Abstract:
A system for managing a development project for a customer includes at least one database having data, and allows the customer to select at least one selected product from at least one of the databases, and provides for viewing at least one selected product. The system allows customer to manage a project through a website and determine how various changes to the project will affect cost, time and other variables. The system can also allow customer to collaborate on a development project with installers, architects and other workers. The system allows customer to match a product to particular requirements. A kiosk system allows customer to view various products within the store, make selections through the kiosk and, potentially, match product to a particular requirement.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority and benefit of Provisional Application Serial No. 60/259,491 filed Jan. 3, 2001 which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Technical Field  
           [0003]    This invention relates to automation of construction and decoration projects and, more particularly, to improvement therefor.  
           [0004]    2. Background Art  
           [0005]    The advent of worldwide web or internet has revolutionized and automated many aspects of our lives. For example, orders for stocks can be placed over the internet, clothing and wares can be purchased without leaving home, and wealth of information and news can be instantaneously downloaded to one&#39;s computer. However, some aspects of everyday life have remained painfully time-consuming and logistically frustrating. For example, selection of wallpaper, paint, flooring and/or appliances for either a new construction or a redecoration project is a long and highly labor-intensive process. To date, there are a number of unresolved problems and drawbacks to the process.  
           [0006]    During a construction or a structural remodeling phase, coordinating between the architect, homeowner, contractor, subcontractors, painters, and interior decorators is a hassle, at best. It takes weeks and months to determine cost and schedule of a project. The problem becomes exacerbated if and when the customer wants to make a change. Informing everyone involved that a change has taken place can be a daunting task. However, getting feedback from contractor and subcontractors regarding cost and scheduling changes as a result of the change in the plans can seem an absolutely impossible undertaking. Furthermore, even cost estimates received from contractors may not include material price changes for items, such as flooring, paint, wallpaper and so forth. Currently, the effort requires multiple phone calls and faxes among all the involved parties.  
           [0007]    Selection of finishing materials, and more importantly, coordination thereof can take what seems an eternity and often does not yield the desired results. For example, selecting paint colors still requires a trip to a store and a small, if any, sample of color. That does not always reflect how the room will look when a much larger surface area, such as a wall, will be painted. Furthermore, once a selection of paint is made, the small sample will have to be taken to a flooring supply store, tile store, appliance store, to ensure that all colors are matched and properly coordinated. Coordinating color of a new or existing appliance is especially difficult since color swatches for appliances do not exist and the appliance itself is not generally portable.  
           [0008]    One of the worst experiences one will probably encounter is selecting wallpaper. Typically, a store will have dozens of books with samples (pages) of different wallpaper secured therein. Customers will have to go through each book to determine what type and general style of paper they like. Once the customer narrows down to a certain number of books, she/he will have to go through each book to select several choices of wallpaper. One problem that arises is that many stores loan these books to customers. Thus, the store could be missing quite a number of books at any one time, precluding other customers from seeing all the books. Another problem is that some customers cut out samples of paper they want, eliminating these samples from being further selected by others. However, even if the book is available, it is difficult to predict and visualize how the paper will look on the wall with particular lighting. The sample books themselves are quite heavy and difficult to transport. They are clumsy and impossible to view in place at more than arms length.  
           [0009]    From the standpoint of a store owner, the store must first purchase these dozens of wallpaper books, each of which can be very costly, maintain these books in somewhat of an order within the store, and provide valuable and often expensive floor space for storing these books. Additionally, the store must frequently replace the books if pages have been damaged or entirely ripped out. Furthermore, the store owner must track which books have been loaned and, at least, attempt to secure timely return of the loaned books.  
           [0010]    From the standpoint of a wallpaper manufacturer, the sample books represent a significant investment. Patterns that prove to be unpopular, still must be inventoried and have the same cost structure as the most popular styles. Many of the most popular designs do not receive sufficient exposure since it is likely that the most popular selections are ripped out with the most frequency or are more often taken home by a customer. Also, the manufacturer does not obtain accurate feedback regarding what models are most popular since it is not known how long ago these models of the wallpaper have been missing from the book.  
