Patent Publication Number: US-2023146737-A1

Title: Methods for Selecting, Inspecting and Evaluating Brackets and Their Fastening Configurations in Construction

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to brackets used in construction, and especially to methods for selecting, inspecting, and evaluating brackets and their fastening configurations in building construction. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Construction work requires a vast amount of brackets. A bracket is typically used as an intermediate component for fixing one constructional component to another constructional component. Such assembly of two structural elements, such as beams etc., is normally performed so as to arrange the constructional elements at an angle of 90° relative to each other. Hence, a common bracket is a metal L-shape whereby one side (or flange) of the metal bracket is screwed to the first structural component, and the other side (or flange) of the metal bracket is screwed to the second structural component. 
     There exist a number of different brackets on the market. For example, the present applicant is producing and offering a wide variety of bracket connectors ranging from simple angles, framing anchors, reinforced angle brackets, curtain wall connectors, adjustable angle brackets, nail plate angle brackets, etc. Even further, these brackets are provided in various sizes and gauges to fit with different dimensions and materials of the associated structural elements. To further extend the versatility of the brackets, they are provided with a configuration of fastening holes that can be used differently depending on the requirements of the particular connection. 
     For a specific building project, there is thus an incredible large number of different combinations of structural components, i.e. the supporting member and the supported member, bracket types, bracket sizes, and bracket fastening combinations. 
     Even if the project management for the constructional work to be carried out is careful in deciding which bracket(s) is/are to be used at each connection, there is still a great responsibility on the construction worker to not only select the proper bracket for each bracket connection, but also to select the proper use of the fastening configuration for the bracket. 
     As there is a significant risk that a wrong type of bracket is used, or a wrong type of fastening configuration is used, there is need for improvements in deciding which brackets to use, and in which configuration. This also goes for inspecting and evaluating existing bracket connections, as the load capability of a bracket may be significantly reduced if it is attached in a non-optimal manner. 
     The present invention seeks to eliminate, alleviate, mitigate or reduce at least some of the problems referred to above, by providing improved methods for selecting, inspecting, and evaluating brackets and their fastening configurations in building construction environments. 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method is implemented on a mobile terminal (or device) for deciding on a bracket connection, and comprises i) selecting a specific bracket type, ii) identifying, based on the selected bracket type, at least one configuration of a supported member and a supporting member associated with the selected bracket type, the bracket and the configuration of the supported member and the supporting member together forming a bracket connection, and iii) determining one or more properties of the identified bracket connection. 
     The step of selecting a specific bracket type may be performed by a user scanning a bracket bar code (or QR code or other such coding), by a user inputting a specific bracket ID, such as a bracket article number, and/or by a user recording image data of an existing bracket, and determining the specific bracket type from said image data. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method is implemented on a mobile terminal (or device) for deciding on a bracket connection, and comprises i) selecting a specific configuration of a supported member and a supporting member, ii) identifying, based on the selected configuration of a supported member and a supporting member, at least one bracket type being associated with the configuration of the supported member and the supporting member, the bracket and the configuration of the supported member and the supporting member together forming a bracket connection, and iii) determining one or more properties of the identified bracket connection. 
     The first and second aspects of the present invention may be combined, in which a computer-implemented method is provided. The method is implemented on a mobile terminal (or device) for deciding on a bracket connection, and comprises i) selecting one of a specific bracket type or a specific configuration of a supported member and a supporting member, ii) identifying, based on the selected bracket type if such is selected, at least one configuration of a supported member and a supporting member associated with the selected bracket type, or, based on the selected specific configuration of a supported member and a supporting member if such is selected, at least one bracket type being associated with the configuration of the supported member and the supporting member, the bracket and the configuration of the supported member and the supporting member together forming a bracket connection, and iii) determining one or more properties of the identified bracket connection. 
     The step of selecting a specific configuration of the supported member and the supporting member may be performed by a user recording image data of an existing configuration, and determining the specific configuration from said image data. 
     For each of the aspects mentioned above some preferred embodiments will be described below by way of example only. 
     The methods may comprise presenting said bracket connection properties to a user. 
