Intelligent fence for municipal road construction and method thereof
By using the detection and drive modules of the intelligent construction site fence, the layout of the construction fence can be dynamically adjusted, solving the problem that existing fences cannot be adjusted, improving construction efficiency and safety, and reducing interference with roads.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ZHEJIANG YANNAN CONSTR CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
The existing construction barriers on municipal roads cannot be adjusted according to the progress of construction and other factors, resulting in the long-term occupation of normal road traffic areas and causing inconvenience to citizens.
A smart construction site fence was designed, equipped with a detection module and a drive module. By detecting environmental information of the construction area in real time, the fence's deployment range and implementation plan are dynamically adjusted, including the fence's deployment points and orientation angles, and are evaluated and adjusted in conjunction with construction intensity and weather information.
It enabled flexible adjustment of the fenced area, improved construction efficiency, reduced interference with road traffic, and ensured construction safety and environmental protection.
Smart Images

Figure CN121897209A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of municipal road construction technology, and more specifically, to an intelligent fencing system and method for municipal road construction. Background Technology
[0002] When constructing municipal roads, it is usually necessary to set up barriers around the construction area. This can reduce the impact of construction on the surrounding environment (such as the hazards of flying gravel) and help maintain a good environment in the construction area. However, existing construction barriers are basically fixed in place, and the barrier range cannot be adjusted according to the progress of construction or other factors. This results in the barrier area encroaching on the normal road traffic area for a long time, causing considerable inconvenience to citizens. The solution of this invention aims to solve this technical problem. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In order to at least solve the technical problems existing in the background art, the present invention provides an intelligent construction fence for municipal roads and its working method, electronic equipment and computer storage medium.
[0004] A first aspect of the present invention provides an intelligent construction fence for municipal roads, comprising a fence body, a drive module, and a detection module; the drive module and the detection module are mounted on the fence body and are communicatively connected; wherein...
[0005] The detection module is used to detect environmental information in the construction area and transmit it to the drive module;
[0006] The drive module is used to determine the optimal enclosure implementation scheme based on the environmental information, and drive the smart enclosure to implement the optimal enclosure implementation scheme.
[0007] Furthermore, the drive module includes a walking component, a processing component, and a communication component; the processing component is electrically connected to the walking component and the communication component.
[0008] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating intelligent construction barriers for municipal roads, the method comprising the following steps:
[0009] The detection module detects the first environmental information of the construction area, and the drive module determines the first enclosure implementation plan based on the first environmental information and implements it.
[0010] The detection module detects the second and third environmental information of the construction area. The drive module determines the second enclosure implementation scheme based on the second environmental information and evaluates the second enclosure implementation scheme based on the third environmental information. If the evaluation result meets the specified conditions, the second enclosure implementation scheme is implemented.
[0011] Further, determining the first enclosure implementation scheme based on the first environmental information includes:
[0012] Based on the first environmental information, the first boundary data of the construction area and the first construction characteristic data located within the first boundary area are extracted.
[0013] The first boundary expansion coefficient is determined based on the first construction characteristic data, and the first boundary data is adjusted based on the first boundary expansion coefficient to obtain the second boundary data.
[0014] Based on the specifications of the smart fence and the second boundary data, the deployment points and orientation angles of each smart fence are obtained, thus obtaining the first fence implementation scheme.
[0015] Furthermore, the first construction characteristic data includes the structural data of the construction area and the category attributes of the construction equipment;
[0016] The first boundary expansion coefficient is determined as follows:
[0017] The first construction intensity is determined based on the constructed data according to a first positive correlation, and the second construction intensity is determined based on the construction equipment category attribute according to a second positive correlation.
[0018] The first boundary expansion coefficient is determined based on the first construction intensity and the second construction intensity.
[0019] Further, the evaluation of the second fencing implementation scheme based on the third environmental information includes:
[0020] The indication status information of the associated road traffic indication device and the weather information within the specified time period are extracted from the third environmental information.
[0021] The second enclosure implementation scheme is evaluated based on the indicated status information and the weather information.
[0022] Furthermore, the specified time period is determined in the following way:
[0023] Based on the second environmental information, extract the second construction characteristic data within the construction area;
[0024] The weather impact index is determined based on the second construction characteristic data, and the length of the specified time period is determined based on the weather impact index.
