Automated pricing and/or "Green" indicating method and system
First Claim
1. An automated system for creating one or a plurality of statements or indications, or a combination thereof, for one or a plurality of construction plan elements of a construction project that describes or indicates whether or not the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding schedules comprising:
- (a) one or a plurality of local or remote computers or consoles, or any combination thereof;
(b) one or a plurality of local or remote servers, or any combination thereof;
(c) an architectural, civil or industrial software design tool, wherein the software design tool provides on the computer, console or server a construction plan drawing having one or a plurality of construction plan elements;
(d) a local server system or remote server system that maintains one or a plurality of databases including data or information, or both, for one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, wherein the data, information or both state or indicate, or both, whether or not the one or a plurality of construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, and wherein an Intranet connection exists between the local server system and the computer or console or an Internet connection exists between the remote server system and the computer or console, or both; and
(e) an add-on computer software code that runs as an internal component within the software design tool when executed on the computer, console or server or outside Of the software design tool operating as a dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX, COM object, or combination thereof;
wherein the add-on computer software code optionally includes a palette, or uses an existing palette, that contains one or a plurality of parametric symbols that correspond with one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, and that optionally may be selected by a user for insertion into the construction plan drawing; and
wherein the add-on computer software code, when executed by the computer, console, server, dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX, COM object, or a combination thereof;
(i) optionally inserts one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, or of the parametric symbols that may optionally be selected by a user, or both, into the construction plan drawing;
(ii) transmits via the Intranet connection, the Internet connection, or both, data or information, or both, corresponding to one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols from the computer, console, server, dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX, COM object, or a combination thereof, to the local server system, the remote server system, or both, either directly or via an optional communication module;
(iii) receives via the Intranet connection, the Internet connection, or both, from the local server system, the remote server system, or both, for one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, one or a plurality of statements or indications, or any combination thereof, describing or indicating whether or not the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, either directly or via an optional communication module; and
(iv) optionally, generates a schedule from the statements or indications, or any combination thereof, that includes one or a plurality of statements or other indications, or any combination thereof, for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention comprises a rapid and automated creation of a price schedule and/or a “green” schedule comprising steps and an implementation for providing a set of construction (or other) plans created with an architectural, civil, industrial or other software design tool, such as CAD, and optionally a palette of 2-dimensional and/or 3-dimensional architectural parametric symbols that correspond to respective construction plan elements, such as windows, doors, acrylic glass blocks and/or sky lights. At least one parametric symbol corresponding to a construction plan element is preferably inserted into the construction plans. A cost value and a statement indicating whether or not a parametric symbol is “green” for each of the inserted parametric symbols is calculated and/or determined corresponding to respective plan elements. A price schedule, a “green” schedule or both are then created, which can include the total cost for all of the inserted parametric symbols corresponding to respective plan elements, and a statement for each of the inserted symbols indicating whether or not they are certified as being energy efficient or rated “green.”
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Citations
543 Claims
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1. An automated system for creating one or a plurality of statements or indications, or a combination thereof, for one or a plurality of construction plan elements of a construction project that describes or indicates whether or not the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding schedules comprising:
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(a) one or a plurality of local or remote computers or consoles, or any combination thereof; (b) one or a plurality of local or remote servers, or any combination thereof; (c) an architectural, civil or industrial software design tool, wherein the software design tool provides on the computer, console or server a construction plan drawing having one or a plurality of construction plan elements; (d) a local server system or remote server system that maintains one or a plurality of databases including data or information, or both, for one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, wherein the data, information or both state or indicate, or both, whether or not the one or a plurality of construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, and wherein an Intranet connection exists between the local server system and the computer or console or an Internet connection exists between the remote server system and the computer or console, or both; and (e) an add-on computer software code that runs as an internal component within the software design tool when executed on the computer, console or server or outside Of the software design tool operating as a dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX, COM object, or combination thereof; wherein the add-on computer software code optionally includes a palette, or uses an existing palette, that contains one or a plurality of parametric symbols that correspond with one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, and that optionally may be selected by a user for insertion into the construction plan drawing; and wherein the add-on computer software code, when executed by the computer, console, server, dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX, COM object, or a combination thereof; (i) optionally inserts one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, or of the parametric symbols that may optionally be selected by a user, or both, into the construction plan drawing; (ii) transmits via the Intranet connection, the Internet connection, or both, data or information, or both, corresponding to one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols from the computer, console, server, dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX, COM object, or a combination thereof, to the local server system, the remote server system, or both, either directly or via an optional communication module; (iii) receives via the Intranet connection, the Internet connection, or both, from the local server system, the remote server system, or both, for one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, one or a plurality of statements or indications, or any combination thereof, describing or indicating whether or not the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, either directly or via an optional communication module; and (iv) optionally, generates a schedule from the statements or indications, or any combination thereof, that includes one or a plurality of statements or other indications, or any combination thereof, for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117)
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54. The system of claim 53 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario A.