     The bracket connection properties may comprise a maximum load capability of the bracket connection. 
     The bracket connection properties may comprise a fastening configuration, i.e. the specific number of fasteners to use, and/or in which pattern fasteners are to be used or attached. 
     The methods may further comprise presenting the determined bracket connection to a user. 
     Presenting the determined bracket connection may be performed using augmented reality, adding a graphical model of the identified bracket type to the image of the support members configuration, or adding a graphical model of the support members configuration to the image of the bracket type. 
     The method may further comprise inspecting and evaluating a bracket connection by recording an image of an existing bracket connection, determining the bracket type and support member configuration from said recorded image, the bracket type and support member configuration together forming a determined bracket connection, and determining a possible load capability of the determined bracket connection based on the existing and determined bracket connection. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method is implemented on a mobile terminal (or device)for inspecting and evaluating a bracket connection, and comprises i) recording an image of an existing bracket connection, ii) determining the bracket type and support member configuration from said recorded image, the bracket type and support member configuration together forming a determined bracket connection, and iii) determining a possible load capability of the determined bracket connection based on the determined bracket connection. 
     The method may further comprise presenting information regarding the determined load capability to a user. 
     The method may further comprise comparing the determined possible load capability with a maximum load capability of the bracket connection, and presenting information relating to said comparison to the user. 
     The step of determining the possible load capability of the bracket connection may further be based on additional bracket connection properties. 
     Additional bracket connection properties may comprise the used fastening hole configuration, the type of fasteners used, type of material of the supported member and/or the supporting member, such as orientation of wood fibres in case any of the supporting or supported members are made of wood, type of wood/concrete in case any of the supporting or supported members are made of concrete, actual density of the particular material, moisture content of the supporting or supported members, and/or age of the bracket. 
     The step of determining the possible load capability of the bracket connection may be further based on additional building site properties, such as location and/or air composition. 
     According to a fourth aspect, a data processing apparatus, such as a mobile terminal (or device), is provided. The data processing apparatus comprises a processor adapted to perform the method according to any of the aspects described above. 
     According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer program is provided. The computer program comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer or processor, cause the computer or processor to carry out the method according to any of the aspects described above. 
     According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer or processor, cause the computer or processor to carry out the method according to any of the first, second, or third aspect described above. 
     Other aspects of the present invention and its embodiments are defined by the appended claims and are further explained by way of example only in the detailed description section as well as being illustrated in the drawings. 
     Within the context of this application the term “bracket” should be interpreted broadly to cover all connecting hardware which is intended to connect one structural member to another structural member. Such hardware components, all to fall within the “bracket” definition of this application, can be referred to by various terms such as “connectors”, “ties”, “angles”, etc. when used in building constructions. 
     It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. All terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of a non-limiting example of a communication system in which embodiments of the present invention may be exercised; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic front view of a mobile communication terminal (or device) according to one embodiment, in the form of a smartphone having a touch display; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic block diagram illustrating the basic internal hardware and software layout of a mobile communication terminal according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is an isometric view of a bracket connection; 
         FIGS.  5   a - b    are schematic views of methods according to various embodiments; 
         FIG.  6   a    is a schematic view of a mobile terminal (or device) running a mobile application executing a method according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6   b    is a schematic view of a step of a method according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic view of another method according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic view of a step of a method according to an embodiment; and 
         FIGS.  9   a - r    are screenshots of a mobile application executing different methods according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements. 
     Before turning to a detailed description of the disclosed embodiments of the methods according to the invention, an exemplifying environment in which such embodiments may be exercised will now be briefly described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   . Especially, since the computer-implemented methods according to the invention are preferably executed on a mobile communications terminal (or device), as a mobile application, a telecommunication system will be described as the communication system, as one example only. 
     In  FIG.  1   , a portable electronic device in the form of a mobile communication terminal  100  is part of a cellular telecommunications system. A user  1  of the mobile communication terminal  100  may use different telecommunications services, such as voice calls, Internet browsing, still image transmissions, video transmissions, electronic messaging, etc. Especially, for the methods described herein data transmission would be the required service. 
