Method and apparatus for designing and editing a distribution system for a building

Claim 3

A computer readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a sprinkler system for a building or a portion of a building having building elements, the sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler system elements, wherein the computer designs the sprinkler system by performing steps comprising: prompting a user to provide information comprising a design area for the sprinkler system and a requirement of a standard related to at least one sprinkler system element; receiving from the user information comprising the design area and the requirement of the standard related to the at least one sprinkler system element; accessing from a memory operational characteristics for at least one of the sprinkler system elements; accessing from the memory the requirement of the standard received from the user; designing a layout for the sprinkler system within the design area, in a manner mandated by the requirement of the standard, and to avoid intersecting with the building elements; and displaying on a computer display the layout for the fire extinguishing system.

Claim 4

A computer readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a sprinkler system for a building or a portion of a building having building elements, the sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler system elements, wherein the computer designs the sprinkler system by performing steps comprising: prompting a user to provide information comprising a design area for the sprinkler system and a requirement of a standard related to at least one sprinkler system element; receiving from the user information comprising the design area and the requirement of the standard related to the at least one sprinkler system element; accessing from a memory operational characteristics for at least one of the sprinkler system elements; accessing from the memory the requirement of the standard received from the user; designing a layout for the sprinkler system within the design area, in a manner mandated by the requirement of the standard, and to avoid intersecting with the building elements; and displaying on a computer display the layout for the fire extinguishing system.

Claim 5

The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein receiving from the user information comprising the design area comprises receiving information on the location and dimensions of building elements for the building.

Claim 6

The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the computer executable code further instructs the computer to perform the step of optimizing the sprinkler system element.

Claim 7

The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the requirement of the standard related to the at least one sprinkler system element comprises a coverage area for the at least one sprinkler system element.

Claim 8

The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the requirement of the standard comprises a minimum spacing of sprinkler system elements.

Claim 9

The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the design area for the sprinkler system is received from the user via a mouse pointer.

Claim 10

The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the requirement of the standard related to the at least one sprinkler system element is received from the user via a dialog box.

Claim 11

The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the requirement of the standard is from an industry guideline.

Claim 12

The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the information provided by the user further comprises elevation information for at least one sprinkler system element.

Claim 13

A computer-readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler system elements comprising sprinkler heads for a building or a portion of a building having building elements by performing steps comprising: providing at least one user interface for enabling a user to indicate design criteria information comprising a design area for the sprinkler system and a coverage area for each of the sprinkler heads; receiving through the at least one user interface the design criteria information indicated by the user including a requirement corresponding to a coverage area for each of the sprinkler heads; storing the design criteria in a memory; retrieving from at least a the memory operational characteristics of at least one of the sprinkler system elements; retrieving from at least the memory the design criteria information; designing a layout for the sprinkler system in accordance with the design criteria information indicated by the user; displaying on a computer display the layout of the sprinkler system including the sprinkler system elements; providing an editing interface to enable the user to edit at least one of the sprinkler system elements, wherein enabling the user to edit the at least one of the sprinkler system elements comprises: (i) enabling the user to indicate at least one modification to the layout; and (ii) wherein, if the user indicates at least one modification to the layout, the computer executable code instructs the computer to perform the steps comprising, designing an edited layout of the sprinkler system incorporating the at least one modification indicated by the user, and displaying on a computer display the edited layout of the sprinkler system.

Claim 14

A computer-readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler system elements comprising sprinkler heads for a building or a portion of a building having building elements by performing steps comprising: providing at least one user interface for enabling a user to indicate design criteria information comprising a design area for the sprinkler system and a coverage area for each of the sprinkler heads; receiving through the at least one user interface the design criteria information indicated by the user including a requirement corresponding to a coverage area for each of the sprinkler heads; storing the design criteria in a memory; retrieving from at least a the memory operational characteristics of at least one of the sprinkler system elements; retrieving from at least the memory the design criteria information; designing a layout for the sprinkler system in accordance with the design criteria information indicated by the user; displaying on a computer display the layout of the sprinkler system including the sprinkler system elements; providing an editing interface to enable the user to edit at least one of the sprinkler system elements, wherein enabling the user to edit the at least one of the sprinkler system elements comprises: (i) enabling the user to indicate at least one modification to the layout; and (ii) wherein, if the user indicates at least one modification to the layout, the computer executable code instructs the computer to perform the steps comprising, designing an edited layout of the sprinkler system incorporating the at least one modification indicated by the user, and displaying on a computer display the edited layout of the sprinkler system.