[0025] A third aspect of the present invention provides an intelligent construction fence for municipal roads, comprising a detection module, a processing module, and a storage module; the processing module is connected to the detection module and the storage module.
[0026] The storage module is used to store executable computer program code;
[0027] The detection module is used to acquire environmental information of the construction area and transmit it to the processing module;
[0028] The characteristic is that the processing module is used to execute the method described in any of the preceding methods by calling the executable computer program code in the storage module.
[0029] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device comprising: a memory storing executable program code; a processor coupled to the memory; the processor invoking the executable program code stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any of the preceding claims.
[0030] A fifth aspect of the invention provides a computer storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the method described in any of the preceding claims.
[0031] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0032] Compared to traditional fixed-layout fences, the intelligent fences in this invention are easier to adjust in terms of the fence area and can also implement the fence scheme independently, resulting in higher fence efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below.
[0034] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an intelligent construction fence for municipal roads disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drive module structure disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the working method of an intelligent construction fence for municipal roads, as disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, including various details of the embodiments to aid understanding, and should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.
[0038] Please see Figure 1 This invention provides an intelligent construction site fencing for municipal roads, comprising a fencing body 1, a drive module 2, and a detection module 3; the drive module 2 and the detection module 3 are mounted on the fencing body 1 and are communicatively connected; wherein,
[0039] The detection module 3 is used to detect environmental information in the construction area and transmit it to the drive module 2;
[0040] The drive module 2 is used to determine the optimal enclosure implementation scheme based on the environmental information, and drive the smart enclosure to implement the optimal enclosure implementation scheme.
[0041] Further, please refer to Figure 2 The drive module 2 includes a walking component 201, a processing component 202, and a communication component 203; the processing component 202 is electrically connected to the walking component 201 and the communication component 203.
[0042] This invention designs an intelligent construction site fence for municipal roads, possessing detection, self-movement, and decision-making capabilities. Municipal construction workers deploy a suitable number of these intelligent fences in the construction area. Based on a trigger signal, these intelligent fences use their configured detection modules to collect environmental information about the construction area and determine the optimal fencing implementation method. The optimal implementation method can include the placement points and orientation angles of each intelligent fence, and can automatically execute this optimal implementation method, thereby achieving rapid fencing of the construction area. Compared to traditional fixed-layout intelligent fences, the intelligent fences of this invention are easier to adjust in terms of the fencing area and can automatically implement fencing plans, resulting in higher fencing efficiency.
[0043] The main body 1 of the enclosure can be a panel structure or a fence structure. Furthermore, promotional slogans and advertisements can be painted or pasted on the panel structure, and electronic screens can be installed to display appropriate content; there are no specific limitations. The walking component 201 in the drive module 2 can be a moving wheel (e.g., omnidirectional wheels), a legged mechanism (two-legged, four-legged, or other multi-legged), etc.; the communication component 203 can use any existing communication component, and can have multiple communication channels, some of which are used for communication between modules within the smart enclosure, and others for communication between smart enclosures; there are no specific limitations. The detection module 3 can use cameras, ultrasonic detectors, laser detectors, etc.; there are no specific limitations.
[0044] In addition, the smart fence may also include a locking device for the walking component 201, used to lock and limit the walking component 201 after the smart fence is deployed; it may also include a hook for connecting adjacent smart fences after the smart fence is deployed; and it may also include other conventional components such as power devices and switching devices, which are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.
[0045] Please see Figure 3 The present invention also provides a method for operating the above-mentioned intelligent construction site fencing for municipal roads, the method comprising the following steps:
[0046] The detection module 3 detects the first environmental information of the construction area, and the drive module 2 determines the first enclosure implementation plan based on the first environmental information and implements it.
[0047] The detection module 3 detects the second and third environmental information of the construction area. The drive module 2 determines the second enclosure implementation scheme based on the second environmental information and evaluates the second enclosure implementation scheme based on the third environmental information. If the evaluation result meets the specified conditions, the second enclosure implementation scheme is implemented.