     The mobile communication terminal  100  may connect to a mobile telecommunication network  110  over a radio link  111  and a base station  112 . The mobile communication terminal  100  and the mobile telecommunication network  110  may comply with any commercially available mobile telecommunication standard, for instance (without limitation) GSM, UMTS, LTE, D-AMPS, CDMA2000, FOMA and TD-SCDMA. Embodiments of the mobile communication terminal  100  will be described in more detail with reference to the following drawings. 
     A public switched telephone network (PSTN)  130  is connected to the mobile telecommunication network  110 . Telephone terminals of PSTN subscribers may connect to the PSTN  130 . In  FIG.  1   , a stationary telephone  131  is indicated as a mere example of this. 
     The mobile telecommunication network  110  is operatively associated with a wide area data network  120 , which may be the Internet or a part thereof. Server computers  121  and client computers  122  may be connected to the wide area data network  120  to allow communication with the mobile terminal  100 . 
     An embodiment  200  of the mobile communication terminal  100  is illustrated in more detail in  FIG.  2   . The mobile communication terminal  200  is of smartphone-type and has a touch-sensitive display screen  202 , or simply a touch display. The touch display  202  provides a graphical user interface GUI,  205 , to a user of the mobile communication terminal  200 . The GUI  205  will allow the user  1  to interact with the mobile application executing the methods that will be explained below with reference to  FIG.  4    and onwards. 
     The internal software and hardware structure of a mobile communication terminal  300 , for instance the mobile communication terminal  200  according to the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2   , will now be described with reference to  FIG.  3   . Software components are indicated within a dash-dotted frame, whereas hardware components are outside of this frame. The mobile communication terminal has a controller  310  being responsible for general device operations. Any commercially available central processing unit (CPU) or digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable electronic logic device such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), may be used to implement the controller  310 . The controller  310  has associated memory  312  which includes a work memory (RAM)  314  and a non-volatile storage memory  316 , for instance in the form of EEPROM, flash memory (e.g. memory card), hard disk, or any combination thereof. The controller  310  uses the memory  312  for different purposes, for instance for storing file objects as well as data and program instructions for the software in the mobile communication terminal. 
     The software includes an operating system core  320  on a lower level, application programs  340 - 346  on an upper level for interaction with the user (of which at least one is programmed to execute the methods of the present invention), and drivers and handlers for the hardware and the application programs on an intermediate level. The intermediate level includes a GUI handler  338  which forms a graphical user interface (such as GUI  205  in  FIG.  2   ) towards the user (such as user  1  in  FIG.  1   ) by controlling the touch display  330  (such as touch display  202  in  FIG.  2   ). 
     An application handler  336  controls the application programs  340 - 346 . The software also includes various modules, protocol stacks, drivers, etc., which are commonly designated as communication handler  332  and which provide communication support for a cellular interface  333  and, optionally, a wireless interface for Bluetooth, WLAN, NFC and/or IrDA (commonly designated as  334  in  FIG.  4   ). The cellular interface  333  comprises an internal or external antenna as well as appropriate radio circuitry for establishing and maintaining a wireless link to a base station (e.g. the link  111  and base station  112  in  FIG.  1   ). The radio circuitry comprises a radio transmitter and receiver (transceiver; TX/RX), formed for instance by band pass filters, amplifiers, mixers, local oscillators, low pass filters, AD/DA converters, etc. 
     Now turning to  FIG.  4   , an example of building construction environment is schematically shown. A bracket  10  is used to rigidly connect a supporting member  20  to a supported member  30 , thereby forming a bracket connection  40 . The bracket  10 , which in this example is an L-shaped angle connector, comprises a first part  12  having a first set of fastening holes  14  and second part  16  having a second set of fastening holes  18 . The first part  12  is connected to the supporting member  20  by screwing one or more screws through the fastening holes  14 , while the second part  16  is connected to the supported member  30  by screwing one or more screws through the fastening holes  18 . 
     The bracket  10  is preferably constructed from a sheet metal, such as stainless steel or similar, and is constructed to provide a robust attachment between the two members  20 ,  30 . The set of fastening holes  14 ,  18  are distributed such that they can be used in different configurations depending on the specifications on the bracket  10  per se, as well as on the specifications on the supporting and supported members  20 ,  30 . 
