simple displaying, tiling, cascading, and minimizing of multiple images. The system 10 is able to display and manipulate for all raster files, including ".TIF", ".BMP", and ".PCX" formats. In addition, the system 10 can display and manipulate faster files, such as the common CAD ".DWG", ".DXF" files, as well as HPGL files.

The controller means 12 includes input means 33 for receiving input from the keyboard 16 and mouse 20 to communicate and operate the necessary commands. The controller means 12 also includes output means 35 for formulating the display output to the printer 22, modem 28, and video/audio player 26. The input 33 and output 35 means are generally standard computer components which allows communication of signals in various forms between equipment.

The controller means 12 includes processor means 13 for performing the necessary operations and functions in conjunction with the external devices, and communicates with the input 33 and output 35 means, as subsequently discussed. The processor means 12 comprises a typical computer processor which operates with a software program stored in memory 30, as subsequently defined and discussed.

The controller means 12 includes memory means 30 for storing a plurality of documents in a plurality of files 32. The documents may comprise the blueprint graphic drawings, text information, and instructional information as subsequently discussed. In the preferred embodiment, each page of the standard blueprint drawings is equivalent to a page or software file 32 in the memory 30. Therefore, each page is electronically transferred into the memory 30 as an individual file. In conjunction with the processor means 13, the documents are stored in memory 30 in the typical manner. A program memory 27 stores the software program for the processor means 13. It is typical that a detail page may have two or more detailed graphic drawings thereon, which will be uniquely handled, though the entire page is stored as a single file 32.

Each page file 32 within the memory means 30 may include a plurality of documents therein, i.e., several individual drawings. Each document may be independently identified. The processor 13 includes framing means 34 for electronically identifying a selected document from a page file having a plurality of documents, and separately identifying same as a separate file. For example, a blueprint page file may have several detail drawings thereon. The framing means 34 allows an operator to designate a specific drawing as a frame 36 and create a frame file therefor.

More specifically, the framing means 34 allows the page file to be displayed on the display means 14, and use of either the keyboard 16 or the mouse 20 (cursor) allows the user to block a particular document or drawing therein. The operator graphically clicks or actuates with the mouse 20 and moves same to move the cursor about a desired drawing or frame on the page file which indicates same as the selected frame 36.

Naming means 38 allows the selected frame 36 to be specifically identified by a name as a file, which is then stored in memory 30. Upon the selection of a frame 36 within a page file, the operator inputs a frame name therefore and the naming means 38 will create a new file in memory 30 with the frame name. The frame file will include the coordinates of the frame 36, and the name of the page file in which it is contained. Further information may be associated therewith.

The processor 13 includes scaling means 40 for storing information regarding the measurement scale of the selected frame 36 for each frame file 32, or each file as a whole as desired. In other words, once the frame 36 within a page file is created, a specified scale may be associated therewith, which may be different from any other frame or drawing on that particular page file. Each frame 36 on a page or in a file will have its own scale identifiers which is also stored in the frame file (FIG. 6). The frame file may store the actual document or drawing. Alternatively, the frame file may store the page file and coordinates of the frame.

Other types of files may be created and stored with a project. Such files include text files and audio/video files. The primary document may include text information thereon. Additional text information may be entered in a text file, which can be accessed by the primary document with hotspots as subsequently discussed. A hotspot may activate an audio/video function which, when activated, actuate the audio/video device 26 to either play an audio or video which provides further detailed information. The audio/video files and functions are commonly known in the art.

The processor 13 also includes correlating means 44 for identifying a hotspot or point on a document, and calling up a secondary document from the memory means 30 associated with the hotspot to provide further information to the operator. In other words, on the primary document, a hotspot may be indicated thereon which will identify different information or a drawing, i.e., a sectional, end view, or text, etc. A reference indicator 46 as the hotspot is placed on the primary document which references the secondary document and can automatically call-up a page or frame file, or other type of file for display or execution (video/audio).

More specifically, the correlating means 44 includes indicating means 48 for placing a visual indicator 55 on the primary document as the hotspot. In other words, the operator can cause to be placed the visual indicator 55 at any location on a document for association with a secondary document in order to provide additional detail information therefor. The visual indicator 55 generally includes a name which is a name of a secondary file within a symbol.

The indicating means 48 includes labeling means 50 which places a name and label at the hotspot 55 which identifies the secondary document by file name. It is to be further understood that a secondary or detail document may act as the primary document so that it may include a hotspot 55 which references a different secondary document for call-up.