Claim 15

The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 wherein the computer executable code is further enabled to cause a device in communication with the computer to generate a hard copy of the layout for the sprinkler system.

Claim 16

The computer readable storage medium of claim 11 wherein the building elements comprise columns and walls.

Claim 17

The computer readable storage medium of claim 11 wherein the computer executable code further instructs the computer to perform the further step of optimizing any one of the sprinkler system elements.

Claim 18

The computer readable storage medium of claim 11 wherein the design area for the sprinkler system is indicated by the user via a mouse pointer.

Claim 19

The computer readable storage medium of claim 11 wherein the coverage area for each of the sprinkler heads is indicated by the user via a dialog box.

Claim 20

The computer readable storage medium of claim 11 wherein the requirement is from an industry guideline.

Claim 21

The computer readable storage medium of claim 12 wherein the design criteria further includes a maximum spacing for the sprinkler heads.

Claim 22

The computer readable storage medium of claim 11 wherein the design criteria information indicated by the user further comprises elevation information for at least one sprinkler element.

Claim 23

The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 wherein the computer executable code is further enabled to cause a device communicatively connected with the computer to generate a hard copy of the sprinkler system.

Claim 24

A computer-readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a distribution system having a plurality of distribution system elements including sprinklers for a building or a portion of a building having building elements by performing steps comprising: providing a user interface wherein a user is prompted to provide distribution system parameter information comprising a design area for the distribution system and a requirement of a standard related to at least one sprinkler, and wherein the distribution system parameter information is stored in a memory; retrieving operational characteristics of at least one of the sprinklers from the memory; retrieving the requirement of the standard provided by the user from the memory; designing a layout for the distribution system in accordance with the distribution system parameter information provided by the user and to avoid intersecting with the building elements; and displaying on a computer display the layout for the distribution system including the distribution system elements.

Claim 25

A computer-readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a distribution system having a plurality of distribution system elements including sprinklers for a building or a portion of a building having building elements by performing steps comprising: providing a user interface wherein a user is prompted to provide distribution system parameter information comprising a design area for the distribution system and a requirement of a standard related to at least one sprinkler, and wherein the distribution system parameter information is stored in a memory; retrieving operational characteristics of at least one of the sprinklers from the memory; retrieving the requirement of the standard provided by the user from the memory; designing a layout for the distribution system in accordance with the distribution system parameter information provided by the user and to avoid intersecting with the building elements; and displaying on a computer display the layout for the distribution system including the distribution system elements.

Claim 26

The computer-readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the computer executable code is enabled to instruct the computer to cause a device which is communicatively connected with the computer to generate from the layout of the distribution system a hard copy detailed the distribution system.

Claim 27

The computer-readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the computer executable code instructs the computer to perform the further steps of: (a) providing an editing interface to enable a user to edit at least one of the sprinklers, wherein the editing of the at least one of the sprinklers comprises: (i) allowing the user to enter a proposed modification to at least one of the sprinklers; and (ii) creating an edited layout to accommodate the proposed modification if the user edited at least one of the sprinklers; and (b) displaying on the computer display the edited layout of the distribution system.

Claim 28

The computer-readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the requirement of the standard comprises a coverage area for at least one sprinkler.

Claim 29

The computer readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the building elements comprises columns and walls.

Claim 30

The computer readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the computer executable code is enabled to instruct the computer to perform the step of optimizing any one of the distribution system elements.

Claim 31

The computer readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the requirement of the standard comprises a maximum spacing for the sprinklers.

Claim 32

The computer readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the user provides the design area for the distribution system via a mouse pointer.

Claim 33

The computer readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the user provides the requirement of the standard related to the at least one delivery component via a dialog box.

Claim 34

The computer readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the requirement is from an industry guideline.

Claim 35

The computer readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the distribution system parameter information further comprises elevation information for at least one sprinkler.

Claim 36

A computer readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a sprinkler system for a building or a portion of a building having building elements, the sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler system elements, including a plurality of sprinklers, wherein the computer executable code when executed causes the computer to design the sprinkler system by performing steps comprising: enabling a user to provide information comprising a design area for the sprinkler system; enabling the user to identify information comprising at least one requirement of a building standard for the plurality of sprinklers in the sprinkler system; receiving and storing information comprising the at least one requirement for the plurality of sprinklers in the sprinkler system identified by the user; accessing from a memory information on the plurality of sprinkler system elements; designing a layout within the design area for the sprinkler system, wherein the layout includes the plurality of sprinkler system elements and complies with the at least one requirement of the building standard; and displaying on a computer display the layout for the sprinkler system.