     Hence, when it is desired to use a specific bracket  10  for connecting a supporting member  20  to a supported member  30  it is important to consider at least the following parameters: bracket type, bracket dimensions, bracket material, material of the supporting member  20 , and material of the supported member  30 . Knowing these parameters, it is possible to determine a required load capability of the bracket connection  40 , as well as the exact use of the fastening holes  14 ,  18  to cope with the required load capability. 
     Yet further, additional parameters may affect the load capability of the bracket connection  40 . Such additional parameters may e.g. be material specifics, such as orientation of wood fibres in case any of the supporting or supported members  20 ,  30  are made of wood, type of wood/concrete (in case any of the supporting or supported members  20 ,  30  are made of concrete), actual density of the particular material (such as wood or concrete), types of fasteners, i.e. specific types of nails or screws, moisture content of the supporting or supported members  20 ,  30 , as well as air composition at the actual building construction site. 
     When facing such complex relationship between load capability and the affecting factors for bracket connections  40  the inventors have surprisingly realized improved methods for not only assist in decision making, but also for allowing inspection and evaluation of existing bracket connections. 
     Starting in  FIG.  5   a   , a computer-implemented method  400  for deciding on a particular bracket connection  40  is schematically shown. The method  400  is preferably performed by a user  1  accessing a dedicated mobile application  340 -  346  on a mobile terminal  200 , whereby the user  1  is allowed to provide user input to the mobile application  200 , and hence to the method  400 , through the GUI  205 . 
     The method  400  comprises a first step  402  of selecting a specific bracket  10 . This step may be performed by the user  1  being prompted to select a specific bracket  10  from a list of available brackets  10 , or e.g. by the user  1  scanning a bracket code, such as a bar code, via the mobile application  340 - 346 . 
     The method  400  further comprises a step  404  of determining one or more associated bracket connections  40  for the selected bracket  10 , and optionally a step  406  of reducing the determined plurality of bracket connections  40  to only one bracket connection  40 . Step  404  may e.g. be performed by the mobile application  340 - 346  accessing a database storing a list of intended bracket connections  40 , i.e. type and configuration of intended supporting and supported members  20 ,  30  for the associated bracket  10 . Hence, step  404  is performed based on the selected bracket  10  from step  402 . Step  406  may be performed by displaying a plurality of available bracket connections  40  to the user through the GUI  205 , and receiving user input to select a single bracket connection  40  from the plurality of bracket connections  40 . Hence, the user  1  may choose the desired bracket connection  40  from a list of available bracket connections  40 , after allowing the method  400  to previously narrow down the selection. 
     Once the desired bracket connection  40  is determined, using the selected bracket  10  as input, the method  400  performs a step  408  of determining an exact fastening configuration for the bracket connection  40 . This step  408  results in a visual representation of which fastening holes  14 ,  18  to use, optionally together with a specific type of fastener. Once the fastening configuration is determined, the method  400  may also calculate, in step  410 , the maximum load capability of the determined bracket connection  40 . 
     In one embodiment step  408  provides alternative fastening configurations for the user to choose between. For example, the user may have the option to choose between a maximum load capability and a minimum load capability for the bracket connection  40 . Each of the available fastening configurations provides a visual representation of which fastening holes  14 ,  18  to use, optionally together with a specific type of fastener, as well as the specific load capability for the determined bracket connection  40 . Typically, a minimum load capability requires a less amount of fasteners than a maximum load capability, and/or a different pattern for the fasteners. 
     Another computer-implemented method  420  for deciding on a particular bracket connection  40  is schematically shown in  FIG.  5   b   . The method  420  is preferably performed by a user  1  accessing a dedicated mobile application  340 -  346  on a mobile terminal  200 , whereby the user  1  is allowed to provide user input to the mobile application  200 , and hence to the method  420 , through the GUI  205 . 