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55. The system of claim 53 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario B.
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56. The system of claim 53 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario C.
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57. The system of claim 53 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario D.
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58. The system of claim 53 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario E.
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59. The system of claim 53 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario F.
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60. The system of claim 53 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario G.
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61. The system of claim 53 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario H.
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62. The system of claim 53 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario I.
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63. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes one local computer or console.
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64. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes a plurality of local computers or consoles, or a combination thereof.
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65. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes one remote computer or console.
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66. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes a plurality of remote computers or consoles, or a combination thereof.
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67. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes at least one local computer or console and at least one remote computer or console.
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68. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes one local server.
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69. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes a plurality of local servers.
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70. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes one remote server.
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71. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes a plurality of remote servers.
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72. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes at least one local server and at least one remote server.
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73. The system of claim 1 wherein the software design tool is an architectural software design tool.
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74. The system of claim 1 wherein the software design tool is a civil engineering software design tool.
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75. The system of claim 1 wherein the software design tool is an industrial software design tool.
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76. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes a local server system and an Intranet connection exists between the local server system and the computer or console.
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77. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes a remote server system and an Internet connection exists between the remote server system and the computer or console.
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78. The system of claim 1 wherein the system includes both a local server system and a remote server system, and wherein an Intranet connection exists between the local server system and a computer or console and an Internet connection exists between the remote server system and a computer or console.
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79. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, are generic.
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80. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, are specific to a particular manufacturer, distributor, marketer or other provider of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols.
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81. The system of claim 1 wherein the system does not generate any schedule.
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82. The system of claim 1 wherein the system generates one or a plurality of schedules.
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83. The system of claim 82 wherein one or a plurality of the schedules becomes inserted into the construction plan drawing.
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84. The system of claim 82 wherein the one or a plurality of schedules include or list, or both, one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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85. The system of claim 84 wherein none of the schedules generated include one or a plurality of statements or indications, or any combination thereof, for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both.
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86. The system of claim 82 wherein the system generates a schedule including one or a plurality of statements or indications, or both, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both.
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87. The system of claim 86 wherein the schedule contains a list of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, with corresponding statements or indications, or both, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both.
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88. The system of claim 82 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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89. The system of claim 84 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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90. The system of claim 85 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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91. The system of claim 86 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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92. The system of claim 87 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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93. The system of claim 1 wherein the system employs an architectural software design tool, and wherein the architectural software design tool is a CAD software product.
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94. The system of claim 1 wherein the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, are selected from a group comprising at least one of a window, a door and an acrylic glass block.
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95. The system of claim 1 wherein the add-on computer software code additionally confirms that one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet one or a plurality of criteria of a building code.
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96. The system of claim 1 wherein the system does not permit a user to place an order to purchase one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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97. The system of claim 84 wherein the system permits a user to place an order to purchase one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in a schedule.
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98. The system of claim 87 wherein the system permits a user to place an order to purchase one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in a schedule.
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99. The system of claim 97 wherein the order may be placed using an Intranet, an Internet, the local or remote computers or consoles, web sites present on the local or remote servers, or any combination thereof.
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100. The system of claim 98 wherein the order may be placed using an Intranet, an Internet, the local or remote computers or consoles, web sites present on the local or remote servers, or any combination thereof.