[0048] The optimal fencing implementation scheme in this invention is dynamic, encompassing both an initial scheme before construction begins and an adjustment scheme during the construction process. Specifically, before or in the early stages of municipal construction, the smart fencing deployed in the construction area analyzes the construction site based on collected first environmental information, primarily involving the collection of the construction area boundary. This determines the optimal deployment points and orientation angles for itself and other smart fencing, and the initial scheme is executed first. As construction progresses, the boundary of the construction area changes, such as shrinking, expanding, or extending in a specified direction. In this case, the smart fencing determines a new adjustment scheme based on the actually collected second environmental information using a similar method. Furthermore, before implementing the adjustment scheme, this invention also evaluates the rationality of its implementation based on real-time collected third environmental information. Implementation only occurs when the evaluation results meet specified conditions, thus avoiding the risks associated with adjustments.
[0049] Further, determining the first enclosure implementation scheme based on the first environmental information includes:
[0050] Based on the first environmental information, the first boundary data of the construction area and the first construction characteristic data located within the first boundary area are extracted.
[0051] The first boundary expansion coefficient is determined based on the first construction characteristic data, and the first boundary data is adjusted based on the first boundary expansion coefficient to obtain the second boundary data.
[0052] Based on the specifications of the smart fence and the second boundary data, the deployment points and orientation angles of each smart fence are obtained, thus obtaining the first fence implementation scheme.
[0053] First, the boundary of the construction area can be extracted. This boundary can be a construction line or a naturally defined outline determined by piled soil, placed construction equipment, etc. Further, the first construction characteristic data within the boundary is determined, such as the structural data of the construction area and the category attributes of the construction equipment. Based on this first construction characteristic data, a first boundary expansion coefficient can be determined. This coefficient can be used to assess the impact of construction within the construction area on the expansion of the aforementioned boundary, thus deriving an equivalent boundary that more closely reflects reality. Finally, the equivalent boundary is allocated according to the specifications of each smart fence, thereby determining an initial scheme that includes the placement points and orientation angles of the smart fences.
[0054] It should be noted that among multiple smart fences, a primary smart fence can be designated or nominated. This primary smart fence determines the aforementioned first fence implementation scheme based on environmental information collected by itself and other smart fences, and sends it to all smart fences for implementation. A single smart fence can also determine its own first fence implementation scheme based on its collected environmental information. Other smart fences determine their own first fence implementation schemes sequentially after the existing fences are in place. Both schemes can be implemented individually or in combination; this invention does not limit the implementation.
[0055] Furthermore, the first construction characteristic data includes the structural data of the construction area and the category attributes of the construction equipment;
[0056] The first boundary expansion coefficient is determined as follows:
[0057] The first construction intensity is determined based on the constructed data according to a first positive correlation, and the second construction intensity is determined based on the construction equipment category attribute according to a second positive correlation.
[0058] The first boundary expansion coefficient is determined based on the first construction intensity and the second construction intensity.
[0059] The structural data of the construction area and the category attributes of construction equipment can be used to assess the construction intensity. The greater the construction intensity, the greater the impact of the construction on the surrounding area, and vice versa. This invention utilizes this characteristic, using the construction intensity to determine the appropriate boundary expansion coefficient. Specifically, the greater the construction intensity, the greater the boundary expansion coefficient. In this case, a larger boundary expansion coefficient is used to enlarge the aforementioned equivalent boundary, thereby avoiding situations that are detrimental to safe construction, such as collisions, collapses, or personnel falling into the intelligent fencing, which could occur if the fencing is placed too close together.
[0060] The construction area's structural data includes opening area, pit depth, and pit slope angle. A larger opening area and deeper pit directly indicate higher construction intensity. Conversely, a larger pit slope angle indicates a greater risk of pit edge collapse and increased hazards from falling personnel and equipment. This invention also virtually correlates these factors with construction intensity, setting a higher slope angle to correlate with higher construction intensity. This allows for the placement of intelligent fencing further away from the pit, reducing the aforementioned hazards. Furthermore, the type of construction equipment directly reflects its construction intensity; for example, an excavator has a higher construction intensity than a handheld impact drill. Correlation and grading of the construction intensity of various types of construction equipment allows for rapid determination of the corresponding construction intensity.