Claim 37

A computer readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a sprinkler system for a building or a portion of a building having building elements, the sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler system elements, including a plurality of sprinklers, wherein the computer executable code when executed causes the computer to design the sprinkler system by performing steps comprising: enabling a user to provide information comprising a design area for the sprinkler system; enabling the user to identify information comprising at least one requirement of a building standard for the plurality of sprinklers in the sprinkler system; receiving and storing information comprising the at least one requirement for the plurality of sprinklers in the sprinkler system identified by the user; accessing from a memory information on the plurality of sprinkler system elements; designing a layout within the design area for the sprinkler system, wherein the layout includes the plurality of sprinkler system elements and complies with the at least one requirement of the building standard; and displaying on a computer display the layout for the sprinkler system.

Claim 38

The computer readable storage medium of claim 32 , wherein the at least one requirement comprises at least one spacing parameter for the plurality of sprinklers.

Claim 39

The computer readable storage medium of claim 33 , wherein the at least one spacing parameter includes a maximum spacing for the plurality of sprinklers.

Claim 40

The computer readable storage medium of claim 33 , wherein the plurality of sprinkler system elements includes pipe lines and the at least one spacing parameter includes a minimum spacing for the plurality of sprinklers along the pipe lines.

Claim 41

The computer readable storage medium of claim 32 , wherein the at least one requirement includes a maximum sprinkler spacing requirement, a minimum sprinkler spacing requirement, and a maximum sprinkler coverage area requirement.

Claim 42

The computer readable storage medium of claim 36 , wherein the designing of the layout comprises the computer executable code causing the computer to determine a number of sprinklers needed for the layout as mandated by the maximum coverage area requirement, and to determine distances between the plurality of sprinklers within the maximum sprinkler spacing requirement and the minimum sprinkler spacing requirement.

Claim 43

The computer readable storage medium of claim 36 , wherein the designing of the layout includes performing an obstructions analysis.

Claim 44

The computer readable storage medium of claim 38 , wherein the user designates at least one building element to be avoided during the obstructions analysis.

Claim 45

The computer readable storage medium of claim 32 , wherein the information for the plurality of sprinkler system elements includes dimensional information.

Claim 46

The computer readable storage medium of claim 32 , wherein the information for the plurality of sprinkler system elements includes operational information.

Claim 47

A computer readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a sprinkler system for a building or a portion of a building having building elements, the sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler system elements, including a plurality of sprinklers, wherein the computer executable code when executed causes the computer to design the sprinkler system by performing steps comprising: enabling a user to input information on the building, wherein said information comprises the location and dimensions of building elements of the building; enabling a user to specify a design area for the sprinkler system; enabling the user to identify information comprising at least one requirement of a building standard for the sprinkler system; storing in memory the information comprising the at least one requirement identified by the user; accessing from the memory information for the plurality of sprinkler system elements; designing a layout within the design area for the sprinkler system, wherein the computer executable code when executed causes the computer to compute the layout in a manner mandated by the at least one requirement of the building standard identified by the user, and using the information for the plurality of sprinkler system elements; and displaying on a computer display the layout for the sprinkler system.

Claim 48

A computer readable storage medium containing computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a sprinkler system for a building or a portion of a building having building elements, the sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler system elements, including a plurality of sprinklers, wherein the computer executable code when executed causes the computer to design the sprinkler system by performing steps comprising: enabling a user to input information on the building, wherein said information comprises the location and dimensions of building elements of the building; enabling a user to specify a design area for the sprinkler system; enabling the user to identify information comprising at least one requirement of a building standard for the sprinkler system; storing in memory the information comprising the at least one requirement identified by the user; accessing from the memory information for the plurality of sprinkler system elements; designing a layout within the design area for the sprinkler system, wherein the computer executable code when executed causes the computer to compute the layout in a manner mandated by the at least one requirement of the building standard identified by the user, and using the information for the plurality of sprinkler system elements; and displaying on a computer display the layout for the sprinkler system.

Claim 49

The computer readable storage medium of claim 42 , wherein enabling the user to identify information comprising at least one requirement of a building standard for the sprinkler system includes enabling the user to input the at least one requirement.