           [0011]    Another drawback to the existing process is that even if the owner chooses to undertake repainting, expansion or any other construction or redecoration project that requires matching of the existing colors to new colors in a number of years after the initial project, no one usually remembers or has samples of the existing colors. Therefore, matching the older versions of selections becomes nearly impossible.  
           [0012]    Therefore, it would be desirable to improve and simplify the process of coordinating a construction project and/or a redecoration project.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0013]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for managing a development project for a customer includes at least one database having data, means for allowing the customer to select at least one selected product from at least one of the databases, and means for viewing said at least one selected product. The system allows customer to manage a project through a website and determine how various changes to the project will affect cost, time and other variables.  
           [0014]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, a system for collaborating on a development project for a customer includes means for generating a personal file for the customer, means for providing repeated access to the customer, means for allowing the customer to allow access to other users, at least one database having data, and at least one interactive module allowing the customer to interact with at least one of the databases to make product selections and to allow the customer access to schedule of the other users. The system allows customer to collaborate on a development project with installers, architects and other workers.  
           [0015]    According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a system for generating large scale graphics includes at least one database having data regarding various products, means for selecting at least one product from at least one of the databases, and a printing unit for printing the product as a large scale graphic on self adhesive sheet material for subsequent application. The system allows printing of proofs as well as replacement pieces of wallpaper and other wallcoverings that do not require large quantities, such as borders and trim.  
           [0016]    According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a kiosk system for selecting a product in a store includes means for generating a personal file for a customer, at least one database having data regarding to various products, means for allowing to select at least one selected product from at least one of the databases, and means for viewing at least one selected product. The system allows customer to view various products within the store, make selections through the kiosk and, potentially, match product to a particular requirement.  
           [0017]    According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a system for matching at least one product includes at least one database having data regarding various products, means for allowing the customer to match and select at least one matched product from at least one of the databases to match a particular color, and means for printing at least one matched graphic. The system allows customer to match a product to particular requirements.  
           [0018]    The foregoing and other advantages of the present invention become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for managing a development project for a customer, according to the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a sheet material generated through use of the system of FIG. 1 to be placed onto a wall;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a decorator&#39;s module utilizing the system of FIG. 1; and  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram of a method for coordinating and managing a development project for a customer using the system of FIG. 1. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    A system  10  for managing a development project includes a dedicated website  12  accessible via world wide web or internet. The website  12  includes a plurality of personal files  14 , one for each customer for a project. Each personal file  14  is set up for the purpose of including project data and/or information. The customer has a customer identification password or number. The system  10  also includes at least one database  16 . The databases include data and lists, including samples, of wallpaper, paint colors, appliance style and colors, floor coverings, draperies, blinds and accessories as well as construction variables such as: windows, doors, trim, lumber variety, lighting fixtures and many other elements. The databases  16  may also include cost and delivery information regarding each item.  
         [0024]    The system  10  also includes one or more application modules  20  for performing various functions, applications and/or operations. One such application has capabilities for providing immediate cost estimates once selection is made and dimensions are either input or obtained from the existing file. A further application includes scheduling estimates for the project and in the event of a construction design change once work has commenced. Another application includes a heuristic suggestion algorithm that is continually refined based on the responses of the users. A further application is a coordination algorithm that keeps track of selections that were already made. Additional applications can be also implemented to aid the process of managing and coordinating a project.  
         [0025]    The system  10  may further include at least one interactive module  22  that allows the master customer to fill out a profile, on-line, regarding demographic information, financial constraints, and other personnel preferences, such as overall style preference, color preference and others. Based on the input information, the interactive module provides a list of suitable choices, selections or suggestions. The interactive module  22  may also include scheduling information regarding each of the contractors, such as access to the contractors&#39; individual calendars.  