     The method  420  comprises a first step  422  of selecting a specific configuration of the members  20 ,  30  to be connected by means of a bracket  10 . This step may be performed by the user  1  being prompted to select a specific support member configuration  20 ,  30  from a list of available configurations. In a more preferred embodiment, step  422  is performed using capabilities of the mobile terminal  200  as well as dedicated software for augmented reality. This means that the user  1  may, by starting the mobile application  340 - 346 , access the camera of the mobile terminal  200  and film a real and existing configuration of the support members  20 ,  30 . Step  422  is thereby performed by the method  420  automatically identifying and selecting the specific configuration of the members  20 ,  30 . 
     The method  420  further comprises a step  424  of determining one or more associated brackets  10 , and optionally a step  426  of reducing the determined plurality of brackets  10  to only one specific bracket  10  for the identified support member configuration. Step  424  may e.g. be performed by the mobile application  340 - 346  accessing a database storing a list of intended brackets  10 , i.e. type and dimensions, an optionally also material, of the associated bracket  10  that is suitable for the identified and selected support members  20 ,  30 . Hence, step  424  is performed based on the selected configuration of the support members  20 ,  30 . Step  426  may be performed by displaying a plurality of available brackets  10  to the user through the GUI  205 , and receiving user input to select a single bracket  10  from the plurality of brackets  10 . Hence, the user  1  may choose the desired bracket  10  from a list of available brackets  10 , after allowing the method  420  to previously narrow down the selection. 
     Steps  424 ,  426  may also be performed by immediately, once the user  1  is directing the camera at the existing support members  20 ,  30 , suggesting a suitable bracket  10  that may form a bracket connection  40  together with the support members  20 ,  30 . 
     Once the desired bracket  10  is determined, using the selected support member configuration as input, the method  420  performs a step  428  of determining an exact fastening configuration for the determined bracket connection  40 . This step  428  results in a visual representation of which fastening holes  14 ,  18  to use, optionally together with a specific type of fastener. Once the fastening configuration is determined, the method  420  may also calculate, in step  430 , the maximum load capability of the determined bracket connection  40 . 
     As for the method  400  described above, in one embodiment step  428  provides alternative fastening configurations for the user to choose between. For example, the user may have the option to choose between a maximum load capability and a minimum load capability for the bracket connection  40 . Each of the available fastening configurations provides a visual representation of which fastening holes  14 ,  18  to use, optionally together with a specific type of fastener, as well as the specific load capability for the determined bracket connection  40 . Typically, a minimum load capability requires a less amount of fasteners than a maximum load capability, and/or a different pattern for the fasteners. 
     Now turning to  FIG.  6   a   , an example of a mobile application  340  is shown. The view shown in  FIG.  6   a    represents an initial view of the mobile application  340  presented by the GUI  205  of the mobile terminal  200 . The mobile application  340  is configured to execute at least one of the methods  400 ,  420  previously explained. 
     Upon start of the mobile application  340  the user  1  is shown three different input sections  205   a - c . The first input section  205   a  is a camera view, allowing a user to scan an existing bracket  10  and/or support member configuration  20 ,  30 . 
     The second input section  205   b  allows a user  1  to manually type an article number for a bracket  10  to be used. 
     The third input section  205   c  allows the user  1  to browse through a list of available brackets  10 . If a user selects the third input section  205   c , first a list of bracket types is displayed. The bracket types are shown as a list of bracket connection categories, such as “wood on wood” or “wood on concrete”. The category “wood on wood” thus includes all brackets  10  intended to connect a wooden member  20  to another wooden member  30 , while the category “wood on concrete” includes all brackets  10  intended to connect a wooden member  20  to a concrete member  30 . 
     If a user  1  selects a specific connection category, further sub-categories are listed for selection by the user  1 . For example, if a user  1  selects the category “wood on wood” the user  1  if directly prompted to select any of the sub-categories “beam on beam”, “beam on pillar”, “exchange”, or “pillar on beam”. On the other hand, if the user  1  selects the category “wood on concrete”; the user  1  is directly prompted to select any of the sub-categories “beam on concrete”, “pillar on concrete”, or “beam on concrete wall”. 