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101. The system of claim 84 wherein the schedule includes one or two construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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102. The system of claim 84 wherein the schedule includes two or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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103. The system of claim 1 wherein the construction plan drawing includes one or more walls, and wherein one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, automatically align with a wall.
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104. The system of claim 103 wherein the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, automatically auto-embeds itself into the wall.
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105. The system of claim 1 wherein the system employs one or more parametric symbols, and wherein the one or more parametric symbols have one or more corresponding parametric symbol values.
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106. The system of claim 105 wherein the system permits one or more of the parametric symbol values to be modified after a corresponding parametric symbol is inserted into the construction plan drawing.
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107. The system of claim 84 wherein the system permits one or more changes to be made to one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in the schedule.
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108. The system of claim 87 wherein the system permits one or more changes to be made to one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in the schedule.
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109. The system of claim 107 wherein the system can function to automatically edit the schedule to correspond to the changes.
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110. The system of claim 108 wherein the system can function to automatically edit the schedule to correspond to the changes.
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111. The system of claim 3 wherein the add-on computer code runs outside of the software design tool operating as a dynamic link library.
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112. The system of claim 3 wherein the add-on computer code runs outside of the software design tool operating as an executable (.exe).
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113. The system of claim 3 wherein the add-on computer code runs outside of the software design tool operating as an ActiveX.
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114. The system of claim 3 wherein the add-on computer code runs outside of the software design tool operating as a COM object.
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115. The system of claim 1 wherein the database is formed, maintained or supported, or a combination thereof, by 1stPricing or 1stWindows.
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116. The system of claim 1 wherein the database is not formed, maintained or supported by 1stPricing or 1stWindows.
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117. The system of claim 116 wherein the database may be accessed using a web site.
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118. An automated system for creating for one or a plurality of construction plan elements of a construction project both one or a plurality of prices and one or a plurality of statements or indications, or a combination thereof, that describes or indicates, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding schedules comprising:
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(a) one or a plurality of local or remote computers or consoles, or any combination thereof; (b) one or a plurality of local or remote servers, or any combination thereof; (c) an architectural, civil or industrial software design tool, wherein the software design tool provides on the computer, console or server a construction plan drawing having one or a plurality of construction plan elements; (d) a local server system or remote server system that maintains one or a plurality of databases including pricing data or information, or both, for the one or a plurality of construction plan elements and data or information, or both, that states or indicates, or both, whether or not one or a plurality of the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, wherein an Intranet connection exists between the local server system and the computer or console or an Internet connection exists between the remote server system and the computer or console, or both; and (e) an add-on computer software code that runs as an internal component within the software design tool when executed on the computer, console or server or outside of the software design tool operating as a dynamic link library;
executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object, or any combination thereof;wherein the add-on computer software code optionally includes a palette, or uses an existing palette, that contains one or a plurality of parametric symbols that corresponds with one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, and that optionally may be selected by a user for insertion into the construction plan drawing; and wherein the add-on computer software code, when executed by the computer, console, server or dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object; (i) optionally inserts one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, or parametric symbols that may optionally be selected by a user, into the construction plan drawing; (ii) transmits via the Intranet connection, the Internet connection, or both, data, information or both corresponding to one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols from the computer, console, server or dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object to the local server system, the remote server system, or both, either directly or via an optional communication module; (iii) receives via the Intranet connection, the Internet connection, or both, from the local server system, the remote server system, or both, for one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both; (a) one or a plurality of prices for a purchase of one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, wherein the prices may be determined using price data or information, or both, that is present on, or accessed by, the local server system, the remote server system, or both, and, optionally, using a zip code, a geographical location, or a combination thereof, and corresponds with a purchase of the one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, and, optionally, when a zip code, geographical location, or a combination thereof, is employed, within an area or region within the zip code or geographical location, either directly or via an optional communication module; and (b) one or a plurality of statements or indications, or any combination thereof, describing or indicating whether or not the one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, either directly or via an optional communication module; and (iv) optionally generates; (a) a price schedule from the prices, wherein the price schedule includes individual or combined costs for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, a total cost for all of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or any combination thereof, wherein the price schedule optionally can include one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, and wherein the price schedule optionally can be used immediately or at a subsequent time or date, or both, on the computer, console, server, dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object to place an order to purchase one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols that are present in the price schedule; (b) a schedule of statements or indications, or any combination thereof, stating or indicating whether or not one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both;
or(c) both of the schedules described in (a) and (b). - View Dependent Claims (119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264)
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171. The system of claim 170 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario A.