         [0026]    The system  10  may also include at least one archive module  24  that stores previous data regarding the customer, project or other information. Thus, if the master customer had previously purchased paint, wallpaper, appliances or has made any other choices, these previous selections are factored into a suggestion list that is subsequently presented to the customer. The customer could then narrow down the selection to several choices.  
         [0027]    The system  10  also includes a printer unit  26  that has a printer with sheet or roll material  30 . The material  30  includes a top printable layer or substrate  32 , and possibly, a removable backing sheet  34  with an adhesive layer  36  sandwiched therebetween, as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, a light tack adhesive can be used, either pre-applied to the substrate or applied to the back of the material at the time of printing. The printing unit  26  has the capability of carefully matching color to the actual wallpaper manufacturer&#39;s design. The printing unit also has capability of simulating texture or at least printing on a variety of textured materials. Once the customer has made at least one selection, he/she would print out the selected sample on the printer unit  26 . The sample can be printed in a large form on the sheet or roll material. Once the printer completes printing one or more samples, the customer can bring those samples home and, if desired, adhere the sample wallpaper or large scale paint color swatch onto a wall  40 .  
         [0028]    The customer does not need to save the samples for future reference, since this system has the capability of archiving the selection for future reference.  
         [0029]    The system may also include a plurality of help modules  42  and complimentary product modules  44 . Once a customer has made a selection of a certain product, such as wallpaper, the help module  42  will post a checklist of required tools and accessories needed for the customer to complete the project on his own. The complimentary product module  44  will provide a list of contractors and/or wallpaper professionals for the demographic area of the customer and other complimentary lists. Since the system  1 o understands the exact dimensions of the specific job, cost estimating for the installation labor can be performed remotely at this time. The job can even be scheduled remotely as the system ties in with the calendars of all the listed installers.  
         [0030]    The customer also has an option of providing various forms of access to other users. For example, there may be authorized and/or privileged users, each type having varying degrees of access. Privileged users have the ability to access the data and introduce changes thereto. Authorized users will be able to obtain information and data without the ability to make changes.  
         [0031]    According to a feature of the present invention, a decorator&#39;s module  50  is available for interior decorators and design consultants. The decorator&#39;s module  50  includes a laptop computer  52  and a digital camera  54 , as shown in FIG. 3. Each room of a customer&#39;s house can be photographed with the digital camera  54 . The digitized image can be viewed on the laptop  52 . Once the decorator suggests or a customer makes selection of paint, wallpaper, trim color, wall coverings, curtains and other accessories, these selections can be displayed in the digitized room. The selections can be colored over the customer&#39;s room and coordinated therein. The decorator&#39;s module  50  would be connected to the dedicated website via the internet connection or incorporate the system  10  either entirely or partially. The customer will have an opportunity to view on the computer the selection that he or she has made and how it would look in the room. The resulting sample room view can also be printed for future reference.  
         [0032]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the access to the site could be available through a store kiosk  60 , as best seen in FIG. 1. The kiosk, or a stand-alone computer, that communicates with the website can be placed in a store for the customers to have access to their data while they are actually shopping. An independent kiosk can be used in a store setting. The independent kiosk would contain and include interior decorating products and tips in the database of each manufacturer. The kiosk could also incorporate the system described herein either partially or entirely. The kiosks could be also used to display various advertisements or information during idle time tied in with the specific products of interest or general advertising for local or national advertising campaigns.  
         [0033]    In operation, a customer accesses world wide web site  12 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and indicated by numeral  70  in FIG. 4. Subsequent to customer accessing the site  12 , the system  10  would check through its archived files and modules  24  whether the customer is a repeat customer, as indicated by numeral  72  in FIG. 4. If the customer is a repeat customer, then the system  10  would retrieve archived data regarding the customer, as indicated by  74 . Subsequently, the system would prompt the customer to verify that the archived information is still valid, as indicated by  76 . If the customer indicates that the archived information is no longer valid, the system will prompt the customer to update the necessary information, as indicated by  78 . Such information can be used for subsequent target marketing.  