     After selecting a desired sub-category, corresponding to the intended bracket connection  40  to be formed, the mobile application  340  displays a list of suitable brackets  10 . Typically, this list comprises available brackets  10  of a single type, but in different dimensions depending on the dimensions of the support members  20 ,  30 . Each available bracket  10  has a unique identifier, such as an article number. 
     In  FIG.  6   b    another example of how the mobile application  340  is executing some parts/steps of the methods  400 ,  420  is schematically shown. First, the user  1  is using the camera of the mobile terminal  200  to film an existing situation; this may either be an existing bracket 1, as shown in the upper left of  FIG.  6   b   , or an existing configuration of support members  20 ,  30 , as shown in the upper right of  FIG.  6   b   . 
     By analysing the captured photo/image stream, preferably by means of real-time image processing, the method performs a step of visualizing the existing configuration, i.e. the bracket  10  or the support member  20 ,  30 , in augmented reality. Hence, if the user  1  is filming a bracket  10 , the mobile terminal  200  will display the bracket  10 , as well as the support members  20 ,  30  arranged in their intended position relative the bracket  10 . 
     On the other hand, if the user  1  is filming the support members  20 ,  30 , the mobile terminal  200  will display these support members  20 ,  30 , as well as the bracket  10  arranged in its intended position relative the support members  20 ,  30 . 
     Preferably, the bracket connection  40  is not only shown in terms of bracket type and support member types. Rather, the user  1  is also shown the fastening configuration, i.e. which fastening holes  14 ,  18  should be used for proper attachment of the bracket  10  to the support members  20 ,  30 , and for ensuring that the bracket connection  40  will cope with the required load capabilities. 
     This is preferably done by highlighting the fastening holes  14 ,  18  to be used to the user  1  through the GUI  205 , in an augmented reality view, as is shown in  FIG.  6   b   . In the view shown to the user  1 , only one of the bracket  10  or the support members  20 ,  30  is a recorded existing structure, while the other of the bracket  10  and the support members  20 ,  30 , as well as the nails/screwed for indicating the correct fastening configuration of the bracket connection  40 , are calculated and displayed to the user  1  using augmented reality. In  FIG.  6   b   , the correct fastening configuration is shown by four highlighted fastening holes on each bracket part  12 ,  16 , thereby clearly indicating how to use the bracket  10  correctly for the current support members  20 ,  30 . 
     By providing a complex pattern of fastening holes  14 ,  28  on the bracket  10  the versatility of the bracket  10  is greatly improved as different use of the fastening holes  14 ,  18  will allow the bracket  10  to be properly used for several different support members  20 ,  30 . In combination with the methods  400 ,  420 , allowing a user  1  to immediately realize the correct use of the bracket  10  for the support members  20 ,  30 , improved handling of the bracket  10  is ensured which so far has not been available, nor suggested. 
     In  FIG.  7    another computer-implemented method  440  is shown, performed for inspecting and/or evaluating an existing bracket connection  40 . This method  440  is preferably performed when someone is interested in a specific building construction site, either for checking that the bracket connections  40  are properly installed, or for evaluating the load capabilities of the building structures. Method  440  may be performed in combination with methods  400 ,  420  previously described. 
     As for the previous methods  400 ,  420 , the method  440  is preferably performed by a user  1  accessing a dedicated mobile application  340 - 346  on a mobile terminal  200 , whereby the user  1  is allowed to provide user input to the mobile application  200 , and hence to the method  440 , through the GUI  205 . 
     An initial step  442  is performed by the user accessing the mobile application  340 - 346 , and filming an existing bracket connection  40 . From the captured image data of the bracket connection  40  the method proceeds by performing a step  444  of determining the bracket  10  properties, as well as properties of the support members  20 ,  30  of the existing bracket connection  40 . 
     Optionally, the method  440  performs an additional step  446  of determining additional properties of the bracket connection  40 , not necessarily being linked to the particular bracket connection  40  but rather to building site properties. 
     Bracket properties, determined by performing step  444 , may e.g. comprise the exact type of bracket  10  (preferably identifying the exact ID or article number of the used bracket  10 ), or a plurality of bracket properties such as dimensions, thickness, as well as other structural features which together allows the method  440  to actually determine the exact bracket ID/article number. 