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172. The system of claim 170 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario B.
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173. The system of claim 170 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario C.
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174. The system of claim 170 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario D.
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175. The system of claim 170 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario E.
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176. The system of claim 170 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario F.
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177. The system of claim 170 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario G.
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178. The system of claim 170 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario H.
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179. The system of claim 170 wherein the add-on computer software code has an ability to operate in Scenario I.
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180. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes one local computer or console.
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181. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes a plurality of local computers or consoles, or a combination thereof.
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182. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes one remote computer or console.
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183. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes a plurality of remote computers or consoles, or a combination thereof.
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184. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes at least one local computer or console and at least one remote computer or console.
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185. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes one local server.
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186. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes a plurality of local servers.
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187. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes one remote server.
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188. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes a plurality of remote servers.
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189. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes at least one local server and at least one remote server.
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190. The system of claim 118 wherein the software design tool is an architectural software design tool.
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191. The system of claim 118 wherein the software design tool is a civil engineering software design tool.
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192. The system of claim 118 wherein the software design tool is an industrial software design tool.
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193. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes a local server system and an Intranet connection exists between the local server system and the computer or console.
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194. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes a remote server system and an Internet connection exists between the remote server system and the computer or console.
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195. The system of claim 118 wherein the system includes both a local server system and a remote server system, and wherein an Intranet connection exists between the local server system and a computer or console and an Internet connection exists between the remote server system and a computer or console.
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196. The system of claim 118 wherein the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, are generic.
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197. The system of claim 118 wherein the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, are specific to a particular manufacturer, distributor, marketer or other provider of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols.
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198. The system of claim 118 wherein the system does not generate any schedule.
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199. The system of claim 118 wherein the system generates one or a plurality of schedules.
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200. The system of claim 199 wherein one or a plurality of the schedule becomes inserted into the construction plan drawing.
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201. The system of claim 199 wherein the one or a plurality of schedules include or list, or both, one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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202. The system of claim 201 wherein none of the schedules generated include for the one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both:
- (i) price data or information, or a combination thereof;
or (ii) one or a plurality of statements or indications, or any combination thereof, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both.
- (i) price data or information, or a combination thereof;
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203. The system of claim 199 wherein the system generates one or a plurality of schedules including:
- (i) pricing data or information, or both;
(ii) one or a plurality of statements or indications, or both, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both;
or (iii) both (i) and (ii).
- (i) pricing data or information, or both;
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204. The system of claim 203 wherein the schedule contains a list of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, with corresponding:
- (i) price data or information, or both;
(ii) statements or indications, or both, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both;
or (iii) both (i) and (ii).
- (i) price data or information, or both;
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205. The system of claim 199 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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206. The system of claim 201 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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207. The system of claim 202 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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208. The system of claim 203 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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209. The system of claim 204 wherein the schedule additionally includes a reference number.
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210. The system of claim 118 wherein the system employs an architectural software design tool, and wherein the architectural software design tool is a CAD software product.
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211. The system of claim 118 wherein the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, are selected from a group comprising at least one of a window, a door and an acrylic glass block.
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212. The system of claim 118 wherein the add-on computer software code additionally confirms that one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet one or a plurality of criteria of a building code.
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213. The system of claim 199 wherein the system permits a user to place an order to purchase one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in a schedule.
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214. The system of claim 201 wherein the system permits a user to place an order to purchase one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in a schedule.
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215. The system of claim 202 wherein the system permits a user to place an order to purchase one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in a schedule.
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216. The system of claim 203 wherein the system permits a user to place an order to purchase one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in a schedule.
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217. The system of claim 204 wherein the system permits a user to place an order to purchase one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in a schedule.
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218. The system of claim 213 wherein the order may be placed using an Intranet, an Internet, the local or remote computers or consoles, web sites present on the local or remote servers, or any combination thereof.