[0061] In addition, the weight coefficients of the first construction intensity and the second construction intensity can be determined in advance according to the specific conditions of the construction scene. For example, if the construction scene is a manual-based construction situation such as sewer pipe maintenance, the weight coefficient of the first construction intensity is set larger and the weight coefficient of the second construction intensity is set smaller, so as to reduce the interference of standby or irrelevant large engineering vehicles on the construction intensity assessment; if the construction scene is a equipment-based construction situation such as road excavation, the weight coefficients of the first construction intensity and the second construction intensity are set to be of the same size, so as to analyze from two aspects simultaneously and obtain a more accurate construction intensity; if the construction scene is a deep pit excavation with a small opening surface of the deep pit, which is a special case of the above equipment-based construction situation, the weight coefficient of the first construction intensity is set smaller and the weight coefficient of the second construction intensity is set larger, so as to mainly rely on the specifications of the construction facilities to evaluate the construction intensity and reduce the interference of the small opening surface of the deep pit on the construction intensity. In specific implementation, various construction scenes can be divided into the above three situations in advance, and the corresponding combination of weight coefficients can be automatically called when in use.
[0062] Further, the evaluation of the second enclosure implementation plan according to the third environmental information includes:
[0063] Obtaining the indication status information of the associated road traffic indication equipment and the weather information within a specified period from the third environmental information;
[0064] Evaluating the second enclosure implementation plan according to the indication status information and the weather information.
[0065] After determining the new second enclosure implementation plan, the present invention also specifically considers whether the actual situation on site is suitable for adjustment, mainly considering whether the adjustment of the enclosure will cause adverse situations such as safety hazards. When there are no adverse situations such as safety hazards, the evaluation result can be determined as qualified, otherwise it is unqualified. Specifically, the evaluation involves two aspects, namely the indication status information of the road traffic indication equipment and the weather information.
[0066] The present invention preferably determines that the evaluation result is qualified when the indication status information of the road traffic indication equipment set at the entrance of the construction area is prohibited from entering, such as a red light, and at this time controls the intelligent enclosure to execute the second enclosure implementation plan, while determining that the evaluation result is unqualified when the indication status information is allowed to enter, such as a green light, and prohibits or suspends the intelligent enclosure from executing the second enclosure implementation plan, so as to effectively reduce the passing probability of pedestrians and vehicles during the movement of the intelligent enclosure and effectively reduce the safety risks brought by the adjustment. Among them, the road traffic indication equipment can be a common visible light traffic light, where the red light indicates prohibited passage and the green light indicates allowed passage, or it can be a wireless traffic command signal, such as the traffic control instruction at a signal-free intersection, and the specific type is not limited.
[0067] Weather information can also affect the rationality and safety of adjustments to the second fencing implementation plan. For example, after a new second fencing implementation plan is determined, if rainfall exceeds a specified value during a later designated period, water accumulation in the construction area is likely, and the foundation pit slope is also prone to erosion and collapse. In this case, implementing the second fencing implementation plan (mainly adjusting to reduce the fencing area) would clearly lead to an increased safety risk, and the rationality of the adjustment would be insufficient. In this situation, the assessment result is deemed unqualified, and the adjustment can be temporarily suspended; otherwise, the assessment result is deemed qualified. Weather information can be obtained through network connectivity or by using rain sensors deployed on the smart fencing to calculate the rainfall intensity and trend, and then analyze the rainfall situation within a specified period.
[0068] Furthermore, the specified time period is determined in the following way:
[0069] Based on the second environmental information, extract the second construction characteristic data within the construction area;
[0070] The weather impact index is determined based on the second construction characteristic data, and the length of the specified time period is determined based on the weather impact index.
[0071] Based on the real-time collected second environmental information, new second construction characteristic data can be determined within the construction area (i.e., the inner area determined based on the new boundary data). This second construction characteristic data mainly refers to the structural data of the construction area, such as the opening area, pit depth, and pit slope angle. Based on this structural data, an assessment index of the structure's susceptibility to weather can be evaluated. For example, a larger opening area and a deeper pit make it easier for water to accumulate, and the deeper the water accumulation, the greater the risk of danger. Similarly, a closer slope angle to vertical makes the pit more prone to collapse after water accumulation. In these cases, the greater the weather impact index, the longer the specified time period is set. That is, the implementation of the second enclosure scheme is considered reasonable only if there is no rainfall exceeding a specified level within a longer future period; otherwise, it is considered unreasonable. In other words, the length of the specified time period is positively correlated with the weather impact index.