         [0034]    If the customer is a new customer, a new customer file  14  is created on the website, as indicated by  80 . The file is accessible from anywhere through a connection to the world wide web. A customer password is generated for the customer, as shown by  82 . The customer password allows the customer to repeatedly access his/her personal file. The customer password also allows the customer to grant access to other types of users, such as privileged and/or authorized users, as indicated by  84 . The privileged users have the ability to repeatedly access the file and also modify the data. For example, a privileged user may be an architect whose input would include a set of architectural drawings. The architect, as a privileged user, will have the capability to change the drawings and/or introduce other information to the personal file.  
         [0035]    Either customer or privileged user will input information and data regarding exact dimensions and parameters of any project, including construction of a house or other structure, as indicated by  86 . The exact dimensions of every room can be input for subsequent calculation of material and labor required to finish that room or any other particular space. The dimensions will enable the software to provide material and labor cost information in broken down format, such as costs of lumber, paint or wallpaper and cost of labor therefor.  
         [0036]    An authorized user, such as a contractor, who will be responsible for building the project to the architectural plans, will have limited access. The authorized user may be able to post notes and progress reports as well as estimates for the customer to access. The authorized user would also be able to obtain the necessary information from the website, without capability of changing or modifying the data in the file. Other authorized users, such as flooring, painting and decorating professionals, may be given limited access to the personal file to obtain information and data therefrom.  
         [0037]    In the event that a customer or architect introduces a change to the initial plans, the system  10  would provide them with feedback regarding changes in the schedule, and labor and material costs as a result of the change to the original plans. The system would access the databases  16  to obtain cost of the material, use one of the application modules  20  to do calculations, and gather information from the personal file  14  regarding the size of the room to recalculate the cost of the change. Databases  16  are maintained current providing a direct link back to product manufacturers. The customer would have ability of substituting various minor materials such as wallpaper or paint into the program or major alterations such as wall locations, addition of windows, altering cabinet locations with the system providing cost and schedule estimates for various choices the customer would make.  
         [0038]    Thus, once the customer has input all the information and/or updated the existing information, the customer will have an opportunity to interact with the web site  12  and manipulate data in numerous ways, as indicated by  88 . One goal of the present invention is to provide an improved method for a customer to select products such as wallpaper, paint colors, draperies and accessories, blinds, appliances and other items necessary to complete a decoration or construction project, as indicated by go. Therefore, customer could access one of the systems databases  16  that includes samples of the necessary product. For example, if customer needs to select wallpaper, the system  10 , using its heuristic algorithm and the interactive module  22 , would prompt the customer to answer a number of questions, therefore, limiting and focusing selection of wallpapers that the system  10  would present to the customer. Once a certain selection is presented to the customer, the customer could select several choices from the given sample list.  
         [0039]    Once the choices are made, the customer could print one or more samples on the printer, as indicated by  92 . The printer has capabilities of matching color and texture of the chosen wallpaper or other products. The sample is printed on a generous piece of material that can be brought home. The high quality printer can be located in a store or a central location. The customer can print a sample in a store and bring the sample home. Alternatively, the customer can request the sample to be printed for him/her either at the store or central location (such as a website administrator) and then mailed to the customer. Once at home, the paint or wallpaper sample can be applied to the wall, or printed carpet, tile, vinyl, laminate, or simulated wood sample could be applied to the floor for evaluation in a home setting, as shown in FIG. 2. The generous self-adhesive sample would allow the customer to make a better decision regarding his/her selection under real conditions. If a customer does have a printer, the samples can be printed by the customer at home.  
         [0040]    Additionally, based on what particular product the customer is interested in, the help module  42  could provide the customer with a list of decorating tips or helpful suggestions, as indicated by  94 . Also, the complimentary products module  44 , based on customer selection, could provide the customer with complimentary products and a checklist of required tools and accessories or names of contractors that are skilled to install the chosen products, as indicated by  96 .  