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219. The system of claim 214 wherein the order may be placed using an Intranet, an Internet, the local or remote computers or consoles, web sites present on the local or remote servers, or any combination thereof.
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220. The system of claim 215 wherein the order may be placed using an Intranet, an Internet, the local or remote computers or consoles, web sites present on the local or remote servers, or any combination thereof.
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221. The system of claim 216 wherein the order may be placed using an Intranet, an Internet, the local or remote computers or consoles, web sites present on the local or remote servers, or any combination thereof.
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222. The system of claim 217 wherein the order may be placed using an Intranet, an Internet, the local or remote computers or consoles, web sites present on the local or remote servers, or any combination thereof.
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223. The system of claim 199 wherein the schedule includes one or two construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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224. The system of claim 199 wherein the schedule includes two or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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225. The system of claim 118 wherein the construction plan drawing includes one or more walls, and wherein one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, automatically align with a wall.
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226. The system of claim 225 wherein the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, automatically auto-embeds itself into the wall.
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227. The system of claim 118 wherein the system employs one or more parametric symbols, and wherein the one or more parametric symbols have one or more corresponding parametric symbol values.
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228. The system of claim 227 wherein the system permits one or more of the parametric symbol values to be modified after a corresponding parametric symbol is inserted into the construction plan drawing.
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229. The system of claim 199 wherein the system permits one or more changes to be made to one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in the schedule.
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230. The system of claim 204 wherein the system permits one or more changes to be made to one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in the schedule.
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231. The system of claim 229 wherein the system can function to automatically edit the schedule to correspond to the changes.
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232. The system of claim 230 wherein the system can function to automatically edit the schedule to correspond to the changes.
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233. The system of claim 120 wherein the add-on computer code runs outside of the software design tool operating as a dynamic link library.
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234. The system of claim 120 wherein the add-on computer code runs outside of the software design tool operating as an executable (.exe).
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235. The system of claim 120 wherein the add-on computer code runs outside of the software design tool operating as an ActiveX.
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236. The system of claim 120 wherein the add-on computer code runs outside of the software design tool operating as a COM object.
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237. The system of claim 118 wherein the system does not use a zip code or geographic location.
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238. The system of claim 118 wherein the system uses a zip code but not a geographic location.
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239. The system of claim 118 wherein the system uses a geographic location but not a zip code.
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240. The system of claim 118 wherein the system uses both a zip code and a geographic location.
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241. The system of claim 118 wherein a price schedule is generated and the price schedule is a Bill of Materials.
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242. The system of claim 118 wherein a price schedule is generated and the price schedule is a Take Off.
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243. The system of claim 118 wherein a price schedule is generated and the price schedule is a spreadsheet.
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244. The system of claim 118 wherein a price schedule or a schedule stating whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, or both, is generated and the system can function to export one or both of the schedules as a standalone object into a database in a form of a computer application or format.
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245. The system of claim 244 wherein the computer application or format is Excel, Word, Plain Text, HTML, XML or PDF, or any combination thereof.
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246. The system of claim 118 wherein a price schedule or a schedule stating whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, or both, is generated and the system can function to edit one or both of the schedules.
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247. The system of claim 118 wherein the price data or information, or both, or the statements or indications as to whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, or both, is present on, or is accessed by, the local server system.
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248. The system of claim 118 wherein the price data or information, or both, or the statements or indications as to whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, or both, is present on, or is accessed by, the remote server system.
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249. The system of claim 118 wherein the price data or information, or both, or the statements or indications as to whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, or both, is present on, or is accessed by, both the local server system and the remote server system.
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250. The system of claim 118 wherein the price data or information, or both, is within an area or region within the zip code.
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251. The system of claim 118 wherein the price data or information, or both, is within an area or region within the geographic location.
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252. The system of claim 118 wherein the price data or information, or both, is within an area or region within the zip code or the geographic location, or both.
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253. The system of claim 118 wherein:
- (i) the system generates a price schedule and the price schedule includes one or a plurality of individual costs for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both;
(ii) the system generates a schedule, and the schedule includes one or a plurality of statements or indications, or both, stating or indicating whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both;
or (iii) or both.