[0072] This invention also discloses an intelligent construction site enclosure for municipal roads, comprising a detection module, a processing module, and a storage module; the processing module is connected to the detection module and the storage module.
[0073] The storage module is used to store executable computer program code;
[0074] The detection module is used to acquire environmental information of the construction area and transmit it to the processing module;
[0075] The characteristic is that the processing module is used to execute the method described in any of the preceding methods by calling the executable computer program code in the storage module.
[0076] This invention also discloses an electronic device, comprising: a memory storing executable program code; a processor coupled to the memory; the processor calling the executable program code stored in the memory to execute the method described in the foregoing embodiments.
[0077] This invention also discloses a computer storage medium storing a computer program, which is executed by a processor to perform the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.
[0078] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In the embodiments of this disclosure, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. Such propagated data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium can be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wires, optical fibers, RF (radio frequency), etc., or any suitable combination thereof.
[0079] Computer program code for performing the operations of embodiments of this disclosure can be written in one or more programming languages or a combination thereof, including object-oriented programming languages such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).
[0080] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.
[0081] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features disclosed in this disclosure that have similar functions.
Claims
1. A smart construction fence for municipal roads, characterized in that: It includes a fence body, a drive module, and a detection module; the drive module and the detection module are mounted on the fence body and are communicatively connected; wherein, The detection module is used to detect environmental information in the construction area and transmit it to the drive module; The drive module is used to determine the optimal enclosure implementation scheme based on the environmental information, and drive the smart enclosure to implement the optimal enclosure implementation scheme.
2. The intelligent construction fence for municipal roads according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive module includes a walking component, a processing component, and a communication component; the processing component is electrically connected to the walking component and the communication component.
3. A method for using intelligent fencing for municipal road construction, the method comprising the following steps: The detection module detects the first environmental information of the construction area, and the drive module determines the first enclosure implementation plan based on the first environmental information and implements it. The detection module detects the second and third environmental information of the construction area. The drive module determines the second enclosure implementation scheme based on the second environmental information and evaluates the second enclosure implementation scheme based on the third environmental information. If the evaluation result meets the specified conditions, the second enclosure implementation scheme is implemented.
4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The step of determining the first enclosure implementation scheme based on the first environmental information includes: Based on the first environmental information, the first boundary data of the construction area and the first construction characteristic data located within the first boundary area are extracted. The first boundary expansion coefficient is determined based on the first construction characteristic data, and the first boundary data is adjusted based on the first boundary expansion coefficient to obtain the second boundary data. Based on the specifications of the smart fence and the second boundary data, the deployment points and orientation angles of each smart fence are obtained, thus obtaining the first fence implementation scheme.
5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first construction characteristic data includes the structural data of the construction area and the category attributes of the construction equipment; The first boundary expansion coefficient is determined as follows: The first construction intensity is determined based on the constructed data according to a first positive correlation, and the second construction intensity is determined based on the construction equipment category attribute according to a second positive correlation. The first boundary expansion coefficient is determined based on the first construction intensity and the second construction intensity.
6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The evaluation of the second fencing implementation scheme based on the third environmental information includes: The indication status information of the associated road traffic indication device and the weather information within the specified time period are extracted from the third environmental information. The second enclosure implementation scheme is evaluated based on the indicated status information and the weather information.
7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The specified time period is determined in the following way: Based on the second environmental information, extract the second construction characteristic data within the construction area; The weather impact index is determined based on the second construction characteristic data, and the length of the specified time period is determined based on the weather impact index.
8. A smart construction fence for municipal roads, comprising a detection module, a processing module, and a storage module; wherein the processing module is connected to the detection module and the storage module; The storage module is used to store executable computer program code; The detection module is used to acquire environmental information of the construction area and transmit it to the processing module; Its features are: The processing module is configured to execute the method as described in any one of claims 3-7 by invoking the executable computer program code in the storage module.
9. An electronic device used in intelligent fencing, comprising: Memory containing executable program code; A processor coupled to the memory; characterized in that: the processor calls the executable program code stored in the memory to perform the method as described in any one of claims 3-7.
10. A computer storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that: The computer program is executed by the processor to perform the method as described in any one of claims 3-7.