     Support member properties  20 ,  30  may comprise dimensions of the support members  20 ,  30 , but also other material properties such as support member material, the orientation of the wood fibres (in case of wooden material), the type of wood, moisture content, and/or the density of that specific type of wood (e.g. the density of pine may vary widely), etc. These support member properties are preferably determined by image processing of the recorded image data. 
     Yet further, in step  444  further bracket connection properties are determined, such as the type of nails/screws used, and the number and position of the actual nails/screws used. 
     Additional bracket connection properties, determined by performing step  446 , may e.g. comprise GPS coordinates (accessible from the mobile terminal executing the method  440 ), which can be used to determine e.g. saline content in the air from accessible look-up tables, or other properties that may affect the load capability of the bracket connection  40 . 
     In a following step  448 , the method  440  determines the maximum load capability of the bracket connection  40 . This may be performed by determining a theoretically maximum load capability of the bracket  10 , when used in an optimum configuration, and applying reduction factors based on the determined properties of the bracket itself, the support members, and other relevant properties. In other embodiments, the theoretically maximum load capability is determined based on the current fastening hole configuration of the bracket connection, and reduction factors are applied for the remaining properties being determined. 
     Hence, for a specific bracket there may be several maximum load capabilities stored, each load capability corresponding to a particular fastening hole configuration. 
     In a subsequent step  450  the method compares the determined load capability of the bracket connection with a desired load capability, which may correspond to the maximum load capability of the bracket connection. 
     In a final step  452  the method presents a result from the comparison to the user  1 , thereby indicating if there is an issue with the bracket connection or not. 
     In  FIG.  8    an example of the performance of the method  440  is shown. Here, a view is shown where a user  1  has recorded an image/film of an existing bracket connection  40 . By analysing the captured image data, the method  440  presents the bracket connection  40  to the user  1 , either as a direct visualization on the display of the existing bracket connection, or as a fetched image illustrating a similar bracket connection  40  more schematically. 
     Moreover, the user  1  is presented with information, as also is shown in  FIG.  8   . Such information may e.g. be the maximum possible load of the existing bracket connection  40 , calculated from the identified bracket type, the identified support members  20 ,  30 , as well as the identified bracket connection properties (including the fastening hole configuration, type of screws/nails/bolts) and optionally also the building site properties (e.g. gathered by analysing the GPS coordinates of the bracket connection  40 , and relevant properties for that particular position such as saline content in the air, temperature, humidity, etc.). 
     In the shown example, the F1/F3 loads are shown as 420/180. The user  1  is also presented with information relating to the maximum allowable load for that particular bracket connection  40 , when mounted in the correct and optimum manner. In the shown example, the maximum allowable load is given as 800/300, i.e. the maximum F1/F3 loads. 
     Optionally, the method allows a user  1  to view bracket connection details, the link indicated by the underlined “BRACKET CONNECTION DETAILS” in  FIG.  8   . By following that link, the user  1  access a list/information regarding the identified bracket connection properties. 
     The method  440  thereby allows a user to input an existing bracket connection  40  by recording an image or image stream containing that bracket information, and the method  440  provides the user  1  with immediate information regarding the actual properties of that particular bracket connection. 
     The inventors have realized that by providing an indication of the maximum possible load, a measure is given relating to if the bracket connection  40  is safe, or if some reinforcement action is needed. 
     Hence, the load capability of a given bracket connection  40  is given as a function of a number of parameters. In its most simple form, the load capability is a function of bracket type, supporting member type, and supported member type. This load capability, in its most simple form, would correspond to manufacture specifications of that particular bracket connection. However, in many cases the bracket  10  is mounted to the support members  20 ,  30  in a manner which is far from ideal. For example, the wrong type of fasteners is used, and/or used in a faulty pattern using the fastening holes of the bracket. 
     The load capability is therefore preferably calculated as a function not only depending on the bracket type and support member types, but also on the type of fastener used and in which fastening configuration. By adding fastener type and fastening configuration to the equation, a reduction factor of the maximum load capability is provided which his calculated and provided to the user  1 . The identification of the type of fastener may be obtained using OCR, QR-code reader, reflexion from the specific type of coating or coating otherwise providing an identification. In particular, in situations where nails are used as fasteners, the length is impossible determine afterwards without damage to the wood or connection in general due to the rough surface of the nails e.g. an annular ring shank. 