- (i) the system generates a price schedule and the price schedule includes one or a plurality of individual costs for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both;
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254. The system of claim 253 wherein the system generates a price schedule and the price schedule includes one or a plurality of combined costs for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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255. The system of claim 253 wherein the system generates a price schedule and the price schedule includes a total cost for all of the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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256. The system of claim 253 wherein either one or both schedules has an ability to include therein one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both.
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257. The system of claim 253 wherein one or both of the schedules can be used immediately or at a subsequent time or date, or both, on the computer, console, server, dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object, or combination thereof, to place an order to purchase one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in the schedule, or both.
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258. The system of claim 257 wherein one or both schedules can be used immediately on the computer, console, server, dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object, or combination thereof, to place an order to purchase one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols that are present in the schedule, or both.
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259. The system of claim 257 wherein one or both schedules can be used at a subsequent time or date, or both, on the computer, console, server, dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object, or combination thereof, to place an order to purchase one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols that are present in the schedule, or both.
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260. The system of claim 118 wherein the system does not generate a price schedule.
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261. The system of claim 118 wherein the system additionally generates a schedule of one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, selected by a user, wherein the schedule does not include any prices, and wherein the system does not generate any other schedules.
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262. The system of claim 118 wherein the database is formed, maintained or supported, or a combination thereof, by 1stPricing or 1stWindows.
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263. The system of claim 118 wherein the database is not formed, maintained or supported by 1stPricing or 1stWindows.
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264. The system of claim 263 wherein the database may be accessed using a web site.
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265. An automated method for creating one or a plurality of statements or indications, or a combination thereof, for one or a plurality of construction plan elements of a construction project that describes or indicates whether or not the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding schedules comprising:
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(a) providing on a local or remote computer, console or server an architectural, civil or industrial software design tool and a construction plan drawing having one or a plurality of construction plan elements, wherein the construction plan drawing is created with the software design tool; (b) providing on the computer, console or server, or on a dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object; (i) an add-on computer software code that runs as an internal component within the software design tool when executed on the computer, console or server, or outside of the software design tool when executed by the dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object; and (ii) optionally, a palette containing one or a plurality of parametric symbols that correspond with one or more of the construction plan elements, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding parametric symbol values; (c) optionally, selecting one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, or parametric symbols included in the optional palette, for insertion into the construction plan drawing; (d) optionally inserting one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, into the construction plan drawing; (e) using the add-on computer software code and an Intranet connection, an Internet connection, or both, transmitting data, information, or both, corresponding to one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, from the computer, console, server or dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object to a local server system, a remote server system, or both, either directly or via an optional communication module; (f) using the add-on computer software code and an Intranet connection, an Internet connection, or both, accessing data, information, or both, from one or a plurality of databases maintained on, or accessed by, the local server system, the remote server system, or both, stating, indicating, or both, whether or not the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both; and (g) optionally, using the add-on computer software code, creating a schedule from the data, information, or both, wherein the schedule states, indicates, or both, for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both. - View Dependent Claims (266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388)
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389. An automated method for creating for one or a plurality of construction plan elements of a construction project both one or a plurality of prices and one or a plurality of statements or indications, or a combination thereof, that describes or indicates, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding schedules comprising:
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(a) providing on a local or remote computer, console or server an architectural, civil or industrial software design tool and a construction plan drawing having one or a plurality of construction plan elements, wherein the construction plan drawing is created with the software design tool; (b) providing on the local computer, console or server, or on a dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object; (i) an add-on computer software code that runs as an internal component within the software design tool when executed on the computer, console or server, or outside of the software design tool when executed by the dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object; and (ii) optionally, a palette containing one or a plurality of parametric symbols that correspond with the one or more construction plan elements, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding parametric symbol values; (c) optionally, selecting one or a plurality of the construction plan elements, or parametric symbols included in the optional palette, or both, for insertion into the construction plan drawing; (d) optionally, selecting one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbol values, or both, for one or a plurality of the selected parametric symbols; (e) optionally, selecting one or a plurality of types of manufacturers, distributors or other construction plan element providers for one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both; (f) optionally, inserting one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, into the construction plan drawing; (g) using the add-on computer software code and an Intranet connection, an Internet connection, or both, transmitting data, information, or both, corresponding to one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, from the computer, console, server or dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object