The indicating means 48 also includes linking means 52 for displaying the secondary document when the hotspot 55 is activated. Activation of a hotspot 55 occurs by clicking or actuating the hotspot 55 by the mouse/cursor 20, or using the keyboard 16 with cursor/enter. The linking means 52 accesses the name of the secondary document in the hotspot 55 to call up the secondary document. The secondary file is identified by the name in the hotspot 55, and the processor means 13 automatically displays the secondary document upon activation of the hotspot 55. It is to be understood that the secondary document may be comprised of either graphic drawings or text, or may cause other external devices to be activated. The secondary document identified by the hotspot 55 is placed on top of the primary, calling document on the display screen 14, as subsequently discussed.

In order to limit the number of working files referenced and accessed at a time, the system 10 includes project selection means 56 for storing a project or job with text information and selected blueprints or drawings therefore. In other words, a user may select a limited number of specific blueprint drawing files to be used in and associated with a project such that when selecting a project, only certain files will be used therewith. The memory means 32 includes a project memory 58 for storing each separate project therein by project name. The project memory 58 will be comprised of at least a primary document and several secondary documents referenced by file name, along with any other types of documents as desired by the operator.

Also included in the processor means 13 is a quantitative means 60 for providing the approximate dimensions of a blueprint drawing, and for providing a quantity of materials necessary for constructing same. The mouse 20 or cursor is utilized to outline the perimeter of an area or shape of the building in the drawing. Thereafter, the quantitative means 60 will calculate the size and dimensions of the outlined area dependent on the scale associated therewith. This information may be saved in memory and is displayed on the display 14. From this information, pricing and materials may be determined.

In addition to the above described features, pricing and reporting may be accomplished by software, as commonly known in the art.

The processing means 13 includes stacking means 64 for displaying the primary documents fully on the screen 14 with any secondary documents stacked in cascade manner on top thereof upon activation of the hotspots 55. In other words, when the primary document is first called up by the operator, the primary document is displayed on the entire screen 14. However, when a hotspot 55 is activated, the linked or secondary document is displayed in a window 65 over the primary document, generally in a less than full view, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The secondary document may thereafter be exited in order to have the original, primary document again fully displayed without any windows thereover. Hot spots need not be utilized, and in such case, the user may merely select a new file from the file list which may be displayed by itself, or in tile or cascaded manner. Multiple windows 65 may be stacked in cascade manner. Alternatively, the windows 65 may be placed in a "tile" configuration, as commonly known in the art.

The processor means 13 also includes function means 66 for displaying a tool or function bar 70 across the top of the display screen 14 to allow various functions to be performed by the operator. Such functions may include the following: JOB, PAGE, VIEW, FRAME, TAKE-OFF, HotspotS, WINDOW. Any other types of functions may be added to provide for additional features of the invention. The JOB function allows the association of the files with a job or project. The PAGE function allows the identification of pages to be identified with a project. The VIEW function allows change in the view which is presently displayed on the screen 14. The FRAME function allows framing or identification of a single drawing or document on a multiple drawing page. The TAKE-OFF function allows for a drawing to be quantitized. The Hotspot function allows for the creation and modification of hotspots. The WINDOW function allows for windows showing secondary documents to be varied. The functions will be more specifically defined in the following description of the method of the subject invention. Activation of a function is commonly known in the art.

The method of organizing a plurality of documents including graphic drawings is outlined in the flowchart of FIGS. 3 a-b and implemented by a software program stored in the program memory 27.

The documents for blueprint images are stored in the files 32 of the memory 30. The blueprint images may be either scanned in or copied electronically either by disk drive 29 or modem 28. Alternatively, a CAD file may be utilized to provide the electronic blueprint drawings directly on the system 10 or copied. Each hard-copy of the blueprint drawing sheets or pages is copied as a separate file 32 in memory 30, and may be named as indicated on the page.

Thereafter, a project is initiated and a job file is created by actuating the JOB function. The job file in project memory 58 holds all information about a job, including its geometric model, page layouts, price reports, etc. The job file consists of the job name; description of the job; client information including name of the contact person, phone number and address; contract information including name, contact person, phone number and address; job date; industry; page description for containing a description for each page of the job; etc. These items may not be included in the job file but may reference other, separate files while the job file only holds the file name.