Claim 50

The computer readable storage medium of claim 42 , wherein the at least one requirement comprises at least one spacing parameter for the plurality of sprinklers.

Claim 51

The computer readable storage medium of claim 44 , wherein the at least one spacing parameter includes a maximum spacing between the plurality of sprinklers.

Claim 52

The computer readable storage medium of claim 44 , wherein the plurality of sprinkler system elements includes pipe lines and the at least one spacing parameter includes a minimum spacing between the sprinklers along the pipe lines.

Claim 53

The computer readable storage medium of claim 42 , wherein the at least one requirement includes a maximum sprinkler spacing requirement, a minimum sprinkler spacing requirement, and a maximum sprinkler coverage area requirement.

Claim 54

The computer readable storage medium of claim 47 , wherein the designing of the layout comprises the computer executable code causing the computer to determine a number of sprinklers needed for the layout as mandated by the maximum coverage area requirement, and to determine distances between the plurality of sprinklers within the maximum sprinkler spacing requirement and the minimum sprinkler spacing requirement.

Claim 55

The computer readable storage medium of claim 42 , wherein the designing of the layout includes performing an obstructions analysis.

Claim 56

The computer readable storage medium of claim 49 , wherein the user designates at least one building element or adjunct to be avoided during the obstructions analysis.

Claim 57

The computer readable storage medium of claim 42 , wherein the information for the plurality of sprinkler system elements includes dimensional information.

Claim 58

The computer readable storage medium of claim 42 , wherein the information for the plurality of sprinkler system elements includes operational information.

Claim 59

The computer readable storage medium of claim 42 wherein the computer executable code further instructs the computer to perform the step of checking the designed layout for compliance with requirement of the standard.

Claim 60

The computer readable storage medium of claim 53 wherein checking the designed layout for compliance comprises performing a hydraulics analysis.

Claim 61

The computer readable storage medium of claim 2 wherein the computer executable code further instructs the computer to perform the step of checking the designed layout for compliance with requirement of the standard.

Claim 62

The computer readable storage medium of claim 55 wherein checking the designed layout for compliance comprises performing a hydraulics analysis.

Claim 63

The computer readable storage medium of claim 11 wherein the computer executable code further instructs the computer to perform the step of checking the designed layout for compliance with requirement of the standard.

Claim 64

The computer readable storage medium of claim 57 wherein checking the designed layout for compliance comprises performing a hydraulics analysis.

Claim 65

The computer readable storage medium of claim 21 wherein the computer executable code further instructs the computer to perform the step of checking the designed layout for compliance with requirement of the standard.

Claim 66

The computer readable storage medium of claim 59 wherein checking the designed layout for compliance comprises performing a hydraulics analysis.

Claim 67

The computer readable storage medium of claim 32 wherein the computer executable code further instructs the computer to perform the step of checking the designed layout for compliance with requirement of the standard.

Claim 68

The computer readable storage medium of claim 61 wherein checking the designed layout for compliance comprises performing a hydraulics analysis.

Claim 69

A computer system comprising computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a layout of a fire sprinkler system from a plurality of fire sprinkler system components stored in a computer readable memory, the computer designing the layout within a building or a portion of a building comprising building elements, wherein the computer designs the sprinkler system by performing steps comprising: enabling a user to provide building element information including locations for the building elements; storing the building element information in the computer readable memory; enabling a user to specify design parameter information including at least one requirement of a building standard; storing the design parameter information in the computer readable memory; accessing from the computer readable memory the design parameter information, the building element information, and the sprinkler system component information; and preparing the layout from the sprinkler system component information by calculating the number and location of fire sprinkler system components based on the design parameter information, wherein the sprinkler system components do not conflict with the building elements.

Claim 70

A computer system comprising computer executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a layout of a fire sprinkler system from a plurality of fire sprinkler system components stored in a computer readable memory, the computer designing the layout within a building or a portion of a building comprising building elements, wherein the computer designs the sprinkler system by performing steps comprising: enabling a user to provide building element information including locations for the building elements; storing the building element information in the computer readable memory; enabling a user to specify design parameter information including at least one requirement of a building standard; storing the design parameter information in the computer readable memory; accessing from the computer readable memory the design parameter information, the building element information, and the sprinkler system component information; and preparing the layout from the sprinkler system component information by calculating the number and location of fire sprinkler system components based on the design parameter information, wherein the sprinkler system components do not conflict with the building elements.