     Even further, the method may identify additional bracket connection properties as explained above, which either alone or in combination provide an additional reduction factor for the possible maximum load capability of the bracket connection. 
     Other benefits are also obtained by performing the above described methods  400 ,  420 ,  440 . One particular advantage relates to traceability of existing bracket connection  40 . For example, when an inspector or auditor is auditing a building construction site the traceability of each product used (i.e. bracket connection  40 ) may be performed. If a bracket  10  is equipped with a barcode or stamp or other identification the origin of the material, batch number, place of manufacturing may be retrieved by the method fetching bracket information. In this way it is e.g. possible for a user to access such bracket information, and thereby immediately get a measure of manufacturing details, such as e.g. carbon footprint. A bracket manufacturer may thus provide traceability of their products. For example, a lower carbon footprint may be assigned to an existing bracket  10  if it is determined that the construction site for the particular bracket is in Europe, and that the bracket has in fact been manufactured in Europe. Should the bracket  10  have been manufactured in e.g. China, a higher carbon footprint would need to be assigned. 
     The above description provides improved methods for deciding on bracket connections  40 , as well as methods for inspecting and evaluating existing bracket connections  40 . Preferably, the methods are performed on a mobile terminal allowing augmented reality to enhance the user experience, and to provide additional information for the user  1  in order to provide for decision making and inspection and evaluation of bracket connections. Hardware components for augmented reality would typically comprise a processor, display, sensors and input devices, already present in modern mobile terminals  200 , as well as a camera and optionally microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors such as an accelerometer, and GPS. 
     Further to the hardware components, the methods  400 ,  420 ,  440 , when executed by a mobile terminal  200 , require some software dedicated to image processing and augmented reality. Such software is preferably configured to derive real world coordinates, independent of camera, and camera images by image registration processing, and using different methods of computer vision, mostly related to video tracking. 
     Now turning to  FIGS.  9   a - r   , different screenshots of a mobile application executing different methods/method steps according to various embodiments are shown. 
     In  FIG.  9   a   , the user  1  is allowed to film an existing environment to identify a bracket  10 , or to type or browse for brackets  10 . In  FIG.  9   b   , a bracket  10  of type AB 105  is selected, whereby the method displays details of the bracket  10  and its intended use (i.e. how it should be used with support members  20 ,  30 ). 
       FIG.  9   b    shows another view, where a user  1  has requested details for bracket type ABR 9020 . The view displays the particular fastening hole configuration for a minimum load capability. As can be seen in  FIG.  9   d   , the view of the bracket  10  and its associated support member is 3D supported, making it possible to rotate the view for better understanding. 
     In  FIG.  9   e   , the user  1  has select to view the fastening hole configuration for maximum load capability of the bracket connection. In  FIG.  9   f   , the view of the bracket connections has been rotated. 
       FIGS.  9   g - i    show screenshots of the augmented reality support. The method identifies a support structure, such as the corner shown in  FIG.  9   g   , and determines the bracket position from the image data. Once the user  1  accepts the position of the bracket  10 , the method further provides an augmented view as shown in  FIGS.  9   j - l   .  FIG.  9   j    shows the selected bracket in its minimum load configuration, while  FIG.  9   k    shows the selected bracket in its maximum load configuration. In  FIG.  9   l   , a photo has been taken and stored on the mobile terminal.  FIG.  9   m    shows a confirmation that the photo has been stored. 
       FIG.  9   n    shows another stored image of an augmented reality view of a computer generated bracket in a real-world environment. 
       FIGS.  9   o - q    show screenshots of how brackets are browsed in the mobile application, and  FIG.  9   r    shows a screenshot when a particular bracket has been selected. Upon such selection, further details of the bracket are presented to the user, and also a 3D model in the upper field of the GUI. 
     The invention has been described above in detail with reference to embodiments thereof. However, as is readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments are equally possible within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.