When the JOB function is executed, a window menu is displayed on the screen 14 which displays the subfunctions: OPEN, CREATE, SAVE, DELETE and QUIT. When the OPEN subfunction is activated, the operator is prompted to type in an existing project name so that the system 10 will be operating therein. When the CREATE function is executed, a menu is displayed which allows for a new project name to be entered and project information thereafter. When the DELETE function is executed, the name of the project is requested and is thereafter be deleted with all associated files. The SAVE function saves the job entered with the CREATE or OPEN subfunctions, and any changes made therein. The QUIT subfunction quits the job menu. Other functions may be utilized in combination with the JOB function including such common computer functions as move, rename, etc.

The PAGE function moves files and associates same with a project or job, or calls up a page for use. Once all of the blueprint drawings are entered, the operator may select blueprint drawings from a directory of all of the input files. Selected pages will be identified with the previously opened or created job. Either the actual files may be moved to a subdirectory for the project, or merely the identification of files may be associated with the project. In the preferred embodiment, the file names are included in the job file. Thereafter, this project information is saved.

The PAGE function when activated pulls up a menu which includes the following subfunctions: CREATE, LOAD, CLOSE, MAKE COPY, PRINT, PLOT, DESCRIBE, QUIT. The CREATE function will create a new file for a page. The LOAD function will load the page file which is input by the operator as the document displayed on the screen 14. The MAKE COPY will copy an existing page file and provide a new name for the new copy to be input for the project. The PRINT and PLOT functions will output the page file on the display 14 to the printer 22 or other external. The QUIT function puts the user back to the previous display screen. The DESCRIBE function pulls up textual information regarding a description of the job or project and files associated therewith, and allows same to be modified.

Frames may be created within the page files of the stored documents by using the FRAME function. The FRAME function includes the subfunctions of NEW, ZAP, SCALE, MOVE and INFO. First, a page is chosen for frame creation by the PAGE function. The NEW subfunction is activated which allows naming of a frame (frame file) and designation of a frame on the displayed page. The operator selects the area and clicks around the area with a mouse 20 to define the area of the frame 36. The coordinates thereof are calculated and stored in the frame file. The SCALE subfunction can be activated if a new scale must be added for the particular frame. The INFO subfunction allows you to click on a frame to display the information of scale, page, coordinates, etc. This process may be continued for any number of frames 36 within one page and with each page within a project. The ZAP subfunctions allows deleting a frame 36 by moving the cursor thereon.

Thereafter, hotspots 55 may be defined associated with particular page files or frame files, or any other type of file. In order to define a hotspot 55, a primary document is first selected by the PAGE function and displayed on the screen 14.

Thereafter, hotspots 55 may be placed on the primary document, the hotspots 55 being previously defined as either the page files or frame files, or any other type. The HOTSPOT function is activated. The HOTSPOT function when activated will pull a new menu onto the screen when lists the subfunctions: CREATE, MODIFY, ZAP, SHOW, ENABLE. The CREATE subfunctions allow creation of a new hotspot on the displayed document. The MODIFY function allow modification of an existing hotspot, i.e., moving to a different location, renaming, etc. The ZAP subfunction deletes a hotspot 55. The SHOW subfunction allows selection of whether or not to display the hotspots 55 on the screen 14.

Upon activation of the CREATE subfunction, a menu is displayed to allow selection of the type of document and file, i.e., text, graphic, audio, video. Once selected, the name or file of the hotspot 55 is input, the file name being previously defined and stored in memory 30 when creating the frame or naming the page. Thereafter, a menu for selection of the size, shape and color of the hotspot 55 is displayed to have the operator select the visual indication. Thereafter, the operator is prompted to place the hotspot 55 by moving the cursor and activating. Thereafter, additional hotspots 55 may be placed on the document. It is also to be understood that hotspots 55 may be placed on secondary documents which reference other secondary documents. Hotspots 55 which are entered on documents will be stored in a linked hotspot file so that upon display of the document, the hotspots 55 will be displayed when the SHOW is enabled.

With regard to the quantities of portions of the drawings, the TAKE OFF function is activated. The TAKE OFF function allows a defined perimeter or area of a building drawing in the file to be outlined for automatic calculation of the dimensions thereof, to be subsequently used to determine costs and material quantities. The information may be put into standard software packages which allow for costs analysis. The subject software provides information of dimensions to the cost analysis program.