to a local server system, a remote server system, or both, either directly or via an optional communication module; (h) using the add-on computer software code and an Intranet connection, an Internet connection, or both, and, optionally, a zip code, a geographical location, or a combination thereof, accessing price data, information or both from the local server system, the remote server system, or both, that includes price data, information or both for a purchase of the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, optionally from one or a plurality of available manufacturers, distributors or other construction plan element providers, or any combination thereof, optionally within the zip code or geographical location, or a combination thereof, and using the add-on computer software code and the Intranet connection, the Internet connection, or both, accessing data, information, or both, from the local server system, the remote server system, or both, that states or indicates, or both, whether or not the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both; (i) determining from the price data, information, or both, one or a plurality of prices for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both; and (j) optionally, using the add-on computer software code; (1) generating a price schedule from the prices, wherein the price schedule includes individual or combined costs for the one or plurality of construction plan elements or inserted parametric symbols, or both, a total cost for all of the construction plan elements or inserted parametric symbols, or both, or any combination thereof, wherein the price schedule can optionally include one or a plurality of construction plan elements or inserted parametric symbols, or both, and wherein the price schedule can optionally be used immediately or at a subsequent time or date, or both, on the computer, console, server or dynamic link library, executable (.exe), ActiveX or COM object to place an order to purchase one or a plurality of construction plan elements or inserted parametric symbols, or both, that are present in the price schedule; (2) generating a schedule of statements or indications, or any combination thereof, stating or indicating whether or not the one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or inserted parametric symbols, or both, fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both;
or(3) generating both of the schedules of (1) and (2). - View Dependent Claims (390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539)
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540. An automated system for creating for one or a plurality of construction plan elements of a construction project one or a plurality of statements or indications, or a combination thereof, that describes or indicates, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding schedules comprising:
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(a) one or a plurality of local or remote computers, consoles or servers, or any combination thereof; (b) an architectural, civil or industrial software design tool, wherein the software design tool provides on the computer, console or server a construction plan drawing having at least one construction plan element; (c) one or a plurality of databases including data or information, or both, for the one or more construction plan elements, wherein the data or information, or both, states or indicates, or both, whether or not the one or more construction plan elements meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both; and (d) an add-on computer software code that runs as an internal component within the software design tool on the computer, console or server; wherein the add-on computer software code optionally has a palette that includes one or more parametric symbols that corresponds with the one or more construction plan elements, and that may optionally be selected by a user for insertion into the construction plan drawing; and wherein the add-on computer software code when executed by the computer, console or server; (i) optionally inserts at least one of the parametric symbols that are optionally selected by a user into the construction plan drawing; (ii) transmits data or information, or both, corresponding to the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, from the computer, console or server to the database, either directly or via an optional communication module; (iii) receives from the database for one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, one or a plurality of statements or indication, or both, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, either directly or via an optional communication module; and (iv) optionally generates a schedule from the statements or indications, or both, wherein the schedule includes one or a plurality of statement or indications, or both, for one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, stating or indicating, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements or parametric symbols meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both.
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541. An automated system for creating for one or a plurality of construction plan elements of a construction project both one or a plurality of prices and one or a plurality of statements or indications, or a combination thereof, that describes or indicates, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding schedules comprising:
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(a) one or a plurality of local or remote computers, consoles or servers, or any combination thereof; (b) an architectural, civil or industrial software design tool, wherein the software design tool provides on the computer, console or server a construction plan drawing having one or more construction plan elements; (c) one or more databases for the construction plan elements including pricing data or information, or both, or data or information, or both, stating or indicating whether or not the construction plan elements meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, or a combination thereof; and (d) an add-on computer software code that runs as an internal component within the software design tool on the computer, console or server; wherein the add-on computer software code optionally has a palette that includes one or more parametric symbols that correspond with one or more construction plan elements, and that may optionally be selected by a user for insertion into the construction plan drawing; and wherein the add-on computer software code when executed by the computer, console or server; (i) optionally, inserts at least one of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are optionally selected by a user into the construction plan drawing; (ii) transmits data or information, or both, corresponding to one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, from the computer, console or server to the database; (iii) receives from the database for the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both; (a) a price for the purchase of the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, wherein the price may be determined using price data or information, or both, that is present in the database; and
/or(b) a statement as to whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both; and (iv) optionally, generates; (a) a price schedule from the prices, wherein the price schedule may optionally include one or more costs for the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, or a total cost for all of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, wherein the price schedule can optionally include one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, and wherein the price schedule can optionally be immediately used on the local computer to place an order to purchase one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in the price schedule; (b) a schedule of statements or indications, or both, stating or indicating whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both;
or(c) both the price schedule of (a) and the schedule of (b).