         [0041]    Furthermore, as discussed above, the customer can obtain cost estimates and change in schedules, as indicated by  98 ,  100 .  
         [0042]    The kiosk option could be placed in any wallpaper or paint or other types of store and be connected to the website  12 . If the kiosk  60  is connected to the website  12 , the customer could access his/her personal data through the kiosk  60  and the website  12 . For example, if the customer is in a store and does not remember exact dimensions, the customer could access the website  12  to obtain the dimensions and other necessary information through the kiosk. However, the kiosk  60  could be a stand-alone unit that includes databases with certain products and incorporates most or all features located on the website  12 . The kiosk  60  located in various stores could also include advertisements during idle time. For example, if the kiosk is not being used by the customer, the retailer may choose to run certain advertisements thereon.  
         [0043]    The system of the present invention has many benefits to customers, contractors, and product manufacturers. The main benefit of the system to the customer is that it improves and streamlines selection process of products for a construction or redecoration project. The system eliminates the need of going back and forth between various stores and home and allows for easy color/style matching. The system also eliminates the need for bringing bulky wallpaper books home. The customers could also place orders from home without the need of making multiple trips to the store. Additionally, the customer has reasonable sized samples that can be either retained or thrown away. Some graphics, such as wall borders can be printed and retained. Additionally, if a portion of wallpaper has been damaged, customer may print the needed amount of wallpaper to replace the damaged portion. The sample size and ability of the sample to be secured to the wall allows customers to get a better idea of how the final product would look in his/her environment. Furthermore, the selection profile would remain with the website for future purchases. The system could also serve as a fine art proofer for samples and actual fine art reproductions or gicl&#39;ees.  
         [0044]    The benefits to the retailer are also great. First, it eliminates the need for keeping wallpaper books in the store and multiple samples of other products. Elimination of maintaining wallpaper books in the store and multiple samples of other products allows the retailer to free up valuable floor space in the store. Furthermore, elimination of wallpaper books and multiple samples saves significant amount of money for the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer. The system  10  also eliminates the need to keep the wallpaper book library current, the need to track books that have been loaned, and the need to replace the books that have not been returned. Furthermore, the system of the present invention offers the retailer a unique opportunity for marketing. The shop name can be printed on each of the proof samples, therefore, keeping the shop name and phone number in front of the customer. Second, the shop can supply through its help and complimentary modules  42 ,  44  offers and suggestions regarding its other products and/or affiliated installers. The retailer also has access to database of customer profiles, thereby enabling the retailer to cater to specific customer needs. This affords the retailer with a target marketing opportunity only available up to now over the Internet. The Internet excels in target marketing where an offer is made to a specific customer based on his browsing trail interest. Now, for the first time, a retailer has the same target marketing opportunity. Promotions at retail can now be designed and tailored to a single person—“That wallpaper is nice, but this similar design by another manufacturer is better quality at a lower price . . . The paint that matches that wallpaper is on sale if you order it at the same time . . . If you carpet only one additional room, installation will be free, today only . . . The matching wallpaper border is 50% off with the order . . . Customers like you have decorated like this” to name just a few.  
         [0045]    The benefits to manufacturers of products are also many. For example, for manufacturers of wallpaper products, the need to produce and maintain many of the sample books is eliminated. With sample selection being accessed through the web, the manufacturers do not have to concern themselves with certain wallpaper samples being missing from the book and, therefore, not getting the proper exposure. The wallpaper manufacturers can also obtain real time, critical point of purchase data on which products are most successful never before available to them.  
         [0046]    While the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, that various modifications to this invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although for clarity references are made to archive modules, help modules, complimentary modules, interactive modules, and application modules, these functions do not need to be segregated and can be operating jointly. It is within the scope of the present invention that equivalent functionality can be implemented using a variety of software and firmware techniques that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, various combinations of various features described herein can be combined into a system.