Upon execution of the TAKE OFF function, a menu is displayed for selection of CUSTOM SELECT or CHECKLIST modes. In the CUSTOM SELECT mode, a product database is displayed for selection of a specific product. The product database is stored in memory 30 and provides a list of products by commercial name and costs, such as:

    ______________________________________
    Paint -- Doors and Frames
                      De Sota      $ 12.49
    Paint -- Handrails
                      Lucile       18.71
    Painting -- Masonary -- Low
                      Pittsburgh   192.47
    Painting -- Masonary -- Medium
                      Pittsburgh   63.00
    Paint -- Windows  De Sota      72.00
    Flexible Wood Veneer
                      Sherwin Williams
                                   36.00
    Special Coating   Sherwin Williams
                                   28.56
    Trim -- Painted   Sherwin Williams
                                   881.00
    ______________________________________

    ______________________________________
    IMAGE OPEN
    ______________________________________
    Page Name  Description
                          M      A
    ______________________________________
    New Blank Page                    .uparw.
    93316-01.tif          Y      Y         OK
    93316-21.tif
    93316-28.tif
    93316-31.tif                           CANCEL
    mb-k2sec.dxf
    mb-nisa.dxf
    mb-tsec.dxf
    mb-w2iso.dxf                      .dwnarw.
    File Types
    *.*        .dwnarw.
    ______________________________________

    ______________________________________
    SCALE
    ______________________________________
           34 ft 6 in
    ______________________________________
           7   8     9             System
           4   5     6             x English
           1   2     3               Metric
           0   .     /             Units
           C         <=              Feet
                                   x Inches
           SAVE              DONE
    ______________________________________

    ______________________________________
    CHECKLIST
    ______________________________________
    Linear            2 .times. 4 .times. 0' Stud Wall
    Area              Shag Carpeting
    Count             Fence Posts
    Linear            Stone Wall
    Area              Hardwood Flooring
    Area              Brick Walkway
    MAINTAIN  UPDATE  CLOSE
    ______________________________________

    ______________________________________
    CHECKLIST MAINTENANCE
    ______________________________________
    Name                    Unit
    ______________________________________
    2 .times. 4 .times. 8'
              Stud Wall     Feet    .dwnarw.
    ______________________________________
    Variables Name      Unit          Default Value
    ______________________________________
    Var 1     Height    Feet    .dwnarw.
                                      32
    Var 2                       .dwnarw.
    Var 3                       .dwnarw.
    Var 4                       .dwnarw.
    Var 5                       .dwnarw.
    Var 6                       .dwnarw.
    Var 7                       .dwnarw.
    Var 8                       .dwnarw.
    PREV  NEXT  SAVE  DELETE  NEW  DONE
    ______________________________________

    ______________________________________
    C:.backslash.PROJECT.backslash.CIT.FLD.backslash.PLANS.DOC.backslash.REPOR
    T.004
    ______________________________________
    Detail TakeOff Report
    for
    Thursday, October 13, 199
    05:00
    File Name
            File Description
                         TakeOff Item
                                     Quantity
                                            Unit
    ______________________________________
    city005 roof plan    Roof Panel  72045.19
                                            SqFt
                         Roof Panel  67145.99
                                            SqFt
                         Roof Panel  66980.34
                                            SqFt
                         Roof Panel  31136.20
                                            SqFt
                         Roof Panel  31856.62
                                            SqFt
                         Roof Panel  17623.38
                                            SqFt
                         Roof Panel  31724.01
                                            SqFt
                         Roof Panel  35154.35
                                            SqFt
                         Roof Panel  21962.29
                                            SqFt
                         Roof Panel  26474.45
                                            SqFt
                         ridge cap   67.55  Feet
                         ridge cap   27.59  Feet
                         ridge cap   170.01 Feet
                            :        :
    ______________________________________

• Inventors
  Krause, Gary Matthew; Marrow, Brent E.;
• Assignee
  Krause; Gary Matthew (Lake Orion, MI)
• Published
  May-25-1999
• Current US Classes:
  345/854
  715/501.1
• Application #
  785561
• International Classes
  G06F 017/50
• Field of Search
  707/501 345/435 345/173 345/502 345/116 345/418 345/357
• Examiner
  Feild; Joseph H.
• Agent
  Howard & Howard
• US Patent References:
  4692757
  4716542
  5204947
  5315700
  5353393
  5526520