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542. An automated method for creating one or a plurality of statements or indications, or a combination thereof, for one or a plurality of construction plan elements of a construction project that describes or indicates whether or not the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding schedules comprising:
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(a) providing on a local or remote computer, console or server an architectural, civil or industrial software design tool and a construction plan drawing having at least one construction plan element, wherein the construction plan drawing is created with the software design tool; (b) providing on the computer, console or server an add-on computer software code that runs as an internal component within the software design tool, and that optionally includes a palette containing one or more parametric symbols that correspond with one or more construction plan elements, and optionally one or more corresponding parametric symbol values; (c) optionally, selecting one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that is included in the optional palette for insertion into the construction plan drawing; (d) optionally, inserting one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols into the construction plan drawing; (e) using the add-on computer software code, transmitting data or information, or both, corresponding to the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, from the computer, console or server to one or a plurality of databases, either directly or via an optional communication module; (f) using the add-on computer software code, accessing data or information, or both, from the database that includes data or information, or both, for the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, wherein the data or information, or both, states whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both; and (g) optionally, using the add-on computer software code, creating a schedule from the data or information, or both, wherein the schedule states for the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both.
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543. An automated method for creating for one or a plurality of construction plan elements of a construction project both one or a plurality of prices and one or a plurality of statements or indications, or a combination thereof, that describes or indicates, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements fulfill one or a plurality of predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria or requirements, or both, and optionally one or a plurality of corresponding schedules comprising:
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(a) providing on one or a plurality of local or remote computers, servers or consoles, or a combination thereof, an architectural, civil or industrial software design tool and a construction plan drawing having at least one construction plan element, wherein the construction plan drawing is created using the software design tool; (b) providing on the computer, server or console an add-on computer software code that runs as an internal component within the software design tool, and that optionally includes a palette containing one or more parametric symbols corresponding to the one or more construction plan elements, and optionally one or more corresponding parametric symbol values; (c) optionally, selecting one or more of the parametric symbols that is included in the palette for insertion into the construction plan drawing; (d) optionally, selecting one or more parametric symbol values for one or more of the selected parametric symbols; (e) optionally, selecting one or more types of manufacturers, distributors or other construction plan element providers for one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both; (f) optionally, inserting one or more of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, into the construction plan drawing; (g) using the add-on computer software code, transmitting data or information, or both, corresponding to the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, from the one or plurality of computers, consoles or servers to one or a plurality of databases, either directly or via an optional communication module; (h) using the add-on computer software code, accessing price data or information, or both, from the database that includes price data or information, or both, for a purchase of one or a plurality of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols;
or both, and, using the add-on computer software code, accessing data or information, or both, from the database that states or indicates, or both, whether or not the one or plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both;(i) determining from the price data a price for the one or a plurality of construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both; and (j) optionally, using the add-on computer software code when executed by the one or plurality of computers, consoles or servers; (1) creating a price schedule from the prices, wherein the price schedule may optionally include one or more costs or a total cost for all of the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, wherein the price schedule may optionally include one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, and wherein the price schedule may optionally be immediately used on the local computer to place an order to purchase one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, that are present in the price schedule; (2) creating a schedule from the data or information, or both, that states or indicates, or both, whether or not the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both, wherein the schedule states for the one or more construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, whether or not the construction plan elements or parametric symbols, or both, meet predetermined environmental or efficiency criteria, or both;
or(3) creating both the price schedule of (1) and the schedule of (2).
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Specification